WINNER OF THE ROCKERBYEBABY GIFT CERTIFICATE!

Two parts... first winner gets $40... second winner picked gets $20 gift certificate/credit in the store.

#1: $40 GC
GEEEEEZE LOUISE! Lynn again!
Now thats a good day!!

RockerByeBaby said... (2)34

Lynn bonus entry

JUNE 11, 2010 12:29 PM

#2: $20

I♥thesecrazykids said... 115

I like you on fb
bcgood83@yahoo.com

JUNE 3, 2010 1:30 PM 

Mentoring Mondays: The Whoa Moment...

Another amazing post by future Maddies mama... Aymee. Loving your posts mimi... :)

The “Whoa” Moment

I don’t know about you, but every once in a while, I have moments where the earth seems to stop spinning on its axis and the gravity of a situation hits me hard. This usually only happens during major life milestones. Graduating high school, getting married, turning 25: these are all instances where, for me, time stopped for a moment and I thought to myself, “whoa.” Either the reality of being pregnant hasn’t hit me yet, or I am very serene about it. I haven’t been able to decipher which one. Adam seems to be breaking this “oh my god” freak-out moment into smaller, more manageable panics and lubricating them with whiskey. He says I was born to be a mother. Yes, in a scientific sense: this is what I’m designed to do, and so maybe that plays a big role. Because this is my most primal purpose, I’m not having that moment of “whoa?” Has nature taken over and put my conscious on autopilot? What I fear is that I’m not taking this seriously enough. As soon as I typed that out, I realized how ridiculous that is. I’m on my second baby book, I religiously follow the dietary suggestions, track weight gain, exercise with the proper restrictions/precautions, I read and play games with my unborn child for brain stimulation. But at the same time, I haven’t had that world-stopping moment. In the first trimester, I would say, “It hasn’t hit me yet because I need to feel her kick.” But that wasn’t it. I’m now in the third trimester where she kicks all the time, and it’s still so surreal. It’s like a movie; as if any minute now, a director will yell “Cut,” the walls of my apartment will part to reveal a set with cameras and crew, and someone will bring me bottled water and powder my nose.

              Throughout most of my childhood and teenage years, I was so focused on growing up that I didn’t often stop to smell the roses. My first “whoa” memory is sitting on one of hundreds of plastic folding chairs in the middle of the UMSL gymnasium floor amongst my peers, a sea of red caps and gowns. The gym was humming with over a thousand people, students, teachers, parents and other family, talking all at once. After the speeches, I watched as one by one, each row was lead up to the stage. As I was standing in line on the ramp next to the stage, waiting for my name to be called, I thought, “This is it.” The only chapter in my life I could remember was now closing and another chapter was opening before me at the other end of that stage: one that held mysteries as deep as the ocean or space. They do a good job of trying to prepare you for what’s on the other side. I had a plan for my future; I had it all figured out (ha ha). But no one can accurately convey what it will feel like in that very moment when all you know is ending.

              My next “whoa” memory is from my wedding day (I had two that day). I especially love these for obvious reasons. Adam and I both woke up that morning without an alarm clock, refreshed and relaxed. Adam wanted to do nothing that day but keep relaxing until the big event, so he went and did his own thing while I made last minute errands and preparations for the wedding that night (this is my version of relaxing). After decorating the club with my mom’s help, I picked up the flower to wear in my hair from the florist and leisurely got ready at my apartment. In my perfect black strapless satin cocktail dress with tiny velvet polka dots and vintage heels, looking and feeling like a million bucks, I got into my car and drove to the club. On the road, everything seemed to slow down. The air felt heavier to breathe. My skin tingled. I felt like I was floating. I don’t remember the song on the radio now, but it was perfect for the moment. These were the last few minutes of my life that I would be a single woman. After that my life would never be the same, and I knew it. Much like graduating high school, I didn’t know what lie on the other side of that stage. But Unlike graduating, I knew Adam was a part of that unknown and that made it less scary, and more exciting. As I pulled into the parking lot of the club, life came back up to speed. The night went on as planned. The crowd waiting outside was let in and the tiny club packed wall to wall with friends, relatives, and even a few strangers there to see the bands. There was that humming again. The hum of a hundred or so people talking at once. It was time to start the show. I began looking around for the people we needed: our friend who was to marry us—check, my mom (and maid of honor)—check, Adam’s best man—check, and Adam…where was Adam? The room started to spin. I saw a sea of faces but not the one of my fiancé. An ounce of panic started to boil in my stomach. And then at that very moment, I heard “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys (our intro music) replace the hum of the crowd. The room stopped spinning, and at the center, right in front of me, was Adam. Our eyes locked, and we both smiled a smile that I can only imagine happening again when we hold Madeline in our arms for the first time.

