Today is the day!

We find out itty bitty belly baby's gender TODAY. I am stoked. This part always marks the point where you grow just a little closer with the little one growing inside you. I can't explain it, but i'm sure every other mommy understands. At this point I will be on cloud nine whether it's a boy or a girl, same with hubby too. We are just excited to see the baby, and are praying that everything comes back saying itty bitty is super healthy. 


It will be interesting to see how Oreo reacts to the ultrasound, i'm not sure he will totally comprehend what is going on. I think a pack of fruit snacks will keep him busy long enough for daddy to be in the room when the gender is announced. He is a always on the go almost 2 year old, I don't think he will sit and stare at a screen for an hour! 


I'm praying that the baby cooperates, and I am taking the advice from other mommy's to drink a glass of OJ beforehand to get itty bitty moving. 


**Keep your fingers crossed**


The gender results won't be posted until ALL of our family knows first of course. It took us awhile to figure out how we were going to go about telling them, and then it hit  us! Oreo's birthday party is on September 12th and almost all of our family will be there. It's a perfect time.


But...


I need help deciding on which way we want to actually tell them!
Idea #1: Wrap a present that Oreo opens and inside will be either a pink or blue shirt.
Or
Idea #2: Oreo wants a pinata so we were thinking of putting pink or blue confetti on the inside so everyone could see when it's broken open.


Thoughts?


Thanks so much everyone, your support is amazing. 

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Why Cloth?

Interesting Article I found HERE on why its great to use cloth instead of disposable diapers. Can't use cloth, try a disposable that isn't laden with these chemicals! 

Most parents have heard about the dangers of BPA in infant bottles, and as such, stores usually sell BPA-free options.  However, there are other dangers that parents do not yet know about.

Disposable diapers pose a health risk to children.  We have previously reported on sanitary pads and tampons causingendometriosis through dioxin exposure.  Dioxinsare a byproduct of chlorine, which is used during the bleaching process.  Dioxins accumulate in the body throughout the lifetime of the victim, which makes this particularly important.  Dioxin exposure as a child will impede the immune system of the individual forever.  They will never be as strong as they could have been.  Dioxins are responsible for a range of reproductive and developmental problems, damaging the immune system, along with causing major hormonal imbalances and cancer.  Many infants are now exposed to dioxins 24 hours a day, and yet society wonders why girls are beginning puberty younger than ever, and hormonal disorders are becoming increasingly common in children.

Unfortunately, dioxin is not the only issue with disposable diapers.  Sodium Polyacrylate is an absorbent gel that is responsible for absorbing moisture inside the diaper.  It was once present in tampons, but was removed for causing Toxic Shock Syndrome.  Feeling safe? Sodium polyacrylate is toxic through most routes of exposure, and has been implicated as a cause of staph infections.  It is also a skin irritant, because it is able to absorb all of the oils and moisture from the skin, yielding a drying effect.  It is no surprise, then, that problems like diaper rash are non-existent in those who use cloth diapers.  The effects of topical exposure to sodium polyacrylate have only been minimally studied, so we do not yet know what damage it is doing.  For the interest of our children, it is wise to err on the side of caution.

There are a variety of different dying agents used in diapers, ranging from indicators informing the parent of wetness, to colored patterns for improved appearances.  Infants are showing allergic reactions to these diapers, and parents of these children are typically unable to identify the diapers as the cause.  It is not uncommon for steroid creams to be used to treat these allergic reactions, with neither doctor nor parent suspects in involvement of chemical dyes.

We strongly recommend that people look into the possibility of using cloth diapers, or at the very least, purchase unbleached, dye-free disposable diapers at a specialty or health food store.  The health of our children is worth the minor inconvenience.

Keep your eye out- Cloth diaper reviews and giveaways coming soon!!

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intelligender test #3

Intelligender offered to send me a third test to see what the results would be. A best 2 out of 3 kind of thing! I was definitely up to it. As soon as it arrived in the mail I hurried to the bathroom to take the test! There are only 3 days until we find out the gender by ultrasound and I'm curious to see if Intelligender is correct. I really think they are, because all along I have been stating this as the sex of our baby!

Ok so to refresh.

Test 1 said BOY

Test 2 said GIRL

the final Test 3 stated...

are you ready for this

I

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V

BOY!!!!

Yep this test was a definite BOY result all the way. 

Hubby is still in denial, his statement: 'We will see on Tuesday.'

Which he is right. We will, and I can not wait! 

