Prayers are Needed ...

Does God guide us to certain people in our lifetime? Or is it all random? A pure coincidence?

I think not.

Admittedly, my faith in God has ridden its ups and downs, as many of us probably have in life. For me it shifted as I found my way - through its ups and downs, hormones and growth spurts, and as the world tested my limitations and beliefs.

Then I met One Daddy. He is The One. The One for me. The One that I believe God put on this earth so we could eventually find each other.

And then when I thought I had it all figured out...

we had children. The questions that we tossed around about God suddenly became mute. After all, how could the true miracle of conception, pregnancy, and the creation of these wonderful and precious little people be anything but the work of God?

And then when I thought we had it all figured out...

our second son, Jaxon, was stillborn when I was full term. Completely unexpected. Completely devastating.

That was in November of 2005; honestly, I cannot believe he has been gone almost four years. When I close my eyes and go back, I can still see everything so clearly. When I close my eyes and go back, the feeling of emptiness that consumed my heart return.

Losing him was the darkest and yet brightest time in our lives. The darkness was so prevalent in the beginning. It was all consuming...and then the brightness would come - through our belief in God and the knowledge that we would someday join our little boy again, through our marriage, through our sweet son Mr. C, through the many people we would come to know who had lost a child as well, through our friends, our family, and precious Princess A.

As we learned to navigate life when you lose a child, One Daddy and I were constantly amazed at how giving and supportive people were. Many of the times, it was people we had never met before. We were united simply because they too had lost a child.

We were always amazed - and saddened - by how many people lose babies, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or after birth. Yet SO many people shared their stories with us. I believe that for people who have lost anyone in life, it is a relief to be with people who have been through it. Why?

Because you can freely talk about that person you have lost. And for people who have had a baby pass away, being able to do that gives you the freedom to go back. It makes it real. It helps you know you are not alone. It gives you hope that you will make it through the sadness, the emptiness, the heartbreak. It allows you to heal.

When Jaxon passed away, I craved those connections. I read books, found online resources...anything. Anything to help me feel that we were not alone and that we would make it through to the other side.

So after all of this, you are probably wondering why I am writing. What does this have to do with God guiding us to certain people?

I have a friend who offered me such comfort when Jaxon passed away. We had only been friends a year or so when Jaxon died, but yet she was one of those who 'got it'. She didn't expect me to bounce back quickly. She didn't say, "Well, maybe it was for the best." She looked at his pictures without ANY reservation. I will always remember the last time I felt Jaxon was at her house the night before we found out he had died.

After he passed away, she shared her experiences and resources from her high risk pregnancy with us, helped us find a doctor for our high risk pregnancy with Princess A, watched Mr. C for us whenever we needed so I could go to the hospital for monitoring...and celebrated the joy with us when our little girl arrived safely.

And here we are three and a half years later - with her very own sister preparing to bring an Angel into this world. Her sister, Sara Rae and I now know each other, united because of Tracy and by the bond of Angels.

Did God lead me to Tracy so Tracy could lead her sister and I to each other? I don't know the details, but somehow, I believe it is all connected. It is not a coincidence.

Tracy's sister, Sara- Rae, learned in March that her little boy has less than a 1% chance of survival after birth. He had only one kidney, which was not functioning. At a recent ultrasound, they were given the sad news that this kidney has disappeared. As Sara-Rae states it so beautifully, once he is detached from her placenta, he will start his journey to heaven. Her C-section is scheduled for this Wednesday, July 8th. (I do not want to go into all of the details here because this is Sara-Rae's story to share. I simply wanted to provide you with enough information so you understand how deeply she, her family, and Baby Rae need everyone's prayers.)

So my intent is to create yet one more place for Sara-Rae to come when she needs to feel warmth and that she is not alone. Welcome one and all (yes, even lurkers who don't usually comment ;) ), whether you have lost a child or not. Post a comment and share a prayer, a positive thought, your personal Angel story - anything. Because when you lose a child - these thoughts, prayers, and stories provide strength and hope.

Sara Rae - I admire your strength and faith more than you could ever know. Please know that if God decides that Baby Rae needs go be with him, our little boy will be there to greet him.

Watch Out World...

because here she comes!

"Mama. See horsey?"

Hmmm...as Princess A stares me in the eyes waiting for a reaction, I can't help but look to the spot she is referencing.

"Where is the horsey, honey?"

"Mama. See horsey at door?"

And that my friends is how quickly our little princess entered the world of make believe. Prior to this, her play was based on fact and actualities...and a random collection of babies. The next day -we have horsies at the door. The precious thing is that Princess A was truly confused that I showed any delay in understanding. Sorry baby - just give me a heads up next time.

God blesses us with many things throughout life; I can’t help but feel grateful that I was here to witness the transition to make believe for our little girl. Mr. C is a logical little man and I so appreciate that in him. I mean, how could I argue with it when watching him is like looking in a mirror? Despite that, it is amazing to watch the transition from him as teacher to his baby sister to that of a learner from his baby sister. Over the last two days, I have seen grey light grey enter his play like never before.

We built a fort today with our parachute, Thomas pop up tent, and tunnel. What would have been just a fort to Mr. C quickly became a movie theater…at his sister’s recommendation. Instead of trying to make it what he intended, you could see the light in his eyes as he realized this could actually be fun!

