Prego Planner

Mold Ice With a Bundt Pan

2010-06-08T11:11:00.002-05:00

I LOVE a good tip! Don’t you? I especially love a tip that allows me to use what I already have lying around our home. At a stage in life where parties are frequent, I thought I would pass along a great way to repurpose and everyday item.

You can give a punch bowl an elegant (and functional) touch with this floating ice sculpture. Simply fill the cake pan with nonalcoholic punch, freeze, and pop out before serving!

Source: Real Simple

Build a Better Grandparent

2010-06-07T08:05:00.000-05:00

You might find this funny, but I have already began taking notes on how to be a better GRANDparent (God willing). I simultaneously take daily notes on how to be a better parent and I’m sure that will be a life-long process.
My children are blessed to have loving and involved grandparents. And just like parenting, I have found that “involved” is the key word. In my “How To Be a Great Grandmother” notebook that I keep, I have listed things like:

Play, play, play and play endlessly
Pretend, pretend, pretend and pretend endlessly
Send pictures in the mail
Call often
Send care packages (whether a coloring book, an age appropriate kids meal toy or balloons delivered by the florist)…just send care packages!
Read books over the phone
And much more…

While speaking with friends, I have also found that many mothers have expectations that aren’t met by their children’s grandparents. If you’re lucky, you can get a head-start on this tricky relationship by taking a look at this article posted at http://www.pregnancy360.com/you/build-better-grandparent.

Also, if you are like us, we have long-distance grandparents. A super username and password protected tool is www.myfamily.com. You can keep your family connected with a protected family blog and online events calendar. There is also a new fabulous iPhone app!

Our New Name, Our New Line...Your Thoughts

2010-05-25T15:16:00.028-05:00

We want to hear it (at lest we think we do ;o) - the good, the bad, the ugly. Shoot it to us straight. The new company name…the new line…which style do you love...what design would you like to see...we’re putting ourselves out there and we want to know what you think.

First off, our NEW Company Name! TaDaaaa!!!

Wanna know what it means?!

Bumposity n.
1 a state of maintaining a stylish appearance during pregnancy
2 a quality of great importance which expresses beauty, sacrifice, heart and chicness

Do you want to know How to Rock Bumposity Style?!

Today’s expecting woman demands something special, yet functional, from her “new” wardrobe. Adding an extra sparkle to that motherly glow, Bumposity scarves make a great fashion accessory to any maternity wardrobe. Turn an average tee and jean into something amazing!

Stage 1: Bump in Progress
Bumposity scarves can be worn when a “maternity” label is not yet necessary. Pair with pre-pregnancy pants, jeans, skirts and shorts that are unbuttoned, and she can wear any pre-preggers favorite as long as her wombmate allows.

Stage 2: Blossoming Bump
The perfect accessory for transition wear that fits her body, but not her bump. Bumposity scarves not only smooth out panels and conceal excess fabric, but they also assist in holding up any style that her wombmate hasn’t yet grown into.

Stage 3: No Ifs Ands or Bumps About It
Her wombmate may eventually begin to push under-the-bump styles down around her hips and t-shirts up towards her lips! Bumposity scarves provide stylish reinforcement and extra coverage over low rise maternity styles and the shirts that have become vertically challenged.

The Materials:
Bumposity scarves are made of 95% cotton, 5% spandex, stylish details and just the right amount of flirt to go with the expecting lady’s style. Each design transfer is constructed with colored Swarovski crystal rhinestones and/or colored rhinestuds and domes.

The Inspiration:
During my first pregnancy, I purchased a maternity accessory with the hopes that it would help hold up my (at the time) unbuttoned pants, and later on, give length to my favorite tees that must’ve shrunk in the wash (wink, wink ;o). Things didn’t go as planned and I became unsatisfied with my accessory because it always seemed to “roll” on me. Either it “rolled” down when I sat or it “rolled” up when I sat…sometimes it “rolled” up AND down. So when I became pregnant the second time around, I quickly started searching for another solution. Enter, the NEW Bumposity scarves.

At the time, my creation wasn’t for market purposes, but to take care of my own personal needs as an expecting mother. But before I knew it, people were stopping me everywhere I went asking me, “Where did you get that wrap?! That is so adorable!”...“Where did you get that?! I’ve got to get one for my daughter!”...“Oh my! That makes me wish I was pregnant again!” That is when the light bulb came on and Bumposity was born.

WIN ONE BEFORE YOU CAN BUY ONE!
One lucky reader will win a Bumposity scarf before you can buy it!

How?
Simple! Just leave us a comment below with your thoughts on our new company name, our new product and which Bumposity scarf is your fav! All comments must be posted by June 30, 10pm CST.

Extra Entries!
Subscribe to our blog
Tweet this giveaway up to three (3) times a day
Become a fan on Facebook (search “Prego Planner”)

We use random.org to choose our winners. Winner will have 48 hours to confirm their win or a new person will be chosen. Various ways to enter so use them all!! Good luck Dolls!!

*Note: Soon to be sold exclusively through our www.bumposity.com website.

Just a Mum?

2010-05-10T11:48:00.007-05:00

To all grandmothers, mothers and mother-to-bes: You may have read this before, but if not, you should...

A woman, renewing her driver's licence ,
was asked by the woman at Registry to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

'What I mean is, ' explained the woman at Registry,
'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'

'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.

'I'm a Mum.'

'We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself
in the same situation.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'City Registrar.'

'What is your occupation?' she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.'

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words..
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire..

'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more li ke it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern..
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum.'

Motherhood!

What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.

Interview With a Four Year Old

2010-04-29T23:40:00.009-05:00

Inspired by the pregnancy and birth of my first son, I started this company. I have pictures with him in the cradle swing surrounded by tons of Prego Planners and store shipments…same with my second son. And since the beginning, I have always imagined in the back of my mind, being able to pass the company on to my children. Well, that was with the expectation that we would have a girl. And since it looks like there will be strictly frogs and snails and puppy-dogs’ tails running around this house, I had decided that there would just come a point when I would have to sell the business. That is until I discovered the incredible talent of my four year old.

Though he doesn’t know squat about pregnancy, his interview skills are through the roof! If you can answer his questions, then by all means…you’re hired! Donald Trump has nothing on my little B-man. With him as my company recruiter, we will be equipped with the best of the best to run this enterprise! However, now that I think about it, if that is the means in which we are hiring…then I’m fired!

You may know this interview process that I speak of. It’s something that my son puts me through daily to test my knowledge …and my patience. I often wonder if he is laughing inside. It goes something like this:

B: “Mommy, can I have some apple juice?”

Me: “I’m sorry Sweets, but we are out of apple juice.”

B: “Why?”

Me: “Because you drank all of it.”

B: “Why?”

Me: “Because you were thirsty.”

B: “Why?”

Me: “Because you must have played hard.”

B: “Why?”

Me: “Because you like to play hard.”

B: “Why?”

Me: “Because God made little boys that way.”

B: “Why?”

Me: “Because God is a creative God.

B: “What does ‘creative’ mean?”

Me (sifting through my “mommy dictionary): “It means being able to make neat things.”

B: “Why?”

Me (losing my patience): “Son, I’m sorry, but I don’t know why.”

B: “Why?”

Me (lost my patience): “I JUST DON’T KNOW. I’M SORRY. OKAY?!”

B: “Why are you sorry?”

Me (to distract him from the current conversation): “Would you like a cookie?”

B: “Yes! I want a cookie with some apple juice!”

And here we go again….

Now, take and implement that type of interview system in large corporations and in our government and that puts a much higher standard on qualifications!

Walking a "Faint Line"

2010-04-24T09:54:00.003-05:00

I remember lying in bed one afternoon after arriving back home from a week-long vacation in San Diego. Suddenly, I had the "feeling" that I might be pregnant. Since we had been trying for some time, I jumped out of bed, ran to my supply of pregnancy tests (as I took them often) and immediately went through the "pregnancy potty procedure". Within seconds, the test showed positive!

My second pregnancy was a different story. While we had been talking about having a second child, we were anticipating the wait of becoming pregnant to be just the same as it was the first time. For weeks, I awaited the arrival of darling Mother Nature. After being two weeks late, I took a pregnancy test which showed negative. At three weeks late, I took another pregnancy test which also delivered a negative pregnancy sign. Finally, at four weeks late, I took yet another pregnancy test and it slowly showed a positive. When I arrived at my first doctor's visit, I was seven weeks pregnant and the home pregnancy tests almost never admitted to it.

So what happens when you are in that type of situation or when you receive a "faint line" on your home pregnancy test? Dr. Tracey Telles, obstetrician and fertility specialist, explains:

That depends. For a home pregnancy test to give you a positive result, your body has to be making a detectable level of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). But not all pregnancy tests can detect the same amount of hCG; a sensitive test is one that turns positive even if a low amount of the hormone is present. The more sensitive a pregnancy test is, the earlier it will show a positive result.

If the test you're using is only faintly positive, it may not be very sensitive. If you still have the box, it should say somewhere what the test's sensitivity is — the lower the number, the better the test. For example, a test with a sensitivity of 20 IU/L (milliInternational Units per Liter) will tell if you're pregnant sooner than a test with a sensitivity of 50 IU/L. A good rule of thumb is that the more expensive a pregnancy test is, the more sensitive it's likely to be. But you should still read the side of the box to see what the kit says.

Many women get a faintly positive result if they're not as far along as they expected. If this turns out to be the case for you, taking another test in two or three days should give you more exact results. Most home urine tests should be positive by the time your period is due if your body is making the normal amount of hCG.

If your test is faintly positive for a few days and then turns completely negative, you may have had a very early miscarriage. Experts estimate that about 20 to 30 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, so unfortunately this is very common.

