50 Weeks Pregnant

I’ll never forget how I felt looking in the mirror at myself for the first time after having my baby.

“Spawnie” was gone. And in her place I was given a chunky, round, very noisy and squirmy stranger.

I felt like I had lost a part if me. Or like a loved one had died. I had grown so close to the baby inside of me and this baby in her place just wasn’t the same.

It took me a little while to overcome these emotions. I loved my child but missed my pregnant belly. Missed the kicks from within my tummy. Missed the tiny hiccups and watching her try to break loose.

I was falling in love with my daughter on the outside but still longed for the baby inside. In this transition I found the best of both worlds in baby-wearing.

I remember the first time I noticed someone wearing a baby. I was at church and the woman had what looked like her four-year-old sharing a shirt with her.

It looked uncomfortable and I couldn’t help but stare.

As I noticed more and more people carrying their babies around in hands-free devices I became more curious. They really look quite brilliant! Before having my daughter I got my hands on every type of carrier I could find. I know me and I’m a trial and error kind of person. I also like variety.

Wraps were one of the most intriguing ones to me. The tiny babies always looked the most cozy in those. But they looked the most complicated. One long piece of fabric and I was supposed to figure out how to get it on me and get my baby safely in it.

Slings looked the easiest. Just stick the baby in and you’re done. Because of this, I decided to try my sling first. After Lil’ J was born I stuck her in and we fell in love. Since she didn’t like me to put her down, it was the first time I was able to open my computer and get some things done.

A few days later I got brave enough to try my Sugar Sweet Baby wrap.

I watched a few YouTube videos showing me how to put a wrap on and how to put my baby in it. After watching a few demonstrations I got it down. I tried it a couple of times to get the hang of it and it was really a piece of cake.

When I looked at us in the mirror I noticed I had my baby belly back. Only now my baby was on the outside.

babywearing2

She was cozy in the not-too-stretchy bamboo fabric. And I wasn’t overheating. Even in the Texas heat. The best part was I had my hands free to move around the house, and when I did she fell right asleep.

I’ve worn this thing on all 7 of our flights, and on all but the last she slept through the whole trip! (the last one she wanted to smile and talk to the flight attendants).

baby wearing

During a family reunion I was able to eat while she slept. At BlogHer in New York City she was able to meet people and explore the world from my point of view. And on numerous trips to the grocery store, she gets to escape from her carseat (which she can’t stand) and stay close to me as we shop.

A friend asked me what my most practical baby item was and with almost no hesitation I was able to say my Sugar Sweet Baby wrap. I was freaking out about not having a stroller the first month of her life but I honestly didn’t need one. Now it’s my new go-to item for baby showers.

I’m turning into a big softy… I love having her close to me, more so for me and my comfort than hers. All I have to do is lean over a little and I’m able to kiss her forehead and smell her hair. and she loves it too. I’d say 98% of the time she goes to sleep within minutes of me wrapping her up on me. She’s close to my heart and can smell mommy too.

babywearing3

So now I’m on the other side of the fence. I’M the one getting the sometimes-crazy looks (four different strangers asked me if i was carrying a doll–yea, cause I’m that weird) when I’m at the store with her wrapped around me. But most of the time in getting compliments on the idea and how pretty it is.

Now it’s so easy to put on I can do it in the dark. Sometimes I put it on before leaving the house and just stick her in it when we get to our destination. Here we are at the nature park.

happy wrap baby

I sure do miss being pregnant, even though I have my baby now. But until I’m pregnant again I at least get a glimpse of the joy I felt every time I put Little Spawnie in her wrap.

Everyone who comments on this post will be entered to win a Sugar Sweet Baby wrap of their choice. Leave an extra comment if you follow @SugarSweetBaby on Twitter, on Facebook or subscribe to their newsletter via SugarSweetBaby.com.

I noticed a few commenters asking how easy it really is so I recorded this quick video to show you. Lil’ J is normally all gussied up but we just finished having some nakey time so don’t mind her in her diaper!

You have until 11:59 pm on September 17th to enter. I’ll draw a winner using Random.org. Good luck!
***
Winner of the $200 photo session from Grand Felicity Photography: #10 Jess from My Silly Monkeys. Congrats! I’ll email you to get in touch with the sponsor.
Mention my blog to get 25% off Grand Felicity Photography Packages!

