Friday around 3:35pm: Got a severe cramp in the lower abdomen to which I could make no movement. I was stuck in one position that I could not get out of. The pain was so severe, I could not breath and could hardly talk on the phone with my friend. I called my husband to tell him that I was in a lot of pain, and thought he should come home from work. I then called my midwife and without hesitation she told me to call 911. So I called 911.

Friday at 3:50pm: Ambulance arrives and they put me on a stretcher. I am still having major abdominal issues and contractions. The paramedics ask me a whole bunch of questions and they check me to make sure the baby’s head is not crowning.

Friday at 4:10pm: We arrive at UCLA Medical Center and they take me up to Labor & Delivery. The staff at Labor & Delivery and my midwife are waiting for me to make my arrival. They take me to the delivery room, and put two belts on me. One belt is for the baby’s heartbeat, and the other belt is for my contractions. The baby is healthy and my contractions are crazy. You could literally see on the monitor that I was having constant strong contractions. Then the midwife checked to see my cervix and it was only at 2cm. Because my contractions were crazy, they made me do a UTI test, take a urine sample, and they checked me on the ultrasound. All the results came back negative. They checked me again before they were going to discharge me, and I was still at a 2 cm, but my contractions did not subside. They gave me a dose of vicodin after I ate dinner. The midwife came back to check on me again, and the cervix stayed the same, but there was bloody show. She told me to come back if I constantly bled.

Around 10:30pm: I was discharged and went back home. The contractions subsided and I went to bed. Everytime I woke up to use the restroom, I checked to see if there was bloody show and there was everytime, so I told my husband that we should go back to be safe.

Saturday 5am: We went back to Labor & Delivery. I told my midwife about the bloody show and a resident came in to check me. She checked my cervix and I was a good 3cm at 50% effaced. She also checked the baby on the ultrasound and everything checked out good, except one pocket of fluid was low. They sent me back home and said to come back on Sunday to get a Non-Stress Test done.

Sunday 9am: Back at Labor & Delivery for NST Test. Everything checked out fine. The fluid was a little low, but they said everything was okay and to go back to my regular midwife visit on Tuesday.

Today: Midwife appointment.

Two more days until 37 weeks, which makes me full term. Hang in there baby!!!

Labeling everything. Some may say that I am really bored at home and nesting. While others may think I am super-organized. Whatever the reason may be, I simply know that I am loving Mabel’s Labels. I never ever considered myself a labeling type person. I remember growing up, my mom would use a marker to identify our clothing, backpacks, etc…I also remember, I was completely and utterly embarassed by this. Also, I never understood why people labeled, unless they were complete clutzes, or they had some sort of compulsive disorder. I would watch HGTV or TLC, and could not relate to those organizational shows. However, now I can tell you that I am completely intrigued by labeling. Let me tell you why.

Once my daughter started school, we started to miss articles of clothing, her bag, her containers, etc. I didn’t want to start labeling her things with a sharpee pen, although I did almost give into that option. To my happiness, I discovered Mabel’s Labels. First and foremost, I loved the name. I will be the first to admit that I do buy into the packaging. I went to their cute website, and they pretty much offered a whole line of everything and anything that has to do with labeling. The most ideal package for me was the Camp/School Pack, since all my problems and the need to label, had to do with this.

The Camp/School Pack has 15 sticky Labels, 40 Iron-Ons or 50 Tag Mates, 8 Shoe Labels, 2 Bad Tags. The Labels are all dishwasher/micro-wave safe and UV resistant. The clothing labels are laundry safe, as well. The Labels are available in 3 grouped colors: standard, princess, and ocean. My daughter and I appropriately chose Princess, as her color pallette. Since each order is customized/personalized to your needs, you get to choose what you want, and it’s very easy. We typed in her name, selected what sort of labels we wanted, chose our Princess icon, picked our Princess color, and then we were done. These labels are $34.00 for the pack.

Once I received my labels in the mail, I was super excited to start labeling my daughter’s school stuff. She just started her ballet/tap classes at school, and I did not want to lose anything of hers, since they were pretty pricey. First, I had to go through the process of fighting over the labels with my daughter because she thought they were stickers, and I wanted to start labeling as fast as possible. She eventually got what I was doing and was pretty excited to see her name everywhere. She loved her princess icon and now that she is learning to spell her name, she immediately read the labels, which as a parent, was one of those proud moments. I labeled her tap shoes, her ballet slippers, her leotards, and her tights. It felt like such an accomplishment. When she gets to school, her teachers will now be able to distinguish her things from her classmates.

