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I asked a group of moms: “What was the best baby shower gift you remember getting that you did NOT register for?”

They came up with some great answers!  Here’s what the Mom’s are saying:

1. The Wubbanub

I’m putting this one first, because not only did one of the moms in the group I asked mention it – but this was given to me for our son and it was the BEST.GIFT.EVER!

It doesn’t get lost like the other ones.

Babies can find it on their own when they lose it at night because of how big it is.

It doesn’t fall out of the crib that often – again because of the size.

And, “baby ducky”, is my son’s favorite toy, object of comfort in the whole world!  He is four and even though we have removed the pacifier from it, he still sleeps with “baby ducky” every night!

“Baby Ducky” was not on our registry.  Matt’s aunt bought it for us.  I am still so grateful to Aunt Suzanne!

2. Baby food bowls and spoons

This too is on the top of the list because it was another gift I did not think to register for, but was grateful I received.  Another mom said the same.

We still use these bowls, and sometime even the spoons!

3. FridaBaby Nasal Aspirator

This was a very popular answer.  I had never even heard of it!  Apparently this is an awesome gift!  Check it out – it’s a best seller on Amazon, and included as an Amazon Prime purchase!

4. Child Go-Pod

This one another suggestion from a mom that I had never seen – but instantly know why it’s awesome!  How often a mom brings her baby to a house that is not “baby-proof”.  This is so perfect to have in the car and it folds up so compactly!  The big ones we all register for are not fitting out the door or in the car without taking them completely apart!  Great gift!

5. Aden and Anais Blankets

Apparently these blankets are worth the investment.  Great for swaddling, light weight, and tend to be used for everything  – up until baby is 3!

6. Baby’s First Christmas Ornament

This is another gift we were given and someone else mentioned.  It’s so awesome comparing how much bigger his hand is every year when we hang it up!  There are other options for Baby’s First Christmas ornaments on Amazon too – my favorites are the Hallmark Ornament (we got this for our son in 2013 – it was a Rocking Horse) the shoe one this year is also adorable! And the Lenox Rudolph is also really cute!

7. Zipper Sheets

It’s like someone is giving you sleep as a gift.  This is the best invention ever.  When you are already sleep deprived – and baby wet through her diaper.  Oh my goodness – quick and easy.  And honestly, changing crib sheets should be counted as going to the gym.  Genius invention.  Although the link above would be ideal, if they are not in your budget, here is a more affordable buy: QuickZip Crib Extra

8. Bath Books

Some moms mentioned books.  I added the bath books.  I never used them in the bath – but my son just LOVED holding them, looking at them and, yes, chewing on them.  I would have never thought to register for these books, but I was so grateful we were given some.  Any other book in his teething days couldn’t have been played with as much.  He would love those books all day long and that was fine with me!  Here are a few cute ones available on Amazon:

Sassy Book Set; Sassy First Sounds Book Set and Sesame Street Elmo’s World Books

9. Canvas/Fabric Storage Bin filled with STUFF

These bins are GREAT!  I kept diapers in them.  I use them for shoes.  Another mom said she got one and now puts her daughters legos in it. Here are some of the moms suggestions to put in the bin for an awesome gift:

• Little Remedies Kit
• American Red Cross Healthcare Kit
• Gift Certificate for Mom to get a massage, or a pedicure and manicure (this was a very popular answer!!)
• Photographer/Photo Club gift card – many photographers sell “baby’s first year” packages and moms LOVE this gift!
• Happiest Baby on the Block book
• Bath Rinser
• Lil’ Prayer Buddy

10. Hire a Cleaning Lady/Man or Service 

A few of the moms said they had this given to them and they couldn’t have been more grateful!  I gotta say – THAT is an awesome gift!

Now see Volume 2!!!! 10 MORE Baby Shower Gifts Not on Her Registry (that should be)!

What would you add to the list? Please share!

The post The 10 Best Baby Shower Gifts NOT on Her Registry appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

We know you are facing one of life’s unexpected challenges. Please do not give up hope.

For Matt and I, we both faced many challenges before we met.  One was the challenge of wondering:  will we ever find someone to share our life with?

Then we found one another, and were eager to start a family right away. And life through us another unexpected challenge. We did not give up hope when becoming parents did not come easily or quickly.

Matt and I believe that hope is so important.

We hope you pray about this decision and find peace in those prayers.

We hope you find people to talk to that really listen and show you all of your options.

We hope you dream of a happy future.

We hope you consider us when choosing a life for your child.

We are a very faithful Catholic couple. We truly believe God has a plan for us, for you and for your baby. We were blessed with a little boy through adoption, who will be a gentle and loving big brother. He loves making people laugh.

We know you are facing one of life’s unexpected challenges. Please do not give up hope. Please consider Matt and I when choosing parents for this child. The love and joy we have waiting in our hearts can not be expressed in words. It will shine through in huge smiles, lots of hugs and plenty of fun adventures and everyday blessings.

