Babymoon... To Take or Not to Take?

I'm trying spend time with my hubbs today since we've taken some time off together, but our plans to go out of town have been botched. We forgot we have a Lamaze class tonight! I'm debating if we should still try to do a one-day getaway or some kind of weekend away another time.

So my post today is over here, on my blog for Parenting Magazine's Project Pregnancy. I'm really hoping they'll keep me on after Spawnie is born so I'd LOVE it if you could leave a comment over there with your thoughts! Please and thank you!

Here's an excerpt:

59 days. That’s how much longer I have until my baby girl’s due date. Less than two months. In less than two months I will have the responsibility of taking care of a person for the rest of my life.

Last January we went on a seven-day cruise to the Caribbean. We went thinking that very well could be our last big trip before having out first child—Turns out that’s the case. We aren’t big travelers, and quite honestly, we’re pretty big homebodies. We’d much rather a night inside with pizza and movies than a night out on the town. Every now and then we try to force ourselves out because we know those outings will be sparse once we have a new baby around but we really just prefer each other’s company snuggling at home.

In preparing for welcoming a new person to our lives we’ve thought a little about a “last trip” before she arrives. A “Babymoon” if you will. We both requested three of the same days off this week so we could take a little trip to a nearby city. We—or rather I—had a few places in mind that we could tour, visit and dine at. But now that our three-day weekend together has come, we’re both finding ourselves rather comfortable with just having the quite time alone together..."

You can read the rest of the post here.

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Lucky duck and winner of Trading Phrases Wall Decal: Random.org says #11. Congrats Tara, email your info to babymakingmachine{at}gmail.com.

Blogher With a Baby? Bad Idea?

This time last year I was having a blast blogging. Intrigued by all of the opportunities and women I was meeting, it was a hobby I couldn't get enough of.

I had heard so much hype over Blogher and heard about a contest The Blogrollers were having to win a seat in their car sponsored by Chevy going up there. With my husband's reluctant participation I made a video and won the contest! And a free trip to Blogher (that was the only way I was going causes there was no way hubs was gonna let me spend money on a blogging trip).

I had fun, I met a lot of people. Did I make any life-changing connections... No, if that's ever been the case I think I've done most of that online... Which is sort of the point of blogging/social media. Did I learn how to make my blog totally awesome?... No. Did I learn how to make lots of money off my blog... No (and by the way I think that's because most people just DON'T make money from their blog). Sure, maybe I learned a little about branding, and networking, but sometimes all of the work can take the fun out of it.

Blogging is a hobby to me, and I enjoy the writing and interaction portion the most out of it all, but I've been blessed with fun opportunities along the way. If I feel myself starting to get stressed over my blog I try to back up and re-evaluate things. A blogger who's trying too hard is a turn-off to me. You've just gotta do your thing and have fun! SEO (search engine optimization)... Who cares? Write a catchy title that brings me in!

That said... I had a lot of fun at Blogher. I didn't know many people when I arrived but I met a lot of ladies, and just had a blast at this girlfriends-gettaway type event. The jam-packed workshops about marketing and improving stats weren't as interesting to me as the ones about writing and staying true to yourself. I think this next year I'll know more women and it would be fun to put a voice and real face with people I've connected with online, plus I know more where I fit in and what I'm interested in learning about now that I'm more established with my blog.

First things first... Once again I'm not going unless I'm sponsored. I haven't given up hope but things aren't looking pretty at the moment.

Part of it is perfect... I'll be on maternity leave, and I've never been to NYC. I've always wanted to go, and what better time? The down side... Spawnie will only be about 6 weeks old if she comes on or around her due date. It's pretty young for a new baby. It'll be my first time traveling alone with her, and I'll still sorta be riding on training wheels when it comes to being a mom. Breastfeeding, 24/7 babysitting, all of that will still be new.

Last year there were LOTS of women at the conference with babies, many of them had them carried around in slings and wraps, or popped on the boob. I know it CAN be done but I'm back and forth with if I can do it... If I'd even want to or if I'd just drive myself insane.

My mom's offered to watch her if I want to go but I'm not going to do that. I don't want to be away from her while I have time off to spend with her. Plus what's she gonna eat? She says she'll be too young to take with me, and maybe that's true, but I'm still thinking about it.