Finally Going To Have A Baby

2010-03-21T23:26:00.004-05:00

She is finally going to have a baby and she couldn't be more excited. Meet our next GlaMOMorous Expecting Mother - Kristen.

Tell us a little about your journey towards pregnancy.
My husband and I made the decision in April of 2009 to start trying to have a baby. So I finished my last pack of birth control pills and we were officially on our way towards a baby. Immediately I began having trouble with my cycles and we tried everything the doctor could do without having to go into the office. In October I saw my regular doctor and she did some blood work and determined that my testosterone levels were elevated. She referred me to a reproductive endocrinologist and after more blood work and a couple of ultrasounds it was determined that I have poly cystic ovary syndrome. In January 2010 we started Clomid. Our very first cycle on it was successful for us!!! We did a home pregnancy test on Sunday February 7 before church and it was positive!!!

What is your due date?

October 18, 2010.

Did you have a hunch you were pregnant before you found out?
I had no clue. I had been cramping the few days before I tested and I figured I was getting ready to start my period.

What was your initial reaction to being pregnant?
We were thrilled! After ten months of trying we were finally going to have a baby!

How did you tell your husband/partner?
I just woke him up and told him. Nothing fancy just that we were going to have a baby!!!

Did your husband/partner react in any certain way?
Since he was asleep when I went in there to tell him I don’t think it hit him right away. He was excited after he woke up!

Can you describe the moment you saw your baby for the first time during the ultrasound?

It was AMAZING! I was exactly six weeks so I was really nervous that we wouldn’t be able to see the heartbeat but as soon as we saw the baby we saw the little flicker of the heartbeat! It was so wonderful!

How do you feel about your changing body?
There haven’t been many changes yet but I welcome the changes.

What do you love most about being pregnant?
I love that we have this tiny little baby growing in my belly that is our baby to love and protect and raise!

What do you like least about being pregnant?
So far I love everything. I haven’t had any morning sickness, but that would be my least favorite thing if I did.

If this is NOT your first child, what does your other child/children think about a baby being in Mommy’s tummy?
This is our first child but my niece keeps asking me “Chickie, is your baby here yet?” it is so sweet. She asked me three times yesterday!

Do you know the gender of your baby? If so, have you chosen a name?
We don’t know yet. But we will definitely be finding out.

Have you been buying baby items yet?
My grandmother bought the baby an outfit and a sock monkey but we haven’t bought anything yet.

What are some necessities you would suggest to other pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant? Any creative alternatives to maternity clothes?
I have been buying dresses that have an empire waist to accommodate for a growing belly.

Does the thought of labor make you nervous?

Not really.

We wish you the best of luck Kristen! There is nothing in the world like being called "Mommy"!

If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted on the GlaMOMorous World Blog, please contact us at sales (at) braelynbountybug (dot) com. Each expecting lady highlighted will receive a FREE Tot Tag of their choice.

The GlaMOMorous Angie

2010-03-01T12:12:00.006-06:00

About five to six years ago, I met this beautiful, soft spoken sweetheart named Angie - happily married to her husband John and without children. Fast forward five years, she is the mother of two amazingly beautiful children, Caleb and Sydney, and one baby girl on the way. GlaMOMorous World…I would like you to meet Angie.

Tell us a little about your journey towards pregnancy.
Well, that’s a loaded question but I’ll be brief! About 7 years ago, my husband and I decided *we* were ready for children. God had other plans and it took over 2 years to get pregnant. He has blessed us immensely and quite easily since then.

What is your due date?
March 28

Did you have a hunch you were pregnant before you found out?
No, I was living in complete denial!

What was your initial reaction to being pregnant?
Uh oh! And then, a big smile.

How did you tell your husband/partner?
I’m ashamed to say it was over the phone after I received the news from my OB/GYN after blood work was done for a routine yearly appointment.

Did your husband/partner react in any certain way?
Uhhhh…really? But he was excited too after the initial news.

Can you describe the moment you saw your baby for the first time during the ultrasound?
With every heartbeat listen and ultrasound I cry with pure joy. It is such a miracle and a blessing. Even with my 3rd pregnancy, I am just in awe of the whole process and love to see her little face on that screen! It is also such a relief to see a healthy baby.

How do you feel about your changing body?
During pregnancy I actually feel better and more self-confident about my body than when I am not pregnant. It is that after baby body, I am not so excited about!

What do you love most about being pregnant?
Feeling the baby move. This baby has been quite active and loves worship music at church and hear her brother and sister talk to her.

What do you like least about being pregnant?
Lack of energy.

Do you have any odd or different cravings?
This once vegetarian loves red meat while pregnant!

If this is NOT your first child, what does your other child/children think about a baby being in Mommy’s tummy?
Both Caleb (4) and Sydney (2) are incredibly excited about the baby. They love to talk to her and kiss my belly. I hope they are as excited about her once she is born!

Have you been buying baby items yet?
Poor #3 will be getting all hand me downs from her sister! But I am sure she won’t be too deprived, girl clothes are just too adorable to not buy sometimes.

What are some necessities you would suggest to other pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant?
Let yourself nap if you can while pregnant. Don’t stress out about following what all the books say to do. Get in a good routine that works for YOU and YOUR baby. Exercise even when you don’t feel like it. It does wonders for energy level and self-confidence.

Any creative alternatives to maternity clothes?
I can’t stand maternity pants, so I buy regular jeans in larger sizes and just leave them unbuttoned. You have to wear extra long shirts, but to me it is worth it! I wear ‘cute’ sweat pants or yoga pants most of the time but when it is time to dress up a bit, I love wearing a decent pair of jeans and my black boots.

Does the thought of labor make you nervous?
A little. I’ve had one labor and delivery without any pain medications and one with an epidural at 7.5 dilated. I’m planning another natural one this time, but we’ll have to see how long the labor lasts!

What is your favorite maternity clothing line? Oh, I am not the person to ask this question! I don’t like shopping much and can’t stand maternity clothes so I’d have to say Old Navy yoga pants, Old Navy jeans (in bigger than normal sizes) and my husband’s closet!

If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted on the GlaMOMorous World Blog, please contact us at sales (at) braelynbountybug (dot) com. Each expecting lady highlighted will receive a FREE Tot Tag of their choice.

2010-02-26T14:23:00.003-06:00

Attention all you precious pregger ladies...and those of you who knows someone who is preggers. There are only two more days left to get an award-winning Prego Planner for $19.95. Forget yellow ducks and teddy bears, the Prego Planner is a fashionably functional pregnancy planner that was designed specifically for MOM. Makes a useful and affordable gift. See more at http://www.pregoplanner.com/.

Meet Clarissa

2010-02-08T18:44:00.007-06:00

I LOVED being pregnant. The belly, the kicks...the big boobs! I loved pregnancy so much that it inspired me to start Braelyn Bounty Bug. And starting today, we are going to begin highlighting some amazing mom-to-bes from around the world. After all, they deserve the attention…they’re giving the best gift one could give - LIFE!

So without further ado, please meet the GlaMOMorous Clarissa.

What is your due date? How far along are you?
Due Date is March 16th, 2010 but, I have big babies who don’t like to leave my womb so I am going in for a repeat C-section on March 9th so—that puts me at 32 weeks.

Did you have a hunch you were pregnant before you found out?
YES! I knew the night we conceived that I was pregnant as crazy and insane as that sounds! As soon as it was soon enough to know, I took a test {or 3} and they confirmed! I just knew…it was a gut feeling from the beginning—I also knew it was a girl right away.

What was your initial reaction to being pregnant?
Extreme delight! This is my 3rd child and I definitely wanted to have one more before I turned 30 years old. The baby is due in March and I turn 30 in June.

How did you tell your husband/partner?
I couldn’t keep it in once I knew so I just told him to hurry home because I had a surprise-I went to the store and had bought a onesie that said “Daddy’s Girl” and put that along with the pregnancy test that said “Pregnant” on his desk.

Did your husband/partner react in any certain way?
He said “No way!” in disbelief that I was right from the get-go {the conception night} he literally made me get the kids in the car and we headed to Target to get another test so he could see the beginning to the end of the testing—and the result! LOL I was a tad bit upset to be honest but, once the shock wore off for him he was excited and called everyone.

Can you describe the moment you saw your baby for the first time during the ultrasound?
Just excitement—pure joy. They are so funky looking at first but, I knew that little pea would look cute eventually. The heartbeat flickering on the screen was the best.

How do you feel about your changing body?
I am loving it this time around. Like I said, I know that this is my last child so, I have embraced the belly. I have taken a picture of the tummy weekly since about 17 weeks.

What do you love most about being pregnant?
The “glow’ that you know you have. After the initial morning sickness goes away I always feel like my skin looks great and I am always smiling. Just the joys of knowing there is a tiny person fluttering around in your belly is amazing.

Do you have any odd or different cravings?
CAKE! My oldest child is a girl and I was the same with her—craved cake all the time! It’s not really odd but, it’s funny.

Do you or did you have morning sickness? If so, what have you found to calm your morning sickness?
I had terrible nausea which was sadly better than previous pregnancies for me. I had my head in the toilet for 3 months straight with my son so just the nausea this time around was way better. I found that Ginger Snap Cookies did the trick for me and also eating small snacks all day long.

Do you know the gender of your baby? If so, have you chosen a name?
We know it’s a GIRL! We actually had the ultrasound done after we had done one of those at home gender tests and the gender test said it was a girl so then the ultrasound was just a confirmation. We have chosen a name-we were most excited about picking a name.

Is there a special story behind the name?
We are naming our baby girl Suriyah Frances. Suriyah was the name of my husbands great grandmother and Frances was the name of my great grandmother. We wanted a very traditional Arabic name for a girl.

