Cherishing Wet Cuddles and Other Priceless Memories

We have this sweet tradition in our house. Hubby is usually in charge of bathtime. He puts the boys in the tub while I put away laundry or clean up toys or just straighten out a bit of the chaos of the day. My baby (C) is usually ready to get out first. So I scoop up my baby in his adorable duck towel and dry him off and get him ready for bed while my 3yr. old (L) plays longer in the bath. (sidenote- there is not much sweeter than fresh-out-of-the-tub baby cheeks, both sets!) Hubby gets L out of the tub and wraps him in his Spiderman towel. This is where the sweetness comes in. L comes out of the bathroom, into his room where I am sitting with C, and climbs into my lap. "Here's your clean boy!" he innocently says through the biggest of grins. We call it our post-bath cuddle, and I can't get enough. He is wet, and gets me all wet as he rests his head on my chest and snuggles close. It is the longest stretch he stays still all day. I love having him in my lap and smelling his clean wet hair. I love wrapping my arms around him and renewing that closeness that we have always cherished. He is all at once my baby and my "big boy," but mostly just mine. Tonight he told me for the first time that he wanted to marry me (*melt*). (anothersidenote- he told me we had to dance and then buy a couch and that was our wedding! HA!)
As I sit there and hold him, the moment is not lost on me. I close my eyes and drink it in. I know the day will come (probably sooner than I know) when he won't want to sit wet in a towel in my lap. So for now, I cherish those 5min. of our day.

We recently received a book from Tyndale Kids that echos this same sentiment. Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury is the story of a mom who is looking back on the memorable moments of her son's life and looking forward to what is coming soon. While reflecting on the cuddle times and favorite memories, she asks the question "would I have paid more attention or cherished the moment longer if I had known it was the last time?" The last night-time feeding, the last trip to the park, the last story time with him cuddled in my lap...
The book is written to be read to your little ones. The language is beautiful and touching and hits very close to home. I got teary several times as I sat and read the tender words to my son with him sitting next to me, his hand sweetly resting on my arm listening intently to the story. I loved the pictures of this mother and son through the years- the moments they shared as they both grew older. Reading this book helps me reflect on how L has grown so far and reminds me to drink in every moment with him and C every day.
I am not a fan of thinking about my boys growing up too fast. It makes me sad to think about them being too big for post-bath cuddles. But I also appreciate any opportunity to be reminded to live in the moment, to treasure these days that often feel so hard.

The last time when you ran to me, still small enough to hold.
The last time that you said you'd marry me when you grew old.
Precious, simple moments and bright flashes from your past-
Would I have held on longer if I'd known they were your last?

If you would like a copy of this book to read with your fast-growing munchkins, Tyndale has generously offered to let me give away a copy to one of you. Please leave a comment here making sure I have a way to contact you if you win. If you subscribe to my feed or blog or tweet this giveaway, leave an extra comment for an extra entry. I will choose a winner at random on Friday July 3rd (U.S. readers only- sorry!).
We have loved reading this book together and talking about our most cherished moments both past and present and future. I know you will love doing the same.

Cross-posted from Farrah's blog BabyLove Slings.

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Preserving Them as They Are

Make sure you read to the bottom of this post for a GREAT GIVEAWAY!!!

I love good pictures of my kids... they are the cutest kids after all, right???? But I can never seem to get good pictures. Be it my camera, my lack of patience, lack of skill, lack of... whatever. I just can’t seem to do it. I have so many pictures of my children with their eyes half closed looking somewhat inebriated or crying- lots of crying, even some shrieking.
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This is where hiring a photographer comes in…and not the mall chain ones. I wanted pictures that captured my kids as they are. Their joy, their personality..Their spunk- and OK maybe even some pouts. Pictures that give a glimpse into my children’s personalities. Pictures to make them come alive for family who do not get so see them that often. And pictures like these are very hard to come by.

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Unless you are Jenni of Lions Roar Media (www.lionsroarmedia.com)

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We have hired Jenni to take pictures of the kids a few times now. And despite Princess’s best efforts and being ‘princess-y,’ she still got great pictures. Most recently,we took the kids to the Morton Arboretum and set them free. The results were remarkable. From the stepping stone concentration to the infamous diet coke ,the kids had a great time and she captured it ,all.

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Since Jenni is a mom she totally gets the ‘moody-ness’ that goes a long with kids and she is great at working around that less than great behavior or turning it into a really funny picture. Working with her is not working. She is so easy to get along with and puts kids and parents at ease. She catches those moments and expressions I was convinced that I would only get to see etched into my memory, never framed on my mom’s wall. On top of that, her daughter and my daughter get along fabulously and it is fun for all. But to all the little boys out there- she is taken. Stinky has decided she is ‘pretiful’ (translation: beautiful and pretty) and wants to marry her.

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Jenni is generously giving away a photography prize package to one lucky Dupage Mama.