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354 Comments

  2. Great photos Jen. I never had a wrap – they always looked so complicated! Loved my ring slings…. but seeing your photos makes me wonder what if. 😉
    Thank you for sharing the benefits of babywearing! So important for mom AND baby.

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  14. i love how that wrap looks!!! i loved babywearing with M. and just used a sling and an ergo…excited to try out wraps with smudge!

    marfmom at gmail dot com

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  16. I’m 26 weeks pregnant and have been looking for the perfect wrap for my little boy when he gets here. I would love to win a Sugar Sweet Baby wrap. Good luck with Spawnie!

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  19. That’s precious! I’m hoping to try the baby wearing myself once my little man gets here. I’ve heard only good things about it 🙂 Plus it doesn’t hurt having two hands available along with a content baby! I can also totally understand how you “missed the belly” I’m afraid I’ll be missing it too!

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  31. I’ve never had a wrap, but have been intrigued with them for quite some time now. I love your pink one! It would be great to have one….hope I win!!

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  41. My baby is due in 3 weeks and I’ve told hubby and myself that I’m just not the baby wearing kind.. my ex MIL bought me some kind of wrap 9 years ago with my first daughter and I could never figure it out, it always seemed like I was gonna break her if I let go (of course I was also only 17 myself at the time) Lil J looks so comfy in your sugar sweet baby wrap! Maybe I should try to be the baby wearing kind afterall

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  44. Aw…your girlie is super sweet & adorable. 🙂

    I’m not a mama, but I know I want to do some babywearing in the future. If I won this particular giveaway, I’d probably gift it…I know lots of people with babies on the way!

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  46. I would love a wrap. Unfortunately, not for me since my little guy is probably too big now and I don’t see weight limits. But, I just found out that I am going to be an aunt again, and I think my SIL would just love this. She’ll have a very active toddler to chase, and this would probably help her.

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  50. I’m due with my first baby in December, and I’m trying to get my hands on as many wraps/slings as possible so I can try them all. I’d love to win this contest!

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  57. I am going to get me one of these! I know I will want to have my little one (once she gets here) close to my heart at all times and this way I can get everything done.

    Thank you for sharing!!

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  66. I am a single mom of a 10 week old baby that really just wants to be held.. ALL THE TIME! That looks great! And so comfy.. going to check them out right now! Thanks for the blog!

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  67. i thought the exact same thing, that slings looked much easier. i’m glad to know the wraps are manageable too. thanks for the demo and info.
    barefeetonthedashboardATgmailDOTcom

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  68. Oh, you and little miss J look so sweet together! I CAN NOT believe how big she’s getting. And if it’s possible even more beautiful!

    I’ve been waiting for this give-away ever since you had her! Yay! I don’t know if the wrap will look as great on me as it looks on you, but I would LOVE to try and win. Too bad I don’t have a Twitter account, but I’ll for sure go and hit the “like” button on facebook! Keep up the good work mama!

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  70. I can understand the feeling of missing the belly. In no way do I mean I miss pregnancy, I am in no rush to do that again, but instead I miss him so close. Sometimes I let him nap on me just so I can keep him close and feel him breath. It is over whelming how much we love them so fast. So fast that we first miss them when they are gone from our belly’s yet in our arms. Love baby wearing my little one is still small, only 8lbs and he is a month and a half, lol. I love wearing him if just to give my arms a rest. Love your post as usual, thank you for sharing.

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  86. We had a Moby when P was small and absolutely adored it. Between that and the fleece pouch, we had her strapped to us more often than not. Being an October baby, it was so nice having her against us out in the cold — it kept us from worrying about her temp and whether she was bundled up enough. I recommend babywearing to everyone I know. I’d love to have a wrap like this to share with any of my many pregnant friends.

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  89. I love my Sugar Sweet Baby wrap! Baby E is so much happier being close to me all day. She’s a happy baby anyway but there’s still a noticeable difference on days where she gets worn a lot. I think every new mom should have one of these! (Or two or three or four…)

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  91. I’ve got a little boy on the way, and I’m looking forward to wearing him as much as possible. I’ll be going back to work, and it seems like such a great way to bond and connect at the end of the day.

