Busy Bump Baby Shower - What You Missed!

Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography

I had the honor and privilege of attending the Busy Bump Baby Shower with media passes  on this past Wednesday evening at the Heritage Hall and cannot stress how much I need to spread the word about this event, the vendors, and workshops. Here is what you missed!

Backing the bus up a moment, let's start with how this came to be! After an evening of browsing around on Facebook and came across a sponsored ad for a Busy Bump Maternity Service, which was advertising the Busy Bump Baby Shower!  Now,  I'd like to think that this does prove that advertising through Facebook does in fact work. my inquiring mind needs to know more about this event only to learn that it's the following day! Wow, why haven't I heard about this before??

I navigate myself through the website and find that these tickets are going for $53.99. I have been to a few "Baby Showers" when I was pregnant with Ava but I have never seen one with that kind of price tag attached.  I'm now intrigued and very quickly realized why there was such a price tag associated with this event.

Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography

It wasn't just a room full with a bunch of vendors that you meet and collect a bunch of pamphlets.  This event was so much more! It was extremely obvious from the first moment that we walked in the room, that a lot of planning, time and consideration went into this event.  From the smallest of details to the vendors, the prizing ( which was amazing; a full bassinet not yet released in Canada was given out), and the 5 workshop speakers.

Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography

All of the lovely deserts were provided by Sugarplum Pantry in New Westminster with the stunning linens provided by Elegantly Covered Events.  I think Stephanie with Busy Bump Maternity Service thought of absolutely every little thing.

I could go on for HOURS about how well this event was put together from the prizes that were won and diaper bags that were given out but that will be the next blog post,  I wanted to touch on my TOP 4 Exhibitors.  Every single person there brought something absolutely amazing to the table, but these specific 4 spoke beautifully to me!

Candice Wong Photography - Maybe it was the absolutely gorgeous canvas prints she had on display? Maybe it was the ever so sweet baby she with her?  Or maybe it was the fact that her passion for what she does jumps at you the moment you approach her.  We spoke for some time about having a birth photographer and the importance of newborn photos, etc and as much of a budget as I am on, it made me really want to have her come in and not to skimp just because it's my second baby! Candice, thank you for what you do, your work is just stunning and any family would be so lucky to have your work on their walls!

Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography

Belly Bean Imaging - This was the 1st stop I made when checking out all the Exhibitors and I have to say Brie is probably the sweetest thing! You can tell just exactly how much she loves her business, from the way her face lights up even when discussing the smallest of details.  So by now most mommies have heard of 3d ultrasounds and know someone who has done it or has heard someone speak about it, but when she tells you that she is mobile and see the way her passion spills out as she continues on to tell you all of the wonderful services she provides, it's hard not to get excited along with her! Just ask her about her Gender Reveal parties and try to resist the urge book a party!

Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography

Mindful Abundance - I had the pleasure of speaking with these wonderful ladies at the Busy Bump Shower and let me tell you, something about the approach these women take in discussing such important matters such as your child's education was just so comforting and not all as intimidating and as pushy as some other companies that like to deal in RESP's can be. These ladies are people and mothers as well, and they talk to you as such, without any agenda other than to educate.  If you have been curious about RESP's, your children's education or insurance such as critical illness etc. These topics are important, and affect our everyday, why not have this conversation with a company who's Philosophy starts like this, "We believe that freedom, choice and opportunity are a part of what makes life so magnificent, filled with wonder, excitement and adventure. One of the best ways to ensure a life filled with opportunity is by having a strong educational base to build on."

Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography

Full Moon Mothering - Placenta Encapsulation

Wow, so I remembered seeing this on the Busy Bump website as one of the Workshop Presenters and being slightly uncomfortable in that how much did I really want to hear a lady go on and on about Placenta's. I believe we as a culture have been fed such extreme one-sided conversations about what is the Placenta and you hear the animalistic adventure of Tom Cruise gnawing on a Placenta, of course, that is the extreme of how I took that media coverage.  I blame all my ignorance on not being informed, not getting informed, and not having someone like Kami, who is such an amazing public speaker to inform us of all the benefits and amazing thing that Placenta Encapsulation entails and completely take away all of the preconceived notions behind one of the most important details of pregnancy, that is so highly overlooked.

