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Perfectly Imperfect Mom

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Being a first time Mom is filled with so many emotions. It's joyous, incredible, tiring, terrifying and at times frustrating.  It can feel overwhelming in those first few weeks and months. When you don't have children yourself it can often be confusing on what you should do. Should you leave Mom to have alone time with her new baby? Should you put it out there that you are there for her but leave it on her terms? Here are some of the things I know I appreciated from people and what I have noticed others have appreciated from me as I was able to be there for my friends when they became Moms for the first time. 
1. Don't just ask if she needs help, be specific on what you will help her with. Most people will never ask for help because they don't want to inconvenience anyone. Instead of "Call me if you need anything." Say "I am bringing you guys dinner, what night is good for you?" or "You sleep and I will clean the kitchen, bathroom, floors, ect…" This is better than any baby present you could bring over. Trust me. 
2. Tell her she looks great for just having a baby. Having a baby changes your body and when you are sleep deprived and emotional with a squishy belly the last thing you might feel is stellar so hearing how good you are looking can be super nice to hear. And nothing is more beautiful than a new Mom holding her brand new baby.  
3. Give her a week or two than come by or bring her lunch. People are usually lining up to meet a newborn in the first week or two but after that people slowly stop coming by or checking up on you and it can feel lonely. Most  women are used to being around others while working or just being out in the world. When that newborn is here getting out of the house is can feel like you are packing for a weekend away. Offer to bring her lunch or some wine and a movie for a girls night in after a few weeks have passed. She may feel less tired, more bored and in need of real adult conversation.
4. Ask her how she's really feeling. When you have a new baby it can feel overwhelming and not what you expect. Yes, you love this little ball of cuteness but you are also changing from being free to do whatever you want, whenever you want to being dependent on a little person who tells you when they need to eat and when you need to change them. They are demanding and new Moms can feel guilty talking about how they really feel. We all know they love their baby but sometimes you just want to say how much it sucks that you aren't getting any sleep and your baby wants to be attached to your boobs 24/7. 
5. Be selfless. When you become a new Mom you all of a sudden have to become incredibly selfless and it takes a lot out of you. Your baby depends on you for everything and it can feel tiring always giving of yourself. Sometimes all a new Mom needs is someone to be that for them. Having a friend who is willing to give a little more of themselves at that time is one of the greatest gifts you could ever give. Trust me when you have a baby she will return the favor.

Don't forget to enter the TWO giveaways I have going on right now. Go HERE and HERE


September 22, 2014 No comments
Photobucket
With the year coming to an end the age old question is "What is the top Baby Names of the year?" With names like Hashtag and a woman naming her twins after Barack Obama and Mitt Romney we decided to ask what names you liked. It was tough narrowing it down to just ten names but here are the ones that popped up the most. We also put together a list of the trends you all have noticed going on.

YOUR 2012 TOP BABY NAME PICKS!

Photobucket 

2012 Naming Trends

K names: Kylie, Kaylin, Kaylee, Kyle, Kenzie, Kynzie, Kinsey

Names from the Movies
  • Twilight: Jacob, Isabella (Bella), Alice, Jasper, Emmitt, Esme
  • Hunger Games: Katniss, Rue, Clove, Dale, Primrose, Cato
Vintage Names: Eleanor, Evelyn, Penelope, Hazel, Caroline

Places: Georgia, Scotland, Ireland, Charlotte, Tennessee, India, Savannah

Not so Surprising Celebrity Baby Names

  • Blue Ivy (Jay-Z & Beyonce)
  • Tennessee (Reese Witherspoon)
  • Livingston (Matthew McConaughey)
  • Maxwell (Jessica Simpson)
  • Wilhelmina (Taylor Hanson)
  • Keeva (Alyson Hannigan)
  • Exton (Robert Downy Jr.)





December 29, 2012 1 comments

I feel so incredible honored to be part of The Bump Magazine for South Florida. I had sent in parts of my pregnancy diary to them for their first edition and was selected! Go check it out.
The BUMP
July 20, 2012 1 comments

Citrus Lane has a new coupon code for 10% off!! It is SUMMER10. Make sure to use it for your next purchase.

