Finding the Silver Lining Among Tragedy- How I Almost Lost my Boys' Father (the Man I Love) to Death...

It’s been months since I’ve created for this space. Much silence has lived here.

I (my family) experienced significant traumas. The kind where you need time and space. The kind that don’t easily brush off your shoulders.

There is still overwhelm, but I am ready to fill this space with all the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly. It’s why I created it after all- to share, to inspire, to live.

We all have moments. Some trivial, most passing while others linger. Mine lingered. It’s the moment when something implausible happens that leaves you stunned. Your world shatters like a mirror, and you’re left picking up the pieces. You’re left exposed.

It’s the kind of thing that causes perspective. It’s the kind of thing that makes you want to fight and won’t let you settle.

You see, life constantly (and sometimes instantly) shifts. In a second, everything can alter.

Last year, everything did- alter/shift- for me. I didn’t realize how much would change or that more was headed my way, but that’s another story for another post.

Here’s a rundown of last year’s notable events:

• I gave birth to my second son in an unexpected home birth. We couldn't make it to the hospital, so my mother delivered. She’s not a midwife.
• I grieved a friend, who lost a battle to cancer. I couldn’t make it to the funeral. One moment she was healthy. The next? Gone.
• My youngest son and I were in a rear-end collision. I thank God that he is ok. My body still aches from time to time.

But the moment that changed it all? My sons’ father, Joseph, came minutes from losing his life. Ten to be exact.

    A Glimpse into the Past (2010): Ice skating with Joseph for the first time. He fell. :)

2014, the year of years. Emotionally, I’m spent. I feel too much all the time. Sometimes, I wish for numbness. It never comes.

On most days, I feel lost and hopeless. I dwell on things I can’t change and on things I wouldn’t want to change. Yet, there are no regrets. I realize that I am exactly where I am meant to be. I am meant to rediscover and question. I am meant to grow. I am meant to make an impact.

Before Joseph’s attack, I fell into my role well. A (single) mother. Young. Smart. Strong. Vulnerable. A little bit broken, but human. I felt love, but loneliness shrouded my heart.

I don't think there's ever been a moment since meeting Joseph where I didn't love him, but there comes a time where you decide to love yourself more. Love your children more. Without loving him less. Joseph's indecision in his life became too much for me to endure, so I embarked on a new path without him. I moved on. 

A warm July morning changed it ALL. It set a new course.

Joseph messaged me at 7:13 am to wish me a “Good Morning,” and said he’d call me in a bit. I’m not supposed to smile, but I did. We aren’t supposed to be talking, but we do. I miss him.

“A bit” never came. I joked with him on his misuse of “a bit.” Nothing. I called. Nothing. Monkey Bear left a voice message. Nothing. Hours passed. I worried. I even messaged to tell him so.  At about noon, I had enough. My entire body was unnerved. I called his dad, and after a few pleasantries I blurted out “Is Joseph alive?” I think I unnerved him too. He told me to relax and sit. In that moment, I knew…

Something happened, and it was severe.

Someone attacked Joseph at his job site- a house where he was remodeling a bathroom. He doesn’t remember the details of the attack. He remembers arriving at the house, opening the doors and windows, and working for a couple hours before laying down to rest. His next memory is of waking up in a puddle of his own blood with no recollection of how it happened.

Whatever happened, he was left to die. Thankfully, he didn’t. Whoever attacked him, left Joseph’s phone behind. This detail saved his life because it enabled him to call for help. He didn’t realize the extent of his injuries, so he refused to go to the hospital. His mom convinced him otherwise. Once there, it took 6 people to restrain him to a hospital bed. This too, is just a story to him. He has no memory of it.

With a massive head injury, Joseph underwent an immediate craniotomy. I cried. I waited. I prayed. I struggled miles away. Should I visit him? Should I stay home? I questioned not because I didn’t want to be there, but because I wasn’t sure if I SHOULD be there.

I deliberated over the next couple days while Joseph recuperated in ICU. I finally chose to pack the boys and myself up.  There was no other option (at least for me). My entire being needed/wanted to be there for him, so I went.

Road to Recovery- Joseph settled into his room after a few days in ICU with a couple extra visitors.