She very quickly put to bed, every single misinformed idea I had and encouraged me to learn about Placenta Encapsulation and this was just before I had the chance to speak with her one on one.  She offers an incredible service from pick up of Placenta to drop off of Pills with instructions plus much more.  Please go to her website and learn. Educate yourself! I could go on for hours about everything that I have felt since meeting her that I might just do a further blog post on this cause two paragraphs can't even begin to describe all the amazement I have for what she does from the Placenta Encapsulation, Essential Oils, and right down to the Baltic Amber necklaces which she handcrafts herself!

Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography

This post is just part one of the Busy Bump Baby Shower, there was still so many amazing things that came home with me that I want you all to know about it, so next week stay tuned but in the meantime, go to the websites links and learn.... educate yourself! These are such amazing women with amazing products, services and knowledge! If you get a chance to attend a Busy Bump Baby Shower, go it is nothing like any other Baby Shower I've been too and I loved every moment.

Thank you Stephanie with Busy Bump Maternity Service for allowing me to attend and to Candice Wong Photography for providing the photos.

Facebook Page Giveaway!

Parenting.. Would You Change Anything You've Done?

I've been looking back at the parents moments between what you do with your 1st born vs  your 2nd born. I have been thinking about some of the decisions I have made and doing a lot of self reflection has made me ask... did I not love my child enough? How/What will I do differently between Miss Ava Blaire vs. Baby Squishy? What would I change?

When Ava was born, I had all these ideas of how I wanted it to be, based on some suggestions I got from other moms, parenting books, and Mom blogs.  One of the most common complaints I heard about was sleep issues; kids refusing to sleep in their own rooms, not being able to fall asleep without a lot of coaxing from the parents, sleep routines, bassinet to crib to toddler bed or just general concerns. For those reasons, Ava never slept in our room or in our bed.  From the first night the our tiny little baby was alone in her room, in a crib, honestly.. our newborn baby slept alone in a big crib her 1st night at home.

I feel like I should probably knock on wood here, as with this child, we don't have enough room in our house for this new babe to have her own room so she will be bunking with us until the time is right to move her into sharing a room with Miss Ava.  Thankfully, we have a walk in closet that with some strategic planning, I think we might be able to create a little space for baby that will give the illusion of having her own room. Cross your fingers it works! With the power of Pinterest behind me.. I think we can do it!

I am a firm believer that her beginning this way, was the first step in creating the independence Miss Ava exudes today! From day one we started her on a schedule, but it was a flexible schedule, as we never wanted to have her dictate how our day went, that being said, there were some days when I just couldn't bring myself to do the things I needed to do because Ava had her own mind set! I really wanted to make sure that I didn't miss out on the chance at anything because the baby needed a nap or it was feeding time.  Saying it now, it sounds a bit selfish, but I look back at all the ways my life has changed since having Ava and I'm ok with a few of the selfish decisions I made.

At times, I feel like one of those moms that talk about how easy going their baby is and how life hasn't changed that much.  But it did and ALOT, Miss Ava wasn't always easy going!  We had our moments her and I but I honestly think that because of some of the choices that we made, we have all  fit together wonderfully. She came into our lives and I kind of took that "they smell fear" approach and attempted to make sure that no matter what was going on, to her it looked like I knew exactly what I was doing every single moment. Truth is...I didn't!

In looking back at all these things that I did with Ava and by asking myself, "Would I repeat them with baby no.2?"  It has also got me questioning the type of mother I am.  Maybe my perception of "loving my child" is slightly off, because I see so many of these moms taking the attachment parenting style and I have never been that mom.

Don't get me wrong, I love my daughter with all my heart and I am so thankful for everything she is and all that I can imagine she will accomplish.  She is absolutely fearless, determined, strong willed, stubborn and wayyyy to intelligent for her own good!

I think that I have always looked at her independence as her maybe, having grown up too fast or as I didn't cuddle her enough and so she doesn't haven't that "bond" with me.  But the truth is, in all my self reflection over the past few months.  Her independence is a good thing! She is confident in herself, and our relationship enough to be able to walk away and have very little fear with what the outcome might be! She is able to walk into a situation, head up and be present in that moment enough to feel safe and she is 5 years old! Have I mentioned... she is wayyy to smart for her own good.

