8 Must Have Mommy + Me Swimsuits This Summer

(Yes, there's even shops for you BOY mamas too!)

It's no secret I'm a fan of twinning with my mini. We get asked ALL the time about our matching suits, so I wanted to feature some of our favorite Instagram Shops and their adorable Matching Sets.  I asked each brand to share with us some of their staple pieces- it was SO FUN doing this shoot! Finley had a great time modeling each suit, but it was one of those days- my little #threenager couldn't live the day without her bandaid. She had a "headache" so, naturally a bandaid is the answer. LOL! Gotta love it, we just rolled with it. I didn't have a professional editor to make me all skinny and remove my cellulite either. Crazy. I know I didn't carry a baby, but I carry the reality of having no time or desire for an unrealistic supermodel body. These are my curves, so please be kind.  It's definitely scary posting this many consecutive swimsuit pics lol- Real Life is our JAM, okay?

 These shops are SO SWEET to be offering a discount to our friends- use code 'FIFISFRIENDS' for a lil % off at checkout! (The names are live links that will take you to their instagrams so just tap on them!  Be sure to follow each one and be on the lookout for special offers!)

NOW, here they are in no particular order:

@mademoiselle_louise_mommyandme

NAME: Mademoiselle Louise | MommyandMe Collection

LOCATION: Miami Beach

WEBSITE: www.mademoisellelouisedesigns.com

AVERAGE TURN AROUND TIME: 7-10 days

SIZING TIPS: True to size IMO

PRICE RANGE FOR MOMMY AND ME SET: $89

WHAT'S THE HEART OF YOUR BUSINESS? "Each suit is handmade with LOVE by a French Designer."

ANY CELEBS SEEN IN YOUR SUITS? French Celebrities, but no American ones to date.

@SugarDollz

NAME: Sugar Dollz

LOCATION: Canyon Lake, CA

WEBSITE: www.sugardollz.myshopify.com

AVERAGE TURN AROUND TIME: 12-18 days during peak season

SIZING TIPS: If you're in between sizes, go with the larger size.

PRICE RANGE FOR MOMMY AND ME SET: $110-$140

WHAT'S THE HEART OF YOUR BUSINESS? "The heart of my business is my love for designing swimwear for Mamas & their little dollz.  There is nothing more rewarding than creating memories for hundreds of Mommy & Me duos around the World." 

ANY CELEBS SEEN IN YOUR SUITS? You may have seen COCO Austin + Baby Chanel or Meghan King Edmonds + Aspen King Edmonds in our Suits. (Little Dollz Swimwear)

@sunhaze_

NAME: Lana Reid | Sunhaze

LOCATION: Sunshine Coast QLD Australia

WEBSITE: www.sunhaze.com.au

AVERAGE TURN AROUND TIME: 1 day to a week, plus postage.

SIZING TIPS: True to Size IMO.

PRICE RANGE FOR MOMMY AND ME SET: $170-$190

WHAT'S THE HEART OF YOUR BUSINESS? "The heart of Sunhaze are the wonderful women that have Sunhaze swimsuits and their Daughters and Sons."

ANY CELEBS SEEN IN YOUR SUITS? "We have had Amber Fillerup Clark in some of our swimsuits with her gorgeous Daughter.  We love to see ALL the happy snaps of everyone enjoying our swimsuits."

@reddollyswim

NAME: Heather | Red Dolly Swimwear

LOCATION: Portland, OR

WEBSITE: www.reddollyswimwear.com

AVERAGE TURN AROUND TIME: All items in stock and ready to ship!

SIZING TIPS: I have this suit in size small (pictured) and size Large. I normally wear 6/8 or L in swimsuits. I feel more comfortable in the Large, but I usually like to be pretty covered up and loosely on the rear. lol. I say order True to Size.

PRICE RANGE FOR MOMMY AND ME SET: $110-$140

WHAT'S THE HEART OF YOUR BUSINESS? "We design vintage and retro style suits with modern fabrics & fit to give women a comfortable option, and cute matching suits for little ones too!"

ANY CELEBS SEEN IN YOUR SUITS? Not yet, but we did recently send a bunch to Taylor Swift's stylist who personally requested them.

@thesaltybaby

NAME: Tina | The Salty Baby

(OFFERS MATCHING SUITS FOR BOYS)

LOCATION: Newport Beach, CA- the suits are shipped from Miami.

WEBSITE: www.thesaltybaby.com

AVERAGE TURN AROUND TIME: suits are shipped within 48 hours of receiving the order, usually arrive within 2-3 days. 

