Written By Mama

Archive for September, 2012

Earlier this week I shared a picture on my Facebook for everyone. I thought the meaning was beautiful, as did everyone that shared it.
I was lucky, no one had anything nasty to say about it – on my wall. Other pages were getting horrible comments about why the parents in the picture are bad parents. Mostly directed to the mom who circumcised her son. Well, let me get on my soapbox real quick and tell you all why I’m a bad mom;

Landon IS circumcised. It’s not your business why Cody and I chose to have that “operation.”

Landon DOES get his shots on time every time. We just got his first flu shot on Friday, also.

I DO let my son watch TV as often as he wants.

Landon DOES tell kids that are crying to shut up, when he’s trying to talk.

When Landon gets mad, he says shit and recently learned f*ck.

Landon was breast & formula fed from birth till 6 months – then just formula fed.

We cloth diaper…when they’re clean. So once every month.

I get fed up with Landon at times and can’t wait till he’s supposed to go see his dad for the weekend.

Then I get too emotional when he’s gone for too long.

I’ve given Landon coffee, mixed in his milk.

I still take showers with Landon.

I let the dog lick his face.

Don’t worry, there’s no blade on the end of the razor. I’m a bad mom, not stupid.

Despite all the bad, Landon is happy. He laughs everyday. He hugs strangers. He wants to kiss everyone’s owies. He never goes to bed hungry. He has a dry diaper, always. Most importantly, he’s loved beyond words.
No mother is perfect. We’re all tired at the end of the day. But our child isn’t any worse off than he would be, with one of the “good moms.”

So tell me, in what ways are you a [not so] bad mom? Link up your posts!

Wow, try saying that 5 times fast!

 Flat Tire Decor is a company that makes different products from recycled tires.

Flat Tire Decor and Suburban Coupon Mom have teamed up with some fantastic bloggers – including myself – to give you an opportunity to win a Tube Totes Messenger bag with your choice from various colors for the strap!!

Simply Fill out the form below and be entered to win!!!

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Ye Enter At Yer Own Risk Mateys!

I’m not sure why, but I’m totally obsessed with today’s “International Speak Like A Pirate Day.” So in honor of such a brilliant day, I thought I’d share some Pirate Goodies I found so far. I will try to update throughout the day, as I find more (:

Fist, change your Facebook settings to Pirate Speak! Here’s how:
To change your Facebook to Pirate Speak, go to the little triangle on the top right (next to HOME), account settings, & change your language from ‘English’ to ‘English (pirate)’

Next, if you have an Android phone, download this Pirate App for free!

If that isn’t enough, there’s also a website that teaches you how to speak Pirate. Looking for a few pick up lines? It’s covered! *some pick up lines are very adult*

Looking for a new giveaway to enter? How about a Scallywags Game?

Looking for some activities & crafts for your wee lads & lassies? Check out the Kolcraft Blog for a few fun ideas.

I love blogging. I do it just because it’s my own space and my little getaway. However, who doesn’t like something in exchange for a blog post? Well, EdenFantasys has this awesome blogger program that I’m part of.

I’m sure you’re wondering “what do they offer?” That’s what I wondered first too. Well they offer, gift cards! If you know anything about EdenFantasys, then you know they have something for almost anyone ages 18 and up. Lotion, dresses, lingerie and more! Trust me, your gift card will go far.

The requirements are reasonable and you don’t need to post any explicit content. You can inform your readers without taking the “uncomfortable” or “adult” route. You can check them out on Twitter, @EdenBloggers, for examples of posts.
You can write about them every 3 weeks, and compensation is provided after the post is live. You don’t have to write every 3 weeks. You can write once and that’s it. It’s completely up to you. If you ever get stuck on topics, the PR rep will send over a few ideas that will fit into your blog’s content. It seriously can’t get any easier than that.

Everything sound good? Ready to get started? Well, you can read more about their Eden Bloggers Program and then email them ([email protected]).

Before I get into this post I should tell you this; I have only eaten cake for 5 days now. I’m quite fed up with cake and can’t wait till it’s all gone. Also, be prepared for picture overload. He’s only going to turn 2 once, so you know I have to get every picture I can.

The Birthday Boy!

Anyways, Landon’s birthday was on Thursday. It was a bittersweet day for me. I’m excited my baby is getting older, but he’s getting older so it makes me sad

Since Landon was with me on his actual birthDAY, we went ahead and celebrated at the house with a little bit of cake. It was so awesome – Landon actually blew out the candle!

