An Exclusive Pumper's Experience with Breastfeeding

I knew from the beginning that I wanted to give my daughter my milk and my goal was to provide her with breastmilk for at least 6 months.  I didn't know how challenging breastfeeding would be.  After my daughter was born, my milk didn't come in until after a week.  We gave her nipple ready formula the first week.  I drank Mother's Milk Tea every day 4x a day.  I don't know if it was psychological, but I do think this tea helped me.  I also ate oatmeal everyday for breakfast.

Now the hard part, as if you aren't tired enough with a newborn that wakes up every 2-3 hours, you also have to build up milk supply.  For some women, they have no problems with milk supply.  For me, I had to work for it.  I had to actually breastfeed/pump 24/7 for 13 weeks straight every 3 hours.  I don't think my baby was able to  latch on properly, so during in the second or third week my milk supply was going down.  Because I didn't want my milk supply to decrease any further,  I decided to pump exclusively and just give my daughter the bottle.  This was actually a plus because my MIL and husband would be able to feed her too.  I know some women out there don't like pumping exclusively and say that you should breastfeed, but this is what worked best for me.  I didn't want to wait until 5-6 weeks when my milk supply would be really low and then try to build it up again.

After my milk supply was steady (30-36 oz. a day) I removed 1 night of pumping.   Also, at nights Mr. F1 would give my daughter the bottle while I pumped for 15 minutes to cut down time.  I found the more sleep I got the more milk I made, so Mr. F1 was very supportive at night.  He basically did EVERYTHING at night.  All I needed to do was pump!   I think having a family member that is supportive helps with breastfeeding.  Mr. F1 helped me not to quit.   He knew that this was important to me and would remind me what my goal was during the times I wanted to stop.   His supportiveness helped me not feel alone.

My daughter wasn't fed breastmilk all the time.  Although there is no scientific proof, we found that when she had formula she slept longer.  Therefore, at night we fed her formula to allow us to sleep longer.  I was able to freeze 8 oz of milk everyday.  I  managed to continue pumping until my daughter was 9 months old.  By then, she was on solids already, and I decided to stop since my freezer was full of milk and my daughter was set until she was 1 year old. I am not sure if it is coincidence, but my daughter hasn't gotten sick at all since she was born.  I think it's from the antibodies in my breastmilk.

Going back to work,  I didn't have any problem finding time to pump.  My company provides a mother's room with a sofa, a glider, table, and a fridge.  I was the only one using the room which was a BIG plus!

One thing I noticed is after 6 months some women would be asking me to stop and that I shouldn't be giving my daughter breastmilk because breastmilk doesn't have enough nutrients, blah blah blah....I just ignored these remarks.  My daughter's doctor even told us it is okay.  While reading information about breastfeeding online, I found most women in other countries breastfeed past 6 months.  US women breastfeed the least, I think 3-4 months was the average length of time.    From my view, it may be because US society hasn't really embraced the idea of breastfeeding that much.  It's not that convenient especially if you have to go back to work after your maternity leave.  As babies get older it isn't too socially acceptable. Bottom line: Don't let other people's opinion about breastfeeding/breastmilk stop you or make you quit.

What ever path you choose: breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, formula don't let anyone make you feel bad for your decisions.  It is whatever works best for you and your baby.

Our 1st Giveaway Winner!

http://www.hellasmultimedia.com/

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!  Today is the day that commemorates U.S. Service men and women who died while in the military service.  A BIG thank you to all the brave service men and women out there!

It's also Monday and that means it's time to announce the winner of our 1st Giveaway!!! Thank you for those who participated in our 1st Giveaway!  The winner was chosen using a random list by Random.org.  The winner of the Dali Wall Chalkboard Giveaway is Kristina Proffitt!!  Congratulations Kristina!!  You have 48 hours to claim your Dali Wall Chalkboard decal, please send us an email at urbanwarriormoms@gmail.com.  Looking forward to hearing from you soon! We will have more terrific Giveaways in the future so you have plenty of chances to win! 

Back to Reality

I recently went back to work a couple weeks ago, and I can tell you it was not easy. Yes, I missed my son but at the same time just trying to get used to the routine of getting ready for work plus taking care of my prince took some time to get used too.   Not having my daily afternoon naps was very hard for me, since these naps helped me catch up with my much needed rest from those night feedings.

During the whole time I was on maternity leave I handled most of the house chores and pretty much took care my baby boy..  I was the one getting up doing the night shifts while my husband, Mr. Techie (will call him Techie cause he loves hi-tech gadgets) was in bed sleeping sound asleep.  The only time Mr. Techie lend a hand with caring for our son is if  I  took a shower, cooked, or to handle our son's colicky phase.