I'll need friends nearby, that's for sure. Women who know me and are willing to help me out and be there if I have a breakdown or if I'm totally confused about something. I've already talked with some people who say they'd love to meet Spawnie there, but I also don't want to be a burden.

I also don't know if I'm going to be one of those germophobe moms who doesn't want anyone near my baby. I'm not like that now, so I don't think I'll do a 180 but you never know.

Is it crazy to travel with a baby that young... To New York City? Are you going to Blogher? If you saw me in New York partying it up with an infant would you help me out or shake your head and call DPS?

The Trip-- to Blogher '09

I'm about to embark on what may be one of the funnest trips of my life. As many of you know I won the 4th Wheel Contest with The Blogrollers and I'm heading to Atlanta tomorrow morning!! I'm leaving a day early so I can spend a day with my best friend, who is expecting her little one (the one who tested out the Intelligender for me!). We're hoping to spend the day catching up, and I just can't wait to see her tummy! She's about 19 weeks now and she says she has a little bump. Expect to see lots of pictures and possibly videos coming!

I've never been to BlogHer before so I'm not quite sure what to expect. I've been to several journalism conferences in the past but those were much more professional. This one should have a lot of parties, and get-togethers, as well as classes. Don't worry, I'll share all the good info I learn!

While the Blogrollers are hooking me up with a sweet ride (courtesy of Chevy), my ticket, and fun along the way, I also have my own amazing sponsors who are hooking me, and others up with cool stuff during the trip! You'll see me blogging about:
Conceive Online: Probably my newest favorite website. A GREAT resource for all things TTC. I'm one of their newest bloggers, and it's been fun sharing my thoughts there as well. They also have a great place on their site called MyConceive which has great forums, and places to get advice and connect with others TTC. Look for me to get some Conceive swag!
Skincare RX: A great site that makes dermatologist and spa-grade skincare products easy to access. I'll be trying out some of their stuff during the trip.
Dittany Baby: What a shop! They have some of the most beautiful, high-quality products I've seen so far. They sell adorable things for mommy and child, from nursing covers, to slings to leg warmers and lula covers, there's a cute color or style for everyone.
Bellybar: I can't begin to express how excited I am about these guys! I've been wanting to say something for awhile but I have been so busy and trying to get it organized. I was looking at different kinds of nutritious bars to bring on the trip and when I found them I freaked! This company specialized in products to use before, during and after pregnancy! How perfect is that for me? Sure... I could eat any kind of protein bar, but this one is yummy, and has some good natural prenatal nutrients. Find me to get a sample!
Kelloggs: Can you believe they hooked me up?! I am so excited to be munching on some of their 100 calorie packs on the trip... Lawd knows I get the munchies! I'll let you know what kind I'm eating, and if you're lucky, I'll share!
Poken Zoo: Also sent me a Poken... remember in my video I was asking what they were? I'll tell you more about this later but basically it's a REALLY cool social networking device!!

Like I said I'll be blogging more about these sponsors during my trip, as well as other stuff I get while I'm there and things I try with The Blogrollers.

Now my question for you... Are you going? If you are let me know, I'd love to meet up! Speaking of meeting up! If you are in the Atlanta area, we are having our "BlogHer or Bust Road Trip Bon Voyage Party" at 7:00pm on Tuesday July 21 at their favorite pizza joint, Blue Moon Pizza in Vinings. Come join us for a fun-filled evening of pizza, BlogRoller-tinis (I'll be drinking the virgin kind), and of course, PRIZES!! Leave a comment to get an official invite or click here. We'll also be streaming the party live if you can't make it.

It's funny but I'm probably just as excited or more just to be riding with these great women! They all work from home and have successful careers, and are moms. MyBrownBaby has three kids, Wifey has two and so does Chatterbox. And they've all written books!! ...I just am excited to pick their brains about being moms and doing it all! How do yall do it??!

AND... When I get back it'll almost be August which is just one month away from September--My tentative date for putting the Baby Makin' Machine in full service!! I told my BFF and she's excited.. We're hoping our first kid will be less than a year apart... BUT again... Not going to try to overly plan! I don't want to get my hopes up! I'll take it easy.

Question for you: A commenter told me that the thing she thinks made the most difference when TTC was position... What do you think what the thing that helped you best?

I'll leave you with a silly video my BFF and I made a couple of years ago. Oh man... What's to come?! Just to give a little background... We were vlogging before we knew what that meant, in this minute-long video we are trying to figure out what the glitch is in the corner of my computer screen.