Cake & presents!

Then Saturday was his party with Cody & Cody’s mom. Other than being extremely a little awkward, we had a nice time. He had a ton of presents (that he didn’t need) and again, blew out his candle.

Lot’s of presents and cake!

I have to say, that very first picture (at the top of my post) really is an awful picture of Landon. He looks so snooty (lol) and everyone kept giving him M&M’s so he had chocolate in his teeth. Although, I can’t help but think, “the attitude fits the age.”

We didn’t stay long since it was Cody’s weekend to have Landon, his mom was there and it was a little weird trying to pretend that we were a great happy family. I did get a good video of Landon blowing out his candle though!

I know my singing voice is amazing, but I’m not quite ready to sign any record labels just yet – so please don’t ask

Two years ago, today, is the official day I became “Mama.” When I found out I was pregnant, I wasn’t ready. I was really scared and, honestly, too young. Shoot, I was too young when I got married, but that’s a whole different subject.
I found out Jan. 3rd 2010, when I took an at home pregnancy test. I will never forget, it showed positive before I was even done going pee. Can’t get anymore pregnant than that

My pregnancy was easy for the most part. I had a little morning sickness, but I think it was from all the nerves. I was still in shock and didn’t know what to expect. Months went on and my belly grew bigger, and bigger. I got my first stretch mark at 30 weeks. I remember waking up thinking “that scar looks bigger today.” Then I realized the stretch mark extended from the top of my scar (gnarly cat scratch) to my pant line! I cried.

At about 34 weeks, I thought my water broke in Target. I rush to Labor & Delivery only to find out that I peed my pants. Talk about embarrassing. I’ll be prepared if there’s a next time, though.

My original due date was Sept. 4th 2010. I was overdue 9 days. I was scheduled to be induced the 10th, but all these other women were naturally going into labor, so I had to wait. We tried everything, except Castor Oil, to get me to go into labor. Nothing worked. Finally, when I was at Walmart shopping for blinds for Landon’s room, I received the phone call. The phone call telling me to go home, shower, eat something and come into Labor & Delivery. They had a birthing room available for me!
I was too nervous to eat. So I went in there, thinking I would pop him out within a few hours, then get to eat something tasty.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I went in on Sunday, Sept. 12th at 10:35AM. I was asked to get into a robe (either the one they provided or one I brought – I chose theirs so mine wouldn’t get yucky). I was in labor! They hadn’t even done anything except hook me up to the monitors. I was having contractions and didn’t even know it! I was so sure I would have a silent labor – where you don’t feel your contractions at all.

Once again, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Everything was going good. I wasn’t feeling anything and my contractions, according to the machines, were really strong and close together. Hours went by. They’re all a blur to me now, I’m not sure what I did or where I was. I just remember my contractions suddenly starting to hurt. So they came in and gave me some medicine. It made me loopy. Imagine throwing a rock into a pond – the ripples the rock makes in the water is similar to what I saw. Apparently I was giggling – I don’t remember that though
Then, I passed out. When I passed out, I was only dilated 3cm.

Two short hours later I woke up to the most painful contractions ever. Okay, they weren’t that painful, but I really don’t like to be woken up. After about 20 minutes of trying to go to the bathroom, I finally told my nurse that nothing was coming out. She checked me – there were a few bad words thrown in there before she checked me, but I won’t repeat them – I was dilated 9cm!!! I had dilated 6cm in just 2 hours, and when I thought I had to go to the bathroom, I didn’t. It was Landon pushing his way out. Leave it to Landon to attempt to make his entrance at the most inconvenient time – me sleeping.

So I received my epidural. I think I signed something stating I wouldn’t tell anyone how dilated I was when I received it, but this story wouldn’t be any good without sharing that information – I’m kidding, I didn’t sign anything like that, but there were risks I took when receiving my epidural at 9cm. I fell asleep again. Another 2 hours went by before I woke up. I felt well rested and my entire body was not hurting. I was relaxed. The most relaxed I had ever been. I was ready to have my baby.

I was so numb from the epi that I couldn’t feel myself push. So I spent an hour pushing. It would have been less if I could feel something, anything. But I made the decision and am honestly glad I did.

At 2:09AM, out popped a perfectly healthy, 7lb 11.3oz baby boy.

