Highlighting a local 3D/4D Business Owner

In today's economy, relationship and experience is "key" to keeping business and bringing in new business. I have had the pleasure of utilizing the Look Who's Kickin Ultrasounds in Wesley Chapel (back then it was in Lutz) during the pregnancy of my 4th child. Over time, I have continued my relationship with the owner of that location, Erica Hoskins. I actually now work for her on a part time basis scheduling pregnant mommies ultrasound appointments. What a fun job I have fallen upon!

I love to hear business owner's stories and why they do what they do. Erica actually started 4 years ago after receiving her Associate in Science and then spent another 6 month internship at the Women's Group to focus on OB/GYN. Since 2004, she has performed close to 6000 scans in the field of OB/GYN for both diagnostic and at Look Who's Kickin Ultrasounds for keepsake scans.

Erica is the owner and operator of the Look Who's Kickin Ultrasounds in Wesley Chapel. I asked her what a pregnant mom should ask when finding a 3D/4D ultrasound location prior to having one? Are there any regulations?

• There are no current regulations when it comes to 3D/4D ultrasound businesses. Anyone can buy a machine and open their doors to scan pregnant mommies.


• How long have you been in business?


• Do you have a redo policy? If so, what is it?


• If you find something wrong, then what?


• Why choose a ultrasound studio instead of just having it at your Dr's office?

She was great to provide a list of questions so I then asked her the same questions.

• Since there are no regulations in this industry what makes you different? Erica replied, "My customers can feel confident that my location is owned and operated by a certified sonographer. My staff is also certified and currently working in the OB/GYN market outside of my office. I also have a GE Voluson ultrasound machine. This is the Golden Standard in the 3D/4D ultrasounds."


• How long have you been in business? "Look Who's Kickin was created over 5 years ago and was the first in our area. We has since branched out to add locaions that are individually owned and operated. I have had my ultrasound studio for over 3 years."


• What is your re-do policy? "We offer free re-do's on regular price packages."


• If you find something wrong, then what? "Since we are trained sonographers, moms can feel confident in our skills. If we happen to see something out of the ordinary, we contact our on staff medical director with our findings. Our medical director then contacts the patients medical doctor."


• Why have this at an ultrasound studio instead of the OB office? "We have found that in some cases, we are less expensive than having the 4D ultrasound performed in the OB's office. We have a relaxing spa like atmosphere and are paid to spend time with the couple."
  

This is such a exciting time in a pregnant couples lives. I had Erica perform my gender at 16 weeks for my last child. I also did the deluxe package at 30 weeks. I find myself looking at his pictures and remembering how it was while he was still in my belly. I captured all those precious memories. As we all know, you can't do that moment in time over. From one mommy (in my case a mommy of 4) to another, Look Who's Kickin Ultrasounds in Wesley Chapel is stop along your pregnancy that you don't want to miss!

For more information, contact them directly at 813-909-8080 or http://www.lookwhoskickin.com/.

(I have shared one of my special pictures from my 30 week scan.)

Maternity Clothes On Sale up to 70% Off

With the state of the economy and so many families having to cut corners when they can, what does a girl do that is pregnant? Reality is that you do need maternity clothes longer than just a few months. I am a mom of 4 children and with the first, I was dying to get into maternity clothes immediately. With the rest of them, I held off as much as I could. The designer maternity clothes that I purchased while pregnant with baby #3, still look BRAND NEW after baby #4. With my 1st two pregnancies, I shopped at maternity chain stores and found myself rebuying the same type of items. They didn't hold up or shrunk after a few washes.

Maternity bottoms are a necessity when pregnant. Wasting money on larger sizes of non-maternity clothes that we hope to never wear, not a great investment either. Pregnant moms would make out better in the long run with investing in maternity bottoms that they can wear from the beginning and after baby arrives. Find a cute maternity tops that you love and make you feel like the "old" you. If you accessorize, you can do a lot with a few basic maternity pieces in your wardrobe.

HSTMaternity.com has been working with pregnant mommies since 2003 and is clearing out their warehouse to make room for new styles. Take advantage of the maternity outlet pricing on designer maternity clothing and accessories. No coupon needed. Make sure to check out their clearance on maternity clothes up to 70% off.

A part time job for stay at home moms

I have the pleasure of working with a new misses swimsuit and beach cover up line that will be debuting for Cruise and Spring 2010. The designer has been in business for over 10 years now and after numerous customer request, she is expanding her line to misses swimwear.

Bella Bum will be sold in stores accross the country and also marketed in a home-party atmosphere. Stay at home moms, or moms looking to earn extra income can earn money by doing trunk shows. This is a great opportunity to start at the ground floor.

