I am strong because despite having endometriosis, I carried a beautiful baby girl. I am strong because although I was frightened and had to be induced due to preeclampsia, I birthed my own way with my obstetrician's help. I am strong because I managed to exclusively breastfeed a baby with lip tie while coping with postpartum depression. I am strong because after ridicule from ignorance I have decided I don't care that I'm not a perfect mom. Who cares? I have a smart, beautiful, healthy, happy little girl.
Others may bash me for not baby wearing (I promise I tried, I needed a better carrier). Some may criticize that I attempted to give my daughter formula because I was a terrible pumper (pretty sure it was the pump) just so I could have a night off. Some may say that my house isn't clean enough, or that a stay-at-home mom isn't a job, or that Hamburger Helper should not count as dinner. Some may judge me, but I will never judge them.
It's so easy to judge others instead of looking at ourselves. But just because you feel your decisions are are right, doesn't mean others' decisions are wrong.
Take care of your baby. You are a Strong Mom. We are all Strong Moms.
My Mommy Manifesto
with a lot of help from The Scary Mommy Manifesto
"I shall maintain a sense of humor
about all things motherhood,
for without it, I recognize
that I may end up institutionalized."
"I shall not preach the benefits
of breastfeeding
or circumcision
or homeschooling
or organic food
or co-sleeping
or crying it out
to a fellow mother who has not asked my opinion.
It's none of my damn business."
A mother may look young,
A mother may look old.
But a good mother has no age requirement.
"I shall attempt to not
pass down my own messed up
body issues to my daughter.
She deserves a mother who
loves and respects herself;
stretch marks, cellulite and all."
I shall remember that every child
acts different when Mommy's around.
I shall remember that every child is different
and so is every mother,
"And my child will thrive because,
and sometimes even in spite, of me."
If you feel that you are a StrongMom too, please visit http://strongmomsempower.com/ to take the pledge.
I am participating in a blog campaign with One2One Network. I have not received any payment. All opinions are my own.
Week 23! Yesterday was my BIRTHDAY! :D Can you believe it?!
AND it's the last Thursdays of the month, so let's get social!
This week's Featured Read is:
Everyone make sure to drop by and say, "Hi".
Interested in being a Featured Read?
Just make sure to follow the rules so you can receive THESE benefits too. ;)
Want to make sure you get our weekly reminder e-mails?
Please add
diana.n.chastain[at]gmail[dot]com
to your address book. Thanks!
Now on to the rules. I know who likes rules, right? But I promise you are going to want to follow these rules. This is how the Featured Read gets picked. ;)
Rules:
1.
Follow
your hosts and any co-hosts.
Don't forget you can follow GFC via Twitter! :D
HOSTS:
Diana from Nanny to Mommy
Karina from Mom In The USA
Co-Hosts:
Berice Baby
Funny PostPartum Lady
The Non-Martha Momma
Please leave a comment if you are a new follower!
We are scheduling co-hosts now!
Please e-mail us and let us know so we can get you down on the calendar!
diana.n.chastain[at]gmail[dot]com
2.
Add
the badge somewhere on your blog.
Please make sure to add our new badge.
What do you think? I love it!
3.
Link
up your main blog page.
No Giveaways or Specific Posts, please.
Link your Giveaways up HERE
Our hop is open from Thursdays at 12:01am to Wednesday at 11:59pm.
So you can share and link up all week long!
4.
Visit
at least the two blogs before yours in the link set-up.
5.
Share
the Hop!
The other cool thing, our hop can be added to your site as well.
If you do this, please leave
Nanny to Mommy a comment so we know. ;) *wink*wink*
6.
The Most Important Rule
Have Fun!
Happy Hopping! :)
Today is my Birthday! And in honor of today, I have decided to embarrass myself by sharing pictures of birthday pasts.
1989
Awl my Papa. He passed away in 2009, the year before we decided to get pregnant with SweetPea. He was truly amazing and I love that he is helping me blow out the candles.
1994
This is my embarrassing one. I insisted on wearing that dress when my dad threw my party. Everyone else was in t-shirts and jeans because there were no formal invitations. Just all the neighborhood kids came by.