Despite how broken and bruised Joseph looked, it brought me peace to see him. I never dreamed I’d see Joseph near death. It shook me. It unlocked emotions- feelings I willed myself to forget (or ones I simply hid).

By the time I got to the hospital, he got transferred out of ICU and into a regular room. I brought our youngest son with me. Little Seahorse was 7 months-old, and would be less impacted by the sight of Joseph’s injuries than our oldest son. We stayed the entire day before we headed back down. We couldn’t stay longer than a day because both our boys needed their mom to be home.

As weird as it sounds, I am grateful for Joseph’s near death experience. I’m in no way grateful for his injuries (he’s still in a lot of pain), but I am thankful for what this incident shifted for me, for us.

I came to realize how much I love Joseph. More than I knew. He is not always the best man, and has made mistakes. Let’s be real, so have I. Despite his faults (and some of my own), I still love him. I love him even if we chose to live separate lives.

For now, we heal (while we find peace in Pentatonix because their music feeds our souls.).

To the person who attacked him, I hold you no ill will. I don’t understand your actions. I don’t know if you randomly chose to hurt another human being, or if you knew Joseph. I don’t know why you left him to die. I do know that you did not rob him, and for this small detail I am appreciative too.

Have you gone through a traumatic experience? If so, how did it change your life? For the better? For the worse?

Please feel free to share your story here. It should be heard. In the meantime, please keep us in your prayers and send us love and light.

#BostonStrong Inspires Fitness Goals

On Tuesday, our nation remembered a city forever altered, a community “Boston Strong.” Last April 15, two explosions tore through the crowded finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon killing three people and injuring over 260 athletes, spectators and volunteers.

On Tuesday, we remembered the fallen- Martin Richard, 8, of Dorchester, Krystle Campbell, 29, of Arlington, Lingzi Lu, 23, a graduate student at Boston University and MIT campus police officer Sean Collier, 27, of Somerville.

We remembered the injured who slowly healed this past year. Victims now survivors as their broken bones mend, torn muscles strengthen and lost limbs restored by prosthetics.

We remembered the first responders- the medical professionals, the police officers, the fire fighters, the runners and spectators who fought to regain their community amid the terror. People who saved lives. A nation thanks you. I thank you.

Sports Illustrated photographed roughly 3,000 people wearing at the Boston Marathon finish line to mark the one year anniversary of the bombings.

“One year later, we also stand in awe of the men and women who continue to inspire us, learning to stand, walk, dance and run again. With each new step our country is moved by the resilience of a community and a city,” President Obama said in a written statement.

This week, we reflect.

As I reflected over humanity’s worst, I found glimmers of humanity’s best. I found grace, I found inspiration, and I found strength. Everywhere. Yes, horrific acts mar our world, but it is in the aftermath that our spirit prevails. It’s in these moments when we dig deep enough that we discover our character.

Left: Celeste Corcoran, Sydney Corcoran and Boston police officer John Kenneally Right: Heather Abbott
Photos by Robert X. Fogarty (DEAR WORLD)

Take photographer Robert X. Fogarty. In 2009, he began a project, DEAR WORLD, where subjects share a powerful message on their skin. 

Fogarty asked Boston Marathon survivors and responders to return to the finish line to photograph them. He writes to them “What happened that day was terror. Terror happens when love is absent. Boston is a city of love stories now. Thank you for sharing yours here. As you heal, know you inspire the rest of us to be better, still.”

What I learned? Runners refuse to give up. I should know. I used to run my little heart out a minimum of five days out of the week. I stopped because it threatened the wellness of my first pregnancy. Two babies later, and it’s time to regain shards of myself. I cannot imagine a better time to create new fitness goals.

I may not be running marathons yet, but mark my words I will. Babies, jogging stroller and all. In the meantime, I admire the estimated 36, 000 people who will line up at the start of the 2014 Boston Marathon next Monday ready to run. As Vice President Joe Biden said, “We are Boston. We are America. We respond, we endure, we overcome and we own the finish line.”

Join me on my fitness journey as I hit the pavement running toward my own finish line. What are your fitness goals? Or fitness secrets/tips? What inspires you? Share away below.

Happy Running!!