It wasn't until I went back to work that he really helped out. I complained to him before hand telling him there was no way our previous routine would work when I go back to work, so he needed to start helping out with the night shifts.  Well, day 1 didn't pan out the way I wanted because I still ended up doing the night shift...lonesome me...while surprise surprise...Mr. Techie was in deep sleep.  The next morning I complained to Mr. Techie, and he told me I need to wake him up, throw something at him, or kick him.  So that night... I woke up Mr. Techie.  He got up from the bed and started caring for our prince.  After two weeks of waking Mr. Techie up,  he got used to his new night job and both of us were starting to get into the rhythm of our new routines.

Just a few days ago, Mr. Techie even offered to take care of our prince. Yes, I said offered!  I was speechless at first and paused a bit before I joyfully said YES!  I gladly handed over our son while I ate some cheesecake and browsed the web.  He even told me to take my time, no need to rush. I almost gagged from shock.  Later that night, while our son was asleep my husband asked me how I managed to cook, clean, take care of our prince, and do the night shifts all by myself.  He realized what I went through for 4 months. I just told him, "That's easy...for our son."

Nowadays, my hubby helps me out with taking care of our prince and doing the chores. He picks up after himself and does the laundry. During weekdays he drops our son off at grandma's house while I pick him up. When I'm too tired to cook, he gets dinner.  I do admit it was tough getting Mr. Techie into the groove of things.  Having a full time job and being a parent is difficult, and both parents need to discuss about each other's roles.

GIVEAWAY REMINDER! Free Dali Wall Chalkboard Decal ~$45.00 value

Hi Everyone,

You have less than 48 hours until the contest for a Free Dali Wall Chalkboard Decal ~ $45.00 value ends!  This is FREE!  You won't have to pay for anything...not even shipping!

Just post a comment below this post and let us know which one you want.   Make sure you leave your name and your last name initial (just in case we have two of the same first names)!

Below are the list of choices:

CALENDAR: This chalkboard calendar will help anyone get organized! You won't be forgetting appointments, important dates, and deadlines with this calendar in your home!    Create a "To Do" list and keep track of what you need to do at home.  Great for kids in letting them know what chores to do on which day as well!

CHALKBOARD HANGMAN: This chalkboard hangman is great in a child's playroom or even in the family room for game nights.  Expect lots of fun with this chalkboard dude!

CHALKBOARD SIGN: This chalkboard decal w/ horseshoes and star might bring you luck!  You can use this to either write down important lists or create your own tables/charts for the family.  This will also  go well in a child's room.  Your child will enjoy writing and drawing on it.

CHALKBOARD SIGN W/ FLOWERS:  This chalkboard sign is similar to the one above, but with a different design.  Save paper and trees and use a chalkboard instead!

CHALKBOARD TIC-TAC-TOE:  This will keep not only family members occupied but will also be popular with guests as well!  This will look great in a child's bedroom or family room.

We want you to have as much opportunities as possible to win, so you can get extra entries if you also do the following:

1.  If you "Like" Urban Warrior Moms and "Like" Dali Wall Decals on Facebook. Then tell us you did this on our Facebook wall and comment about it below on our blog.

2. If you follow Urban Warrior Moms and Dali Wall Decals on Twitter.  Then tweet about it and comment  about it below on our blog.

3. Become a "Follower" on our blog and comment about it below on our blog.

We again apologize, but those who live internationally cannot enter.  Folks living in North America can only enter.  Contest will end on midnight (PST) Friday, May 27, 2011.  Winner will be announced Monday by random drawing.

You MUST check back and contact us : urbanwarriormoms@gmail.com after we announce the winner on our blog next Monday.  You have 48 hours to claim your prize.  If you don't claim it within 48 hours we will announce another winner.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL PARTICIPANTS!

B & D 

Cuz I get a kick out of you...

When we first brought home our son as a newborn, his skin was so sensitive to various wipes we decided to go cloth.  Yes, I said cloth!  That’s when I found out about Babykicks, which makes their wipes and burp cloths from all natural and organic materials.

I love their Babykicks Hemparoo Washies/Wipes which come in a pack of 10.  They are  are 7.5" by 9.5" ovals. The soft fleece is ideally suited for thorough cleanups. They are a must have for the bath tub, changing table, high chair and diaper bag! When you are done using them, I just throw them in the washer. Babykicks Hemparoo Washies/Wipes comes in blue, green, red, ivory, golden, pink, and lavender.

