Dore's Diaries 1 year anniversary giveaway!

Dore's Diaries has a fantastic giveaway going on to celebrate her 1st anniversary! She has prizes for both US and international residents so everyone is included! So what are you waiting for! Go check it out now. Be sure to get there before April 22nd! Below is a list of all the wonderful prizes. There will be 29 winners!
Giveaway Part 1 - US RESIDENTS ONLY

**First Place**
~Cosmedicine Healthy Face Regimen ($102 value)c/o Beauty Junkies Unite
~Your choice of Custom Blogspot 3 column Blog Design
($75 value) OR a Portrait Tile Pendant ($50 value) c/o Angela Vinez Design

**Second Place**
~Microfiber Camisole and Thong Set ($60 value) c/o My Adea
~Choice of 1 of 4 shirts ($35 value) c/o Y2KbyGingham
~Free Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Decor Canister coupon
($5.49 value) c/o Clorox

**Third Place**
~Baby Basket w/ Lavender Chamomile Baby Lotion 8oz, Baby Fresh Whipped Body Butter 8 oz, Baby Bum Rub Ointment, and Chamomile Glycerine Baby Soap ($46.00 value)
c/o Vital Earth Traditions
~Choice of 1 of 4 shirts ($35 value) c/o Y2KbyGingham
~Free Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Decor Canister coupon
($5.49 value) c/o Clorox

**Fourth Place**
~Savorings Serving Tray Gift Set c/o Pillsbury
~Shirt of your choice ($24 value) c/o Leave Me B

**Fifth Place**
~Savorings Wine Bag Gift Set c/o Pillsbury
~Shirt of your choice ($24 value) c/o Leave Me B

**Sixth Place**
~Pillsbury Home is Calling Gift Basket c/o Pillsbury
~Shirt of your choice ($24 value) c/o Leave Me B

**Seventh Place**
~Lure for Him and Lure for Her Gift Set ($38 value)
c/o Eden Fantasys, an awesome place for Adult Toys

**Eighth Place**
~"Gift of Beauty" ($35 value) c/o It's A Glam Thing

**Ninth Place**
~$20 Gift Certificate c/o Vital Earth Traditions

**Tenth Place**
~8 oz. Soy Candle ($15.75 value) c/o Lorain's Touch
~PureSilk Moisturizing Shave Cream Sample c/o Barbasol Pure Silk

**Eleventh Place**
~Spinlash ($15 value) c/o Spinlash
~PureSilk Moisturizing Shave Cream Sample c/o Barbasol Pure Silk

**Twelfth Place**
~Bitch Balance Butter ($9 value) c/o Vital Earth Traditions
~PureSilk Moisturizing Shave Cream Sample c/o Barbasol Pure Silk

**Thirteenth Place**
~Free Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Decor Canister coupon
($5.49 value) c/o Clorox
~2 oz. Soy Candle ($3.25 value) c/o Lorain's Touch

**Fourteenth Place**
~Free Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Decor Canister coupon
($5.49 value) c/o Clorox
~PureSilk Moisturizing Shave Cream Sample c/o Barbasol Pure Silk

**Fifteenth Place**
~Free Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Decor Canister coupon
($5.49 value) c/o Clorox


Giveaway Part 2 - OPEN TO EVERYONE!

**First Place**
~Custom Banner ($149 value) c/o Bannerwind.com
~5,000 EC credits c/o Paperkraft.net

**Second Place**
~Professional Logo ($99 value) c/o Logowind.com
~2,000 EC credits c/o Random Detoxification
~2,000 EC credits c/o Freaky Frugalite

**Third Place**
~10,000 EC credits c/o Kampanye Damai Pemilu Indonesia 2009
~1,000 EC credits c/o A Grateful Heart
~The All-New DIL Rules eBook ($14.95 value) c/o Sally Shields

**Fourth Place**
~2,000 EC credits c/o Seek No More
~1,500 EC credits c/o PolitEkon
~1,500 EC credits c/o Nesting Buddy
~By the Book: How to Take Care of MY Kids eBook ($9.95 value)
c/o Karmel Publishing

