what our days look like (Mamás para Huggies)

This is a sponsored post.

Two kids changed to three..

Our schedule revolves much around baby these days. Shopping trips and errands are easily interrupted and I find myself hanging out in the car a lot...because who wants to take two kids out of their car seats only to put them right back in again?....so we take care of diaper changes and sit in the backseat with Audrey, and share a snack while I feed baby.

Everything gets done (or not) at a much slower pace. Like the dirty dishes in the sink and laundry waiting to be folded. 

And priorities have changed. Sitting down to feed baby, snapping pictures, and taking a walk to the park with Audrey seem much more important.

Little things like reliable diapers and wipes make my day so much easier knowing spills and sticky hands and wet bottoms will be taken care of and won't take away my time....

from all the really important stuff.

here's a small peak into our life these days...

As part of the Mamás para Huggies campaign I'm sharing some of 

Poncho De Anda's Tips to Tackle Parenting...

Diaper bag distractions: Stock diaper bag with small toys, a few snacks, books and Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers. Keep baby happy no matter where you are. 

Have wipes on hand. Disposable wipes are crucial in any household with a baby. Keep wipes close by, not just in the nursery, and use them for everything from diaper changing to dinner clean up. The new and improved Huggies Natural Care Wipes are great to clean up little hands and faces after a family meal because they are gentle and fragrance-free for soft baby skin. 

Whether it's spaghetti night or extra-long naps, every Parent's life is filled with unexpected messes, both in and out of the diaper! Huggies® wants you to try their new and improved Diapers and Wipes and put them to the test. You can go to the Huggies Latino Facebook Page to share  for a chance to win a fully-stocked Huggies® diaper bag to help you battle some of the most unexpected and messiest situations in your everyday life. 

This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Huggies.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

New and Improved Huggies Diapers and Wipes

As part of the Mamás para Huggies campaign we were lucky to have Huggies send us some of their new Huggies Snug and Dry diapers and Natural Care Wipes to try out.  I have to admit...when we are home baby Frank spends most of his days in cloth diapers...yet for days when we are out running errands I always like having disposables in my diaper bag, so much easier for me to control the mess while we are out and less stuff for me to carry. 

The last thing I want to worry about while out shopping or running errands or out having fun is a leaky diaper (getting baby poop on your clothing while out and about sucks!) and Huggies is pretty good at making me feel comfortable that this wont happen. Baby Frank has been all wrapped up in the sling on trips to the market, library and park and we've had no leaks so far. 

The Natural Care Wipes are great. One wipe alone can handle most diaper changes. I also like having them to wipe Audrey's hands when we don't have soap and water near by.  They are thick, yet soft, and are wonderful at wiping sticky hands and cheeks post big ice cream cones.( :

Huggies is introducing their new and improved Huggies Snug  & Dry Diapers and Huggies Wipes, designed to withstand real life and unexpected messes and they want you to put them to the test also just like we did. You can go to the Huggies Latino Facebook page where you can share your stories about putting Huggies products to the test for a chance to win a fully-stocked diaper bag. 

You should also join the live bilingual chat happening Thursday September 20th from 12pm-1pm EST on the Huggies Latino Facebook page with Poncho de Anda (Iv'e told you how much I enjoyed hearing his thoughts and stories), he'll be sharing some of his parenting tips there...

This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Huggies.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

i need another me

When you're postpartum... handfuls of chocolate covered almonds (or chocolate covered anything) every time you pass by the kitchen  is the best thing ever...and showers. 

I'm still trying to find the best way to handle the morning crazyness of making sure Jeremiah has his lunch (the one I was supposed to make), reminding Audrey to use the potty before leaving the house, not yelling at the dog, feeding baby, getting everyone in the minivan  and getting to school on time. 

Luckily Jeremiah is so good at remembering everything I'm forgetting...

I'm also struggling at giving everyone other than Frank enough of my attention. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just make a copy of ourselves when needed...like when Audrey was making bead necklaces, and might have told me she might have stuck one up her nose "mom what happens when you have a bead up your nose?".... I easily dismissed it... hours later it finally hit me that she really might have a bead up her nose.

she did. 

I freaked out, and Kip got it out...

And why is baby Frank growing so fast?!? Just a couple days ago all his newborn clothing fit him big. And now I'm washing the 3 month stuff... and crying at the same time...( :

our first weeks with baby

Breastfeeding is a lot easier this week. 

The first week I was in complete agony. My breasts were engorged and nipples sore and cracked. Frank refused to feed from one of my breast,  it was SO painfully engorged, making it difficult for him to latch on no matter what we tried. I pumped...only able to express the smallest amount yet feeling like it was about to explode inside. No advice seemed to help. 

I walked around the house with breasts exposed... alternating between Motrin, gel pads and nipple cream. 

