And here we are yet again.

I’m back on the road !!! I left early March and now we are in April. Sigh* I miss my kids so much I don’t even want to think about it. Thank God for FaceTime, I don’t know how I would cope otherwise. Do you remember my blog about being a traveling + working mommy, this time has come again.

First of all, NO MISSING OF THE BIRTHDAY’S MOM GUILT 😮‍💨 you know how that ate me alive last time for almost a year. Before leaving for work this time, I threw my son an amazing birthday party which he loved. He was happy, his sister was happy, I was happy! Wins all around.

Being a contractor has so many advantages, it’s really the freedom I have to control my life which is why I love it, but… it still really sucks to be away from my children. I’m so sad 😞 but, I’m trying to put it to the side to keep pushing. Due to Covid a lot of work was pushed back last year so this this year, it’s a zig zag of work, back to back! It’s NEVER been like this and I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. The days are going by but I’m still not sure if they are fast or not… I just can’t wait till I’m on my last contract in this last stretch of Q2, so I can be with my babies and continue to work on the other things I was doing.

I tell myself “hang in there.” I go this. I know I do but it’s also tough. Maybe it’s time for me to look for remote work so I can stay home more and take less contracts! I’m really going to look into this, sigh* I need to. I pray God shows me the way to go.

Anyways, my daughters birthday is coming up next and I WILL NOT MISS THAT EITHER! So I’m happy about that and I know the sweet little girl will be too. She keeps asking her nana “is mommy going to make my birthday.” Ugh! I won’t miss it for anything….

Wish me good luck y’all! I’m trying not to crack. I’m almost there and then I can take a nice long break.

I always wonder how my father did this, 🧐 but, I guess when it’s for your family, there’s bo choice but to go above and beyond.

The White Wall

My children have both learned to have a new found love of coloring and they both do it so well for their ages. They stay in the lines and play with colors, I love to see it.

When I was away for one my work assignments, because of my anxieties I decided to buy an adult coloring book (they are fun but lost importantly relaxing) they really do calm me down at times I feel away and alone from my family and it’s also an accomplishment seeing your fully finished work. I have the most intricate book.

Anyways, when I got back home, my children saw it and of course they wanted it all to themselves. First I was hesitant, because I just wanted the book for myself and my other assignments in the future but then I figured “nah” let them have it and enjoy the ocean patterns and animals, I can always get a new one later.

They really do love that book, as detailed as it is, they figured a way to color it in their own way without getting caught up in the small spaces. They’ll run to me when they have done one page each “mommy, look” I’m amazed. I love it & thinking to myself 💭 these children of mine are smart because I could spend hours on one section and look at them! Done in twenty minutes lol

Their masterpiece.
Mr. Puffin

The White Wall. . . What exactly am I talking about – well, we all have a white painted wall somewhere in the house/apt right! Did you ever think of how children look at a white wall? It’s a big piece of white paper! & what do children do on paper, they draw and color on it.

My daughter has marked her territory on these walls. I have cleaned it up time and time again, but her mind goes back to the drawing board. I tell her “please don’t write or draw on anything,” she’ll agree until I see the next mark where it’s big suppose to be 😩 my son doesn’t get a pass either! I’ve seen his work too.

I’ve decided to leave this matter alone not because I’m giving in but because of the creative perspective! My only rule is that ONLY in their room. What if he/she is going to be the next biggest painter, or a architect the world has ever seen.

Now c’mon I’m not silly… I will NOT tell them, only in their room is where they can get creative (never, lol that’s a set up) but, it means for me, I won’t get as upset as I used to because I’m looking at it all in a different perspective. . .

Am I wrong?

What are your thoughts about this, do you let your own children be creatively free or is there a limit?

After all, walls can always be painted again. I’m not bothered right now and I’ve cleaned up worse mess than you can imagine.

I’m not say it a free for all draw on the walls either, but I need to save my voice box parents, it’s already raspy enough 😅

Troublesome Four… 😒

Towards the end of last year and the beginning of this year, I have noticed a huge shift with both of my children. They are both maturing, their mouths are moving more than ever. Their learning is improving, it’s a wonderful thing to see.