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  93. Great story…I am anxious to check out the rest of your blog! I am 26 weeks pregnant and have been trying to decide what kind of carrier is going to be best and Ive heard so many good things about this one!

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  99. I am pregnant with #2, and I am totally longing for a cute wrap like this to use to keep my hands free for chasing around my two-year-old. I agree with the other comments…I don’t think i could look as cute as you with it, but it sure would be nice!

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  100. I absolutely love those wraps! I live in Germany and even though we have a car sometimes it’s just easier to go places with public transport – that would make it so much simpler! You look great in your Sugar Sweet Baby Wrap – I need one of those!

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  101. I absolutely love those wraps. I live in Germany and even though we have a car sometimes it is just easier to go some places by public transport – these wraps would make it so much simpler!

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  104. So, I read your post, and watched the video before realizing that there was a giveaway attached… even before I noticed the giveaway, I was thinking: OOH – I want one of those wraps for when I have a little one in December!!!

    And then I noticed the giveaway, and about died. It would be so nice to win!

    Your video was awesome 🙂 Easy to understand, and I love how you got all gooey when you said “then you get your baby”… I can tell you’re really happy 🙂

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  121. When women who just had babies see my pregnant belly they tell me how jealous they are lol and how they miss their belly! I hope my baby likes wraps…little J looks so cozy in yours! I registered for the moby wrap so we’ll see what we get!

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  129. This wrap looks fabulous and easy to use. I’ve used others but not this one.

    P.S. On my computer the aduio on your You Tube video was very, very quiet, I couldn’t really hear (but I got the point by watching).

    comichelle51 at hotmail dot com

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  131. I’d like to post for a chance to win this wrap 🙂
    But also I would like to know about the safety concerns of these… I remember earlier in the year when numerous baby slings were recalled due to suffocation risks. Is there a suffucation worry with these things?

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  133. Enter me in!! Wraps are the best. Other cultures have been doing this forever and I am glad more mothers are doing this. I will definitely use my wrap more than a stroller.

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  134. I absolutely love my wrap and I used it all the time when my daughter was tiny. Now that she is bigger I love my ring sling because she can just hang out on my hip!

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  135. I will definitely be “wearing” my baby. We just had our first ultrasound today, so I’m riding on that high 🙂 20 weeks along and I already can’t wait to meet this little one!

    heatherandscott030709 at gmail dot com

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  141. I am having my second baby in February and I would LOVE one of these!!! I didnt have a wrap or sling with my first and I just cannot wait to baby wear with this one! Thanks for the great review on it!!

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  142. I love keeping babies close to me, especially those first few months when they’re so sleepy and snuggly. I use a ring sling mostly at first, then I move on to my Ergo. I’ve also used pouches a little bit and tried a wrap once or twice.

    My favorite thing? Being able to kiss their head any time you want, like you mentioned.

    I love the fabric of your wrap. So stylish!

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  143. ps–the recalled sling (which wasn’t really a sling at all, more of a big duffel bag with a shoulder strap) was one specific brand and not any of the ones that you’d use for baby wearing.

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  149. I’m really excited about the wrap from Sugar Sweet Baby! Even if I don’t win one through this contest, I’m going to buy one for this new baby! I’ve always been weary of the wraps, but I really have to try one. I see women in the grocery store with them all the time, and it looks so much easier and logical than carting around a heavy car seat. Thanks for the info! I love all the fabric choices!

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  153. Great post. I plan on baby wearing but am unsure which carriers to get. I have a Boba Carrier but was thinking of getting a wrap and/or sling as well. Think I’m leaning towards the wrap now.

    naturemanipulated AT hotmail DOT com

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  162. I love the pics of lil j in the wrap. I want one so bad! hehe. I miss my preggo belly too, and this way probably our last babe. So bittersweet, but they’re so much fun to watch grow up.

    And yay for Jess winning!! Congrats girl!

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  163. love the pics of lil j in the wrap. she loves snuggling her mama! I want one of these wraps so bad; just cant afford it yet, so hoping i win!

    congrats to Jess on winning the pics too!