I also got their Babykicks Hemparoo Duz-it-all which is two layers of soft, easy to use hemp/cotton knit.  They are 13" by 17". I use the Duz-it-all as burp clothes and emergency wipes for bigger jobs, such as milk spills.  These Duz-it-all cloths are super absorbent as well.  I never leave home with out it. Babykicks Hemparoo Duz-it-all also comes in blue, green, red, ivory, golden, pink, and lavender.

My Comfort Food

I must admit something....I don't cook at all!  Yup, Mama B doesn't cook.  My hubby (We'll call him Mr. F1, since he's a big fan of Formula 1) wears the cooking apron in the family.  He cooks pretty good which is surprising because he only started to cook when we got married.  Mr. F1 and I used to alternate on a weekly basis taking turns cooking, but when Cupcake arrived cooking was harder for me since I am the one who drives her to Grandma's house and picks her up.  Mr. F1 and I try to seriously split the house chores 50/50 as much as we can....I think this is what helps me keep my sanity most of the time.  Mr. F1 and I also agree that we get time off to relax once a month.  I usually head to the spa and get a pedi/mani or go shopping.  I am tired most of the time, but that doesn't mean I actually have to look tired.  Just because I am married and a mom, doesn't mean I have to sacrifice style too.

I digress! .....Mr. F1 cooks mostly Malaysian-Chinese food.  It's very tasty and yummy!  When we were dating my sister always looked forward to his cooking!  His food actually tastes like the food you would buy from a Chinese restaurant.  (Obviously by now you've figured out my sister and I are not Chinese)

Below is a recipe Mr. F1 uses to make Claypot Chicken Rice.  It's actually from a book, "Anges Chang's Hawkers' Delights".  It's written in Chinese and English.  The English translation isn't the best, so bear with me on this one.

This recipe asks for a claypot, but you don't need to use one.  We use a rice cooker and my sister uses
a regular pot.

2 cups rice, washed and drained
3 cups chicken stock (If you are using store bought chicken stock, Mr. F1 advises to use 70% chicken stock and 30% water, so it isn't that salty.)
2 chicken drumsitcks, cut into pices
5 Shitake mushrooms, soaked, cut into half  (Mr. F1 uses the dried ones)
1 Chinese sausage  (Sometimes my sister and I used to omit this...I know gasp!)
3 cm thick young ginger, sliced thinly

Marinade:
2tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp chinese cooking wine (Mr. F1 uses Shao Xing Cooking Wine)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tspn pepper
1/2 tspn sugar
1/2 tbsp cornflour

spring onion and red chillies for garnish  (My sister and I omit this too...another gasp! My sister isn't too crazy about spring onion and back then my tolerance for anything spicy didn't even exist!)

1. Mix chicken, mushrooms w/ marinade and ginger for 30 minutes
2. Put rice and chicken stock into a claypot (rice cooker/pot)., cover and bring to boil.  Lower the temp and cook w/ low heat till holes are formed on top (About 15 minutes)
3. Spread marinated chicken and mushrooms, Chinese sausage on top, cover and cook with low heat till rice is dry and chicken pieces are cooked (another 15 minutes). Remove from heat.
4. Before serving you can sprinkle spring onion and red chili on top.

If you have any questions regarding this recipe feel free to ask me.  Send me an email at urbanwarriormoms@gmail.com.  I'll  be more than happy to forward them over to Mr. F1.  I love it when he cooks this because the dish is very tasty and brings comfort to me.  If any of you also have other versions of this recipe feel free to make a comment.

Find Zen When Changing Your Baby

I don't know about you, but being sort of a germ-a-phobe I don't like putting my baby on some random public changing table in the bathroom without anything between her booty and the changing table.  I always carry a diaper changing mat  in my diaper bag.

ZoLi Inc. has come up with a diaper changing mat that will surely help calm your baby by taking what we usually use as yoga mats and turning it into a diaper changing mat!  This diaper changing mat is made from non-toxic and non-slip material and will surely help your baby and you find zen when changing diapers.  The diaper mat is water proof.  They roll up so traveling with them in your diaper bag is a breeze.  Washing them is also quick and easy....just wipe with soap and water!  No need to put them in the wash! They come in fun and bright colors: orange, green , blue, and pink.

GIVEAWAY INFO: Dali Wall Chalkboard Decal

We are giving away a Dali Wall Chalkboard Decal to one of our blog readers!