Little Seahorse's Birth Story- An Accidental Home Birth

Before I delve into Asher's adventurous (yet accidental) home birth story, I’d like to preface it. And yes, you read that right. We had an unplanned home birth. The works: 9-1-1 operator, ambulance, EMTs, and to top it off my mother delivered!!

Rewind to my first pregnancy and delivery. Despite owning the proper anatomy, I ventured into uncharted territory. I did not know much. Nor did I set out to learn more. My goal was simple: grow and birth my baby boy as safely as humanly possible. All I had to do was reach the end and push, right? Well, no. There is so much to learn about our bodies and our babies along this amazing journey. I didn't realize it the first time around.

Fast-forward to my second pregnancy. Hello, research! I discovered OPTIONS! I had a birth plan. I had a doula. I even had a photographer. I had knowledge coming out of my ears. Needless to say, my Little Seahorse had a plan of his own.

My Mommy, Liam, Elf on the Shelf and Asher & Me at Tutti Bambini's Holiday Extravaganza

Here’s how our birth was supposed to go. I envisioned my contractions starting and calling my doula to tell her, “It’s time.” I would mostly labor at my house or at the beach with my support team. Anywhere, but in the hospital. I wanted to avoid using medications. Once my contractions were 5 minutes apart, we would head to Mt. Sinai. Once admitted, we would wait until pushing time. I would push and push. I would finally meet my second baby boy. We would bond skin-to-skin. The details of my birth plan would be honored. We would breastfeed. We would stay in the hospital until released to go home. The end.

Is it what happened? Nope. Don’t get me wrong, the adventure my Little Seahorse planned was BETTER. A little scary, but miraculous all the same. What actually happened was an entirely different scenario...

I was due on January 3, 2014. Well, Friday came and went with no baby in tow. One thing you all should know: once you’re “past due,” words like induction get hurled in your direction. It makes you nervous. Just know you have options. In the end, it’s all YOUR choice.

In hopes that my Little Seahorse would soon arrive, I choose to schedule an induction. I did this with my first pregnancy. I never intended on fulfilling either time. I just hoped my babies would get the message. My oldest did. Loud and clear. He arrived on his own the day before his due date. Naturally, I hoped his little brother would do the same. He did not.

Birth Announcement (Original and Updated) Created by: My Little Love Note

What did I do? I continued to enjoy my pregnancy. I marveled at Little Seahorse’s strong movements. These were our last moments as a shared entity. I treasured the extra time I got to spend with Liam alone. He would no longer be my only child. I did a belly cast at the 11^th hour. Simply because I could. I scheduled an impromptu maternity shoot. My very first one. I wanted the experience. I did all this in between extra doctor appointments to ensure baby’s safety.

Maternity Shoot- 41 weeks and 2 days

I scheduled another induction for January 15, 2014 at 8:00 am. This would be it. 41 weeks and 5 days. We were not willing to reach 42 weeks. It was too scary (for us). I called Joseph, and told him our second son would be born on Wednesday. I officially served Little Seahorse with an eviction notice. The clock started ticking. Natural or induced, my baby would finally be here. Since Joseph and his dad live 4 hours away, they planned the start of their trip at 2:00 am. Plenty of time to make it, right?

The night before the BIG day, I stared down a bottle of castor oil. I preferred to naturally induce rather than medically, but I couldn't bring myself to swallow it. Not a single drop, so I walked a little extra that evening. When I got home later that night, I decided to pack my hospital bag. Don't say it. I know. I’m not sure why I stalled until the last minute. I guess, I wasn't overwhelmingly concerned. I knew exactly what I would pack. (I’ll share my hospital bag check-list later.)

Vera Bradley Grand Traveler in Tea Garden

The clock struck 1:00 am, and I felt some cramping action. Were these the contractions I had been waiting for? Or were they Braxton-Hicks? I called my doula, Cassie, and asked, “I know this may sound weird coming from an almost second-time mom, but how do I know whether I’m having contractions?” As we talked, I intermittently had to stop mid-conversation in order to take deep breaths. I couldn't focus on anything else. It wasn't painful, but it stopped me in my tracks. Cassie suggested I time the intervals between each contraction to see if a pattern emerged. I hung up, and I timed five sets. I paced through each contraction chanting my new mantra, “I can do this.” Sure enough, there was a pattern.