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Here's what is included for the contest winner:

- A 2-hour portrait session at her Wheeling location. She will take you to a local park, if you would like to do outdoor shots. Or, you she can come to you as long as you live within 20miles of her location.

- $20 print credit

- As many people and outfit changes as you would like photographed

- Free uploading of your images to the Internet

- 10% off our Milestones or Cub's Club membership (Milestones provides portraits at birth, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year. Cub's Club provides portraits at 18 months, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, and 5 years).
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In the spirit of Memorial Day, leave a comment here telling us what you are most grateful for about your country. What makes you proud of America and those who have fought to protect us? Or tell us why you need to win this giveaway. Please make sure we have a way to contact you if you win. And as always, blog this or tweet or Facebook or subscribe to get extra entries. Leave a separate comment for each extra entry. We will choose a winner at random next Monday June 1st and contact the winner by e-mail.

Don't miss this opportunity to preserve some precious moments with your kids just being kids. Capture them just as they are. Priceless.

If you have a product or service that you would like highlighted on Dupage Mamas, please email us at dupagemamas(at)gmail(dot)com.

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Mom of the Year

Well, sorry to disappoint y'all, but I am fairly sure that I have won "Mom-of-the-Year" this year. I mean, it is all over the news. Have you seen the footage?

Farrah Brown wins Mom of the Year
(I am kidding, of course.)

I was recently sent an award of sorts, a bloggy-award. This particular award came with some very specific rules that should be followed if you want to play along. In the spirit of building community and honestly sharing a little with y'all about my motherhood journey, I would love to share with you my responses.

(1) Admit one thing you feel awful about involving being a mom. Get it off your shoulders. Once you've written it down, you are No Longer allowed to feel bad. It's over with, it's in the past. Remember, you're a good mom!

I feel awful every time I let my emotions and fatigue get the best of me. I am not always good at controlling my emotional outbursts when my 3 yr old or increasingly my 9-month old frustrate me. My toddler really knows how to push my buttons and I often think I expect too much from him emotionally and behaviorally. He is extremely verbal and I often mistake that for maturity. He is still only 3 and learning about his world and his actions. But, it is hard for me not to let his whining and disobedience get me all flustered. I yell too much. I hate it when I yell. It makes me feel truly awful. I try to keep calm and not let it get to me, and I am learning and getting better. But, I still have a lot of room for improvement.

2) Remind yourself you are a good mom. List seven things you love about your kids, you love doing with your kids, or that your kids love about you. These are the things to remind yourself everyday so you know that you Rock!

I love when my 3yr. old tells me he loves me, which he does several times a day. I love that he feels so comfortable expressing his affection for me. I hope it lasts and our relationship continues to grow. I also love when he says, "Oh, Mommy...." in that tender way. So sweet!

I love the way my baby's face lights up when we catch each other's eyes. He has the most expressive eyes and they brighten right up when he sees his mommy.

I love to take my boys on walks in the wagon and see them interacting and playing together. I love watching the 3yr. old hug and love on his brother, even if it is a little too rough sometimes. I can't wait for them to grow up as each other's greatest playmate and friend.

I love holding them close in the sling and feeling their bodies relax and sink into me, knowing they are totally safe and completely connected to me.

I love that my 3yr. old wants Mommy to sit by him and rub his legs and sing "Jesus Songs" to help him fall asleep. I get annoyed sometimes that I can't just chill on the couch. But then I remind myself that he won't always want me to sit with him and I should cherish it while I can.

I love watching my boys be just boys- exploring, letting their creativity and curiosity drive them. I am excited that warmer weather is here and we can start going on nature hikes and play in the dirt. I love watching them go crazy with paint or crayons (and yes, I have let my 9month old paint). I feel like it is these moments when their true personality comes out and they aren't so constricted and "parented." I wish life had more of those moments.

I love that my boys are growing up knowing that they are actually sons #2 and #3 and that their oldest brother is in heaven with Jesus. I love that they will look forward to heaven so they can be with Jesus too and meet their brother who died before they were born. I love that my 3yr old expressed grief and longing for his brother and that talking about him is just a natural part of our lives.


Motherhood is hard. I think we can all agree about that. We don't always do it perfectly. I know I am not always the mother I wish I was to my boys. I fail them daily. But I also love them with my whole self and would stop the world from turning if they asked me to. And I try to daily remind myself that my deep, deep love for them covers a multitude of frustrated moments of less-than-ideal mommy behavior. As we approach Mother's Day, let's all remind ourselves that we are good moms who are daily putting our family's needs above our own. We give selflessly to our children, not because we have to but because we choose to.
If you want to play along and answer part or all of these questions, this award is for you too. You are all the Mom of the Year. Share your answers in the comments or in an e-mail or on your own blog.

