I have written some stuff I'd love for you to check out over at Real Moms Guide if you're in the mood:

Hoping for a boy or girl? (Many Moms deal
with the secret of having gender disappointment)

How to shop like a pro on Black Friday (I won't be anywhere NEAR a store that
day, but this is for those of you that will.)


And over at NWIparent:

I like soup (And I hope you'll share your soup with me.)

I said I'd mention it here before I even realized how awesome the giveaway was and so I entered myself. If you could see the ancient computer I am blogging on right now... (I am so glad you can not see it).

little luluI haven't really felt like talking or writing or even picking up my camera, but I did today at Love's house, and Ivy struck a pose. And pictures are worth a bunch of words, right?Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph

Hi Triathletes!Time for the next challenge! Starting today and closing in two weeks, your challenge with the Essential Silk sling is to create a video. Your video can be creative, fun, instructional, all of the above, or have a different focus altogether: it's up to you to decide what genre or approach will best capture what you want to share with others about your latest Sakura Bloom sling.The video can be submitted via email and/or posted to your blog. Creator of the winning video will receive a $100 Fawn & Forest gift certificate.Have fun and we look forward to seeing all of your videos!LynneMore about the Sakura Bloom Triathlon.Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph<!--Session data-->

DonyaLynne from Sakura Bloom detailed Round Two's photo challenge as not just a babywearing photo looking for pretty smiles, but photos that capture the joy of carrying your child in a sling. Donya will receive a $100 gift certificate given by Fawn & Forest.See all the photo entries here.The contestants' third batch of slings are shipping out now. Tomorrow we'll announce Round Three's challenge!What is the Sakura Bloom Triathlon?Visit our contestants' blogs:Marvelous KiddoDGVE Law8 year olds & BabiesCrooked EyebrowCrunchy Yuppietout-est-des-roses4 little men & girly twinsAnd now, I wanted to post ONE of my favorites of your favorite babywearing photos you linked to or shared with me (this was hard, and if I get the chance to ask you ALL for permission, I'd love to post them all. So be looking for an email from me!)Keli HKeli doesn't win anything, but I did learn that she is in a contest at Greeblemonkey (scroll down to see entries) if you want to pop over and vote! (Voting ends tonight!)Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph<!--Session data--><!--Session data-->

Here are the Round 2 entries! I'll post the winner as soon as all our judges have made their decision! And as you can tell from these amazing photos. THIS WILL BE DIFFICULT!Marcela BeattyDonya Sara SophiaBeccaLeighBrittanyDanielleCheck back in a bit for the winner announcement! (I'll also be posting my fave of your babywearing photos, too! - Which was also equally difficult!)And FYI, the opinions and comments on this post will bear no effect on the judges' decision!Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph<!--Session data-->

My favorite babywearing photo, circa 2008.This photo brings tears to my eyes, I love it so much.It's from our first photo shoot as a family of six, taken by Beth.I'm wearing Ivy as a newborn- she was just 1 1/2 months old (look at her cute little face peeking out!), in my favorite newborn carry (tummy to tummy) and oh the feeling of holding a baby close. This is babywearing for me.The sling in the photo is an UpMama sling which is a ring sling with a wider pouch area (and it has a pocket in the tail. Gray used to stuff that pocket with leaves and other things he'd find at the park. And when I gave it to Beth's sister Sarah to use for her new baby the other day, I found $5 in that pocket! YAY!)Anyway...[The winner of Round 2 of the Sakura Bloom Triathlon will be announced tomorrow, and I'll also feature my favorite from the photos linked in the comments on this post.]The winners of the pouch giveaways:Hugamonkey goes to Melody!Petunia Picklebottom goes to Elita!THANK YOU for your prayers and support for my friend Anissa and her family. There has been some GOOD news in the updates! But please note she is still in very serious condition and needs prayers prayers prayers.I decided to go ahead and post as I planned today. Anissa would want us laughing and enjoying life this very moment. All good things to come, I just KNOW.Thinking of you, Anissa!Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph<!--Session data--><!--Session data--><!--Session data--><!--Session data-->

