Pink or Blue?

Our appointment today was great! Doctor used the doppler to find Tiny Dancer's heartbeat, but not after letting me know that the "thud" I kept hearing was he or she kicking at the doppler. We've got a mover and a shaker on our hands, folks. Or a soccer player.

Also, a heartbeat of 140 beats per minute, which I'm told is a "girl" heartbeat.

I had a very real dream this week that this baby was a girl, and I can't wait to find out!

But, we have 3 weeks until "The Appointment". So I took a "Am I Having A Boy Or Girl?" quiz. The results were, well....inconclusive. My notes/thoughts are in italics.

You are carrying your extra weight out front, so it's a boy. My rear does not need to get any bigger, thankyouverymuch.

The hair on your legs is growing faster during pregnancy, so it's a boy. I wouldn't know this due to lack of shaving or anything. *cough*

You are carrying high. Girls are carried high. I don't think it's Bebe that's high in my belly. I think it's my bladder.

Sleeping in a bed with your pillow to the north indicates that you will be having a boy. How does this matter? It's about where my bed is. If I faced my pillow south, I would have my feet in Aaron's face.

Your feet are not colder than they were before pregnancy. You are having a girl. It's February. In Indiana. I don't feel like I can judge this just yet.

You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread. You are having a girl. I ALWAYS refuse to eat the heel of the loaf of bread. It goes to the dog.

Dad-to-be hasn't been gaining weight along with Mom-to-be, so it will be a girl. Dad is on a 12-week "Change Your Life" diet. Not fair.

You had morning sickness early in pregnancy, so you are expecting a girl. And I'm still down 6 lbs. You go, girl.

You are not looking particularly good during pregnancy. Therefore, it must be a girl, because girls steal their mother's looks. She is in trouble.

Your chest development has not been very dramatic during pregnancy. You should expect a boy. I've got nothin'. It's true. They're not growing.

Since the sum of the mother's age at conception and the number of the month of conception is an odd number, it will be a girl. My adorable nail technician also says that according to the Chinese calendar, I'm having a girl. And I trust her. Because she's from China.

Your urine is a bright neon yellow color, so you will have a boy. It's from the vitamins, I swear.

You have a craving for salty or sour foods, which means that it is a boy. Does anyone have any guacamole?

Your nose hasn't changed during pregnancy, which indicates a girl. Unless we're talking sense of smell...

You have been craving fruits, so it is a girl. Wait. Didn't this just say my cravings meant "boy"?

You have no desire for orange juice, so it's a boy. Orange juice gives me a sore throat. Always.

Your belly looks like a basketball, so it's a boy. Either that or I have a beach ball up my shirt.

You show people the palm of your hand, so it's a girl. I'm hopeful someone will see a million dollars in my future.

You use the handle to pick up a mug, so it's a boy. Yes, if it were a mug, I'd use the handle. If it were a margarita, I'd use a really big straw.

So, what do you say? Did you vote in my poll yet??

Due Date.

February 18.

I made it. I made it through the day.

In fact, I made it through yesterday with an unspeakable joy! It could only be from your prayers and the power of the Holy Spirit. For this, I am so thankful.

I thought it would be hard, and I didn't know how I could make it. And it was, but I did, WE did, and here we are.

We are here. Me, Aaron, and Tiny Dancer.

And Angel. We will always have Angel.

(To those who remembered with cards, texts, and facebook messages - Thank you for not forgetting. You made the day so much easier.)

Hi Guys!

Hi there, just Tiny Dancer checking in. My mom is 15 weeks pregnant with me today! I'm doing well and my mom's pretty good too. I haven't been making her feel sick much anymore, but I still take all of her energy. She would sleep all day if she didn't have to work.

I am growing and growing, so her belly is stretching so that I fit. She has funny pains that feel like someone snapped a rubberband at her belly! She says "ouch!" and then her belly itches and she laughs. I think it's pretty funny.

My mom and dad went to visit my Aunt for her birthday, and my mom got to see all the neat things my Nana has already bought for me! I am going to be SO spoiled! I already can't wait!