SIZING TIPS: True to size IMO. 

PRICE RANGE FOR MOMMY AND ME SET:  Around $160 (lots of coupon codes randomly offered.)

WHAT'S THE HEART OF YOUR BUSINESS? 'I started this line after having a baby girl, because I realized how frustrating it was to take a bathing suit off and on for diaper changes.  I really just had the idea in my living room one day and decided to go for it.  When I saw how much people liked it, we started making Mommy + Me sets- including suits for little boys!  Moms had enough frustrating moments throughout the day changing a diaper with a wet suit on should be as easy as possible- while looking cute too!'

ANY CELEBS SEEN IN YOUR SUITS? Not yet.  We recently sent suits to Meghan Kind Edmonds and Ali Fedowsky.

@freshpeachesswimwear

NAME: Fresh Peaches Swimwer

(OFFERS MATCHING SUITS FOR BOYS)

LOCATION: Rancho Cucamonga, CA

WEBSITE: UNDER CONSTRUCTION

AVERAGE TURN AROUND TIME: Around 5 Weeks

SIZING TIPS: Every suit is custom and hand cut, so they make any style in any size and modify the styles to accommodate the customer. 

PRICE RANGE FOR MOMMY AND ME SET: $170

WHAT'S THE HEART OF YOUR BUSINESS? "We are Family owned and operated and have been custom making swimsuits for all shapes and sizes since 1979.  The heart of our business is helping every woman walk out of our store feeling confident in a swimsuit."

ANY CELEBS SEEN IN YOUR SUITS? "Being in the industry for so many years, we have made swimsuits for state pageant winners, playboy playmates, reality tv stars, models, magazines photo spreads, national champion body builders and every type of woman in between.

@aureinswim

NAME: Angel + Jeffrey | Aurein Swim

LOCATION: Vancouver, Canada

WEBSITE: www.aureinswim.com

AVERAGE TURN AROUND TIME: (Free shipping on all orders!) 5-7 business days to the US

SIZING TIPS: Refer to Sizing Guide on each item. Message on their Facebook Page for one on one consultation.)

PRICE RANGE FOR MOMMY AND ME SET: $150-$228 (suits under 12m are half-price)

WHAT'S THE HEART OF YOUR BUSINESS? 'I started the brand because everyone is selling sex and fast fashion, which doesn't really fit my need as a new mom.  Now that I have spoken with enough with my customers, it makes me really happy that I can deliver that, 'this is it' swimsuit for moms.  New moms are very much forgotten in this industry, we spend most of our money on health food, products for our kids and families, and functional items for ourselves. Aurein Swim is a little something nice moms can get for themselves where they can feel beautiful and don't have to worry about their movements when playing with the kids during water activities.'

ANY CELEBS SEEN IN YOUR SUITS? Cara G, a supermodel and mom of two who hosts 'Who Wants to Be the Next Top Model' in Asia.

@lilchocopink

NAME: Yvonne | Lil Choco Pink

LOCATION: San Gabriel, CA

WEBSITE: www.littlechocopink.com

AVERAGE TURN AROUND TIME: 1-4 days

SIZING TIPS: Go a size up for a better fit on top.

PRICE RANGE FOR MOMMY AND ME SET: $54-$60

WHAT'S THE HEART OF YOUR BUSINESS? "Providing excellent customer service and hoping my customers enjoy their products and are happy with them.  

ANY CELEBS SEEN IN YOUR SUITS? Everyone is a Celebrity in our eyes! We love seeing you all in our suits, be sure to tag us!

Why We Celebrate Birth-Mother's Day

Four years ago, I spent Mother's Day in our empty nursery sitting on the floor, weeping.  I had my weak moments, this was one of them.  I tried not to question, "why me?" instead I tried to visualize the future that I wanted so badly.  I couldn't quite picture a child's face or imagine what life would actually look like.  I just knew that it would be complete.  After facing the constant emptiness + heartache of infertility, I knew in my heart that adoption was our option.  It was how God was leading my Husband and I to become parents.  

