5 Steps to Take Before Conceiving A Baby

Are you or someone you know thinking of having a baby!  Well, starting a family can be a very exciting time in a woman's life.  Many women have been dreaming about having kids since they were old enough to understand it.  Here are some steps to take to ensure you deliver a healthy baby and that you remain in good health during the pregnancy.

1) Visit your OB/GYN for a preconception checkup.  This is where you want to find out the status of your health and see if your body is ready for pregnancy.  You want to ask all the questions that you have. Find out your history of health and whats your ideal weight suppose to be.  It makes you feel good, knowing that you are in top shape and your health is great. This can keep your stress level down!

2) Schedule a dentist appointment.  Get a well oral exam, and make sure that your teeth are healthy. Also, this will allow you to be aware of any hygiene problems that you might have. You don't want to go into your pregnancy with dental problems.  Researchers have shown that oral problems can cause pre-termed babies and  low weight babies.

3) Eat a balanced meal.  I can not stress this enough.  You have to be conscious about everything you eat because you have this little person inside of you.  If mommy's not healthy than guess what, baby is more than likely to have some complications.  Be sure to eat food from all the basic food groups.  Drink plenty of water.

4) Only take medicine that your doctor prescribes.   When you are pregnant or if you are already trying to conceive, your doctor might recommend you start taking prenatal vitamins.  Taking other medications without your doctor's consent can lead to major health problems for you and baby.  Now, on the other hand if you have some type of previous health conditions, then you want to make your doctor aware of them.

5) Stay Away from caffeine.  According to March of Dimes, it is recommended to have no more than one cup of coffee per day.  During this time, it is very wise to not consume any alcohol beverages, or sodas.  I got hard headed one time during my pregnancy with my son and drank a soda. Boy, did I not do that again.  He was up all night long! 

I hope this better prepare you to conceive a very healthy baby!

Warm Regards,
LaTersa Blakely
http://www.diapercakesbylatersa.com

5 Ways To Make Your Life Simple!

As most of you know today, is my son's birthday, So, Again, Happy Birthday to You Ishmael. Mommy Loves You!  Well, I'm here to share with you five ways that I plan to make my life simple in 2011.  I did a slide show of all of my goals on December 31, 2011.  Below are a few of the most important aspects of my life.

1) Spend More quality time with my family.  This year I have set aside specific time frames to spend time with the ones I love.  Included in my everyday schedule goes a little something like, 6 a.m., the alarm goes off.  Once I'm fully alert, I pray and read my daily devotions, shower and get started with my to do list.   My time in the morning is spent getting kids ready for pre-school, breakfast, and taking them to school. Then its off to get the big baby (hubby) ready and out the door for work.  My work hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the evenings.  This is where I design all those elegant diaper cakes, complete orders, take orders, blog, check twitter, facebook, and etc.  Now, once my kids are home from school, I have a few  little distractions because its kids time to them.  So I make it my business to get all of the major work done while my son is in school. 

2) Do some form of exercise daily.  My goal is to loose 10 pounds by June 2010.  So, everyday, I run up and down my stairs, and of course I run and play with my babies.  I figured out from last year, that if you set too many unrealistic goals, that make them that much harder to accomplish.  I always say, start slow, and work your way up to the big ones.  Don't try to kill yourself in the gym and wear yourself out, just keep in mind that the weight did not come over night, and by all means, it surely is not going to leave over night.  Enjoy yourself right now on your way to where you are trying to go....

3) Drink plenty of water.  I would say the best thing I have decided to do is to make sure I drink my 8 glasses of water a day.  Not saying that I do it everyday, because I would be lying.  But, I do make an attempt to drink water everyday.  Its not that I don't like water, its just that sometimes, I get so caught up in what I'm doing that I nearly forget about it.  

4) Encourage someone daily.  I know that there are many people who are praying for me and who have prayed for me throughout the beginning stages of my business.  So, to show my appreciation for all the love and support that was given and still is given to me, I give back.  If hubby, my babies, or anyone that come across my path that is down, or just need a few words of encouragement, then I try to be that sunshine that they need and to let them know that everything is going to be o.k..