What are some necessities you would suggest to other pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant? Any creative alternatives to maternity clothes?
I always had an easy time getting pregnant. I thank God for that blessing. I really think that when you are ready, you will get pregnant and you have to just trust that it is in God’s hands. I have to admit that I don’t own very much maternity clothing at all. I own maternity jeans and wear lots of tank tops underneath slightly larger tops than I usually wear. The styles now are way more forgiving for pregnant moms and are roomy and longer making it easy to wear with a bump.

Does the thought of labor make you nervous?
I am having a planned C-section but, I do think of the chance that I will have to go through natural child birth and in all honesty, I am frightened of that!

Have you chosen to get the H1N1 vaccination?
I did! My doctor told me that another patient of his who is expecting got sick with the virus and she had the baby 10 weeks early and was in the hospital on a respirator for weeks. I couldn’t imagine taking that risk.

Anything else you would like to add?
As stressful and crazy as any one pregnancy can be, I think that the end result is always worth it. If you have never had a child before just know that in the end, when that little person is in your arms it is just the beginning of one of the most beautiful relationships in your lifetime. You will now know what true unconditional love is-and it’s amazing.

If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted on the GlaMOMorous World Blog, please contact us at sales (at) braelynbountybug (dot) com. Each expecting lady highlighted will receive a FREE Tot Tag of their choice.

February Special

2010-02-02T12:17:00.003-06:00

I'm a hopeless romantic so of course I love the month of February...roses, candlelight, kisses, and if you're lucky...diamonds ;o). While this month is filled with LOVE, it is also filled with a Prego Planner SPECIAL! Celebrating the love you have made, Braelyn Bounty Bug will be offering Prego Planners at a special price of $19.95 during the month of February. If you are pregnant or know someone how is, the Prego Planner is the ultimate companion when there is so much to DUE.

Pregnant or Not

2010-01-13T10:10:00.002-06:00

Pregnant or not, here the cold winter months come!

With temperatures recently being in the single digits, warmth and coziness have been a top priority in my home. But when I ran across this little jewel from Isabella Oliver, I realized that the cold isn't that bad when you can look this great! The Shirt Coat is an ultra chic piece that can be bought during pregnancy (or even while not pregnant) and worn long after the baby years have passed. And it doesn't hurt that it comes in the best color of all...PINK!!

See more at www.isbellaoliver.com.

2010-01-07T11:07:00.001-06:00

She’s proudly Canadian and she proudly loves her Prego Planner.

Emily B was the winner in a recent Prego Planner giveaway/review at Jo-Jo’s Place. (See more here: http://momof2andwife.blogspot.com/2009/11/prego-planner-and-tot-tag-review.html) She loved her Prego Planner so much, that she decided to share it with the followers of her fabulous Canadian blog, “Emily’s Latest”. You can see all that Emily has to say about the Prego Planner as she compares it to her experience with other pregnancy organizers at http://emilyisland.blogspot.com/2010/01/prego-planner-review-and-giveaway.html

We’re so glad you adore your Prego Planner Emily and we wish you the best of luck on your journey towards pregnancy!

1st Market of 2010

2010-01-06T09:04:00.000-06:00

As we all know, it’s the beginning of 2010 and visions of success have been dancing around my head. A small girl with big plans, I’m a little nervous today. You see, today is the first day of our first market of the year. That’s right…the Gift Market at AmericasMart in Atlanta opens up today. I look at this Show to give me an idea of what the market will look like this year, but most importantly, how we will be accepted.

So….as my 1 year old has escaped my office with my Blackberry, I am not only anxious to see what the sales of the first day of the year will look like, I’m worried that some of my many contacts are currently being deleted or that a retailer or showroom will call and my son will answer with a “uce, uce” (juice, juice) or a “bye, bye”.

Here’s to 2010!

Go ahead…Make my Market!

How Divine

2010-01-05T14:44:00.004-06:00

The Prego Planner is proudly celebrating the launch week of Divine Diva Media by giving away a Prego Planner at http://www.divinedivamedia.com/ on Day #3.

Divine Diva Media (DDM) currently consists of three inspirational and fabulous web sites:

Family Home Evening
http://www.divinedivamedia.com/search/label/Family%20Home%20Evening

Love Actually
http://www.divinedivamedia.com/search/label/Love%20Actually

Modern Molly Mormon
http://www.divinedivamedia.com/search/label/Modern%20Molly%20Mormon

Divine reads can be found at http://www.divinedivamedia.com/. Hurry! Go check them out! (And register to win a Prego Planner while you are there ;o)

Working With Sparkle in 2010

2010-01-05T10:54:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year Everyone! And a special Happy New Year to all those expecting mothers out there…what an exciting year you have in store for you!

Braelyn Bounty Bug is “expecting” this year as well and we could not be more thrilled! With a new look, a new product launch, a new market, and new showrooms in the works…we are working hard bring a special twinkle to the maternity market in 2010. Our products are sure to add some sparkle to the glow of expecting mothers.

Looking forward to an amazing year!

@FutureMama Loves Her Prego Planner

2009-12-31T11:31:00.002-06:00

The entrepreneurs and business leaders of today have been convinced that social media is a “must” when growing their business. Therefore, the Prego Planner has a Facebook page and we can also be found on Twitter (BountyBug). And though I’m still in the process of mastering LinkedIn, I know I will get there sooner or later.

Out of the three listed above, I find Twitter to be the most interesting. I love how you can make some really wonderful and interesting “cyber friends” via Twitter. And before you know it, you know more about the lives of your cyber friends than you do about the lives of your very own neighbor living right next door.

One of the very first people I started following on Twitter was @FutureMama. Though under a different name when I began following her, I immediately fell in love with her tweets and blog posts concerning her thoughts, fears and desires of one day becoming an expectant mother. In October 2009, @FutureMama became pregnant and you can follow her very wonderful, popular, transparent, and honest voyage of pregnancy at http://babymakingmachine.blogspot.com/.

If you visit her blog today, you will see that @FutureMama is a BIG fan of the Prego Planner with nothing but amazing things to say…such as, “I literally squealed when I got it.” She is also giving her readers a chance to win a Prego Planner of their choice. The contest ends tomorrow on January 1, 2010 (Wow…did I just type the year 2010?) so hurry on over and join the journey with @FutureMama and her sweet Spawnie. See more at http://babymakingmachine.blogspot.com/2009/12/staying-organized-while-pregnant-prego.html

Love and Twinkle

2009-12-30T15:30:00.002-06:00

Christmas music playing softly in the background, coffee brewing, apple cider on the stove top, monkey bread baking in the oven, and the tree loaded down with a trail of presents that Santa left behind. I was the last to bed and the first to rise…anticipating the look and words of my 3 year old when he first saw what Santa was able to shove down the chimney.

Nearly 30 minutes later as I strolled through the house making sure everything was perfectly in place, the family began to arise and arrive. Not only was my 3 year old thrilled at the sight of what Santa had left behind, but to my surprise, my 1 year old was just as excited. As family continued to arrive Christmas morning and the packages multiplied, I realized that I could never be more blessed than I was at that very moment.

I was very proud of Santa this year for being creative with his (her) selection and not falling for the “toy of the year” gimmick. You know…the one where they only allow ONE per customer because they are in such high demand. Nope…didn’t even give it a second thought. (Though as a Mompreneur, I will confess my jealousy of those who are able to create and market a product that becomes the “hot and most wanted” item of the season.)

As all of Santa’s gifts had been opened and they boys had moved on to the gifts from their amazing and gracious grandparents, I suddenly noticed a hamster scrambling across the piles of wrapping paper on our living room floor! Quick – someone grab a net and catch that critter that is mooing at me like a cow and crowing like a rooster! Wait…that’s not what I think it is…is it? Oh no! There goes another…and he just honked at me as if I had cut him off in the middle of 5:00 pm Friday traffic! It couldn’t be. Not a Zhu Zhu Pet…and not TWO Zhu Zhu pets. Not in my home! But it was true. There was a loving grandmother in the house who made sure that her grandsons had the most wanted and most popular gift of the season.

So while Love, Twinkle (our Zhu Zhus) and the boys are catching a nap, I am making a slight change to my list of the “Top Five People I Would Like To Interview”. And moving in at #5 is…(drum roll please……) The Makers of the Zhu Zhu Pet. As a Mompreneur, I know what you mean when you say, “I have a great idea and I want to take it to market.” But tell me Mr. Zhu Zhu, how in the world were you able to market a hamster that moos, crows, honks and snores into being the most wanted gift of the season? I am honest to goodness happy for your success (and yes…a little jealous), but would you mind to tell me who does your marketing team consist of and do you mind if I borrow them? I know they could do wonders for the Prego Planner!

Babyluxe {daily} Product Review

2009-12-09T11:10:00.003-06:00

I have to admit, I’m plum worn out. I would love to say that I find it very simple to be a mom of two very young and beautiful boys while being an amazing wife to my loving husband while trying to get my business off the ground and keeping my home in order. However, it just isn’t easy…it is exhausting.

At times, it’s easy to think that something has to give. Yesterday, however, I received notice that Babyluxe {daily} had posted a review on our products; and after reading the article, it confirmed once again why I am doing this “small business thing”.

About the Prego Planner, Babyluxe said,

“You will not find anything like this planner in the book stores…this is truly unique, filled to the brim with pages of essential ‘checklists’ and planning tools!”

“If you’ve tried other planners and were not happy I’m positive you’ll find what you need with this one!”

Checkout everything Babyluxe {daily} has to say about the Prego Planner and Tot Tag at http://babyluxedaily.com/2009/12/08/braelyn-bounty-bug-free-gift-with-purchase/. While your there, look for the special code that will score you a FREE Tot Tag of your choice with any Prego Planner offer.

