Undercover Mama Review & Giveaway!

I came across the Undercover Mama nursing tank from another blog giveaway. I contacted the company asking if I could do a review and giveaway for their product. This nursing tank was something that I haven't seen before and I thought it was a wonderful concept! The Undercover Mama simply attaches to your nursing bra, turning every shirt into a nursing shirt. It allows you to lift your shirt to nurse, but still have your post-partum belly covered.

You can attach the tank in one of two ways. The first, is a new feature, the loop. The loop will actually clasp onto the same part as the cup of your nursing bra. When I was trying this tank in the hospital, this was the easiest way for me, although I was a bit afraid that it might break. I think if you're gentle enough, it'll be fine.

The second way to attach, took some digging through their website before I figured it out. I thought that it would be the part that hooked directly to the clasp on the nursing bra, but it actually hooks directly on the fabric of the cup. I actually love this way, because it's an easy 1-unsnap, versus unhooking the loops and then unhooking your bra.

I read a few Amazon reviews when trying to figure this out, and one complaint was that it didn't fit all of the lady's nursing bra's, but that it worked best with her thinner cupped bras. My nursing bra cup is fairly thick, and it fit just fine.

I haven't had a chance to wear the tank under a t-shirt, but that's because i'm only 1 week post partum, and i'm not wearing a lot of shorts, and I've been in the house a lot.

I have worn the product under two dresses that had v-neck openings, b/c I could pull the dress to the side to nurse, and easily cover my growing cleavage with the nursing tank!

I loved that it provided coverage. The material is very soft, and after I read on the product a bit more, I easily figured out how to attach the tank. I'm a little concerned with how hot I might be once we move to Oklahoma in the tank, but I also know that it will come in handy at football games where I'll be nursing in front of many others. I do love though, that it completely covers my belly and my back.

The Undercover Mama comes in gray, black, brown, white, cream, pink, and nude. Sizes range from small to XX-Large and cost only $24.99

After I received my tester tank, I found them on a zulilly sale, and purchased another. I also think I'm going to add the black tank to my collection.

Undercover Mama has also offered to giveaway 1 of their tanks to one of my readers/followers! Here's how you can enter: (please leave 1 comment for each entry & do not group entries into the same comment & please leave your email address, so you can be contacted)

Mandatory Entry: Follow Undercover Mama on Facebook AND on Twitter for 1 entry. Leave 1 comment for doing both things and your email address in the comment

Extra Entries:

1. Follow Honey Pie Accessories blog via GFC. (1 entry/comment)

2. Follow Honey Pie Accessories on Facebook (1 entry/comment)

3. Leave some comment love on Undercover Mama's Facebook or Twitter account thanking them for the giveaway on Honey Pie Accessories (2 entries/leave 2 comments)

4. Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link in your comment (3 entries/leave 3 comments)

5. Tweet about this giveaway for 1 entry/1 comment, change your facebook status for this giveaway for 1 entry/1 comment, or send out an email for 1 entry/1 comment (you may do this daily)

Winner will be chosen by random.org, and will have 24 hours to respond once contacted. Winner will recieve a black or white tank in their choice size. I was not paid for this giveaway, but I did receive 1 free tank. All thoughts are my own opinion.

Giveaway ends the evening of June 6.

M's first visitors

Megan was very fortunate to have many of her grandparents come to visit her in the first few hours. My mom, "Gee" was with me throughout the entire process. She's also staying for two and a half weeks to help out. I'm telling you, I love this lady, as she's already been a huge source of help and strength for me these first few days.

My step-dad, "grandpa" was here too. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have all of these amazing pictures to share! I wish he could have stayed longer, but he's already shared how excited he is that two of his granddaughters are moving closer! I can't wait for them to visit him on his 'farm'.

Gretchen finally arrived to see her new baby sister. She even brought Megan a gift, and was super excited to give it to her.

I'm sure M is going to grow to love her Sophie the Giraffe.

We now have 4 generations + 1 of amazingly stubborn strong-willed women!

Gretchen decided it was time for her to hold Megan for the first time, and did a great job!

DJ's mom, "Nana" was also here. I was so glad that she was here to see her 5th grandchild!

DJ paused for a moment to snap a picture of him with Megan. I know he's enjoyed these first few days here with her. My great-grandmother came and stayed with Gretchen and I for the month of May. It was a huge help having her here in case something happened and to help me take care of G as I grew more and more tired. She's an amazingly strong woman, and I love her for that.

