I always said that I would be REAL in this blog.  I would share real thoughts as we go through parenthood…and life as a parent.  I stopped blogging for a bit because I was at a loss for words.  Over the holidays, we got news that I had never expected.  My mom got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Cancer?  What? Pancreatic? MY mom?  It still feels like a total bad dream that cannot be real, but unfortunately…it is.  My mom is the lifeline of our family, the backbone to our lives, and literally exudes nothing but love.  People who meet her think she’s so ‘cute’, fun, and generous.  She’s my best friend and I can’t imagine life without her.  *sigh.

I flew out to NJ from Chicago last week (at 37 weeks pregnant).  I wrestled with the decision to fly out because it’s obviously risky to fly that late in the pregnancy. I went to the doctor and I was not showing any signs of going into labor any time soon.  So, after weighing out the situation, my husband and I decided that it was worth going.  My mom was heading into surgery to get the tumor out.  You can never get that time back and my family needed me…I needed my family.

I’m sharing this right now…well, because for one, if my mom survives this (and she will), it will be a long road to recovery and it’s a priority in my life.  I’m sure it will be a source of many reflections and newfound realizations as we experience so much of the upcoming unknown.  Secondly, it made me really think about motherhood and the circle of life.  As I was mourning over the news about my mom, I saw every interaction with Kayla in a different light.  Every time she said, “momma…mommy…I want mommy”, I couldn’t help but think of myself doing that with my own mom when I was young.  The way I feel about Kayla is the way my mom feels about her children.  I couldn’t imagine leaving Kayla.  The way Kayla feels about me is the way I still feel about my mom.  The circle of life and parenthood is something that is fascinating and so beautiful.

This is just a reminder to all of us that every moment in life is a blessing.  Every relationship, every child, every parent, every friend…  Take the time every single day to share how you feel about that loved one in your life.  Don’t wait for tragic news.  I am known in my friend group to be the “cheesy one” because I will tell that person how I feel about them randomly as I feel it.  You never know when life is going to take a turn.  You never know when you won’t get a chance to tell someone how you feel.

Whether it’s to your parent or your child or your spouse or your friend…hug them everyday and tell them how much you love them.

(I'm now safely back in Chicago at 39 weeks pregnant already feeling contractions.  Timing was nuts...thank God for keeping me safe throughout the flights.  More to come on baby #2's arrival...) Thank you for everyone's heartfelt emails, messages, and support

By now, you know how much I LOVE art projects that are easy to do at home...and the ones that capture their hands/feet are even better!  So, while the holiday dinner is cooking or as you wait for guests to arrive, try this art project below!  It's super cute and super easy!  Don't forget to date it because you'll love seeing how small their hands/feet were at that time.  (The body is her foot and the wings are her hands!)

NOTE: I NEED to give credit to our amazing friends, Anna, Lili, & John.  They come up with many of these projects I share with you.  Thanks, guys!! 

Happy Holidays!

I just got a gift in the mail for my 2.5-year-old Kayla.  It's an animated Santa DVD that is personalized with Kayla's actual name.  It is super cute and Kayla absolutely loved it!  When I first watched it myself, I wasn't sure how Kayla would react to it, but it was clear when she got SO EXCITED when she heard her name.  She kept saying, "Kayla??  Just like me!"  I told her it was especially FOR her and she went balistic.  Little things like personalization is a huge thing for kids.  I realized that first hand.  It was adorable to see!

It's a 7-minute animated movie featuring a story of elves competing in a talent show.  Kayla's name was featured several times both verbally and in writing.  The story is cute and it was simple enough for Kayla to understand.  It's a great personalized gift for the ages of 2-8.  It's only $19.99, so it's affordable, yet special. 

Here is the exterior case that comes personalized as well.  You can create a special message to your child for the inside cover.

Here is the website to check out clips and offers.  www.santa-DVD.com  You HAVE to order before December 15th to get it in time for Christmas though!!

I don't usually write reviews just for the sake of writing reviews.  I insist on paying for all the items I typically review because the price is a big part of how people feel about the product purchase.  However, as a gift receiver of this DVD, Kayla reviewed this item for me.  She loved it - so, I love it. :)

Finally, our 10th trade show of 2009 (9 of them within the last 6 months) ended and we are OFFICIALLY done with our road trip of 2009! :)  What an incredible run going from New York to Vegas to Chicago and even International!  We had a blast!  Our last show was this past weekend in Chicago. 

(There I am 33 weeks preggers!)  Our second trade show in July, I just started announcing that I was pregnant.  I thought it was only appropriate that our LAST trade show of 2009 was when it was more than obvious with my major bump!  Some people thought I was faking it with a pillow inside my shirt JUST to get more sales! Hilarious. 

So, how does a preggers CELEBRATE such an end to a journey?  ICE CREAM/CUSTARD from CULVER's of course!! :)

  This is really a HUGE thanks to ALL of the incredible people I met in all the cities & shows.  THANKS to all the hard workers who help set up our booth, ship our products, and do all the things that are often overlooked!  THANKS to the consumers, fans, and retail partners who make our manufacturing and development all worth it!  We're ending this road show with a sweet ending! :)  If you are ever in Chicago, give me a call, and the frozen custard is on ME! :)

SALE? Nope.  BLACK FRIDAY event?  Naw.  USED? No way!  This new LOWER pricing is here to stay!  We are ecstatic to announce that we are lowering our prices of the BabbaCovers.  Due to our volume success and operational efficiencies, we are able to pass on the savings directly to our consumers!!  YAY!

