The book has a week-by-week look at the growth of the mom and the baby including lifestyle of a pregnant woman, preconception and carrying twins.

I am now reading What to expect the First Year – as a new mom this has become my bible.

Heidi Murkoff,  the author of “What to Expect” also has an informative What to Expect Preganancy and Parenting website that offers useful tips on preconception, pregnancy, your baby’s first year and the toddler stage.  This site also has a community message board where new and expectant mothers.

                                                                                                                  The apple of my eye

Momma Finally together with What to Expect will be giving away a book to a lucky reader every month. The mechanics will be different every month. For October, what you need to do to win is:

Be my top commenter and you can choose 1 of these What To Expect books here:

(Giveaway open to Philippines, US and Canada residents only)

 Join now moms and soon to be moms !!

The results are finally in ladies. There were 38 entries and together with the people from Drypers Baby Club we narrowed it down to 5.

Are you one of them?  Let’s see…

The GRAND PRIZE WINNERS of Baby monitors are:

 Marianne Crisitne G. Torres

Drypers.com.ph username: mt1681

The greatest joy motherhood gave me is…

the opportunity to find happiness even in the simplest things in life. Through my children’s eyes, I’ve witnessed how chasing butterflies could be dream-like; how a simple piece of paper drawn with unidentifiable crayon drawings could boost one’s self-esteem; and that slice of bread topped with butter and sugar could taste like cake. Each day is a new discovery, and I enjoy it as much as my children do.

 Name: Kristine Anne Espera

Drypers.com.ph username: Kristeedson

The greatest joy motherhood gave me is being able to understand the real meaning of unconditional love. I never thought that I have the capacity to love this much, selfless.. immeasurable.. unconditional.. until I became a mother. Giving up my career as an OFW to become a full-time mom is all worth it for I was able to witness firsthand all the firsts in my baby’s life. I was able to give all the love and attention he deserves, and I believe that he deserves nothing less. I am very proud to say that I never missed a day in my son’s life from the day he was born. I may not be able to give him all the material things that I could buy if I am working abroad, but I was able to give him the most important thing in the world to a growing child, a MOTHER.

 

3 winners of Drypers jumbo packs

 Maria Cecilia Velasquez-Franco

Drypers.com.ph username: MyMaria

The greatest joy motherhood gave me is the chance to prove to the world that I can be a mom and a capable one at that. Friends and family joked around about me not having a mattress (uterus) at all and that I should purchase one from a furniture shop (in reference to mattresses as in the ones used for beds!). For years, I’ve always thought I would never be able to conceive because of reproductive complications, but it is by God’s grace and miracle that I am now a proud mother of a bouncing baby boy. Previously, I didn’t even prepare to become a mother, never interested in baby stuff, and never caring about parenting and stuff like that. When I learned that I was with child, all that changed. My life practically turned 180 degrees! And it was only then that I read voraciously about pregnancy and parenting, and absorbed every bit of detail on how to go about it to the extent of making a blog solely to honor motherhood — http://mrsnoodleboy.tumblr.com! I admit that I may not be an exemplary mother (yet!) as everything is still so new to me but I am surprised at how fast I had adapted to this new role and I agree that maternal instinct is indeed a fascinating thing. From being known to rock the anthem of “Basta Igat, Sikat!” (http://www.bastaigatsikat.com) loud and proud, motherhood has definitely changed my life. All for the better, of course. Motherhood has ignited a flame in me and this is a kind of love that burns deep — for my baby and for my family. I would do anything, as in everything in my power to protect and nurture this precious gift of life for I absolutely & unconditionally love my precious baby boy.