If you are interested in hearing more about starting your business and working from home, please contact sherri@nicolematernity.com for more information.

Easy Mac and Cheese by Kraft Foods~ Life Saver in a Pinch!

I was sent a sample of the Easy Mac and Cheese Dinner by Kraft Foods to try and see what I thought. I put it aside and said that I would eventually try it. With 4 kids in the house ranging from 16 months to 9 years old. We usually make 1-2 boxes of the normal size mac and cheese for one sitting.

I needed something quick and easy for the baby while at my mother in law's this weekend for a birthday party. I threw the pack into the diaper bag and went. My 1 year old did not want the food that was served but I knew that Mac and Cheese was on his approved list. I followed the directions and was a little skeptical about how it would turn out.

It was very easy and tasted almost as good as the box mac and cheese I make on the stove. All I needed was a spoon to fed him. No mess to clean up or measuring spoons. I would definately recommend this to moms that are on the go.

For the Babies & Toddlers Who LOVE Puppies

I have blogged about maternity related products and was asked to give my opinion on AdoraPet Puppies video. The video details mentions for all ages. With 4 enthusiastic kids (9,7,5 and 15 months) ready to try this out with me. The music is very relaxing. It features 4 adorable puppies; hence the name AdoraPet Puppies. My older kids were waiting for something to happen as they watched the puppies play by themselves or all together. This reminds me alot of the Einstein videos. My 15 month old LOVED it! He pointed at the screen, clapped his hands together in excitement. The funniest was to watch him jump up and down in his spider man chair as he watched then jump up and dance. It was so nice to see a smile on his face as he watched.

I would recommend this for small children. My 5,7 and 9 year old lost interest after a few minutes.

If you would like your product reviewed, please contact me. I would love to put my 2 cents in.

Info about product:

AdoraPet Puppies

2009 Seal of Excellence by Creative Child Magazine

http://www.adorapet.com/

$14.99

Are you pregnant and due between February 24th to March 9, 2009?

Here is a great way to earn extra money while pregnant. I strongly recommend the Look Who's Kickin Ultrasounds in Wesley Chapel Florida for their maternity spa that offers 3d/4d ultrasounds. I was contacted and they are looking for pregnant mommies due between February 24th to March 9th 2009. Look Who's Kickin Ultrasounds is owned by a licensed sonographer and works with pregnant mommies both in their maternity spa and in a OB/GYN office for diagnostic testing. To contine their education with new technology and testing, they are looking for expecting moms.

Please see the posting below:

EXPECTING MOTHERS

We are looking for six (6) pregnant mothers with
DUE DATES between Feb. 24 and March 9, 2010

We will be performing a state of the art ultrasound training session for early detection of genetic abnormalities in the first trimester.

This educational training course will be at the

Look Who's Kickin Ultrasounds in Wesley Chapel
2533 Windguard Cr. #102
Wesley Chapel, Fl 33543

Monday: August 24th, 2009
10:00 am-1:00pm

If you qualify to participate, you will receive a $50 Visa gift card for your participation as well as a Special 4D Ultrasound Discount for later in your pregnancy!!

For reservations and more info:
813-909-8080

Cord Blood Banking

As an expectant parent you have so many decisions to make, products and services to research. Finding the best stroller within in your budget is a tough decision. One decision that is commonly overlooked is whether or not to bank your babies cord blood.

I do birthing classes in my town and so many parents have never heard of cord blood banking. I have 4 children. Yes i said 4! They are 9,7,5 & 13 months old. I first heard something when i was pregnant with my 3rd child and really didn't research it. With my last child, it was something that i wanted to check into. We knew that we were not having anymore children and didn't want to pass on something that could possibly benefit my entire family.

What is so special about your newborn's cord blood?

• The newborn's umblicial cord blood is a valuable source of non-controversial stem cells. Cord blood stem cells, like bone marrow stem cells, are free of political and ethical debate.



• The benefits of cord blood stem cells are clear- cord blood has already saved thousands of lives and medical researchers are now exploring potential new uses for conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
  


• Currently have been successfully used in the treatment of 70 life-threatening diseases
  


• Perfect match for the baby and may also provide potential treatment for other family members as well.

(Information taken from ViaCord's website at www.Viacord.com)

What to look for in a collection and storage company.

• Financial stability of the company. In today's economy, we really need to fully research our options before making our decision



• Where the cord blood is stored? You want to make sure that it is not in an area that is succeptable to natural disasters. Such as flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.



• What is the company doing to advance what our babies cord blood can be used for?