Dali Decals not only offer Chalkboard decals, but also printed wall decals, custom printed canvas, and modern mosaic (these are decals that look like mosaic tiles!).

Chalkboard decals are great alternative to whiteboards.  They can be added anywhere in your home: in your kitchen, child's playroom, child's bedroom, etc...  Now a days they actually have chalk markers or chalk paint so it is not as messy as it was before.  You won't be stuck sweeping chalk dust everywhere.

You can choose from the different types of chalkboard wall decals below.  Check out Dali Decals website for more details on these products (ie dimensions):

To enter the contest, leave your name & last name initial and let us know which chalkboard decal you want by commenting on this post below under "Comments".  How simple is that?!

We want you to have as much opportunities as possible to win, so you can get extra entries if you do the following:
1.  If you "Like" Urban Warrior Moms and "Like" Dali Wall Decals on Facebook. Then tell us you did this on our Facebook wall and comment about it below on our blog.
2. If you follow Urban Warrior Moms and Dali Wall Decals on Twitter.  Then tweet about it and comment  about it below on our blog.
3. Become a "Follower" on our blog and comment about it below on our blog.

We apologize, but those who live internationally cannot enter.  Folks living in North America can only enter.  Contest will end on midnight (PST) Friday, May 27, 2011.  Winner will be announced Monday by random drawing.
You MUST check back and contact us : urbanwarriormoms@gmail.com after we announce the winner on our blog next Monday.  You have 48 hours to claim your prize.  If you don't claim it within 48 hours we will announce another winner.

Good Luck!

GIVEAWAY! Stay tuned...

Hi Everyone!

Obviously you've either just found us or you have been following us.  Just wanted to let you know that we'll be having our first giveaway next week!  So stay tuned for more details and how to enter to win!
Hint:  It is a product we have  featured on this blog!

We both want to thank you for reading this blog. For those who have "Liked" us on Facebook we really appreciate your support!

Thanks again!

B&D

Dalidecals

Want another alternative to staying organized besides using the standard white board?  How about a  Chalkboard Calendar Wall Decal from Dali Wall Decals!  Yes a Wall Decal!!  This calendar wall decal is 32.4 inches wide x 22 inches high.  If you need a different size no worries, Dalidecals also does custom calendar wall decals.  It comes in one piece so it’s ready and easy to apply.

You can post important upcoming events on the calendar, so no one in your household can use the excuse they didn't know about it or they forgot.  There is also a space for you to write important notes to your hubby, kids, or a quick reminder to yourself.

Baby Sign Language

I recently came across a website promoting Baby Sign Language.  I found it fascinating and was very interested in trying it out with my son when he turns 6 months.  I think it's a good way for my son to learn to communicate with me as well as people around him before his speech develops.   He can express his needs to me without me second guessing why he is crying.  Signs I am personally interested in are the simple ones such as milk, eat, bed, and potty. 

Once the time comes, I'll give you an update how my son is coming along with his baby sign language.  I am pretty excited to see how he will respond.  It will take a lot of patience and perseverance, but isn't that what being a parent is all about.

Lemon Pepper Parmesan-Crusted Salmon

Fish anyone?  This recipe was taken from Progresso (R) Lemon Pepper Panko bread crumbs box.  It's one of the easiest recipes I have done.

1 Salmon fillet, 1 1/4 lb (about 3/4 inch thick)
3 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
1/2 cup Progresso (R)lemon pepper Panko
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp thinly sliced green onions

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray baking dish.  Place salmon skin side down and brush with 1 tbsp of butter.  In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs, cheese, onions, and remaining 2 tbsp butter;  press evenly on salmon.  Bake 15-25 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with fork.

I did not add any green onions when cooking this dish.  When I got pregnant green onions always made me sick, so now I have a fear of eating green onions. 

One Family One Meal

What is One Family One Meal?
One Family One Meal was founded on the belief that families do not need to feed children separate, pared down meals every night. The kitchen and dining room table can be the foundation for bringing families together to share healthy, nourishing meals. One Family One Meal simplifies cooking for busy parents by providing family-friendly recipes, menu plans, and customizable shopping and budgeting tools. By following the One Family One Meal program, your family can save hundreds of dollars every year. (http://www.onefamilyonemeal.com/about_us)

There are 6 reasons to join One Family One Meal:

• Eat together as a family
• Cook one meal for everyone
• Cut shopping time
• Waste less and save time
• Recipes for restrictive diets
• Feed your family a nutritious diet

One Family One Meal allows you to choose the recipes you are interested in , puts the recipes in your virtual recipe box, and creates a shopping list for you!  How cool is that?!  No need to go through recipe books and write down your shopping list anymore.  In addition, each recipe featured has $ codes that allows you to know the cost in making the dish. The more $ the more the dish would cost in making it!