Click HERE to check out their site!
July 06, 2012 No comments
I have been such a slacker! I need to update more. Nothing major has been going on except I think maybe my mucus plug is coming out. I am going to the doctor today so we will see if there is any progress. Cross your fingers this little boy is coming soon!
36 weeks

37weeks


4th of July! 
July 14, 2011 1 comments
Today we got up SO early (7:30AM) my husband was up waiting for me to get home so we ended up going to pick up some baby supplies. We mostly got breast feeding supplies like bags for pumping, nipple cream and pads. Then I got a cute Mickey onsies since we plan to go to Disney a few times in the fall and winter. We also picked up a bookshelf for his room and a few other random things.

Then when we got home I decided to wash and sterilize all the stage 1 bottles and Branden put together the bookshelf. I think Branden has more of a nesting instinct then me at this point. He gets so excited over anything to do with getting the baby's room ready. He is so awesome. I can't imagine how anyone does this alone. I would seriously be lost without him helping me get so much done.
One part of his room

BOTTLES! 

34 week belly I forgot to post.
June 28, 2011 No comments


How far along? 34 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 11lbs
Maternity clothes? Not really, some shirts though.
Stretch marks? Nope, I thought I had 2 small ones forming but I guess I was wrong!
Sleep: It's been bad!
Best moment this week: Finding out Ace is head down
Movement: He has slowed down a bit but now kicks more to one side since he is head down and curled up into a C
Food cravings:  Icee's and anything sweet
Gender: Baby Boy! Adonis Scott Eugene Kania, Ace for short
Labor Signs: BH contractions
Belly Button in or out? Innie still
What I miss: Sleeping comfortably
What I am looking forward to: My next apt. on the 7th to see what kind of progress we are making
Weekly Wisdom: People will always tell you the negative stuff about becoming a parent (you'll never sleep again, just wait for this or that). Don't waste your time listening to them.
Milestones: Baby moving head down

June 25, 2011 No comments
Today I found clothes for our pregnancy photo shoot! Yay!
We also got the crib mattress, 2 sets of prefolds, a bummis cover, spray for the wipes, snappi's and his angel care monitor! I was so excited to get the mattress in his room and the crib set up. Not like he can even sleep in it for awhile and most of the bedding will be removed till he is older but it was still fun to set up.
32 weeks 5 days




June 10, 2011 1 comments
Branny and me!


This past weekend was great and a bit overwhelming. On Friday Branden's Mom, sister and niece all came down. Then we went to my parents, had pizza and headed to the 3D ultrasound place. I can not believe how cool it was. Unfortunately Ace had his face squished to the side but we still got some good shots. I would have loved to have a full on face one but we got close. I think he has my nose but that was the only feature I could see that may have been his or mine.
Pack n' play from my cousins!

Then on Saturday was our baby shower! I was awesome. We had a co-ed one so it was super crazy. We were going to do a few typical baby shower games like unscramble works and make as many words out of the baby's name as possible and the belly measure but instead just did the baby measuring one and then a baby beer bottle chugging contest. The best part about it was a girl won the beer chugging one and two guys one the belly measuring game. I was cracking up. I thought it was so funny that it was the opposite of what we thought.
My Coach diaper bag from the amazing Anna!

We got lots of amazing gifts and my friend Anna, who lives in NYC got me a Coach diaper bag! I couldn't believe it. She is so generous and awesome. I feel very lucky to have such great friends and family. We got a lot of our big items which was great. We got our pack n' play, jumparoo and play yard. We also got lots of clothes and all our bottles. This baby boy has more things then anyone I know. I swear!




Ace bag from Grandma Renee!

Some of my fabulous friends

Beachy cupcakes

Beach Baby!

Candy Bar

Lots of gifts! Ace is very loved.


Margarita machine for the non-preggers

Sisters and best friends!

My bestie, Kat, and my girls Ashleen and Brielle 
Me, my brother and sister

In the backyard

Our roommate Daniel and us, we love him! 