• Price is always important but remember, the cheapest is not always the best
  
  Now that you have the questions, now what do you do? The world wide web is a vast wealth of information. You can google, "cord blood banking" and will come up with many websites including the companies that collect and store your blood for you.
  

As I mentioned, I banked my babies cord blood. I personally choose ViaCord. I had the opportunity of meeting the Account Manager for the area that I live in. She asked me if I was going to bank? I said no, and that started me thinking why am I not at least going to look into this. After researching the companies, I choose ViaCord. My husband and I had many discussions of whether to spend the money or not. He is a research chemist in a pharmaceutical company. This is what I found out about ViaCord from a regular mom's perspective.

• The company is publicly owned and is financially sound. They have been in the leader in cord blood perservation and research since 1993.



• The blood is stored outside of a major airport hub in Cinncinnati in a state of the art cryopreservation facility.



• I believe that Viacord is the only cord blood preservation companies that have a dedicated team to further research with cord blood.
  


• Pricing is competitive and in line with the CBR. What swayed my decision was the research done in house by ViaCord. That showed my family that they were dedicated to expanding the technology of cord blood. If you are in the medical profession or active military, there may be additional savings.



• They offer a baby registery. You can have family and friends donate towards the cost of your banking.



• My OB was very educated on ViaCord and recommended that I check into it before my delivery date.

Whether you are expecting your first child and on your 4th life myself, this is a very important decision. For more information or to view a short presentation of cord blood banking, you can visit www.brainshark.com/viacord/Sherri_Spaw.

I currently have $400 OFF Coupons that expire mid June. If your are interested, please email me at slspaw@verizon.net for more information.

Pregnant & what to wear for the holiday parties?

Before we know it the Christmas parties will begin. If you are pregnant, this is not a fun time. You may already be worried or upset with the growing wasteline or what is left of your waistline. I have GREAT NEWS for you! Maternity fashions have changed from 10 years ago and designers are keeping up with current trends.

The best style for pregnant moms are either things that stretch or a A-line cut. A-line cuts, you need to be worried more with the bustline than the waistline. Look for free flowing fabrics that are forgiving. Some style dresses can we taken in after baby for a whole new look.

Enjoy the holidays and feel confident in the body that you have been given while carrying your baby.

To find more dresses like the ones shown, visit www.HSTMaternity.com

Her Special Time Maternity Now Opens By Appt Only in Wesley Chapel, Florida

Calling all Tampa Bay Pregnant Hip Mommas!

Her Special Time Maternity Boutique closed their retail store front in 2007 and has continued to run as a exclusive online maternity boutique since at http://www.hstmaternity.com/. They have had so many Tampa pregnant moms call wanting to know when and where they would re-open. As of December 2008, they will be showing their maternity collections at Look Who's Kickin Ultrasound in Wesley Chapel on an Appointment Only basis. You can still shop the top maternity designers close to home.

Here is how it will work: Check out the website at http://www.hstmaternity.com/. You will call their customer service line at 813-907-2727 to schedule a day and time. The Tampa pregnant moms will view the website and let the stylist know what type of items they are looking for. Those items will be available for viewing and trying on during the scheduled appointment. Some things are internet exclusive items only and are shipped directly from the designers warehouse.

A great solution for the fashionable pregnant momma. If motherhood maternity or Target is not your cup of tea, then give them a call for your private viewing and fitting.

You can call either Look Who's Kickin Ultrasound in Wesley Chapel 813-909-8080 or Her Special Time Maternity directly at 813-907-2727 to schedule your appointment.

Maternity Swimsuits

It is cooling off and you have a vacation coming up. What do you do when the stores have already removed the maternity swimsuits from the sales floor. Don't worry! You can find maternity swimsuits on line 12 months out of the year. There is one maternity designer, Nicole Michelle that produces swimsuits all year around.

Many maternity swimsuits look like regular swimsuits! You can wear them while pregnant and after baby arrives. I know personally, my son is 5 months old and I still like to cover the left over baby belly up.

Whether you are looking for a triangle top swimsuit or a bandeau style, http://www.hstmaternity.com/ will be able to help.

3D/ 4D Ultrasounds

From the moment you find out that there are 2 blue lines on the pregnancy test, you start dreaming of what this little peanut looks like. Or at least, I did. Technology has changed over the last 8 years. With my first baby who was born in 2000, I had 1 ultrasound at 20 weeks pregnant. That was only chance to get that blurred black and white view of the child that I was carrying.