Another thing that I had to get that Mabel’s Labels offers, was the Mama Cards. Such a simple, but clever idea. How many times have you gone to the park or the mall, and have had other mothers ask for your number or email address? I have had that happen to me so many times, that I can’t even keep count. Every single time, I either took out a receipt from a grocery store, rip a portion of my mail envelope, or write on their hands. Obviously, we are not carrying around Mommy business cards to give out when we are doing our daily duties. At least, I don’t think about networking or anything of that matter when I am out with my child. The focus is completely on my child. However, once I started my blog and people were approaching me about my blog, wanting to know more about it, it looked a little sloppy writing my info on a Whole Foods Receipt, or a ripped out piece of paper from something else. At that time, I knew I had to get something that was like a business card, but more Mommy oriented.

Mama Cards were the answer to my clumsy looking days. Just like you can customize the labels, you can customize the cards with five different designs and you can include any information you would like on the card. I chose the Field design and put my name, blog name, email address, and phone number on it. On the back, you have a notes section, so you can write down anything you would like. I love this feature because the person who has my card, either knows how we met, what we talked about, or they can write notes for themselves. It’s such a cute way for mothers to give out information, without the hassle of taking out a pen and paper, in the midst of all the chaos that goes on at playgrounds or at malls. I already started using mine at my daughter’s school, and all the mothers are asking me about it, so it is definitely a winner!

Mabel’s Labels is a mommy started company and they themselves created these innovative products, after going through the same frustrations that we mothers go through. Nice clothing items, backpacks, and other things leaving the house, without ever making an appearance back at home. The products definitely had the mother/child/family in mind. I am now a huge fan and I will continue to label everything that I feel needs to be labeled in my household. For more information on Mabel’s Labels go to: http://www.mabels.ca/

(Disclosure: Product was provided free of charge for review purposes and does not affect my views or feedback of the product.  This review is based solely on my personal opinion and experience and results may vary person to person.)

Hautelook.com is having their Liz Lange Weekend Diaper Bag Sale. If you are in the market to buy a really chic diaper bag or need one for a gift, these bags are absolutely gorgeous. I went on to their site and I pretty much wanted every bag. They have some bags that look very similar to the ever popular Hermes Bag. Use Coupon Code: FREESHIPSAT to receive free shipping this weekend.

The Pump Station & Nurtury will be hosting an “Ultimate Healthy Parenting Party” on Sunday, June 28, 2009. Please Save the Date. The event will be from 12pm-4pm and it’s also a diaper drive, so the diapers that are collected at this event will benefit “LA Diaper Drive.” For more details about schedule and happenings, please see and click below.

I wanted to share with you some of the things I wrote for my birth plan. Although, I keep forgetting to take it with me to my midwife visits. The next visit I will make sure I print it out because I will be at 37 weeks and anything can happen at that point. I have discussed some of the things with my midwife, but not in great detail, so this will be great.

1. My labor coach will be my husband, mother, or friends, depending on what my needs are that day, but that will be the order of how I would like it to be. I have a group of close friends and family that will be present and want to keep things open for that day, depending on how I feel.
2. I would like my husband, daughter, mother, and friends to witness the birth.
3. I would like to walk around during labor, as well as take showers, and whatever is needed for me to feel comfortable.
4. I am aiming to have a drug-free birth, however, have it on hand, in case things change.
5. I only would like to be induced if I am not able to contract on my own and it becomes a risk/issue for the baby.
6. I do not want to tear, and would like to push squatting. I would also like to push when I feel necessary to push. In the ideal circumstance, I do not want to deliver laying down unless of course an epidural is used.
7. I would like for my husband to cut the umbilical cord, as well as hold the baby with the midwife as the baby makes its way into the world.
8. I would like to hold the baby immediately, as well as breastfeed, as soon as possible.
9. I would like to be released from the hospital as soon as possible, if there are no complications and everything checks out fine.
10. I would like snacks to be present for family and friends, as well as myself, if I need to eat during labor.

So that is the game plan! Well, most of the important things. Of course on the actual day, adjustments will occur, but I think this will suffice as a blueprint of how I want things to happen. From this day forward, I need to relax, take it easy, and take deep breaths. I also need to stop watching extremely graphic birthing videos because it’s making me anxious and nervous!