This week is the week my baby brother or sister would have been here. My mom and dad tell me that they are SO happy I am growing in my mom's belly and they are so excited to find out if I'm a boy or a girl so they can start decorating my bedroom and talking about what my name will be. But I know my mom still thinks about my little sister each day, and is so glad that I'm growing just like I should be.

My mom is so thankful for all the friends who came here last week to support her friend Kristine and my friend Cora. My mom learned a lot from Cora and will make sure I get the tests I need so that I can be healthy. Thank you for caring about others.

I have to go now. My mom wants something to eat. I make it really hard for her to decide, but I promise you it is not chicken. Not today, at least.

Winners, Winners!

Thank you so much for your participation in CHD Awareness week! There were 200+ comments left, so I will be mailing a check to Cora's family for $100.00 this week! Thank you! Thank you!

All winners have been contacted by email. Please check your spam folder if you see your name here and didn't receive an email.

Day 1 (Necklace from Shabby Chic) - Momma Lioness Michelle
Day 2(Custom Blog Design from Design By Mariah) - Mendie
Day 3, Part 1 (Camera Strap Cover from SheyB) - Melissa
Day 3, Part 2 (3 bottles of EMAB lotion) - Blue Moon Girl
Day 3, Part 2.2 (2 bottles of EMAB lotion) - Mrs. Soup
Day 4 (Pink resin heart necklace from CapturedStarlight) - Jess
Day 5 (Pink & Red hearts necklace from BeadRee) - Sarah Halstead

A Week of Giveaways for CHD, Day 5!

There are still lots of wonderful things to be won here! A necklace from The Shabby Chic, a custom blog makeover from Design By Mariah, a camera strap cover from SheaB, lotion from Earth Mama Angel Baby and a resin heart necklace from CapturedStarlight Etsy Shop . What are you waiting for??


Today, for our final giveaway, Rita from BeadRee Etsy shop has donated her "With All My Hearts Necklace" The pink and red hearts would look great with a chic black top or dress, or even a cute white tee!




There are many ways to enter each giveaway this week. Those will be listed below. However, I also want to let you know that for every entry in every contest this week, up to 200 comments, OnceUponACline.com will donate $.50/comment (quick math = $100!) to Cora's family. So now you really have pressure to enter these contests. Everyone wins!

1. Visit Cora's page, and then tell me something you learned about CHD. Anything. Leave a comment.

2. Follow my blog. Leave a comment.

3. Follow Cora's Story. Leave a comment.

4. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment.

5. Follow Kristine on Twitter. Leave a comment.

6. Tell your Twitter followers about this giveaway by tweeting:

Win a pink & red heart necklace from @nataliejanette to support CHD & #Cora! http://bit.ly/cOVSbw

Leave a comment.

7. Become a fan of Cora's Story on Facebook. Leave a comment.

*At this time, there is not a way to enter from Facebook. So come on over here, and leave an annonymous comment if you don't want to register with Blogger. Just leave an email address in your comment. Easy, no??
**I was not compensated for this giveaway. No way.
***Contest open to US residents only. Contest ends Saturday, 2/13, at 9pm, CST. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. Please make sure you leave an email address in your comment if you are not logged into a good account.
****I am holding this giveaway because Kristine is my friend and I care about her and about you. Please tell the people in your life about CHD so that no other parent has to learn about it when it's too late. I'm not asking you to follow my blog or my twitter so that I get more followers. It's an easy way for you to make me pay up. That's all.

A Week of Giveaways for CHD, Day 4!

There are still lots of wonderful things to be won here! A necklace from The Shabby Chic, a custom blog makeover from Design By Mariah, a camera strap cover from SheaB, and lotion from Earth Mama Angel Baby. What are you waiting for??

Karen from CapturedStarlight Etsy Shop has kindly donated this beautiful Pink Floral Heart on Resin Pendant on a ball chain necklace for today's giveaway. It is adorable and would make a wonderful gift, or a great accessory to the perfect top!

There are many ways to enter each giveaway this week. Those will be listed below. However, I also want to let you know that for every entry in every contest this week, up to 200 comments, OnceUponACline.com will donate $.50/comment (quick math = $100!) to Cora's family. So now you really have pressure to enter these contests. Everyone wins!