The Contest I MUST Win!

I've never posted about a contest I've entered before, cause... Well, I guess they were never worth the extra 3 entries or whatever I'd get for posting about it. I figure I clutter feeds enough with all of my ramblings.

This contest I decided to post about for two reasons... 1. I have to in order to enter and 2. It's my first ever Vlog (video blog) and I think it's worth mentioning, no?

I think it's also perhaps entertaining to see me in action, talking and rambling in real life, just like I do here on this blog.

Let me tell you... When I started blogging last November I had no idea I'd get so into it! I really just liked to jot my thoughts and fluctuating feelings about my parenting transition down in one spot, and it's turned into a place I love to turn for advice and encouragement.

Just recently I was introduced to BlogHer. It's a website that's about women bloggers, and a place for women bloggers to connect. I didn't know what the big deal was, and the name kept coming up over and over again so I decided to join... What the heck right? Well, not long after joining I hear about a blog conference in Chicago where all these women get together. No sooner had I thought of asking my company if they'd pay for it (not likely) had the event sold out! Of course that made me sad. I really was looking forward to learning more about blogging and seeing all of the things I can do with a blog... Besides just write here!

Well when I heard about The Blogrollers, and their 4th Wheel Contest, I just knew this was my chance!! They're cruising from Atlanta (my hometown) to Chicago (where I was born) to go to this conference, which I pretty much think that means it's meant for me to go. Maybe I could even fly to ATL a little early to see my pregnant BFF and blog about that too, oooh, that ideas! Oh, and Chevy is giving them a car to use, and they're getting hotels and stuff like that sponsored! How cool is that? I. Must. Win.

Keepin' it real though... (I'm not just kissing butt) I think I could learn a lot from these women hosting the contest. They're all successful authors, two of them journalists, and they all get so much done career wise, while also being moms. I admire that and I hope that a trip with them could help me learn how to get to that point one day. I could trap them and ask all the mommy dirt questions I can think of!! *Evil Laugh*

I haven't been this competitive since... I don't know when but all I know is I HAVE to win! I even ordered custom designed business cards from Danielle, assuming I'd win. Getting ahead of myself?--Maybe, but I call it The Secret!I've been working SO MUCH lately, and I haven't had a lot of time to work on my video but I was off of work yesterday and spent the whole day working on it! I was going to hold off until the last night (Sunday) to post it so no one could steal my ideas but since I've never uploaded to YouTube before and since I'm working through next Tuesday, I figured I'd try now.

Unfortunately, nudity wasn't allowed so there went that strategy! I had to leave it up to my wits. I imagine all of the videos will be pretty good, so I think it'll come down to what kind of person they're interested in hanging out with. Ummm, let's just say I'm cool. Oh, AND I don't drink.. Which doesn't mean I'm boring, it just means I can be the DD! I hope you like it and I hope Wifey, Chatterbox, Denene, and all of their guest judges like it and choose Future Mama! (Let's all use The Secret so they will ok?)

I'm feeling good about it... Not just because of The Secret either, but because I think I'm unique. Yea... I mean how many mommy bloggers do you know who aren't moms? Hello!

Let me know what you think of my video and my first ever Vlog and YouTube upload!! I'm not gonna lie, I was a little embarrassed. When I see myself on TV I'm usually more professional than this but hey, you've gotta let loose every now and then right?


(Added 5/23)PS: Some people have been asking if you can vote and what not. As far as I know this isn't a "voting" thing, but you can comment on my YouTube video so they can see people like it :) and you can always visit their page as my groupies and harass @theblogrollers on Twitter if you like :o)

The Babymoon

We've all heard of a honeymoon, but what about a babymoon? Nowadays, people do it while they're pregnant, before the baby is born as a "last hurrah" before parenthood The couple will go out when the mom-to-be is in her second trimester or so, and get couple massages, eat good food, and just have a romantic getaway (according to my Google results). OR (as my well educated already mother blog friends have informed me) The time after the baby is born and there's bonding. Family is there everyone's all lovey dovey and giving the new parents time to sleep, etc. I'll eventually probably do those things too--But I'm gonna invent my own type of "babymoon" for now-- A "baby-makin'moon" (and it's self explanatory).

I'm down for anything that gives me an excuse to go on a trip! Oh yea, I'm down with that. What better excuse to go on a vacation and get it on? But Now my question is "where to?"