So ask me now.... would I change anything? No!  Did I love her enough? Absolutely! There are always small tweaks to the system as each child is different but I'm happy! Maybe I won't let this child play video games as early as we let Ava!  Who knows!  What would you change?

Copyright Bruce Shearer 2014

Meet some Local Exhibitors; The Baby & Tot Show

By now you must know that I'm a huge advocate for the upcoming The Baby & Tot show out in Abbotsford and there are SO many reasons as to why you should be going to this event! The list of vendors for one, the seminars, the stage, and the giveaways.  If there was ever an event to go to to acquire the most knowledge and quick..... this is it! I'd like to introduce you to some of the local Exhibitors that I am looking forward too!

Cheeky Chops -  These lovely Sleep Consultants are all moms themselves and as they say on their website, many of their consultants were clients first! If you ask any mother or father, the number one concern for your baby, toddler, kid, to teenager is SLEEP. Every parent will tell you that the most important thing to the success and happiness of your entire family is SLEEP. Are they getting enough? Is it a good solid sleep? Well these are the people you want to speak too, and I'm thankful I didn't need their service with Ava but I'm not too naïve as to think that I may not need them for my second baby!

Love Child Organics - Who doesn't love the idea of providing our children with nutritionally- focused organic food? I know in the business of life, sometimes it can be easy to give our babies fast food, or not enough veggies in a day, well Love Child Organics is that product that you know exactly what you're getting every single time! Did I mention they are also local? Based out of Whistler, this husband and wife team are a force to be reckoned with! Make sure you go see them and if you haven't tried their product yet.. you need to!

Rock N Wool -  Click on that link.. seriously.. I really don't need to explain why I'm excited to go meet this lovely mommy! Michelle makes vintage glam inspired crochet, knit items that will melt your heart and put your credit card to good use!

Arrow & Laces Designs - Laura Derksen is the owner and creator of this ever so sweet vintage inspired apparel and handmade accessories. I've been following Arrow & Laces on Instagram from afar for quite some time now and you can see her dedicate just in her images alone. I'm a big fan and it'll be nice to meet her in public and maybe pick up some of those swoon-worthy headbands or maybe the Isla dress??  Can you bring a Pink Nora head band for me?

And last but not least Bubzies Custom Letters & Décor - Each letter is personally cut, sanded, and painted to give a professional smooth finish. All sides of every letter is detailed to perfection so there are no raw unfinished edges. Only the best paints, patterns and supplies are used to ensure that you are receiving a superior product.

Everyone of these Vendors has something amazing to offer that will definitely add to your life and these are also all local companies and who doesn't like to support our local moms, company's, and have fun all the while. 

This is round one of featured Vendors, so stay tuned next week, to meet more of the vendors that will join us at The Baby & Tot Show in Abbotsford on October 18th and 19th at the Tradex Centre.

Kindergarten Here we Come....FINALLY

After a 3 week long wait, yesterday was a big day, kindergarten registration! I have to say, we are so relieved to finally have school in session for our Miss Ava but as this is the beginning, the 3 week delay didn't leave room for too much confidence when looking forward to the next 12 years of schooling!  But no need to beat a dead horse, the day is here.. FINALLY!

This was the moment we had prepared for, sort of! We approached her school, made our way down the stairs to a very large room.  Ava met her newest friend Renee out front and it was like no time had passed since the first day they met at the Physical Literacy Day!  The girls laughed and giggled and my heart melted and silently wept inside. My baby, my sweet little Ava girl who approaches all situations with such zest and fearlessness is approaching this day with all the grace and courage I knew she would.  This was my baby on registration day for Kindergarten, I can still hear her sweet baby cry, her singing her ABC's for the 1st time, her first steps, all of her 1sts, I still remember them. They just happened...yesterday..... right?? Where is my Kleenex?

We sit in the large room and listen to instructions, they line the kids up in their proper group and we are told that parents will come to the classroom as well. Ava stands in her line up and my heart swooned, so many feelings are flooding in.  The line begins to move and all the kids anxiously search for parents while trying to stay in line, I can see the worry their sweet little faces.  All the parents rush to walk beside their children and it almost creates this quiet chaos of a riot. With all the kids and parents rushing, the feelings flooding and the anxiety mounting, I hear her sweet voice, "MOMMY?" and she reaches up and grabs my hand. Everything stops, our world calms and this warmth embraced me... She still needs me! Me, her mommy, she still needs me!

