Fellow moms, I need your help!!

Calling all moms!! Calling all moms!! If you are pregnant, a new mom, or a veteran mom, we need your help.

My childhood friend Dominique and I are embarking on a new project and we would love to include your real life experiences as part of our new project. It is easy to participate and gives you the chance to share what you have learned from your experiences as a mom. We want to hear it all; the good, the bad, and the funny.

It is easy to participate. If you answer YES to all the questions below, we would love for you to complete our questionnaire and submit your prenatal, birthing, and mommy stories.

1. Are you 18 years or older?

2. Are you pregnant? or Have you given birth at least once?

If you answered YES to both questions, you are an ideal participant. To participate, please inbox us with your e-mail address so that we can send you a consent form. You can send your request to momsisterhood@gmail.com  We must have a signed consent form before we can review your entries. After you submit the consent form you will be sent a questionnaire. We have questions for each stage of motherhood (pregnancy, birth, motherhood), so if you haven’t reached a stage, it is ok. We want to hear what you are experiencing now as well as what you have experienced in the past. We do require a separate consent form for each stage submission. For example, If you want to submit information on your birth and motherhood, we will need two consent forms (one for birth and one for Motherhood). The consent form has a section where you indicate what consent form is being submitted for the section. Now all you have to do is mail or email your entries and consent form. The deadline for entries is November 1, 2014.

We cannot wait to hear from you,

Dominique and Sabrina

8 month update and a GIVEAWAY!!

Hello everyone!!


Boy, has this month flew by. baby Doll is 8 months and is a handful. She now does not want to leave my sight. It is definitely getting harder to get thing done with a baby attached to your leg.  She doesn't even want people to hold her now. So, I have decided to try out and research some baby carriers. With football fast approaching, I will need an easy way to carry her around. I do have a moby wrap, but its gets kind of hot. The fabric is extremely thick and tends to loosen when worn for a long time. My great friend Chelsea made me a wrap that is awesome. It is so lightweight and thin, so baby Doll and I are never sweating lol. I use that one everyday!! It is always in my diaper bag. I use it at the grocery store the bank, and even got to use it at a 4th of July party. Baby Doll can bee a little squirmy, so I really want like a baby carrier. I went to a specialty store and tried on a bunch. The best one was the Tulip. Baby Doll started to fall asleep at the store lol. But the baby carrier is really expensive. I mean almost $200. As an unemployed mama, I have to conserve money. I was given some great alternatives that will give me and Baby Doll the support and comfort we need. I also met a new friend in Alabama, and she is going to give me one of her extra carriers!! I Know, AWESOME. I asked her it she had a sewing machine, because I wanted to try to make a mei tai baby carrier and she was like " I have an extra one we don't use, if you would like to try it." 


A little about my new friend Heather. She is from Maryland. I know crazy and she has a 10 month old baby girl. She also just moved here a couple of weeks ago. We met at storytime at the library, and got coffee and have hung out a bunch of times. Just coffee, the mall, and farmers market!! She even watches the Bachelorette lol We are definitely a match.


Some more good news. I was able to join a mommies walking group. It was nice. Meeting other moms, sharing stories, and finally meeting new people in the area. I met Noelle at the farmers market. (She is the one that invited me to the group). Funny thing is we were parked right next to each other and started talking. She has a beautiful baby boy close in age to Baby Doll. I was glad I went, and even got in a good work out.




So because of all the awesome stuff my friends have done I am doing a beauty giveaway. Here is how you enter:


1. Share my blog link on one of your social media sites


2. Tag me to the post.
Twitter: Brinaaze
Instagram: MrzzButler2U
FaceBook: Sabrina Azemar


3. And comment on my blog one nice thing someone has done for you lately.


I will choose a winner in 2 weeks. Here is what the winner will receive:






2 full size eye shadow bushes
perfume sample
Be A Bombshell Mascara (Full size)
Sample size face scrub
Sample size eye cream.
Makeup bag


Good luck to everyone and see ya soon!


Sabrina

7 Months!!! Time is finally flying by

Hello everyone!!


We are officially in the 7 month stage. Because I am a woman, and I love to change my mind, I would like to recant everything I said about wanting baby Doll to crawl. AHHHHHHH she is driving me nuts. I feel like all day, I am saying "No" "Don't Touch" "Let Go" "Come Back" "Stop" etc. etc. We barely have furniture after the move, but you realize why child proofing is important.