This is Landon only a few hours old – giving his dad a kiss <3

It's been pretty easy raising him over the last 2 years. I've had fears about his speech, attitude and walking on his tippy toes. I'm not too worried anymore, though. He will get to where he needs to be soon enough.

If I would have him hold something forever, it would be this;

“Happy 2nd birthday baby boy. It’s been a quick 2 years, and the next 20 will go by just as fast. I know you don’t understand now but;
Enjoy life. Enjoy the wind in your face and the dog kisses that become over-whelming at times. Don’t get so upset when someone tells you ‘no.’ Laugh at yourself and don’t get frustrated by your mistakes – you’re still learning. Love yourself and love others. Continue to be the sweet, caring boy you are. Don’t let anyone steal your compassion. I hope you continue to hug people that are sad. I hope you always greet strangers with your warm smile and make them leave with a smile. Be the friend you would like to have. I hope you learn something new everyday and it stays with you forever. I hope you forgive me for the mistakes I’ll make while being your mother. I hope you love all of your family as much as we love you. Always know you have someone to turn to, no matter what. I won’t ever judge you for any decision you have made. You’re only human, you will make mistakes. No matter how old you are, you will always have a home with me. Most importantly though, I hope you know how much I love you.”

This is his 2 year picture (:

Now it’s time for me to go make birthday breakfast for Landon & put on some cartoons (:

I’m teaming up with my favorite bloggers again to bring you a super duper awesome-o Britax Frontier 85 car seat! You get to pick the color you want, how cool is that?? So all you have to do is enter using the giveaway form below. If you haven’t already, please read Suburban Coupon Mom’s Britax Frontier 85 car seat review.

GOOD LUCK!

Must be a legal resident of the United States and 18 years of age or older to win. The winner must respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen in your place. The giveaway is live from now until Sept. 27th. Written By Mama is not responsible for shipping the prize.

GOOD LUCK!

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My friend Rebekah from DealPeddler got to review an amazing tent for her family vacation this past weekend. You should check out her
LightSpeed Outdoors Vermont 4 Pro Product Review
then, enter this giveaway for a chance to win your own tent!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you heard yet? Austin Couponing is having another baby! I’ve been given the opportunity to help host Week 2 of her Virtual Baby Shower. The best part? You are the one that gets to win prizes! This week there are over $300 worth of prizes from some awesome sponsors! Make sure to enter and share with everyone you know!

Baby Magic is giving away a Rub a Duck Tub Gift Set ($18 Value) Check out her review HERE.

Balboa Baby is giving away a Nursing Pillow, winner gets to choose the pattern ($50 Value) Check out her review HERE.

Hot Slings is giving away a Baby pouch, winner gets to choose the pattern ($64.95 Value) Check out her review HERE.

Cloud B is giving away a Tranquil Turtle ($54.95 Value) Check out her review HERE.

Boogie Wipes is giving away 2 Packs of boogie wipes, winner gets to choose the scent ($8 Value) Check out her review HERE.

Clean Well is giving away a hand soap, sanitizing wipes and Foaming hand sanitizer, all full sized. ($20 Value) Check out her review HERE.

Little Big Fan is giving away a pair of their awesome leg warmers, winner gets to choose the pattern ($15 Value) Stay tuned for her Little Big Fan review.

Paper Culture is giving away a $50 Gift Certificate, so the winner can buy anything from their store ($50 Value) Stay tuned for her Paper Culture review.

Stork Stack is giving away one of their Stacks ($28 Value) This will be sent out according to your child’s age.

To enter to win one of this awesome prizes make sure to fill out the Rafflecopter below. Good Luck, thank you so much for helping celebrate Melissa’s Virtual Baby Shower!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I love accessories. Probably as much as I love a good, comfortable pair of shorts. I want the best quality without having to spend an arm an a leg, though. That’s why, I jumped at the chance to help host a giveaway for InPink! They have a huge selection of accessories to choose from. I was looking at the website for a long time, trying to decide what my favorite piece was. Everything is really cheap and if you win one of these gift cards, you can definitely get more than 1 item.

InPink is offering a $40 Gift Card to 30 winnners!! Yup! You read that right! There are 30 -$40 gift cards up for grabs!! PLUS, InPink will be offering entrants that don’t win a $15 credit! Um, hello?! Even if you don’t win, you’re still a winner! $15 can get one of the charm bracelets I like!

How do you enter? Easy! Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway