CMBN Bloom 2016: Rochester, MN Recap!

I had great time at the first event hosted by the Rochester Minnesota Moms Blog, Bloom 2016 (April 30 2016). The expo was designed for expectant and new moms.  The vendor list absolutely reflected that, and I was lucky to be part of the show!

I was also honored to be one of the experts on the discussion panel! I was happy to have the opportunity to speak about Babywearing Basics; how babywearing is biologically normal for the infant AND beneficial for the caregiver.

I was so wrapped up in all the amazing support and women around me, I only remembered to grab a couple photos. I look forward to watching this event grow in the future and hopefully continue to be a part of it.

Doulas caught in action! Kate Andrew of Southern Minnesota Midwifery  caught Amanda Steele (Amanda Steele Birth Services and Photography) offering me physical support on the show room floor.  Doula-ing the doula with a counter-pressure hip squeeze. Fun fact: Amanda is my birth doula!

Moms and Coffee (especially Old Abe Coffee) go together like…..something that goes together really well!

I had to snap a picture of this instagram-able, colorful, nutrient dense plate from Tonic Juice Bar.

At the end of the show, I was able to sit down and receive the most beautiful belly henna from Henna Giraffe. My baby bump surely feels loved now!

I fully enjoyed the morning; from setting up, to connecting with other vendors, to chatting with moms and seeing all those babies. It was an event that poured into women in the Rochester, Minnesota community!

Be sure to stay tuned to our Facebook Page for a video announcing the winner of a 15ml bottle of Young Living Lavender Essential Oil!

 

Rochester, MN Bloom Expo – See you there Expecting and Postpartum Rochester Moms

This Saturday, April 30, 2016; Blessed Momma will be participating in the City Moms Network Bloom event. We will be contributing to the expert panel with a discussion about babywearing during the 4th trimester and beyond. If you are headed to the expo, be sure to stop by our booth!  Come chat about how a postpartum doula and babywearing can make your postpartum experience special.

Hope to see you there!

Photo Credit: Ashlee Bernau Photography

I Survived…

…traveling alone over Thanksgiving, with a two year old.   People eyeballed me, toddler on my back, no spouse in sight, both hands (free to be) full. We made it through security swiftly, the female TSA agent that guided us through the line was more than impressed. Her praises gave me the boost of confidence to get me on the plane with peace of mind. 

All my usual thoughts about screen time and snacks were thrown to the wind. My toddler consumed about 1 million fruit snacks and 11 applesauce pouches. Countless prayers were whispered in hopes of no meltdowns. 

We made it. The plane landed and no one yelled at us, and momma didn’t cry. It was a thanksgiving miracle. 

A week was spent with loved ones and many missed naps and we did it all over again. And again, we made it. I believe I built it up in my head and likely made it harder on myself. Now I know I am more patient and creative  than I give myself credit for. 

Things I could not have lived without this trip:

• Didymos size 4 wrap, Orient
• YL Gentle Baby and En-R-Gee blends
• 1 million fruit snacks
• Luna protein bars
• Refillable water bottle
• Wrap conversion ring sling
• iPhone 

I will not likely be getting on a plane alone with my son anytime soon, but I am confident I’d be able to tackle another solo trip in the future. 

 Using our ringlsling to wrangle 2 checked bags from the carousel. 

Brag About It!

Review: Gracie and Sam WCFB

Wrap Conversion Full Buckle
Toddler Sized – 19″ x 19″ Panel
Wrap: Didymos Lisca Pastell, 100% Cotton natural, stone grey and pink thread. Released 6/25/2013

I was luckily enough to catch on to Gracie and Sam Carriers before her customs list was booked out 6 months! I had previously done a wrap conversion mei tai with Val, and was beyond thrilled with the quality and craftsmanship.  After a few months on trying many different brands of buckle carriers, I couldn’t find what I was looking for.  As a petite momma, I was having a hard time finding something that fit me well in the waist and shoulders.  It always seemed like baby was hanging off my back. Gracie and Sam to the rescue!

I started a conversation about this with Valerie, and she was on it with a revision to the pattern to come up with a waist that would work for the smaller framed carrying mommas.  She stated that body diversity is important within her brand and she was excited to have another offering in the line up.  You can find a review from a plus-sized Gracie and Sam momma, here.

Her carriers are fully compliant with CPSIA standards (more about that, here) and well worth the wait.  You can send in new or used wraps for conversion to a full buckle, new wraps only for mei tai conversion. I chose Didymos Lisca Pastell for conversion to a full buckle for my toddler.  It is the only wrap that he will sleep in everytime and it was the right choice.  Between the thick cush of the wrap and the high density foam in the straps, this thing is the most comfortable carrier I have ever tried.  I have worn for hours straight with my almost 2 year old and both of us stay comfortable.

Find a wide variety of options, including ready to ship items at the Gracie and Sam Shop.

For conversion sneak peeks and updates follow Gracie and Sam on Facebook.

For more information, fun, and behind the scenes insight, check out the Gracie and Same Experience.

Keep Calm and Carry On!

Review: Oscha Orion Reef

Oscha Orion Reef, 54% coral cotton warp with 46% bamboo. Released August 2013.

The color is perfect, everything I had been searching for as far as coral goes.  I bought this in a size 2, used.  It is incredibly soft, a thin-medium in hand weight.  It is hard to tighten (due to the bamboo) with my big baby, I think a little more length would help.  The pattern makes for a slight bit of grip; if you can get your rails tight, it will not slip too much once you tie off.  It makes for a neat and tidy slip knot.  I would not say that it is diggy but not quite the support needed for extended toddler wearing.
I would use this for a special event or keep it in the diaper bag for quick ups, but not my first choice if I were to get down and dirty.  I sent this off to visit a friend with a newborn, she is loving it.  It is SO soft!!