And it wouldn't be Mother's Day without a gift, right? If you play along and join in this conversation, you will be entered to win this beautiful fresh-water pearl bracelet from a really wonderful company called Narimon (we will be sharing more about their ministry soon). I will choose a winner at random next Friday. Please share part of your motherhood journey with us and let's encourage each other. If we share this task of mothering our kids together, it will make the road easier for us.

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Capturing the Moment

Admittedly, I may be a little biased. They are my boys, after all. But are these not some of the most precious pictures you have ever seen! :)
The photographer is Dana from LifePix Photography. And she is spectacular! She met us one evening in Adams Park in Wheaton. If you know the park, you know that it is full of beautiful trees and flowers and has the best smell of spring!! As soon as she met the boys, she started talking with them and getting to know them. She made them immediately feel comfortable which made all the difference in the photos she was able to get.
Picture time can always be a little stressful for us moms. We are trying to get the kiddos to look at the camera, smile appropraitely, be positioned just perfect. But Dana just put that all at ease. "I am just capturing the moment, " she said. "You'll be surprised at how many good shots we'll get." And I am.
Her pictures are beautiful, her prices are very affordable, and she works with your schedule to find the best time to get the best pictures. I think I changed the session date like 3 times due to schedule and weather and she worked with me everytime. Her approach is to integrate contemporary photojournalism with classic portrait styling. She uses natural light and familiar surroundings to capture your family at their best. The result is pictures that will take your breath away and that you will cherish for years and years.

Dana is a fellow DupageMama- mom to three beautiful girls, the youngest just 5months old, who lives in Warrenville.
She is laid back, great with kids, and very very talented! Hurry and book your spring session before she is all booked up! Scroll down through some of my favorite shots of my boys and there just might be a reward at the end....




Beautiful, huh? Dana has very generously offered to giveaway one free photo session (an hour long) at the location of your choice along with one free 8x10 print. Visit her site and look around. Then come back and comment here telling us a little about your favorite photo subjects (ie: your kids or your pets or etc...) Comments will close next Tuesday the 12th at midnight. The winner will be drawn at random and announced here. Don't forget to get your extra entries (blog it, Twitter, Facebook, subscribe) to this one. Trust me, you want to win this.


This giveaway is also listed with Mom Most Traveled's Giveaway Carnival-LOTS of great prizes there too! For obvious reasons, this giveaway is open for Chicagoland mamas only. Thanks!!

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A Healthy Choice

Last summer, in an attempt to eat healthier and be a good steward of the earth, my husband and I joined a Community-Supported Agriculture Farm (CSA). We paid several hundred dollars for our share of the yield of a local farm. So each week, we drive to the pick up spot to get our box of assorted fruit and veges. Even with sharing the box with a friend, it was often more produce than we could use in a week. Especially those weeks when much of the box was beets or fennel or another vegetable that I had no idea how to cook. It did stretch our palette a bit and we did eat much healthier. Overall, it was a great experience and something I am really glad we did. But not something I was jumping at the chance to do again. But with the same goal of eating healthier and feeding my family well, I was confronted again with the question of how best to do that within a budget and a busy schedule. Organic produce in local stores can be hit-or-miss and pretty exprensive. Farmer's markets are great but that assumes I can get there and aren't available past the fall. Hmm... there aren't many other options out there.

Then I heard about Timber Creek Farms- a local organic food delivery service. Truthfully, the first word that caught my attention: DELIVERY!! You mean there is someone out there that will bring a box of high-quality, locally-grown organic produce to my front door? It must cost a TON.

Nope. Not at all. That is the truly amazing part. Here is what was in my first organic box: A head of Romaine lettuce, a whole pineapple, 4 large apples, a bunch of bananas, 6 zucchini, a bag of pea pods, a bag of greenbeens, 6 potatoes, and a whole head of celery.
The cost? $30.85. Delivered. To my door. Yummy fruits and veges that I recognize and can't wait to eat/serve my family. LOVE IT!!!

Timber Creek Farms has so much to offer. You can choose from the dozens of box types they have available: all veges, all fruit, mix of fruit and veges, etc... There are also many, many specialty boxes of varying prices to choose from. There is a box of foods for nursing/pregnant moms, a box of foods perfect for making baby food, the juicing box, the de-tox box, the cancer box, the high-blood pressure box, and the list goes on and on. I loved looking through the catalog and seeing all the cool combinations. But if by some chance you don't see what you want, they also let you make your own custom box.
You have a specified delivery day depending on your area and unfortunately that is set for you. They deliver within a 100mile radius of Yorkville, so that takes them all the way to NW Indiana and down to Bloomington/Normal. You can decide how frequently you want your box. We started with once every 4weeks until we figure out how much produce we will need each week. You can have a standing order or you can switch it up every week.
Beyond the delicious produce, Timber Creek also offers organic milk and meat and eggs. They also have the "Pantry Club" where you can have household staples delivered to your door. Another feature I think is cool is their "Wholesale Club" where you can buy certain things in bulk. If you don't need a crate full of paper towels, they offer a message board where you can connect with people who may want half that crate and will split the cost with you. You pay your part and Timber Creek splits the crate and delivers your share of the paper towels to your door.
Wow.