**Fifth Place**
~2,000 EC credits c/o Windmill on the Hill
~1,500 EC credits c/o Things About Computer

**Sixth Place**
~1,500 EC credits c/o A Simple Life
~1,500 EC credits c/o Mature Not Senile
~1 month 125x125 ad space on PR3
c/o Better Interpersonal Communication

**Seventh Place**
~2,000 EC credits c/o Moms... check nyo
~500 EC credits c/o Legal Cat-asthrope
~1 month 125x125 ad space on PR3 c/o Dore's Diaries

**Eight Place**
~1,000 EC credits c/o Indo Contest
~500 EC credits c/o Affiliatizer
~500 EC credits c/o Rapid Shoots
~500 EC credits c/o Scandals Prime dot COM
~250 EC credits c/o Stay at Home Mom
~1 month 125x125 ad space on PR3 c/o Symphony of Love

**Ninth Place**
~2000 EC credits c/o DB Comix
~500 EC credits c/o AllBlogContest
~1 month 125x125 ad space on PR2 c/o Free Famous Quotes

**Tenth Place**
~1500 EC credits c/o Mommy's Little Corner
~500 EC credits c/o My Kids Are My World
~1 month 125x125 ad space on PR2 c/o Gift Reviews

**Eleventh Place**
~1000 EC credits c/o East Coast Life
~500 EC credits c/o Vanilla Seven
~200 EC credits c/o Margie and Edna's Basement
~1 month 125 x 125 ad space on PR2 c/o Blog Friendly PR

**Twelfth Place**
~1000 EC credits c/o Life's a Pizza Pie
~500 EC credits c/o Make Every Day Your Lucky Day

**Thirteenth Place**
~1024 EC credits c/o The Matthias Chronicles

**Fourteenth Place**
~250 EC credits c/o Pregnant with Cancer
~250 EC credits c/o Nothing Off Limits
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The best day of my life!

Kristen over at An Ordinary Life has a great contest going on! You can win a JVC Everio GZ-HD320! I could really use this to document Brea's life. I would love to be able to get things like her first dance recital or her leaving for her first day of school recorded. I was not fortunate enough to tape her birth, but would love to get all the other great moments in her life!

The story of Brea's birth:


On the night before the best day of my life, I left work with every intention of working one more day before starting maternity leave. I had decided that I would rather spend my maternity leave with my baby instead of waiting for her to arrive. Because of this, I scheduled myself to work until the day after my due date. After all who goes into labor on their due date.

I got home and tried to lay down and go to bed, but my back was killing me! I thought it was from constipation and was completely miserable all night! I kept trying to lie down and get comfortable. I tried all kinds of weird positions, but nothing helped. At around six o'clock in the morning, I started to wonder if this was something more than constipation.

The first thing I did was call my grandmother and tell her to come and get me. I then called the hospital and spoke with a nurse. I told her the situation and that I thought I should come in and be examined. She told me that she would set up an appointment as soon as the office opened and they would examine me then. Well I figured that she knew better than me so I called my grandmother and told her not to come until 0830. After hanging up I got up to go lie back down and my water broke! I called my grandma back immediately and told her that she needed to come now. Then I called the hospital once again. I spoke with the same nurse and this time I informed her that my water had just broke. First she asked me if it was possible that I had just wet myself or something. I told her no and that my water had definitely broke (people told me I would know when it happened and that was definitely the truth!) She then said "that is not how it works." That is one comment that I will never forget! All kinds of crazy things went through my head.

Come to find out someone with a similar name had just been there to be assessed for pre-term labor. The girl was only 5 months pregnant and her assessment was okay. So when I had called the nurse did not verify my birthdate which resulted in mistaken identity. So finally after explaining that I was in fact full term and had not just been to visit them I was told to come straight to the labor and delivery unit.

After arriving at the hospital and being placed in a room I remember telling my grandma "I don't think I can do this." The pain was excruciating. Of course she responded by telling me I didn't have much choice at this point!

