EcoMom deal on Living Social: $40 for $20

Don't miss out on this awesome deal on Living Social! You can get $40 for $20 to spend at EcoMom!! I LOVE EcoMom--they have awesome products there! We are especially big fans of their Plum Organics and Revolution Foods products!


Here's the link:  http://livingsocial.com/deals/56101?ref=personalized-link-box-17534474&rpi=17534474


You don't have to create an account either--you can just sign in via Facebook--quick and easy!

Wordless Wednesday: Sleepy McSleepersons....

50/50 PayPal Raffle for Emily's Journey

Hi all!!


I have set up a 50/50 PayPal raffle to help raise money for Emily Hubbel--daughter of blogger Shannon, Coupon Mommy of 3.  


Entry is only $2! At the end of the raffle, 50% of the money goes to Emily's Family and 50% goes to the winner!!  

Enter here:  http://bit.ly/jHcUT1

SPREAD THE WORD!! The bigger the better!!

Happy 6th Anniversary to my Best Friend, my Hubby

6 years ago today I was lucky enough to marry my best friend.  The day was full of so much love and laughter.  And I can honestly say that every day since then the love has grown and the laughter is still going strong.  In fact, our day isn't complete until we've had a great laugh together.  

I feel so blessed to have Mark in my life.  He is my rock.  He is the calm in my hectic world.  He's the peanut butter to my jelly...the ketchup to my steak.  He's my best friend.  There's nothing we don't tell each other, nothing we won't do for each other...


We have been so blessed in our life together.  We've been able to fulfill so many of our dreams (building a house, traveling to Hawaii, having a baby...getting ready to have a 2nd baby)....In fact, I tell my husband frequently that if our life didn't change anymore from this day forward, I would be the most content woman in the world.  And I mean that...And I know we've been able to do these things because of planning, patience and prayer. 


Mark and I take our marriage very seriously--we work on it frequently--making sure we are communicating, meeting each others needs, and taking time for just the two of us.  Of course, with a toddler, that isn't always the easiest thing to do but we try--we sneak a cuddle while he's napping, have a date night when we can, and make sure to ask "is there anything I can do for you?" Are we perfect?  Of course not...but we love each other wholly and completely and that's what matters..our love is unconditional, never-ending...

So I'll stop gushing now but I was just want to tell my husband Happy Anniversary, I love you...and I'm the lucky one...

Our Breastfeeding Journey Has Come to an End

I'm so thankful that my hubby thought to snap this picture..I never even knew he was doing that.

So I didn't think I would get emotional writing this post, but already I've got some tears in my eyes.  Pregnancy hormones!!  It has been one whole week since Collin has had any "mama juice."  In the last two days, he hasn't even asked for it.  I've been feeling ready to wean for a little over a month now but Collin was teething and I didn't want to force him to wean when nursing was one of his only ways to relieve the pain.  And I am not a fan of the cry-it-out method, so weaning was only going to happen if he was on board. 

Well, a week ago we were snuggling before his bedtime and he nursed briefly then stopped...closed his eyes..then said "juice?" and I decided to try something.  I gently said "all gone."  He just looked at me and then snuggled and went to sleep.  I was shocked?  Was it really going to be this easy?  All gone? 

Well, my friends, it really was that easy.  In the next few days, any time he would ask for juice, I would gently say, "it's all gone" and he would accept that and go to sleep.  The first few nights he woke up around 2 like he always did and I just went into his room and snuggled him and he went right back to sleep.  Well, except for the first night--it took an hour and half of snuggling before he fell back asleep.  But that was the only long night.  Now, for the last 3 nights, he hasn't even woken up during the night.  My baby is a big boy now. 

Originally, I had wanted to do baby-led weaning but once I got pregnant again, I decided I wanted a break in between nursing Collin and the new baby.  I know plenty of women tandem nurse but that wasn't something I wanted to do.  However, if Collin would have fought my weaning attempts, we might have ended up doing that!