Grand Holiday Giveaway

2009-12-04T11:23:00.000-06:00

Braelyn Bounty Bug and the Prego Planner are very excited to be a part of the 2009 Babyluxe {daily} Grand Holiday Giveaway at www.babyluxedaily.com! Go check it out!

You will be amazed at the prize packages available. There are packages that contain items for everyone in your life from your children, to your husband, to your best friend to the expecting lady in your life. With 15 ways to enter, your chances of becoming a winner are good. Head on over to http://babyluxedaily.com/2009/12/03/grand-holiday-giveaway/comment-page-6/#comment-23778, pick your favorite prize package and enter to win!!

An American Soldier

2009-12-02T21:34:00.002-06:00

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a letter to a soldier from my family!

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving. I don’t know about you, but I had so much gobble it made me wobble. I’m glad it’s over with because that means it’s Christmas time! Yay! Our home has been decorated for three weeks now so I’m thrilled!

So my oldest is now three years old and it is becoming more and more important that I teach him the real meaning of Christmas. Therefore, I am attempting to involve him in as many “giving” activities as I can. We started with filling a shoe box full of goodies and necessities for both a little girl and a little boy. My son had an amazing time filling the boxes as we ran up and down the aisles of Target. If it were up to him, we would have thrown a set of patio furniture in the box, but lucky for me it wouldn’t fit! It was easy to get carried away, but I tried to keep us focused picking up toothbrushes, toothpaste, brushes, etc. and of course the “required” crayons and coloring books, trains, and cars. He had a blast putting the boxes together and once they were filled, we held hands and prayed over the boxes as well as for the children that would receive them.

Keeping the momentum going, today we created two homemade Christmas cards to be sent to American soldiers (see image above). I quickly found out that a one year old doesn’t necessarily want to trace his hand without grabbing the pen and a three year old can easily get “glue stick happy”. Though it took longer than expected, and I wanted to keep them to add to our “art” pile, I can’t wait for the boys to place them in the mailbox and wish them off. I hope the soldier who opens these cards finds them as precious and special as I do.

…Next on our list are stockings for the homeless.

If you and your family would like to send a Christmas card to an American Soldier, please address them to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

All letters must be postmarked by December 10.

The Best Pregnancy Planner

2009-11-18T10:32:00.007-06:00

“…the best pregnancy planner for any mom.” Yep! That’s right! Per the words of In The Know Mom, “Braelyn Bounty Bug has truly created the best pregnancy planner for any mom.” Our thoughts exactly! Thank you In The Know Mom for such a fantastic review! We are thrilled to know that you love our products so much that you would highly recommend them to your readers. Please read more of our review at http://intheknowmom.net/index.php?s=prego+planner.

In The Know Mom is a great resource for parents who are looking for modern, safe and stylish items for their children as well as themselves. They do the dirty work of weeding through the abundance of products on the market so that you don’t have to. In The Know Mom offers terrific coupon codes, supports an amazing list of charities, has a great book club and will soon be offering In The Know Mom Swag Bags. Please check them out at http://www.intheknowmom.net/.

Pink Heels

2009-11-16T20:07:00.002-06:00

I have always had a weakness for pink. I have always had a weakness for heels (4 inch or higher please, absolutely any color, preferring platform at the moment, size 7.5 or 8 depending on the designer). So when I received the news that PinkHeels.com had chosen to shine their spotlight on ME…I was ecstatic!! It’s one thing for ME to think of myself and my business as interesting, but when SOMEONE ELSE finds you and your business interesting enough to share with others…well, you can say it makes for a good day. Please read on at http://pink-heels.blogspot.com/2009/11/spotlight-on-heather-patterson.html

Prego Planner Review at Jo Jo’s Place

2009-11-12T10:04:00.003-06:00

Thank you Jo Jo’s Place for such a fantastic review of the Prego Planner and Tot Tag! (And YOU could be saying thank you to Jo Jo’s Place when you WIN a Prego Planner of your choice – read further for details.)

Jo Jo said, “If you’re pregnant, in the early stages of planning to have a baby, or you have a friend or family member with the like then you’re going to want to purchase the Prego Planner!”

And she continued by saying, “I highly recommend the Prego Planner and Tot Tag to anybody pregnant or trying to conceive! And you may not be able to give the Prego Planner for a baby shower gift, but the Tot Tag is the perfect addition to what you’re already going to give!”

You can read more at http://momof2andwife.blogspot.com/2009/11/prego-planner-and-tot-tag-review.html.

If you are pregnant or know someone who is, visit Jo Jo’s Place at http://momof2andwife.blogspot.com/2009/11/prego-planner-giveaway.html for a chance to WIN a Prego Planner of your choice!

Join Us in the Fight for Preemies

2009-11-09T16:11:00.004-06:00

I remember the moment I found out I was pregnant with each of my children. It was a moment filled with overwhelming joy and tears of excitement, yet one of worry. It was a worry like no other and one that stayed with me until the day they were born. I wanted my babies to be completely healthy, growing like they should and making it full term. If you are a mother, I know you understand. Therefore, I know you have compassion for mothers whose children do not make it full-term.

Premature birth is the number one killer of newborns and more than half a million babies are born too early each year. Those premature babies who do survive are often disabled for life. So as part of a national effort to save babies from premature birth, the March of Dimes has declared the month of November - Preemie Awareness Month.

What can you do to help? By visiting our website (http://www.pregoplanner.com/) during the month of November and clicking on the Preemie Awareness Month “ChipIn!” button in the bottom right-hand corner, you can donate and support a cause bigger than yourself. You can play a part in saving a precious child’s life and a mother’s heart. At the end of November, 100% of the funds raised will be donated to the March of Dimes.

Not only will contributing to such an amazing cause lift your spirits, but it will also enter you in a drawing to WIN fabulous prizes from our current awesome sponsors. Donate and you could WIN:

A fantastic all weather WooBee blanket (http://www.rainorshinekids.com/) – my most favorite blanket ever!

A FREE session fee and 8x10 with Heather Owens Photography
(http://www.heatherowensphotography.com/) – she just took pictures of my boys and they were so beautiful that they literally left me speechless.

A gift certificate from BabyLegs (http://www.babylegs.com/) – the most sought after children’s accessory in the world!

Completely tax deductible, you will receive the number of chances to win for each dollar that you donate. For example:

$1 = 1 ticket
$5 = 5 tickets
$10 = 10 tickets
$15 = 15 tickets
$20 = 20 tickets

Keep watching as our list of sponsors is expected to grow. Also, I understand that not everyone will be able to donate. However, I (and the unborn lives) would greatly appreciate it if you could help spread the word and pass this on to others.

Thank you in advance!!

P.S.
Please note that PayPal is not associated with the drawing as they do not participate in raffles. If you have questions about donating, please contact me at heather@braelynbountybug.com.

Tossed to the Floorboard

2009-11-04T16:43:00.003-06:00

It’s been a very long time since I have tended to the GlaMOMorous World Blog. Poor thing, it has definitely been tossed to the floorboard of the third row seat. And in the famous words of my husband, “Excuses don’t explain and explanations don’t excuse.” However, I must get my ten (not two) cents in. It’s one of those things where business gets to going really great and you become so excessively busy that you loose track of your priorities. Busyness fills your days and soon you’re working until 1:00 am and pushing the envelope of becoming emotionally and physically drained. Then the in-laws visit for a couple of weeks…and before you know it…what started with tenacious drive (that’s for you honey ;o) has driven you to exhaustion.

So after a little break and some daylight savings, I’m getting a fresh start to this wife, mother, cleaning lady, diaper lady, laundry lady, lunch lady, taxi lady, business lady, blog, facebook, twitter, marketing, graphic designer, accountant, sales rep, public relations director thing. And as part of successfully fulfilling all of those positions, I decided that I will definitely feel more tenacious (for you again honey ;o) if I rise earlier in the mornings, shower and get fully dressed with a complete face of make-up and tamed hair. That being said, I have waited for a special occasion to wear this little v-neck purple jewel-toned shirt, but since date nights are few and far between, I decided to get some use out of it and wear it to “the office”. Before my coffee even had a chance to “add a special touch” to my shirt, my 1 year old co-worker had accessorized the left shoulder with snooty and my right shoulder with sticky fingerprints of honeydew melon. (As my mother used to say, “Can’t I keep anything nice around here?!”) Oh, the amazingly and wonderfully dog-tired world of a Work At Home Mompreneur…I wouldn’t trade it for the world ;o)

So, as I dust off the GlaMOMorous World Blog and nurture her back to her original beauty, I hope you’ll enjoy what’s in store. As a part of my 2010 Marketing Plan, the GlaMOMorous World Blog will take a new turn. Praying for its success, I am very excited! Stick around…I hope to make YOU a part of it!

Big News

2009-08-20T20:00:00.003-05:00

I love this kind of day….the tenacious kind where nobody’s gonna slow me down (oh no, I’ve got to keep on moving…). The kind where you wake up early – only pressing the snooze button once - and share some quality time and a great workout with Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas. Get home and down a protein shake, get your beautiful children and husband fed and dressed, compose a press release, send it out to as many publications as possible, change 2 poopy diapers, find a new showroom, and accomplish two long conference calls without any interruption. All of this done by 2:00 p.m.

I also love the kind of days where you have great news to share with the world (hence the press release). What’s the big news you may ask? Well, today we officially announced our exclusive distribution and supply agreement with BMB Distribution Limited in Canada. Not only is it a big day for the Prego Planner, but it’s a big day for me as a mompreneur. I’m thrilled about entering the Canadian market with BMB Distribution and I see their focus on the maternity and baby market being a great strategic fit for the Prego Planner. Canada, here we come!

