When’s the Baby Coming? {AppleCheeks & Monkey Doodlez Giveaway!}

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I’m amazed at how many women are expecting right now. I was concerned about bombarding my blog lately with Simply Baby but it looks like many of you are right here with me.

My friend, fellow blogger and cousin-in-law, Rachel,  is expecting her first baby in on April 24th. You can read Rachel’s pregnancy updates here.

image Rachel @ 39 Weeks

First babies (and really all babies) are unpredictable; due dates mean nothing to them. Most babies just like to arrive in their own good time. Rachel is anxious for ‘Henry’ to get here so let’s help her pass the time by guessing when he’ll arrive! She can read the comments on here to brighten her days and also watch her mailbox for some exciting goodies.

AppleCheeks Cloth Diapers

I know Rachel is planning to cloth diaper so I was delighted when AppleCheeks generously agreed to send baby Henry  a little “welcome surprise” AND sponsor give away for a lucky reader!

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AppleCheeks are designed and manufactured in Montreal, Quebec. Canadian-made is becoming a rarity these days so it’s exciting when you can find a truly Canadian company {huge plus!}. They manufacture a two size diapering system; less bulky than your one-size yet you don’t have to buy an entire range of sizes like sized diapers. Just two will see you through! The covers are designed in pocket form so you can simply stuff with your choice of insert. The opening is wide so no un-stuffing, the insert will come out in the wash. {Another huge plus!} These covers can also be used as a cover over prefolds, flats or fitted diapers as well! They also offer starter kits and a variety of other items. Wondering why choose cloth diapers? After reading that, you’ll be sold! One of my favorite things is their color selection. Don’t they look fun? You’ll find Apple Cheeks featured later on in Simply Baby when I rave about their wipes.

Monkey Doodlez

Don’t you just love the name Monkey Doodlez? Another fabulous Canadian company {score!} with some amazing made-in-Canada products. Their most adorable product? Swim diapers; an absolute summer essential! I am so excited for baby Henry; he’ll look so sweet wearing one! These diapers will save you so much money – really! Those disposable swim diapers cost a fortune and definitely can’t compare to the savings, comfort and cuteness factor that MonkeyDoodlez swim diapers offer! John will be sporting their adorable Croc design this year; he has a thing for crocodiles! The other important thing to note about these diapers is how well they fit and how well they contain those ‘unexpected surprises’…trust me, I know from experience!! I had the privilege of reviewing one a while back and I encourage you to read the review; I’m sure you’ll be as hooked as I am. Depending on your baby, you may be fortunate enough to get two years out of your swim diaper like I did with our first one! Visit their facebook page to see the newest and cutest swim diapers now with SNAPS! {I just love the dragon…I wonder which one Henry will get!}

Monkeydoodlez

Monkey Doodlez also carries wetbags {I own two, love them and use them for cloth diapering on the go as well as for the pool!}, wipes cubes {which are an essential for me. If you cloth diaper, you may as well use cloth wipes}, and Rockin Green {thus far my favorite when doing laundry!} along with AIO diapers and Tuck and Go diapers {I haven’t tried either}. Visit their site today!

Well.ca

Well.ca is your Canadian online pharmacy. Did you know they also carries cloth diapers now and offer free shipping on every order anywhere in Canada with no minimum! They also carry another Canadian brand that I love: Dimpleskins. I love their Bum Bum Balm, though I find I rarely need it when using cloth diapers. I usually use a liner when using it and cloth diapers though I don’t believe that is necessary. I also like Sniffles since you should avoid using Vicks with your baby. My favorite product now that my babies are tots? Boo Boo Goo! Each time they have an ouchie – a kiss and a bit of goo and they are all better. It saves me the price of costly bandaids for non-bleeding ouchies but gives them the same comfort.