After receiving her own big sister gifts, Gretchen decided to hold M again. She has adjusted so much better than I thought she would and I'm so proud of my big girl!

Megan's First Few Moments

After the crazy labor I don't remember a lot of our first few moments, so I'm glad that I have these pictures. Holding Megan Claire for the first time...

I think I was amazed at how much she looked like Gretchen and at all of her hair.

I was able to breastfeed her for the first time, and she was a pro!

And do some skin-to-skin bonding with her.

DJ left to pick up Gretchen and Megan received her first bath.

The nurse had to scrub and scrub her hair.

It was fun to watch her get her first bath, and she tolerated the water really well.

After her bath her big sister was finally able to come and see her.... stay tuned to the next post!

Megan's Birth Story

Tuesday morning was our scheduled induction for baby M to arrive. I felt fortunate that my doctors understood how important it was for my husband to be with me and agreed to induce me a week early.

We were scheduled to be at the hospital at 6:30 in the morning, but I received a phone call around 5 am that the hospital rooms were full and that they would need me to come in later that morning. I woke up DJ and told him to keep sleeping while I continued to get ready. Afterwards, I blogged and finally was able to go back to sleep for another hour. We woke up to Gretchen around 8:30 am and I decided to call the hospital to see if they had a room open for us. I was shocked that they told me to come in around 9:00, leaving DJ only 30 minutes to get ready.

I was thankful that we were able to tell Gretchen good-bye that morning. I think we all needed it those last few hugs and cuddles as just the three of us. We arrived at the hospital and the nurse got started hooking me up to the IV, giving me the Strep B medicine, and starting the pitocin. We had told her how long the induction with Gretchen was, and also shared that we were eager to rush the process along, and for her to not be afraid to turn up the pitocin when it was time. Thankfully, she was just as eager and easily agreed.

The pitocin was started and she cranked it up while we continued to fill out paperwork and get me officially admitted. My parents finally arrived about an hour and a half later, and I was still feeling good. I was having regular contractions, but wasn't making too much progress. I was admitted at a 2 dialation, and it took a while to go up to a three.

I also found out that the doctor that delivered Gretchen, and the one that agreed to do the induction wasn't on call that day. It was a doctor in the group that was my least favorite during my first pregnancy, and I hadn't seen him at all this pregnancy. Thankfully, he came in to check on me around noon and decided to go ahead and break my water. And, I was surprised that I really did like his bedside manner.

After he broke the water the contractions came on stronger, but I didn't think that I would progress as quickly as I did. Because of that, I decided to hold off on any pain meds, plus I wanted to feel some labor since I was induced both times. My nurse and my mother both thought I was crazy, but I wanted to dialate to at least a 4 before I received the epidural.

After 30 minutes of dealing with the pain, I decided to get some pain medicine, which just made me sleepy and a bit dizzy between contractions. After 20-30 minutes of that, I decided it was time for the epidural.

It didn't take too long for the doctor to arrive to place the epidural, but by that time, I was in a ton of pain. I made DJ leave the room, and wanted my mom to help me through the epidural, like she did last time, and after all, she's a labor and delivery nurse herself and does this every day.

During the epidural, I felt a pushing sensation, and it felt like forever for him to get it placed. They layed me down and I continued to feel the pushing sensation. My nurse checked me and I was dialated to a 9. I'm sure I had a crazed look on my face, because I was not ready for things to have progressed that fast, plus the epidural had just been placed. DJ was brought back in to the room and my mom told him that we were about to have a baby.

I remember the nurse calling the doctors office and telling the doctor to get there right away, that there wasn't any time. Throughout this process, I continued to feel the need to push, but my mom warned me not to. I was also in denial that it was happening.

The doctor arrived and it was time to push. I continued to tell them no, because I could still feel everything, but I also had the need to push. Throughout the process I felt like I was not in control at all. People kept telling me to push, but I felt like I didn't know how. With Gretchen, I was so in control of the pushing and worked really hard, but this time, I just wasn't in control at all.

With three contractions, and in about 10 minutes, Megan Claire arrived at 4:09 pm. She weighed 7 lbs 9 oz, and was 21 inches long, and every bit of perfect.

Induction Today

Today is the day that we've been anxiously awaiting for the past 39 weeks. Megan Claire is scheduled to arrive today.

We've been through a hard few months with my husband moving and living 12 hours away, G and I staying behind to finish my work year, and to get our house sold, but there's an end in sight and that feels so good. I didn't think these days would actually arrive.