It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish

2009-08-07T14:39:00.001-05:00

Source: You Tube

You have to think anyway, so why not think big?

2009-08-06T22:18:00.002-05:00

Big things are happening in this GlaMOMorous World! And I do mean BIG things people! (Don’t even go there…I’m not prego!) Well, I’m not prego, but my company is!! By the end of 2009, we’re expecting a company name change, new collateral, new marketing plan, and the big news, a new product. Yay!!

Bringing a new product into this world is like pregnancy without the swollen ankles. Your brain becomes mush. You’re overwhelmed, concerned about finances, and you fret about how your “baby” will make it in this world (especially in this economy) as well as the perfect name. You can’t sleep at night, but your spouse can. You find yourself eating chocolate chip Teddy Grahams at midnight while you’re planning for the big arrival and you have a “to-do” list a mile long.

A top priority on my current “to-do” list is “find a custom design studio for new collateral.” As I have been interviewing companies, I have found that they each ask me to complete a basic “who, what and why” questionnaire. And that is what I am doing today. I’m answering in-depth questions that require a lot of thought…which requires silence…which requires everyone in bed…which means once nap time is over, it will be nighty night time before I can work again.

So the question I just finished was, “What are five key goals over the next year/five years?” Hrmmm…Think. Think. Think. And as I was thinking, I recalled words I once heard from Donald Trump, “You have to think anyway, so why not think big?” And boy did I find myself thinking big…a mommy chic pink jet, a beautiful yacht named “Mommy’s Time Out” and me sipping champagne with a sun-kissed body like Heidi Klum’s on the back, an incredible penthouse office on the San Diego Bay….and just as I was getting to the fabulous handbag, the buzzer went off on the dryer.

Okay, so back to Reality…and Reality said, “Hey Prego Planner Mompreneur! Your key goal is to pay your bills and send your children to college!” Which is right, but I have to separate my “MOMpreneur goals” from my “Company goals”. So, since I have to think, I’m going to think big. In one to five years, my Company will (in no particular order):

1. Be an established brand
2. Have a fashionably extensive line of maternity products (not telling – still a secret)
3. Be the “go-to” for maternity needs
4. Be available in major department stores
5. Have worldwide distribution channels
6. Fill an empty niche in the maternity industry
7. Set new maternity trends

Did you see that?! They asked for five and I gave them seven. Yes, I’m an over-achiever today! Now it’s time to print these babies out and hang them above my computer. Better yet, tattoo them on my forehead backwards so each time I look in the mirror, I am reminded to get my tail in gear.

“You better work (cover girl), work it girl (give a twirl), do your thing….sashay shante”

Letter From A Stranger

2009-07-30T10:06:00.006-05:00

In the famous words of Tone Loc, “And it goes a little somethin’ like this….” (You’re welcome…I’ll be singing it all day too.)

You have your first child. You fall madly and deeply in love with your child. You realize that you could never leave his side. You set out determined to find a way to stay at home to catch every single breath that he takes. You develop a terrific product. With the love, help and support of your husband, you start a business and take your product to market. You spend endless hours working your tail off to make something of your business hoping that your, now two sons, will see you as a successful, smart and determined woman who gave her all; a woman who didn’t see her children as an obstacle to her dreams, but glorious inspiration. Outside of your family, you have no idea that you are affecting others.

Well, that is my story in a nutshell. And until our recent article in Life in Chenal Magazine, I had no idea how much my business, my Prego Planner and my story, could affect others who I don’t even know.

Shortly after the Life In Chenal Magazine containing our article was published, I received a most amazing letter in the mail from the Executive Director of a place called “Birthright”. A loving place where women who are pregnant and need help can go for guidance, advice, medical care and so much more. The handwritten letter read:

Dear Mrs. Heather Patterson,

I so enjoyed reading your awesome message in Life In Chenal. My daughter is pregnant and I can not wait to order items from you! I also direct the Crisis Pregnancy Center here in Little Rock…. I would love to talk with you sometime! The joy really showed in the article…. Thank you again for representing the “joy of motherhood”! I will show this article to the ladies who come to our waiting room! Your message will be heard by many who are at a “crossroad” in their lives….

Wow! Receiving that letter was one of the highlights of my mompreneur career.

To learn more about Birthright, please call 501.664.0097. Birthright is located at 804 N. University, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205.

Prego Planner Trunk Show

2009-07-26T13:55:00.007-05:00

I’m a big city girl at heart…I prefer concrete over woods (there are a lot less bugs and snakes, but more importantly…better shopping). I get a “high” from tall buildings and busy interstates. I was 12 years old when I decided that, as soon as I had the chance, I wanted to move to Dallas, Texas. Dallas is big city coming from a hometown with a population of less than 25,000. So after I completed my 4 year, turned 5 year, bachelor’s degree plan of college, I moved to Dallas. I vividly remember telling my parents as we were returning the Uhaul truck, “Mom. Dad. I am finally home!” However, that is before I discovered San Diego, California.

Seven years ago, my husband introduced me to sunny San Diego and it was love at first sight. Matter of fact, I cried when we left. The weather – perfect! The food – delicious! The shopping – magnificent! The ocean – beautiful! The atmosphere – paradisiacal!

We have returned to San Diego nearly every year since and I still cry every time we leave. So when Dress for the Nines (http://www.dressforthenines.com/) invited me to have a trunk show in their new store, I jumped at the chance!

On Thursday, July 16, I hopped in my Enterprise full size rental car - complete with large cigarette burns and smoked filled seats - and headed off to this adorable little boutique in Hillcrest, San Diego. Bobbing and weaving traffic, I wanted the rest of the drivers to believe I was a true San Diegoan. And by the time I had arrived to Dress for the Nines, I had convinced myself that I was.

Allison Andrews, co-owner of Dress for the Nines, greeted me at the door with a most welcoming smile and vibrant personality. As I set up my table, I had an overwhelming sense of accomplishment as a mompreneur…Nah, na na na nah, na na na nah. Here comes the hotstepper! I looked towards the front of the store and saw my products proudly displayed in the window of a beautiful shop in the city I most desire to call home. A sign in front of the store noted the week’s events and Prego Planner was at the top of the list. Wow! All of my hard work beginning to pay off! Sitting on Cloud 9, I left the stratosphere when I looked back towards the display table and saw my new and upcoming product displayed for the first time. And not only was I showcasing our never before seen product, I was privileged to be giving away a new, 100% organic, made in the USA – Hot Mama Gown (http://www.hotmamagowns.com/).

The trunk show lasted from noon -2 p.m. and every minute was thoroughly enjoyed! Inspired by pregnancy, it was such a delight to watch bumps of all sizes and shapes and hormones of all levels walk through the doors. After the show, I zoomed back to the hotel to meet up with my hubby and we began our trunk show celebration "pregnancy style" by splitting a red velvet cupcake at Heavenly Cupcakes followed by a giant hot dog, popcorn and peanuts at the Padres game.

Being my first trunk show, I learned an amazing amount of tid bits to take with me through the planning and preparation of our next trunk show and business in general. Motivated from the trunk show and a week in San Diego, I’m ready to take the maternity world by storm – I can see the lightning now! No wait! That’s the paparazzi!!

Prego Planner and Tot Tag Product Review

2009-07-22T21:04:00.002-05:00

And So I’m Back, From Outer Space – errr, San Diego…Yes, your GlaMOMorous World drought is over! I have returned from the West Coast and it was a magnificent trip….as to be expected. But before I can tell you about sunny and sensational San Diego and the trunk show, I wanted to….

Thank Lauren for the great Prego Planner and Tot Tag review on her blog, 4BabyAndMom!!

About the Prego Planner, Lauren wrote:
“This planner makes one of the best, (in my opinion), and most unique baby shower gifts on the market! In fact, I think that this would be a very cherished memory for first time moms, especially!

About the Tot Tag, Lauren wrote:
“Another amazing product developed by the same super mom, Heather, is the fabulous Tot Tags. Again, another must-have for first timer moms, Tot Tags provides an instant mini-check list of stuff that should be in your diaper bag before you head out.”

Want a chance to win an award winning Prego Planner and Tot Tag? Hurry!! Contest ends July 24! Click on the link below to see the many ways you can win for yourself or a friend.

http://4babyandmom.blogspot.com/2009/07/prego-planner-tot-tags-review-and.html

Can’t wait to share my week in San Diego with you! Please come back to see me soon to get all of the juicy details!

Speed Dating

2009-07-06T21:30:00.004-05:00

Main Entry: speed dating
Part of Speech: n
Definition: An organized method of meeting potential partners in which participants evaluate each other over the course of a single event through a series of brief one-on-one meetings.

It’s market time again and the Atlanta Gift Show will be starting on Wednesday, July 8, and ending on Wednesday, July 15. I always tend to get a little anxious around market time. Probably because, to me, it’s a bit like speed dating. It’s basically a formalized matchmaking process for store owners and product lines. Retailers rotate and meet over a series of short “dates” and at the end of each interval, the retailer makes an immediate decision – interested or not interested. If there is a match, contact information is forwarded to both parties.

We have been a part of an amazing showroom out of Atlanta (JPS The Signature Collection) for a year and a half now. What a terrific group and how privileged we are to be represented by such a great showroom. They do a remarkable job promoting our products and the lines of communication are incomparable. During market, JPS is very good at sending your orders [nearly] as soon as they are received. That being the case, I sit next to the computer like the class wallflower waits by the phone on prom week. I’m clicking the “Refresh” button on my email every minute (our faxes come through via email) looking for the most marvelous and desired words of that week “Incoming Fax from 404 – xxx – xxxx”). What a feeling of great accomplishment you get when the orders come in. Yea! You were accepted! They thought you were astonishingly beautiful, full of life, and had a lot to offer! They want to see more of you!!