***

Quick note from hubby! "When looked at from a different angle the test looked more orange than green". (I have to agree it did). It was hard to capture this angle on camera though, so it doesn't count! LOL

***

+Thanks again Intelligender for providing me a product to review! I was given a product to review (no compensation) and all opinions are my own+

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NOVICA Review and Giveaway

If you are looking for gorgeous home decor or sterling silver jewelry, let me point you in the right direction! NOVICA sells handmade masterpieces at truly affordable prices. I was in awe while browsing their site and bookmarked about half of the products on the site either for products I personally wanted or for future holiday gifts! 
Check out these gorgeous earrings and necklaces! I also love the fact that you get to learn about the artist before you purchase! 

I was able to review the cotton batik shoulder bag, when it arrived I was beyond impressed. The package came perfectly wrapped with a unique wooden bow tied around it. On the inside I received a special handwritten thank you letter from the artist and a few pieces of information about NOVICA. What a special gift this would make for someone. The holiday season is right around the corner! I carry this bag with me everywhere, I feel so proud to have supported a true artist instead of buying this somewhere that mass produces with the least quality of materials! They have over 4 pages of handbags priced UNDER $50! What a steal!

Straight from the Source:

We want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow.

At the deepest essence of our philosophy, we want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe.

We want you to know about who you're buying from. We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.

In the spirit of the Internet, let us bring you together.

NOVICA. The World is Your Market.

Connect with NOVICA:

**Many thanks to NOVICA for sponsoring this Review and Giveaway. I was given a product to review (no compensation) and all opinions are my own**

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Mami and Papi Challenge

Remember when I mentioned my favorite new Cloth Diaper retailer?! Well they have this cute little challenge going on right now. Here's what it's all about: 

From MAMI--->"So............ here is the challege. I am going to do it also. I was "reading" that men do like their women comfortable, but every once in a while, it is awesome to remember that they "still have it". The men (this is a christian reading pamphlet) said that sure they know their women have gained weight, have stretch marks etc. BUT THEY DON'T CARE!!! So....... even if you are mad at hubby or he doesn't do "enough", tomorrow, get up, get dressed, put an apron on over your "clean clothes" and go all out. From morning to night! Post a pic of you all "fixed up" and a winner will be chosen for the best story and pic to go with it."

So. These are my 'steps' to getting all fixed up and relighting the Magic, for a mommy/ mommy to be!

As simple as all of this sounds I have to admit, it wasn't easy! Between the 'getting overwhelmed' part while my 2 y/o screamed for me to pick him up while I was making dinner. (thank goodness for our Boba carrier which fixed this one!) Or the broken glass, partially burnt pork chop, and exhausting baby belly to cart around. In the end I am happy that I did it and hubby was VERY appreciative (mostly of the dinner) haha! He told me I am cute all the time, even in my jammies. What an amazing man. I might just make it a point to at least once a few weeks have a nice dinner and cute dress-up time...we will see! Thanks Mami & Papi, just when I thought I couldn't love yall anymore you did it again! :o)

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If you have a quick minute...

I entered a Cloth Diaper Stash photo contest for BabyHalfOff.com on Facebook! If you have a minute can you head over and 'Like' my Lollipop stash photo?! Thanks everyone, baby #2 needs it!

CLICK HERE TO HIT LIKE!

Also!

 One of my ALL time favorite clothing lines for Oreo has been nominated for a 'She Knows Parenting' Best Eco- Friendly Clothing Line! 

Barley & Birch! 

It only takes a quick minute to create an account (only with your e-mail and a password) then click the picture of their clothing to vote! I couldn't think of a more deserving company!

Head HERE to help them out.

 Thanks for your help!

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Intelligender Review and a quick Poll

After the initial shock and excitement from a positive pregnancy test, the next big question for us is babies gender! The 20 week agonizing wait is still nothing compared to the 2 week wait while trying to conceive, but it's still a hard wait either way! You constantly have people telling you what they think you will have, and of course you have your own thoughts on the subject too. I was absolutely positive Oreo was a girl, and I am pretty sure this one is a boy...but I've been wrong before right?! When I heard about Intelligender I was overjoyed at the thought of not having to wait an extra 10 weeks to find out our baby's gender. Intelligender is a urine test kit that predicts the gender of your baby according to the color your urine turns after a 10 minute wait. I was so excited that I forgot the product was sent to me for a review, and I discarded it all before I could get pictures or details! So I decided to wait until a week before finding out by ultrasound to take another test. Just to re-confirm. 

Learn more about how it works HERE.

Test #1 taken at 10 weeks stated BOY. It was a very obvious boy color. 