              Maybe I’ll have that “whoa” moment when she’s born and we lock eyes for the first time. Oh god, I can’t wait.

LAst one?! NOT!! Annabellas Designs HUGE hair accessories giveaway!

Does pregnancy brain kick in all ready? Im not sure... according to my due date calculator Im about 5 weeks along... Not sleeping well, exhausted, emotional... so laps in brainz could be another one of those things... anyways... my girlie Sarah has put together an AWESOME set for all of you, and i forgot it :( How? I dunno... its some of the cutest stuffs in history...

Annabella's Designs is owned by my good friend Sarah, who is also a great customer of mine, and quite possible one of the most amazing mommies in history... Sarah is a stay at home mom to ... three... four... no..... FIVE adorable kids... 4 boys and the perfectly adorable princess Annabella... (huge influence on my baby fever). Her hubby is in the Navy and gone quite a bit and somehow she manages to rock it all... Mom/Wife of the Year award for SURE! Now on top of that, in her free time... (HAHA, what free time) she has the cutest Etsy shop for hair accessories... Her prices are totally affordable, and best of all she uses high quality materials... dont be fooled, there are some CHEAP products out there on etsy... and you get what you pay for, and they fall apart in no time... With Annabellas Designs this is not the case... I will be returning again and again if #3 is a girl :) And if not, then definitely for gifts!
Check out this adorableness. :)

Turquoise & Zebra Gem headband

Pink Crochet Hat w/ removable Black clip

Hot Pink & Black Rockabilly Headband
(hmmm wonder where she got that blanket!!)

Leopard Print Clips Trio
And..... awhile back I bought these for Aymee...

Rockabilly Clip Trio
I couldn't resist... and just HAD to get her in on the Baby Bash... she glad she joined us! Go check it out... She has all different colors and styles and i promise there is something for everyone. Now, Super Mom Sarah has put together an AWESOME little collection of goodies for your little lady...
Time to drool... :)

7 sets of clips & 2 headbands.. Were looking at a $30 value up for grabs here! And winning is easy as pie...
HOW TO WIN:
#1: Make ANY purchase from AnnabellasDesigns and get 5 extra entries. (items start at $1.99 +)
#2: Follow AnnabellasDesigns on Twitter!
#3: Follow RockerByeBaby on Twitter!
#4: Tweet This: (up to once daily)
"Huge Girl Hair Bows & clips giveaway ($30 value) #babybloggingbash from @CrazyMamaOfFive at the @rockerbyebaby blog http://bit.ly/bsT8GT"
#5: Follow the Annabella's Designs Blog!
#6: Follow the RockerByeBaby blog! (sidebar)
#7: "Like" Annabellas Designs on facebook
#8: "Like" RockerByeBaby on Facebook.
#9: Go to the Annabellas Designs Etsy shop, and heart her store and two items.#10: Put the Rockerbyebaby flash button on your blog or website. (3 extra entries) *sidebar*


****EXTRA BONUS ENTRY****
Upload a photo to photobucket and paste the link or the HTML of your FAVORITE INFANT PICTURE...

LAST GIVEAWAY #10 RockerByeBaby Gift Certificate

YAY! Last but not least, right?!?