So please come visit us at the JPS The Signature Collection Showroom in Atlanta this week. Sit down, spend some quality speed dating time with our products and fall in love with us. We promise to show up on time and to love you back just as much! Pssst…and we’ll even wear a dress (see “Dressy” Prego Planner http://www.braelynbountybug.com/main.php?section=products&pageID=prego-planner).

JPS The Signature Collection
Americasmart 2
230 Spring Street
Suite 1327
Atlanta, GA 30303
404.749.4693
jpsshowroom@yahoo.com

Jumpin' July

2009-07-05T13:29:00.005-05:00

Wahooo!!! July has been such an exciting month! And I’m full of excitement as I anticipate the events that are to take place in the next two weeks. My sister is getting married this next weekend and as the matron of honor, mother of the ring bearer and complimentary wedding planner, I have many duties to fulfill in the days ahead. On a business note, I’ll be leaving for San Diego, California, after the wedding to preview my products at a trunk show at Dress for the Nines (http://www.dressforthenines.com/). (Wish I could say that I was taking the Braelyn Bounty Bug jet, but that is many, many Prego Planners and lottery tickets away ;o) I also hope to be giving a sneak peak of our new product expected to launch in the fall. Oh! And I’ll be giving away a very chic Hot Mama Gown – the alternative to the generic hospital gown (http://www.hotmamagowns.com/) during the show. So if you’re in the San Diego area, please drop by and see me on Thursday, July 16, from noon till 2:00 p.m. Not going to lie, San Diego is one of my MOST favorite places to visit so I’m mixing in a much needed vacay and maybe a little L.A.! Yes, I’ll be sure to send pictures ;o)

Our story in Life In Chenal magazine came out this month too. It is a fantastic article! If you have access to a place that offers Life In Chenal, please pick up a copy and read what we’re about…all that and a bag of chips…and some oreos.

The Prego Planner is featured as part of Pregnancy & Newborn magazine’s July Celebrity Mock Basket Giveaway. If you’re prego or know someone who is, be sure to pick up an issue and register to win. There is some major swag to be given away!

Holiday Road - Part 4

2009-07-03T10:30:00.001-05:00

I have to confess something. I’m ready for the Holiday Road to come to an end. When I started blogging my journey, I was filled with a rush of emotions. Sitting on the edge of my seat, filled to the brim with new-found wisdom that I couldn’t wait to share. Four weeks later, it’s bringing me down and I’m ready for some good belly laughs! Aren’t you?! So the journey ends here folks….

After a poem-filled, event-filled trip to North Carolina, we decided to brave the trip back home. We left that following Monday evening arriving back home at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Exhausted, I unpacked our bags and washed clothes only to pack them back up on Friday for another road trip…thankfully a much shorter road trip.

A two hour drive south, we were invading my parents home for the weekend so I could attend a bridal shower for my sister. My sister, head over heels in love, anxiously anticipating the “big day” and blushing at the sound of her fiance’s name…ohhh, the days of “young love”. The excitement of the unknown…the excitement of starting your lives together…the dreams of starting a family together. It’s the time in life where you don’t let anything else interfere with your love and attention for each other and you swear you never will. You’re consumed with him and him with you. The shower was beautiful and so was the bride-to-be. It was very refreshing to see the bliss in her eyes.

The next day, I had to brave the most difficult trip yet. Before we left for home, I took the boys to visit my grandmother who has been placed in a nursing home. My grandmother, when “present”, asks about her great-grandchildren constantly. The last time I saw her, I barely recognized her. This time, I would have been for certain it wasn’t my grandmother if it weren’t for my grandfather sitting by her side. Unfortunately, she didn’t recognize me or the boys that day. She didn’t even recognize my grandfather. Matter of fact, she asked my grandfather where her husband was.

My grandfather, who still lives in their home, is there when she wakes in the morning until she falls to sleep at night. Everyday, he is there by her side whether she knows it or not. Many nights he is there past midnight. If you have ever seen “The Notebook”, I have witnessed it in real life. My grandfather, who will turn 90 in September, has been head over heels in love with my grandmother since the day they met. As stubborn as she is, he has lived his life to please her. My heart breaking, his eyes full of tears – for him and for her.

She is a woman who I found it hard to connect with, yet I had so much in common with. A lady who refused to let go of the bottle (and I mean the hair dye bottle) until she could no longer raise her hands above her head. A woman who always had an excuse to host a tea party and loved to use her china. Diamond was her best friend and clothes her closest acquaintance. A mother of three boys.

As we drove back home, I contemplated the circle of marriage. Seeing my sister and her fiancé about to start their journey and seeing my grandparents about to end their journey. It made me look at my husband in a whole new light. The man I love more than anything in this world. The sexiest, smartest, strongest man I know. The man who puts up with more attitude from me than he deserves…I never want a day to go by that he doesn’t know how much I love him. We’ve been married for six years and it’s easy to let “life” get in the way. It’s easy to go another day without any quiet time with each other because we’re both exhausted. It’s easy to give all my energized attention to the kids because they demand it. I want to be there by his side when he wakes up and by his side when he falls asleep, giving him all the attention he deserves. Don’t let me take one day together for granted. I want to love him with all I have. I want him to know that I’m loving him with all that I have.

Whew! I’m emotionally drained and glad this road has come to an end. I could barely finish this entry and to be honest, I didn’t want to. Let’s sum up Holiday Road and get back to our regularly scheduled program:

ONE: Long road trips are CRAZY, CRAZY, CRAZY!
TWO: Written by your children, what will your Bio Poem say?
THREE: Written by your friends and acquaintances, what would a poem about your life say?
FOUR: Do you take your spouse and marriage for granted?

Holiday Road - Part 3

2009-06-30T22:44:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I know you are wondering where in the world I have been. The truth is, I don’t know! Let’s see, my sister is getting married in less than two weeks. That being said, I vow to never offer free wedding planning services again. Braelyn Bounty Bug is keeping me on my toes – trunk show on the 16th in San Diego, high hopes of new line to launch in the fall, great response to recent media exposure and so much more. Friends are having babies and adopting babies. Summer is here and I can’t let my boys go a single day without hoping that they think it was the “best day of their life”! To top it off, I have been participating in a “Kick Your Butt Camp” (aka “Boot Camp”) at my gym every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at 5:45. Whew! I’m exhausted!

Now that I have let the excitement build for over a week, let’s continue with the next life lesson learned on Holiday Road. As previously mentioned, the entire trip was to be built around my husband’s grandmother, Frances, who was turning 90. That Friday night, she was surprised with a private and personal square dancing lesson in which we all partook in the “groove”. Being raised in the “Snoop Dog Era”, I wasn’t too up on my square dancing moves, but it didn’t take me long to catch on…and surprisingly have a great time!

Saturday was the big 90th birthday surprise shindig and my mother-in-law had asked me to write a poem about Frances to be read at the party. As I considered it a privilege, the weight of choosing the right words was heavy. However, God easily guided me and the perfect words filled my paper.

There is a special lady
Who we all know
Sitting here like a present
All she needs is a bow.

Wrapped in strength and honor
Filled with wisdom inside
A gift from our LORD in heaven
In whom he takes much pride.

A warm conversation
You wouldn’t want to miss
Her soft and gentle touch
Is like an angel’s kiss

Her children arise
And daily call her blessed
90 years of life
Has graced our special guest

So Happy Birthday Frances
Today we hope you dance
And know deep down in your heart
It is OUR lives you have enhanced.

With the poem completed, there I was left wondering once again – “What would MY poem say?” Only this time, it wasn’t a poem written by my children. It was a poem written by extended family, friends, acquaintances and business associates. Would it mention the LORD? Do they see the LORD through me? Do they enjoy conversations spent with me? Or am I too busy with my own agenda to have meaningful conversations? “Heather, what are you bringing to the table that MATTERS?”

Frances has lived in North Carolina for two years and in attendance were over 50 friends and family. What a profound statement to have gained that many friendships in such a short period. How many people would show up for my party? Would there be 50 people who felt I was deserving of their time? Would there be 50 people whose life had been enhanced by just knowing me?

What does your poem say? How many people will be square dancing at your party? Don’t you think it’s time to give that old story a new twist?

Holiday Road – Part 2

2009-06-16T13:22:00.003-05:00

Okay, back to where I left off…After a cat nap, intended to help me regroup, I came across a motherly eye-opener on my sister-in-law’s refrigerator. It was a Bio Poem that my sister-in-law’s oldest son had written about her. It read:

Bliss
Blissful, excited, firm and funny
Mother of Aubrey and Gage
Lover of my dad, elephants and Jesus
Who feels good, ecstatic and surprised
Who needs chocolate, people, and God's Word
Who gives happiness, light and understanding
Who fears snakes, tornados and the Lord
Who would like to have fun, tell jokes and party
Resident of America
Stowers

Wow! What an eye-opener! It made me think, “If my sons were asked to write a Bio Poem about me, what would it say?” Luckily, my oldest son is three so the vocabulary is limited and I might get a better poem than I deserve. But he won’t be three for long and each and every day he is watching me, taking in each word, reacting to each time I get frustrated, acknowledging when I am sad and realizing when I seem to be too busy. And I’m sure, more often than not, he is wishing I would put down my Blackberry and simply play “cars” just one more time.

Did you notice how many times he mentioned her love of the LORD? He mentioned it three times. Is my love of the LORD that evident to my children? Do I always attempt to show understanding with the grace and love of Jesus? Am I doing all I can do to make sure my children know, love and follow Christ? Would my children mention the LORD in my Bio Poem?

Moms, Dads, Expecting Mommies and Daddies - How would (or will) your Bio Poem read? After I conclude this post, I am going to place a Post-it on my mirror that says “What does your Bio Poem say?” I hope it will serve as a daily reminder that my sweet little blessings are watching my every move and hearing my every word.