Oh, it was awful. Yet, I survived. 

And this week is so much easier and it seems Frank and I are finally learning to breastfeed. 

We have spent most of our first days together resting and feeding. I stare at him a lot, hold him close, look at his eyes, his toes, the facial expressions he makes...

A family of 5 has lots more going on than a family of 4... specially with a newborn. I'm so thankful for Kip, he has been mom and dad most days, preparing meals, shopping trips, running errands and taking care of me (bringing me my vitamins, water, making sure I have enough pillows when I breastfeed).  Audrey has been super helpful and loves to love on Frank whenever she gets a chance. Jeremiah is much more cool about having a newborn at home...yet is pretty quick to make sure everything is ok whenever he hears baby cry. 

The first two weeks have been a lot easier with visits from grandma stopping by to fill our crockpot with meats and veggies for us to have warm dinners in the evenings and friends who have dropped off salads, muffins, and dinners.  I seriously think a nights dinner is the best gift to give a family with a new baby at home. 

Today we are going out for lunch. Kip asked if I wanted to try....I think we'll be just fine...

Here's to a weekend filled with love and family....

Hola!

Frank William Beatty was born yesterday. I am in love. Baby is doing well. I am sore, hungry and a bit tired but also can say this is one of happiest moments in my life.

Fisher Price Room To Bloom (a giveaway)

A couple months ago I was invited to a yummy brunch hosted by Fisher Price and Sherwin Williams to learn all about Room To Bloom a very cool interactive tool to help expectant moms visualize and create affordable, fashionable nursery designs.

I brought Audrey and a friend along. We had a great time chatting among moms, eating yummy food and eating way too much from the candy bar. Audrey got a chance to play with new toys and I got to see all the new nursery collections from Fisher Price and all the beautiful new colors from Sherwin-Williams. 

And thanks to my darling friend Liz came home with the whole Snugabunny nursery collection. So very thankful. The item I'm most looking forward to using with new baby is the Snugabunny Rock n' Play Sleeper. It think it will be perfect to have baby with me around the house and even as a co sleeper during our first weeks at home. 

I can't believe in just a few short weeks we will have a baby in the house! To celebrate baby's arrival later this month I have a giveaway from Fisher Price and Sherwin-Williams!

Giveaway

A Snugabunny Rock n' Play Sleeper and a $15 Sherwin-Williams gift card. If you are expecting a baby or know a mother who is visit Room To Bloom and then leave any topic related comment...

What's your favorite color, or collection or product...anything goes...

I will pick a winner on August 17th at 12pm. US only.

For additional entries:

1.Like Fisher Price on FB

2.Like Culture Mami on FB

3.Follow Fisher Price on Twitter

Leave a comment for each additional entry letting me know you did. 

Good luck mama!

*no compensation of any kind was given for this post and was not required to post giveaway. I was invited to a brunch hosted by Fisher Price where I ate a lot...had way too many cupcakes and was given a gift for attending. 

UPDATE: happy to announce mail4rosey as the winner! ( :

32 weeks

I'm having all the 3rd trimester symptoms...

frequent bathroom visits

difficulty getting in comfortable positions

difficulty bending over to pick stuff up ( :

pregnancy brain (although this I seem to suffer from all the time)

strong baby movements...where it feels like my stomach is twisting as well and baby might pop out from one side ( :

Kip took some pictures of me last weekend. It was at the end of the day so I was a bit tired and puffy eyed here... but this is definitely how big I am!!! ( :

26 weeks

At bedtime Audrey and I take turns massaging my big belly with belly rub oils. 

Sometimes I rub her belly too. We compare our baby to fruits and veggies. And wait for baby to kick one more time...again. 

How lucky am I??? .... I have a baby inside...we are soon a party of 5. 

cariboo

Although babies don't need much more than feeding, diapering and lot's and lot's of love...it's always a fun part of pregnancy to find new products....or baby necessities.

I recently saw the Cariboo folding bassinet in person, and have fallen in love. It's made from sustainable New Zealand wood and 100% cotton. It's simple yet perfect.

We only used the crib with Audrey for a few months before she eventually jumped in the bed with us, so we are thinking a bassinet next to our bed would be perfect for baby number three.

What did you use for baby...a bassinet, crib or did baby get in bed with you from day one?

para mama

for mom by marcelabeatty featuring a crochet shawl


I recently tried this Dwell Studio diaper bag in store...loved. Josie Maran Argan oil...good stuff. A new scarf can really make an outfit. Fun pens....always love a new pen (must be the nurse in me)...specially one you can play puppets with! New nail polish makes me feel pretty. A Sakura Bloom sling can make any baby wearing mama felíz. (:

What would you love for Mothers Day?

moving

Everything is moving along around here. Including baby. 

I feel baby move ...and sometimes feel pressure at the base of my tummy. 