Originally I had it all planned out... I wanted to start baby makin' on my 5th anniversary on a cruise to the Caribbean. Well, I don't really like to do the same thing more than once, and not that I'm complaining but we just went on a Caribbean cruise so I'm looking for something different, and our 5th anniversary is in December and we may celebrate this a little earlier than that. If I went on a Disney Cruise I think I'd be ok with that, but I doubt I'll be able to convince my man to do that before we have a little one.

Right now I'm thinking either bed and breakfast in the mountains, a cabin in the mountains, a Jamaican cruise for Jamacin'a-baby as my friend @Kimba told me, or some other beachy place. I'm thinking the less activities and people the better. No kids (as not to scare us out of it), so that's making me think not a cruise, but it's not completely out of the picture. And possibly someplace cold so we'll want to stay inside *wink wink nudge nudge*

I know there's probably a good chance the deed won't be said and done after the BabyMakin'Moon but it would be a fun way to start the baby makin' machine, no? And what a great way to celebrate the start of a new stage of life. It'll be memorable, that's for sure. Did you do one? What did you/ would you have done? Suggestions?

I'm actually so set on this now that I don't even want to try make a baby for real until I'm on this stinkin' babymakinmoon! Don't you love these excuses for fun things? First it was Push Presents and now Babymakinmoons, what's next?!

The Trip--Parte Uno

As we're waiting to board our flight from Austin to Orlando an older man approaches me an asks: "Excuse me miss. Do you happen to know what the abbreviation L-M-A-O stands for?"

I stared at him for a moment trying to figure out if he's being serious. "Yes," I confirmed. He waited for a more specific answer, so I gave in.
"Laughing My Ass Off." I told him.
"Oh," he chuckled. "So it's kind of an extension of Laughing Out Loud?"
"Yea..."

That's when I knew this was going to be an interesting vacation.

We arrived and went through the check-in process fairly quickly. Then it was time to strut my stuff and eat all I could.

The days and nights of being with the hub-a-lub 24/7 were NOT taken for granted. I'm talking no interruptions, made our own schedule, did whatever the heck we wanted with no worries in the back of our minds kind of FUN. Trust me, I did not take that for granted for one second.

We woke up early, ate breakfast, then strolled the streets of the Bahamas, snorkeled and kayaked in the beautiful blue waters.

We shopped, we talked, we ate, slept, then later we danced and ate some more. And this wasn't just any food. I'm talking four to five course meal ranging from the most delicious steak you'd ever sink your teeth into, to the most delicate and delightful lobster tail you'd ever taste. Oh, and don't forget the chocolate melting cake for dessert... My FAVORITE!

We did go to the gym... Ok I only went once, it was dreadful. But I did play dodgeball with the boys! Our team barely lost the matches 3-4.

Sunday, the second night was the Night of Elegance. I loved getting dressed to the nine and showing off my hunk. We stood out because we were so young compared to most of the other couples (no joke, I think the average age on this ship was 50), and we... Well, we stand out.

The first few days I didn't have an ounce of envy for the families I saw scrambling around. I saw kids running rampid, stress on mothers' faces. Things I can happily wait years to deal with.

But around the third night my attitude began to change. I scanned through the pictures from the few days before and stopped at this one. A picture we took during sunset on the Night of Elegance. "I look like a grown woman." I thought aloud. I feel and am very young but I was surprised at my happiness in the fact that I'm beginning to look as mature as I sometimes feel. Maybe it was the shadows, or the dress I was wearing. Or perhaps it was the handsome man I was posing with. Whatever it was, it made this the first picture I've seen of myself where I feel as if I look like I could be a mom.

That night I fell asleep dreaming of a child of our own.

The Goodbye

No, of course not forever just for a week or so. I feel so sad leaving all of my new found blog readers and blog friends. I hope you're still here when I get back! I'm off on my potentially life changing trip.

I'm not gonna lie though, it's hardest saying goodbye to Snoop. I wanted to cry today when I left him staring at me at the top of the stairs. I have no idea how I'll ever be able to have children feeling the way I do about my dog! I stress like a maniac about him! How do you women do it?!?!

In other news, I got a request from one of my friends on a topic of post she'd like to see me blog about. The request not only made me feel special but gave me an idea! If you have a question you'd like to ask me that I can blog about or a topic you'd like to hear my opinion on let me know! I'll look them over when I get back and get right back to blogging.