Unless you've experienced it, you'll never be able to fathom what it feels like to be 'waiting to adopt' or a 'hopeful adoptive parent'. Talk about hope.  You essentially are waiting for someone to look at a scrapbook about your life and say, "Yep that's them.  I want them to parent my unborn child."  It's a big freaking deal - because odds are there are hundreds of 'scrapbooks' to choose from. What makes our life so special that we will be chosen? Why us?  I feel like this is the forgotten stage of the domestic adoption process.  Some families wait years and years to be chosen.  How could you possibly expect me to go from wanting to be a mother so badly, to dismissing the very person that is responsible? Let's remember that she actually CHOSE me to do this, out of many deserving candidates. I thought I could be the Adoptive-Mom that shares photos with a Birth-Family and occasionally has a visit.  Never did I think I would be in an active open adoption.  Never did I think that I would feel so confident that the mere use of certain "adoption trigger words" would no longer trigger me.  It's taken a lot to get me here, but I can't help but think it was a chain-reaction set off by one thing I did.  Shortly after we were chosen, I wrote a letter to myself. I wanted to remember all that I was feeling. I encourage every waiting mother to write this letter.  It is VERY important that you remember how you felt in this chapter of your life. 

The Day we got THE CALL was one I will never ever ever forget. Being chosen felt like a lottery win.  I pictured the life of this expecting woman and everything she was possibly going through, and was filled with different emotions.  Felt more like every emotion.  I was full of joy for us, but I was equally filled with sadness for her. Our greatest gift was surely going to be her biggest heartbreak.  Everytime I could feel my 'sad' emotions creep up I would reassure her that we were a great choice and we would do everything to be the best parents.  My new hope was to be the EXACT parent she wanted for her unborn baby girl. 

Shortly after Finley was born, it came time to sign THE PAPERS.  Lex was relinquishing her rights and we were accepting parental responsibility.  Such a legal matter and I know we are trained to abide by the law, but in this capacity- it felt unnatural.  I remember sitting across from each other at the table and passing her the pen, being scared to make eye-contact with her for fear that I would feel too intense of guilt. The tears just streamed down our faces, for a million different reason. She was willingly giving us the precious life that she created and we were promising her to cherish it. Our verbal agreement was to exchange photos and have some physical visits within the first year.  I was encouraged not to make any promises that I know I wouldn't keep.  Let me tell you, that is VERY hard to do when it is something you want more than anything.  Lex asked for nothing because she didn't need anything, even though I would have given her ANYTHING she requested.  The beauty of our relationship was always the trust, the unspoken trust that we established on day 1.   I honestly believe that as much as Finley was a perfect fit for our family, so was Lex. A piece of that puzzle I struggled to imagine back in that empty nursery.

Open Adoption can be such a beautiful thing when all parties involved are healthy enough to handle this type of relationship.  It is difficult no matter the circumstance.  I've never felt threatened by Finley's Birth-family because we've always maintained a mutual respect and gratitude. They've never commented on the decisions we've made as parents, there are clear boundaries that are honored.  Even when we all have our issues, we communicate through them.  Ultimately, we share the same desire for Finley to know she was loved through the placement process and is continuously and uncondtionally loved by her Birth-family.  I believe that this is the foundation for a successful open adoption.  Lex chose to place Finley in our Lives, and that is the sole reason we are Finley's Parents.  We will always celebrate Birth-Mothers day with her, for as long as she is comfortable doing so.     

As I sit here writing this blog, I think about all of the women who spend their nights sitting in empty nurseries.  I can't tell you what having family and friend's support means to someone in this place. My prayer is for you to know you are loved and you are worthy. I pray that you know when the time comes, that your pain and suffering will be flushed away and overpowered by joy. I love the Bible Verse about joy coming in the morning, because I always felt that I was the saddest and the emptiest at night.  I pray the nights be short for you.  I pray that your Journey to Motherhood is an inspiring one.  Lastly, I pray that you share your story with other's to bring them comfort during this time.   

With Love, Christina   

 

the #SHOWYOURSCAR campaign

Finley has recently shown great interest in the scar on her back.  The 4 inch scar she has along her spine is from the SDR Operation she had in St. Louis with Dr. Park, this past October.  The SDR is performed by a Nuerologist, and Dr. Park is the best surgeon in the world for this procedure.  She says that she got her scar from, "The doctors I flew on a plane to see."

She's 3, so it's really cute to see her light up when she talks about it.  She even says it makes her strong. (I have to hold back tears every. single. time.) Her enthusiasm is what turns this scar into a symbol. A symbol which signifies that, although we may experience pain - we have the opportunity to see beauty in the victory. We’re teaming up with @YouCaring to help launch the 'Show Your Scar' campaign. Whether you’ve overcome a hardship that left a visible or invisible scar, PLEASE - I encourage you to share your story publicly. Show others how overcoming adversity - from mental illness to physical disability or disease - is what shapes us into the people we are today. YOU can help us by Sharing your Story.

