LifeChoices Women's Care - Pregnancy Support

As an expectant mom, there are few things about pregnancy that are more exciting than getting to peek inside and see what your little acrobat is up to. Since many doctors only perform a couple of ultrasounds during a healthy incubation, I jumped at the opportunity to get a free sonogram from a local women's care clinic.

LifeChoices Women's Care, part of the Florida Pregnancy Support Services program, is an amazing resource for pregnant women who need help, support or just someone to listen. Located in Lutz, Florida, they provide free services such as pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, prenatal vitamins, and counseling and they understand that for some women, pregnancy is both exciting and difficult.

"Offering free limited OB ultrasounds gives women in unplanned pregnancies the opportunity of bonding with their babies at a very early start of their pregnancy," said Ana Hidalgo Stooks, Executive Director at LifeChoices Women's Care.

Through counseling, they provide the support many don't have when it comes to an unplanned pregnancy. Others may be struggling financially and LifeChoices offers a helping hand throughout their journey.

They have a Mommy Boutique filled with baby and maternity clothes, diapers, wipes, and more. With their Earn and Learn program, women can watch informational and instructional videos to prepare for pregnancy and motherhood. Moms-to-be earn "Mommy Bucks" each time they complete one and can then spend them in the boutique to purchase necessities that can otherwise be expensive.

When I heard they were looking for ultrasound models during the training of new RNs, I scheduled my appointment right away. The staff members (mostly volunteers admirably donating their time and expertise) were friendly and professional and I was blessed with almost an hour of viewing time as my little one waved and rolled. It was wonderful.

They're still looking for pregnant women to serve as ultrasound models, so if you're in the Tampa Bay area and want a free ticket to the best show this side of the womb, call Brenda at (813) 948-7734.

If you're not in need of their services, but want to assist in their cause, they're always accepting donations. Give them a call today to find out how you can help.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.lifechoiceswc.org, call (813) 948-7734 or text (813) 438-3183. Hours: Monday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. You can also like them on Facebook.

Exciting New Journeys

I know I've been slacking a bit on my blog posts lately, but I have lots of exciting news that should explain my absence.

I'm pregnant with my second child and due in March of 2014! My husband and I have been blessed again and we're so excited to welcome this new addition to our growing family. Getting pregnant this time around was considerably less difficult than the last time. (Click here for the whole story on my struggle to conceive the first time.) 

Make room for one more!

Bailey doesn't completely understand just yet (she's only 15 months, after all), but she does point to my belly and say, "baby", so maybe she knows more than we think.

Following this pregnancy will be exciting since now I'll know when to freak out and when I'm experiencing completely normal (albeit annoying and embarrassing) symptoms.

I'm 12 weeks along now and so far the "morning sickness" (I use quotes because we all know the queasiness doesn't limit itself to mornings) hasn't been as bad as it was the first time around. With Bailey, I was nauseous all day every day for several weeks. I couldn't keep anything down except macaroni and cheese and nothing eased my stomach except lying on my side.

So far with this pregnancy, while nausea has definitely stopped by for some surprise visits, it tends to come on suddenly and dissipate quickly so long as I eat the right snack fast enough. (Note: chocolate pudding is not the right snack. I learned that the hard way when it came back to say hello.)

The fatigue has also hit pretty hard (just ask my husband), but otherwise I'm feeling great and am just excited to find out the sex of the baby. (Not that it matters; we're just praying for another healthy child.)

But wait! That's not all! I'm also happy to announce that my children's books, Four Lucky Leaves and Hi, God, have been published by Tate Publishing! They won't be officially released (i.e., in bookstores) until this November, but they're both available now. Check out my Children's Books page for more info.

Stay tuned for more details about book signings, book readings, and fundraisers in the coming months.

I'm so excited for both of these new journeys and I can't wait to share them with you all.

I'd love to work with you! Any businesses or charities (especially in the Tampa Bay area) interested in hosting book signings, book readings or fundraisers are encouraged to contact me at kdbrown341@gmail.com for more information.

Hey, Mom. I See You Dancing in Your Car.

There are few no-judgment zones in this world. I like to think the inside of my car is one of them. I'm sure I'm wrong and, in fact, can only imagine the number of drivers who constantly judge my front seat off-key karaoke concerts. But the great thing about believing the inside of my car is a no-judgment zone is that I don't care that I'm wrong.

Who wouldn't play the fool just to see this little grin?

I think it's important that all moms feel this way and, really, at least a good percentage of them must. Otherwise, I would be the only parent putting my right arm in and shaking it all about in my seat. I've seen you do this, too. Red lights are everywhere. (Although if you're doing this when your kids aren't in the car, we may need to have a separate talk about that.)

Flailing my hands around and wiggling my butt mid-commute carries its own perks. Am I waving at the driver in front of me? Watching him try to figure it out is always fun. Unfortunately, he doesn't see his sedan as the no-holds-barred safety zone that I do. That's why his arm raises slightly in a daring attempt to return the wave and then drops suddenly as gumption fades into uncertainty. After all, if I'm not waving at him, he doesn't want to look like a fool. No, no, driver. We wouldn't want that.

It occurs to me that the writers of many classic kids' songs had more than childish entertainment in mind when creating accompanying gestures. If not for the potential for parental foolhardiness, why else would there be so much clapping, stomping, and barking? Luckily, I don't shy away from a little embarrassment.

That's odd. It seems none of my potentially embarrassing photos will load properly. Oh, well.

The point is (yes, I was eventually making my way to a point), most parents will do just about anything to get a giggle out of their child. If it means I have to march in place (challenging while driving) so my daughter can see "Father Abraham" come to life, so be it. Every time my hand smacks the window during "Deep and Wide" I'm reminded that nothing is more rewarding than that tiny laugh from the backseat. Besides, there's no substitute for the pride I feel each time Bailey does the hand motions for "The Wheels on the Bus". Just be sure you're practicing safe driving during all live performances.

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