“What movie do you want to watch, Ava?” Hmmm…did he turn the TV on and truly start one for her?

“Ummm – Nocchi Nocchio” (In our house, this translates to Pinocchio.)

“Mama! Movie feater!”

I walk over to find Princess A in her self-made movie theater guiding her brother through how to set up movies for her…and somehow she had also gotten him to retrieve the pillow she requires on her lap whenever she watches TV. With a shake of the pop up tent, a new movie would start.

The best part? He liked it. She liked it. And Mr. C learned, just as I did, that his little sister had grown up.

Ju-Ju-Be Be Small: Horizontal vs. Vertical Stripes Comparison Pictures

I ordered two Ju-Ju-Be Be Smalls in Sporty Stripes from Babysteals.com this past weekend and they arrived today! I have to say I was VERY impressed by how easy it was to navigate and place an order through Babysteals and the items arrived very quickly.

Upon opening the package, I was please to see that I received one Be Small in Sporty Stripes with the stripes going horizontally and the other Be Small had the stripes in a vertical pattern. So here are some comparison pictures...

Ju-Ju-Be Be Small in Sporty Stripes with vertical stripes.

...with horizontal stripes...

and the two of them side by side. Which one do you prefer?

And just for giggles, here is Sporty Stripes next to Ju-Ju-Be's newer Cloud Bread print.

If you have never experienced a Ju-Ju-Be, I encourage you to do so. The construction, quality, and features are top notch and the company is one in a million with amazing customer service. They should do seminars for other companies on how to value their customers and obtain feedback from them - truly amazing!

Pictures of the Oi Oi Hobo in Giraffe Print

I have had a few requests so thought I would post some pictures of the Oi Oi Hobo diaper bag. While this is a diaper bag, the stylish giraffe print easily allows this bag to be used as a "handbag". It is a very striking bag...

The strap is adjustable and can be worn messenger as well.

Close up of the print.

Each side of the bag features an insulated bottle pocket.

It is a large and roomy hobo. There are two elasticized pockets on one side of the interior that are large enough to hold a medium Ju Ju Be Be Set. The opposite side has a large elasticized pocket as well as a zippered pocket.

The stroller straps are conveniently built into the bag and stay out of the way when not in use. You can see them on the sides of the interior. I have a Be Quick and Hayden Harnett Carryall in this as well to help you gauge size.


The Oi Oi Hobo comes with a clear zippered pouch, a changing pad, insulated bottle tote, and wipes case. It also features grommets on the bottom to protect the bag, which is nice. This fabric cannot be washed.


For size comparison, it is a bit taller than the Ju Ju Be Be All, but only has the two exterior side pockets.

Side by side with the Be All...

Don't forget - you can save 15% off of $50 or more with this coupon code (it will apply at check out) at Little Dudes and Divas. This includes the Oi Oi bags and just about anything else you can find at Little Dudes and Divas (excludes JJB's and marked clearance items)!

It is Rather Sad...

I know Michael Jackson certainly appeared to have some issues in life, but as I watch the news and continual headlines, I find his passing sad. There were MANY a day spent dancing in my basement and our neighbor's to his music...my brother and I mastered the Thriller dance and even attempted to recall it at his wedding.

And let's face it, Michael Jackson redefined MTV for many of us. He pushed music videos to a new level and upped the ante of choreography in videos in a way no other could.

As we say farewell to Michael Jackson, I thought I would share this video where he debuts the "Moonwalk". He was an amazing musical artist and performer...

The Buzz on Bed Bugs

Do you suffer from allergies? It seems I am allergic to a wide variety of things in my environment. Basically, anything with fur is a trigger, as well as almost any form of plant life outside. Those triggers are at least visible, making it easier to control my exposure of them. I am also allergic to dust mites, which it seems are everywhere. I try to keep up with washing bedding in order to keep them at bay, but I think most people can agree that keeping up with that is easier said than done.

So as I was reading about dust mites at Orkin, I came across another common household pest---the Bed Bug. As if I was not grossed out enough about the possibilities lurking in our mattresses and bedding! A bed bug is about the size of an apple seed and is flat and reddish-brown in color. They have a very simple diet as well...blood, and can live for up to 300 days. How nice.

Other than your mattresses (and the cracks and crevices of it...so pleasant, isn't it?) and bedding, bed bugs can also be found around picture frames, baseboards, and electrical outlets. The germaphobe that I am also thoroughly enjoyed reading that they are commonly found in hotels where they treat your luggage like a taxi to travel around. What lovely little creatures.

Orkin has a lot of valuable information about bed bugs that can help you understand where they may be in your house, how to detect them, and what to do if you have them. While it may sound gross, this information from Orkin is plain smart for everyone, including parents, to know about.

Now I am off to read about my absolute least favorite creature (for now)...the scorpion.

Best Milwaukee Local Blog

My friend, Maureen, over at Wisconsin Mommy has been nominated for Best Milwaukee Local Blog. I have been friends with her since Mr. C was crawling next to Little J - it is amazing how time flies. We also worked together as Instructional Coaches for awhile and have become blogging friends as well. She is a genuine person and I really hope she wins!

I would be ever so grateful if you would head over and VOTE for Wisconsin Mommy for Best Milwaukee Local Blog. You can vote every day until July 15th.

Good luck, Maureen!