So let me start from the beginning. We have started going to The Little Gym's Little Bugs class. It is awesome and Baby doll get to interact with other babies around her age and I get to talk to PEOPLE, real people. She started just scooting, but she spoke to a little boy in Gym class and started to crawl INSTATLY!! yes people, INSTATNLY. Now I can't keep her still. There are also small ballet bars to help baby stand. Now, Baby stands in her crib, but can't sit back down. We have had some long nights of crying because she gets stuck in the standing position. So she crawls, she stands, and now she is starting to side walk when she is holding on to something. HELP ME!! I need her to stay in one place lol. I love seeing her hit milestones, but all these have happened within weeks of each other.


We have also introduced the pool. We did go last month, but with the high temperatures we have been experiencing, I have made it a very frequent thing. Luckily, I do have a very clean pool in the complex that we live in. Baby Doll loves splashing and kicking her feet; but don't you dare get her face or hair wet lol. I have dunked her a couple of times, but she has gotten hysterical, so I am going to let her do it in her own time. I do use the floaty and I also just carry her. She has been wearing her hat and doesn't mess with it. She like that it keeps the sun out of her face.


That is it for 7 months!! I do have a challenge for everyone! If I can get 4,000 views by the end of the month I will reveal a picture of Baby Doll and Big Head that was taken on Father's Day weekend.


See ya soon,


Sabrina

Prayer Request

Hello everyone!!


As we are finally getting settled in Alabama, I would like everyone to pray for me as I look for employment. I have worked since I was 14 years old, and now that I have my Master's degree, I really am asking the lord to provide me the opportunity to apply my education to a career I can be proud of. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.


Thanks
Sabrina

Long time no see

Hello everyone!

Sorry I have been M.I.A. it has been a crazy month. Baby Doll turned a half of a year lol. We also recently relocated to another state. So much has changed, so lets jump straight into it.

Baby Doll had her 6 month appointment, and passed with flying colors. She is showing up as being in the 80 percentile for her height, weight, and head circumference. She did get shots, but we had a male nurse who is awesome and gives shots so quick, she doesn't even feel them. She is a rolling machine. She rolls to get wherever she needs to go. To get a toy far away, or to find my computer cord to pull lol. She can also get herself  back to a sitting position on her own, The crazy thing about that is she first did it at my BF Whitney's house. It was too funny. She is also trying to stand up. Big Head will be lowering her crib this weekend, because she is way to close to accomplishing that goal and I do not need a major accident right now lol. She still talks my head off and loves to sing. Yes I said sing. If music is on, she will hold long notes and think she is Aretha Franklin lol. You cannot leave her unattended!! I left her on the floor with a bunch of toys to put on make up, but I realized she was completely silent. When I went to check on her, it looks like she may have ingested half of a shopping receipt. I have no Idea where she found it, but half was gone. Then she screamed at me when I took it away. lol I have also realized that she takes ownership to everything she touches, so I am aware that I have a spoiled child already on my hands lol. Everyday I love seeing her face though. She drives me completely nuts, and at the end of the day I am pooped, but I can't wait to do it again the next day. Baby Doll is out of  The blob" stage, so it is so fun to be around her because the crying is not as constant.  I have tried to give her those little puffs so she can practice feeding herself, but she does not like the taste lol. If anyone has any good finger food ideas for a sitting baby, please let me know. No teeth yet, but I am sure it is close. With all the drool and

Now lets talk about relocation with a baby. OMG do you get on a wonky schedule. Now I am still nursing so I can't just drive and drive till we reach our destination, I would probably burst lol. So we did have to take breaks to feed her. But I felt like the feeding schedule was a little off. It is hard to get on schedule when you just want to get to your destination as quick as possible. Baby Doll did a great job. No crying the whole way. She slept some, talked some, and played some. We were able to stop by my twin sis for the nigh and sleep in a hotel which was nice, but Baby doll is a bed hog. I nearly fell off the bed because she was all over the place, and I was way to paranoid. We have been in our new home for a total of a week, and I have almost everything in place. It is really nice that Baby Doll has her own room, and she is finally getting back on schedule. Because I am still getting to know the area, I spend most of my day trying to find where things are and getting lost, and finding my way again. We do have a pool in my area and We took her for her first swim. She loved kicking her feet, but didn't like going under water lol. We have to work on that.