First I found out I was only 4 cm dilated. I was then hooked up to machines to monitor my contractions. They were very irregular and the intensity was not consistent. Contractions usually start out strong and then the intensity gradually declines. Mine were all over the place. Where the machine was supposed to show a gradual sloping, it showed a zigzag line. In other words my contractions were not very effective.

The doctor then told me that she would like to start me on Pitocin in hopes of regulating my contractions. She also informed me that Pitocin would increase the intensity of my contractions and therefore increase the pain. Prior to the Pitocin drip I received an epidural. The epidural was a lifesaver! Before going into labor I was positive that I would not use medicine unless absolutely necessary Well for me it was necessary and those able to do it without medicine I give you props! During all of this my grandmother , my mom, and my cousin were all with me. I would like to thank them for putting up with me. I am sure it was not easy!

What seemed like hours later they checked my cervix and I was still only 4 cm. The doctor came in and told me I had two choices. I could wait a couple of hours and see what happened or I could have a caesarean. In her opinion I was not going to be able to have the baby naturally even if I waited.

This was the hardest decision that I have ever had to make. I always just assumed that I would have an uncomplicated vaginal birth. I had never had surgery so just that in its self was very frightening. In the end I decided to go ahead with the caesarean. I remember right after making the decision I cried. For one I was scared, but I also felt inadequate because I was unable to have my baby naturally.

After talking with my mom and grandmother it was decided that my grandmother would go in with me. My mom didn't think she could handle the blood and the last thing I needed was someone passing out on me!

A little later the anesthesiologist arrived. He began poking my stomach and legs with a toothpick and asking if I could feel anything. Well the right side was completely numb, but I could feel everything on the left side. Once again I had a decision to make. I could get a spinal block or they could use the epidural that was already in place. The problem with using the epidural was that if I had feeling on one side it would probably be ineffective for that side. This was not a hard decision for me. Who in the world would want to feel one side during surgery? Not me! Therefore I decided to go with the spinal block.

Now I was all ready for surgery and to meet my precious baby. I was a still a little upset about having a caesarean, but more than anything I wanted to meet this little person I was bringing in the world!

During the surgery I was wide awake. I remember my grandmother being right beside me. I remember seeing a splatter of blood on the sheet in front of my face (that was a little freaky.) I didn't feel any pain at all just a little tugging sensation. What I remember the most is hearing "it's a girl," then I heard Breanna cry for the first time. Before they took her out of the room they brought her over so that I could see her and put her up to my face so that I could kiss her cheek. I am doubtful that I will ever experience that feeling again and there is no real way to describe it. All I can say is that it was the best day of my life and the beginning of a whole new world.





Thanks so much Kristin for a great giveaway!

Baby sign Giveaway

I have been wanting to teach Brea sign, but have been seriously slacking with it. She's almost 11 months old so I guess its time to get started. Over at Mommy Brain Reports there is a giveaway for a baby sign book. I'm really hoping I win. If you want to enter head on over before August 1st.

Momsational Giveaway

Momsational is giving away 5 deluxe learning kits for babies. Sounds like a great product and I really hope I get to try it. The kit is supposed to help your baby learn language and reading. Just click to check this giveaway out for yourself.

Giveaways

Mommology has a great giveaway for a Braincandy DVD called "Smell my World" Head on over and leave a comment. Maybe you'll win.

The laughs will go on blog is giving away a shirt from Dreamkids. I absolutely love the one that says "All I have to be is me". Nothing is closer to the truth.

Seven Dogs and a Baby are giving away signing time flash cards. If your interested in teaching your baby sign leave a comment. Sounds like a great product.

“Mother’s Day 2008 Giveaway”

This giveaway is being hosted by 5 minutes for mom and there are some great prizes. Go on over and enter you never know what you might win. Just last week I won a book, a pair of UMI baby shoes, and 2 free yogurt coupons. So take a chance and see what you win.

Pippalily baby slings giveaway

Mommyknows has a great givaway going on. Check it out before January 31st. 2 winners each get a pippalily baby sling. They are beautiful. As a bonus she is also givingaway a pair of bical grippers if 100 people comment! Please take a moment and check it out.