2007
Don't you love my margarita cake? My mother-in-law's friend made this cake for me. Isn't that funny. I have been with Hubby since I was 18, 18! Can you believe that?!
I got married just a few months later. :)
2008
My 22nd birthday. The birthday aft we got married and moved into our house. Hubby took me to see Avenue Q! :D
2010
My favorite birthday. Hubby threw me a surprise birthday party! We had started trying to conceive SweetPea that month. And I found out I was pregnant the next month.
Attention Bloggers! I would love if you'd share your picture posts with me.
And please make sure to keep up with us on Instagram:
Also don't forget to check out the side bar and enter some awesome giveaways. :)
Please share the linky:
Please add this badge to your post or side bar before linking up.
These are not requirements, just greatly appreciated. :)
You can see where I link up HERE.
I never thought I would have to make a rule to my WW Linky, but PLEASE do not link up your main blog URL but a direct link to your post. Thank you.
Have a WONDERFUL Wednesday! :D
SanBelle is a unique, innovative new brand of infant clothing (newborn to 12 months) that uses textiles made with nanotechnology that protects babies and keeps them safer. Their soft, comfortable fabrics, which are imported from France, contain tiny particles of silver in the fabrics, making them:
Antibacterial:
Using freshFX technology, their fabrics help the skin maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms which work prevent irritations and infections, and fight bacteria and fungus.
Moisture resistant:
CoolMax technology makes their fabrics fast-drying and helps keep babies (and their clothes) moisture-free.
Static resistant:
Their clothes repel dust and animal hair, ideal for babies with allergies.
UV resistant:
The fabrics they use contain permanent UV 50+ solar protection, meaning it does not come out in the wash - perfect for babies with sensitive skin that cannot tolerate sunscreen.
This clothing is very soft and very breathable. And look at the adorable packaging! You can buy SanBelle Infant Clothing
now on Amazon! There will be two winners for this giveaway. The first will get to pick one of the two outfits from the picture (sized 3-6 months). And the second winner chosen will get the other outfit. All entries are verified. But the only required entry is to comment on this post. Thanks for entering! Open to US only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Although I received free products from SanBelle to provide this review, the heart of this post is all my own.
I have been on a weightloss journey for over six months now. And I am really excited because I have lost 35 lbs! That's crazy! BUT...
clothes still don't fit right. At least clothes that I have to buy on the rack. That is why I love eShaki and I love this dress. eShakti is a retailer that has created selections that can be completely customizable. I was so excited to get this dress! The first thing I did was try it on! I love the design and detail. PLUS it has pockets! Just what every mama needs to hold on to pacifiers or soggy cheerios. ;D
eShakti.com - FB - Pinterest - Twitter
I went to my mother-in-law's to get help with the measurements. It was interesting to see how many inches I had actually lost.
When the package arrived at my door, I was in shock! It arrived so quickly! And the dress fit like a glove. It feels amazing, fits me perfectly, and makes me feel beautiful.
eShakti is a unique women’s apparel store online that allows custom changes in the style of the garment – sleeve, neckline, length can all be changed by the customer to your preference. They are the only company offering all styles in all sizes: 0-36W & Custom!
eShakti’s custom capabilities allow shoppers to easily tailor any item to their specific requirements ensuring a flattering fit and unique look. Built-in online customization tools allow women to modify original fashions to fit their size, shape and personal style. Unlike traditionally-tailored clothing, eShakti’s incredibly quick turnaround time allows customers to receive their custom-made look within two weeks of ordering!
In addition to the size and style personalization, they are now presenting, for the first time by any apparel brand - the choice to have embellishments or not, so one can dress up or down or the way they like it... personalizing a unique dress or top or skirt that is to one's style, color, size, embellishment preference. They ship across the USA & Canada.
Today is the last day to use NNNYTMMMY84 to receive $25 off COMBINED with the $25 off sign-up bonus! That's $50 off! :D And you can use the code below until March 31st!
Although I received free product from eShakti to provide this review, the heart of this post is all my own.