Name : Erica Yu-Bonifacio

Drypers.com.ph username: AYENAYLIAYJI

I have a confession to make, when i was in college, i told myself i would never want to get married. yes. i wanted to be an old maid for the rest of my life. don’t get me wrong, it’s not that i was tomboyish or something, actually i was with my boyfriend(now my husband) when i was telling that to the world. maybe that’s the reason why God chose me to experience the joy of motherhood. times three! when i was still single, i was dependent on yayas and my mom of course. i never knew anything about household chores and stuff like that. but when i became a mom myself, i never knew i could do stuff like “mag-igib” “clean the toilet” etc. without any help from helpers. never had one actually. i quit my job as medtech and became a stay at home , hands on mom. It’s actually more tiring than working in a hospital(24 hours duty).but this is more fullfiling actually. The best thing about this is when moms and teachers at my kids’ school would approach me and tell me things like.. my daughter is on top of her class or how pretty and lovely my kids are. my heart is jumping with joy whenever i hear good things about my kids. It made me realize that somehow i did a great job as a mother to my 3 kids. I am forever thankful/grateful to the God above for entrusting them to me:)

 Name: Mai Danganan

Drypers.com.ph username: maileen1

The greatest joy motherhood gave me is savoring the experience of how God must feel when He looks at us. Motherhood lets me bestow unconditional love to my kids and harvest the same unconditional love in return.

Congratulations everyone!! To the winners of the JUMBO PACK DIAPERS, kindly email me at jade (at) pinayjade dot com

the size you prefer.

 

By the way ladies, for the month of October I have a new giveaway.

Just be my top commenter and you can choose 1 of these What To Expect books here:

Before I became a mom, I had lots of questions and I still do. I am lucky because I have my mom and lots of friends who willingly gives me advice when I ask them newbie mom questions. I also browse the parenting forums for answers. One great resource I just discovered that provides parenting information is Drypers.com.ph . It’s kind of like moms digital playground

Here’s why you need to check out Drypers.com.ph :

MommaFinally together with Drypers would like to reward new moms out there. Just answer the question below for a chance to WIN A BABY MONITOR OR DRYPERS WEE WEE DRY diapers!

What gave you the greatest joy in motherhood?

 Blog Contest Mechanics

1. To join, simply sign up for the Drypers Baby Club at drypers.com.ph . You can find me there as well – my username is Newbie Momma

*signing up with Drypers Baby Club will qualify you to join and win this contest*

2. CLICK HERE  to Like Momma Finally on FB, when done, please post on my wall: “Joining the @Drypers Wee Wee Dry Contest!”

3. Post your entry by leaving a comment on this post together with your email address. Entries may be in English or Filipino.

(the email address included in your entry should match the email address supplied in your Drypers Baby Club details.)

Entry Format:

Name Surname

yummymomma(at)email(dot)com

Drypers.com.ph username: YummyMomma

The greatest joy motherhood gave me is….

4. Five winners will be picked based on creativity, brevity and relevance.

 The top two entries will be awarded a Baby Monitor and the three runners up will receive a JUMBO Pack of Drypers Diapers in their preferred sizes.

5. Contest is open to participants that has a PHILIPPINE address only and it will run from September 1 – September 30, 2011

6. Winners will be announced here Mommawannabe.com, Drypers Facebook page on October 5, 2011.

7. Drypers Wee Wee DRY diapers reserves the right to verify membership of participants/winners.

8. Prizes will be sent to winners via courier service at the address supplied on members’ baby club information details.

Join now mommies and good luck to all!!

Mei Tai carrier – Pinx Labado - email me your address so I can ship the prize to you.

$50 Prize money

The competition was pretty tight between Pinay Mama, Lovingly Mama and Hearts content of a mama but at the end it’s Pinay Mama who won with 258 comments on her entry.

Congratulations to Pinx and Phoebe Pinay Mama! I hope the prizes serves you well.

Becoming a mother is one of the best things that have ever happened to me. It wasn’t easy to conceive Sean. We underwent IVF treatment because we didn’t have luck doing it naturally. Doing the IVF treatment was no walk in the park. It required everyday injections, lots of waiting time (read: stress) and expenses as well.