1. Visit Cora's page, and then tell me something you learned about CHD. Anything. Leave a comment.

2. Follow my blog. Leave a comment.

3. Follow Cora's Story. Leave a comment.

4. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment.

5. Follow Kristine on Twitter. Leave a comment.

6. Tell your Twitter followers about this giveaway by tweeting:

Win a pink heart necklace from @nataliejanette to support CHD & #Cora! http://bit.ly/cs7sDY

Leave a comment.

7. Become a fan of Cora's Story on Facebook. Leave a comment.

*At this time, there is not a way to enter from Facebook. So come on over here, and leave an annonymous comment if you don't want to register with Blogger. Just leave an email address in your comment. Easy, no??
**I was not compensated for this giveaway. No way.
***Contest open to US residents only. Contest ends Saturday, 2/13, at 9pm, CST. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. Please make sure you leave an email address in your comment if you are not logged into a good account.
****I am holding this giveaway because Kristine is my friend and I care about her and about you. Please tell the people in your life about CHD so that no other parent has to learn about it when it's too late. I'm not asking you to follow my blog or my twitter so that I get more followers. It's an easy way for you to make me pay up. That's all.

A Week of Giveaways for CHD, Day 3, PART 2!

Did you notice the title of this morning's giveaway? Where it said "Part 1"?
Are you ready for "Part 2"?

My wonderful friends over at Earth Mama Angel Baby have kindly donated 5! bottles of Angel Baby Lotion, 8 oz. What a wonderful donation!

For this giveaway, I will choose 2 winners, one of you will win 3 bottles, one will win 2 bottles.

You have this entry stuff figured out by now, but a refresher course:

There are many ways to enter each giveaway this week. Those will be listed below. However, I also want to let you know that for every entry in every contest this week, up to 200 comments, OnceUponACline.com will donate $.50/comment (quick math = $100!) to Cora's family. So now you really have pressure to enter these contests. Everyone wins!

1. Visit Cora's page, and then tell me something you learned about CHD. Anything. Leave a comment.

2. Follow my blog. Leave a comment.

3. Follow Cora's Story. Leave a comment.

4. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment.

5. Follow Kristine on Twitter. Leave a comment.

6. Follow EMAB on Twitter. Leave a comment.

7. Tell your Twitter followers about this giveaway by tweeting:

Win products from EMAB and @nataliejanette to support CHD & #Cora! http://bit.ly/d9Omj1

Leave a comment.

8. Become a fan of Cora's Story on Facebook. Leave a comment.

*At this time, there is not a way to enter from Facebook. So come on over here, and leave an annonymous comment if you don't want to register with Blogger. Just leave an email address in your comment. Easy, no??
**I was not compensated for this giveaway. No way.
***Contest open to US residents only. Contest ends Saturday, 2/13, at 9pm, CST. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. Please make sure you leave an email address in your comment if you are not logged into a good account.
****I am holding this giveaway because Kristine is my friend and I care about her and about you. Please tell the people in your life about CHD so that no other parent has to learn about it when it's too late. I'm not asking you to follow my blog or my twitter so that I get more followers. It's an easy way for you to make me pay up. That's all.

A Week of Giveaways for CHD, Day 3, PART 1!

Are you ready for the next CHD giveaway? (2 other giveaways are still going, you can enter here for a necklace or here for a custom blog makover.)

I could keep posting bits of information taken from websites and blogs, but hopefully you're doing research. Instead, a comment left already this week. Cora, sweet girl, you're doing it. You're saving lives. xo - Aunt Natalie

"I learned how simple a pulse ox test is to perform on newborns and I will DEFINITLY be asking for one next time, thanks to Cora!"

What it's all about. Education and information.

Keep doing research.

AND, since you're here, I figured I'd give you something. I am so thankful to the sponsors of the giveaways here this week, and I encourage you to visit their websites/Etsy stores, and support those who support Kristine and Cora.

There are many ways to enter each giveaway this week. Those will be listed below. However, I also want to let you know that for every entry in every contest this week, up to 200 comments, OnceUponACline.com will donate $.50/comment (quick math = $100!) to Cora's family. So now you really have pressure to enter these contests. Everyone wins!