I see her courageousness and I hope time could just stop moving! As I get ready to welcome a new baby to the house, I am so saddened that I'm loosing my first baby! But today, she told me, "I'm nervous mommy!" and she saw me, she knew I was there, always whether in person or in her heart and she went and sat down on the mat anyways. As much as I comforted her today, she comforted me!

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Baby & Tot Show October 18th & 19th, 2014

There are so many wonderful things going on this fall and as I'm nearing the end of my second pregnancy, it appears to be the best time to get reacquainted with all things" baby".  It has been a few years for me, as  Miss Ava is turning 6 in January.

The Baby & Tot Show is THE event for your pregnancy, baby and toddler. You will find BC's leading experts on pregnancy, baby and toddler, as well as amazing shopping, seminars and fantastic live entertainment for the little ones. Plus lots more!

With there being so many incredible vendors that will be attending, this event promises to be informative and entertaining. I hear Queen Elsa is coming?! But starting next week, I will be putting together Blog Posts each week to showcase some of the marvelous vendors and what they will be offering!

But to get this party started, I wanted to start by giving away two tickets to attend this year's Baby & Tot Show out in Abbotsford on October 17th and 18th, but also to sweet the pot, I am going to throw in one of my Handmade Custom 10 inch Dream Catcher to whomever wins.

All you have to do is Like my Facebook Page VancityMommyD, The Baby & Tot Show, and comment on this blog post. You must live in BC and are able to attend the Baby & Tot Show. Contest will run for one week exactly! Good luck my lovelies!



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Custom Dream Catchers

As told by Wikipedia, to paraphrase the article, the Dream Catcher is a handmade object based on a willow hoop and is decorated with sacred items such as beads and feathers." The Ojibwe believe that a Dreamcatcher changes a person's dreams. According to Konrad J. Kaweczynski, "Only good dreams would be allowed to filter through… Bad dreams would stay in the net, disappearing with the light of day." Good dreams would pass through and slide down the feathers to the sleeper."

While searching for decorating ideas on Pinterest for Baby Squishy,  I came across this really pretty Dreamcatcher and recalled being taught how to make these in elementary school and wondered do I still remember!  Well it turns out I do remember something from school and once I began, the memories flooded back in!

I have now begun making these dream catchers for friends and family, and would love to make one for you! I have them in different sizes and can customize them to your nursery colors or whatever tickles your fancy! If you are interested in having one made for yourself, or your child.. please send drop me a line at fulltimemommydearest@gmail.com

Prices as follows:

10 inch Custom Dream Catcher: $30.00
7 inch Custom Dream Catcher: $20.00
5 inch Custom Dream Catcher: $15.00

I can do any colors for yarn/string choices, bead choices, and feathers.  If there is a specific color or design, please let me know! I'd be happy to come up with something special just for you!


Here are some examples of the ones I've already made:



Top Two are 10inch and bottom two are 5 inch.

Bullet Necklaces and a Giveaway

By now, I am sure that some of you who have been following me on Instagram, Twitter or FB, you may have seen me occasionally posting pictures of these bullet necklaces that have a bullet casing with a crystal in the end or a deer antler. The rumors are true... yes I make these and yes I will make one for you!  Tammy Digness of TammyLynn Photography is having a giveaway with one of my Bullet Antler Necklaces...link at the end of the blog, contest ends today!

My father has always been into guns and myself not so much! I remember refusing to help him carry his guns (ps...I still refuse) even though they are locked and in their respected cases because I am  just not a fan! There is no justified reason behind my distaste for them, just haven't ever been a fan! My father is a member of the Saskatoon Muzzle Loading Club and thus my exposure to guns over the last many years!

All of the brass casings that have been used are recycled, meaning they have been shot, cleaned and now reused to make necklaces. Most of the necklaces are on either a 44-40, .222 or .223 and just recently I have managed to get my hands on .40 S&W, that I think just might become my personal favorite brass casing!