What I’ve noticed the most is their attitudes. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but they both seem to be more moody and more opinionated than ever before. I feel like this is a very vital time in parenthood. I really don’t like whiners, and my son always seems to whine rather than just ask for something directly. As this is his behavior, it trickles down to his younger sister and then she also starts whining for things. I just can’t stand it!

My disciplined radar is higher than ever, and I’m not trying to be the grinch in the house, but if I don’t take it away from them now it’s just going to get worse.

My daughter is so demanding and in my head I’m thinking, what exactly do you know about “this and that.” It can be from a simple task to picking up toys or to picking out her clothes. I’m happy to have her pick out what she wants to wear, but sometimes clothing that she chooses is not appropriate because I know it’s for a certain event or I know it will get dirty, so when I say she cannot wear it, rather than her just saying ”Ok mommy” and moving on to choosing the next thing, she decides she wants to have a huge toddler tantrum about it. That’s where I draw the line. I always have to remind her that “I am the mother” and she has to listen to me and she can’t always get her way.

Things never used to be like this, and it’s making me think if all parents go through this phase 🤔 I don’t remember hearing about it.… PLEASE, SHARE YOUR STORIES WITH ME!!!!

At this stage of my children’s ages, they listen and hear every single thing anybody says. It’s so important for me to say the right things and do the right things while also teaching them valuable lessons.

The truth is, I am kind of struggling. This is a new change I was NOT prepared for just yet, but I will certainly figure it out.

“It takes a village” is making more sense to me as my children get older and as I observe them.

Stay tuned.

Time & Two

I can’t belive I have two children. It’s the most surreal thing before my eyes. One minute I’m pregnant with my first and TIME happens. The baby is born and he grows up to be his own little person. Next minute I’m pregnant with another and TIME let’s me realize “girl, you got two kids now.” … I was just pregnant, how is it that my baby girl is about to be two months old in 3 days! I mean WHAT, WHEN & HOW!

Time really does go by fast and you have to embrace every moment of it because it also waits for no one. I’m so grateful for my children, they have both shown me I can be a woman that I never knew.

My son Jaden is really the best big brother. He’s so caring of his little sister and he loves helping me help her which is so important. The only time he’s jealous is if he’s tired and I’m carrying her and he wants to be carried, otherwise he’s fantastic. Amongst him embracing that he’s not an only child anymore, he’s been doing some growing of his own. He speaks full proper sentences. He’s organized with his toys (even if the whole place looks scattered) he knows how to say “Please, Thank you and Sorry” (There’s an interesting “sorry” blog to come featuring his grandpa later this month) … he knows colors, he loves to read, he appreciates his classmates… the list goes on and on. I’m so proud of my boy and in two short amazing years this has all happened so I can only imagine what is to come. TIME will tell.

My little girl with her sweet angelic face, eyes barely open to open bat 🦇 eyes throughout the day and especially at night. She loves to smile, she’s extremely alert and she on the way with her motor skills in no time. She has amazing control with her head lifting up and she certainly knows how to kick a blanket off in a jiffy 😆 she’s growing so fast and I can’t wait till both of them are in motion because I know how much fun they will have together. She loves her milk and she drinks so much without missing a meal, she herself is ready to be a big girl! Already in size 1 diapers and 3 month old clothes TIME again is waiting for no one.

Seeing all these changes week by week, month by month & year by year, I’m just overwhelmed with gladness. There is so much in store for my children and for me as a mother.

Hello Baby.

She’s here! My sweet baby girl is finally here. 

I can’t believe I finally made it to the finish line! Such an exciting moment. Pregnancy is no easy breeze towards the end but I made it. 