It wasn’t easy as we didn’t get a successful pregnancy on our first attempts. The first cycle I did got pregnant but there was no heartbeat. It took as three IVF cycles to get pregnant. When I found out I was pregnant again, I was ecstatic!

The day that Sean was born, I feel like I have been reborn as well. The feeling is unexplainable. I just love my baby boy to bits.

What is your most memorable moment as a mother? The post with the most comments will win the cash prize.

I don’t look glamorous here and all but for me this is my most beautiful moment.

What can you win?

One winner of Mei Tai Baby Carrier  chosen via random.org  (All the entries will be raffled and one lucky blogger will win Mei Tai Baby Carrier)

One winner of $50 for the post with most comments on their blog post.

Mechanics:

1. What is your most memorable moment as a mother?
   Write your answer in a blogpost and add a linkback to this post .
2. Add Momma Finally to your blogroll.
3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (on the right sidebar of my blog)
4. Subscribe and confirm subscription to MommaFinally via email
5. “Like” Momma Finally on Facebook.
6. Click here and Fill in the form so your entry can be counted and leave a comment below when you are finished doing all the tasks.

* Deadline: This contest will run until May 31, Tuesday.
* I’ll announce the lucky winners on Momma Finally;s Facebook page after drawing the names using Random.org.
* The winner of the mei tai carrier must have a Philippine address.

Goodluck and Happy Mother’s Day Everyone!

You see that Calvin Klein bag there? I want it!! Hehhehe That’s why I am typing away while Sean is playing with his dad.

My oldest friend Domestic {cherry} ( I don’t mean in age, okay ) in the blogosphere has been MIA for quite awhile and now she is back. She’s celebrating her re entry to the world of blogosphere with a bang by holding a very FAB Giveaway EVERY MONTH!

This month she will be giving away a Calvin Klein duffle which would be really perfect for me for the extra items I need to carry with me like diapers, feeding bottles, and toys.

I hope to win this!!! If you want to try your luck too, visit Domestic {cherry}contest page to know more about the mechanics.

Promo Period:

Anyone can join the contest (except Relatives of the producers, organizers and promoters). But guys you have to be 18 years of age and A Filipino Citizen.

How to have that tickets? How To Join? CLICK HERE for the full mechanics

It wouldn’t hurt to Like at Make or Break on Facebook

As I told you in one of one of my previous post, I haven’t really been very active as I used to in blogging. It’s because I am reading a lot about pregnancy and watching some shows about family.

I am also looking around for the items I will be needing when I have my baby. For sure we will still be doing a bit of traveling. Luckily I found a site called Baby Safe Travel that not only sells baby travel products but they also have baby travel tips sections for infants, toddlers and multiples.

I heard of some horror stories of traveling with kids but I think with some preparation, traveling with a baby wouldn’t have to be a nightmare!

Baby Travel Tips

According to a girlfriend I recently had a chat with, there are certain things that are very essential for any trip with your baby. Of course, the most important is enough food and milk for the journey.

Always pack more than you think you’ll need and include plenty of finger foods like some carrot bits or cookies if your little one is old enough – these are great for helping to keep him occupied!

If you are a breastfeeding mom, you can prepare it before you fly and store it in a cooler, with ice, for up to 24 hours. You can also store bottles of pre-made formula in the same way – or you can add pre-measured powdered formula to the bottles, then top it up with cooled, boiled water as required.

I just can’t wait to do all of these things.

Certainly come of my favorite shampoos and perfumes got me that way!

I can see why companies like them as well. If the quality of the product is good enough then I’m going to want more. Of course the other side of the coin is that if it is a rubbish product then I have no interest in getting more – so companies need to be careful what promotional products they use if they don’t want me costing them money!

But I freely admit I am a sucker for Promotional Products. A good freebie is almost impossible to say no to, right? I mean, who doesn’t want free stuff?

