Here’s the post I started yesterday:

9:30am

Remember waaaaay back in January (LOL) when we held the fabulous Baby Fest event??? Well, my sis and the beautiful mom of honor for that event is due to have her precious baby girl tomorrow!!  That’s right!
She went in for an appointment this morning and they “stripped her membranes”.  Then they sent her to the mall to walk for a couple hours … and to come back if she started having a lot of contractions.

11am

Well, she ended up back at the doctor’s office and she had dilated to 3 (from a 2) and had significantly effaced in that two hours.  So, she was told to go home, grab her stuff and go to the birth center to be observed.

Of course, this could all land her back at home, and she says that the contractions have definitely mellowed out over the last half hour or so, but for now I’m hoping to meet my niece before the day is over .  I’ll keep updating this post as I know more.  (I know, I know you won’t be reading this probably until after baby is born, but out of respect for my sister I am delaying posting until she gives the go ahead).

5:30pm (ish)

Just got a call that she’s definitely being admitted and has made it to a 6.  Just got her epidural even.  Tonight is definitely the night.  I’ll be taking my BIL dinner as soon as my hubby gets home.

8:30pm

She’s here!  There was meconium in the amniotic fluid and he was born pretty fast so she had to be suctioned a lot and may be extra mucousy for the next day or so, but she is pink and VERY hungry!  She’s soooo very quiet!  Her little cry just sounds like a tiny squeak, not a cry at all, so sweet!  What a little bundle of perfection!  All I can say is AMAZING!

Well, there you have it!  I hope to go and visit again this weekend and maybe take a couple of the older boys along to meet their new cousin .  Thank you so much for putting up with the excited dithery from this proud Auntie!

When you’re looking for a special gift to give a new baby and mom, this is a wonderful idea.  Kids Personalized Music offers personalized Lullaby CD’s in addition to their great line of other personalized children’s CD’s.

These CD’s are perfect when you want something that is very special and perfect for that precious new little one!  There are thousands of names to choose from and the CD’s come with the child’s name printed on them.  If you have an unusual spelling (but usual pronunciation), no problem, just let them know and they’ll make sure it’s right.

They offer over 2,000 names to choose from and over 24 CD collections (including a Spanish Series) that are perfect for almost any occasion from baby showers to sports!

Their You’re An Angel Lullaby CD has 6 classic lullaby’s on it and 2 original songs.  Though the songs on the CD and the arrangement are perfect for an infant, these are very appropriate for children even when they are 9 years old!   The songs are soothing and beautifully sung and feature the child’s name in such a way that it allows them to drift off to sleep peacefully.

Be sure to visit Kids Personalized Music to listen to some of the music and see the huge variety of CD’s they offer!  You can see lists of names that they have ready and purchase through the site as well.

They have offered one lucky commenter a personalized “You’re An Angel” music CD!  Leave a comment mentioning how you choose your childrens’ names to enter to win.

Don’t forget there are many ways to earn EXTRA entries for EVERY giveaway during Baby Fest, also there is a complete list of all giveaways currently being offered at the top of the right hand sidebar!  This giveaway will close on Feb. 9th.

This giveaway has ended and the winner is #27 – Sheila.  Please check the upper right sidebar for all the latest giveaways!

When I was contacted to review Nana Star®, I hopped over to the site and immediately loved what I saw!   What a creative and imaginative line of books and plushies!

They currently offer two books: Nana Star® and Nana Star and the Moonman and this spring they plan to add yet another book to the series.  They also offer matching plushies … Nana Star plush poseable doll and the Moonman Lovie.

They have received so many awards for these great products too … including (among many others), 2 iParenting 2008 Outstanding Toy of the Year and the Teacher’s Choice Award for the Family 2009.

If you have a little girl (or a granddaughter, neice, friend’s daughter) who is about to become a big sister, this is a very fun set for her.  I say this because when you give her both of these book and plushie sets, you give her the opportunity to share something wonderful with her new sibling. I almost don’t even know where to begin with these great products.  I am honestly going to have a hard time keeping this post down to a manageable size and still share all the information I want.  Sooo, before I talk about the products I just want to say that their site is a GREAT source of information and you can order right there too. I have both books and character plushie sets and I’m truly loving them.

The Nana Star® book and character plushie are about a little girl who finds a baby Star that she must return to the heavens.  This imaginative and playful story takes you and your child on a magical journey.  Add to that the great CD that comes with the book and you have an amazing set.

Nana Star and the Moonman continues the story.  I for one am absolutely in LOVE with the Moonman Lovey!  He is sooooo soft and cute and cuddly.  With 6 sons I have heard plushies play every rendition of twinkle twinkle or mary had a little lamb that I want to hear in a lifetime, so I was immediately in love with the adorable (albeit in full honesty, I’d love for the volume to be a little quieter) song Moonman plays when you press on his little tummy!

I also love that a portion of the proceeds from Nana Star product sales goes to the Nana Star Foundation, which benefits terminally ill children and under-resourced schools.