I am so grateful and thankful to God. I had a successful delivery! Our baby girl was born in the evening of June 8th 2018 💗 (Which makes her little over two weeks old from the date of this blog 🙂

MY EPIDURAL WORKED which made such a difference from my first pregnancy. I mean it, the biggest difference ever. Giving birth without all that pain is like a smooth ride with a lot of pressure HOWEVER I still dealt with consequences afterwards because my neck was struck out and strained for a good week! I believe I was pushing my girl out with every muscle in my entire neck. It was awful & I couldn’t even enjoy my kids for the first few days which was awful! Thankfully the pain did go away and It’s back to our regular scheduled program  TIMES TWO!!! 

Ahhh! I have two amazing beautiful children, is this real life?! A Boy & A Girl! What a dream come true. 

I’m so thankful to have Papa Bear & my mother by my side once again. Papa bear was holding my hand like a real champion and once he heard his daughter cry / we all starting crying. I think I was crying during my last push… by the way (pat on my shoulder) under 5 min of pushing, that was it! Definitely a record for me because Jaden was about 15 min. 

& Now we’re back in the comfort of our home. Back to square one while on square two : baby and newborn. Two meals (breastmilk & chicken nuggets) Two diaper changes (Newborn & Pull-ups) Two sleep patterns – the list just goes on. It is more work but it’s an amazing thing I’m doing and I just feel so blessed. 

I will certainly blog about New sister/ Big Brother chapters so stay tuned but just so you know Jaden LOVES his sister just like we do & I’m so happy for that because I was so nervous about how he’ll take a new baby in the house. 

All is well 

😉 

Our home is filled with more love ❤️ 

We Couldn’t be happier. 

Preparing for two while there’s one……🌸It’s a girl🌸

Two years into being a mommy to my best buddy in the world my son Jaden. Papa Bear & I are expecting once again. 

🌸IT’S A GIRL🌸 !!! 

Wow! I can’t even believe this is happening. So many emotions. Is this real? Can I handle two kids? I’m still learning with Jaden & now we’re throwing in another whole child… just wow. 

The journey has been tough but magical at the same time. The beginning was very rough. Finding out I was pregnant again happened with my big sister Geraldine via FaceTime. I told her “my period hasn’t shown up yet & I have a test upstairs but it’s old” … “Go and get it and go buy another one so we can double check” She said. “OK” (20/30 min later) CONFIRMED! I am indeed pregnant. My sister was so excited and I kept on saying “oh my gosh, what do I do. Should I tell papa bear now or later.” Eventually I told him with giggles which he didn’t find funny at all but me laughing was the only way I could cope and tell him. His own emotions were all over the place. Initially he wasn’t in the best mood because he said “are we ready again?” And all I could say was “I don’t know”! 

Needless to say the next few weeks were very intense and confusing for both of us. I don’t believe in abortions but it was also so early that the fetus is barely formed. I went to the doctor to know my options and again abortion was brought up but also time had gone by going from when I found out to “you’re six weeks in” after a lot of prayer and faith – WE DEFINITELY MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. We are having the baby because God makes no mistakes. 

(Fast forward) all is well, baby girl is growing, emotions are up and down. My first trimester was a hot mess just like with Jaden. Sick like a dog, a lot of crying – not being able to brush my teeth without gagging and just praying I make to the second trimester where I can finally be happy and eat my life away. FINALLY … I get there. 

Trimester two. Bring out the credit card. Baby shopping, ordering this and that. “Oh this is cute and this and this” such a difference shopping for boys and girls. I love all the shorts and polos for my son but seeing the mini swimwear and dresses after paying attention to them got me looking forward to finally meeting this baby girl. I never paid attention to anything girl ever but now my eyes are literally moving at a 50-50 pace because I’m thinking “what can I get for her and what can I get for Jaden” it’s actually fun but it’s also breaking our wallets more 😅 

Now, since I know there’s an new baby on the way, the biggest task is getting Jaden to understand what is going on. As my bump gets bigger I also try to tell him “baby baby” “kiss baby” “baby sister” some days he’ll kiss the belly and some days he’ll smack the belly. I don’t know if he gets it but he’s been more clingy than ever and he’s noticed little baby toys around the house all of sudden. He knows he’s too big for the toys because he’s advanced. They are still appealing for him but when he tries to throw the “crawling ball” and I say no no! He’s confused in why is mommy telling me to roll this ball and not throw it. Children are very smart. I just know his vibes feel that something is coming. 