IF you choose to SHARE your story, and I HOPE you do - You will have the chance to receive $500 that can go toward any YouCaring fundraiser of your choice!  ( If you chose ours, this would cover the cost for 2 months of Therapy for Finley.)  What a great way to SHARE your story to HELP others, AND then be able to give someone this GIFT. Gosh, I love YOUCARING so much!  This accounts for posts on Instagram + Twitter only. 

To enter this special YOUCARING offer:

1)  Your account must be on PUBLIC, or followed by @Youcaring. 

2) TAG @YOUCARING on the POST CAPTION and tap-tagged in the PIC

3) Use the HASHTAG #ShowYourScar.   

TO READ MORE ABOUT THE #SHOWYOURSCARCAMPAIGN    ((click here))

#ShowYourScar #finleysSDRstory

Willow's CP Journey

Instagram has introduced us to some of the greatest people.  It's such a great way to target your searches by use of hashtags and find people you instantly feel a connection to. One of those Moms for me is @willows_cpjourney.  Highly recommend following them, she posts beautiful pictures and gears her posts to be productive and inspires her followers with different Therapy-related ideas and activities. I always find myself commenting aloud with, "Now, THAT is clever!"

Willow's Mama, Tara,  was so kind to email back and forth with me, because life is cray.  I'm excited to share this with our devoted Fifi and Mo followers.  While we offer fashion tips and share aspects of our journey, Tara provides useful tips that every Mama of a CP warrior should see! She's collaborated on a great Ebook and we cannot wait to download it! 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

 

How was Willow diagnosed?

"Willow came into the world a little too early, at 29 weeks, and spent her first 6 weeks in the NICU. Routine scans showed that she had damage to the brain, this is when we were confronted with a never ending list of complications and disabilities that she could [potentially] have, one of which included Cerebral Palsy. She [later had an MRI that resulted in confirmation of brain damage.] She was 7 months old when she was officially diagnosed with, "Right-Side Hemiplegia." We weren’t surprised, but it was still a huge shock - which left us feeling a mixture of many emotions.  When she was around 14 months old, her diagnosis changed to "Dystonic and Spastic Triplegic Cerebral Palsy."

What made you decide to do this book?

"When Willow was 10 months old, I decided to document her journey in a private instagram account that only my husband knew about. I documented the therapy and physio activities we did at home, along with the good and the bad days. Doing this helped my husband have more understanding about Willow's disability and it turned into a therapeutic way for me to cope with the emotions l had in regards to her new diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy. A few months later i decided to change the account to a public setting. I did this for a couple of reasons.  In hopes of connecting with other cp families, to give my own family and friends the opportunity to learn more about Willow's diagnosis, and most importantly to share our therapy ideas and also find new ones.  

My background is as an Early Childhood Educator and love nothing more than getting to create activities for children, so coming up with ideas to combine physio and therapy into play came easily and naturally.  To be able to share this with other families, who perhaps are struggling with this side of their journey has been the most fulfilling experience, and has become a great passion. I never in my wildest dreams thought that we would connect with so many people and everyday was so humbled by the msgs of support we received and to have strangers all over the world thanking me for sharing our ideas is incredible.

After a couple months of being on Public- l was approached by a physiotherapist, named Margaret, who owns the therapy resource site (www.yourtherapysource.com). She was interested in working together to come up with a resource for special needs families to assist in their own home therapy programs. This just seemed like the next natural step and l am thrilled to be a part of it."

Who inspires you?

"I have been fortunate enough to have many inspiring people in my life, but during the last couple of years the people that inspire me most are other special needs families. They give me so much courage and strength.  They inspire me to keep going and stay positive on those really hard days.  The days where you are angry, upset, and frustrated. Becoming a special needs mumma has been a hard, scary and isolating journey- which l really struggled with at the start. While the hard days are still there, they have become easier to deal with. I believe this is due to our connections with other CP families. It always puts things into perspective and I am inspired everyday by these families!"

The Star of the Book:

"Willow is a feisty, determined and cheeky 2 year old, she has proved the doctors wrong from the start and continues to do so. It was thought that she would never crawl and at 20 months she DID, and hasn’t stopped since. We have been told that she won’t be able to walk independently and will need mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers as her means of moving. She recently took a few independent steps!  What l have learned from this journey so far, is to NEVER say, "never". Do not underestimate the power of determination, love, and positivity."

So, head on over to their instagram- give them a warm greeting- and tell em we sent ya!