It’s now 1:30 am. I updated my mother. “My contractions are three minutes apart. I’m in active labor. We need to head to the hospital soon.” She started getting ready. I called Joseph and his dad to let them know, “Something is happening on its own.” They were on their way. Meanwhile, Monkey Bear slept soundly.

Things started to change rapidly. It must have been around 2:00 am now. I continued to walk through each contraction; breathing and chanting my mantra. I also sat down on occasion. The bathroom became my best friend. Things only got more intense and painful. My "I can do this" mantra transformed into “I can’t do this. How can I do 14 hours of this?” Suddenly, I got sick. I literally yakked everything I had eaten the night before. What was happening?

As I continued to get sick, I managed to sputter, “Mom, I don’t want Liam to see any of this.” Thankfully, he showed no signs of stirring from his slumber. I didn't know it then, but I was in transition- the last part of active labor. I texted Cassie to see if it was normal to vomit. She simply replied, “Yes, that’s a good sign. You need to get to the hospital.”

I certainly intended on getting to the hospital. I didn't realize I had run out of time. After the bout of nausea passed, I could no longer pace through my contractions. Instead, I buried my face into the towels hanging on my bathroom door. I inhaled the sweet vanilla scent of my shampoo, and it made me feel better. I also kept delaying my mother because I needed her to rub my lower back through each contraction. The pain felt unbearable. The time between each contraction lessened. She would take a step, and I would shout for her again. She pointed out that we needed to get Liam ready so we could finally head out.

These towels hanging on my bathroom door = my saving grace during contractions.

As I buried my face into my towels again, the contractions started to feel distinctly different. My entire body, from my fingers to my toes, started to push without my consent. I had no choice. My body just pushed. At this point, I clutched the bathroom door. I’m pretty sure I could have taken it off its hinges. I made my way to the bed. There I substituted the bathroom door for my pregnancy pillow. I grasped it tightly through each contraction and onto the next while I waited for my mother and Liam. My body continued to bear down and push. I waited until I could get up again and shouted to my mother, “Call 9-1-1!!” She asked, “Are you serious?!” I simply replied, “Yes. Something’s not right. I want to push.”

She hurried to help me to the bed, and drops of water trickled down. My mom asked, “Is that your water?” I had no idea. I finally laid down as another contraction hit. It must have been 2:45 am at this point. She called 9-1-1, and proceeded to explain to the operator that we needed an ambulance at the house stat. More pushing without my volition. Suddenly, a gush of water erupted. My water broke. At this point, all I remember is screaming bloody murder. My mother tried to get me to lay on my back after the operator suggested it, but I refused. It hurt too much. I continued to lay on my right side in fetal position.

The 9-1-1 operator asked my mom to check if she could see the baby, but when I tried to move I felt blinding pain. Needless to say, I refused to cooperate. Instead, I continued to scream as my contractions cycled in and out while my body naturally pushed. I’m not exactly sure what I screamed, but I know it sounded primal. The pushing continued, and then my mom shouted, “I can see the baby!!” I pushed with all I had. I later found out that I had pushed my Little Seahorse out to his shoulders. My mom placed her hand on my belly as I pushed a second time. I could hear my mom exclaim gleefully to the operator, “He’s here!!” It was 3:03 am. Color me spent. My mother had successfully delivered her grandson in our nursery.

Fresh 48- My Mommy and Asher bonding in our hospital suite.

The first time I laid eyes on my Little Seahorse he looked gray. I worried. I waited for what seemed like an eternity until he finally cried. I relaxed. No need for a shoe string to tie off the umbilical cord since I delayed clamping his cord. A couple minutes passed and the EMTs arrived. They took over. Whoosh, a whirlwind of activity surrounded us.

Before I left the nursery, I delivered my placenta. I struggled to communicate my wishes because I felt so weak. Shakes kept racking my body. I managed to let them know that I did not want my placenta treated since I planned on encapsulating it.

One of the EMTs helped me out to the living room and onto the gurney. Once secured, my baby boy was handed to me. The ambulance took me to the nearest hospital, which was not my own. Sadly, I did not get to see my own doctor. On the bright side, this hospital had a Birthing Place, which meant I got my own private suite and it was closer to home. Score 1 for spontaneous birthing at my house.