I could go on and on about the merits of Timber Creek. But here is the best part. They are a family-run business that cares about your family. And together with Dupage Mamas, they are giving away a free delivered box of organic produce!! Just click here to visit their website. Then come back here and leave a comment telling us which box you would like to try or which recipe from their blog sounds the yummiest. Make sure you also leave us a way to reach you if you win. And as usual, spread the word on your blog or Facebook or Twitter and get an extra entry. Or subscribe to our feed and get a third. That's three chances to win some free, yummy fruits and veges delivered to your door. Not much better than that. This giveaway will be open for entries until next Monday the 11th. We will draw a winner at random and announce the lucky person here.

My family has only received one Timber Creek box so far. But we are hooked! And you will be too!

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And the winner is....(Ecostore!!!)

And now, the winner of our sixth and final launch week giveaway is...

Miss Kita from Aurora, who reminded me to take a balanced approach and be responsible without going overboard.   

I feel like a winner too, after reading everyone's comments with their ideas and suggestions...and encouragement.  I'll definitely give Heather's recipe for cleaning solution a try.  And KristeeB - I'm looking at my carpets in a whole new way now!  And I'm joining many of you at the thrift store and library and in using non-disposable items as often as possible.  

Even better than the tips, though, was the encouragement.  I'm so excited to be building community with all of you, and I hope that we can continue to build a place where we each contribute our voices.  So - keep commenting!  Consider guest posting!  Link to us, and let us know where to link to you!  

And if you didn't win this time, don't be too discouraged...we have some great products lined up for Mother's Day giveaways!  

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Are you a Glen Ellyn Mom?

Are you a Glen Ellyn Mom? If so, you might want to pass this on to your kids...

(Please note that this contest is not sponsored by Dupage Mamas - we're just spreading the word!)

“Glen Ellyn Moms: A Cut Above” Essay Contest
DEADLINE EXTENDED – Entries Due May 1!

Kids – Is your mom the best? Tell us why and she could win great prizes and pampering from Glen Ellyn’s salons and boutiques in the “Glen Ellyn Moms: A Cut Above” essay contest.

In 500 words or less, write an essay about how your mom has made a difference in your life or our community. Entries will be judged on creativity and composition. The contest is open to students ages 6-13 who reside in Glen Ellyn or attend a school located in Glen Ellyn. Mail your entry to: Glen Ellyn Moms Contest, Glen Ellyn EDC, 800 Roosevelt Road D-108, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.

Winning moms can win wonderful prizes from Glen Ellyn salons and boutiques, including:

• Day of pampering at Cheveux Salon & Day Spa. Cheveux features All-Nutrient Hair Coloring, an organic hair color process that provides fabulous shine and long-lasting color. Cheveux Salon & Day Spa, 532 Pennsylvania Ave, 630-858-8550
• Mother’s Day Brunch at Tap House Grill. Tap House Grill is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch featuring fabulous food and its famous ice cold draft beers. Tap House Grill, 411 N. Main St. 630-858-4369
• Fresh flower bouquet from Green Branch Florist. Green Branch is a family-owned full-service florist and gift shop, now located right on Main Street. Green Branch Florist, 485 N. Main Street, 630-858-7440.
• $50 gift certificate to Shear Pandemonia. Shear Pandemonia focuses on “everything above the shoulders,” including precision haircuts, coloring, styling and the smoothest facial waxing in town. Shear Pandemonia, 568 Crescent, 630-790-9334
• A Wine basket from Cabernet & Co. Cabernet & Co takes the mystery, terror and intimidation out of wine buying and brings good, interesting wines to Glen Ellyn at competitive prices. Cabernet & Co.,
  434 N. Main St. 630-469-2644
• A 2-foot UglyDoll from AliKat. AliKat is a hip, urban boutique in the western suburbs, carrying hot brands such as Patricia Locke, Island Cowgirl, Free People, Billabong, Big Buddha and more! AliKat,
  499 Pennsylvania, 630-469-5760
• Vera Bradley bag from Paisley on Main. Paisley on Main features traditional gifts with a twist, including Vera Bradley, Nora Fleming, Lilly Pulitzer stationery and gifts. Paisley on Main, 494 N. Main St., 630-790-2735
• $50 gift certificate for custom framing from Renaissance Art Studio. Renaissance Art Studio provides expert framing services and a range of products including photo frames, posters, prints, antiques, collectibles and invitations. Renaissance Art Studio, 481 N. Main, 630-858-4846
• $50 gift certificate to Bistro Monet. Bistro Monet offers budget-friendly bistro cuisine by Chef Michel Saragueta in an unforgettable dining experience. Bistro Monet, 462 N. Park, 630-469-4002

Entries must be received by May 1, 2009. For official rules, visit www.glenellynite.com.