I hope you will continue to ride with me down this Holiday Road. The trip “about” a lifetime will continue with another “Life Lesson” that you don’t want to miss.

Holiday Road – Part 1

2009-06-15T11:15:00.002-05:00

I know, I know. No posts in over a week. But I have a good excuse – God sent me on a trip “about” a lifetime. The events that have happened in the past week and a half have put a new perspective on life for me as a wife, mom, sister, daughter, family member and small business owner.

My trip “about” a lifetime all started on Wednesday, June 3 at 9:00 p.m. My handsome hubby, two beautiful boys and myself loaded up in the car for a National Lampoon’s Vacation – a near cross-country drive to North Carolina. Not being one for road trips, I have to admit that I wasn’t looking forward to this “adventure”. BUT, it was a surprise for my husband’s grandmother who was turning 90 and we all wanted to be there.

About 10 hours into the drive I recalled the wise words of Clark Griswold, “THIS IS CRAZY! THIS IS CRAZY! THIS IS CRAZY!” My bottom was numb, the music on my iPod had become redundant, I had played “Where’s the Alphabet” by myself too many times to count, and I was stuck in the Rocky Mountains with no Starbucks in sight. The aforementioned conditions led me to become the “World’s Most Miserable Traveling Partner EVER” with five more hours to go. The only upside I could find was that Aunt Edna wasn’t in my back seat and Dinky wasn’t attached to my back fender.

Finally, after a 15 hour drive, we arrived at my sister-in-law’s home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At that very moment, I had complete compassion for the way Clark Griswold reacted when he discovered that Wally World was closed. Praise the Lord that I wasn’t greeted by Marty Moose and a closed amusement park!

After a cat nap intended to help me regroup, I came across a motherly eye-opener on my sister-in-law’s refrigerator. For the better, it completely changed my “Life as Mom” as I knew it. I hope you will take a read with me on my next post – it’s sure to change your “Life as Mom” as well.

(Video Source: YouTube Videos by CappyNJ)

Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho

2009-06-02T23:24:00.004-05:00

Hello Out There GlaMOMorous Blogollowers!

Just in case you were wondering what happened to me…I wasn’t watching where I was going and fell off the face of the earth. I’m struggling to find my way back as I get lost in my own backyard, but I am confident that you will hear from me very soon.

The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth is that I’m working my tail off trying to promote my products – the Prego Planner and Tot Tag. May was a very interesting and opportunistic month for Braelyn Bounty Bug. The Prego Planner was featured in Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine (Hooray!), I had my interview and photo shoot with Life In Chenal Magazine (Go Girl!), we were invited to have a trunk show at a fabulous store by the name of Dressed to the Nines in San Diego, California, (My Fav City) and I received final samples of our new product we hope to launch this fall (You're gonna love it). Soooo…I can’t let the momentum stop.

My average bedtime these days is about 1 a.m. with morning quickly arriving at 5:30 a.m. – well, at least it has for the past three weeks. Everyone (not living in my home) seems to think I am superwoman. However, those living in my home know that superwoman is far from who I really am. These days, with little to no sleep, I am more like the Seven Dwarfs:

Bashful – At a loss for words because I have no energy to speak them.

Doc – However, still able to adequately perform my emergency Doc Mom calls.

Dopey – Warning: Lack of sleep can lead to dim-witted comments and actions.

Grumpy – Do I need to explain?

Happy – Just another part of my “septolarism”.

Sleepy – Once again, do I need to explain?

Sneezy – Randomly caught a summer cold and I blame it on my lack of sleep.

Okay, it’s 11:30 p.m…….heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it’s back to work I go….

Short and Sweet

2009-05-30T10:31:00.001-05:00

Today’s post will be short and sweet.

We have friends visiting from St. Louis this weekend. They have two boys the same age as our boys so everyone is having a terrific time. My oldest son is getting another lesson on the great and popular topic of “sharing”. Some moments are better than others, but I fully expect him to grasp the concept by the age of 18.

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend and I’ll see you Monday!

Wait a Minute, Mr. Postman

2009-05-27T15:52:00.001-05:00

We are so blessed. We recently moved into a new home – we LOVE our home and we LOVE our new neighborhood. And with a new neighborhood came a new Postman whose mail delivering skills are slightly lacking. Here is my letter to Mr. Postman…

Dear Mr. Postman,

Would you please “wait a minute Mr. Postman” before proceeding to the next mailbox? It seems as if you have left everyone’s mail in my mailbox except for mine.

I appreciate the mail containing $50 worth of stamps that belong to Mrs. Connor up the street. As a mom who is frequently mailing my children’s latest finger paint masterpieces to grandparents across the country, the stamps will greatly come in handy. And as a tenacious entrepreneur, the stamps will be sure to decrease my marketing expenditures for all my direct mail pieces.

However, I do not appreciate the bills from QVC that belong to Ms. Peterson two streets over. I am a firm believer in giving to others, but I can’t help support someone else’s spending habits – I have one of my own to take care of.

And I thank you for the four month early birthday card I received from Jon and Meredith. How wonderfully nice of them to think of me! (Wait a second! Who is Jon and Meredith?! And where is the money that usually accompanies a birthday card?)

Mr. Postman, I know you have good intentions. I am grateful for the job that you do and I admire your dedication. Come rain or shine, someone is going to receive mail somewhere.
At the same time, I have two children, a husband, a home and a business to run. My only spare moments come around one o’clock in the morning and that is too early in the day to assist you with RE-delivering the mail.

So if at all possible Mr. Postman, let’s try to make sure that Mr. Russell receives his lotto tickets from his relative in Georgia. Though the last scratch-off cards weren’t winners, I’m sure he’s wondering where they are.

Sincerely,
The GlaMOMorous Mom

I’m A Survivor

2009-05-25T22:56:00.001-05:00

It’s late at night. The kids have been in bed for a while, my husband is catching up on his Sunday paper in bed (at least I think he is – I haven’t heard any snoring yet), a load of clothes is in the dryer, the dishwasher is going and I am here having my nightly affair with Microsoft Word and QuickBooks.

I’m composing a press release to announce Braelyn Bounty Bug’s efforts to support the fight against breast cancer with the Susan G. Komen Foundation. In the month of October 2009, Braelyn Bounty Bug will be donating 20% of gross online sales of our “Dressy” Prego Planner and “Roundabout Pink” Tot Tag to the Foundation. I hope all of you will “Go Pink” in October and energize the science to find the cures.

Anywho, while typing, it occurred to me that some of you might be curious about the status of Project Keep Lilly Grace Alive. Well, in the words of Beyonce …..

I’m a survivor
I’m not gon’ give up
I’m not gon’ stop
I’m gon’ work harder
I’m a survivor
I’m gonna make it
I will survive
Keep on survivin’

(Hmmmm…great intro into my press release…..)

Oh, and before you go, please notice Lilly Grace’s SECOND pink bud!! Go girl!

Low Maintenance Pet

2009-05-23T10:35:00.000-05:00

We recently discovered a fly loose in our home. As annoying as he (the fly) is, my three year old has found some fascination in him. When my son realized that the fly didn’t stay in one room, he began getting more and more curious about him. Before I knew it, my son was running around from room to room looking for his little pet fly. When he couldn’t find the fly, he would say, “Mommy, I wonder what OUR fly is doing?” He would also ask questions like, “Mommy, where does OUR fly take his nap?” Oh, and, “Mommy, I wonder what OUR fly eats for dinner.”

No. We don’t have a pet Labradoodle or a gerbil, or even a goldfish for that matter…we have a pet FLY!!

Well, I finally got the best of our little fly friend during the kids last nap. Now I can eat, work and sleep peacefully without his annoying “rambling” in my ear and around my head. I just hope my son can eat, play and sleep peacefully not knowing where our fly friend is REALLY taking his nap.

It's All About You

2009-05-22T10:43:00.000-05:00

If you are a mom, you know what I mean when I say, “The moment your baby is born, the world is no longer about you.” (Though I’m sure my husband would beg to differ.) But I have to admit, the rare moments when it does become “all about you” are fabulous!

As you know, Wednesday was my “super model photo shoot” for the Life In Chenal magazine and my family and I had a blast! The photographer arrived and we began shooting in my home office with the kids climbing all over me as well as my desk. This, by the way, didn’t have to be staged. That is the norm. Like right now for instance, my three year old is climbing in the back of my chair screaming in my ear, “I need a drinky, mommy. I need a drinky, mommy. I need a …..” (you get the point).

After the office shots, we went outside to take some family shots in the backyard. The family photos were followed by shots of me with my Prego Planners. (The whole time I felt like we needed to have loud “Drop It Like It’s Hawt” music playing in the background with fans blowing my hair. Well, let’s forego the fans – it was hard enough to get my short hair in a presentable position as it was.) After that we went inside to get some shots of me on my laptop sitting on the couch. However, that’s not usually how it works. A) I’m never sitting on the couch…I’m never actually sitting anywhere. B) When I’m on the laptop, I’m usually standing up in the kitchen getting a “drinky” or fixing a bottle or preparing the kids lunch.

As I was eagerly waiting for the photographer to announce that it was time for a wardrobe change, he instead announced that they had gotten the shots they needed. My time in the spotlight had come to an end.

After it was over, I told my husband, “There are moments in a woman’s life when she feels beautiful – like on her wedding day for instance. There are moments when a woman feels “Meg Ryanish”, and today was one of those days for me.”

Thinking back, it could have all been due to the fact that it was a complete change from the norm for me. I actually had on “presentable” clothing and not my usual gym clothes. I was wearing a full face of make-up compared to my usual single layer tinted moisturizer. Oh, and most importantly (and if you’re a mom, you will understand), I had a shower!!!