5) Give and Show Love.  I know that might not sound like much to you; but giving love and showing love to others can bring a lot of joy in your heart.  I mean I love being kind to others and sharing my knowledge and thoughts with them.  When you are focused on giving more than receiving, it always put you in a better state of mind. 

I really hope this helps you to find simplicity in your life this year!

Sincerely,

LaTersa Blakely

http://www.diapercakesbylatersa.com 

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Simply Orange® blogging program. If I am one of the first 65 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 Target gift card and a gift pack that includes a Simply Orange® cooler bag and logoed fleece."

How Do You Celebrate Your Child's Birthday

Happy Happy Birthday to Ishmael! 

Today, about 5 years ago, God blessed me with a beautiful precious lil man.  I was excited from the day I found out that I was pregnant.  I mean I read this book, that book, asked questions after question and everything.  I wanted to make sure that I did everything that I knew to do for me and my little man.  I have not been able to do anything today, because of the joy in my heart and all the excitement about my son's 5th birthday.  I guess you're probably wondering whats all the big fuss, well, I'll tell you.  Not every woman can conceive a child and simply because God blessed me that I could conceive; I'm totally grateful.  I can remember even when I was a little girl, I always imagined that someday, I wanted to have kids and lots of them (until I learned better).  I have been dreaming of having kids, since forever.  How one day, I would meet Mr. Right and we would get married and have our family together. Guess what? My dream did come true and it all began on January 19, 2006 at 6:38 a.m.., Eric (my hubby), and a couple of nurses brought me a little left eyed red little boy (he only opened one of his eyes).  I was hooked every since!  So, today, I just wanted to say to all the mothers and expectant mother, even the mothers who don't know it yet, cherish the gift that God has given you and lets build our babies up.  You know they rely on and believe our every little word,, so plant some good seeds into their little hearts, so one day you and your family members will reap a great harvest in our children.

Warm Wishes,
LaTersa Blakely
http://www.diapercakesbylatersa.com

Mommy My Tooth Came Out!

(my son just lost his first tooth)

Hello everyone, not going to keep you long, but I just had to share this with you.  For the last month or so, my son, Ishmael's bottom tooth has been loosen.  Everyday, he comes home from school, and say "mommy, mommy, look my tooth is going to come out; I can't eat any more carrots because they going to make my tooth to come out". Now, those are his exact words and sure enough, today, he was crying and saying mommy have a lot of blood in my mouth.  Me being the mother that I am, I wanted to hurry up and make the pain go away, but I held back and just let good old nature take its course.  About a hour later, he came running up the stairs, and said very loud: "MOMMY, MY TOOTH JUST DISAPPEARED".  I'm saying like baby, where is your tooth, and his response, it just disappeared.  Boy, I tell you, kids say the darnest things.  But he's all excited because he's becoming a big boy and he's going to be big like his daddy.  Well, besides, from all the tooth fairy stories and when his tooth is going to come out; he's been really talking about his birthday which is on the 19th.  He ask me everyday, now mommy can we go to the bakery to get my Toy Story Cupcakes for my birthday.  My birthday is going to be last morning!  I'll let you know how his birthday turns out, for now be blessed and have a great week!

Warm Regards,

LaTersa Blakely

http://www.diapercakesbylatersa.com

2011 Featured Successful Women in Business--Quaneshia Holden

Baby Diaper Cakes & Beyond by LaTersa is proud to feature Ms. Quaneshia Holden.....

Whats the name of your business?
Holden Marketing

When was your business founded?
2010

What do you your business consist of ?
I teach newcomers internet marketing and how to leverage their business using social media and video.



What were some of the obstacles you had to face when starting your business?
Like many people coming into Internet marketing it is just a challenge to get started. There is so much information out there, that you can really end up hindering yourself if you try to learn about every single tool or product their is. To overcome that I just had to focus on one thing at a time, master it, and then move on to the next one.

How can people get in touch with you?
Phone: 310.465.4752 
Email: QuaneshiaHolden@gmail.com 
Blog http://QuickMLMSecrets.com


What is one tip that you will share for new business owners?

I would tell them to stay consistent and stay focused, you will not get rich overnight, but if you stay consistent you will see results.

Why Diaper Cakes Rock!