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Celebrating Earth Day by doing some "Green" Cleaning

When I was pregnant with my firstborn, I did everything I could to give him a healthy place to grow and develop. That meant caffeine and soft cheeses were out, vitamins and eggs were in. This might have felt like a sacrifice, but there really wasn't more to it than that.

But he only stayed in utero for nine months, and I found that my drive to provide him with a non-toxic living environment didn't end at birth. Suddenly the world seemed full of danger - our water, our air, our food. Everywhere I looked, I was bombarded with it. The bottles I used had BPA, the formula I used had BPA, the shampoo and soap I used had cancer-causing chemicals, his birthday presents were coated in lead paint, and don't even get me started on the cleaning supplies used to "clean" the house.

I got overwhelmed by all of it - sure, I could by organic produce but that just felt like a bandaid. If I solved one problem, countless more would present themselves. I started out feeling angry but ended up just feeling lost.

I wish I was writing to tell you that I've figured it all out, that I'm celebrating Earth Day as a Green and Free Mommy. I haven't, and I'm not.

But I have decided that taking one step at a time is better than not moving at all. I've been happy to discover that our society is moving with me, slowly, one step at a time. We have more chemical-free choices now than we had even a year ago. And one area that has seen a lot of progress is natural cleaning and hygiene supplies. I started out trying to find recipes for vinegar and lemon juice concoctions, but suddenly there are options - affordable options - available right at the store.

My most recent find has been Ecostore USA. Based out of New Zealand, they have just landed in the American market. They specialize in household, baby, and personal care products - in other words, a line of products that will allow you to clean your toilet and your toddler without introducing your family to cancer-causing chemicals. It should be no surprise that the first items I grabbed were the multi-purpose cleaner and the baby shampoo and soap.

This excites me. The more eco-friendly products on the market, the more competition, the better the eco-friendly products - and the happier and healthier the Mommy and her tots.

Its no coincidence that I'm talking about this on Earth Day, of course. And to celebrate we're giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to Ecostore USA. To enter, leave a comment telling us what green or healthy tips you have to share with Dupage Mamas. If you just can't think of one, you can say that too. Be sure to leave a way for us to contact you if you win!

If you'd like a second entry, blog about Dupage Mamas and this giveaway. Or subscribe to our feed. Or tell your friends through Facebook or twitter or e-mail and let us know you did. We'll enter you a second time. The contest is open until April 29th and the winner will be announced here after that. And we still have lots of contests open, so be sure to enter those as well!

Happy Earth Day, everyone. Here's to leaving this place cleaner than we found it.

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Train Up Your Child

We are constantly on the look out for tools to help us parent our toddler son. He is my highly-verbal, ultra-smart, very inquisitive boy who always has a million questions about everything. When he was just shy of two, we would be driving in the car and he would demand that I "talk about" whatever we saw... "mommy, talk about trees...talk about grass... talk about cranes... talk about gas stations." He just wanted to know the facts, the scientific truth about the things he was experiencing and learning about. While his desire to know everything has not changed, his questions have gotten much more complex. At nearly 3 years old, he now wants to know about how a space shuttle launches and how it gets to the moon. Tonight he asked me "How did God talk to Noah? Did Noah hear God with he ears?"

When I was offered the chance to get advanced copies of two new books for kids by Tyndale House Publishers, I was pumped. We always love new books, and anything that helps me teach my little sponge is gladly accepted. To say we love these new books is a huge understatement. We adore them... and I would love to share them with you.

When I heard the title of the first book, I was immediately sold! Questions from Little Hearts... sounds perfect for us. And it is. The book is divided into four sections: What is God Like? What is Prayer? What about Heaven? and Are Angels Real? I have written before about my son and I's conversations about Heaven. He knows there are people there that he loves- his brother who died before he was born, my grandmother - and he has very real questions about what it is like there. I love that this book poses the questions that a toddler would really ask and then gives the answers in a way that keeps their attention and satisfies their curiosity.

"Is heaven a place that is near or that's far? can I get to heaven by boat or by car?
How will I find it? Who'll show me the way? Does heaven have nighttime? And what about day? ...
Though heaven's a place that you can't see from here, It says in the Bible that heaven is near. You don't have to know how to fly or to swim. The way is with Jesus, believing in him."

At the end of each section, the author lists the scripture references for the answers they suggest. My son loves it. We read at least one section a day and he often asks for the one he wants. "Mommy, let's read about prayer today." And we always read the scriptures at the end and he has started asking me to show him where to find "those words" in the Bible. So we pull out the Bible and flip to a couple of the verses and read them there too. It is precious, teachable moments like these that make me feel like maybe I am capable of training my child the way God has called me to. I highly recommend this book for anyone whose little one has questions, lots of questions, like mine. It is easy to read and has sparked many really great conversations with me and my curious toddler.