I promise Im not going to sit here and rant about all the RockerByeBaby awesomeness that I normally do when sellers have a giveaway... If you follow my blog/store you know ALL about my product and i'm sure a lot of you even have some! Im totally lucky & blessed to have some of the best customers... im not even gunna name, names... you all know who you are... and each one of you helps to put fluff on my babies butt... and food in their bellies... so its to Pay It Forward! Starting with my best friend Mimi, who this awesome shower was for... along with her family chipping in, she is getting set up... crib bedding, boppy cover, cart cover, bibs, blankets, and more... everything lil Maddie could need to be livin in style...  and for you guys... I am giveaway away ONE $40 Gift Certificate to be used towards anything in the store (shipping included)
So maybe you want a blanket w/ shipping ($35+$5)
Or maybe you want a Regent Skulls Polo... And a Skullie!
Or a huge stack of Booger Bashers! lol
Or put it towards the purchase of crib bedding... and pay the extra. Totally whatever you want...
Well not totally... It can not be used towards the purchase of a diaper bag or sling.
But anything else is fair game... ;) And Ill even do it one better... if by Friday, we get over 300 entries, I will give away a SECOND $20 Gift Certificate.... but ONLY over 300 ;)










HOW TO WIN: {Do any or all of these... each one counts as at least one entry}
(Your probably already doing most of these... so this should be easy, lol)
#1: Mandatory: What would you get with your gift certificate!?
#2: Grab the RockerByeBaby FLASH button in the sidebar *3 extra entries*
#3: Follow us on twitter AND tweet this...
"Free $40 Gift Certificate Giveaway for @RockerByeBaby during the #babyblogginbash #punk baby blanket, clothing & more! http://bit.ly/cZAQfI
#4: "Like" us on Facebook
#5: On facebook... "suggest us to 10 friends" *3 extra entries*
(IN YOU COMMENT... LEAVE THE NAMES OF YOUR 10 FRIENDS, I WILL GIVE YOU A BONUS ENTRY FOR EACH ONE THAT FAN'S US!)
#6: Heart our store on etsy - www.rockerbyebaby.etsy.com
and heart 2 items...
#7: Our Hyena Cart is new... mark it as a favorite and check back when we fill it up!
http://hyenacart.com/RockerByeBaby/
#8: Make a purchase from RockerByeBaby (Purchase must be made ON or AFTER 6/1) *5 extra entries*
#9: Follow the RockerByeBaby Blog
BONUS:
#10: Name ONE item that you would like to see in the store that were not yet making...


Since it is going to be impossible to see how is "fanning" from your referrals... if you referred us to 10 friends im automatically giving you +10 entries.... ALSO, we made it over 300 entries, there will also be a $20 winner. HERE WE GO!

Mentoring Monday: Does this make me a Grown Up?

Adam is having a bit of writers block lately so meet Maddies mama, Aymee! (Or in my house known as MiMi... ) She has so graciously stepped up to fill his spot for awhile... Yay! Love you Aymee! Hope your enjoying your baby bash!

What separates the young adults from the full-blown adults? At which point do you cross over? Is the right of passage turning 18? Moving out on your own? Buying your first car (when you buy it, not your parents)? Having a child of your own? When you buy a home?

Age 18 separates minors from legal adults. But as we all know when you’re 18, you’re still just a kid--but with legal responsibility for yourself, the right to vote, and the right to buy cigarettes. I was a mature, responsible 18 year-old, but still a kid nonetheless. When I turned 25, I had one of those “oh my god” moments. I realized I was now a quarter-century old (not saying that’s old, just that it’s a milestone), and that I was in a new age box: no longer 18-24, I was 25-30. “Holy cow!” I said to myself. I reflected on my past, and made decisions about my future. What it this transition that made me a “grown-up?” I have felt like an adult for a little while now; getting married, moving all over the Midwest, paying bills, etc. But I’m about to turn 26 and still don’t feel the term “grown-up” applies. I feel like a twenty-something; a twenty-something with a husband and daughter.  That’s not weird to think about; it’s the “grown-up” part. Grown-ups are those we look to for guidance on how to do this thing appropriately named growing up, mainly because they’re already there. My mom’s a grown-up. My boss is a grown-up. …Or are they?

As a kid, you assume an adult knows all the answers. But it’s so not true! Adam was once told (about parenting) that adults don’t know all the answers. But you take what you know and try to direct your child in what you think is the best direction. We’ve still got no clue what we’re doing! We’re still carefully stepping around in the dark, making decisions about moving forward into the unknown. Only now, there are less people offering to guide us and more people looking to sell us a map, and we are expected to make the “right” decision. Not one of us has had a miraculous transformation from child to grown-up. We’re the same children we were before; only now, we have become more confident with walking around in the dark.

So maybe that’s the answer to my question. Maybe having a kid does make you a grown-up, but we don’t see the transformation from our point of view. Maybe the transformation can only be seen from the eyes of the ones we are now leading: our children.