Any who, back to these necklaces... I began working with a company that had an employee who made these necklaces with all these different crystals inside and I became immediately fascinated with these necklaces.  My husband ended up getting me one from her and when she went on a different route, I began to make them myself! It has been a hobby so far and I do really enjoy searching for the perfect crystal to fit inside all the different calibers I have, I have begun to really appreciate the meanings behind the different crystals! The link to my store is here Jewellery By Janette that contains the  different necklaces I currently have on hand.  I do have more, however some are still in Saskatchewan waiting to be thrown on a bus back to Vancouver.  These all range in price and I also will donate every once in a while, to a worthy cause or another mommy business doing giveaways! Please go visit TammyLynn Photography for a chance to win one of my Antler Necklaces. Last Day to enter is today, September 15,  2014! DO NOT WAIT! Run.... Don't walk!

Parents Can Be Assholes Too!

Week two of not being in school and my energy levels just aren't what they used to be, so we've been trying to keep busy with practicing our reading and writing.  Thankfully for the most part on days when I just can't keep up and she's starting to turn into a little asshole.. I kick her outside to play with the neighbor kids.  We are so very lucky there are so many, but along with not having enough mental/physical stimulation, comes boredom and this can cause a child to start to act up right and  mine isn't the only one that can turn into little assholes sometimes. We have these sweet little beings that have the occasional tendency to turn into little assholes, we have found their parents can be assholes too!

Two years ago in October, we moved to the cutest little house on the best little street! I knew when we drove up to the house and saw the coloring on the walls of the house beside us that this was going to be a place that we could call a home! I fell in love with the neighborhood just as much as I have fallen in love with our home!  Anyone who has been to our many houses over the years, knows that this has been the first place we have REALLY called home!

Now we have experienced a moment that I kind of saw coming, but really hoped it never would, certain kids not being allowed to play with certain kids. Lately, Ava has been going through something and I'm not exactly sure what it is , if it's boredom, fear, or just her age, but she has been a little rough with the boys and not listening to her friends. 



Image Courtesy of  Scary Mommy

We've had moments where Ava comes running in the house in tears cause the boys have been practicing Karate on her or saying mean things.  We've had hand marks, bruises, cuts and many tears shed , however to my recollection, I don't recall my daughter ever leaving hand prints, but I have chalked this up to a "simple kids will be kids".  We have conversations frequently about kindness and being nice and I've tried to not be a helicopter mom, but I remember being the child that was picked on and having people not be nice to me and I never want my little girl to be that kind of a girl but I've also been trying to raise a little girl who will stand up for herself and others.

Apparently, according to two of the children yesterday, my daughter and one of her friends were told by one of the adults that they are not allowed to play with the boys anymore because she is "too mean".  At first, I tried to brush it off and justify why she would have a conversation like that with my daughter without speaking to me first.  Maybe the two girls heard her wrong, though one is older than Ava and has always been very honest so far!

As the afternoon progresses, I'm replaying all these different events in my head and trying to figure it out cause it's not that big of a deal right? I will see her outside, I'll talk with her and clarify what was said. I sit outside and wait... she doesn't come out.  The boys come out and I hear them saying to Ava, "My mom says we can't play with you anymore cause you're too mean" and so now my blood is boiling.  I approach these boys and I explained that it was fine and it was their mother's decision to make but they now need to respect their mom and do as they are told and leave her alone. She still doesn't come outside and I'm quite annoyed and hormonal at this point!

I figured rather than react, I would wait until I have calmed down and have a grown up discussion with her as I feel it was really unfair that she have that conversation with my child without having the decency to speak with me first.  Every other time there has been a problem, we are the first to go over and try to work the situation out and take Ava to apologize while their children are allowed to stay in the house and not "face the music".  I spent a good hour later that afternoon consoling my daughter as she was in tears and so upset that she wasn't allowed to play and that she was called "too mean".  I know my daughter is not innocent in all of this, but I strongly believe that if I have a problem I will discuss it with the other mom directly rather than the children.

So now I ask Moms...how do you deal with this?  What do I do? Do I have the right to be upset that she had that conversation with my daughter without speaking to me first?  Do I have a right to be peeved that she used the words "too mean" when referring to my daughter without reflecting on how her children have behaved towards my daughter? I have a few choice words that I'd like to use and discuss about their children's behavior, but it's not my place and my main concern is to teach my daughter to be a kind, respectful and a good friend to others.