My family
June 01, 2011 No comments
Yesterday I woke up and my stomach looked smaller. It was so weird. After I ate it looked bigger but I was hoping Mr. Adonis had flipped head down instead of still being transverse but I think I still feel his head on my right side and his butt/feet on my left. Little stinker.
I also called to make a prenatal pediatric appointment! I am excited about this. I got two recommendations to a Pediatric Associates near us from two of the ladies I babysit for and I am looking forward to meeting the doctors and getting a tour. I need to write down a bunch of questions to ask and get everything worked out before we go in. We don't go in till June 25th. I need to make sure I tell Bran to take off.
It's crazy all these things you need to do before the baby gets here and it just makes it all seem so real. I just can not wait to meet my baby. I keep wondering what he will look like. I hate to say this but I wanted if he will be cute lol. I mean both Bran and I were cute babies so I am sure he will be cute but sometimes some babies look seriously rough after coming into the world. Obviously as a parent you could really care less but it's funny to think about. Like if he does look a little rough will I notice and if I do will I think it's funny for people to tell me he is cute?
Not to much else has been going on. I have a doctor apt. Wednesday and then Friday is our 3D ultrasound then Saturday is my babyshower! I can not wait. I can't wait to see my Mother--in-law and Sister-in-law and niece Bella. Bella, is probably one of the funniest little girls. She has so much energy and she is very silly. I just love her to death.
I am also hoping one of my BF's Kat, brings her two daughters to the shower. I just love them so much. I call them my girls. Her oldest Ashleen is one of the most beautiful, sweetest, smartest girls you will ever meet. I mean she is stunning. I was there when she was born and I seriously looked at her and was like that baby isn't cute, she is beautiful. I mean there was no words. She came out looking like she had lipstick on, eye liner and mascara, her features are just insane. Her younger sister Brielle is the toddler ever. She walks around with this happy go lucky personality and she is just very funny and sweet. I love holding her. I hate that they live almost 4 hours away. Her husband Jaime is also amazing and Bran and him get a long great so its nice having them in our lives. I really want to move closer to them and we are hoping to move that way next year.
The 28th  can not come soon enough!
May 19, 2011 No comments



26 weeks
I am such a terrible blogger lately! I swear I have a good excuse. I have had finals and tests, works and house guest.
Branden's cousin Sarah and her husband Todd came and stayed with us from Tuesday to this Sunday. It was great seeing them. Sarah is Branden's closest in age cousin and we all just get a long really well. They got here Tuesday so we went to lunch at Le Tub's which is a cute little restaurant on the intercoastal. Then we stopped by the beach and stuck our feet in the water. Then we headed home and they napped and we went to Kmart and got a cheap little dresser for Adonis' room. We actually saw a guy who worked there named Adonis! I was so excited!
27 weeks at the beach! 
Then Wednesday, I worked all day and night. I was worn out. Thursday I took Todd and Sarah down to the beach and then worked for about 4 hours and then came home and we all hung out and bar-b-q and then went for menchies after.
Friday, after I had to take a make up exam, we went to Nami's for dinner and then to Hard Rock. So fun! I miss having fun nights out.
27 weeks at Hard Rock
Sunday night I had a final, so glad that class is over with! I have two more left. One on Tuesday morning and another on Wednesday morning. Then Thursday is my last day work for the one family I have been working for since last summer. They are moving which I am sad about but at this point in my pregnancy, the days are just to long for me. I will start watching the kids I have watched for the longest time again on Tuesday and Thursdays, which I am excited about. I watch the two younger ones on Thursday and it was great seeing them. They also gave me a ton of baby clothes since their son turned one in September.
I have to take my glucose test soon! I was going to go today but ended up running errands with Branden and then we started working on the baby's room! I will post pics soon, we still need to paint and get curtains.
I think I will go Friday to take it. Its so annoying because I have to do a walk in to the lab place because they never have openings and you can just walk in. I hope it doesn't suck to much.
May 02, 2011 1 comments
March is one of my family's favorite months. It's the month of birthdays, my nephews, mine, my Dads, my Grandpa's and my cousin's. We also have a fun tradition called The Festival of the Green Pig. This year we celebrated it on the 11th, which is my Grandpa's birthday. He was such an amazing man. He is who we are naming our sweet baby after, Adonis. We went to our house in the Keys with my Dad's side of the family and dressed up in our Irish nick nacks and grabbed our two fake green pigs, told our fake Green Pig story and had dinner. It was great. We all laughed, some cried because Grandma and Grandpa are no longer with us and then we laughed some more. Overall March is an amazing month for us. Today is my cousin's birthday and we also took my Dad to brunch since his birthday was Monday and he went to dinner with just my Mom. My sister and I wanted to do something nice for him so we all went to Brio for brunch, minus Branden since he had to work, and then to Barnes and Noble. I got Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy. I started the book with my first pregnancy that ended in a miscarriage but I am excited to actually read it and enjoy it this time around.
Last night Branden also put together Ace's crib. It was cute watching him get it together. He is so handy, I love it. We still need his mattress but it definitely made it more real with that crib staring us in the face. I just can not wait to meet my little baby boy. We are so blessed.
March 20, 2011 No comments
Ever since I was young I have had anxiety. It would usually come on suddenly and leave fairly quickly. Pregnancy has made my anxiety worse recently. I am not sure why but for some reason the Japan tragedy has really weighed on me. I am terrified of something horrible happening and Ace not being able to live a wonderful life. I want him to be able to do all the things he wants to and be whoever he wants. I am having a hard time rationalizing that with everything horrible in the world there is good. I just don't know why this is so difficult for me right now. I wish I didn't have such horrible anxiety but lets hope it goes away fast!
March 19, 2011 3 comments