Yesterday was a normal work day for me (my last until September), and I was so excited to get home and spend time with DJ and G, as a family of three, but also with my mom, stepdad, and grandma. The evening was fairly typical as well.... I took a nap on the couch, we had dinner, finished our 'to-do' list, put G to bed, and watched a movie.

I actually slept well last night and G never crawled into our bed! (She's had to sleep on our floor since my parents are here.) She's actually still asleep on the floor. I woke up a little before 5, because I just couldn't sleep anymore and I knew that my alarm would be going off soon.

It hit me today that I'm going to be the mom of two little girls. That God has entrusted me with their lives. It's pretty overwhelming for that reality to suddenly hit and to know that there is no way to turn back now.

I went ahead and took a shower and my cell phone rang two times- who the heck would call me at 5 am? I refused to answer the phone since I was soaking wet and didn't want to jump out of the shower, and they finally left a voicemail. Once I did get out of the shower, I checked my phone & didn't recognize the number. Upon listening to the voicemail, I quickly realized that I was going to be slightly disappointed- It was the labor and delivery unit letting me know that they had zero rooms. They were booked with people who suddenly decided to deliver last night and still hadn't delivered this morning. They told me that I needed to stay at home and wait for someone to deliver and a room to be prepared.

I woke up DJ who was completly dazed, and just told him to stay in bed. I knew there'd be no way that I could get back to sleep, since I had just taken a shower, so I went ahead and got half way dressed.

So, here I sit. I should be on my way to the hospital right now, but i'm impatiently waiting on the birth of someone else's child, so mine can have her turn.

On the bright side, i'll see Gretchen this morning. I'll get to give her a hug one last time and let her know how much I love her and how much she means to me. She probably won't care, especially since I promised she could watch Snow White today! But, I will.

Most mothers worry about if there will be enough room in their hearts to love two or multiple children. That's never been my worry. I've always known that there would be. My biggest fear is how will this affect Gretchen. Especially with all of the changes we are going through right now. I'm more confident now than I was a few weeks ago that she'll be okay and that she'll adjust to the change fairly well.

So, here I wait. If you're still reading this, say a prayer and wish us luck that M will be born smoothly with no problems, and that she'll be healthy, and that G will adjust well.

Fessin' Up Friday!

I am so glad that today is Friday! I felt like this day would never get here, but it has! And, the best news of all is that I somehow managed to survive the week!

Monday was my most difficult day, as I had 2 case conferences, an evaluation, therapy for two other preschools, and a doctor appointment- but, I did it! The day wasn't as bad as I had dreaded throughout last weekend.

On Monday, I found out that I was dialated between 2-3 cm, and that I was 60% effaced. The doctor went ahead and scheduled our induction for Tuesday morning, the 24th!

All of my IEP's are completed, although there are a few that haven't been finalized, but at least MY information is put in!

As far as preparing for M- The bouncy seat is put together, but still needs batteries, and I was able to wash the carseat (although, it's still not installed), and set up the pac-n-play. I was also able to pack her hospital bag, and make a shopping list of things to get & do this weekend.

However, I have yet to pack my own hospital bag. I'm planning on it tonight, but to be honest, I could go home and go to sleep!

G's big sister gift has been purchased. I ordered her a photo album from Amazon.com and it arrived this week. And, I went ahead and purchased her a pillow pet- she's been asking for one since December, so I know that she'll love her gift from Megan!

I did not get around to making their hair bows though. I wanted to do a new custom bow with a bottle cap center, but they have simple big and lil sis bows that I had previously made, and this way, M's bow won't be too large and overwhelming for her.

So, it's all done- i'm not sure if i'll actually do a make a goal Monday post next week or not-but, I do know that my main goal is to have this baby, and to have her big sister survive it!

Prepping your Fluff

On Mother's Day I was able to spend the afternoon prepping my fluff... well, Megan's fluff, and I can happily say that it is all organized and ready for her arrival!

I promised that I would post my 'how-to's' when it came to washing and preparing your cloth diaper stash, and yes, I'm finally getting around to it.

First up.... the prefolds. As, I mentioned before, these scared the crap out of me, and other than the lengthened prep time, I'm looking forward to using these the most. In order to prep your prefolds, simply boil them in a pot of water with a drop of blue dawn. I boiled mine for about 30 minutes, but my pot only held about 3 diapers. I probably could've squeezed in 4, but I was nervous. After they were boiled, I just threw them in the sink to drain a little bit, and waited until my entire prefold stash was boiled. Then, I did one regular wash cycle with hot water and 1 tablespoon of the Rockin Green detergent, and threw them in the dryer.