This is what it looked like: 

but like I said, I was too excited to remember to take pictures of my own!

Test #2 Taken at 18 weeks stated GIRL. 

Or did it? 
*note: I contacted the company to ask which test would prove more accurate, they stated "If all the above [directions on package] were followed, then yes, I would go with the result at 18 weeks. There would have been more hormones present at that time in your urine."* 

This is what it looked like (these are my own photos this time!): 

Help me decide! BOY or GIRL?

I contacted the company and they rapidly responded with their guess too! I've included it in the poll!


My Final thoughts about Intelligender- It is obviously not going to be right 100% of the time. I have to say we have had a lot of fun taking and interpreting the tests and even if it's wrong I will still buy another one to try for our next baby! Why?! It's a great way to pass the time while waiting for that ultrasound!

Connect with Intelligender:

Want to have some fun predicting your babies gender? Click HERE to purchase! 

Also available at:Walgreens, CVS/Pharmacy, Targetand other retailers near you.

If you take the test let me know! I'd love to hear what happened. A follow up post will of course be done once our little ones gender will be revealed, so keep your eye out! 

**Many thanks to Intelligender for sponsoring this Review. I was given a product to review (no compensation) and all opinions are my own**

Take The Poll:

BOY or Girl!

According to the intelligender results OR just what you feel based upon reading my blog-

What do you think the gender will be?!

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Are you Green?

I want to save the planet, as well as my family. 

I was raised on doritos and mountain dew.

Ok, not literally but you get what I mean.

We grew up not knowing or understanding the importance of being "green." As a child the word organic was as foreign to me as a Honda.

I honestly think it all began to sink in on the day I visited my very first whole foods market. I was in college and my mother and I had began discussing organic foods and natural well being. It dawned on us that we were really missing something. We felt deprived of the happy healthy lives of those around us. 

The children in the shopping carts at Whole Foods looked so pure and full of joy. I know. I sound crazy. Honestly though, those are some of the cutest babies Ever! 

We then began to research and wow did it hit us hard. We have since then been striving to better ourselves as well as those around us. I am now happily married, well only if you're reading this post past Feb.14th 2010 (my wedding date) and I have the most precious gorgeous son that means the world to me. I want whats best for my family, but I want to be able to afford it too. 

This is my journey. 

My journey of finding that balance. 

For me. For you. For our future and the future of our children. 

I will be searching high and low for all things eco-friendly and organic that won't cost an arm and a leg! 

Our biggest goal is creating a 100% organic pregnancy, birth, and beyond for our second child. Which is happening NOW! Join me on this journey and feel free to leave your own tips and tricks to affording going green!

Stay Beautiful. Stay Green.

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LIVE Auction

Please check out Mason's Page today! They are having a LIVE facebook auction filled with great items

(including 2 from Luvs Jurn3) and all proceeds go to a GREAT cause! Starting bid for the majority of items is $5.

Auctions Begin- Sunday August 22 @ 8am CST

End- Wednesday August 25 @ 7pm CST

Please check it out!

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Sweetsation Therapy Review and Giveaway

I am in love with my Sweetsation Therapy Ellasti*Belly Organic Stretch Mark Miracle Oil! The stuff is absolutely amazing. While I was pregnant with Oreo I was constantly complaining about how itchy and dry my skin felt on my belly and hips. I tried numerous different lotions and 'Mama Butter' products, with no luck finding one that worked! If only I had known about Sweetsation then. The absolute best part about the product is it's organic! I have already gotten 18 weeks use out of it and there is still a ton left in the bottle. A little definitely goes a long way. This would also make a great shower gift, I know I would love it if I were gifted something so amazing! 

Straight From The Source: 

Sweetsation Therapy was born in 2008, with the collaboration of two of the USA based labs and a team of chemists, aromatherapists and dermatologists.  Our products are Organic and natural treatments that look great, feel great and smell great, and therefore make you feel good.  We've combined the best gifts of earth and ocean in our skin care. Aromatherapy elements nourish your body and soul. And most importantly our products are safe for mom and baby, and everyone who seeks the healthiest alternatives for every day skin challenges. Did you know that everything that is applied on our skin, the largest organ, ultimately ends up in your bloodstream? Consequently, we pass it on to our developing baby. Each ingredient was thoroughly researched and checked against Cosmetic Safety Database and verified, that it's safe to use for pregnancy while delivering desirable results. 