Fun Giveaway Time: {ENDED)

I imagine that you are anxious to win a versatile AppleCheeks diaper for yourself? Perhaps you’d like to try Dimpleskins? Or are you dying to admire your baby’s bottom in one of the MonkeyDoodlez swim diapers?  Entering is easy! There will be one prize for closest guess and the others for a random comment.

image Henry has arrived. Winner announced soon.

Open to Canadian & US friends only. Winner will be announced sometime after Henry arrives 🙂

And if you need to catch up in our Simply Baby Series:

308 Comments

  1. Follow your instincts! It’s fine to go with some advice given to you by your parents, friends, siblings, doctor’s, books, etc..but for the most part, you and your significant other are the ones that are going to have to make choices on how to raise and “deal” with your baby. By “deal” I mean, how to figure out and work with the crying, sleeping arrangements, feeding schedules, whether or not to use a pacifier {etc} stuff. In the end you will be a great parent and your child will love you unconditionally!
    bekki1820cb at gmail dot com

  2. No one EVER listens to this advice but I MUST say it because I WISH I had listened: Sleep when the baby sleeps. Just do it. Please. 🙂

  3. My best advice (since Rachel and I will be 1st time moms only a few weeks apart) is to just do the best you can! Don’t try to be perect or you’ll drive yourself crazy 🙂

  4. Piece of advice: Just enjoy those sweet newborn days, because I know everyone says it, but they grow so fast! Also, you know what’s best for you and your baby, so don’t let it get to you when everyone tries to tell yo uhow they think you should do things (because they will)! And take lots of pictures!

  5. My guess is April 27 at 5:30 am is when Baby Henry will arrive.

    richardrachel at hotmail dot com

  6. My advice as a mommy of one 15 month old and expecting my second in May:
    -Don’t stress about everything. You will figure out what works best for your family and your baby. Every baby is different and what works best for one baby will not work for another.
    -Babies all hit milestones at different ages. Don’t compare your little one to other babies. My son didn’t walk until 13 months but our friends have a little girl just 2 days younger than my son that walked at 7 months. BUT, while Danielle was learning how to walk Caedmen was learning about his voice. Caedmen now talks like crazy (baby babble) and Danielle is just discovering her voice. They all do things on their own time and may just be concentrating on something different than what the experts think they should be doing at that time.

    richardrachel at hotmail dot com

  7. I would tell a 1st time Mommy to trust your instincts. You do have them, and YOU know what is best for your kiddo!

  8. I am going to say April 23rd at 2:05 p.m. Just because that is when I had my son, almost 15 years ago! Henry will probably be late though. My son was 12 days late!

  9. My best advice…hmm. Well you will get through anything that Henry throws at you but the one you must do is document everything. Take a picture of everything because they grow too fast.

  10. im a fan of monkeydooslez and i like their swimmers.
    i think her baby will come the 26th at 3pm.
    sleep when the baby sleeps.

  11. April 25th, 2011 at 6:02am

    I have just started using Applecheeks and I love them. I am interested in Monkey Doodlez also, as I am a monkey collector! Whatever the brand, as long as they are cloth and comfortable I am all for them!

  12. It’s easy for first-time parents to become overwhelmed thinking about all the things they don’t know about raising a child. Just take it one day (or even one hour) at a time. You’ll learn as you go. Babies are flexible and forgiving (and won’t even remember their first few years anyway).

  13. The best advise I can give you from a mom of 3 (soon to be 4)is to accept help when it is offered. Don’t think you have to be super mom and do everything yourself. Get your husband involved with as much as possible. This is such an exciting time in your life. Good luck with everything. Wishing you a quick, painfree delivery 🙂
    sbaka3 at gmail dot com

  14. We love applecheeks. My favorite color was sailors blue but that has been discontinued. So of the remaining colors I like cherry tomato best.
    sbaka3 at gmail dot com

  15. My favorite monkey doodlez product is their swim diaper. Tully the turtle is so darn cute.
    sbaka3 at gmail dot com

  16. My advice is enjoy EVERY MOMENT! They grow so fast!! And the times you do feel overwhelmed, just know it WILL PASS!! Congrats…sooo exciting!!!!!

