I Love Baby Stuff and $50 Giftcard to Baby Laylah Boutique

Wow... I suck lately. But I promise it's not my fault. Really, I'm already learning how to blame things on my child. Spawnie made me do it... Spawnie has been sucking the life out of me... Literally. And I'm just now getting around to writing the post that I had been meaning to post Thursday.

Oh but before I get into cute baby stuff let me tell you... Tuesday I'll be answering your questions from the "Ask me anything" post on my MomTV Show. What I don't answer there I'll type out and post here. I'll also figure out if there's a way for me to embed the show into a post on my blog so you can watch it if you miss it. I'll be LIVE Tuesday at 10:30am EST!

Now on to cute baby stuff. I LOVE looking at it, but I CAN'T STAND not knowing if I should buy the cute little sporty blue shoes, or the adorable flowery pink shoes. It's weird that I even like looking at shoes in the first place cause I HATE shoes. I wear a size 11 and it's nearly impossible to find adorable cute shoes in my size (and I'm praying my feet won't get bigger during pregnancy though I hear that's a symptom).

If I have a girl I want her shoe collection to look like this:They are from Baby Laylah Boutique, and some are as little as $5 a pair!! Cute, AND a bargain!

It's so weird how it could go either way (obviously) and according to the Chinese lunar calendar I rely so much on, it really depends if the DOC was September 31st or October 1st... And it could be either.

I had a dream I was having a girl, and I can't help but think/hope I am, so I'm naturally looking at more girl things, but I can't help but feel a little guilty in case Spawnie is a boy.

Baby Laylah Boutique is a cute little shop with unique and chic fashion for babies and children. Their boy stuff makes me excited to have a boy... In case that's what Spawnie is. I really like this adorable beanie.. Though I must admit I think the cute little boy model is part of the reason I like it. I can't help but wonder if my son would look a little like that. Yes... I tend to shop from people with cute baby models. Hint to companies: Hire biracial and ethnic babies!Same with this cute tutu from the same shop and the kid modeling it.My little girl will have a collection of tutus.. I'm not sure why but I'm obsessed with them. Where do little girls even wear these things anyway? I'm such a girlie girl so I think these things are just the epitome of girlie. The tutu's from this shop start at $15!I've chatted with Danielle, creator, via email a few times. She first got the idea of starting an online boutique when her son Rasean was born. He was born in the month of January (like me, woop!) and living in Wisconsin where it was cold and they spent a lot of time in the house.She spent a lot of time shopping online for unique clothes and special things for him. Last year she and her husband were blessed with a little girl, Laylah Rose. Again, being the shopping mommy that she is spent a lot of time online looking for those one of a kind finds. She especially loves to find things that are unique and will make someone ask "Where did you get that?"

She opened Baby Laylah Boutique to help other people find unique and chic fashion and accessories for their little loved ones and to put a smile on someone's face.
Her favorite thing about what she does is searching for product lines to carry that will make her store unique and different from the rest. "Right now...starting out...a lot of what I have is similar to many other online boutiques..but I am determined to find a niche and make it the online boutique of choice! Even if I have to get crafty myself!" she said.

I know it's crazy but one of the things I REALLY REALLY want to dress my little boy up in is suits, and little girls in dresses (once again, with the girlie thing). I bought one of my friend's little boys a complete suit set when he was first born cause I think it makes them looks so stylish!

I KNOW kids just get it messy, and they grow so fast, but they look SO CUTE all dressed up! I love vests, and ties, and dresses and bows! Oh I can't wait to know what you are Spawnie!

The shop has adorable products for boys and girls, and mom! There are things from diaper bags to tutus to diaper cakes! And there's something in every price range of shoppers. Danielle also is just starting out so be sure to check back to see what designers she's adding.

I'm really jealous about this cause one of you... My lucky readers, will get a chance to win a $50 gift card to Baby Laylah Boutique. Here's how you enter!

Mandatory:
1. Be/become a follower of my blog
2. Visit Baby Laylah Boutique and let me know another item you love from there.

Extra entries:
-Join Baby Laylah Boutique's Mailing list (2 entries)
-Become my Facebook Fan
-Tweet "I just entered @FutureMama's giveaway for a $50 gift card to Baby Layla Boutique http://bit.ly/8drEZp."
-Add my NEW button to your blog!
-Post about this giveaway on your blog.
-Email Subscribe to my blog (don't forget to confirm your email!) OR Subscribe to my blog through one of these feeds (let me know which one in comments).
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (per day/computer) (just click the link)
-Nominate me for Best Pregnancy Blog

Contest ends November 30th at 11:59pm! Good Luck!