But, he didn't fight them.  Obviously, part of him was ready to wean.  He's never fought or cried or whined for mama juice.  In fact, now, when he's tired, he tells us "nap" and we go lay down, snuggle and he goes to sleep.  I know that nursing was just a comfort for him and now he's learned that snuggling mommy can be just as comforting. 

I'm still amazed at how effortless this was.  Because of that, it feels right, you know?  I have no regrets.  We may not be nursing, but we definitely haven't stopped the snuggling.  And thankfully, since he was nursing so little, I have not experienced any discomfort at all.  Pretty sure there's not much milk left anyways!

So we made it almost 18 months.  When we started out, my goal was a year.  When we got to that point, I said whenever he was done or I was ready.  Well, that time has come.  I am so thankful that it has been so gentle.  I am very proud of Collin, me, and my husband.  He has been my #1 supporter of breastfeeding.  He learned everything he could and was there to encourage me whenever I was tired or frustrated.  Breastfeeding has been a very rewarding experience.  I knew I wanted to breastfeed before Collin was born but I didn't expect to become so passionate about it.  Thankfully, he was a good eater from the start--albeit a little lazy--but that soon came to pass and now..18 months later...we're done. 

And with that, I'll leave you with this poem that was shared with me: (from: http://www.breastfeeding.com/reading_room/wean_me_gently.html)

Wean Me Gently

by Cathy Cardall

I know I look so big to you,

Maybe I seem too big for the needs I have.

But no matter how big we get,

We still have needs that are important to us.

I know that our relationship is growing and changing,

But I still need you. I need your warmth and closeness,

Especially at the end of the day

When we snuggle up in bed.

Please don't get too busy for us to nurse.

I know you think I can be patient,

Or find something to take the place of a nursing;

A book, a glass of something,

But nothing can take your place when I need you.

Sometimes just cuddling with you,

Having you near me is enough.

I guess I am growing and becoming independent,

But please be there.

This bond we have is so strong and so important to me,

Please don't break it abruptly.

Wean me gently,

Because I am your mother,

And my heart is tender.

Karing for Keegan Online Auction Starts TODAY

Good morning! I wanted to let you know that the Karing for Keegan Online Auction starts TODAY!! It will run until June 8th at midnight, EST.  If you don't know anything about Keegan's battle with cancer, you can read his story here:  http://karingforkeegan.blogspot.com.

Please share this auction with all your friends and relatives!

Below I have included a list of all the items up for bidding!

YOU CAN BID ON THESE ITEMS OVER ON THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE:  http://www.facebook.com/karingforkeeganfundraiser

Auction Item #1:  Thirty-One  Market Thermal Tote
Retail Value:  $44
Sponsor:  Dedra S.
Links:  http://www.mythirtyone.com/45230/
Shipping Info:  US Only

Auction Item #2:  3 random Jumbies
Retail Value:  $24
Sponsor:  Jumbies
Links:  www.facebook.com/JUMBiES
www.twitter.com/JUMBiES
Shipping Info:  US Only

Auction Item #3:  {Deluxe Party Printable Package} by Sullivan & Sawyer Co.
Includes Digital Files of the folllowing:
- Party Invite
- Cupcake toppers
- Thank You Card
- Menu Cards (i.e. Cake Pops, Lemon Water, etc)
- Pennant Banner (i.e. Happy Birthday Keegan)
- Favor Tags
- Welcome Sign For Door
Retail Value:  $45
Sponsor:  Sullivan & Sawyer
Links:
Twitter: @SullivanSawyer
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sullivan-Sawyer-Co/129706520410610
Website: SullivanAndSawyer.com
Shipping Info: US and Canada


Auction Item #4:  Online Scentsy Party
Retail Value: $5-150
Sponsor: Mrs. Trophy Wife
Links: https://mrstrophywife.scentsy.us/Buy/Collection/464
Shipping Info: US and Canada

PLEASE NOTE:  This is not an item to bid on.  100% of the profits from this Scentsy Party will be donated to Keegan's family! So if you are looking for Scentsy, make your purchase with her!! 