Fresh 48- Welcome to Room 847: Please Enjoy the View

To my surprise, my doula met me at the hospital. My mom called her to tell her what happened. She was my first visitor in the labor and delivery wing, and she acted as my voice. I am forever grateful to her despite my missing out on the full doula experience. Plus, she massaged my scalp with Lavender Essential Oil to further relax me. AH-MAZING!!

The baby nurses checked my Little Seahorse and the Mommy nurses checked me. We were both unscathed. My baby boy weighed 8 lbs and measured 21 inches long. Surprisingly, I made it out with just a scratch. I called Joseph to tell him the news. His reaction was priceless, "You had the baby where?!" He couldn't believe it. Poor guy had to fight feelings of disappointment for missing the experience.

Fresh 48- Family Bonding

My mom made it to the hospital shortly after my doula with a wide-awake Liam. By the time I was escorted to my private suite, Joseph and his dad had made it to the hospital. From that point forward, I had everything I ever needed or wanted. I got to endlessly bond skin-to-skin with my son. My baby boy never left the room with the exception of one hour. It was my least favorite hour. All of baby boy's test were done bedside. I breastfed. I did struggle a bit due to my son’s tongue tie, but I had the help of lactation consultants. My Monkey Bear bonded with his little brother. He also enjoyed quality time with his Daddy and GrandDad. My mom relived the whole experience every time she held her grandson, and everyone (hospital staff included) continually praised her bravery. Our family reveled in peace, joy and love.

Fresh 48- The faces of Asher plus 3 Generations

Joseph and I decided on a name: Asher. We celebrated. Our son finally made his debut, and it was everything wrapped in one- Extraordinary. Terrifying. Liberating. Beautiful. Memorable. And all mine.

Fresh 48- A Rare Moment as Family

The end. Well, this is really only the beginning...

How did you envision your birth? Did it go according to plan? Was it what you expected? Please feel free to share your birth story and experiences with me in the comments below.

Happy Reading!!

Welcome to the World My Little Seahorse

Bring out the confetti!! My little Seahorse celebrated ONE month outside the womb this weekend.

Since his BOLD birth, I have been on a self-imposed social media hiatus. Many Thanks MLLN readers for your patience while I bonded with my family. Rest assured, I have been working on writing our birth story and it shall go LIVE soon. In the meantime, I’d like to officially announce the birth of my second son: Asher.

Photo By: Moondance Photography

Asher was born on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 3:03 am, almost two weeks after his due date. He weighed 8 pounds and measured 21 inches long.

Photo By: Moondance Photography

After a month home, we have settled into our new lives as a family of three. Scratch that, family of four including my mother. We are incredibly blessed to welcome Asher into our family. Of course, we still have moments of adjustments. There’s only so much my 2 year-old, Liam, can handle. He loves to lend a helping hand, but he does not fully understand his little brother’s limitations. Liam adores showering Asher with hugs and kisses. My boys are shaping up to be the BEST brothers!!

Photo By: Moondance Photography

Welcome to the world, my sweet boy. You are the perfect addition to our little family. Thank you for choosing us to be your own. I am now blessed with TWO little loves.

How do/did you plan on announcing the birth of your baby? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.

Infinite Blessings!!

Introducing Maven Spotlight

Dear MLLN Fans/Readers,

Many Thanks for welcoming my words, my story and ultimately my voice into your lives. It is an honor to share these humble beginnings with you. I have lofty goals for this space; and quite frankly without you, it would be nearly impossible to achieve. Thank you for allowing me to build my dream.

I appreciate ALL of you. Truly.

Thank you for choosing to read my words whether it’s me sharing my journey into parenthood, stumbling through the kitchen with recipes, crafting up a storm with DIYs or introducing you to my lovely finds through giveaways, reviews and gift guides. If not for you, those carefully planned words would fall into the void of cyberspace unheard.

One of my biggest goals for MLLN blog is to create a space that encourages conversation, provides knowledge and inspires action. Just like I strive to engage you, the companies I have the privilege of working with also look for that connection. Often, what most of us see is the product; but what about the face behind the brand? Where did the inspiration come from?

