I am Single Mom Driving, and I am currently in bed, surrounded by sleeping children. We are in a hotel - our last hotel of this crazy journey. I have loved and appreciated all of the kind words and thoughts sent out to my kids and I over the last 25 days.
I have been horrible at keeping baby books, or even printing pictures over the years, but these adventures -- these are my memories that I want to hold on to forever.
My friends and I span all walks of the education spectrum. While I am homeschooling my tribe through co-ops and at home, some of my nearest and dearest send their little ones to public, private, motessori, and waldorf schools. Some even -gasp- unschool their children. A few of us were chatting about our almost 3 year olds and the outrageous expectations placed on them in our current education system. One friend told us that she was signing her son up this year for a ‘Nature Preschool.’ The rest of us thought she was talking about a fancy new preschool in the city that may have a more elaborate nature-inspired playground. And then she pulled up this fabulous website. And then our jaws dropped.
It’s Mother’s Day weekend, and while we are all elbow deep in mimosas and fancy brunches -or laundry and dirty diapers, I think we need to take a minute to celebrate our mom friendships. You see, I truly believe that ‘The Village’ is alive and well! The modern village may not be the same as THE village that everyone is always talking about, but like most things in life – it has evolved. Today’s village consists of tens of thousands of tribes, each one strong and supportive. While tribes may see things differently, as a whole, the village is a force to be reckoned with. So this Mother’s Day, let’s take a moment to be thankful for our tribe, whether it be large or small – brand new or two decades old. The people who lift us up, support us through it all, withhold judgement, vent frustrations and celebrate successes. Those we can depend on; those we view as extended family.
Another sad story has been crossing our newsfeed. When a child dies, it strikes a cord in all of us. It is a hard realization to make when you hear of such tragedy.
A grieving family in Missouri, is mourning the loss of their four month old son, Gannon. He was born six weeks too early, and weighed in at just three pounds. He spent time in the NICU before going home, but seemed to be healthy and typical from that point on.
Ms. Koehler, Gannon's mother, sensed something was wrong when Gannon didn't wake crying in his room one morning. At 9:30am, she walked in to find Gannon unresponsive. She prayed for a miracle as he was transferred to the Children's Hospital.
Gannon had a significant loss of oxygen which caused him to lose all brain function.
At this point, a decision needed to be made. Both Gannon's mother and father decided to use this tragedy to help - by donating their child's organs.
Eight long tentacles and a smile that can brighten any room, Susan the Octopus is a fun loving animal of the ocean! She can make friends with any passing squid, and is always ready for a celebration. Spending her days sun-bathing near the top of the water, Susan enjoys watching the families on the beach in front of her. She often likes to swim just close enough to feel their presence, but not so close that she scares them. Susan has a secret: she longs for her own family to build sandcastles with. One day, Susan was relaxing in the waves and enjoying a brunch with her fish friends as she heard something from the beach ahead. A panicked yelling from what Susan knew had to be a mother. She could not find her small child anywhere, and the lifeguards were beginning to search the waters. Susan knew she could help. She dropped her prawns and went completely still. She tried to tune everything else out and listened for a sign of the child. In the distance, Susan heard a faint “Mama” cry, but more intensely she heard a pounding heartbeat. She sprung into action.
What? Bedtime at your house is delightful? BULL. You wouldn’t be reading this if that were the truth. We have experienced “Bedtime Hell” for the last 6 years. My children do not fall asleep alone, stay asleep, sleep through the night, or any of that other crap that sleep trained kids do. Hell, my kids still sleep with us 50-75% of the night, on any given night. (Did you read my post on bed sharing?) About 7:30pm each night, my husband casually asks, “Hey, are you going to start putting kids to bed?” And then I give him THE LOOK. You know what I’m talking about… that look of death, like, “Why in the bloody hell can you not do bedtime E.V.E.R.” (oh, because you either fall asleep WITH the children or BEFORE the children.)
'Tis the season for making goals that are never kept. Let’s change that this year. You may not keep every resolution, but there are a few ways to break down and prioritize the list of things you’d like to add into your life (or delete from it!).
Small Business Saturday: Beginning in 2010, Small Business Saturday encouraged shoppers across the country to shop local and support small businesses. By 2014, it is estimated that people are catching on. They are voting with their dollars. $14.3 billion was spent last year on this wonderful day – at small, independently owned businesses!
I just wanted to say THANK YOU! I love your products and the shipping is always fast. Also, thank you for all the extras you send with the shipments. The quality of your items is always the best! Thank you!
Tom Costas
4/10/2025
★★★★★
Totally recommend 100% great gifts and customer service is amazing. Thank you so much Breann for assisting me! I got my grandmother the angel bear singing happy birthday from her mother who passed away last year. She would always call and sing happy birthday to all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. ALL of them. Never missed one. And this helped her to still have that last year and many years to come.
Kayla
3/15/2023
★★★★★
Where to begin. My son Davin was stillborn last year and I was for fortunate enough to have had his heart beat recorded. I found healing in taking My Heartbeat Bear animals and adding weight to them for other bereaved parents to have something special to hold and cuddle. I’ve since started a non profit called Our Baby’s Legacy for pregnancy and infant loss support, and these weighted animals are a big part of what we do. The product My Baby Heartbeat Bear makes is really great quality, which is extra important for me considering they may become some parents most cherished possessions after their loss. The animals are super soft and I absolutely love the vintage design where they are floppy and cuddly, and just the perfect size. I also love that there are so many choices, I’m always touched by why one parent chooses one over the other. Seems like a small feature, but to be able to choose a cow because thief nursery was to be barnyard themed, or a bunny bc their baby was born in the spring, is something very special. I also have found working with the company to be a wonderful experience. Sheldon is who interact with most. When first setting up my account he offered a free sample and has since sent me samples of other items by them. I’ve had to call and add last minute animals to my order or request they be processed ASAP and he and the other staff have always been very accommodating. I can’t say enough about how easy they make my job. they don’t likely know it but they are making a massively positive impact in the bereavement community with these animals through Our Baby’s Legacy. The animals bring light and comfort into the lives of an otherwise dark and broken place.
Sarah
10/22/2019
★★★★★
I own at 3D ultrasound studio in Myrtle Beach SC and everyone LOVES this heartbeat buddies! They are so soft and cuddly and I love all of the vintage inspired ones. Thanks so much for such a great product for my expectant mamas!
Whitney
7/17/2019
★★★★★
I ordered the gender reveal "egg" frame for my daughter and her husband to use this past weekend and everyone just LOVED it! Everything in the shop is just AWESOME! I have a feeling I'll be ordering more things very soon. Thanks so much.
Toni
4/10/2019
★★★★★
I love my pink bear. 💜 it have it on display in my daughter's room. she loves listening to her heart heart from when I was carrying her 5 years ago.
Brianda
1/16/2019
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