Today, you have the chance to win a camera strap cover from SheyB. I ordered one of Shey's straps last year, and was impressed with the quailty and affordability of the strap. The strap covers do not take the place of your strap, they just make it look chic, and also provide comfort for your neck.

When I contacted Shey last week to see if she'd make a light pink strap cover, she told me she'd check her fabric inventory and get back to me. I am literally blown away. Not only is the strap cover light pink, it is a new design (I believe the FIRST of it's kind), and it's appropriately named "The Cora". (Please note, these covers are designed for the straps of DSLR cameras.)

How can you win??

1. Visit Cora's page, and then tell me something you learned about CHD. Anything. Leave a comment.

2. Follow my blog. Leave a comment.

3. Follow Cora's Story. Leave a comment.

4. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment.

5. Follow Kristine on Twitter. Leave a comment.

6. Follow Shealynn on Twitter. Leave a comment.

7. Tell your Twitter followers about this giveaway by tweeting:

Win a camera strap cover from @nataliejanette to support CHD & #Cora! http://bit.ly/cs7sDY

Leave a comment.

8. Become a fan of Cora's Story on Facebook. Leave a comment.

*At this time, there is not a way to enter from Facebook. So come on over here, and leave an annonymous comment if you don't want to register with Blogger. Just leave an email address in your comment. Easy, no??
**I was not compensated for this giveaway. No way.
***Contest open to US residents only. Contest ends Saturday, 2/13, at 9pm, CST. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. Please make sure you leave an email address in your comment if you are not logged into a good account.
****I am holding this giveaway because Kristine is my friend and I care about her and about you. Please tell the people in your life about CHD so that no other parent has to learn about it when it's too late. I'm not asking you to follow my blog or my twitter so that I get more followers. It's an easy way for you to make me pay up. That's all.

A Week of Giveaways for CHD, Day 2!

Are you ready for the next CHD giveaway? (Yesterday's giveaway is still going, you can enter here.)

As some of you pointed out in your comments yesterday, as many as 1 in 100 babies are thought to be born with congenital heart disease. The group 1in100 works to help bring awareness to CHD by educating and informing parents and physicians. You can visit their website to learn more about their mission and also more about CHD. Go ahead, I'll wait.

*whistling, humming, twirling my hair*

Do you feel like you've learned something new? Because that is the point. To educate. To make people aware.

Now go tell someone.

BUT, since you're here, I figured I'd give you something. I am so thankful to the sponsors of the giveaways here this week, and I encourage you to visit their websites/Etsy stores, and support those who support Kristine and Cora.

There are many ways to enter each giveaway this week. Those will be listed below. However, I also want to let you know that for every entry in every contest this week, up to 200 comments, OnceUponACline.com will donate $.50/comment (quick math = $100!) to Cora's family. So now you really have pressure to enter these contests. Everyone wins!

What are you playing for today? A "Misses" blog makeover package from Design by Mariah! Mariah is a talented web designer with more than 2 years experience. Her goal is to offer affordable, stylish web design. This package is valued at $30 and is open to Blogger format only.

You can see her portfolio on her website. She has a creative mind, so tell her what you're looking for and she'll amaze you with how she can put together a whole website in just a matter of hours!

Please leave a comment for each entry. Not only does this encourage your odds of winning, it means I give away more money.

1. Visit Cora's page, and then tell me something you learned about CHD. Anything. Leave a comment.

2. Follow my blog. Leave a comment.

3. Follow Cora's Story. Leave a comment.

4. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment.

5. Follow Kristine on Twitter. Leave a comment.

6. Follow Mariah on Twitter. Leave a comment.

7. Tell your Twitter followers about this giveaway by tweeting:

Win a custom blog makeover from @mariahannette and @nataliejanette to support CHD & #Cora! http://bit.ly/bzrzLr

Leave a comment.

8. Become a fan of Cora's Story on Facebook. Leave a comment.

*At this time, there is not a way to enter from Facebook. So come on over here, and leave an annonymous comment if you don't want to register with Blogger. Just leave an email address in your comment. Easy, no??
**I was not compensated for this giveaway. No way.
***Contest open to US residents only. Contest ends Saturday, 2/13, at 9pm, CST. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. Please make sure you leave an email address in your comment if you are not logged into a good account.
****I am holding this giveaway because Kristine is my friend and I care about her and about you. Please tell the people in your life about CHD so that no other parent has to learn about it when it's too late. I'm not asking you to follow my blog or my twitter so that I get more followers. It's an easy way for you to make me pay up. That's all.