I figured if I had these questions, you may too. In hopes of bridging the gap between brand and consumer, I am creating a new section called Maven Spotlight. Here, I will introduce you to the genius behind the creation. Who knows? Maybe their stories will inspire you. J

What company/brand would you most like to see featured in MLLN’s Maven Spotlight? Share in the comments below.

Happy Reading!!

A Week Before Christmas- 2013 Stocking Stuffers Inspiration Guide (First Edition)

While ol’ St. Nick may have crossed off the BIG “under-the-tree” presents from our lists, what wonders and delights await our neatly hung stockings?

Since Christmas is exactly one week away, My Little Love Note has rounded up a few last-minute gifts to alleviate potential holiday stress. These picks will surely wonder and delight baby, tot and parents alike. And you’ll never guess the best part?! These stocking stuffers are ALL under $25!! 

Holiday Pacifiers (6+ months) by MAM

How cute are these?! MAM offers an array of fun winter themed designs in assorted colors. You get 2 BPA-free pacifiers AND a storage case that can be used to sterilize these ADORABLE pacifiers. (Retails for $7.49)

Busy Bellies by Baby Einstein

You are looking at an angel in disguise… NO joke!! Baby Einstein’s Busy  Bellies is the only toy that would soothe my Monkey Bear as a newborn. All you do is pull the textured hanging shape and the character jiggles and shakes their clear rattle bellies. Includes a link for easy attachment to car seats or strollers for on-the-go FUN!! Character Options: cow, duck or frog. (Retails for $7.99)

Stack-and-Play by Chewbeads

When I found out Chewbeads created a Stack-and-Play toy for baby, I almost fainted!! Made out of 100% silicone, this soft and flexible toy is safe for baby to sort, stack AND chew. This toy is a great way to introduce counting and colors. It also helps babies with their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. (Retails for $25.00)

Bathtub Crayons by Crayola

Inspire your little one’s imagination with these soft and colorful Crayola Bathtub crayons. Easy for little hands to manage plus the crayon washes off with a sponge and hot water. Perfect for bath-time fun without the mess!! (Retails for $5.99)

Dapper Snappers by Dapper Snappers

Keep those pants on your little one’s bums with Dapper Snappers. This mom-invented product is truly GENIUS!! It adjusts in the back 3 belt loops of your child’s pants and snaps over the outer 2 loops this cinches their pants to fit their waist. Come in a range of colors and patterns for boys and girls. (Retails for $10.95)

Doodle Pro Travel Size by Fisher-Price

The Doodle Pro Travel Size is the perfect size for mess-free, on-the-go drawing FUN!! The screen-saver pen is attached so it won’t get lost, and the easy-slide eraser clears the screen like magic. (Retails for $10.99)

Naughty + Nice Mug by Ashley Brooke Designs

This ABD double-sided mug is an absolutely FIERCE way to celebrate both your nice and naughty sides!! One side says “I’ve been good all year… #nicelist” while the other side says “well, for the most part. #naughtylist” (Retails for $23.00 on sale for $18.00)

Lemongrass Essential Oil by doTerra

Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in nature. Not only are they beautifully fragrant, they also have medicinal and therapeutic benefits. doTerra’s Lemongrass Essential Oil in particular has a subtle lemon aroma and flavor. It has been found to support healthy digestion as well as soothe aching muscles. Soothe my aching muscles? Yes, please!! (Retails for $13.33)

Holiday Toe Socks by Walmart

Confession time: I’m obsessed with toe socks!! I LOVE how you can keep each individual toesie nice and warm. Plus these holiday toe socks from Walmart are totally inexpensive and cute to boot!! Designs vary per store. (Retails for $5.97 for a set of 2)

What are your stocking stuffers inspiration? Share away in the comments below!! :)

Happy Stuffing!!

My Little Love Note's 2013 Holiday Gift Guide (First Edition)

'Tis the season to SHOP!! With the holiday season upon us, why not make it easier to gift to the ones we love?! Santa may be the jolly expert, but My Little Love Note curated a list of FAVORITE gifts just for YOU!!

Without further ado, I present my very first Holiday Gift Guide:

Oh, and a little birdie told me that a few of my FANS could WIN products featured on my 2013 Holiday Gift Guide. Which ones will be up for grabs in MLLN's greatest giveaway yet?! It's a surprise!! Keep on following me and stay tuned for ALL will be revealed in January!! J

Nursing Scarf by NuRoo

This NuRoo Nursing Scarf adds fashion, function and customization to breastfeeding. It snap-transforms for tailored coverage AND accessorizes mom's outfit when not in use. Watch the demo video for ideas on how to wear it... the options are limitless!!