Giveaway #9 - CutiePaTuTus!

There are alot of things that a little girl needs... but one of these things... and possible the most important (obviously) is a perfect tutu... That one tutu that can make you feel like a princess, a ballerina, and a rock star all in one... and if your looking for that perfect tutu... i know just where you can find it. CutiePaTuTus has you covered on everything you will need for your punky princess or your superhero son...
She makes some of the cutest tutu's i have ever seen...

and of course coordinating wands & accessories to go with... 

and i absolutely just LOVE the super hero capes... all boys (and girls) need one of these to get the creativity and imagination flowing... 

As you can see, there really is something for everyone here... even us rocker moms... Aymee was gifted the CUTEST tiny little tutu for Ms. Maddie... called "The Colby" Its a black skirt (can also come in black/hot pink) and is filled with hot pink, and silver pompoms and topped with a pink & black grosgrain guitar bow.

and for you... (of course for you! You didnt think I had forgotten did you!?) We have the adorable ZOE tutu. The ultimate in punk rock princess attire... "For the rock star in every little girl, here's the Zoe Pa Tutu. Double-layered Pa Tutu in hot pink and black tulle is still filled with pompoms (in bright sparkly pink and black), but just has a second layer to give it extra poof! Topped with a double layer bow of hot pink and black skulls & crossbones." 

Isn't is adorable!? If baby #3 is a girl... this is a must.. I can already see the adorable photoshoots that would come along with this... and a little pair of bling chucks... and some punky leg warmers... and a little cloth diaper booty.... and... and... and... *breathe* sorry... baby fever.

(Prize given is in a size 3t-5 years) This is a $37.99 value!


How to win:
#1: Make ANY purchase from CutiePaTutus and get 5 extra entries. (items start at $6.50 +)
(Twitter Friends get 10% off w/ this code! cutiefriends
#2: Follow CutiePatutus on Twitter!
#3: Follow RockerByeBaby on Twitter!
#4: Tweet This: (up to once daily)
"Rockin' Zoe Tutu giveaway ($38 value) during the #babybloggingbash from @cutiepatutus at the @rockerbyebaby blog http://bit.ly/c5W3KN"
#5: Follow the CutiePaTutu's Blog!
#6: Follow the RockerByeBaby blog! (sidebar)
#7: "Like" Cutie PaTutus on facebook
#8: "Like" RockerByeBaby on Facebook.
#9: Put the Cutie Pa Tutus "button" on your blog or website. (3 extra entries)
#10: Put the Rockerbyebaby button on your blog or website. (3 extra entries) *sidebar*
put the link in the comment so I can see where it is.
BONUS: up to 5 extra entries
Go to the CutiePaTuTus website and tell me UP TO 5 items that you would just LOVE to have... leave them all in separate comments.

Baby Blogging Bash! Giveaway #8! HelloPrettyBird!

Hello Pretty Bird... You are a pretty bird aren't you... Pretty Bird.... Pretty Bird...........

Readers, do you have a spare $5 laying around? Because if so, i know how you should spend it... Amanda over at Hello Pretty Bird on Etsy makes the CUTEST burp rags around... (well, tied with mine of course, lol) I dunno HOW she does it... but she hand dyes the BRIGHTEST colors on her burps. Shes amazing... now I can say this because i have tried... and failed... 3 hours... 3 rinse cycles... black hands... and a messy kitchen later, i gave up... and now I pay Amanda to dye them for me, lol Its MUCH more fun for me this way ;) So I make the punky ones, and she does ALLLLLLLLLLLL the rest... she has some of the most fun & cutesy tutesy prints... and at just $5 a pop they are affordable on any budget. (for comparison... a plain white Gerber burp rag costs $1.40... BORING! totally worth the extra $3.60...)
Check out some of my favorites :)

for the hippie baby in your life...


Sea Animals... (im stalking this one :)


Owls... also stalking this one... lol


omg and I hadn't seen this one but now im stalking it toooooo!!! ;)

Anyways, as you can see they are ADORABLE... There is something for everyone... and a burpie that makes a statement... (more than just, HEY! Urp on me!) And if your a mama that likes to be matchy matchy... she also makes matching hand dyed onesies!