How far along? 20 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: even again
Maternity clothes? Here and there I will wear some.
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: Been pretty good
Best moment this week: Saw Ace on the big screen!
Movement: getting more and more consistent, I love it
Food cravings: Pizza
Gender:  We're having a BOY! Adonis Scott Eugene Kania!!! Nickname Ace.
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Innie
What I miss: SUSHI!
What I am looking forward to: Branden finally being able to feel his kicks
Weekly Wisdom: Try to relax
Milestones: more movements! 

March 19, 2011 No comments
GO AWAY!  That is all.
Sinceraly,
Bren
February 23, 2011 No comments




How far along? 17 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: even 
Maternity clothes? just one pair of jeans but I still wear my regular ones as well
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: Depends on the day
Best moment this week: Finding out the baby's gender
Movement: None yet
Food cravings: nothing to new
Gender:  BOY! Adonis Scott Eugene Kania!!! Nickname Ace.
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Innie
What I miss: Hmm not much right now
What I am looking forward to: probably our next ultrasound lol
Weekly Wisdom: Don't go to crazy buying things.
Milestones: Finding out we are having a baby boy!!!
February 22, 2011 No comments
Boy or Girl?

So sorry to leave everyone hanging. Yesterday was a long day and I just got home from work a little bit ago. We had the Gender Reveal Party and it was AMAZING! My sister and friends did the most incredible job. Here are some photos of the party!
Those who thought girl, except me but I had to wear pink since Bran wore blue lol

Old Wives Tale game!

Those who thought boy!



My sister who did an awesome job!
So after all the fun and games we cut the cake...


February 21, 2011 7 comments
Tomorrow is the day! The day we find out if we are having a little boy or girl. I can not wait to start calling this baby by name. I am so excited. I am shocked the last week went by so fast and I didn't really stress or think about Sunday. I just realized yesterday that it was only 2 days away. Tomorrow is going to be so fun. I get to see some of my best girl friends who are coming into town too. It's so nice to know you are loved by people and can depend on them to be there when something special is going on. I will try to update tomorrow night when I get home!! I also need to do a 17 week post tomorrow, I think I skipped 16 weeks since my weeks were all off and so now I am a new week on Sundays. Our new due date is July 31!
February 19, 2011 No comments
Today we got an ultrasound to find out what the baby is. The baby is getting so big and the ultrasound was amazing. Both my parents came as well as my sister and friend Maggie as well as Branden, of course. We didn't actually find out the gender but the tech who is a friend told Ashley what the baby is. We will find out on the 20th with our family and close friends. My friend Kat will make a cake with pink or blue in the middle so we will see what the gender is that way. I am so unbelievably excited to find out.



February 12, 2011 2 comments
15 weeks
13 weeks


Oops, I missed 14 weeks. Here is a comparison of the belly change!
How far along? 15 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: -1lbs
Maternity clothes? None yet but I need some looser tops
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: Depends on the day
Best moment this week: hearing the baby's heartbeat on Tuesday
Movement: None yet
Food cravings: mcdonalds steak and egg bagel
Gender: Still think boy but not as convinced as I was the closer we get to the gender ultrasound.
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Innie
What I miss: Not looking the same in my clothes since I am in that in between stage of looking fat and not pregnant
What I am looking forward to: the gender ultrasound and our Gender Reveal Party on the 20th
Weekly Wisdom: When people start touching your stomach and you don't want them to, go through their bag and when they ask you what you are doing say "Oh sorry I just thought we were exploring personal boundaries" from the fabulous girls in the Pirate Platoon.
Milestones: Out of the first trimester and on to the second!
February 10, 2011 No comments
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