Disclaimer: I was not given compensation for doing this giveaway! The feature is based on my own honest opinions of the shop!

*****

Winner of Color Consultation from iBaby Interiors: Commenter #11: Jessie.

I Did Something for My Baby

Did you miss my pregnancy announcement? I'm now going back to the drafts I saved from before I told you.

5 Days past BFP Written 10/20 but saved for today

In order to make things feel more "real" I bought something for the little Spawn. Oh yea, did I mention that's its nickname? I know people have cute names like "sweet pea" "blueberry" I dunno... There's a lot. But one of the first things that came to mind after finding out I was pregnant was "I'm with-spawn."

I know it's kind of alienish, but it's also different, and my little nudge is gonna be different... In a good way of course!

So far I'm the only person who likes it but whatever... I can call it what I want and for now, it's Spawnie! And I think it's cute.

Ok anyway, I went to Babies R' Us today to buy something for my best friend, who is having her baby shower soon, and I bought the CUTEST stuff for her little boy. I also really wanted to buy something for my baby to make this pregnancy feel more real.

I browsed the onesies and couldn't find anything gender-neutral and cute enough. Just when I was giving up (because my impatient husband was ready to go) I saw the cutest thing that I KNOW my baby will look cute in. Boy or girl!A cute little hat with ears and booties to match. I know Spawnie is due in June 25th but the hat is for 0-6 months, and they can wear hats in the summertime right? If not, by 6 months it'll be perfect for winter! And to be TOTALLY honest... This is the FIRST thing I've EVER bought for my baby! Yep... I promised myself I wouldn't buy anything for a baby I wasn't pregnant with first. But now... I can shop 'till my heart's content (or until I give my husband a heart attack)!

I think I've found a way to cure my fears about something bad happening during pregnancy... Shopping!!

****

Blog makeover winner according to Random.org: Winner #40 ~Mendie~ . Please email babymakingmachine{at}gmail.com so I can get you in touch with Danielle!

The 400th Follower Giveaway Part 4

CLOSED! ---Stay tuned for more details on a possible second LIVE giveaway!

Miss the other parts of my 400th follower giveaway this week?
Day 1, Day 2, Day 3
And it's not over yet... 5 more prizes go up tomorrow!

Well, If you read my post yesterday you know it was a big day for me... It was my D-Day in a sense... My dental D-Day that is! I finally got that second opinion and I didn't have 13 cavities at all... I barely had 4... UGH! Oh well, glad I found out before it was too late, and glad I have those fillings over with. I'm one step closer to turning the Baby Makin' Machine "on" so get ready for some fun updates when I'm back in town!

I hope you're enjoying my giveaways, Just a reminder, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO is leave a comment to enter! Don't let all the rambling I'm doing make you feel like there are a lot of hoops to hop through or anything. Just leave a comment letting me know what you think of it all, and if you want, you can do the extra stuff for extra entries! Ok!?

Well, now that I said that I've gotta say today's addition to the 400th follower giveaway is a little different, it's a LIVE giveaway, meaning certain comment numbers will win the prize... So you'll know right away who wins. So... Read on and comment on so you can win a prize!

Does your child (or do you even) need some motivation to get in the tub?...
17. Wet Giggles is getting your little one some FUN incentive to get in the tub! When I was little I LOVED having my rubber duckie in the tub with me while i took a bath... that and Barbies. It was a strange combination I know. But it still wasn't always motivation enough to remember to use soap (except for when I was brushing Barbie's hair). But now THIS product will get your kid wanting to use soap with or without a Barbie! It has a cute little toy at the top--And soap with a manicure brush inside at the bottom. It's handmade with natural glycerin, each bar is made one at time with essential oils and shea butter. They all have different scents and animals on the top so tell me your favorite as one of your comments so I know what you like!!- Mine is one of the duckies for sure!
--Commenter #55 wins. But read the rules at the bottom to know how to play!