If you dont see one that matches your burpie I bet if you ask REALLY nicely she will make you one... but never fear... cuz in the mean time, she has sent ONE matching set for a lucky winner... Aymee got an adorable girlie one too! Wanna see your prize?

This burp rag above, and a matching Newborn size onesie (with the heart shaped applique) This set is a $20 value... and a lucky snag for the winning mama (&baby)...
How to win! We are going to run this one a little differently... Its a live giveaway... When we get to 300 comments a winner will be chosen... (this seems like alot buts its not. We once got to 500 comments in under 45 minutes, lol) 

There are 2 mandatory entries...
YOU MUST (do both):
#1: Fan Hello Pretty Bird on FACEBOOK...
#2: Go to the Hello Pretty Bird Etsy Page... heart her shop, and heart your TWO favorite items...

AFTER THAT: Comment as many times as you want about this theme:
"Favorite things about being a parent"
As soon as we reach 300  200 entries, the comments will be closed & a winner will be chosen at random.

Extra: If you love to help us promote :)
Tweet this:
Unisex Burp Rag & Onesie giveaway from @amanda_smith during the #babybloggingbash at the @rockerbyebaby blog http://bit.ly/cqkdjy.
You can tweet this one only up to once an hour... (comment for the entry).

Baby Blogging Bash! Giveaway #7! RaeGun...

Aweeeeee....... lets all take a second to just *MELT* over RaeGun... 

*melting*
There are a million reasons I want #3 to be a girl... but this shop easily has made it into my top 5, haha... and I know Aymee feels the same... she got all giddy when I showed her the goodie that RaeGun was sending for her shower...

Just wait until you see what YOU could win... but while your waiting... drool on this...

possibly the cutest rocker-chic dress on earth... 

Can you imagine these over an adorable little cloth diaper bum!?

and this... this makes my heart go pitter patter... 
The list goes on... if baby #3 is a girl ill take one (or 2) of everything... in every color... and possibly a few customs, lol (need skulls!) As if her adorable store wasn't enough... read her cute little profile... she is not a mom yet, just TOTALLY passionate about her work :)
"Setting: A little while ago in the lounge of the University of Utah philosophy department.
Grad student 1: What have you been up to?
Grad student 2: She’s been making baby clothes.
Grad student 1: *puzzled look*
Grad student 3 (me): Yeah, my sister got pregnant and I started making her baby presents and ummm I just loved it so much I didn’t stop."
Amazing, Right!? Could she be any more awesome? I don't think so... Wait.. nope... she can... why? Cuz one of you are getting a custom diaper cover :) Choose any item in the store with a $12.50 value... and in ANY size... 
0-3 months (waist 18") 
3-6 months (waist 19") 
6-12 months (waist 20") 
12-24 months (waist 21") 
2T (waist 22") 
3T (waist 22.5")

Amazingness, right? So here is how you win :) This will ONLY go for three days... and ends Saturday AM so get your entries in while you can!

#1: MANDATORY! What is your favorite item in the shop & if you win, what would you pick!?

#2: Make ANY purchase from the RaeGun website... comment with your order # for THREE ENTRIES. (three separate comments for each entry) ***edit: Orders made in the last WEEK will count towards this... just be sure to leave the order #***
#3:  Fan RaeGun on Facebook.
#4: Fan RockerByeBaby on Facebook
#5: Follow @RockerByeBaby and tweet this (come back once a day to tweet for extra entries!)
"Enter 2 win a custom diaper cover (also #cothdiapers) from RaeGun size NB-3t @rockerbyebaby #babybloggingbash http://bit.ly/9923mi"
#6: Follow the RockerByeBaby blog!
#7: Follow the RaeGun blog!

#8: Go the the RaeGun Etsy shop... heart her store... and heart your two favorite items!#9: Grab our FLASH button from the sidebar and post it on your website/blog for 2 extra entries (comment twice with the link to where I can find it)

Mentoring Mondays: Too Fast.

Adam is having a bit of writers block lately so meet Maddies mama, Aymee! (Or in my house known as MiMi... ) She has so graciously stepped up to fill his spot for awhile... Yay! Love you Aymee! Hope your enjoying your baby bash!