Lilly Pulitzer Agenda found at Dwellings

Keep colorfully organized with the Lilly Pulitzer 2014 Large Agenda. It's the perfect place for your daily work, personal plans or academic responsibilities. It features 17-months from 2013-2014, color tabs, weekly and monthly views, dates to remember and more. A definite must-have!!

Charlie Bag by Timi & Leslie

Timi & Leslie's Charlie Bag (in particular Teal) is absolutely gorgeous!! It's made from faux leather (PVC free) and features custom hardware in an antique brass finish. It also comes with extra bonus accessories to keep Mommy stylin' and organized.

Every-Day Wristlet by Thirty-One

Out for a quick errand? The Every-Day Wristlet houses your essentials. You can keep your smart phone, credit cards and even lip gloss on hand at a moment's notice.

Mermaid's Treasure Personalized Necklace by Three Sisters

A moment of silence please for this handcrafted necklace. Zoe's design is exceptionally elegant. Best part? You can personalize it with your own details.

Miami's Ultimate Baby Affair by Tutti Bambini

Tori Spelling, Jamie Grayson and Bill Rancic... need I say more?! Miami's Ultimate Baby Affair is an upscale event ready to "showcase a unique collection of national luxury brands and local trend-setting vendors" to attendees embarking on their journey into parenthood (no matter what stage).

Blue Diamond Stainless Steel Ring by Blue Steel

Indulge the man in your life with a design from Blue Steel. Sleek and sophisticated, this Blue Diamond Stainless Steel Ring is made from highly polished silver and blue stainless steel.

The Daddy Diaper Pack Camo Edition by Daddy Scrubs

A manly way to keep him organized. The Daddy Diaper Pack is the ultimate go-to diaper bag for men. It's perfect for any and all occasions. Plus he won't have an excuse to avoid carrying the baby bag. ;)

Fragrance Sampler Set by Sephora

Give him the choice of fragrance. With this set, he gets 14 samples of the most sought-after men's fragrances plus a travel bag. When he finds his favorite, he can take the included scent certificate to any Sephora store and redeem it for a full-size bottle at no extra cost.

Starbucks Gift Card by Starbucks

Who could resist Starbucks? Whether you're a coffee or tea lover, Starbucks is the perfect delicious pick-me-up.

Blooming Baby Bath by Blooming Bath

No more struggling with newborn baby baths that don't actually work. Instead you can use a cuddly and convenient way to bathe your baby. It's sure to fit any sink. It also grows with baby and is great for travel!!

Christmas Snowflake Faux Fur Legwarmers by BuddyDoosShopaRoo

Most baby legwarmers only fit 0-12 months, but these actually fit a toddler too!! You can protect baby/toddler's knees and keep their legs warm. Not to mention they're adorably cute!!

Laugh & Learn Apptivity Creation Center by Fisher-Price

Give the gift of learning to the little ones and protect your iPad all in one sweep. Fisher-Price continues to make FABULOUS learning toys for smart devices. This sturdy case includes a set of four smart geometric shapes (circle, square, triangle and star) designed to interact with two of Fisher-Price's learning apps. It also includes a colorful panel that allows the little one to have traditional playtime without the technology. Bring the learning on!!

New Friend Bundle by gDiapers

Curious about cloth diapering? With gDiapers, you can choose cloth or disposable inserts. It's super simple and reduces your footprint. Whether you already LOVE them or want to try them, you can use code "new6805Garcia" to save 40% off the New Friend Bundle, which includes 3 gPants and 2 packages of disposable inserts for $49.99 (regularly $86.45)!!

Girasol Wrap found at Peapod Essentials

Girasol wraps allow you to wear baby from birth well into the toddler years. The wrapping options are endless. It just takes a little learning. These beautiful wraps are handwoven in Guatemala and are 100% cotton. One of my favorite colorways is Gleam of Sun, which features an Earthy rainbow with a cherry yellow undertone (weft). 