  17. My advice – sleep when the baby sleeps. It’s probably already been said. And it sounds cliche…but just do it. You will be thankful for it later. My other advice: if people ask how they can help, let them. Enjoy your baby (he’ll be so big before you know it) and let someone else do the dirty work (cleaning, cooking, etc).

    brandielam3 at gmail dot com

  18. My best advice is to follow your instincts and never listen to anyone who says you HAVE to do it this way, or you CANT do it that way– unless it’s really going to hurt the baby (again, follow instincts)– birth is not going to be the ideal thing that you want– it’s going to be how it is. Try and accept that not everything will go perfectly, the right mindset is an open one!

  19. My guess for Baby Henry’s arrival is April 21st at 12:20am. All the best to you!

    avascloset at hotmail dot com

  20. Due date?? I’m thinking April 23rd at 10:45pm as that’s my little girl’s arrival time and she will be 17 months on that day. 😀

  21. what tip or advice should she know? He is your baby you will know what is best for him and you not everyone else. Take their opinions and advice and then do what YOU want.

    [email protected]

  22. If you plan on breastfeeding, don’t give up too soon, its tough at first but it gets SOO much easier at th 6-8wk mark.

  23. The best advice I received was from a friend of mine. She told me “to not expect to be able to do anything the first month after baby arrives”. At times this was frustrating, but with breast feeding hourly and a slow recovery that later we found out was an infection, there wasn’t time for anything else. So I wish you a quick recovery and hope you have lots of support and a “go-for” hubby. All the best with your little boy. You will definitely love him. 😀

  24. Advice: Listen to your instincts, and don’t freak out if your baby doesn’t do everything all the people/books/websites say he is “supposed to.” Don’t expect him to be on an adult schedule. When things get tough, remember… this, too, shall pass (most of it much too quickly!).

  25. My favorite MonkeyDoodlez product would be the swim diapers: Jazzy Giraffe, Sassy Zebra, and for a more neutral one ‘Lil Quacker. 😀

  26. Advice: Follow your instincts and gut feeling. It is ok to co sleep and nurse past a year.

  27. Best advice:

    Listen to your baby and your instincts. If something sounds “wrong” think about that, and examine that, don’t just give in to whatever it is because “Well, my mom/grandma/aunt did things this way… and the book said it was OK.” Your baby is not one of the babies raised by your aunt, grandma, or mom, and has unique needs all his own!

    Don’t try to do too much. You’ll probably start to feel more energetic around 3-4 weeks, and you’ll be tempted to do too much. You WILL regret it the next day. I tell myself this every time, and I’m very bad at taking my own advice. The dishes, laundry, and dust will still be there. Your baby will grow up faster than you imagined possible. Cherish those first weeks.

    Breastfeeding is an amazing and important thing you can do for your child. If you are having difficulties, please ask for help from La Leche League or a board certified lactation consultant. Set small goals, like making it to six weeks, and then to 3 months, 6 months, etc. Generally, things get a lot easier around 6-8 weeks, and most of the challenges have been worked out.

    If in the end, you tried everything and you can’t breastfeed, DO NOT beat yourself up about it. Ultimately, there is a LOT more to being a good parent than feeding your baby, and while I am a die-hard lactivist for life, I’m not so focused on breastfeeding as to believe every parent HAS to do it to be a good parent. 😉

  28. My favorite Monkey Doodlez product is the Tully Turtle swim diaper.

    katthe7th (at) gmail (dot) com

  29. You have some great advice already, but i agree with all these moms when they say, you need to find what works for you! So much pressure is on new moms to do and try everything people tell you, but only you and your hubby live with your little man 24/7 and you will find what works best for all of you 🙂 I would recommend reading the 90 min sleep cycle, worked wonders for us, but again, just a recommendation 🙂 all the best!!