I'll miss you my blogging friends. But I shall return. In the mean time, enter my first contest! (It's in the post below this one)

The 23rd Birthday

I woke up today thinking "Well how did I do in that poll?" I went to bed last night seeing I had about a 14 vote lead. I woke up this morning seeing I had lost by 6 votes! 6 votes! We tied with a 31% lead... More than 200 votes ahead of the 3rd place blog.

I turned in a couple of hours early last night. I finished my campaigning around 10 pm...I was secretly hoping one of the other blogs would pull a Mitt Romney and endorse me. I'm pretty sure most of my work friends who voted for me either didn't know what a Mormon was, or didn't know what a blog was.. so thank you guys for chipping in! Thank you everyone else too who voted for me, and voted from multiple computers! I'll forever love you! The blog that beat me by six votes is a very crafty mommy blog, so if you're into that...

Anyway, I was happy with how I did. I've only had this blog for a month and a half and look at all of you wonderful people visiting! This is great! Maybe one day when I've been blogging for years and years and ACTUALLY have kids, I'll be more popular and win the dang contest. Anyway, I'm not bitter or anything.

I worked today. After work I went for another trip to Brazil. I almost chickened out but the receptionist talked me into sticking to my plan. I still requested the bite towel but I didn't need it as much this time. I'm telling you ladies, a lot of you say you couldn't do this... If you can have a kid you can do this! I can't imagine it being the same amount of pain. Plus, this is over in about 15 minutes!

My hub-a-lub surprised me with flowers at work today! Pink roses! If you couldn't tell pink is my favorite color. We went to our spot, Olive Garden, for dinner. Yum!

That's about all! Feeling a little under the weather and hoping I can kick it before my CRUISE Saturday! Woo! I recommend one if you haven't done one before! Went on one for my honeymoon, it was a 3 night cruise, a blast, and I'm super excited about this one.

You know how when you first get married you think everything is going to be all cute and perfect... Oh, that was just me? Well the whole time I was on our honeymoon cruise I couldn't wait to get home and decorate out apartment, set up the appliances and start cooking. Three weeks later I was ready for another vacation and four years later I'm finally getting around to it!

Guess what?!? I successfully made some cute baby bows! I'm soooo proud! You guys are going to love them! Want to see a picture of my first one? Ok!

I like the interchanging flowers and I'll do at least 2 per set! I am excited to have homemade stuff as a part of my first giveaway while I'm gone... Details posting on Saturday!

I'm off to enjoy the rest of my birthday, thanks again for your continued reads and comments... I never stop loving them! And once I get back I'll be a full-fledged replier too!

The Trip That Could Change My Life

Ok maybe I'm being a little mellow dramatic. Did I say next week in my previous post? My bad! Cause I meant this Saturday!! I'm going on a cruise with my husband. We're going to the Caribbean. I've been looking forward to this for years! It's a 7 night cruise. The reason I say it could change my life is because I think this could be a determining moment where I decide whether I'm loving the life without kids and want to travel and focus on my career for a little longer... Or that I love seeing all the cute families together on the ship and yearn for that "family completeness."

I've completed my shopping, including a different bikini (oh scandalous I know, but might as well enjoy my hot body while it lasts) for each day, and a nice dress for dinner each night. Saying I'm excited would be an understatement. My bags are already packed and I am so ready for this, I'm just really interested in knowing how I'll feel about a family when I come back.

Right now I'm really in a complacent mood. I'm feeling "what's the rush?" I mean really, I've met a lot of great women who waited until they were in their 30s to start having children and their kids are healthy, and they have more time to spend with them. Lord knows I've had my money struggles, but most of all I want to have the time to spend with my kids and sometimes time = money. And for the record, I love my career but not enough to put in before my family. I know I'll never have "enough money" either but it's not about career or money as much as it is about me feeling young and not quite mentally stable ready (which you may be grasping from some of my earlier posts).

But we'll see what happens. I really don't feel compelled one way or another right now. I still love browsing through the baby section but I don't feel the urge I normally feel. I just feel... Fine.

I'm finding it's really nice being able to express my feelings about the matter here. Being open and honest about it has really given me a chance to stop and think things through.

I'm excited for this trip, and I'm excited to see how I feel about this whole child situation when I get back!