Our dream is to have children who make happy memories together through their childhood, and become the best of friends into adulthood and throughout their entire lives. We find joy in just making each other laugh every day. We plan trips to the beach every year. Being with other people is always on the calendar, and thankfully, we have a loving family and a large group of friends that allow us to always have something to look forward too.

We feel compelled to share our love and blessings with another child. 

We are so glad you made the brave decision to consider adoption for your baby.

We feel honored that you listened to our story.  We hope you found comfort in our words.  

Hold on to hope!

Sincerely,

Amy and Matt

We can be reached by a call or text at 215-550-1957

Learn more about us on our adoption website and our Facebook Page

The post Dear Beautiful Woman Considering Adoption appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

“Diana” was 17 and in high school.  She thought she may have been pregnant, but just to make absolutely sure, she went to Planned Parenthood to find out.  She felt like the walls were closing in on her.  She sat in the examination room and heard the words she did not want to hear: “Yes, you are pregnant”. “Diana” wanted to cry.  The look on her face said exactly that.  The nurse said, “you know, you can have an abortion.”  “Diana” thought immediately, “well that would solve my problem”.

Just last year I found out there are scores of crisis pregnancy centers within driving distance of my home.  Until then, I’m not sure I ever heard of a “crisis pregnancy center“.  If I did – I had no idea what they did or why someone would go there.  I had no idea HOW MUCH HELP is out there.

I was 39 years old when I started to realize the abundant numbers of organizations that have the resources – financial, emotional and anything else a pregnant woman needs.

Then I thought, if I don’t know places like these exist – then many women don’t know they exist.

I don’t know YOUR situation.  I have not walked a mile or even a city block in your shoes. But I do know there is help – and I want to let you know that

there are people out there that will:

help you parent,

help you think about and consider an open adoption plan

help you out of an abusive relationship

give you help anonymously

help you finish school

help you get a job

help you with an addiction

If you are pregnant, and your parents want you to have an abortion . . .

Voice your opinion to someone you can trust.  A guidance counselor might be a good start. Calling one of these organizations and tell them the situation you are facing.  Most likely, if you give your parents time, they will be happy you were extremely vocal.  BUT, they need time.

That is the tricky part.  They need time to feel every emotion – anger, sadness, fear – so in the mean time, make a phone call.  Project Cuddle allows you to be anonymous and is national.  Guiding Star is a home in the Philadelphia area that provides so much support it blows me away. This organization will help you get on your feet – without any government assistance.  Absolutely amazing.  Here is another list of resources: Pro-Life Union.

Call these organizations and “buy time”.  Your parents will eventually come around.  Don’t give up praying.  Don’t give up hoping. And remember – it does matter that you are the one that is pregnant.  Not your mom, or your dad, or your guardian.

But . . . you are right.  I don’t know what YOU are going through.  Perhaps you are pregnant, and your parents don’t know – and you want to keep it that way . . .

Again, call Project Cuddle.  They offer anonymous help.  You don’t have to tell them your name.

Remember Diana from the beginning of the article?  She didn’t want to tell her parents either.  She was scared.  She didn’t want to disappoint them.  She didn’t want them to become so angry they became violent.  She didn’t want them to hate her boyfriend.

Since I don’t know what thoughts, fears and feelings you have going on – the best advice I can give you is to call one of these numbers and talk it out.

PHONE NUMBERS TO CALL

More options

800-395-HELP

The people answering these phones have helped so many girls in situations like yours – and in situations that are completely unlike yours.  I would say call.  You can always hang up.

Maybe you are way beyond “what your parents think” years.  Maybe your boyfriend says he’s not ready.

And you love him.  And you don’t want to break up.

I know I’m a total stranger here – but I can tell you, the abortion is not going to strengthen the relationship.  I have a feeling many women can vouch for that statement.  I hope those women comment under this article.  I’m asking you to trust me on this one.  You standing your ground on this issue will only empower you.  It will not make or break your relationship. You can do this.

Maybe you’re not with the father anymore . . .

Maybe the father is married . . .

Maybe you were raped (and that is not fair or right at all) It’s not fair. It’s not fair to you.  It’s not fair to the baby.

Maybe I didn’t say any circumstance that you can relate too.

All I can do is ask you to call some numbers and ask for what other options are out there if you choose not to have an abortion.  Many of these crisis pregnancy centers stay open because everyone who works there is a volunteer.  They are not getting paid.  The same can not be said by those working at planned parenthood – or any other clinic or hospital that provides abortions.

I beg you to seek life for your child.  Consider parenting. Consider an adoption plan.

The best thing about an adoption plan – is that’s what it is – a plan.  Plans can change. An adoption plan does not become a permanent decision until after the baby is born and you sign the papers.  That gives you more time to think about it.

Abortions are not as flexible.  When it’s done, the baby is gone.  The memory will not disappear.

Don’t worry that your baby might be sick.*  Don’t worry what anyone else will say or think. Don’t worry that your life will change drastically.