A Week of Giveaways for CHD, Day 1!

I told you Sunday that this week, February 7-14, is CHD Awareness week. What does this mean to you and to me?

It means we have a responsibility to share Cora's Story with the people we know so that CHD will not go undetected any longer!

Did you know that congenital heart disease is the #1 birth defect?

Did you know that a simple, non-invasive test can detect congenital heart disease?

WHY, then, are hospitals not performing this test on newborns? Because it's not mandatory. Your doctor may do the test at your first well-baby visit, but that may be too late.

There are multiple means of diagnosing CHD, and Kristine and Cora are encouraging all to have a Pulse Oximetry test done. Until the pulse ox tests are mandatory, mothers and fathers should ask for their baby to have this test done between 24-48 hours after birth.

Do you feel like you've learned something new? Because that is the point. To educate. To make people aware.

Now go tell someone.

BUT, since you're here, I figured I'd give you something. I am so thankful to the sponsors of the giveaways here this week, and I encourage you to visit their websites/Etsy stores, and support those who support Kristine and Cora.

There are many ways to enter each giveaway this week. Those will be listed below. However, I also want to let you know that for every entry in every contest this week, up to 200 comments, OnceUponACline.com will donate $.50/comment (quick math = $100!) to Cora's family. So now you really have pressure to enter these contests. Everyone wins!

Today, you have the opportunity to win a beautiful necklace donated by Lynn from Shabby Chic Designs! The 3/4" heart has been hammered and shaped, with a sterling puffed heart charm and an opaque pink stone, which adds to the beauty of this necklace. The necklace comes with a 16" fine sterling chain. You guys, it is beautiful!

Please leave a comment for each entry. Not only does this encourage your odds of winning, it means I give away more money.

1. Visit Cora's page, and then tell me something you learned about CHD. Anything. Leave a comment.

2. Follow my blog. Leave a comment.

3. Follow Cora's Story. Leave a comment.

4. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment.

5. Follow Kristine on Twitter. Leave a comment.

6. Tell your Twitter followers about this giveaway by tweeting:

Win a beautiful sterling heart necklace from @nataliejanette to support #Cora http://tinyurl.com/ykhngqz.

Leave a comment.

7. Become a fan of Cora's Story on Facebook. Leave a comment.

8. Become a fan of Shabby Chic Designs on Facebook. Leave a comment.

*At this time, there is not a way to enter from Facebook. So come on over here, and leave an annonymous comment if you don't want to register with Blogger. Just leave an email address in your comment. Easy, no??
**I was not compensated for this giveaway. No way.
***Contest open to US residents only. Contest ends Saturday, 2/13, at 9pm, CST. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. Please make sure you leave an email address in your comment if you are not logged into a good account.
****I am holding this giveaway because Kristine is my friend and I care about her and about you. Please tell the people in your life about CHD so that no other parent has to learn about it when it's too late. I'm not asking you to follow my blog or my twitter so that I get more followers. It's an easy way for you to make me pay up. That's all.

CHD Week

You may remember my friends Kristine and Cora from this post back in December. Sweet Cora died when she was 5 days old from Congenital Heart Disease.

This week, February 7-14, is CHD Awareness week. During this week, we are going to be having a couple giveaways here. Kristine has a whole week of activities planned in Cora's name, and we are going to spread the word! This week is not just about wearing pink ribbons (but I will) and it's not just about giving away goodies (but we will!). It's about honoring sweet Cora, and the other babies, toddlers, teens, and adults who have lost their lives to CHD.

I will be back this week with more information that you can use in your own life and to help educate the people in your life.

This week is about saving lives.

Check back Tuesday, because you are going to want to win the first giveaway!

Each Day

I don't know that I will ever feel confident with this pregnancy. I am scared. I am not scared to admit this to you.

I'm afraid to buy maternity clothes, because what if I don't need them?

I'm afraid to buy baby items, because what if I don't need them?