When I was pregnant, we received many Bibles geared toward babies and toddlers as gifts. We have one that we have read cover to cover many times (not in one sitting) that tells all the great stories and has been a good tool for introducing him to the Bible. But several months ago, Hubby commented that we needed to find a Bible for our toddler that was the "next step up." Still meant for kids, but one where the words read a little more like Scripture and a little less like a board book. Kenneth Taylor's Classic Bible Storybook is just that. This Bible has less pictures, more text. But my favorite thing about it is the 4-5 questions it lists at the end of each story. Tonight we read story 5 (we skip around)- "Noah is Safe in a Boat." The questions at the end of the story really help reinforce what we just read (How long did it rain? Why did God send the Flood?) and sparks even deeper questions (like how did Noah hear God talking to him?). I also love that because it is a little more like a regular Bible, it includes stories that most children's Bibles leave out. We are studying Elijah and Elisha in the Bible study we go to and I love that we can open "his Bible" and read about these prophets (stories 51-54) that he is learning about. It makes it seem more like we are reading the Bible, if that make sense. He even asks to bring "his Bible" to church and that warms my heart.

It is a daunting task, at least for me, to feel responsible for my child's spiritual up-bringing. I don't want to miss this stage of his life where he is soaking in his world and starting to form his world-view. I am trying to build things into our days that help me teach him about God and prayer and the Bible, etc... We are working on memory verses, talking about spiritual things, and reading books that help guide our conversations and our lives. And these two books have become a big part of that. I can't recommend either one enough. These are books we will read for many years and will hopefully become cherished parts of our boys' early spiritual development.

Want to share these books with your little ones? Tyndale Kids is giving away a copy of each of these books to Dupage Mamas readers to help us celebrate our launch as the new voice of moms in Dupage County. Just leave a comment here telling us who you would love to have these books for. We will draw two winners, one for each book. Please leave your e-mail or blog address so we have a way to get in contact with you if you win. Want a second entry, blog about Dupage Mamas and this giveaway. Or tell your friends through Facebook or e-mail and let us know you did. We'll enter you a second time. Contest is open until April 28th and the winner will be announced here after that.


And don't forget to enter our current giveaways:
Women's Massage Gift Certificate
Barefoot Books
Homemade Gourmet
Ring Sling Baby Carrier

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Cuddle Love

Ever wish you had a third arm, or a fourth, or a fifth? It can be quite a challenge to answer the phone or prepare a meal or chase your toddler if you have another little one that also wants all your focus and to be held close. This is when babywearing is your best friend. Babywearing is simply the practice of using a sling or other carrier to keep baby close while having your hands free to do the multitude of other things that fill your mommy-day. As mothers, we want our children to be as happy and content as possible. But, it just isn't feasible to hold your baby all day. Or is it? Using a sling definitely makes it easier for you to keep your baby happy and get on with your life.

There are lots of documented, researched benefits to wearing your baby in a sling. Sling babies cry less (43% less according to one study), learn more, and have enhanced physical and emotional development. Wearing your baby allows you to hold and comfort your baby without getting sore arms and a sore back. The sling is great for discrete public nursing and for getting a little exercise while baby naps all snuggled up against you. It is freeing to have your hands unoccupied. It saves you from lugging that awkward infant carrier seat around everywhere and trying to maneuver a stroller through tight store aisles. Just stuff your sling in your diaper bag and go. It is easy and convenient and good for you and baby.

But the thing I love the most about babywearing- having my babies close to me. I love feeling their skin on my skin, hearing their soft precious breaths. I love when they lay their head against my chest or my shoulders and I can feel them let their body fully relax and bask in the comfort of being close to mom. I love when my baby lays his cheek against my chest with eyes wide open and learns about the world from the safety of Mom's embrace. Isn't that what we as moms want to give our children- the ability to experience life but with the knowledge that we are always there to support and uplift them? Having my boys in the sling, to me, is such a perfect picture of the type of mom I strive to be. I love that when either boy cannot be soothed any other way, I can put them in the sling and give them a safe and secure place to calm their little souls. And yes, I still put my toddler in the sling (all 35+lbs. of him). He still wants/needs it at times. It is not a lot or for long periods of time (I use other carriers for longer wearing with him). But the moments I do wear him are moments I cherish. It reminds us both of how we are deeply connected no matter what happens the rest of the day. That I care for him, that I cherish him, and that I will ALWAYS be there to meet his needs in anyway I can from now to forever. And by wearing the baby, I am teaching him that those things are true for him too.

Beyond the convenience of my sling, it is a tool I use to help me nurture my boys. To hold them close, cherish the snuggles while I can and lay the foundation of love and nurturing that will hopefully last their entire lifetime. I would love to share this must-have-mommy tool with all of you. Comment here and be entered to win a ring sling of your own plus the instructional DVD called Tummy-2-Tummy. That way, you'll be sure to get the hang of it and get the most out of your new sling. And as always, share this on your blog or twitter or Facebook and we will give you a second entry. The winner will be announced next Monday the 27th.All BabyLove Slings are 100% cotton for the strongest, softest sling possible. They can be used with newborns up to kiddos 35-40lbs. You will love the cuddles and the convenience.