Dearest Madeline,

We are currently two and a half months from meeting you. You kick, punch and twirl all the time, and I love it. Since I haven’t yet seen you, nor can I hold you, feeling you move is the next best thing. And to feel your movements get stronger each day tells me you are growing stronger which is exactly what every mother wants: to know her child is healthy and that things are going well. Every day I daydream about holding you, dancing with you, feeding you, bathing you, playing with you, reading to you; the list goes on and on. A wise man once said, “You may think about your parents once a week. Your parents think about you every day.” I used to laugh at how true that is while thinking of your grandparents. Now it’s my turn to be chuckled at.

It feels like just yesterday I beckoned your Dad into the bathroom of our tiny apartment in Richfield, MN and pointed to the pregnancy test.

“What does that mean?” asked your father. I smiled, and pointed to the instructions on how to read the test. “But what does it mean?!” I laughed and said,

“It means you’re going to be a daddy.”

“Oh baby!” he cried, collapsing into my arms. Sharing company with finding out you were a girl at the 20 week ultrasound, and getting married, that was one of the coolest moments in my life so far. Nothing I have ever done can compare with you.

At least once a day I say or think, “I can’t wait until August.” But lately I’ve been trying slow myself down. You see, I am so excited for you to be born, much like how excited you’ll be for your birthday or the first day of summer vacation. I’ve been there, anticipating those kinds of events; they increasingly permeate every thought you have until the moment arrives. Almost to the point that the time leading up to the awaited event is lost forever because you’re so focused on what is to come you forget to remember the present. I have the rest of my life to enjoy teaching, learning from and sharing with you. What makes me slow down, and actually makes me sad is knowing I only have two and a half months left (at most) to enjoy the experience happening right now: being pregnant with you. Even if we have another child, I will never experience this again because you are the only Madeline Belle Thurston. Already, you have your own personality that surpasses the walls of my womb. Already, I am in awe of you. And already, you’re growing up too fast.

Love,

 Mom

Baby Blogging Bash! Giveaway #6! Vintage Lucy's!

Oh Vintage Lucy's.... I <3 you...

I started stalking Vintage Lucy's long ago... and it was love at first sight... For christmas one year I got the MIL a set of tea towels that STILL look adorable hanging on her stove... and to this day I have a list 10 miles long of all the things I want to trade her for... and everytime she says yeah! Lets do it! And I can't commit because I want it all, lol If #3 ends up being a girl... look out lady, because Ill be banging down your door for all the ADORABLE goodies in your shop. Everything is hand made (duh) super high quality and made to last... worth every penny...
Lets take a moment to drool over all her goods...


i NEEEED this shirt for the boys....

Ugh, i wish i had more time for cutesy dresses like this!!! Jealous.

also... its official, i need to buy a couple towels tonight to match my new 50's style retro curtains i made tonight... yay! So clearly, as I said... i <3 Vintage Lucy's... her stuffs is ADORABLE... and a need a little of everything. But you need some too right? Well mey BFF Aymee, the guest of honor for this little shindig im hosting was gifted an ADORABLE *Bling kitty* tshirt for Maddie... pink w/ a screened black cat and a little crystal in the eyes... SO cute... and you!? This adorable Hot Rod tshirt on white. Size 18-24 months. Valued at $24...

How do you win?! Like this :)
#1: Make ANY purchase (samples are fine too) from the Vintage Lucy's website... comment with your order # for THREE ENTRIES. (three separate comments for each entry) ***edit: Orders made in the last WEEK will count towards this... just be sure to leave the order #***
#2:  Fan Vintage Lucy's on Facebook.
#3: Become a fan of the ROCKinGreen Facebook page!
#4: Follow @VintageLucys on twitter & @RockerByeBaby and tweet this (come back once a day to tweet for extra entries!)
"Enter 2 win @vintagelucys size 18-24 months Hot Rod tshirt during the #babybloggingbash @rockerbyebaby http://bit.ly/bZjyDp"
#5: Follow the RockerByeBaby blog!
#6: Follow the Vintage Lucy's blog!
#7: Grab our FLASH button from the sidebar and post it on your website/blog for 2 extra entries (comment twice with the link to where I can find it)
#8: Bonus entry/entries: 
After doing at least THREE of the above entries... the bonus entries are a free for all... as many comments as you want.... BUT the theme is "If you were President. What law(s) would you pass to benefit your CHILDRENS future...