I was a little sad leaving my friends behind. I have been able to make new friends that have little ones. So I am determined to meet moms with children in my new location. The friendships have helped me so much in the past, and I would like Baby Doll to have someone to play with as well.  I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day. For my first Mother's day, It was great. I even got a card from Baby Doll lol.

I hope everyone is doing well. Please pray for me in my new job search.

See you soon,
Sabrina

Happy 5 Months

Happy 4 months!!

Mommy mode initiated!!

Hello everyone!

I know it has been awhile, but being a mom is hard work. Riva is officially 3 months!! She is trying to roll over, and tries to talk all day long. She smiles and laughs and sleeps for 7 hours at night!! Baby doll is officially a big girl. I love the way she looks when she just wakes up. She love to Skype with her Tati Sabine and G-Ma. She is now also eating a little bit of rice cereal inside her bottle.

I don't know about other moms, but I am doing laundry like every other day lol. I don't think I've done my own laundry in a month lol. Don't Judge! I have decided Today, I am going to clean my room and the bathroom. I have been keeping Riva's nook very clean and organized, but I can't seem to keep my stuff straight. I know what I want for Christmas...a house keeper once a month lol.

So, I have been back to work for about 2 months now. Because of my awesome friend Chelsea, I was able to get a lactation room at work equipped with a mini fridge, extension cord, comfy couch,  and window shade. I am still a little late from my breaks because pumping takes more than 15 minutes for me, but I am getting it done. I am also getting the hang of securing her car seat in the car lol. You may think that is a simple task, but Baby Doll is HEAVY and I don't like using the car port thingy. She doesn't feel as secured.

I wanted to make a list of the things that I cant live without, so here it goes!!

Must-haves for 3 months:

• bathtub
• blooming bath
• play mat
• lots of books for bedtime

Things that are also new is Baby Doll loves Sesame Street, and story time at night. We watch Sesame Street on PBS about 3 times a day. it is usually the same episode, but she is completely quiet when it is on. It gives me a chance to do dishes, empty dishwasher, load the washer machine, and/or vacuum. I have mastered the one hander. I can carry Riva and do a bunch of stuff with just my left hand lol

Valentine's day is very close and I really want to get Baby Doll her ears pierced. We will see she has started evil eyeing me when she doesn't like something lol. Already showing her diva tendencies.


See you soon!
Sabrina A.

Soothing and Must-have "Oh My"

Hello everyone!!


I have had some requests for important things to know and what I've learned as a new mom. If you know me, you know I love to make lists. During my pregnancy, I had a list for my hospital bag, list for diaper bag, list for going to daycare, even a list forgoing to the doctors. It keeps me organized and in control of things; especially with a baby you can not control lol. So here are some of my list that I use on a daily basis:


To sooth a crying/fussing baby:
Every baby is different, so a lot of thing people told me to try Riva did not like. I finally found thing that worked for the both of us.

• Sitting on a medicine ball to rock her to sleep. the consistent bouncing was easy on my back and soothing for us both.
• whispering in her ear. Riva definitely loves hearing my voice especially since I know all she heard was my voice during pregnancy. I often hold her close and whisper "I love you", "I will be here when you wake up", "Everything is ok." Find what is important to you and say it to you little one.
• Create noise. I love my crib aquarium!! You can attach to the crib and it has ocean sounds music and little fishes and things. I  think purchasing a soother or noise maker is worth the money. I sometimes run the dishwasher or washer machine and the loud noise really relaxes her.
• Lights please. In the hospital it is extremely bright, so when you bring your little one home try having a night light on or the hall light on. sometimes the complete darkness keeps Riva awake, I think it reminds her of the womb too much and how she used to be awake in the dark. Once she is asleep, I turn the lights out

Must have baby items:
There are thing I cannot live without, especially with a growing baby.