I try and explain this feeling to Kip and the kids but it's something I guess I just can't. 

It's a feeling only a mom can feel. So I take this time to share it between me and baby. 

Jeremiah is on spring break this week. We went hiking a couple times during the week. The kids and dog have so much fun. It's cheap. We get lot's of exercise plus time to enjoy the outdoors. 

After hiking everyone is exhausted and hungry...so we do lunch...or ice cream. (:

The kids argue like all the time about what sex the baby will be. 

Audrey says she will be a big sister. 

Jeremiah says he is going to have a little brother. 

Sometimes Audrey settles the argument by just saying 

"fine! mommy has two babies in her belly ...a boy and a girl!"

(I only have one)

Baby's sex is a surprise...

I'm feeling a whole lot better lately. I still get morning sickness, but thank goodness it's only in the morning and not all day like it was for like forever. 

We are having family over for Easter. Audrey is dying to color Easter eggs... so that's on our list of to do's this weekend. 

So, the other day, I wake up ready to go to work...

Kip says to me...

"you know sweetie...I really want you to consider getting a minivan"

And there you have it....I might be my worst nightmare...

I might soon be a minivan mom....

all the ugly and all the happy

After being away for so long...it's kind of hard to know how to start ...
I could tell you all that Iv'e been up to....

or I can just say...

"I'm pregnant!"

and then you will probably completely understand why Iv'e been MIA.

This first trimester has kicked my a$#!!!

Seriously.

The nausea...and the exhaustion!


Aside from all that ugly stuff, everything else is happy here. Audrey is pretty excited about being big sister although I'm not sure how much she really understands.

Jeremiah did a "your kidding right?!?" 
I think being big brother to Audrey felt like a big job already. Yet, after talking a little more about another family member...things are all good and he is happy also.

I'm going on 13 weeks now!

Thanks to all of you for being so kind and leaving sweet comments. You are definitely the best part of blogging!

Aside from baby...and being sick...things are pretty normal.
I think Iv'e told Audrey to "leave the dog alone!!!" about twenty times today.
It's almost time to pick up Jeremiah from school, then get dinner ready, then head off to work.

The house was nice and clean yesterday...now, not so much. I'm not sure when or how it happened.

We are almost completely out of toilet paper...and of coarse I'm going to go to the store to pick some up today and will probably end up forgetting it while I'm there. ( :

See!....things are normal, and good, and happy.

Hoping things are normal and good and happy for you too,

Marcela

Announcing the Pampers and Todo Bebé Baby Shower

Y’know how I fell in love with Pampers, their Little Miracles campaign and all the great things they are doing for the Latino community...

Not sure if it’s possible but I think I might just love them so much more right now!

Iv’e been working on a fun project through their Little Miracles campaign and am so excited to share this news with you. 

As part of it’s commitment to the Latino community, and their message that every baby is a miracle that should be celebrated, supported and protected, Pampers has partnered with Todo Bebe, to give one expectant Latina mother a baby shower to celebrate her little miracle!

How it works:

Pampers has teamed up with Jennifer, Rory, Migdalia and myself to help find one lucky mother for this great opportunity. 

One mother will be nominated by each one of the partnering blogs. 

Once the nominees have been identified, the partnering bloggers will meet via conference call to select a winner based on program parameters. 

The mother who best represents the Pampers spirit will be given the grand prize of a memorable baby shower! To add to the excitement the lucky mother will have her baby shower featured on Todo Bebe’s Spanish language baby care show that airs on the Univision network. Pampers is also willing to fly up to two family members to surprise the expectant mother!

In addition to giving away one baby shower, Pampers will also give $500 to the nominated expectant mother from each of the partnering blogs. 

Here’s what you need to qualify and how you can apply: 

• be a fluent or conversational, Spanish-speaking mother (first time or experienced mother) who is over 18 years old
• willing to share your little miracle story with Todo Bebe and other reporters
• open to media/message training
• able to attend a baby shower celebration at a disclosed event, in October (slated baby shower time frame); prefer a mother who is not due for delivery until fall/early winter (Nov./Dec.)
• open to sharing family and friends contact information for baby shower
• willing to have photos posted on Facebook Pampers Latino or other Pampers media channels

Leave a comment here explaining why you or someone you know should be chosen. Tell us why  your baby is a little miracle. The winner should offer a warm, inspirational message that embodies the Pampers spirit*

*Comments/applications will be accepted through midnight (PST) on Thursday September 8th. Make sure you leave your email so I can contact you. If you don’t feel right leaving this in the comments, you can contact me via email. 

*Disclosure: Compensation is being given for taking part in this program. I chose to be a part of this because I love what Pampers is doing for the Latina community. 