February is Laugh Friendly month, want to know more?  I thought so!  Be sure to visit the site to discover what Blaph is all about!  In honor of Laugh Friendly Month, they are offering my readers 10% off all Nana Star and Friends purchases during the month of February when you use the code: LF2009!

They are so generously offering you the opportunity to enter to win a Nana Star doll and book set.  To enter, simply leave a comment answering one of the following:

• What is Blaph?
• What was your favorite toy as a child?

This giveaway will be open through February 9 and is available to addresses in the US and Canada!  And don’t forget all the WAYS you can get extra entries!

This Giveaway has ended and the winner has been contacted.  Be sure to check the top of the right sidebar for the latest giveaways.

If you are a new or expecting mom who is/wants to breastfeed your baby, meet your new best friend … the Cushie Pushie.  It is a support pillow for breastfeeding mothers that is compact in size so it can go anywhere you and your diaper bag go.  This great little invention is covered in a fun selection of fabrics and offers breastfeeding mothers an easy way to get the proper position so they can simply focus on their baby.

I was very fortunate … when my first son was born at 10 pounds (indeed, he was a whopper) he had absolutely no problem getting down to business breastfeeding.  I know that this is not necessarily the experience of most first time moms who choose to breastfeed. 

Surprisingly enough, my third son was NOT a good breastfeeder … he would barely open his little tiny mouth and we struggled for quite a while to get it right.  Any mom who has been through the challenge of teaching a baby the proper way to latch on and nurse understands how many hands are often needed.  So, in a sense, this great pillow offers you just that, another hand … one that keeps you in just the proper position for the best breastfeeding experience.

Be sure to visit their website to find out even more about them.  If the Cushie Pushie looks familiar, that is probably because it is carried by many online mom-owned shops!  This is a mom-invented product.

Cushie Pushie is generously offering one Cushie Pushie – Breast Support Pillow.  To enter, simply leave a comment telling us your favorite breastfeeding experience, or if you are expecting your first, let us know what you are looking forward to … or dreading about breastfeeding.  Of course, if you are entering for a loved one, feel free to simply leave a comment telling us that as well.

There are quite a few ways to get extra entries for every single contest going on during Baby Fest, so you are welcome to check out this post to find out how.  This contest closes on Feb. 6th.

So, when Kristina Davidson, owner of A Little 2 Sassy asked to be a sponsor for Baby Fest, I was VERY excited.  As a very girlie girl myself (I know … who knew?), I am in absolute heaven every time I visit this great site that is all-things-girl!

We had the opportunity to review a gorgeous custom crocheted headband that was created JUST my niece-to-be … and let me tell you, we absolutely cannot wait to put it on her little head. Quite possibly I will show up at the hospital within hours of her birth (if I’m not there for the actual event that is) and will lovingly initiate her girlie-ness immediately!

The headband we were sent is fun, funky, hip and adorable – all at the same time.  It’s small enough to be worn by a very little baby, but stretchy enough that I think it will be useable for quite a while.  I call it Cheetahlicious since the bow is a cheetah print, but I love that it’s paired with just enough sparkle (thanks to the crystals) and a simple, sweet ivory colored crocheted band.  Tessa and my 9 year old neice are in complete agreement with me on getting that lovely creation on this baby’s head!

I have to admit though that I am absolutely in LOVE with A Little 2 Sassy’s Over the Top layered bows (which are their best sellers incidentally).   Of course, their everyday bows are cute and classic and totally affordable with varieties for Infants, Toddlers and Big Girls!  Their selection definitely does NOT stop there though, so be sure to check out the site for yourself!

While you’re there, be sure to use the great discount they have offered for my readers.  You can get 15% off all purchases through June, 2009 by using the code: 0609baby15

My Precious Kid offers an absoluely unbelievable selection of safety products for children and families.  What many people don’t know is that they also offer a wide variety of other baby, child and family products as well!  

Kay Green, owner of My Precious Kid sent us one of their fabulous Swaddle Blankets and Tessa couldn’t be happier!  This is definitely one of the things we learned quickly … babies adore being swaddled, and I’ll happily admit that Tessa definitely has this particular aspect of infancy DOWN.  These blankets make it easier for parent’s to properly wrap baby while it is also that much cozier for baby!  

Tip:  Fussy babies are par for the course at some point in an infant’s life.  It is not uncommon for mom’s to begin feeling a bit overwhelmed.  There is a lot of information out there on great ways to help soothe a baby, but I can tell you for certain that the system that recommends the 5 S’s (sorry I cannot remember who started this, so if you know what book/site it is featured on by the author, please feel free to leave a comment with that information) work surprisingly well!  Swaddling, Side laying, Swaying (usually in your arms, facing away from you, very gentle motion), Sucking and Shhhhhshing (not loud, but right in their ear, mimicks the sounds from the womb).  

Ok, back to My Precious Kid … I have talked about their amazing safety products in the past and highly encourage you to get a basic safety pack for your children!  Their Child Safety Pack actually has 8 different product in it that all help make your child safer!  