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  172. Oh my goodness! I would totally use one of those! I had a baby backpack that I used with my other two, but I always wished I had something more flexible, adjustable, and all-around cuter! I need to look into getting one of those!

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  180. I would love to try a wrap like that. We never got much into babywearing. I have a ring sling but I’m not comfortable wearing it. The wrap looks a lot more comfortable.

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  182. I have been looking for a wrap for my baby girl that is coming in January! I just didn’t know which one to get. This one looks awesome! I would love it!

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  184. This is such a sweet post! I love these wraps and am determined to have one for my baby due in January. This looks like it will be the perfect thing to keep my baby close and allow me to go about my usual duties (with a 2-year-old, too!).

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  188. I have been searching for the perfect carrier! I love that it’s bamboo so much better than the one I was considering, I have never heard of this one before.

    I would like to enter the contest, I’m 36 pregnant and know I’m going to miss having him inside me.

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  192. I would love to get one of these wraps for the orphans we take in. What a great way to bond!

    I imagine the ones who asked if you were carrying a doll were referring to your youthfulness–they probably thought you were a high school student carrying a doll for one of those school projects.

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  194. This is great information! I’ve been struggling with finding the perfect carrier. Like you, I like to try a bunch of things out! I’ve been borrowing carriers from my buddies who already have babies, all in my quest to find The One. I hadn’t heard about this kind of wrap, and your video makes it look so easy! Thanks for sharing!

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  195. I, too, mourned my pregnancy something fierce after I had my daughter. I cried often for about two weeks. It was so strange and unexpected. I LOVED baby wearing! Although we can still do it now, I’m not sure if my daughter would enjoy it as she loves walking independently. I had a Moby wrap and a Baby Bjorn.

    We have another little one on the way, so I’m looking forward to baby wearing again, although I’ll start it much sooner this time. I’m also ready for any post-baby sadness.

    Lil J is so stinkin’ cute!

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  196. I’m a first time visitor (saw you on Twitter and thought I’d stop by.) You have a beautiful blog! I can relate so much to your sadness at the loss of your belly. I didn’t understand why I felt that way, but it was a really strong emotion I didn’t expect. I figured the best thing to do was to let myself feel it, so I did…and I cried for weeks. Now, 10 months later, I have to admit I wish I had a little less of a belly! Until next time, that is…hopefully soon! I would love to win a wrap for baby #2!

    We have a lot in common…I wish you lived in my town (or worked in my office!)

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  197. That wrap is ADORABLE!!!! I would love to enter this contest, I’m expecting in January. I also follow you on twitter! Thanks for sharing the video too!

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  200. That is so amazing. I will be working on trying to conceive next year after I lose a good amount of weight and get in better health and recently finding and reading you blog has giving me so much info that is already helping me in future choices. This wrap looks amazing compared to the slings that I always worry about after hearing about some infant deaths due to them. Thanks for the video showing how easy it is to get on and congrats on your beautiful bundle of joy.

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  201. Thanks for posting the tutorial video, and your pics are great! Lil J is absolutely adorable!!! I’d love to have one of those wraps. Thanks!

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  202. I hope to have a wrap to try out with our 2nd baby due in Nov – I was too scared with the 1st one and by the time I got one he was too big for me.

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  220. I’m intrigued, that’s for sure! I use a baby bjorn type of carrier and it looks so uncomfortable for my little one since she’s still so small. Count me in on the drawing, thanks!

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  221. I think your title of 50 weeks pregnant is really funny but when I think about a little baby wrap cosily on his mother tummy with a hint of pregnant belly I think it’s the most adorable thing on earth!

    You are the fist person I hear them say that they don’t own a stroller. I would really love that but I am scared, scared that my back will not like that because I have back problems.

    Anyway thank you for your wonderful post and this giveaway

    yuki@michelf.com

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  224. i loved my homemade wrap when my son was younger, now i mostly use my ergo because he is almost 19 months. i would love to have a better wrap for when i have my next baby though!

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  228. Thanks for posting the video on how to put on the wrap. I got my Sugar Sweet Baby wrap in the mail yesterday and when I tried to put it on, it was way too loose. But I watched your video this morning and put it on along with you, and it worked out so much better! Of course, it will be easier when this belly isn’t in the way 🙂

    Thanks so much!