Pampers giveaway winner... and more on baby showers

I loved reading through all the baby shower stories and comments, my favorite has to be Ashleigh's... who got a baby shower in the mail... cards from loved ones far away arriving at her door step at the same time to wish her and baby sweet thoughts. Perfect. 

... have you ever played the shower game where everyone is given a pin at the start of the shower... the rules: don't cross your legs (because expecting mamas can't cross their legs)... and if you do and someone sees you... they get to take your pin away..  and at the end of the shower the lady with the biggest collection of pins wins?!?  I love that game!!

I randomly picked a winner for the Pampers gift card giveaway... Congrats Sindy!  You are the winner!

Yay!

I had an intimate shower.  Friends. Family. Mini sandwiches. 

The sun was shining. 

And I felt so happy.

If you haven't yet... make sure you like Pampers on facebook.  They provided the gift card for this lovely giveaway... let's pay it forward by helping moms across the country get baby showers also!!

*no compensation was given for this post.

Toddlers,babies and playdates (and a giveaway from Pampers)

on a recent playdate with two great friends

I'm loving today friends.  

A much needed trip to the gym... made me feel a million times better, we made daddy lunch and dropped it off to him and then had lunch with friends.

Audrey used the potty all morning... and

put my pants up all by myself. 

Today, in honor of toddlers, and potty training, and babies, and mamís, daddies, and friends...
I have a special giveaway for one of you from Pampers (have I told you how much I love the good things they are up to theses days?)...

It's a $300 gift card to throw a baby shower for a special mom (this might be you)... yay!

To enter:
Just leave a comment telling me something you remember from a baby shower you have been to or from your own... it can be something funny or a special moment, a game you played, something you ate, who it was for... anything goes ( :

Also, make sure you like Pampers on facebook, they are doing cool things there, like giving baby showers to 1,000 moms across the U.S. via their Miracle Mission program and giving you a chance to pay it forward + win diapers and wipes for a year.


*Giveaway: Leave a comment.  Winner of the American Express $300 gift card will be chosen via random.org on June 16th. US only. I will email (leave an email address if it's not already on your profile) you if you win and have Pampers send you the gift card!


*Giveaway now closed 2/17/11

*No compensation of any kind was given for this post.  They offered me a gift card to giveaway to one of my readers, I love everyone of you and immediately said yes! ( :

For Mothers Day

A couple of weeks ago... Baby Einstein sent Audrey some of their new Discovery Kits.  They were really nice with their shipment, so I took some to work and shared with a couple of co workers (new moms to toddlers) who all had good things to say...like how much they got done while baby was busy.

Audrey has enjoyed the kits, specially the cd's that accompany.  

I love to hear her sing, and see her dance (and really need to video tape more often).  

She makes me feel so alive. 

Mother's Day is near, a special day, I love... to get gifts and not get any older!

If you are looking for something special to do for a dear friend....

fill a basket or gift bag

with a lovely colored nail polish

some yummy tea bags...

and something to keep the little one busy while mom sips on tea and does her nails. 

Something to keep them singing and dancing. 

*Baby Einstein sent kits for Audrey, we shared with friends, and Audrey really does enjoy them. 

got breastmilk?

The got milk? people have signed a licensing agreement giving La Leche League International permission to use the slogan got breastmilk?.

I really really love this.

From CMPB Steve James:

 “GOT MILK? and La Leche League care for the health and wellbeing of moms and babies alike.  Both organizations believe that breastfeeding is the most natural and effective way of satisfying the needs of the baby."


(smart man)


I can't wait to get Audrey a got breastmilk? toddler shirt and I am most definitely getting myself a travel mug to take to work ( :

*photo credit  La Leche League International

Dandelions

We lunched at a  french cafe.  She sat in her chair, had veggie soup and french bread with lots of butter. 

We found every single Dandelion and blew wishes near and far.  

She stops to smell the roses.  Something I need to learn from her. 

We shop for groceries.  Say the name to every single fruit, in spanish.  And buy cucumbers, lemons, oranges, black beans, a pomegranate and gummy bears to share. 

The fountain is the best part, she thinks.  Every adult walks right past it. 

 A simple outing.  Yet, memories made and stored away inside me.

We get back in the car... seconds pass... she sleeps.
I put on my audiobook.  And I drive away.
Good thoughts inside me.

"A Eme O"

For my little Valentines:



Andrea Echeverri

Perfect song to listen to while making love you cards with my two "little loves" here at home. 

Breastfeeding, Facebook, and some very awesome mamas

Facebook recently closed Chilean Leslie Power's account for posting a beautiful picture of her breastfeeding her baby.  You can read more here.

A great group of attachment parenting mamás have gotten together to hold a virtual nurse-in.  Upload a breastfeeding picture to your account ( I am!!) and join this great group of women.

The nurse-in is tomorrow!!! Hurry mamas!!