 I've never had been in this situation and with so many seasoned mommies, who better to help guide and support?!

30 Week Update: Meet Squishy!

Officially as of yesterday, I am 30 weeks pregnant with baby girl #2 so only 70 days left to go!  The most wonderful thing about all the doctors appointments have been that my OB has an ultrasound machine in her office! So I have had a lot more sneak peaks at the baby! My appointment this last week, I was able to see my little girls face and WOW .. she's a beaut! We had such a great view of this little girl, which we confirmed ONCE again that she is in fact still a girl, but we had such a good view she went over to 3d and I got to see her even more real looking. "I shall call her squishy and she will be mine!"
Everyone meet Squishy!



So far everything looks great, she's quite confident with her cerclage placement and how everything has progressed so far that she's given me some time off from her poking and prodding me and letting my GP take over with the poking and prodding, this is probably the most exciting news that I've had in a while! 

So now down to the details, baby girl squishy is weighing in at 3lbs 3oz's so far with an estimated date of delivery being November 14th.  Everything is pretty dead on for her measurements which means, she is healthy and growing and even after all the stress that I've been under, I am managing to grow myself a good healthy squishy! I can easily say, 100% it was all worth it! My appointment to have the cerclage removed is booked for October 27th and with Squishy already head down, we are just steps closer to being ready for this arrival of this sweet little girl!

I will now continue on with the rest of this pregnancy, moving into appointments with my GP every two weeks and just keep on getting myself, the baby room and the family ready for the arrival of beautiful baby girl! Deep sigh of relief and a trillion knocks on wood that we are free and clear here!

The Untold "Joys" of Pregnancy!

Warning: This post is not recommended for men! Feel free but don't say I didn't warn you!

Pregnant Women around the world could compile a list of all the raw truth you will learn about pregnancy that would make a strong man woozy! There are so many of these untold "joys" that women experience during the "greatest 10 months" of your life that are simply put just plain terrifying! Maybe you had friends who were kind enough to be honest about some of the scary bits, maybe you found a good blog or had an honest doctor. I learned a lot in my 1st pregnancy and here I am re-learning in my second!

 

This is my list of the worst of pregnancy!

1.  Leaking Boobs - If they weren't large enough or uncomfortable enough, we get to experience leaks as well?  I never really had it throughout my pregnancy as much as you will definitely experience it post-partum but one thing is for sure, on top of EVERYTHING else that your body will go through, this one makes me curse the most!  Just when you think you're all clear of the leaking, BAMM in the middle of the mall or grocery store a nice kind mom walking by will kindly point out that you look like a kiddie pool that sprung a leak! Thanks Boobs, and after everything we've been through together?? FOR SHAME!

2. Cankles  - This issue is much more severe with this pregnancy and I didn't welcome it then and I can't say I welcome it now either! Cankles, " Haven't seen your ankles in a while? You could be suffering from the dreaded canckles!"  Quote provided by Dr. Oz, makes me laugh every time! I heard about cankles.. but I never got cankles! I wasn't that kind of girl! Then I got pregnant, thankfully Ava was due in January so I didn't experience a lot of the summer being pregnant so I didn't get the full experience of cankles and then I was on bed rest from 20 weeks on so I didn't experience it much then either but this baby...WOW!

Being that Baby 2 is due November 16th, it felt like I spent most of my "growing" during the summer months and experienced cankles on the DAILY! I spent most of the summer hiding in doors as much as possible because my feet looked like little marshmallows in flip-flops, couldn't keep my make up on from sweating so much, I waddled and I had cankles! Enter sob here!

3. Urinary Incontinence aka.. Peeing a little during a sneeze!  We've all been there, that moment you feel a large sneeze approaching, now this I find really unfair, because you are told that during pregnancy you may experience more nasal stuffiness that before because of the hormones and blood flow blah blah blah! I got the nasal stuffiness more than ever before and I'm normally pretty stuffed up so a sneeze was sooo very welcomed cause it gave me this brief heavenly moment of being able to breathe through both nostrils!   So now I'm pregnant and I feel a sneeze approaching and after this happens the first time, a sneeze is almost permanently ruined for you because this sense of fear comes over you," Will this be the moment I pee myself in public?" Now, if you're reading this and you've never experienced this yet, it's like that moment that you are driving and you feel the biggest sneeze coming on, this fear comes over you because for that 5 seconds, you have no idea what is about to happen! I am thankful that anytime I have "peed a little" I was at home..... WHEW!