Auction Item #5:  Vest/Matching tie for boy.
Retail Value: $25 for the set
Sponsor:  Patriotic Moms Boutique
Links:  
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patriotic-Moms-Boutique/162378440492626?ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Shoes-Photography/132494783427910
http://pinkshoesphotography.blogspot.com
Shipping Info:  Worldwie

Auction Item #6:  series of Reusable snack bags (set of 3) 
Retail Value: $15
Sponsor:  Patriotic Moms Boutique
Links:  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patriotic-Moms-Boutique/162378440492626?ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Shoes-Photography/132494783427910
http://pinkshoesphotography.blogspot.com
Shipping Info:  Worldwide


Auction Item #7:  Girls Twirly skirt of your Favorite sports team with matching Bolero Jacket
Retail Value: $30 for the set
Sponsor:  Patriotic Moms Boutique
Links:  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patriotic-Moms-Boutique/162378440492626?ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Shoes-Photography/132494783427910
http://pinkshoesphotography.blogspot.com
Shipping Info:  Worldwide

Auction Item #8:  Keychain (any sports team or color scheme you would like) 
Retail Value:$8

Sponsor:  Patriotic Moms Boutique
Links:  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patriotic-Moms-Boutique/162378440492626?ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Shoes-Photography/132494783427910
http://pinkshoesphotography.blogspot.com
Shipping Info:  Worldwide

Auction Item #9:  Keychain (any sports team or color scheme you would like) 
Retail Value:$8

Sponsor:  Patriotic Moms Boutique
Links:  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patriotic-Moms-Boutique/162378440492626?ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Shoes-Photography/132494783427910
http://pinkshoesphotography.blogspot.com
Shipping Info:  Worldwide

Auction Item #10:  Keychain (any sports team or color scheme you would like) 
Retail Value:$8

Sponsor:  Patriotic Moms Boutique
Links:  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patriotic-Moms-Boutique/162378440492626?ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Shoes-Photography/132494783427910
http://pinkshoesphotography.blogspot.com
Shipping Info:  Worldwide

Auction Item #11:  Keychain (any sports team or color scheme you would like) 
Retail Value:$8

Sponsor:  Patriotic Moms Boutique
Links:  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patriotic-Moms-Boutique/162378440492626?ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Shoes-Photography/132494783427910
http://pinkshoesphotography.blogspot.com
Shipping Info:  Worldwide

Auction Item #12:  Keychain (any sports team or color scheme you would like) 
Retail Value:$8

Sponsor:  Patriotic Moms Boutique
Links:  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patriotic-Moms-Boutique/162378440492626?ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Shoes-Photography/132494783427910
http://pinkshoesphotography.blogspot.com
Shipping Info:  Worldwide

Auction Item #13:  $20 gift certificate (plus free shipping!!)
Retail Value:#20

Sponsor:  Gobbledygook Bowtique
Links:  

Blog: http://gobbledygookbowtique.blogspot.com/ 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Gobbledygook-Bowtique/183727241679237
Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/GobbledygookBowtique

Shipping Info:  US Only

ALSO:  Anybody who wants to make a purchase during the
fundraiser dates of June 1 - June 8 and uses the code TEAMKEEGAN at
checkout will receive a 10% discount AND 50% of your purchase total
will go back to Karing for Keegan!