I had at least two other posts I was going to post today about babywearing, but I just can't think about anything other than my friend Anissa Mayhew right now. She had a stroke (her second) yesterday. She is just like me and you (only way funnier) - she is 35 years old, has three children (including one that just celebrated her 1 year anniversary off chemo!) and I heart her so much.Just the other day we were planning her visit to our cupcake shop when she visits family in Indiana next summer, she told me Ivy is NOT ALLOWED to grow any more until then, and now?She's in the hospital, needing our prayers and support for her rapid recovery. UPDATES: There's been updates HERE by Anissa's husband and the latest update as of now (around 4:40 pm CST) is BETTER news. Please Pray.I will be sure to post any good news I hear, but Twitter has been all lit up for her with the hashtag #prayersforanissa if you want to check in. She's the head of the website Aiming Low and they have a post here: Hope For Anissa about how you can help her family, especially if you live in the Atlanta area.If you wrote a post about Anissa, you can leave your link at the Aiming Low site as well as:IzzyMomThe Spohrs Are MultiplyingAnissa, we love you. I slept AWFUL last night, tossing and turning, checking my phone, and praying praying praying for you.I know you will get through this. Of all people, Anissa. You will get through this.Love,StephPhoto by Mishelle Lane<!--Session data--><!--Session data--><!--Session data--><!--Session data--><!--Session data-->

Well, she kinda sings along, in her own way, with motions.

Ivysongs from Stephanie Precourt on Vimeo.

My very first sling, photo circa 2006 Before Gray was born I had already changed my whole parenting style to something more "attached" and planned to wear him in a sling. I had gone to a La Leche Meeting while pregnant and saw other Moms wearing ring slings and I was IN LOVE. Had to have one. So, I found one on ebay for $15!I still have this sling, I will always have it. I wore him in it the day he was born. Even though it was only $15, it is worth the most to me.(Kim, the maker of that sling, now has an etsy shop here- KimzKreations.)In a Sakura Bloom LuxeThis is one of my other favorite ring slings. You'd think it would be mainly for its beauty, but it also wears like a dream. No matter which carrier you love most, no matter how much or how little it costs, I hope you feel good when you wear it.I did not buy my Sakura Bloom slings myself- they were given to me by Sakura Bloom as a gift- nothing was asked for in return. They do make a great gift. :)Just a few of the reasons why I love ring slings: They are adjustable. They are super easy for a quick in & out and an easy on & off for Mom. Ring slings give a great snug fit. They are the perfect sling (in my opinion) for newborn and fantastic for when your baby turns into a toddler. They are very pretty, in all different styles, patterns, silks, cotton, linen, and more.I'm posting my favorite babywearing photos this week leading up to the announcement of the 2nd round Babywearing Triathlon winner tomorrow (and also when I will be posting my favorite of yours that has been left in the comments on this post.)Also, I'm giving away two pouch slings (enter by tonight.)By the way, this goes for all my favorite babywearing posts this week- I was not asked, paid, or given any product to post about any of these slings- they are my personal faves and what I've chosen to post about!Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph<!--Session data--><!--Session data-->

Wearing my sweet Gray, 2006. He was born to be worn. Ivy's first trip to the beach this summer, in the mei tai. My mei tai (say it like MAY-tie) is an original Freehand Baby carrier that I got it off a Mom barter group online several years ago. It's one of my most very favorite carriers ever.I recommend the mei tai when baby is around 3 months old on up to toddler age. It evenly distributes the weight on your back and hips and is great for long-term wear.I'm posting my favorite babywearing photos this week leading up to the announcement of the 2nd round Babywearing Triathlon winner (and also when I will be posting my favorite of yours that has been left in the comments on this post.)Also, I'm giving away two pouch slings (enter by Tuesday night.)Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph<!--Session data-->