  30. My favorite applecheeks color is St.Lucia, although I love the new storm as well!!

  31. My advice is take it easy and try to find the humor in every situation! Smile and laugh often! 🙂

  32. Advice: sleep when the baby sleeps! If visitors come over, who cares if the laundry hasn’t been put away?? Everyone will be looking at baby ‘Henry’ 🙂

  33. Hi there!
    hmmmmmmm…..my guess is going to be May 1st!!! (because that is my birthday and an awesome day to be born on! ;b ) and lets say around 2pm.
    As for some good advice? We have a 3 month old and I still feel pretty clueless! BUT! one thing for sure I know is to have easy & healthy (eatable with one hand if possible) snacks on hand the first little while….it really is a lifesaver! and don’t worry about cleaning and laundry etc….all that can wait….just take care of you and your baby…and remember if things get tough (I know my world seemed like it was crumbling when I was getting very little sleep) repeat to yourself out loud “This is only a small part….it will pass….things will get better”.
    and enjoy the moment! ok….done babbling now : )
    Congratulations!!!!

  34. I’m a first time mommy too =) and people always said to me that time goes so fast enjoy it they are not little for long, I can’t believe my baby girl will be 6 months old soon.

  35. I bet she’ll have him on Thursday, 4.21 at 4:47 AM. 🙂 I was due with my baby girl on the 21st, and I had her a week early. 🙂

  36. Advice to a first time mom: relax. go with the flow a bit. with my first I got pretty worked up over things that were not important. But, people do understand and you get to play the “I know it might seem a little silly, but I’m a first time mom and I would prefer if you didn’t XYZ…” 🙂 Good luck!

  37. I love raspberry sorbet and lemon zest… and cherry tomato… and… I really do like the colours!

  38. My guess is baby Henry will come on April 26th at 9:45 pm. MY favorite Applecheeks cover is Orange Zest. I follow AC on Facebook and Twitter.

  39. My advice is to follow your instincts. It’s your baby, not anyone elses. I heard a lot of different suggestions and opinions where people expressed what they think I should do with my baby. I always went with my heart.

  40. Advice: Take one day at a time, and try not to compare your baby to anyone elses! And always remember- he is yours- not theirs!

  41. When I went to a breastfeeding class before my first little boy was born the lactation consultant asked us what to do if the baby gets hiccups.
    We came up with all sorts of answers.
    Her reply……
    NOTHING! They won’t hurt them, and they will go away on their own. Just let them hiccup away 🙂
    Enjoy your baby when he arrives!

  42. Advice:
    • sleep when baby sleeps
    • drink lots of water
    • and if you have visitors, ask them to bring something home cooked (every little bit helps during the first few weeks)

  43. my advise/tip – the first 3 months is the 4th trimester… baby needs to be close to mama. Watch your baby and not the clock. Trust your mummy instincts, you are the expert on your baby.
    mcintosh dot kimberley at gmail dot com

  44. follow applecheeks on twitter
    @mcintoshkim
    mcintosh dot kimberley at gmail dot com

  45. As a first time mom to be I’ve no advice of my own. But I’ve been told numerous times that you should sleep when the baby sleeps!

  46. I like that Monkey Doodlez carries Rockin’ Green since I’ve been told it’s what I’m going to want for cloth diapering!

  47. My guess is Henry will arrive Wednesday, April 27 at 9:15 AM. My best wishes for an easy, peaceful and comfortable birthing time for mom and an early Happy BIRTHday for “Henry”

  48. we love the monkey doodlez tuck and go diaper – It is one of the only dipes that fit my toddler at almost 40 lb. We stuff it with prefolds, but I’d love to try the Monkey Doodlez insert for it. Would also loved to try their AIO’s.