As a mom to be of two my goal is to split myself in half! I don’t even know how I’ll deal with it and of course I’ll blog about this experience when baby girl arrives. I just want to be amazing to both of them but Jaden is my best friend, my go to, my play buddy – how am I suppose to do this with two kids. I’ve asked mother’s of two and they said they felt the same way but once the second arrives everything just fell into perfect place and everyone is happy so I pray it’s the same for me. I’ll be so devastated if my little guy feels a certain way about his baby sister or if he feels neglected. I already know when she’s born – he’s taking a full week off school to see her every second and I can spend time with them both. Luckily newborns don’t do much but feed & sleep but even then I need Jaden to see that she’s here to stay. I’ve seen him with other babies and he’s done great so I don’t doubt he’ll love his sister and they’ll be best buddies forever especially as she gets older. Jokingly I’m prepared for his slaps because when he sees her on my breasts which once belonged just to him, he might put up a fight 😂  besides the general talks of what’s on the way, I’ve also tried to get him to understand with pictures and stories. I ordered him a personalized big brother book which hopefully will help also. His name and face are in it and it describes all the responsibility a big brother has! I love online. You can find everything. He’s had personalized books in the past and he learned very fast from them. 

The final countdown has begun. Less than a month to go and my big boy toddler love of my life Jaden will no longer be a single child. He’s had a great time. He’s always going to be my best buddy and I believe this is such a great experience not just for him but for papa bear and I. Our family is expanding. We’ve been married for one year & I see the future being bright.

I thank God for everything & I pray I get continued strength to keep being a better mom to my children. It really takes a village to raise a child and I’m thankful for the advice and help I’ve got along the way but I’m very proud of myself because I went from knowing nothing to mothering two & seeing how well my son is growing and learning before my eyes, I’ve been doing something right. 

Cheers to the next chapter 🥂 

A nostalgic experience at Disney World.

I can’t believe this day had finally come around. Taking my son to Disney World! Words are hard to express it but I’ll try my best.

Years ago my parents had taken my sisters & myself on this endless adventure & I remember it by these classic video tapes I never stopped watching. I was so small, and my mom would stroll me around with my two sisters walking side by side and the cam corder in my fathers hands. I remember it, the laughs and sisters mocks and “it’s a small world” and so much more…. & now it’s my turn as an adult, a mother & a wife. Wow!!!

I was so excited, probably more than my son who is two in just a few days (we thank God) My husband who has never experienced this Disney Magic was also in Awe almost in disbelief that a place could really take you out of the “real world” for a whole day. I told him before “This is a dream world” & funny that the Disney saying is “Where Dreams Come True”

We did it all, walked for hours, ate turkey legs, popcorn, went on the any age rides (surprisingly the lines were all amazing and fast) & shout out to Disney free Fast pass which helped also. We saw the parade, Our son met his two favorite characters the gorgeous Mrs Minnie Mouse and Daisy, saw the amazing castle & other beautiful backdrops…

What a day it was. We ended this amazing day with the finale firework show assisted by graphics and Disney music and I never felt so emotional in my whole life! I almost cried because it was surreal and nostalgic. The memories of my own childhood flushed over me and to be in this magical kingdom with my own family – really was dream come true.

My son, husband and I had the time of our lives and my son might not remember it fully in a few years but thankfully I captured some amazing moments on my camera just as my father did years ago. Technology definitely has its advantages 🙂

Our son took to the place very well & although Disney World does cost a lot of money (being frankly honest) to see the look on your child’s  face is worth every last penny!

I encourage all parents to take this trip at least once & more than if you can. The place is huge. We were only one amusement and water park in and there are still three more to explore & in a few years I hope to do them all again.

Thank you Walt Disney ❤️

Back like we never left :)

Happy 2018 parents and readers. I know I’ve been away for quite some time but HELLO I’m dealing with TROUBLESOME TWO! save meeeeee.