I know! I KNOW! Baby Bjorns are not a popular carrier of many die-hard babywearers. But, just like many babywearing Moms, I started out with the Baby Bjorn.(I am 99.999% sure you say it like Baby Be-yorn.)I registered for it when pregnant with my first baby because that was the thing to do! I just HAD to have the "metro black" style. I used it for walks and times a stroller wasn't convenient. But not much more. It hurt my back. It wasn't that fun to wear. And once the babies were too heavy, forget it. But, I have fond memories of that Baby Bjorn.The photo above (circa 2002) is a VERY YOUTHFUL me (with very red hair) wearing Carter when he was just 3 months old. I had been helping out decorating for a party at church all day and wore him in it the whole time. I was able to keep him with me and do lots of other things. People marveled over the fact that I was doing all I was doing while wearing my baby! Another time not long after that photo my family spent the day at the apple orchard and I wore him in it the whole time then, too. I've since learned that the Baby Bjorn is not ideal for long-term babywearing. It's not the best position for baby's hips and groin area. It's not the most comfortable carrier for Mom & Dad. And having baby facing out (the most common way people wear their Baby Bjorn) not only can be overstimulating to baby, it also throws off the wearer's center of balance. But, for some parents, the Baby Bjorn is the best way or their favorite way or the only way they wear their baby. And you know, babywearing is babywearing. It keeps baby close to Mom, it encourages attachment, allows for hands-free, and the list goes on. I loved that Baby Bjorn. And look where it's taken me. :)I'm posting my favorite babywearing photos this week leading up to the announcement of the 2nd round Babywearing Triathlon winner (and also when I will be posting my favorite of yours that has been left in the comments on this post.)Also, I'm giving away two pouch slings (enter by Tuesday night.)Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph <!--Session data--> <!--Session data-->

One of my favorites- when Ivy was very brand new. I'm trying to choose my favorite babywearing photo to feature next week when the 2nd round Babywearing Triathlon winner is chosen (and also when I will be posting my favorite of yours that has been left in the comments on this post.) So I might be posting some favorites each day leading up to the Triathlon winner announcement on Wednesday. I don't wear pouches often, but that was a Mod Mum pouch in the photo above. I received it in one of my BlogHer '08 swag bags & enjoyed wearing it while Ivy was smaller.I was cleaning yesterday and found TWO pouches that were sent to me but have never been opened or used. Doesn't make sense for them to just sit here not carrying a baby!I thought l should give them away to two readers here.1st is a black Hugamonkey pouch, size medium [$34.99].2nd is a GORGEOUS Petunia Pickle Bottom Sojourn pouch, in the Dancing in Dublin pattern, size small [$72]. (I honestly have no idea who sent it to me. Otherwise I would have asked to exchange it for my size- it's too small for me!)So, if you'd like to win one for yourself or to give as a gift, please leave a comment below letting me know which one you'd choose!(Please note the Hugamonkey pouch is a medium and will probably fit most, but the Petunia Pickle Bottom pouch is a small and made for someone quite petite.)I'll select two winners, one for each sling, after 11:59 pm Tuesday November 17. This contest is open to everyone (yes that means my friends in Canada and overseas!)Also, if you'd like, please share your own favorite babywearing photo in the comments on this post.Disclosure: Both items were sent to me and I was not asked to post about them or host a giveaway. I came up with this idea on my own (crazy- I know!), and both items will be mailed out by me personally, out of my own pocket. Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph <!--Session data--><!--Session data--><!--Session data-->

In the car with Gray.I saw a bird! Mommy I saw a bird I saw a bird a bird! a bird!You did? What do you think its name is?BIRDS DON'T HAVE NAMES.Then what do they call each other? They don't talk. They are birds.But what about all those tweet tweets we hear? Isn't that how they communicate? In their birdy language?ELEPHANTS MOONICAKE. With their trunks.But they don't have names either. They are elephants, Mom.Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph

Polarn O. Pyret gave us gifts and some clothes for Ivy, including this graphic patterned dress.They are offering free shipping using code WEARPOP, if you'd like, through Monday 11/16. I hope you have a beautiful day, friends!Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph

Monday I woke up, got the big kids off to school, took a friend some coffee, stopped at the park, made lunch, put Ivy to nap, did some laundry, big kids came home, washed the dishes [snap]

peeked in the playroom [snap]

Today I visited Beth, in her kitchen, wearing Ivy [snap]

What if I wanted to marry Ivy? Gray asked as he put another pat of bubbles on her head and tried to mohawk her hair.I bent,I felt the tension ease in my backand I leaned in to them both.Eyes sparkling at each other, real smiles, real love, walls down. This is getting easier.Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph<!--Session data--><!--Session data-->

Waiting for the bus from Stephanie Precourt on Vimeo.