You are a strong, beautiful woman.

Your baby – whether you are two days pregnant, two months or twenty weeks – is beautiful.

Just like you.

Stay strong. Stay brave.

May the Lord give you what you desire the most.

Love, hugs and prayers,

Amy

p.s.”Diana” didn’t have the abortion.

Let Me Live Song and Video

*If your baby is sick (if your doctor is recommending “interrupting” the pregnancy, or suggesting termination) there are organizations that can provide you loving help.  Check out Be Not Afraid and Lily’s Gift)

Need help until the baby is 3 years old?  Not sure what to do?  Call this Woman’s Center

If you are considering adoption – that is very brave!  I have another post for you! From My Heart: The 10 things I want all women considering adoption to hear . . .

The post Dear Beautiful Woman Considering an Abortion appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

1. Thank you.  Thank you for taking the time to seriously consider this option.  It’s not easy, but it demonstrates how much you care about the life of your child.  Thank goodness pregnancy is typically nine months and not nine weeks.  Taking the time to consider an adoption plan is admirable – even though not everyone will agree.
2. Please talk to your family about adoption.  Tell them you are considering it, and see what they say.  You may hear, “no, you are not placing that child with an adoptive family.  We’ll help you parent.”  If you hear those words or something like them, consider parenting.  Not everyone has that support, it’s a blessing and it probably means you are in a place where you can parent – even if you don’t see that yet.
3. Please talk to people outside of the adoption world about the decision. There are ethical adoption agencies out there who have extremely caring individuals that work there, but their job and their business depend on women placing their babies with adoptive families.  I’m not saying don’t talk to them.  I am saying talk to other people too.  Go to a crisis pregnancy center or a school counselor.  Most medical insurances cover counseling, so calling a local counselor is not a bad idea.  Talk to someone at your church or place of worship. The more you talk to other people about your thoughts, you’ll hear your own thoughts louder.
4. Talk to other women who have placed their children with adoptive families.  Ask them how they feel about their decision.  Ask them if they have an open adoption, and how that works for them.  Ask them what you should expect if you do choose that road.  This is where an adoption agency may be helpful, or the other people you talk to (see number 3).  You never know, someone may know someone.  Ask any question you have – don’t hold back!
5. Visualize the perfect family for your child – Get a pen and paper and write down everything you see.  Even if it’s, “I want the mom to have blonde hair.”  Every detail you envision is important.  If you want your child to be the only child – or you want your child to have a big brother – write it down.  Do you want the parents to ride bikes, go to church, play an instrument, be funny . . . whatever it is, write it down!  This will help you when you start looking at profiles.  You’ll find there are a lot of families who are hoping to adopt.  My husband and I are one in a million
6. Do not for one second think, “My baby is going to be born sick, no one will want to adopt him or her”. – Our son was sick as a newborn.  At first, all we were told was, “he’s very sick”.  Just a few months ago I heard from a nurse who cared for him in the hospital – she was worried he wasn’t going to make it! Guess what – there has never been happier and more excited parents than Matt and I!  And you know what else, that “very sick” baby – is a healthy, happy, smart and silly 3 year old boy today!
7. Please do not base any decision on fear – If you are in a relationship that causes you to fear, please know that there are places you can stay until you get on your feet.  Yes, even if you are pregnant.  Many pro-life organizations will help you find a place, and the ones in our area (Philadelphia) run homes that not only house you, but will help you make a plan to live independently. Two of these organizations that can help you are Guiding Star Ministries and A Baby’s Breath.
8. If you are battling addiction, please consider open adoption over the system –  Go back to number 2 on this one.  If your family is more than willing to help, the system is not a terrible idea.  If your family is not in a place to help you, please consider an adoption plan.  Also, go back to number 6 . . . believe me, there are families who will love your child.  My husband and I are just one of them.
9. Please consider us!  Matt and I truly LOVE being parents.  Our son is such a compassionate loving boy – he will make a great big brother!  You can learn more about us at our website and on Facebook.  If we are not the family you have envisioned, don’t worry – that family is out there!  Here are two websites where you can find other waiting families: Your Adoption Gateway and AdoptBrite.  Remember, if you are working with an adoption agency, and none of the profiles they show you make you excited – keep looking!  It’s important that you be excited about the family you choose!
10. Don’t forget to pray – Ask God for guidance, ask Him for peace of mind, and ask Him every question you have on your mind.  Look for His answers in “holy” people and places.  Ask Him to make His will obvious to you.  He will answer.

Lastly, thank you for taking the time to read this post.  I pray these words brought you some peace of mind!  I hope no matter what you choose for you and your baby, that you think of your future with hope and happiness. May God bless you on this journey.

Love, Amy

Participating in a link-up on May 18 with Theologyisaverb and Reconciled to you – check out other great Catholic blogs!

The post From My Heart: The 10 things I want all women considering adoption to hear . . . appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.