Baby Shower Diaper Cakes are becoming more popular and people are starting to ask what's all the fuss about diaper cakes and why do they rock.  I'm here to share a few reasons why diaper cakes rocks.

1) Diaper Cakes are memorable!  What is your typical gift at most baby showers? Baby clothes, and clothes, and more clothes.  Most people bring clothes because its more feasible for your pockets, some people just don't know what to bring the new mom at the shower, or simply because it was something they know every parent needs besides diapers.  Well, when you are thinking of getting a gift for a baby shower, you want to think outside the box and try to get her something that she will be able to cherish and speak about for decades to come.  Most babies grow out of infant size clothes within the first month or even weeks, depending on what size the baby was at birth.  Now, on the other hand, when someone brings a diaper cake to the shower, that really start the conversation.  Does this sound familiar? "WOW, this is so creative or my all time favorite; "Now this is too cute, I'm not taking it down.

2) Diaper Cakes serves many purposes! Diaper Cakes can be used as a centerpiece at the baby shower. You can put it at the main table and little baby shower favors around it.  I guarantee you that it will surely be the talk of the town.  Also, after the baby shower, while waiting on the bundle of joy, you can set it in the nursery for decoration. 

3) All parents need diapers and they are unique! Now diapers are something the new parent will need tons and tons of.  A newborn go through so many diapers that it is hard to keep count.  Babies are changed at least 7-8 times a day on average.  Well, keep in mind, if there are twins then that number doubles.  Instead of bringing a boring box of diapers, be creative and bring her a diaper cake.  

I really hope this answers some of your questions about why you should purchase a diaper cake.. If you want to bring a diaper cake to your next baby shower, I would be glad to design a diaper cake for you.  Check out my website for more creative designs at http://www.diapercakesbylatersa.com.

Warm Regards,

LaTersa

Things a Mother of Twins Need To Know!

Having a baby soon?  Do you know what you are having? Well, this article is for you if you've recently found out that you are having twins.  It can be sometimes overwhelming dealing with the everyday issues of having one baby, but to find out that you are having twins. Now, that's a different story.  You are probably wondering, Lord will I ever get any rest, will I have to purchase two of everything.  Well sit back and relax, because these few tips will help ease your stress levels.

1) Get your little darlings on the same schedule.  I mean when you change one baby, make sure you change the other baby.  If one gets hungry and you give him/her a bottle; wake up the other sibling and give him/her a bottle too.  You will be glad you did.  Now at first, it may seem like its not working but rest assured, stick with it.  I know just from having one baby at a time, there needs to be a system in play to keep you from going insane.

2) Don't get two of everything.  When you think of having twins, the first thought that comes to mind, is will I need two baby cribs, two changing stations, two baby bags, and etc.  Well, the answer is simply no, you can use the same crib for the first couple of months because the babies are tiny.  Now, when they start to get older, then you will have to readjust the sleeping space.  But, as far as the changing stations, play areas, baby bags, you can share those items. Things like, comforters, sheets, washcloths, you will want to double up on these items because you have two baby bottoms to clean.

3) Going through Potty training can be great.  When you are potty training one baby, it can be sort of frustrating when they seem to not grasp the concept of using a potty.  But, when you have twins, they have someone to go through it with.  When they reach the terrible twos, they go through it with their twin; whereas a single baby have to go it alone.  They will always have a playmate and this can be a great thing for the mom because they can keep each other company.

4) Take advantage of store discounts.  For many of you, you probably are aware Babies R Us, they tend to give mothers of twins discount on diapers and other merchandise.  Check out Evenflo, Gerber, and Johnson and Johnson because they offer discounts as well.

5) Twin mothers have different stroller needs.  Yes, that's correct! In this situation, you got to choose which stroller works for you and your little people. I would recommend talking to other twin mothers and get their advice on what they chose.  But, as I've stated earlier, you got to make the final decision.  I would also suggest thinking about what type of life style you and your family has.  You may like to go jogging on a regular basis, so that would require you getting a jogging stroller. Some moms might like the side by side model so they can keep a close eye on the little ones.  Check around before you purchase one.

I really hope this will give you a few more answers to your questions and that it will allow you to make the best decisions for you.

Warm Regards,
LaTersa Blakely
http://www.diapercakesbylatersa.com