Auction Item #14:  12 inch ribbon loop wreath. Color combo/Holiday combo of winners choice.
Retail Value:  $30

Sponsor:  Door Decor & More
Links:  

www.doordecorbybeth.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Door-Decor-More/177634078952099
Shipping Info:  US and Canada

Auction Item #15: A custom wipes case, and either a custom girls headband or a boys custom onesie (winners choice).
Retail Value:  $20

Sponsor:  Lily & Rose

Links:  

www.facebook.com/lilyandrose
Shipping Info:  Worldwide

Auction Item #16: "We Can Do Hard Things" Distressed Sign in Black with White Vintage Style
Retail Value:  $70

Sponsor:  Barn Owl Primitives

Links:  
www.barnowlprimitives.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/barnowlprimitives


Shipping Info:  US and Canada

Auction Item #17: Arbonne Sea Salt Scrub
Retail Value:  $28

Sponsor:  Arbonne

Links:  
http://www.facebook.com/arbonne

Shipping Info:  US only


Auction Item #18: Blissful Booty Original AIO Diaper choice of size and color.
Retail Value:  $17.99

Sponsor:  Blissful Booty Cloth Diapers

Links:  
www.facebook.com/blissfulbooty
www.twitter.com/blissfulbooty
www.blissfulbooty.blogspot.com
www.shop.blissfulbooty.com

Shipping Info:  US and Canada


Auction Item #19: Bottle Cap Bows (5)
Retail Value:  $4

Sponsor:  Twisted Pixie Boutique

Links:  
facebook.com/twistedpixieboutique

Shipping Info:  US only



Auction Item #20: A beaded bookmark

Retail Value:  $18

Sponsor: Elegance Farm

Links:  
http://www.EleganceFarm.etsy.com
http://www.Facebook.com/EleganceFarm

Shipping Info:  Worldwide



Auction Item #21: One ready made tutu with a flower clip

Retail Value:  $30

Sponsor:  Kaybear's Tutus

Links:  
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaybears-Tutus/150149115019369  
Shipping Info:  US Only







Auction Item #22: Any personalized or generic bowl with a $20 value or less.

Retail Value:  up to $20

Sponsor:  Elm Studios Online

Links:  
www.elmstudiosonline.com  
Shipping Info:  US Only

Auction Item #23: $15 Dollar Gift certificate for a Birthday banner in her shop

Retail Value: $15

Sponsor:  Expressions by Devin

Links:  
Facebook Fan page: www.facebook.com/expressionsbydevin
Blog: www.expressionsbydevin.blogspot.com
Etsy shop: www.devinprather.etsy.com  
Shipping Info:  US Only

Auction Item #24:  Paisley and Tan Tote/Diaper bag
Retail Value: $40

Sponsor:  CottonCandyRose

Links:  
http://www.etsy.com/listing/74198273/paisley-and-tan-totediaper-bag  
Shipping Info:  US Only

 Auction Item #25: Handmade tote with red polka dot Moda fabric and Amy Butler fabric. 

(details:  13" wide
10.5" tall
3.5" deep
11" strap drop
Key strap
Two outside pockets, three inside pockets, button front "closure")
Retail Value: $40

Sponsor:  CottonCandyRose

Links:  http://www.etsy.com/people/CottonCandyRose?ref=ls_profile
Shipping Info:  US Only

Auction Item #26:  Mary Kay Cosmetics:
1. Refillable compact $18
2. Canary Diamond mineral shimmer power and brush (in compact) $18.50
3. Waterproof Mascara- black $10
4. Berry Kiss lipstick- in compact $13
5. Black case with MK tweezers and soothing eye gel (travel size) $5
6. After-Sun Replenishing Gel (GREAT for sunburns!) $12
All Mary Kay products and all new!
Retail Value: $76.50

Sponsor:  Susan C.
Links:  
www.marykay.com
Shipping Info:  US Only

Auction Item #27:  Detour Diaper Bag {Pattern designed by Amber Dusick of MakeBabyStuff.com}
(Details:  This bag is great as a day time diaper bag or a large purse.  I love using mine as a diaper bag/purse combo so I don't have to carry 2 different bags all the time!  It is handmade with black canvas and has a red cotton broadcloth liner.   It features a magnetic snap closure, 4 outside pockets and an inside zipper pocket. Bag measures approximately 17" wide and 12" tall {did not include handles/straps in measurement} Machine washable. )

Retail Value: $35

Sponsor:  The Tree Huggin' Momma.