My Baby Loves Recaro

Before I met my husband, I didn't even know who or what Recaro was.   He explained to me that Recaro is a well known brand in motor sports.  Before Recaro, most automobile seats were similar to regular chairs found in our homes.  Recaro changed all that and created automobile seats with side support.  My hubby loves the Recaro seats in his cars, so when we found out we were expecting he said we should splurge and get our baby a Recaro baby seat.   I looked on Amazon and found they were selling the ProRider $50.00 off which was pretty good considering they're priced at $275.  I ended up getting one in Misty (fancy word for grey... of course it had to match the interior of my vehicle).

Things I love about the Recaro seat are:

• The buckles and snaps are good quality.  They are easy to snap on but still secure.  This helps my fingers from getting caught.  Very convenient when you are in a hurry and when strapping a fussy baby/child into the seat.
• This maybe not on everyone's list but Recaro convertible ProRIDE  looks good.
• Pretty plush and comfy for the baby/child especially on long road trips. Included mesh inserts for air circulation is a plus.
• Headrest adjustable by easy knobs at the back.  The 5-point harness is easily adjustable (Love this)! 
• Side impact protection
• Approved for use on airline seats  

A Quick and Low Maintenance Dog House

We mustn't forget about the family dog!  I was looking for a dog toy on Etsy one day, and I encountered this shop called  Graphic Spaces which happens to sell dog house decals.

These dog houses are so cute!  Any dog lover would love this!

You choose the color of the dog house,  the color of the paw print/bird and the size.  You can even have your dog's name on it too!

These look great near little "fido's" food bowls or dog bed.  It helps let kids know that this is a special area for little "fido", and they must respect it.  No touching the food bowls and no pulling "fido's" tail while he/she is sleeping.

Bling Bling for Moms

My "cupcake" loves to grab on to my necklace and play with it.  I am lucky,  it has lasted this long without breaking.  I thought why not have a necklace that looks good and is also baby safe. Well...someone already thought of it!  Smart Mom Jewelry creates teething bling.  Yup, that's teething bling.  They are donut shaped pendents which come in a variety of colors or patterns.  You can even buy it with a matching bangle!  These donut shaped pendants are made with non-harmful chemicals and come with a break away clasp for safety measures.

It's Party Time!!

Planning a party any time soon? Check this site out from Party Dress!  It's the First Issue of their Magazine.  You can see lots of cool party ideas from food to decorations. Second Issue comes out in June.  Can't wait to get my copy!

Ginger, Garlic, Gai-lan (Chinese Brocolli)

This easy recipe was written by  Chef Andrew Cohen. It can be found in the website Edible Paradise.  I want to give thanks to my cousin's wife again for finding the recipe and sharing this link!

This dish has a sweet-tangy sauce which is a nice complement to bittersweet taste of Chinese broccoli
(gai lan). You can substitute regular broccoli if gai lan is not available.  Although the recipe doesn't call for it, my cousin's wife added chinese sausage and ham for meat.  You can add any meat if you like: chicken, beef, or pork cut in small pieces.

INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch Chinese broccoli (gai lan), washed and leaves separated from stems
1 to 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and de-germed, minced
1 inch of ginger root, peeled and grated finely, saving juice in small bowl
2 green onions, cleaned and root removed, sliced finely on the diagonal
1/3 cup of good quality (low sodium) chicken or vegetable stock
1 tablespoon of soy sauce, darker Chinese style preferred
1 tablespoon of brandy
1 teaspoon sugar
1 to 2 teaspoons sesame oil (Kadoya Black Sesame oil preferred for deeper, more subtle flavor)
2 to 3 tablespoons of grapeseed, peanut, or canola oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon warm water (optional)

METHOD:
If stems of Chinese broccoli (gai lan) are thick skinned, peel. Cut into two-inch lengths. Shred the larger leaves. Combine the stock, soy sauce, brandy and sugar together, and set aside. Heat a wok or ten-inch chef’s pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil, and when hot, add the gai lan stems. Cook, stirring to prevent burning, until the stems are coloring up and getting tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the leaves and toss, cook about 30 seconds to wilt.