• Side snap tee-shirts. They are so easy to put on and I don't have to fuss with pulling something over her head. I just snap the undershirt on and we are good to go
• A good purse. Diaper bags are cool when you are dropping the baby off at daycare or at your in-laws. It keeps her stuff together and away from every one's things, but who wants to carry 2 bags everywhere they go. I bought an awesome purse from Ross for $16. Its has straps long enough to pull over my shoulder, 2 side pockets that can be used as bottle holders, easy clean-up liner inside, and a front pocket for easy access to my cell phone and keys. Not to mention stylish, so I can wear it everywhere with everything.
• Document folder. You will be getting a lot of paperwork, so get an accordion folder. keeps shot records, doctor visits, coupons, and receipts all in the same place. Trust me your memory is officially gone now lol. I like to bring the folder with me to her appoints because its hand when the doctor ask questions about the last visit, or handing you paperwork you don't want to loose.
• Play mat. Riva is starting to grab a lot now, so her play mat is great. I can just lay her down and let her talk to herself while I do dishes or fold clothes. The hang toys give her something to play with and practice with. It is also good for tummy time. The fabric is easy to clean so she can spit up on it and its fine.
• The 3-B's. Bibs, Burp cloths, and Blankets. Babies spit up a lot even longer after feeding, so the bib keeps their clothes dry. Burp clothes are easy to carry around the house, especially when burping over the knee; using it under the chin keeps you and the baby dry lol. Blankets. receiving blankets are a must. I use them when we go outside to cover her, in her bouncer chair, to lay her down on the floor, to keep her warm when undressing her. I mean the list goes on. I have about 12 to 15. but they go everywhere.
• My nursing pillow. I have "My Breast-Friend" nursing pillow and I love it!! It makes nursing so much easier. When I don't have it, may back hurts, I can't get Riva latched on properly, and I have to burp her more.

Again, all babies are different and something will not work for you.( Riva HATES being swaddled). So tell me what your little one likes, and tell me if you tried any of my tricks!


See you soon and happy soothing,
Sabrina

Happy 2 Months

Hello everyone!!


Life as a busy mom has truly taking over!! People don't really tell you that you will love and hate motherhood both at the same time. Now, that does not mean my child, it just means the motherhood part.

But first, let me tell you about my Baby Doll!! Riva smiles when you smile at her, she tries to talk all the time, she loves story time, she can grab thing, and SHE LOVES HERSELF SOME BIG HEAD. I have to say, I am a little jealous the way they look at each other, but I am so glad that they love each other; and I know they will have a great relationship as she gets older. Today, We had her 2 month visit. At this visit, she got her immunizations, and let me tell you I was a wreck. The nurse was extremely nice, but I still was not prepared for her scream. My fiancé (Big Head) had to hold her arms. I couldn't even watch. As soon as we got home, I was spoiling her. Don't judge lol. So I held her for a good 2......ok 3 hours straight. But I felt so bad and I hate seeing her not being her normal smiley self. All is great. She is now 12 pounds 13 ounces and 22.64 inches long. And that is all breastfeeding and not eating meat!! She is in the 80 percentile :-) (proud mama).

She is still not sleeping through the nigh, but instead of me trying to get her on a schedule....we lets just say we have given up lol.... I am getting used to sleeping late and catching sesame street on PBS lol I am normally not a coffee drinker, but boy do I love me some coffee. My twin sis gave me the idea to use hot chocolate and pour fresh coffee over the mix. mmmhhhmmmm its so good. But because Riva is having dry skin I have to give up caffeine and chocolate for a while (sad day) So, I have decided, my day in the office I will have coffee, but that's it.

This month we have...Riva has...experienced the bubble guts lol. We have had to change some EXPLOSION of a diaper and once it was back to back. You would have thought I was sneaking steak juice in her bottle lol. The one thing that is hard to get used to is having time to yourself. I am a girl that loves make up and nail salons, but I haven't had the time for a pedicure. I have had to re-arrange my work schedule so that Riva is watched while I am at work, I have been late to almost...noo not almost...I have been late to EVERYTHING! I am surprised I have clocked into work on time. I have been having to pump in a bathroom stall at work, so I have been late to all my breaks when I am in the office. lol  But all day long, all I can think about is my Baby Doll and how much I miss her lol. Crazy how a person that cant talk to you has all you love and attention, not to mention you money lol. But I cant imagine anyone more perfect. I know she is truly my soul mate.

I have to be honest, I have had some great friends and family that have given me great advise. Making me feel less crazy lol.

So happy 2 months to me!!

See everyone soon

Sabrina