So much development has happened before my eyes! My little guy (who has a personality out of this world) I’ve come to learn – has grown up faster, stronger, smarter and it’s just incredible.

His second birthday is just two months away but I meant what I said – trouble trouble has approached since last year – I don’t blame him. A whole new world of exploration, a whole new world of “Jaden,
Mommy said NO!” Which in his little ears means “Jaden, Mommy said YES!”

He’s wired like a cat playing with a ball of yarn, he’s so focused on whatever he desires and suddenly he can stop and focus on something else.

He’s learning how to speak which is great! New words every single day which is wonderful – “Mama and Dada” is all fun for a while but then you really want to communicate with your child and it’s so exciting when he points out and says words – whether self taught by listening or hearing it from me or a book or maybe even SCHOOL (Yup, he’s in school – another blog for another day) I just love it.

What’s even more amazing is the ability to remember. I’ve taught him something once and boom he’s doing it or saying it  – he knows so many songs, and he’ll hum them in his own way but I know exactly what he’s singing and I’ll join in most of the time with the words so he knows I’m listening. My favorite is his ability to clean up his water/juice messes. If he happens to pour some on the floor, he’ll look up at me and raise his hand up asking for a paper towel or cloth and once I hand it to him, he starts wiping away!!! You’re never too young to start cleaning early so I’m proud he takes up his responsibilty (now if I can only get him to pack his toys in Chest) lol funny right, kids know what clean up is but choose what they will clean up. I’ll let it slide for a little while longer but then “Clean up, clean up everybody- everywhere” will take proper effect.

Time really does fly… so new parents with newborn babies ENJOY EVERY SECOND. I did but I also feel like so much was so new to me you miss moments like cuddling your newborn.

I hardly remember holding my son but when I see the millions of pictures I took I somehow remember.

The journey of two has almost begun and bravo to me (If I may) as a first time Mommy to reach this milestone and kudos to every other mom out there too. It’s not easy and achhhhh so many countless meltdowns but I’m still here doing the dang thing (like I have a choice) lol !!!!!

Handful & Handsome

I haven’t even reached “Troublesome two’s” and my son is sooooo much work sometimes I can’t even believe how papa bear and I are doing it.

These children really have a mind of their own, of course they do though… it’s development right before our eyes every single day which I do love HOWEVER, my son actually knows how to test us.

When I tell my son “NO” he smiles and after the third “NO” he’ll stop whatever it is he’s doing. When his father says “NO” he does what his father is having a hard time with, he screams at the top of his lungs in his high-pitched toddler voice. I can’t believe it when I hear it! That scream will drive anyone off the wall, my motherly ears have become used to it but it is annoying especially when we are out in public. Our son and this scream go hand in hand even his Aunty Geraldine (my elder sister) has experienced it and she’s in for more improved scream than the last one she heard lol

I can’t believe this small boy knows exactly what he is doing. As a parents we know children love to throw things down especially from their high chair. They keep on doing this because they are so fascinated with the drop and the noise and the parent reaction. They just don’t stop but what can I do, it’s worse when it’s feeding time. My son likes to eat by himself now which is great, he uses his hands and shoves as much food in his mouth as he can but the mess!!!! Golly-gosh it’s a whole lot of work. Of course a toddler can’t eat clean just yet but sometimes he takes his toy throwing technique and uses it with his food. He’ll throw it down and eat and laugh and play and then he’ll throw the whole bowl down when he’s done and will scream or make some loud gesture in order for me to take him out of his high chair.

Another frustrating thing my son does is jump on the couch 😡 Sometimes I wish I could remove our whole couch all together, I blame his father for this. When he was learning how to stand papa bear would put him on the couch for a few second then put him down but now that he’s fully mobile omgoodness – it’s like a nightmare accident waiting to happen. Our son will climb the couch, stand up and bounce on it… I’m always so frantic with this. He seems to know what he’s doing and he seems to know  The wooden floor is but he just won’t stop jumping, even when I say get down! It’s enough!… He just keeps on going and once again smiles and laughs.