I purchased non-bleach Indian prefolds from Little Lions. You can also get them from Cotton Babies for $1.00 each.

I then sorted my pocket diapers. I went ahead and washed the microfiber inserts with the diapers and pre-fold covers, but I plan on washing them seperately once they're soiled. Make sure that you secure the velcro tab covers before you place them in the washer.

First, you'll run a cold/cold wash cycle with detergent. (I used 1 tbsp. of Rockin' Green)

Next, run a hot/cold wash cycle with detergent.

Then, you'll run an extra rinse. Thankfully, I can add this on to my hot/cold cycle without adding an extra step for myself. But, you'll also want to make sure that all of the suds and bubbles are gone. If they aren't, then go ahead and run more rinse cycles.

Next, I threw everything in the dryer. I found that my covers and pocket diapers dried the quickest. I had to dry the microfiber inserts at least 1-2 more times before they were fully dry. Had it been a sunny day, I probably would've dried these outside rather than in the dryer.

Once I was finished with the washing/drying process, I sorted everything. I placed the inserts that were larger in a box to be used later (and for moving purposes), then I sized my fuzzi bunz down to their smallest setting, and stuffed each one with an insert. I also folded all of the prefolds. All of the larger diapers, went in a box as well, to be unpacked once we move.

The diapers that I plan on trying out while we are still here, are unpacked and organized in a large wicker basket.

The process wasn't as intimidating as I thought it would be. Although, it did take a good four hours of my day to prep/boil the prefolds, sort and seperate, seperate and sort again (after drying), size and stuff, and put away. I don't anticipate it taking me that long in the future.

Hope this helps you in prepping your own cloth diaper stash!

June Bow of the Month Club

Members of the Bow of the Month Club are receiving this adorable 'daddy's girl' boutique hair bow for the month of June!

Members have exclusive access to a custom hair piece each month, as well as other discounts, and special offers!

If you're not a member, you can easily sign up by emailing me (elainewelte(at)gmail(dot)com)

Here are the details:

You will receive 1 bow per month (it could be a holiday theme, or a basic solid color bow). These bows will be a surprise bow (no custom orders allowed), and may vary from month to month. (layered, single, clips, sculptured clips, characters, etc.)

All bows will come on an alligator clip, unless otherwise requested.Payment should be made through paypal. Payments will be received up front, and your bow will arrive in the mail by the 15th of each month.

Shipping is included in the prices listed below. I will not ship to any other address, only those that are noted in the paypal payments. I will be taking 2 months off this year, as our 2nd child is due- you will receive those 2 bows in May or in July. You will not receive a bow in June (that bow will be sent at an earlier/later date) and the month received will be due to my discression.

You can choose from any of the following plans:

3 months: $ 20.00

4 months: $ 24.00

5 months: $ 30.00

6 months: $ 36.00

1 year: $ 60.00

Wipe Case

I finally had time to sit down and make a wipe case for baby Megan! I love how it turned out, and it's super feminine, which is just what I wanted!

I chose a yellow floral fabric to cover the wipe case. I added a pink ruffled ribbon across the top and an oval 'bling' piece woven through the ribbon.

The sides are trimmed in the same ruffled ribbon.

The wipe case is now in the diaper bag, ready to be used!

Life Lately

I don't really have too much to share, as life seems somewhat uneventful at home, but I did want to post some new pictures of G for our family & for her daddy. The weather has been nice lately (actually it's a sweltering 90 degrees here, which is hot for Indiana this time of year) and we've been able to play outside more. We just wish the bees and wasps would go away!

I think G is having fun with her great-grandma, even though she told me that she doesn't like her anymore! But, when I came home yesterday, they were having a great time! G had drew me several pictures and told me that she put on a ballet show for her great-grandma.

She looks full of sass in the photo above... i'm just glad she's finally come around and has realized I really do only have 1 baby in my belly, but she's still told me that she would be sad if there really was only 1. She wants twins, and it appears that she'd be perfectly happy if 1 of the twins was a baby doll.

I can't believe that she'll be an only child for only a few more days. I think I finally decided on her 'big sister' present, and I'm praying that the adjustment for her will be much easier than I anticipate!