Remove the vegetable from the wok, and add 1 tablespoon oil. When hot, add garlic, and then squeeze the grated ginger pulp over the pan to drip the ginger juice in the oil. Add the green onions and toss for 30 seconds. Add the stock, then the gai lan. Toss to coat and heat through. If not using cornstarch to thicken the sauce, cook the dish over high heat to reduce the sauce until slightly thickened.
To make a thicker sauce, this is where the cornstarch comes into play. Mix the cornstarch and the warm water together to form a slurry. When well mixed, pour into the wok and stir, and bring to a boil. This will thicken the sauce. At this point you finish the dish. Remove the pan from the heat, and drizzle with the sesame oil. Toss to coat well, and serve.

O-ball

I was a little hesitant buying the O-ball for my son thinking he may not like it since it's just a ball with holes, but boy was I wrong!  The O-ball is one of my son's favorite toys.  The ball has holes where the baby can easily grab it.  He can spend a good 30 mins just putting his hands randomly into the holes, grabbing it, turning the ball around, and throwing the ball.  It's a good way for the baby to develop their hand and eye coordination.  I just leave the ball on my son's chest while he's lying down, and he just takes the ball and starts playing it.

The ball is made of very flexible material so you can throw it at someone and it won't hurt.  You can even put the ball in the dishwasher if you want a quick wash!  It's so durable.

Rhino Toys O-ball gets two thumbs up from my son.  I highly recommend getting this ball for anyone who wants their baby to practice their hand and eye coordination.

Olliegraphic

Last month, I came across a site Sarah+Abraham  and fell in love with her products.  I found out about Sarah+Abraham through a design and decorating website called Project Nursery.  Sara (Yes, that how she spells her name) sells a variety of personalized products such as paper goods, plates, bowls, pillows, water bottles, stamps, and even cupcake toppers! 

I bought two of the personalized pillows as Easter gifts for my son and my  niece.  These pillows come in various colors from bubble gum pink to lake blue.  You can also personalize each pillow down to the shape of your child's eyes.  I chose almond shape eyes for both my pillows. Glasses can also be added as well if your child wears glasses.  Overall, I thought it was a fun way to represent your cuties at home.

Each custom throw pillow is hand-sewn on upholstery-weight fabric.  These adorable pillows can be used as decorative accents for your nursery, child's room, or family room.  I placed Noah's pillow in my living room.   Every time I see it, I see my Noah smiling back at me.

Below are some of the other products Sara sells.  Check out her website to see more!

Bowls and Plates

Cupcake Toppers, how cute is this!

Invitations

Happy 4th of July in May?

I always try to prepare and think about upcoming holidays at least 2 - 3 months in advance.  This is what helps me get things done with my busy schedule.  The next big holiday is the 4th of July.  I don't want to get stuck shopping for red, white, and blue clothes the week of July 4 only to find out all the cute and inexpensive items have been taken.  This often leads to leaving you with "the leftovers" which  usually don't look as good or cost a lot more.

When buying a cute outfit for any holiday my first stop is ALWAYS Old Navy because their clothes/accessories are so affordable.  I don't feel too guilty buying items I know will only be worn once at Old Navy.  You don't need to dig too deep in your pockets for your little one to look cute since they are already cute as it is!  I know I don't need to for my "cupcake".

Below are some of my faves from Old Navy's  "Americana" collection, which is perfect for July 4th:

These sandals look cute on any little patriot

Love these red sandals.   The cute bows make any feet dainty. 

This hat is so stylin' 

My daughter will be wearing this.

My nephew will be sporting this one!  He explodes with cuteness 24/7!

This baby denim top screams Americana.  The embroidery adds a soft touch.

Can't forget this classic look.  Timeless!

We must not forget a hat to protect our little ones' precious heads.

Get Inspired!

As I was browsing through the web for some art work for my son's nursery,  I came across a website which sells Inspirational Art Work.  I thought it was a pretty cool idea to add art work in a child's room that can inspire them as well.  These are all done on canvas and are sent out in a wooden frame.   Below are some of my favorites:

A Poem for all Mothers out there: Happy Mother's Day!

To celebrate Mother's day, I wanted to share with you a poem titled Before I was a Mom.  I recently became a mom this year so this poem is something I can relate to.  For all Moms out there enjoy spending your Mother's Day with your loved ones.  Happy Mother's Day!

Before I was a Mom -
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.
Before I was a Mom -
I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on - Pooped on - Spit on - Chewed on, or Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and My thoughts. I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom -
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom -
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life
so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

Author: Unknown

http://www.mothersdaycelebration.com/mothers-day-poem.html#Before-I-Was-Mom