4.  Pregnancy Brain/ Mommy Brain. For some reason, when you are pregnant and this beautiful little being is growing inside you, not only are they taking almost any sign of a nutrient from the food and liquid you consume, but they require you to take extra vitamins, which they take too! But now this little tiny being is stealing your brain functions both before and after. I have become absent minded...AGAIN! I swear pregnancy is just like being introduced to yourself as in old age! I made coffee the other morning, without putting a cup in the Keurig.  So my lovely counter got the 1st cup and y'all know how much I love my coffee!!

Mommy Brain; Virtually the same thing but only a lot more understandable! The interrupted sleep times, the fear, the joy, the everything associated with being a new mom and trying to function in the "normal" world, is enough to make any mommy lose her mind or temporarily miss place it!

5. Swollen Vagina; During and after.  Now this one is probably my most dreaded "joy" of pregnancy and I'm sure every other women will agree! Close your eyes for one moment...breathe deep and picture a man with swollen balls trying to walk!  Funny isn't it? You're welcome!

They told me not to look... but once you've been told not to, you most certainly have too, right?  So I looked and it was a bit scary, wow, the things that change! This beautiful miracle of growing a child and my lady bits look like.... WHAT? I can't begin to comfort you on this one and explain how normal it is and promise that  it will go back to normal that you are not going to be scarred forever, but truth is, that image will stay with you for a while!  At least until you're done with the squirt bottle that they give you once you leave the Hospital to help clean the stitches you will get should your child not fit perfectly coming out of your vagina!  That squirt bottle will be your best friend, I remember thinking I lost it one time, when in fact it had just fallen off the back of the toilet and down the side by the garbage can, all the pregnancy hormones in me exploded like Huaynaputina, the largest Volcanic Eruption in South America's history.

So there we have it ladies.. those are my top pregnancy joys as they have affected me! If you'll excuse me I'm off to find a Snoogle and a belly band for support as the weight of my ever-growing belly is starting to cause pain to my back making me unable to stand long enough to cook dinner... err wait, maybe I should take a nap and my husband can cook dinner! The house will clean itself right??

Image Courtesy of: http://snarkyselfhelper.com/2012/02/13/selective-feminism/

Do You Know a Mommy in Need?

I am currently searching for a Mommy in the Vancouver Lower Mainland, who is in need of baby girl clothes!  After my oldest daughter was born, I boxed up her old clothes and sold off something's to help get clothes for the next little age group but during a move everything else went missing!

When I found out the I was pregnant again with another girl, I began to go through some of the stuff that managed to stick around as a tagalong in random boxes but alas not enough.  I am currently 29 weeks pregnant and awaiting the arrival of my second daughter who should be making her much anticipated arrival on November 16th, 2014.

I was recently gifted ALOT of hand me downs from this amazing mother, Tanya Olivares, whose eldest child has been working with my husband within the DJ Industry! She collected some hand me downs from another mother and we just recently brought them all home.  I began washing, drying and sorting all of these clothing and it became very clear to me that there was enough clothes for two for at least the 1st 6 months. From receiving blankets, a snowsuit, onesies, pants, shirts, I'd like to find one mommy who could use this for their beautiful little girl!

Knowing my current situation, which I won't get into right now but I couldn't hold onto these clothes knowing how many moms are out there that could use some generosity! I will be compiling a list of items and pictures, but in the mean time if you are or know of a Mommy within the Vancouver Lower Mainland who is in need of some clothes, please send me an email at fulltimemommydearest@gmail.com     and let me know your story! I'd love to help out a bunch of pregnant mommies but unfortunately I can only help out one mommy!

If you would like to join in and donate some clothes to help out a mommy in need, just send me an email!  Receiving these hand me downs meant the world to me and I'd love to pay it forward to someone else in need!