If you want to find out more information about babywearing or how to purchase a sling, please visit my website BabyLoveSlings.com. Once you start to wear your baby, you'll wonder why you didn't know about this before. It has been a lifesaver tool for me and hopefully it can be for you too.

Be sure to check out all the other giveaways here at Dupage Mamas. And there are more to come!!

Massage for Mama

Barefoot Books

Homemade Gourmet

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Gourmet in a Flash

I do love being a mom. I truly do. Even on those days that take me to the edge of insanity. Those two sweet boys just smile up at me and it makes the crazy melt away. But then one of them looks up at me and says those dreaded words (OK, only one of them can speak but the little guy's cry says it all): "I'm hungry." This is the one part of motherhood that gets me every time. Feeding people. I feel like I am constantly feeding people.

Planning dinners can be such a hard task, especially when trying to stay within a tight grocery budget and not eat mac-n-cheese every night. It is definitely not my mommy-strong suite. That is why I am always on the lookout for shortcuts. Yummy, budget-friendly, healthy-for-my-family shortcuts.

This is why I fell in love with Homemade Gourmet. Their mixes and marinades make cooking and baking so much easier. Right before my baby was born, I stocked up on their Meals-in-4-Minutes kits knowing I would need some quick and easy meal options. The idea is, you take one of their marinade mixes and mix with 6lbs. of chicken or pork chops. Youthen add one canned good (cream of chicken soup or diced tomatoes or something like that). Mix all of it together and throw it in a casserole dish and bake. Or you can store it in a freezer bag until you need it and then cook it in the Crock Pot. Super quick, super easy. The kits are meant to feed 6 so I halved them and got even more meals out of it.

Yummy meals, even yummier (is that a word?) bread mixes and desserts... That is my kinda thing! Their sweet bread mix is to-die-for. Muffin mixes, cookies,... all SO, SO good!

Homemade Gourmet is sold at local markets or online through your local rep. They are coming out with all new Meals-in-4-Minutes kits this summer which I know we can't wait to try. They have gluten-free and diabetic options and each product comes with a couple recipes so you can make the most delicious meal possible. They also have a whole database of recipes for those of you who are meal-planning challenged like myself.

Bonnie with Homemade Gourmet would like to give away a $25gift certificate redeemable for any of their mixes and marinades to one lucky Dupage Mamas reader. AND... she is giving away 2 Meals-in-4-Minutes kits for 2 more lucky readers. Yes, y'all. That is three winners in all! Comment here telling us your favorite meal to cook for your family or why you need some help (like me). And as always, blog this or Facebook or twitter us and get another entry.

If you would like to find out more about Homemade Gourmet products, contact Bonnie Wooten. bonnie@yorkville.us or visit her website.

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Curling up barefoot with Barefoot Books

I've loved Barefoot Books ever since I first discovered them. As kids books go, they are bright, colorful, well written, interesting for kids to listen to and for grown-ups to read (again and again and again...). They frequently cover topics such as culture and other things that I happen to love and value exposing my kids to. I always have a mental list of Barefoot books I'm hoping to get, and I'm never dissapointed by them.

Two of my current favorites are The Story Tree and Storytime. Each of these books contain seven fairy tales, traditional folk stories from all around the world. Some are classics - The Gingerbread Man and The Little Red Hen for example - while some I've never heard of before - like The Blue Coat. My boys and I love reading these books from cover to cover, and back again. The tales are true to their traditional tellings, but I find that the tone is appropriate for my sons' young ears and I appreciate that.

To celebrate our launch, we're giving away a copy of Storytime to one lucky reader. If you'd like to enter to win, simply leave a comment telling us your favorite children's book (if you can pick one!). If you want a second chance to win, link to this post on your blog, email, facebook, twitter, etc and mention in your comment that you've done so. Be sure we have a way to contact you if you win! The contest is open for one week - we'll randomly choose the winner and announce it next Thursday!

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Oooo Baby, A Massage for Mama

In case you missed it, be sure to read this post about all the fun we're having this week!  And make sure you see the giveaway at the end of this post!

When people ask me what I do for a living I always receive lots of “oooo”s and “aaahhhh”s when I tell them I am a massage therapist. Most of us like the idea of getting a massage. It feels good to us, but did you know that massage can also be good for you? There are numerous scientific studies that indicate massage therapy can have a positive effect on physical and mental health. To read about a few studies you can go to Touch Research Institute or just have fun with Google today.