New Prices can be seen on the Online Products tab.  Basically, BabbaCover Snuggle Fleece goes from $89 to $65!  BabbaCover Airy Cotton summer versions go from $60 to $50!  How could we do this?  Well, when we first started out, I was hand packaging and making everything.  We were buying things in small quantities and paying the premium.  Now, with the success of our product sales, we are moving on up and save on buying larger volumes!  As SOON as we realized this was happening, we couldn't wait to pass those savings to you.

Thank you for all of your support and interest in our products!  We are working on new products for 2010 and we're excited to hear what you think.  I hope this new lower price will make it a bit easier to help protect your baby in style.

Also, we are now available on Amazon.com and our other GREAT new partners.  Check out our store listing: www.babbaco.com/stores.aspx

Big hugs from us at BabbaCo!

I just posted this on our Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/BabbaCo) and I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of your stories and comments! You guys are hilarious and I'm once again shocked at the things people say to us Preggers...or just us women in general! Keep sharing your stories with all of us. It makes us laugh, chuckle, open our jar in shock, and actually teaches us a few things NOT to say to Preggers. :)

Thanks for everyone's emails and comments on today's Baby Shower Cupcake video post! I'm hoping to see YOUR pictures of your great creations! :)

(For all of my upcoming videos, subscribe to this blog OR "become a fan" on our Fan Page at www.facebook.com/BabbaCo

BOO!  Did these feet scare you?  Kayla came home from school with this adorable art project!  I LOVE LOVE any art project that captures the size of her feet or hands in a creative way.  You can create this, too!  It's a great Halloween decor piece and the kids will LOVE getting their feet all painted.  Use white finger paint, black paper, white crayon, and black marker for the eyes and mouth.  SUPER EASY, but SUPER SCARY! :)

Don't forget to date it!  Happy Halloween prep everyone!  Can't wait to see your great costume pics!  (Post them on our Facebook Fan Page!  www.facebook.com/BabbaCo)

We're launching our video series! This is where we'll chat about topics, share random thoughts, show some great tips, cry for help, etc. etc. :) We're excited to connect with all of you out there! Thanks again for all of your emails, calls, and Fan Page comments.

To keep up-to-date with all of our launching videos, "Become a Fan" on our Facebook Fan Page. www.facebook.com/BabbaCo

Thanks to everyone's emails and calls about the gender of our baby #2!  Referring to my previous post about finding out the gender of your baby, I still think it's so funny and cute how people get SO curious! :)

This announcement entry is inspired by the comment left by Nicki on that post.  Nicki, if you're out there, you DID guess a "boy" and we ARE having a boy.  So, email me at jessicakim@babbaco.com (my personal email) and I will get your info to send you an organic cotton onesie or tee. :)  You did guess after I posted it on Twitter (www.twitter.com/babbaco), but I trust that it was a true guess and I love how you actually played the game with me. :)

We're super excited to know what's kicking inside of me and most of all, we're thankful that the baby is healthy.  I recently had some deep conversations with other moms that reminded me that a healthy baby can never be taken for granted.  Every life, pregnancy, and child is a miracle.  In the midst of every parent running around and trying to keep life together, just remember to count your blessings everyday and be thankful for health, love, and family. 

One year ago to this very day, 9/22/08, BabbaCo's website and product was launched to the market!  What an incredible year!  What comes to mind first and foremost?  GRATITUDE.  I'm so thankful for the amazing team, supporters, investors, manufacturers, and of course, our awesome customers!  I didn't realize I would love this industry as much as I do.  Working with mompreneurs, babies, and experts in the field is amazing enough, but the fact that they are all genuine and warm people make life so enjoyable.  THANK YOU!

These were my VERY first versions of the BabbaCover!  It is crazy to think that this was almost 2 years ago.  I remember staying up until 5am working on this design, googling "how to thread a bobbin" because I ran out of thread, and taking my 2-month-old daughter out in it the next day to test it out.  You can see that it's not perfect!  I actually glued a few pieces on instead of sewing them because I was exhausted.  BUT, the main thing is that it got done.  The greatest advice a seasoned entrepreneur told me was, "Just DO IT! GO for it."  Every step takes you closer to the next one.  Who knew that this little buggy would eventually be made in thousands within one year.

There is more to come from us at BabbaCo!  We're just getting started. :)  Our main goal: to connect with parents and provide solutions that make them love being parents even more!  Thanks to all of you for an incredible first year.  Huge HUGS and wet kisses from me! :)

  We're heading to VEGAS!!  BabbaCo is on a road show going everywhere we're needed! :)  The ABC Kids Expo is in Vegas and it's our first time exhibiting at this show.  We'll be part of the Modern Child Pavilion at booth #6036.  Come by if you're around the Las Vegas Convention Center!

Am I up because I'm excited?  Absolutely!  Am I up because there is so much to do?  Absolutely!  Or am I up because Kayla took 2 extra hours to fall asleep tonight.  I must have read Goodnight Moon and Bedtime Bunny 200 times.  I was savoring the moments before having to leave her for a week.  At the same time, I felt the little baby kicking inside of my tummy saying, "Go to bed already!!"  Tonight is a total example of a typical night of mommyhood for me.  Things are scheduled, yet unplanned.  I have things to get done, yet I savor the moments.  Is it a battle?  I wouldn't call it that.  It's more of a constant prioritization of what's in front of me. Thing WILL get done - even if it isn't in the original chronological order.

I'll be launching our first video blog in Vegas!  I'll be keeping in touch, so keep the emails coming!  My energy comes from all of you! :)