Maybe yesterday was a fluke. Something in the air? A crazy moon? Because today was love and sweetness and hugs for everyone. Not perfect, of course, nothing is perfect. But close.So close.Which is perfect to me.Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph

This morning it seemed the kids were literally at each other's throats before they were out of bed.CONSTANT bickering and agitating and downright hurtful, they were!Even Ivy was throwing punches and pulling hair and biting.I had promised them a hike in the woods because it was supposed to be a nice day but then I wondered how I could possibly take them like this. And then wondered how I couldn't? Because I didn't want to be stuck in the house with them.And I wanted an excuse to get a raspberry truffle frappé.So off we went and I took a couple pictures but not many and most of the time all I heard was:I'm cold.I'm hot.My legs are tired. I'm hungry.There's rocks in my shoe.My arm is too itchy. I want to go that way.I want to go this way.There's more rocks in my shoe.And you should have heard what the kids were saying.[Just kidding.]So anyway. There were a couple sweet moments and it was good for us all to get fresh air and run walk drag off some restless energy.I just wish sometimes it could be perfect, just for a little bit, like in the pictures.Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph

Her first dress.Her first photo.Her first shoes.Her first hair bow.Her first ridiculously big hair bow.Her first boyfriend.Her first tutu.If only I could list them all.But still, nothing, and I mean NOTHING compares to her first pigtails.This amazing euphoria just comes over me,as she sits so still while I "make her hair pretty pretty"andI get those two curly strands of her hairinto the cutest pigtails you ever saw.Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph<!--Session data-->

the leaves danced in our courtswirling twirlinglike timelike I don't knowlike what I've long forgotten like what I can rememberthe shadows are there even if you don't look for thembut so is the sun. Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph<!--Session data--><!--Session data--><!--Session data-->

fall 2008fall 2009That first photo was taken on Sarah's birthday one year ago when I got stuck (another cute photo alert) in two different fatal accidents and thought I'd never get to her. If you don't know this already, Sarah is superspecial to me. And today is her birthday.Wish her well- she's @sarahviola on Twitter and blogs over here. Happy Birthday, Sarah. xoxoSubscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph<!--Session data--><!--Session data-->

Sakura Bloom linen Essential in berry-spiceSakura Bloom Triathlon Contestants,Welcome to the second stage of the Sakura Bloom Triathlon! We hope that you are already enjoying your double-layer linen Essential sling. The double layer of linen creates even more support and comfort for you and your baby, and is one of our customer favorites.Your challenge with this sling is the photo challenge. We're not just looking for pretty smiles (although we do love those!) but photos that capture the joy of carrying your child in a sling. You can submit your entry via email and/or a post on your blog by November 18. Best of luck with the challenge and we look forward to seeing your photos!-Lynne, Sakura BloomI love babywearing photos, so if you are not a part of the Triathlon but would like to play along with this challenge, leave a link to your favorite babywearing photo in the comments below.I'll choose my favorite and post it when we announce the Round Two winner after November 18!Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph<!--Session data--><!--Session data-->

I get this way, when I let time slip in between my thoughts and writing them down and when I go to write them down, they are gone. And I don't bother to look for them.I think sometimes there can be too many words. When I have so many words it gets crowded in my head and in my mouth and I trip over what should be said and what should be left unsaid.I am a library mouse, scampering about in this unfamiliar noisy life. Where are the books? Where are my words?A couple weeks ago on my way to therapy (yes, I go to therapy and it's a good thing) I was awestruck of a beautiful sunset and how it singed and stained the sky and stretched out across all the land, and the clouds made patterns...and it really made me feel very, very small.I've thought about that night often since then, and the best way I can describe it is just "Bigness." Have you ever lied in bed and felt like everything was giant around you? Something like that, only not scary.I mean, I know the world is big, but in that moment it felt infinite and like the sky had an unimaginable depth, with a world inside it that just kept going on and on.And here I was with my [small] problems and my [small] life and my [small] words making a too big deal out of it all.Just who do I think I am? And what am I going to do with myself?[to be continued...]Subscribe to my blog hereTwitter me- I'm babysteph<!--Session data-->