{Girasol wraps can be found at The Gathering Place's Peapod Essentials, a South Florida shop dedicated to providing the community with eco-friendly resources as well as helping women through Motherhood and beyond.}

Tricycoo by Joovy

The Joovy Tricycoo is a tricycle made for little ones as young as 18 months!! It's the perfect way to introduce them to balance and coordination, one step at a time. It has two phases. Phase 1 allows parent to steer while toddler gets used to the idea of balancing and holding on to handlebars. In Phase 2, the parent push handle and baby surround arms can be removed while the footrest folds up. Either way, your toddler is in for an adventure!!

Baby Weight & Pre/Post-Natal Exercise Subscription by Baby Weight TV

Baby Weight (book) teaches expectant and new mothers how to incorporate a healthy diet and regular exercise into their busy lifestyles. The book features CoreMama cardiovascular training activities, which focus on the muscles weakened during pregnancy and childbirth. Baby Weight TV (online) features over 70 videos (of all degrees) to help you become a fit mama from the comfort of your home.

Revolution SE Duallie by BOB

The BOB Revolution SE Duallie is the go-to stroller for everyday activities AND not-so-everyday adventures. The swiveling front wheel allows for superior maneuverability, and locks forward for increased stability on rough terrain or when jogging. With the Duallie, the Mom/Dad of two can take both kiddos on any sport experience. What adventures will the BOB Revolution take your family on?

Forerunner 10 by Garmin
No matter what your running experience, the Forerunner 10 is the perfect tool to track your distance, speed/pace and calories. It also identifies your personal records and provides motivation along the way. It's like having your own spirit squad on your wrist!!

Kiki Toddler Bottle (11 oz) by Pura
A safe and environmentally conscious choice for your little ones. The Kiki toddler bottle is 100% plastic free, which eliminates the leeching of harmful by-products. It's also compatible with a wide range of nipples and spouts so it has the ability to grow with your little one from birth well into the toddler years.

The Let's Get Started Package by Sage Spoonfuls
With Sage Spoonfuls, making and storing your own fresh and natural baby food is a breeze. This 19 piece set includes everything you need to begin your homemade food journey. The immersion blender and food processor allow you to puree baby food in just seconds, and storing it is super easy with the included storage system. Don't have many recipes? Never fear, Sage Spoonfuls also includes a recipe book by Liza Huber (owner and creator of Sage Spoonfuls) in this set. 

Garden Pack Snack Cube by Wean Green

Made of tempered glass, Wean Green's Snack Cubes are the perfect size for every family member. Yes, that means Mom, Baby and even Fido. The colorful lids are designed with a leak-proof silicone seal, which are removable to ensure no bacteria build up. 100% child friendly, family friendly and environment friendly!!

Daydream Blanket by Aden + Anais

Aden + Anais is best known for their classic swaddles made from 100% cotton muslin for babies. Enter the  Daydream Blanket, this ones for adults. Four layers of muslin and its generous size (60" x 72") equal the ultimate in quality, breathability and versatility. And just like the classic swaddles, the muslin gets softer with each wash!!

Wonder Bumpers by Go Mama Go Designs
Get your decorating on with Wonder Bumpers!! These innovative bumpers provide safety, serenity and a splash of color to your baby's sleep environment. The sleek vertical design effortlessly zips onto the crib in a downward motion ensuring babies don't have access to pull. Made to fit ANY crib. Truly genius!!

Custom Family Rules Wall Art by My Little Love Note
An inspirational print is the perfect way to add a personal touch to any room in your home. The print is digitally designed by My Little Love Note and printed on acid-free and lignin-free premium cardstock. All elements are customizable. 

Buddies by Scentsy
With these stuff animals, you can add yummy scents to your home discreetly. Just insert a Scent Pak of your choice and bring your Scentsy Buddy to life. You can always change the scents you use by removing the Scent Pak and replacing it with another favorite.

First Year Baby Memory Book by Two Giggles
The First Year Baby Memory Book guides you through the most important milestones of your journey into parenthood from pregnancy up to baby's 1st birthday. These unique baby books are not only super ADORABLE, but are handmade from recycled materials. Each book is customized with your child's name. Want to add more pages to your baby's story? Easy peasy. Two Giggles designs pages until 5 years!!

Happy Shopping!!