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  229. Not pregnant yet, but would love to have one. Looks so comfy and easy to carry baby with. I like that your hands are free so you can do other things while keeping your baby close. Also thanks for the video 🙂

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  233. JEN! Can I just say I love you and how your mind functions! Member that one day you and I had a heart to heart in your car about how I wanted to consider journalism…doing and being good at something I am passionate about…writing. Well baby girl I still havent done so but I must admit I find solace in the fact that I have a friend who so eloquently describes the things that I can only muster up in my mind. I am 39 weeks and myyyy goodness am I ever so ready. It is currently 3:38 am and I cant sleep a wink cause I am catching up on reading your posts! Way to do you ma! I seriously wish I wouldve documented my pregnancy better. Wishful thinking and maybe Ill actually act on that in the future also 😉

    Anywho dying to pick your brain! topics of particular interest: breast pumps and pediatricians and vaccines.

    Sign me up for this contest girl! I am all about these. i have heard only the best about them!

    PSS. Lil J esta SUPER PRECIOOOOOSA!!! Felicidades carinho. Thanks so much for being such a phenomenal woman Jen! sending love and light in your direction bella!
    ~Maybelline

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  234. This wrap looks so comfy for baby! Big Mac loves to be carried around. I should get one of these! He’s too big for the cloth mei tie and the snuggli isn’t very comfortable for either of us while we chase Crazy Pants. 🙂

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  251. I have a new baby on the way (hopefully in the next month or two!) from Ethiopia! I would LOVE one of these wraps – they are extra wonderful for adopted babies because of the extra bonding they promote. I’m crossing all fingers and toes that I win! 🙂

    Jennifer
    jennifereladd at yahoo dot com

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  255. WOW! I’ve never had a wrap because they looked complicated but you made that look so easy that I know I MUST have one when we have baby #2. I love the idea of being hands free and having the baby close to me.

    dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

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  269. I would LOVE to win!!!!! DF lost his job right before I got pregnant (I’m 18 wks today) and is having a hard time getting back on his feet. I heard about these wraps through the owner on babycenter and I fell in love. I’ve been trying to put money aside for one butt with my other kids’ birthday and all the holidays coming up, I’m not sure I can afford it right now

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  285. it doesn’t look super hard…… i’m due in april and would love to give something like this a try! (p.s. i am mesmorized by the pics of your daughter and when i dont have time to read the whole post i skim thru to see any new pics!)

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  286. I had one of these with my last baby and really liked it, but I ordered it too small. It only fit me/baby for about the first month. I ended up giving it to my sis-in-law and am now pregnant again. I LOVED the convenience! Can’t wait to have the next one – and actually use it this time!

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  291. The one thing I was so sad about as my youngest got older and older was that I wasn’t going to get to wear my baby anymore. I kept my wraps and slings, thinking I’d pass them to my children as they become parents.
    But, surprise! We are having another baby! I am thrilled to get to wear another baby! I’d love to try another wrap, and one as gorgeous as this one.

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  298. That is really cool. I’d really like to win this for my best friend who unexpectedly is having another baby 9yrs after her last one. 🙂 This will help her out a lot and also allow her some quality bonding with the baby. I love your blog nad finding new things I can tell her about or get for her.

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  304. I really enjoyed wearing both my babies. Used one of those kangaroo carriers with both. But added a sling to the mix with my son and it was fabulous. I loved that I could nurse him while I was walking. It was TOTAL liberation!! 🙂

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  306. I think these carries are an intimate and safe way to carry a baby. Thank you for demonstrating how easy it is to put on because I must admit, they looked a little intimidating at first glance. Congrats to you and your husband on the beautiful bundle of joy you’ve created!

    p.s. I’m following on twitter and facebook! I sooo want one of these for myself!

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  323. I love this wrap! I’d never heard of them until your post. I have a little boy due December 11, and this would be great to snuggle with him during the cold Alaska winters.

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  332. Funny that you say 50 weeks pregnant. i think that is really why these are so popular – you feel so close and bonded when wearing them!
    seraphou at aol dot com

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