Nobody can tell me these kids don’t know what they are doing. They know very dang well with their cheeky smiles.

the list can go on and I’m sure other parents can relate to some of Jaden’s traits and other ones.

With all these different things he does, my son is adorable  and cute and handsome and it makes it so hard to discipline him at times because he’s mastered his puppy eyes and crocodile tears which still get to me. He knows how to pull out the water works in seconds and I feel bad but discipline is more than necessary because all though he’s still developing as a parent you have to let your children know who is the boss. As papa bear says, our son is a “noise maker.” He always wants to be heard one way or the other but I’m sure this is normal.

Having a child, I’ve mastered patients more than I ever have but It’s constant progress, I tell this to papa bear too but men and women (Mom’s and dad’s) are totally different. Women can put up with way more in my own opinion, at least at this young age. What matters is that not only  One parent is bad, but both have “bad and good cop” moments.

All I know is that I’m bracing myself for chapter two aka troublesome two’s and in the words of Game of Thrones, “winter is coming”

Optimistic Mommy

Being a mother is no short or small task. Throughout your pregnancy, you have to be very aware of what’s going on inside of you (that’s why we have our weekly to monthly dr visits) to check on our little ones. We have to watch what we eat and even what we do because in no way are we trying to strain ourselves.

The more I thought about my own pregnancy, I realized that I didn’t limit myself to anything. I believe that you can do what you like and you can do it with so much positivity in your heart that your body is working with you and not against you. I traveled to distant places after getting told not to go anywhere. I said “why not” and I got a harsh “because you can lose the baby” I was baffled. Why are people so quick to point out negatives. Don’t you think a carrying mother needs a break to relax on the sand or wherever she chooses to. YES, absolutely, there is a time to fly and a time to NOT fly but that shouldn’t limit what you enjoy doing.

The same thing goes for food. If you’re like me, you like to read up on a lot of things or rather ask a lot questions. I seek for answers because I know that someone has shared the same thought or even have gone through the same thing as me so I like reading others opinions and outcomes. I’m definitely a “foodie” and nothing has changed even after pregnancy lol but being that type and being pregnant is glorious because I enjoyed my meals so much and I knew little man was enjoying every bite in baby form also. The point is, I came across loads of “Do not drink this, do not eat that” let me tell you it’s a load of BS. As my cousin once said “a happy pregnancy is the best pregnancy so eat whatever the hell you want.” She wasn’t lying. I never let the discouraging food list stop me from enjoying my meals or drinks (some of that “No” list included : Salami, Arizona Ice Tea, carbonated water; Mozzarella) how can things I love, let alone had the deepest cravings for be on the don’t try it because it’ll harm your child. I ignored it completely and here I am typing with my healthy child by my side (I thank God)

The one that got me the most…. Pregnancy DEPRESSION. Don’t let this define you ladies!!!!! That word is thrown around as if it’s something you buy. In my experience, I was extremely hormonal. I had Terrible mood swings which made me aggressive and I had mood swings which made me cry for nothing. When I mean cry for nothing literally. During my baby shower I saw two ants and killed one by mistake I think I cried a bit and I knew my sister and cousin were thinking is she serious or not lol… I was completely serious. Just because you let out emotions especially tears, don’t just believe you’re going to be depressed forever. I understand that there are a lot of thoughts running through your head about raising a child but YOU CAN DO IT.