We're afraid to talk about names, because what if we never get to use it?

I know that this fear is common after suffering a miscarriage, but I also know that this fear is not Godly. I know that God determined this day hundreds of years ago. He knew whether I would be pregnant or not, and He knows how this pregnancy will go.

But trusting Him is hard.

I know that it is worth it, and that I will be rewarded for my obedience, but oh, it is so hard.

Oh, sweet tiny dancer, we love you so, so much.

Valentine's Day Cards

Thank you all for your well wishes for me and Baby Cline! We feel incredibly blessed by our family and friends, and by you, the readers of this blog/Twitter friends/Facebook world.

I will be happy to answer any questions that Baby Cline left unanswered, just leave a comment below. The most common question is "how far along are you" and today marks 13 weeks. I am feeling good today, and hoping this trend continues!

We announced our pregnancy to our parents and siblings around Christmas, but waited to tell (most!) everyone else until we were able to send out a Valentine's Day Annoucement! I know that it's a bit early for a Valentine's Day Card, but we just couldn't wait.

I was thrilled to be chosen through MomMadeThat to do a review of Two Silly Sisters Etsy Store. I had the opportunity to work with Stacey from Two Silly Sisters, and told her that I was looking for a pregnancy announcement/Valentine's Day card, and I have to say, she took a few sentences of what I was looking for and created cards that I was thrilled with!

(the front)

(the back)

The cards are printed on 5x5 white cardstock, and included white envelopes for mailing. The cost of mailing was higher due to the size of the envelope, but I considered it a small price to pay for such gorgeous cards.
Our family and friends were excited to receive the cards (a few of them are on their way - sorry for the delay) and I was so pleased with how they turned out!

Stacey has also provided 3 sets of notecards for one of my loyal blog readers!

There are 8 cards/8 envelopes of each design. One winner will be chosen for the entire set of 24 notecards.

Wanna win?!

To enter:

1. Leave a comment with a pregnancy tip, pregnancy or baby item you had to have, or piece of information you think I really should know!

2. Follow this blog.

3. Follow me on Twitter.

4. Tweet the following:

There is a beautiful set of 24 notecards up for grabs from @nataliejanette. Enter here - http://tinyurl.com/yk3oe9a

Please leave a separate comment for each entry!

Winner will be chosen on Thursday, February 4, after 9pm CST. Winner will be contacted by email, so please make sure you leave your email address if you do not log in using your Google account. Winner will have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen. Open to US residents only.

I blog with integrity. I was not monetarily compensated for this giveaway, but was given 20 announcement cards from Two Silly Sisters to review. This review brought to you by MomMadeThat.Com

Lunch and Conversation with a 24 6 Year Old

I went to lunch with my aunt and 6-year-old cousin to tell them that I was having a baby. I gave them their Valentine's Day card, and watched as my sweet girl processed what she was reading.

"So, you WAS having a baby, and then you WASN'T having a baby, and now you ARE having a baby???"

(What I wouldn't give to redo this moment, just to have a camera out to capture the look on her face. I almost think she was as excited as I was when I saw the double line).

"Yes, that's a good way to put it!"

She took a drink of her water, tilted her head to the side, and smiled.

"Hmmm."

And then she went back to coloring on the back of her placemat.

Nearly 20 minutes later, in the car on the way home, she asked "What will you do if this baby dies?"

And choking back tears, I replied "Aaron and I will just try again!"

That answer satisfied her, as much as a 6 year-old can be satisfied, and I couldn't control my emotions. I wanted to crawl into the back seat and hold her and hug her and let her hug me back. I didn't cry because I was sad, I cried because she cares. She has the heart of a young woman and the curiosity of a child. She asked a question that many adults would like to ask, but are too afraid to know the answer to. She made me say aloud what would actually happen if this baby died. We would try again.

Oh yes, we would try, try again.

And then she asked if she could be the first person to babysit and of course I said yes. How could I say no to such a sweet little girl who genuinely cares about me, about Aaron, and about our baby.

***********************

Yesterday, she gave me a card for the baby. The inside contained a $1 bill and some change. "For the babies piggie bank", she told me.

This baby is the richest baby in the world. It is loved more than it will ever know.