There is a lot of controversy behind whether or not you should co-sleep with your baby. There are experts who believe that it’s very natural and good for mom and baby, while others believe that there are so many dangers involved with co-sleeping. When it comes to child-rearing, everyone has an opinion of their own. As a parent, we have to make conscious choices, that best suits our needs and beliefs. When we brought my now, 3 year old daughter, home from the hospital, I decided to have her near me, and chose to co-sleep with her. Of course much thought and consideration went into my decision, but I ultimately did what felt natural to me.

For me, it was a lot easier to breastfeed her because I could just roll over and feed her instantly. Moreover, I was able to bond with her, and really take in the fact that I was a mother. Being a first time mom and being extremely exhausted, we tried the crib thing. But I thought I was going to lose it when I had so much traveling to do between my bed and the crib. It was physically draining. Just having her close to me was easier on me and the baby, and she slept really comfortably next to me.

Honestly speaking, I can also see the dangers of co-sleeping as well. We had our daughter next to me and there were a couple close calls where I almost rolled over her, but caught myself in mid-movement. I am grateful that we did not have to experience anything dangerous, but I can see how it happens. When I found out I was pregnant for the second time around, I wanted to co-sleep again, but I wanted something that would create a simple barrier between me and the baby, that would make the co-sleeping experience more safer. I went online and was able to find a great product called Co-Zee by Hisense. The Co-Zee speaks for itself, “Sleep close. Sleep Safe. Sleep tight.” It’s a great co-sleeping solution that let’s you enjoy the benefits of co-sleeping while having the peace of mind, that your baby is safe and secure.

The Co-Zee gives total sleep protection for the baby and fits comfortably between the parents. So now your husband can also enjoy the benefits of co-sleeping. I know my husband felt a little left out the first time around because he did not have that much access to the baby, but now he can also participate. I can breastfeed the baby easily without getting out of the bed and my husband can cradle the baby throughout the night, without having to travel to the crib. I also love that it has an adjustable nighlight at the head of the co-sleeper and a tray to hold the bottle and pacifier. Plus, it is so comfortable and plush. The Co-Zee and its features really make it easier on the parents and the baby, so that more quality time is spent and making it an experience to remember rather than a tedious task at hand.

Hisense also offers many other quality baby products, but one other product that really caught my eyes were the Flow bottles. The idea behind the Flow bottles are, “A safe and simple bottle that works.” The Flow is an anti-colic bottle that leaves the baby comfortable and contented. It prevents Vacuums by drawing air through the bottom of the bottle and it has a unique valve that you can test. It’s easy to use, clean, and economical. More importantly, the bottles are made from high quality FDA food-grade PES plastic, and they are free of Bisphenol-A, and come with silicon nipples.

For me, I am going to try to breastfeed exclusively. However, I will have to use bottles when I have my husband, family members, and friends take care of the baby, when I am not present. At least, I will have the peace of mind that these bottles are safe and simple to use for anyone that caretakes my child.

For more information on the Co-Zee and the Flow, as well as other great products, please visit: http://www.babysafeus.com/.

(Disclosure: Products were provided free of charge for review purposes and does not affect my views or feedback of the products.  This review is based solely on my personal opinion and experience and results may vary person to person.)

Up till the point of 33 weeks, I had a lot of my energy back and ready to move at a constant rate. Once 34 weeks hit, I lost almost all of my energy. I am literally at a point where all I want to do is nap. If I don’t nap, the whole day goes by like a daze and I completely feel out of it. If I do nap, it does miracles.

Today I went to my almost 36 weeks appointment. I am officially 36 weeks on Thursday. As I was waiting for my midwife to come into the room, I was ready to pass out. Once she entered the room, I still was at a complete daze and could not remember half the things she said. All I remember is “160 beats” and “head is down.”

Next week, I turn 37 weeks, which means that it’s safe for baby to make its grand entrance. Can’t wait to see what day she picks for her birthday. I will be one busy momma with a busy-body toddler and a new baby. To that, let me go take a nap for all the energy I need!

There is one thing that I missed putting on while I was pregnant with my daughter. I hated looking down at my feet and seeing bare toe nails, they looked miserable. Living in California and wearing flip flops on a daily basis did not help. I was constantly online looking for a nail polish that was not harmful, stinky, and bad for you. However, there was no one nail polish that fit all the criterias I was looking for.