  49. I guess that Henry (name I gave my fav cabbage patch kid when I was little lol) will arrive April 29th @ 4:55 pm.

  50. My son will be 1 on May 6th, it comes fast, very fast, so take time to enjoy every minute, take baby for walks, laugh instead of cry and give baby lots of kisses and cuddles. And don’t worry about what other people think on how you should raise your baby, do what comes naturally , you’ll be much happier and so will baby. I also recommend you babywear as much as possible:) Good Luck with it all.

  51. What a fun giveaway!! I’m now following Rachel’s blog as well 🙂

    I’m going to guess May 1st right at 12 AM! My DD was 10-13 days late (we had a few EDAs!) so I’m inclined to think other first time babies will be late too! 🙂

  52. My advice: If Rae plans to breastfeed, don’t give up if there are early challenges! (e.g. w/ latching, low supply, etc.) There are so many sources of support out there and the vast majority of mommies can prevail over these challenges with some determination!

  53. I will be a first time mom myself, so I don’t have any advise for her but wanted to say best of luck, follow your gut instinct, I’m sure you’ll be a great mom!

    cassieanne.smith at yahoo dot com

  54. My favorite Apple Cheeks color is the Rasberry Sorbet!

    cassieanne.smith at yahoo dot com

  55. I love the MonkeyDoodlez swim diapers. Their designs are so cute!

    cassieanne.smith at yahoo dot com

  56. Rae is a first time mother; what tip or advice should she know?
    Everyone says this but leave the dishes, laundry, cleaning, etc. and sleep when baby Henry sleeps! You really need to take care of yourself so you can take care of Baby as best as you can. Also, make sure you take lots of video clips, especially his first cries. Months (not years) later you’ll already miss the newborn cries and those video clips will remind you of Baby’s first few days/weeks of life.

  57. What is your favorite MonkeyDoodlez product? I LOVE their new swim diaper with a monkey on the bum

  58. St. Lucia for apple cheeks and love the dragon on the Swimmers.
    I like April 24th, yes! Your due date! At 11:00am
    At first all Henry will do is eat and sleep and sound like a kitten when he cries and you will think “Geez, this isn’t so bad” (mostly because you are running on pure adrenalin for the first couple of weeks). But don’t be lured into the false sense that you are Wonder Woman. Everyone thinks that they are going to get so much done on mat leave….like washing windows, wallpapering and garden re-design. Make your main goals showering, keeping Henry in clean diapers, and not forgetting to eat and you’ll be golden!

  59. Congratulations, Rae! Here’s my advice: You will probably feel overwhelmed w/ the amount of visitor who want to see your newest addition- For those well-wishers who really want to help, let them make you meals!

  60. I’m sure you have heard this a thousand times, but really, just do it! Sleep when the baby sleeps! I wish I had done that instead of worrying about the housework, etc. It can wait, believe me!

  61. I think that Henry will arrive on April 24th at 3:37pm. (My son came on his due date at that time:-)

  62. Tip: Don’t listen to everyone telling you that you have to do this or that. Do what you and your husband decide, while having a right relationship with God, and it will be fine! Even if you mess up, God will make up for your short-comings. Enjoy your baby:-)

  63. My advice: take advantage of everyone who offers to help!
    mk_mitchell90 at hotmail dot com

  64. They’re only babies for such a short time. Love him and hold him as much as you want – you can’t spoil an infant!
    olivia.lasting at gmail dot com

  65. following applecheeks on FB as Olivia Lambert Lasting
    olivia.lasting at gmail dot com

  66. I like Monkey Doodlez on FB as Olivia Lambert Lasting
    olivia.lasting at gmail dot com

  67. As it is April 26th and I don’t see anything posted about the baby having arrived — let’s hope for tonight 🙂 April 26th, 8pm.

  68. Don’t be afraid to take help around the house — BUT, don’t be afraid to jump in their with your baby. You’ll probably do better then you could ever imagine 🙂 ngiraldi @ gmail . com

  69. I think the Monkey Doodlez Tuck and Go™ Diapering System looks pretty cool! ngiraldi @ gmail . com

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