Flash forward 8 years. I had the pleasure of experiencing a 3/4D Ultrasound with my youngest child. Who knew that I could opt out of the amino test and have a ultrasound at 16 weeks pregnant. The 16 week test was to rule out birth defects. I of course wanted to know if there were any problems with the baby, but secretly I wanted to know if I was having a baby girl. I already had 1 girl (8) and 2 sons (5 & 3). The tech couldn't tell me for sure what I was having. I was ready to clean out the baby stuff and get rid of clutter in my home.

I contacted Erica at Look Who's Kickin Ultrasounds in Lutz. She told me to come in and we would take a peek. Within a few moments, I saw that I was having another BOY! Another son, I was really in for it! Just to see him on the big screen and in color and 4D was amazing. He was still a little peanut at that time. Maybe a 1/2 pound.

This was just a tease for me and I had to go when he was more fully developed. I scheduled a ultrasound at 28 weeks. I took my children so they could meet their new baby brother. They saw mommies belly expanding but really couldn't put things together. My in laws went and my husband. I was amazing to see Caleb on the screen moving around and dealing with hiccups. The kids were so happy to see the baby that would soon be here. It was finally real. Erica at Look Who's Kickin wanted me to come back at 30 weeks once he was a little fatter. I had no problem taking another peek at my last baby. He looked just like my other 2 sons. Identical that is!My in-laws were in awe and were so happy that they could experience this with us.

At 30 weeks, I went in for another sneak peek and Caleb was indeed chunkier and worked with the sonographer to get the perfect pictures. I left each visit with a CD of the baby, pictures and priceless moments with my unborn child. This is a luxury item of course, but once the baby arrives, this is not something you can go back and have a do over on.

When checking in your own geographic area for a ultrasound sonographer, you might consider the following.

• Are they licensed as a sonographer or just someone who bought into a franchise and opened the doors.
• Have they previously worked in the field with pregnant women? They may see something that you want your OB to check into. You will have a CD to take to the OB.

I was able to capture a moment in time with my unborn child. I was able to see all the curves in his face long before I could hold in my arms. This is definitely something I will treasure forever. A special thank you from the bottom of my heart and belly to Look Who's Kickin in Lutz. If you want more information, please call 813-909-8080 or visit http://www.lookwhoskickin.com/.

Pregnant & Getting Married~

OK. Let's face it. Life doesn't always go according to our plans or the way we would like to have them. Statics show that 4 out of every 10 brides are pregnant. That is almost 1/2 of the brides! So you are planning your dream wedding and surprise, your family is going to grow sooner than you were planning. Going to places like David's Bridal is not necessarily going to work with you and your growing belly. Don't fret thou, there are alternatives for you.

There are maternity designers that specialize in maternity wedding dresses. Yes, I said "Maternity Wedding Dresses." Reality. You are looking for a dress in a short time frame and can't really wait for one to come in within 3-5 months. I have had the pleasure of working with many pregnant moms who were in this same situation. The Internet is a great place to find your perfect wedding dress in a short matter of time.

Somethings to know ahead of time.

1. Date of the event

2. Your current measurements

3. What style you are leaning towards

4. How your body is changing with this pregnancy

Most Internet websites that sell maternity wedding dresses are Final Sale items. This is due to the fact that this is a speciality item and usually cut to order. This would be the same as going into a bridal shop and ordering your non maternity wedding gown.

You know how your body is changing and how you look in certain types of clothes. If you don't wear things with no sleeves now, don't think that you will feel any different with your wedding dress. There are so many beautiful maternity formal wear dresses. Don't feel like you have to have a white or ivory dress either. You can find maternity wedding dresses from $168 on up online at http://www.hstmaternity.com/. They have been selling maternity wedding dresses and maternity formal wear since 2004. Contact the retailer or e-tailer and ask questions before you order the dress. If you are unsure of the size, ask before ordering and not after the fact. This is a problem if it is a Final Sale item.

Getting married and having a baby all together can be stressful but very exciting in the same time. Enjoy these joyous occasions and don't let the small stuff stress you out.

Notes from the Under Belly~

Half way through the pregnancy with baby #4, I realized people say the craziest things! From the moment I found out that we had another baby on the way, the comment (positive and negative) along with the unsolicited advice never seems to cease.



Don’t get me wrong, a new baby is a special time in a couples lives and such a miracle from above. I am one of those crazy women you actual enjoy being pregnant! I have my days like everyone else, but the good days by far out weight the not so great days.

My favorite comments are from the baby boomer and older population. I guess it has been awhile since they have had their babies, and the actual facts have escaped their minds a little. Like a baby being potty trained at 9 months! Give me a break. Their kids were brillant or mine are just really slow~

When I found out that my hubby and I were in deed not finished with expanding our family, we told our family members.