Find These Other Great Products made my Sweetsation:

NEW
BEAUTY
BABY
SUN

Connect With Sweetsation Therapy:

Please RT Win a bottle of Elasti*Belly organic stretch mark miracle oil from sweetsation ends 9/20 http://tinyurl.com/25ky5od

Your Sweetsation Products HERE

A bottle of the Elasti*Belly Organic Miracle Stretch Mark Oil!

Giveaway ends Monday September 20th 2010 at 10:00 p.m.(E.S.T.) I will notify the winner via e-mail. Winner to be drawn by the random number generator at Random.org. Winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn.

Only open to US residents. Must be 18 years or older to win.

**Many thanks to Sweetsation for sponsoring this Review and Giveaway. I was given a product to review (no compensation) and all opinions are my own**

Good Luck!

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$25 Luvs Jurn3 Gift Certificate Giveaway

Check out my Luvs Jurn3 Facebook page and enter to win a $25 Gift Certificate to my Etsy shop!

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Great Sale!

Belle Baby Carriers is having a huge SALE starting at midnight tonight to make room for new fall prints! Select styles will be reduced to $69! What an amazing deal!

Check it Out! 

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What's the deal Wal-Mart?

I have been full on hunting the internet for great deals on organic clothing for our next little one. I really want baby GN in organic clothing for the whole first year! I have to admit though, the cost is outrageous. I have been able to get some amazing deals using sights like babyhalfoff.com and greenbabybargains.com as well as ecobabybuys.com! It's great stuff for an amazing price. 


So you're probably wondering, what does Wal-Mart have to do with all of this...?


Read on.


We were wandering around Wal-Mart looking for a movie (yes I shop at wal-mart, yes I feel horrible every time I do, and no I can't believe i'm fessing up in front of you all) and I stumbled across a rack of 'organic' baby clothes on clearance for $3, not only was it only $3 but it was a 3 piece set! The tag read: Made of 100% organic cotton. Fair enough. So I grabbed three of them! How could I not?!


After we got home I really started questioning the price...and the product. Why is it that Wal-Mart is able to sell 100% organic cotton products for SO cheap!? I was also curious as to where the organic cotton was coming from, and why is their no 'certification' labeled on the clothing or on the tags?! The majority of organic products have been certified organic at least by the USDA. 


I started digging. I have to admit I am pretty curious about some of the information I found. 


Quick Fact I Found HERE: "There are USDA standards for certifying cotton plants and the cotton fibers that they produce as being organic because cotton seeds and cotton oils are also important food products. So your favorite cotton shirt can be made from 100% certified organic cotton even though the cotton fabric might be full of chemical finishes and heavy metal dyes. For any product sold in the U.S. – regardless of where it was grown or produced – to carry the USDA Organic logo, it must have been inspected by a certified agent of the USDA certification program. This is the current state of government regulations for organic fibers in the U.S..."


So I sent an e-mail wal-mart...

My First Email: I am curious about your infant organic creeper sets. Are they certified organic? If so by whom? Where is the organic cotton grown and processed? I am interested in purchasing these for my baby due soon but would like more information first. Thank you for your time!


Wal-Mart Reply: Thank you for contacting Walmart.com regarding your question.

To help you resolve your issue in a quick and efficient manner, I need some additional information related to your request.  

Unfortunately, we could not find one specific item that matched the item you are looking for.  Can you please clarify for us exactly what this item is, whether it be a blanket, mattress, changing pad, etc.

Please reply to this email with the additional information requested or call us at 1-800-966-6546. We're here to serve you from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM CDT, Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM CDT,Saturday and Sunday.

We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused.

Sincerely,
Walmart.com Customer Care

My Second E-mail: Thank you for your reply. Here is the item I am asking about:http://www.walmart.com/ip/Garanimals-Newborn-Boys-4-piece-Mix-and-Match-Set/14097230 The Garanimals - Newborn Boys' Organic Cotton 4-Piece Mix-and-Match Sets. Looking forward to hearing from you again.

Wal-Mart Reply: Thank you for contacting Walmart.com regarding your product inquiry for the Garanimals Boys' Organic 4-Piece Sets.  We received your email and we are following up to alert you that we are still researching the matter.  We will contact you within 2 business days with the requested information.

We apologize for any inconvenience. 

If you still have questions, please reply to this email or call us at 1-800-966-6546. We're here to serve you from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM CDT, Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM CDT, Saturday andSunday.

If we may be of further assistance, please email us athelp@walmart.com.

Sincerely,
Walmart.com Customer Care

This was on August 17th. So. We wait. I am really excited to see what they come up with. I would love to hear your thoughts on the whole thing! So please comment away!

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