I’ve had loads of free stuff through magazines, people giving stuff away on the street, online stuff such as promotional offers or competitions. Things like

And loads, loads more. Which is nice as they are some of my favorite things!

I admit they work on me too. Looking around my bathroom I can see plenty of products that I first got as a freebie that I still buy now. Guess I’m a marketers dream like that, I am the person they’re selling to when giving away promotional products.

Wonder if its possible to live off free products and competition prizes?

Anyway, that’s just an idle thought… I’m more interested in you guys. Who here has had freebie promotional products? If so have they worked on you? Have you ended up buying the products for money after the freebie ran out?

Surely I’m not the only person in the world promotional products work on!

Like while packing for our move, I found several things we hardly used. We have gazillion cooking pans while there’s actually only two of us and now that we live here in Singapore we hardly cook. We have about 20 wineglasses we won’t be using because we hardly drink wine anymore. I also saw some led home lights that are still in boxes.

I need to reorganize and have a system. I don’t wanna waste my time anymore trying to find things like my keys. I still haven’t found them by the way.

I found this really useful article called Minimalist’s Guide from Zen Habits and I thought of sharing it with you, I think this will be helpful to all of us. Read on…

Clutter, apparently, has invaded all of our lives.

And the inevitable fact is that, no matter how much we simplify our lives, even after a huge decluttering session and after a vow not to buy anything ever ever ever again … entropy always always sets in.

It starts out as one item on the floor. Just a simple box, or a toy, or a piece of clothing. Such a little thing, nothing to worry about. But that one little thing will attract a second, and then a third, and soon clutter will grow insidiously in our homes until it overwhelms us. And then we’re back to square one.

Don’t let it happen. Be vigilant.

Here are my favorite tips for beating clutter entropy, for the minimalists among you.

1. One in, two out. Make it a rule: for every new item that comes into your life, you need to remove two. That means gifts, clothes, shoes, books, magazines, anything. It’s great to have a place where you put things you’re going to get rid of … whether to give to other people or to donate to charity or to take to a used book store. Then you can just grab the stuff on your way out to do errands.

2. Limited storage. I like this rule because it fits in with my philosophy of self-set limitations: don’t allow yourself to have tons of storage space. The more storage you have, the more stuff you’ll keep. Instead, have limited storage and if stuff doesn’t fit in there, get rid of it. That forces you to make choices. They key is making those choices … if you don’t, you’ll end up with clutter.

3. Clear floors and flat surfaces. Keep them clear. A room looks so much cleaner if all flat surfaces, from the floor to tabletops to countertops, are clear of clutter. Remove everything from these surfaces except perhaps one or two decorative items (don’t clutter with knick knacks). If you find stuff making its way here, clear it out. Clearing surfaces once a day or every couple days is a good routine.

4. Designate a home for everything, and be fanatic. When you find stuff on flat surfaces, or draping over a chair, it might be because you don’t have a designated spot for that kind of thing. If you don’t, designate a spot for it immediately. If stuff doesn’t have a home in your home, you need to get rid of it, or it will forever wander around the house. The other problem might be that you have already designated a spot for it, but you’re just not good at putting it away. In that case, take a month to build up the habit of putting things where they belong immediately. It’ll make a huge difference.

5. Regular decluttering sessions. Put in your calendar. Even the best of us need to declutter regularly. If you’ve decluttered your home, things might be great now, but you’ll need to do clutter maintenance. Put it in your calendar: perhaps once a month, once a week, or once every few months. Experiment to see what interval works for your life.

Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. - Lao Tzu

6. Reduce your desires for more. If clutter is coming into your life at a rate that’s too great for you to handle, you might need to look at your buying habits. Do you go shopping for clothes or gadgets or shoes or books every week (or more)? Are you always buying stuff online? If so, is it out of real necessity, or do you just like to buy stuff? It’s important that you take a look at these desires, and see if you can address them. Reducing your desires will go a long way to reducing your need to fight clutter.