My mom always said “if you didn’t have something nice to say, then keep it to yourself.”

Here are a few of the initial remarks I heard & my initial thoughts I kept to myself:

• “Do you know by now how that happens?”- I think by having baby #4 on the way we do!


• “What are you going to do now?” -Well I don’t know. Do I need to send back one of my other kids?


• “Can you really afford it?” – We always seem to make it work.

As my belly has grown, so have the remarks:

• “Wow you are really big for 9 weeks. Is there twins?”- I am not in my 20’s anymore and this is the 4th kid. Muscles do stretch!


• “Can I make a wish?”- Can I rub your belly and make a wish?


• “How much weight have you gained?”- It is not polite to ask a woman how much she weighs pregnant or not!


• Are you due any day now? - No I still have 12 more weeks and thanks for noticing
  

Pregnancy is a special time in a women’s life. We try and enjoy every moment good or bad as it comes. Take the crazy comments in stride and if you are bold enough, where your thoughts on your shirt for the world to see! I Did!

To see more maternity personality t shirt brands, visit http://www.hstmaternity.com/. You will find Molly Anna Maternity, Cry Baby Maternity, Rock Star Moms, Merry Go Round to name a few.

Maternity & Baby Open House at Carmen Wilson Studio

As a Parent Educator with ViaCord. I have teamed up with a well known local photographer, Carmen Wilson to host a Open House for pregnant moms.

We welcome all the mommies-to-be in the Greater Bay Area to attend a

Maternity and Baby Open House at Carmen Wilson's Studio

October 19th from Noon to 4pm.

Come and meet mom and baby minded professionals.

There is no cost involved and the best part is it is FREE & open to the public. You could win hundreds of dollars in prizes. If you are interested in receiving the electronic version of the open house postcard, please visit, http://www.babynmaternity.com/ and email me.

Some of the following field experts or mommy businesses attending:

Maternity and Baby Photography in the Tampa Bay Area

Cord Blood Banking with ViaCord

3D Ultrasounds

Doula services

Birthing Center

Maternity and Baby Boutiques

We would love for you to stop by!

Breastfeed or not to Breastfeed?

This is the question that many first time or even 2nd or 3rd time mommies face right before baby arrives. When it comes to breastfeeding, you need to remember that it takes a GOOD 6 weeks for you and baby to get the hang of things. Some babies are pros from the get go, while others take a little work and alot of patience.

A few questions to ask yourself:

1. Do I want to breastfeed or do I want to formula feed? Only you can make that decision. Don't let the fear of the unknown swing your decision either way. Studies show that any breastmilk is better than not receiving any at all.

2. Do I have a support system? This is KEY in successfully breastfeeding your baby. You need to have your husband or who ever will be the primary helper in caring for the baby. You need them to remind you that you CAN do it!

I constantly hear from the older generation the following comments:

* Your milk is no good, he is always eating.

* I never had enough to feed mine.

* Give him a bottle, you need your rest.

My comments would be:

I have learned that my milk is fine and baby is gaining weight like a champ. Caleb just happens to be a snacker instead of a baby at the breast for long sessions of nursing.

Every women has enough milk to feed their babies. It is all supply and demand. The more you feed, the more you produce. We often get scared since our breast do not have hash marks like the bottle. Fact is that a baby can empty a breast as fast as a bottle.

I choose not to give a bottle, I run a company from home and nursing is so easy once you get the hang of it. You should try nursing laying down. Very relaxing!

3. How do i nurse in public? There are many different options for breastfeeding moms to try or use for this purpose. I have created the Under Wraps Nursing Poncho for this reason. I needed something that did not let my left over baby belly hang out and draw attention to myself. The bib style just did not cut it for me. The Under Wraps Nursing Poncho is very light weight and breathable fabric. I have nursed in church, family events, at the beach and the list goes on. Most people have no idea that I have a baby underneath having his dinner.

4. Do I need to buy anything for breastfeeding? Depending on your lifestyle, you may want to invest in a good breastpump. I would personally recommend the Medela line. I have had my same pump since 2000 and it is now on the 4th baby. Worth the money! I would also recommend nursing bras. There are so many new ones out there. You will be wearing them all the time. Go ahead and spend the money on ones that last. From my experience working in the maternity industry the last 5 years, nursing tops are not really neccessary. You can wear your favorite top and utilize the same nursing cover up or nursing poncho 24/7.

No matter what you choose for your baby, a mother always does what is best!

For more information about the Under Wraps Nursing Poncho, please visit, www.Victorialaurin.com.