Postpartum depression is a real thing and I pray for every mother who struggles with it. Although a huge issue to some, please don’t let it take over, especially before it’s even really taking place. True story. One of my dr’s who I removed right away after this conversation asked me once, “how are you feeling?” I told her, “I’ve been sad and crying a lot.” Without even hardly letting me finish she said “you’re probably depressed and you’re more likely to have postpartum, let me subscribe you some pills now so you’re less depressed.” EXCUSE ME! I was actually offended. Yes you’re a professional but why was she so quick to put me on drugs. Zero optimism. She just jumped to the negative conclusion. It’s so easy for people to feed you a quick solution and I am against that because if you tell yourself, I am not depressed and in a pregnant mothers case, knowing my child will love me unconditionally, and I can love my child back… eventually you can have the will power and do that. It might not be easy for some and there are women who do seek medication but please don’t let any Dr. make you believe that you need it. By the time the baby comes you’ll be so numb inside with your feelings, you won’t even know what’s going on. That’s why as said at the top, don’t let it define you. I listened to her “advice” and gave her a NO! I’ll be fine. I was crying for ridiculous things and no where was Depression of not feeling connected to my son apart of that.

Having optimism and faith go hand in hand. I believe if you put your mind to it, all will be well. Can challenges come about yes but it’s about how you handle every situation. With optimism you also do need realism because if there is something that needs to be known, never be oblivious to it, get the facts, seek the advice and go from there but always go in with strong positivity and the outcomes can be endless.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year :)

I just wanted to wish all of my readers a happy holiday (Merry Christmas) & Happy New Year in advance from my family to yours.  Thank you for keeping up with Mommies New Leaf & sharing your feedback. I wish us all a great start to the soon new year & Congratulations to all of us parents : 2016 WE DID IT!!!!! May all of our wonderful children be blessed in growing and learning.

God bless,

Mama J

*New posts coming soon*

Cord blood banking & what you need to know.

While pregnant, us women have to go through many check ups just to make sure our babies are healthy and nothing wrong is going on inside our womb. While I was pregnant all was smooth and well but I did come across some information about Cord blood banking which I thought was fantastic.

I was recommend by my doctors to look into it because papa bear and I had a similar blood group. Was it something I worried about? Yes, but with faith and knowledge our baby came out perfectly healthy & that’s all anyone can ask for and on top of that I decided to do Cord blood banking which I believe was the best decision I made for his future.

 

What is Cord blood + Cord blood banking.

“Cord blood is the blood in your baby’s umbilical cord. It contains stem cells that can grow into blood vessels, organs, and tissues.

Cord blood banking involves collecting blood left in your newborn’s umbilical cord and placenta and storing it for future medical use. Cord blood contains potentially lifesaving cells called stem cells. The stem cells in cord blood are different from embryonic stem cells.” (Via babycenter.com)

How to do it?

Once you feel you’re ready for this step, you contact a company of your choice, I chose CBR. Once you’ve set up your account they will send you a Cord blood package with everything your doctor or nurses need.

It is a process done right after you’ve given birth to your child. As read above they take the blood from the umbilical cord & everything else they need and then the company carrier will pick up the package and take it to the company storage.

What’s great is you’re notified a long the way via email of everything going on with your child’s blood banking until the very end. I even had a great representative who called me and sent a thank you note which was appreciated.

Benefits.

The reason I choose to do Cord blood banking with Jaden is because of the benefits for not only him but also one day for his future sibling.

Here’s a current list of what Cord blood is helping with.

– Cancers
– Immune disorders
– Blood disorders
– Metabolic disorders

Within each of these categorizes our child’s Cord blood can be beneficial.

– It can help by having immediate access to minimize disease progressions early for any types of treatment needed.

– “Ability to use one’s own stem cells for conditions that currently lack medical treatment options, also known as “autologous transplantation” *CBR.com* (This can be great because certain origins of people have a lower percentage of matches and using your own could save or rather give you desired time needed)

– With your Cord blood as an essential supply, if there is a situation where any type of transplant is needed there is less risk of complications.

– “Preserving them”stops the clock” and protects the cells from aging and being exposed to environmental factors and common viruses” *cbr.com*

Cost.

The first fee is quite high which is $1650. Afterwards the storage plan is $160 a year but I believe they have lifetime plans which range from $2k-$3k again quite pricey but they are flexible with payment plans and you can’t put a price on health.

I n conclusion, I am happy with the decision I made as I said above. This is something you must think about before delivering because it’s not possible after the umbilical cord is gone. Do your research parents & maybe for your next little one you can invest cord blood banking.