Ok I've told you about how I'm OBSESSED with Disney right? I love dreaming of being a princess, and I love to read. Well, this next prize puts two things together for your kid...
18. Custom by Michelle is giving one winner ANY custom book of your choice! In your personalized book, your child's name would be used along with names of her friends or playmates. This is an ideal gift for children, as it is both fun and educational. Win, and the story you choose will be personalized and start off your child's dream to become whatever they want! I really liked seeing this ballerina one because not only do they have a white girl version... They have a black girl version, cool huh? Personalized storybooks make a perfect gift, for birthdays, holidays or just because. Books educate, inspire imagination and build self esteem. Their personalized books will become cherished keepsakes and saved forever by your children. The children you love will be thrilled to see their own name in these stories. Perosonalized books make your child the STAR of every story. Each of these wonderful stories includes a child's name, hometown, friends and family in every story.
Whether your child is in sports, or loves dinosaurs, each book teaches principles and values. They will enjoy this great keepsake for years to come.
So check it out and let me know what story one of your kids would like. They have TONS to choose from, for boys and girls, educational books, religious books... The list goes on!
--Commenter #123 wins this prize. But read the rules at the bottom to know how to play!

Need some art to spice up your kid's room? Look no more!...
19. Baby Chick Designs has adorable artwork for every room in the home! I especially love their Barnyard Babies Collection which has a cute little somethin' somethin' for all kids and babies. I LOVE baby chicks. This design was created and copyrighted under the artist’s name, Harriet Babchick, owner of Baby Chick Designs, and I think it's absolutely adorable! But don't take my word for it... Check out there other pictures, I'm sure there's something there that you like and could see in your home. They're especially perfect for a nursery, playroom or bedroom. And if you don't have a baby yet, think of it this way--I love visiting places that have cute things to look at in the bathroom. Check it out! All of these photos are on canvas, which is a beautiful texture (I have some photos in my house like this). And you can get a frame for them at many art stores! Check out there site and let me know which picture you'd like in your home!
--Commenter #178 wins this piece of art! But read the rules below to learn how to play!

Love cloth diapers? I know there's a bunch of you out there! Well here's a couple more to add to your stash... Or some to start one!...
20. Sara from Fundawears is giving you not one but TWO cloth diapers to try. Yep, and not only that... they're organic! Here's a description of the two:
Fundawears Organic Pocket Cloth diaper- Small Chocolate 2mil PUL waterproof outside with a raspberry pink micro-fleece and two Organic Hemp cotton fleece inserts to stuff for desired absorbency. Fold over laundry tabs and elastic at the waist and legs for a snug fit.
SIZE: SMALL 7-15lbs (+/-)
This is perfect for a newborn girl. it is super soft and absorbent. Stuff your little hears out with Fundawears pocket diapers.
Fundawears Speed Wrap-Medium- A layer of white 2Mil PUL waterproof interior paired with an Olive green micro-suede exterior. Black 1" Fold Over Elastic and Orange stitching with Black hook and loop closures. These Speed Wraps are fast, easy to use and can be used a few times before laundering.
SIZE: MEDUIM 15-25lbs (+/-)
So there you have it! I'm not quite sure how cloth diapers are used a few times before washing but it sounds efficient to me!
--Comment away! Comment #222 wins these cloth diapers! But read the rules below to know how to play!

This next one is for those lovely moms-to-be, and preggo moms!
21. Janiene, from Shrinkx is giving away a post-natal hip belt! Oh yea! When I first heard about this I about fell out of my seat! Want those hips you had before pregnancy well read this description to know how it works: The hormone Relaxin is released throughout the body during pregnancy. Its purpose is to allow the ligaments, joints, and connective tissue to stretch and expand, enabling the baby to more easily pass through the birth canal.

This hormone remains in the system for up to six weeks, (sometimes longer in breast feeding mothers,) which would allow time to reverse the expanding process.
By wearing the Shrinkx belt, the hips have constant, even pressure, gently moving them back to the pre-pregnancy size or even smaller! As the hormone is leaving the system, the ligaments begin to strengthen and stabilize in the set position.

Sweet right?--Yea, that's what I thought! And it's a $75 value! The winner of this gets a shrink belt in their size! And let me know how it works cause I'm for sure gonna want one of these after I have a baby! Hmm... Maybe I'll have my BFF be a guinea once again and try this for me!

--Want to try it first? Be commenter #304 and it's yours!- read the rules to know how to play!

I'm not sure why but I'm OBSESSED with diaper bags. I don't even have a kid but I LOVE them! I think it's because they can be like big purses that hold all sorts of fun stuff. Well if you're like me, or actually need a tote or diaper bag, listen up...
22. This giveaway item is from All Modern Baby, a modern baby furniture site that carries products such as Stokke Sleepi and Baby Bjorn carriers. It's a for a beautiful JJ Cole MMGM Mode Tote Bag sports all the necessary features for an efficient parenting supply source, including changing pad, key clip and stabilizing metal feet. The mode includes plenty of pockets inside and out for organizing, separating and keeping things clean and in their place. Depending on preference and situation, the mode allows for three carrying options including two tote straps that snap together for easy carrying and stow away when not in use, a removable padded shoulder strap, or stroller attachments for a no-slip grip to your stroller handle. With safety as a top priority the mode is made of fabrics that are both PVC and phthalate free, as well as being easy to clean. It's great to hold all the necessities of parenting and worth $80!! And don't worry ladies... If you're anything like me you can win it now, and use it, as a tote purse now and diaper bag later... Now that's what I call efficient!
--Commenter #400 wins! But read the rules below to know how to play!