My Precious Kid is offering my readers a discount and a giveaway!!!

Discount: Go shopping with My Precious Kid and get 10% off your first order when you use the code: 10WTR09 by 3/31/09.

Giveaway: One lucky commenter will receive a Child Safety Pack.  To enter, simply leave a comment on this post answering one of these two questions:

• What worked for you when you had a very fussy baby? (or) 
• What products from My Precious Kid appeal to you most?

Remember there are lots of ways to earn extra entries for every giveaway during Baby Fest, just visit this post to read about it!  This giveaway will end on Feb. 6th.

The Happy Panda Baby boutique specializes in high quality baby clothes made to fit the bigger baby.  Two of my boys definitely fell into this category … born at 9 and 10 pounds these boys definitely did NOT fit into the same clothes as their average sized peers.

Although our size chart was developed for the baby plus size community, it can provide the right fit for any baby boy or girl. Our unique tagless baby clothing is designed and made in America.

Their clothes are wonderful and very fun, but don’t think for a second that’s all they offer!  They also have a great selection of gift sets, diaper cakes (their best seller is the Happy Panda Face) and paci plushies (which are very cute).   

Our mom of honor received the absolutely adorable Fabulous Newborn Gift Set (pictured at the beginning of the post) and couldn’t say enough how cute she thought it was.  She couldn’t wait to get it home to show my 9 year old neice who was completely smitten with it!

I can tell you first hand that their product is not only high quality but totally fun and unique.

Happy Panda Baby is offering all my readers $10.00 off their purchases when you use the code: BABYFEST (expires March 15, 2009).

They are also offering one VERY lucky commenter a $50 gift certificate to go shopping at Happy Panda Baby.  To enter, simply leave a comment telling me what product you like and/or how big your biggest baby was at birth.

Remember there are lots of ways to earn extra entries, go HERE to see how!  This contest will close for comments on February 6th.

Plan the whole shower using the beautiful and inspiring products they offer … from Invitations and Thank you cards to the entire theme for the shower.  Baby Fest’s mom-of-honor is a devoted cloth diaperer and I was so excited to be able to check out their Cloth Diaper Cake!  I personally love Burt’s Bees products, so putting this great cake together with all those fun elements, but having it be as functional as can be since it is a cloth diaper cake is absolutely perfect for us!

They carry a great variety of diaper cakes and you can see those HERE.  I also love their great line of favors and other shower ideas!   But don’t take my word, just hop on over to the shop and take a look around for yourself.  While you’re there, if you want to make a purchase just remember you can get 25% off any purchase of $25 or more by using the code: BABYFEST!

Don’t forget to enter to win a beautiful monogram pendant from Micah and Co. HERE (don’t leave a comment on this post to enter … it won’t count!).

When Christian Walker contacted me about their unique and creative Custom Confetti I was very intrigued!  What a creative product!  I’m getting carried away though so first let me introduce you to Pink Poodle Boutique … a fun online shop featuring a variety of very cute products.

With their Tutu’s, Feather Boas, Wands and Wings … little girls will love any gift purchased from Pink Poodle Boutique!  Tonight however, we are starting to look at a couple of very creative baby shower ideas and their custom confetti definitely fits the bill.

They offer custom photo confetti and personalized confetti – great for almost any occasion, but very fun to use in an invitation for a baby shower or to decorate around the room on that special day.  Their photo confetti is amazing since it uses a picture to represent the occasion.  In our case, I had a lot of fun sending in the latest ultrasound of my neice and they created something wonderul with it.  But they can use a child’s photo for birthday confetti, or a couple’s photo for wedding confetti, the ideas are virtually limitless.

Their personalized confetti offers even more variety as you pick the wording you want, colors, shapes, etc.  And the greatest part is that they happily walk you through the process!

Lerarn more about all their confetti options HERE!

Pink Poodle Boutique is offering one lucky winner a gift certificate to cover the cost of one free bag of Personalized or Photo Confetti!

To enter, simply leave a comment letting me know what occasion you have coming up that you could use this great confetti for!  This giveaway will be open until February 6th.

Several months ago I introduced all of you to Sharmooz, a mom-owned company.  Today, I’d like to re-introduce you to the shop as well as a new book written by the owner.

The Sharmooz Company was born due to the patent pending Baby Sharmooz that may reduce or eliminate infant balding. This propelled the company that currently has 7 luxury satin product offerings (geared towards skin and hair care) for the Mom and family, two patent pending products and now in several retailers (children boutiques, gift shops, salons and spas).

The mom behind Sharmooz recently wrote and released a Parenting Advice book Don’t Rock That Baby…The Other Advice. “The book was launched because I wanted a quick read, funny and caring steps of how to manage the first year of motherhood.”

If you want to check this book out for yourself, visit the website.  We’re also offering one copy for a lucky commenter, so be sure to leave a comment letting us know why you would like to be entered.

If you choose to go shopping with Sharmooz you can get free shipping by entering the code FREE.  Be sure to shop by 3/31/09 to take advantage of this offer. 

For extra entries, click here for all the details.