Links:  
www.facebook.com/thetreehugginmomma
www.thetreehugginmomma.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/treehugginmomma  
Shipping Info:  I am willing to ship worldwide; however, if you do not reside in the US or Canada, please contact me for a shipping quote before bidding. thetreehugginmomma(at)gmail.com  {Shipping to US/Canada included in bid price.}

Auction Item #28:  Scentsy full-size warmer (Farfalle) and 3 scent bars of choice.
Retail Value: $40
Sponsor:  Becca B.

Links:  
beccabarker.scentsy.us  
Shipping Info:  US and Canada

Auction Item #29:  Star Spangled Twirl Skirt

(Details:  This is the perfect skirt to celebrate Independence Day! This skirt is made from 2 different cotton materials with a tulle binding on the bottom. The accent fabric and the tulle have hints of sparkle that will fit right in with the firework festivities!

Skirt is handmade in my home studio. All edges are finished and material is pre-shrunk.

Each skirt is custom made. When you win this skirt I will ask for your child's waist measurement and the length from waist to knee as to provide the best fit possible.

Sizes are from 2t, 3t, 4t, 5t,4,5,6,7,8)

Retail Value: $17.50
Sponsor:  2 Sisters Sewing Shop

Links:  
http://www.etsy.com/listing/71613866/star-spangled-twirl-skirt  
Shipping Info:  US only

Auction Item #30:  one size Darth Vader pocket diaper

Retail Value: $15
Sponsor:  Jazzy Dan's Diapers

Links:  
jazzydansdiapers.etsy.com
www.jazzydansdiapers.com
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Oceano-CA/Jazzy-Dans-Diapers/127956573934885
Shipping Info:  US and Canada


Auction Item #31:  Thirsties Duo Wrap and Duo Hemp Prefold (your choice of size and color)
Retail Value: $19.75- $20.75
Sponsor: Thirsties, Inc

Links:  

http://www.thirstiesbaby.com
http://www.facebook.com/Thirsties
http://twitter.com/thirstiesinc

http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/blog/feed/rss/
Shipping Info:  US and Canada

Auction Item #32:  Medela Breastpump
(Details: 
Express milk quietly and discreetly - The Swing electric Breastpump combines a multi-award-winning design with the latest technology. The electric breastpump is very quiet and therefore represents the ideal solution for regular and discreet breast pumping.

• Efficient: pump more milk in less time, thanks to our 2-Phase Expression Technology
• Unique: ideal for daily electric pumping
• Comfortable: a range of vacuum levels and settings
• Easy to use: easy to assemble, use and clean
• Convenient: quiet and compact design, ideal for discreet pumping)

Retail Value:  $149.00
Sponsor:  Medela
Links:  
http://www.medela.com/IW/en.html
http://www.facebook.com/Medela
http://twitter.com/medela_us
Shipping Info:  US Only

Auction Item #33: 1 - iProp stand for the iPad and a 10' charger
Retail Value:  $99.90

Sponsor:   Aspire Innovation, LLC
Links: 
www.facebook.com/theiProp
Twitter @theiProp
Shipping Info:  US Only

Auction Item #34:  Sleepy Wrap in Black
Retail Value:  $39.95 
Sponsor:  Country Drawers
Links:
http://www.countrydrawers.net/
http://www.facebook.com/countrydrawers
http://twitter.com/countrydrawers
Shipping Info:  US only

  





 
Auction Item #35:  Pink and white Barbie bow. "I'm A Barbie Girl, In A Barbie World"
Retail Value:  $8
Sponsor:  Bugs Bowtique
Links:  www.Facebook.com/Bugs.BOWtique
Shipping Info:  US Only