As a massage therapist I believe the skin is intimately connected to the nervous system. A single touch can alter someone’s mood dramatically; one can go from feeling safe to feeling threatened or from isolated to loved. An hour of massage can change one’s outlook on the whole week. I consider touching the skin a means of communicating with the whole person. The skin can access the deepest parts of that person’s mind, heart and spirit. That is why respectful, nurturing, loving touch is so important for everyone, whatever their age. In this post I will lay out the benefits of massage for babies and moms.

You may already give your baby lots of wonderful cuddles and touches. So why massage your baby? Well the best reason is that massage is a fun way to learn to communicate care, compassion and love to your little one. Moms, dads, grandparents, siblings and other primary caregivers can all benefit from this wonderful way to bond with the baby. Parents and caregivers can even take classes to learn how to give their baby a massage.

-Massage helps newborns digest their food better.
-Massaging newborns helps them heal from the birth process.
-Massage is calming and helps babies get more restful sleep.
-Massage stimulates the immune system, promoting overall health.
-Massage stimulates the nervous system, which may improve muscle tone, coordination and brain functioning.

During pregnancy a woman's body undergoes many changes; some of them are stressful and uncomfortable. Massage is a perfect way to reduce stress and promote general well-being. There are many benefits of massage during pregnancy. I will just list a few here.

The Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy

• Massage can relieve many of the normal discomforts during pregnancy, such as backaches, neck aches, leg cramps, headaches, and swollen ankles.
• Massage increases local and general blood circulation, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the cells of both the mother and fetus. This means greater vitality and less fatigue for mom and better nourishment for her baby.
• Massage can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes mom is experiencing.
• Massage can be used during the birth to make it easier and more comfortable for mom, then after the birth to help her regain her strength more quickly and ease postpartum stress.

Ongoing Massage for Mom

As mothers we spend much of our energy trying our best to meet our families physical, mental and even spiritual needs. Any mom knows that this is worth it. At the same time it is very draining. If we aren’t careful we can end up running on empty with nothing left to give. Massage therapy is a great way to unwind and recharge. It gives you a few moments when nothing is demanded of you. You can be still; you can just be.

We at Dupage Mamas want you encourage you to take care of yourself. So we are giving you a chance to win a free 60 minute massage (or gift certificate). Leave a comment here telling us a little about your self and why you need a massage (duh!! Don't we all need one!!). You’ll be entered into the drawing for the free massage at Massage for Women and Families.

For an extra entry, post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook or e-mail your friends and come back and let us know you did. Or subscribe to our feed for yet another entry. Come one now, you know you want a free massage!! Dupage Mamas will randomly draw a winner next Wednesday, April 22nd and we will post the winner here. Make sure you leave us a way to get in contact with you if you win! You wouldn't want to miss a free massage!!

Click here for more info on our giveaways.  Oh, and make sure you stop by here at Dupage Mamas everyday this week for a new giveaway everyday to celebrate our official launch. And tell your friends!!!

Heather Maynard has been working as a massage therapist since 2001. She is state licensed and Nationally Certified. To learn more about her business or schedule an appointment visit Massage for Women and Families.

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Party with the Dupage Mamas!

Today's the Big Day!

Starting today, Dupage Mamas is officially launched - the cat's out of the bag, the lid's off the jar. We've been keeping this a secret for far too long and now we're excited to tell the world! And what better way than with six straight days of giveaways?!

You may have just sent in a check to Uncle Sam - or you may be waiting for him to send one to you. Either way, these giveaways are sure to brighten your day.

Today, Wednesday, we're giving away a free massage from Massage Therapy for Women and Families. Check back later today for details.

Thursday we're giving away something from Catherine's favorite children's book publisher, Barefoot Books.

Friday you'll have a chance to win a gift certificate to The Homemade Gourmet who makes Farrah's all time favorite brownies, not to mention lots of other yummy stuff.

Monday's giveaway is a beautiful handmade sling from Farrah's Baby Love Slings, which neither Farrah nor Catherine can imagine living without.

Tuesday we're giving away not one but two fantastic kid's books (which both Cath and Farrah love) from Tyndale.

Wednesday is not just the one week anniversary of DupageMamas, its also Earth Day! So we'll be giving away something from Ecostore.

Here's how it will work:

• Each giveaway will last for a week, with the winner being drawn at random and announced one week after it opens.
• To enter any individual giveaway, simply leave a comment telling us a little bit of who you are. The point of DupageMamas is to build community so please introduce yourself!
• Be sure to leave an email address or website where we can contact you if you win. Of course, check back to see the announcement too.
• If you want to double your chances for one of the giveaways, email the news to your friends, link to it on your blog, or post it to Facebook or Twitter.
• You don't have to be in Dupage, or be a Mama, to win. But several of the prizes will require you to be "in person" (the massage, for example), and we can only ship within the USA.

So...here we go, time to party! Bring all your friends and I hope you have as much fun as we're having.

Dupage Mamas is launched! (Oh, and my taxes are finally done too!)

(Update: remember - to enter a contest you must leave a comment on that individual post.  Come each day to enter that day's giveaway!)

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