I just won!

I just won a downtime sleepy hat. This was actually one of my favorite giveaways that I have entered so far. I really had my fingers crossed on this one. I can't wait to see it on Brea. I never win anything, but I kept trying and hoping. I guess it paid off I received my winning email today. If anyone is interested in checking out these hats just go to mom4life. While your there take a minute and see what giveaways are going on. Good luck all. I'll add a pic once I get the hat.

Momsational Givaways

Momsational is an awesome blog contest site. I have just recently started entering blog giveaways and I make it a point to stop by this website to see whats up for grabs. Good luck to all who enter.

Two great giveaways at momsational going on now.

"Evenflo Triumph Advance Deluxe Convertible Car Seat" Just enter by January 22nd.
It's forward facing and rearfacing, weight range is 5 to 50 lbs. Sounds awesome check it out

"Nikon CoolPix P5100 12.1 MP Camera" valued at 310 dollars on Amazon. Just enter by January 21st

Momsational Giveaways check them out!

Momsational is giving away a Designer BLVD diaper bag. Enter by January 15th.



Momsational is giving away a "boatload of fabulous products" including a wordsie shirt, an audio book, a no throw teether and mommy cards. Enter by January 17th.



Mommyknows is giving away 2 $100 gift cards to the baby marketplace. Just enter by January 15th.

New Giveaways

An Island Review is giving away 3 2008 Hawaiian calendars. Perfect for me everytime I look at it I can remember that I might actually get there one day if I start managing my money. Anyway the giveaway ends at midnight on Dec 31st.

Mommyknows is giving away a JuJuBe Minibe Diaber Bag. 3 colors to choose from. Its a really neat bag and even comes with a small strap so the little one can carry it when she is older. Just leave a comment to enter. Deadline Jan 1st.

Photo Books

My daughter Brea is 15 weeks old and I just did her first photo book as a christmas present. I wrote the whole book to her. I love this book and look forward to giving it too her when she is older. From past experiences I know that pictures are forever and I hope this book always reminds her of how much I love her.

There is a giveaway going on at nwi parent for an HP photo book which is what made me want to post this. I really hope I win, but feel I should give others the chance too. Someone else may benefit more from it. Its over tommorrow but maybe someone will see this in time.

More Giveaways

Baby Buy products is having their first giveaway the high chair bib. So check it out its a really neat product and made in the USA. With all the lead scares thats a definite plus for me. The deadline is Dec. 25th so hurry on over and check it out.

Lipstick to Crayons is giving away a Baby Jams Cell Phone they seem really neat. Maybe I'll get lucky or who knows maybe Brea will get one for Christmas. Ends on December 26

Confessions of a Housewife is giving away a "Blogging for Dummies" book. I would really like this win it might give me some ideas. If you feel the same way check it out by January 1st.

Toys for babies and toddlers giveaway

I just found this great giveaway they are giving away toys and CDs for our little ones. I'm not sure about everyone else, but I'm always looking for new and educational ways to keep my baby occupied. These toys are made by the same people who put out parents magazine: check them out at http://www.parents.com. When your done slide on over to http://www.5minutesformom.com/2689/parentsgiveaway/ and sign up for the giveaway. Good Luck everyone. Hurry they will announce the winner on December 8th.

Winnie the Pooh giveaway

Wow my daughters room is done in Winnie the Pooh I would love to have the "Winnie the Pooh super sleuth christmas movie" She is only 3 months old and is fasinated with cartoons although I try not to entertain her too much with them. It lets me get things done around the house though. All right everyone hope you take the time to check out the domestic diva's website.

Kodak Gallery

The domestic diva has a great giveaway going on right now. She's giving away a 50 dollar gift certificate to Kodak gallery. I don't know about you, but I would love to win this. I have a three month old daughter and definitely spend lots of money on pics. Crossing my fingers that soon I can use a gift card. I love guilt free spending. Check it out http://thedomesticdiva.org/blog/2007/12/01/kodak-gallery-50-giftcard-giveaway/