Rules:
Last time I had a LIVE giveaway it ended in two days. I wouldn't mind this one going a little longer so I'm going to make rules a little different... And if it takes a week to get all the winners that's fine because the rest of these are running a week too!
1. You have to Tweet or Facebook, or whatever about the giveaway! Please say: "Check out this LIVE giveaway by @babymakinmachin lots of prizes! http://tinyurl.com/nzmfpn (Please RT)!"
2. In 6 of your comments tell me something about why you like the 6 products. Don't stress out over it, just leave a sentence statement about their site or something... Besides, it'll give you something to comment about.
3. Now just leave comments, all you want to get to the prize of your choice, but since I'm on vacation and don't have time to moderate and publish comments you can only post 5 comments in a row... Then wait until someone leaves one comment between yours and you can comment again.
BONUS: If you're a follower you can post up to 7 comments in a row.
BONUS: If you're a follower and have voted for me in the bloggers choice awards or the black weblog awards or have posted about this giveaway, you can leave up to 10 comments in a row.

So tell your friends about it so they can come over and help you rack up the comments! Good luck!

Miss the other parts of my 400th follower giveaway this week?
Day 1, Day 2, Day 3
And it's not over yet... 5 more prizes go up tomorrow!

**I may re-do the rules after 5 or so days if the LIVE giveaway isn't moving along**

The 100th Post

Wow this came too soon! Well, not too soon, but sooner than I thought. I started this blog just a little more than 3 months ago. Man... And I've hit 100 posts already? Am I driving you crazy yet? I hope not! I'm really having fun with this blog and I imagine it'll be a fun keepsake for me once I have spawn and they are old enough to read and develop an interest of knowing where they came from before they were even a twinkle in my eye. Hmm... Then again, maybe I won't want them to know this side of me.

Most of all I've enjoyed connecting with you all. Your comments are inspiring and sooo informative. They're NEVER too long (yes, even if they're longer than my initial post). I read every one and read all of your blogs and websites as well so please, don't stop!

Anywhoo, in honor of my 100th post and my love for you all, I'm going to give away a gift. But this isn't any ordinary gift... This is something I wanted to keep, but why? So my husband can stare at me, and my collection of future baby stuff and laugh? No... I don't need any more of that, so I'm going to give it to YOU!

Want to know what it is? It's an ADORABLE infant headwrap! My poor kids. I hope I have girls but even if I do I fear they'll be destined to wear pink on a daily basis...Not only that but pink things with flowers, things like these from Born 2 Impress! Jenniffer Powell owns the company and all of the stuff is handmade. She found my blog and decided to sponsor this giveaway!

As you can probably tell from my blog, pink is my favorite color so this Pink with a Green daisy wrap is something I would LOVE to use on my baby girl to decorate her all up for pictures or something! It's hand sewn together so it won't come apart, the flower is also hand sewn together and it has a pretty green rhinestone to top it all off!

So you get an idea of the size, the silk daisy is about 4" wide. I've seen a lot of my friends with little girls have these cute things for baby pictures! Now your little girl/ future little girl or a friend of your's little girl can have one too!

This is what you have to do to enter:

For one entry all you have to do is leave a comment here giving me a piece of motherhood/pregnancy advice.

**For extra entries:

1. If you're not a follower already become a follower of my blog and/or Twitter: @babymakinmachin. And if you're new to following me, don't worry, I try not to be boring.
2. Let me know a topic you'd like me to write about
3. Let me know some cute boy accessory items so I can be excited to maybe one day have a boy.
4. Twitter about this contest or post it on Facebook, your blog or something of that sort and post another comment letting me know! You can leave a seperate comment for each for extra entries.

*Also, check out Born 2 Impress and let me know a MUST HAVE for my future little girl because Lord knows I'm a sucker for all of this cute stuff that'll give you an extra entry as well! :o)

The contest ends: March 28th Good luck!

If you'd like to sponsor a giveaway let me know at babymakingmachine(at)gmail(dot)com

Thank you to Sweeties Sweeps for listing my blog giveaway.