But now, as I write this (sitting in my pajamas while my kids are bathed and dressed), it’s BEING a mom that should make me feel beautiful everyday. With each day that passes, I gain more knowledge. The knowledge I obtain could be straight from the Bible or straight from a Diego cartoon that I shared with my son, but I’m learning everyday. (If you don’t know this already, Diego can teach you a ton about animals. He’s incredibly smart for such a little guy.) I’m also more centered, more grounded and I know what really matters in life. And don’t let me fail to mention the most amazing husband that I have been blessed with. He goes out of his way to make me feel special, needed and loved everyday. THAT, will make a woman feel beautiful!

I pray that each and every one of you reading this blog feels beautiful today. Not only today, but everyday!

5 Minutes of Mompreneur Fame

2009-05-20T10:55:00.000-05:00

I randomly and recently read an article on Meg Ryan. It went a little something like this:

I'm sitting at a patio table in the restaurant of the shabby-chic Chateau Marmont hotel in West Hollywood, surrounded by palm trees and tropical foliage, an urn of coffee steaming in front of me, waiting for Meg Ryan to join me for lunch. It is sunny and a little bit cold out here, and the couple at the next table are excitedly talking about which celebrities they've spotted. They saw Lindsay Lohan earlier. Can't wait to see how they react when Meg arrives….

I scan the patio again. Nope, still no Meg. My phone rings. It's Meg's manager. Meg, she tells me, has been waiting inside for 10 minutes--the same amount of time I've been outside…

… She is tall, about 5 foot 8, thin, and looks at least a decade younger than her 45 years. Her lithe body is draped in black yoga pants and a loose-fitting zip-up black sweatshirt, and she wears not a speck of makeup on her pretty, youthful face. Her famously disheveled hair, so often cut short for movies, has grown in cascading layers to below her shoulders, but is still styled in a splendidly calculated mess. "I'm a little out of practice at this interview thing," she tells me. "It's been a while." (Source: http://www.accessmylibrary.com/, Picture Source: InStyle.com)

So when I received the call from Life In Chenal Magazine, a local publication distributed in Little Rock, stating that they wanted to do a story on me as a mompreneur for their June issue, I immediately began daydreaming about how the article might read. It went a little something like this:

I’m sitting at a patio table at the over-priced Starbucks on Highway 10 and Sam Peck Rd in West Little Rock, surrounded by shiny black concrete and busy retail stores, a tall skinny vanilla latte steaming in front of me, waiting for Heather Patterson to join me for breakfast.

It is sunny and quite humid as the weather in the south tends to be. The couple at the next table are excitedly talking about their dear friend who just discovered that she was pregnant. Can’t wait to hear what they have to say when I tell them I am meeting with Heather Patterson, the creator of the award winning Prego Planner and the perfect gift for their friend.

I scan the patio again. Nope, still no Heather. My phone rings. It’s Heather (her manager must’ve been on vacay). Heather tells me that she is running a little late due to a potty accident with her 3 year old.

She arrives. She is standing about 5 foot 4, thin, and looks at least a decade younger than her 30-something years. She is dressed in classic dark wash denim cuffed shorts, a white cap-sleeve fitted blouse and a beautiful pair of red BCBG heels. She wears her new Laura Mercier makeup to cover up the dark circles that surround her eyes from working till the wee morning hours. Her hair, so often cascading in layers below her shoulders, was surprisingly cut short during a recent visit to her usual salon. “It sounded good at the time,” she tells me. “I looked into getting extensions yesterday, the stylist told me they would run about $900. Not worth selling my Whirlpool washer and dryer for.”

Well, needless to say, the interview didn’t go anything like that. Instead, I met with a Life In Chenal journalist by the name of Jesse at my home. I spent the entire day before busting my tail to get this house in perfect order. I brewed coffee, “baked” Danishes (purchased them at the local Fresh Market) and artfully designed a beautiful fruit tray. The interview lasted an hour and Jesse did a great job on the article. Today is my “photo shoot” with a local photographer. I wonder which designers they will bring for me to wear…and who will be the make-up artist…and I’m dying to see what they can do with this silly short hair. Reality: I’ll be wearing white True Religion jeans, turquoise ruffle blouse and Jessica Simpson white heels. Makeup applied by the one and only Me and still not sure what’s going to happen with this hair.

Let Me Get You an And-Aid

2009-05-18T09:48:00.000-05:00

I vividly remember the moment I turned on my breast pump for the first time. It was a horrifying moment as I watched my boob detach from my body, shoot down a tube and head to the nearest Kroger for milk. I immediately turned it off.

And I feared for my life as I was attached to my Pump In Style Medela Breast Pump (which was plugged into the wall) while thunderstorms and lighting impolitely danced around my home. (And why would you call it “Pump In Style” by the way? As if there is an alternative to being unstylish when pumping out one’s breast.) But it was all worth it – I wanted my sweet baby boy to have a supply of breast milk that would last him till he was 18. He was (and still is) going to be the smartest kid on the block. He would have that breast milk come electrocution, hell or high-water!

Fast forward 2.5 years to the birth of our second son. I couldn’t wait to bond with that precious boy. He was attached to my breast from the second he left the womb. We were a much more successful breast feeding team than me and my first son. But that was soon to come to an end. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I had to quit breastfeeding my son and was left to bond with the breast pump once again. I was quickly reminded of all the many conversations you could have with a breast pump…the things the breast pump would say as it went “in” and “out”. One day it would say “Don’t jump! Don’t jump!” Other days it would say, “Umpaah, Umpaah.” (I could never get Charlie and the Chocolate Factory out of my head after that. Or maybe it was just the chocolate I couldn’t get out of my head.) Anyway, it was something new everyday – It drove me crazy!

So after a three year “on again, off again” relationship with my “stylish” breast pump, I approached my husband about breast augmentation. This was something I had always said I wouldn’t do, but my “stylish” friend had left me no choice. If the Pump taketh, the Doctor giveth! And the Doctor gaveth (after I payeth) two weeks ago this past Friday. Results: I am now a new woman! (And I think my husband is a new man ;o) And it must have made a huge difference as my 3 year old walked in while I was getting into the shower and said, “Whoa, Mommy! What’s that?!” Completely caught off guard I said, “These are Mommy’s boo boos.” (I don’t know?? What was I supposed to say?) Then he innocently said, “Poor Mommy, you have TWO boo boos?? Let me get you an And-Aid.”

The Life of Lilly Grace

2009-05-15T14:21:00.001-05:00

Everyone, I would like you to meet Lilly Grace.

Lilly Grace, I would like you to meet everyone.

First let me start by saying that I know she is not a Lilly. I call her Lilly because I like the name (and I thought it was cute to call her Lilly when she wasn’t one). Her middle name Grace comes from the fact that it is through God’s precious grace that she is still alive (that goes for all of us).

Lilly Grace was given to us by my sister-in-law and her family during their recent visit from North Carolina. When they brought her through the door, I thought she was absolutely beautiful! When I found out that Lilly Grace’s life was going to be left in my hands…I felt the weight of the Great Wall of China land on my shoulders.

I don’t have a so-called “green thumb”. I have what you might call a “black thumb of green death”. Which takes me back to a special moment early in our marriage when my husband who, after I unintentionally killed our only plant, lovingly said, “You know, a green thumb is a sexy characteristic for a woman to have.” Hmmmmmmm……and so are long, smooth, cellulite-free legs. But being 5’4” – long legs are out of the question.

So back to the weight of the Great Wall of China…Isn’t it enough that I work seven days a week from 5 am to midnight trying to keep my 3 year old, 8 month old, husband, home and my business alive (oh, and myself)?? Do I need to worry about keeping anything else alive? Especially when plants are pickier eaters than my children – not too much water, not too little – not too much sunlight, not too little…and so on.

So out of honest curiosity, I asked my mother-in-law (who was also visiting from North Carolina) just how much Lilly Grace would need to be watered. She mentioned that her thirst levels would peak at every 2-3 days. And my sweet mother-in-law must have began planning Lilly Grace’s funeral when I said, “Okay, I will have to set a reminder on my Blackberry.” And I meant it honestly.

Though I made a conscious effort to keep Lilly Grace alive, she slowly began to pass away. Her pretty pink petals fell to the ground, the little white flowers that blushed her cheeks slowly died off and her green turned to brown. Lilly Grace was no longer with us. BUT THEN, by the precious grace of God, Lilly Grace was given life again. Her cheeks regained their color (if you call “white” a color) and one pretty pink flower has already bloomed (as you see in the picture). Welcome back Lilly Grace!

I’m now on a mission! Please continue to follow “Project Keep Lilly Grace Alive” here on the GlaMOMorous World blog.

Okay, the smell of poopy diaper has overcome my office and if that isn’t a reason to sign off…I don’t know what is ;o)

Pregnancy Awareness Month Giveaways

2009-05-14T16:46:00.000-05:00

This is our first official blog post and we are ecstatic about this blogospheric adventure we are about to embark on. It has been a lifetime decree to always celebrate the “little things” in life. (Maybe I’m just looking for a reason to celebrate or maybe it’s a little bit of shameless promotion ;o)

So…seeing as to how the month of May is Pregnancy Awareness Month and now marks the “grand opening” of the GlaMOMorous World Blog, Prego Planner is commemorating this eventful month by giving away Prego Planners throughout the month of May. Expectant mommies can register by filling out our “Contact Us” form on our website (www.pregoplanner.com). Please make sure to note “Pregnancy Awareness Month” or “GlaMOMorous World” in the Message area of the contact form. Winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email.

Spread the word! If you’re not prego, tell someone who is! On your mark…get set….CELEBRATE!!