When my daughter turned 2 years old, she wanted to start painting her nails. For her, I did buy a children’s polish that was child-friendly, safe, and non-toxic, however, the smell was still horrendous. I immediately threw that one away because it just made me gag.

When I found out I was pregnant for the second time, I thought about nail polishes again. I was on a mission to find “the perfect” nail polish for all women, men, children, but most importantly all my pregnant mommas. I mean it’s the least we deserve while being pregnant. Sometimes that one little thing can make the biggest difference in how we feel.

I am super excited to present to you, Acquarella. Everything that I have been looking for in a nail polish and more. Acquarella is not just a nail polish, it’s nail health. I can’t tell you how much I fell in love with this product when I tried it out, and now, my mother and daughter are using it.

Acquarella is the only nail polish in the world that is safe, water-based, and non-toxic. Plus, it hydrates the nails, unlike conventional nail polishes that make your nails chip, peel, and yellow. It has absolutely NO ODOR! So no more gagging for me and you. More importantly, it does not contain formaldehyde, phthalates, and petrochemicals solvents of any kind. Since it is water based, it’s non-flammable and free from toxic fumes, and your nails breathe. The polish is super easy to use, without the need of top and base coat and it dries very fast, in 3 minutes.

In using Acquarella, it is essential to know that preparation is key. The instructions are online, which makes it very convenient and easy to refer back to. If you have used conventional nail polishes, you have to go through a preparation cycle that helps remove many oils and emollients in the nail plate that interfere with the Acquarella polish. It’s only a 4 day cycle that put your nails in optimum condition for the polish. Part of the cycle, is using the nail conditioner, as well as the remover.

The conditioner can act as a clear polish and it strengthens and moisturizes your nails. Being consistent with the line, it does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, phtalates, or petrochemical solvents of any kind. The remover is water-based as well, has no acetone, methyl acetate, or any other petrochemical solvents. Both these products are essential in the 4 day nail preparation cycle. However, for the lucky few that never uses conventional nail polishes and have hydrated nails, you can skip the 4 day cycle. But I still suggest that everyone does the preparation cycle, just for nail health.

I went through the entire preparation cycle and it was very easy. I noticed immediately that my nails looked so polished and healthy. They were shining and very healthy looking. I also liked that my nails were breathing versus the feeling of heavy polish weighing down my nails. After 4 days of giving your nails a facelift, you can pick from 22 colors to put on. I tried both the French Vanilla and the Prissy, as my nail polishes. The polishes went on thin and very clean. The French Vanilla were very close to my skin color, so it looked very clean and neutral. The Prissy popped right onto my nails and just made a bold statement of sexiness, femininity, and strength, with the hint of girliness. It took about 2 weeks for the nail polishes to gradually come off, which is quite comparable to conventional nail polishes. I used the remover to take the polishes off, and it was definitely easier than I thought it would. I rubbed my nails with the cotton cloth, and it came off without any major hassles.

I love that you can have such a great nail polish without all the hazardous ingredients that can affect your health and the environment. For all my pregnant mommas, you can definitely use these polishes, without the worries and consequences of how it may affect your unborn baby. I have already gotten a lot of compliments from friends and families. For more information on this fabulous product line, please visit: http://www.acquarellapolish.com/.

(Disclosure: Products were provided free of charge for review purposes and does not affect my views or feedback of the products.  This review is based solely on my personal opinion and experience and results may vary person to person.)

Happy Father’s Day to all the pappas out there!!! I have so much gratitude towards my husband, as he is a great husband and a father. Within the last three years, my husband has come a long way in his relationship with our daughter. I remember when we first brought her home, he was too scared to hold her, thinking he would break her in two pieces.

Of course, our daughter is a lot bigger now and more communicative, but he now feels more comfortable when it comes to his role as a father. I give a lot of props to the fathers out there because when we have children, a lot of emphasis is put on the mothers, since we are the ones who give birth. We are also the one’s that have to breastfeed, if we choose to, which is a huge part of the early stages of infancy.

My husband had 400 people make reservations for Mother’s Day Brunch, however, for Father’s Day Brunch, there were only 90 reservations. I find that a little sad and dissappointing for our good fathers out there. So I wanted to take a little time out from today to wish our fathers the Happiest Father’s Day!