We had the honor of interviewing Karen Brody, playwright of BIRTH and founder of BOLD, the global arts movement that inspires communities to make maternity care mother-friendly. We are so proud to be holding hands with play organizers in our own local community of St. Louis to empower pregnant women to make the right birthing choices for themselves.

Interview with Karen Brody (AUDIO 27:15)

How can we support each other in birth, this amazing transformative moment in the life of a woman? We can create the circle of women that Karen describes. That’s what we are doing for Virginia Kerr, and through her, all other birthing moms in the upcoming event, A Mom Is Born. Please be our guest here on August 25.

If you have a mom/woman-focused site, we invite you to co-host this event with us. Send us a message and we’ll send you details.

And if you are in St. Louis, don’t miss this year’s performance of BIRTH at Schlafly’s Bottleworks on Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 5pm. Tickets here!

We partnered with KMOV to co-host A Mom Is Born: The Virtual Baby Shower Celebrating a Woman’s Journey into Motherhood to benefit theMarch of Dimes and to show how women can transition into motherhood with the support of friends and family.

Our 2010 celebrant is expecting mom Virginia Kerr, the anchor on Channel 4’s early news show, Awake.

You can watch the recording below to hang out with us and Virginia. Any mom will enjoy the event because the two-hour broadcast featured great parenting tips and products.

We hosted a Holding Hands Ceremony in which we personalized a Holding Hands bracelet for Virginia. Villa Design created a signature bead and bracelet for us as a symbol of the connectedness between all mothers and the strength moms can source from each other. The bracelet is an especially touching gift for an expecting mom to wear during her labor and delivery, as a reminder of the support she has from her closest women friends — who were invited to add their own Pandora-style bead and an accompanying wish.

A limited number of Holding Hands bracelets with one-of-a-kind glass beads were handmade by artist, Melissa Villadiego for this event for guests to buy for a special mom or mom-to-be. Through August 31, a portion of the proceeds will go to the March of Dimes.

Top tips for new moms were shared, which are being collected in exchange for an entry in the Mom is Born giveaway raffle. Raffle prizes have been generously donated by the shower sponsors.

How can you support March of Dimes through this event?
• Make a donation via the DONATE button below
• Buy a Holding Hands bracelet for yourself or a loved one
• Support A Mom Is Born sponsors

PART I

PART II

OUR MOMMY CO-HOSTS

And Twins Make Five

Kim Gellman of Artistic Sensations

Babbaco by Jessica Kim

The Cubicle Chick

Delightful Pregnancy

Extraordinary Mommy

Find the Best Nanny

GO MOM Inc.

Half Pint House

I Heart Single Parents

Look It’s Megryansmom

Minivans Are Hot

Moxie Mom

Mrs. SmartyPants

My Springfield Mommy

Not Just Another Jen

Paramomal

The Single Mothers Chronicles

StlFamilyLife

St. Louis Kids

Zensible Mama

RAFFLE WINNERS

Overlook Farm Girls Getaway Weekend: Tyler

Pixie Posie Photography Session: Cecelia

Kolcraft Jeep Overland Limited Jogging Stroller: Lacey

Bananafish Alphabet Set from Goodnite Rooms: Natasha

$30 gift certificate to Build-A-Bear Workshop: Emily

$30 gift certificate to Build-A-Bear Workshop: Jessica

Blue bear from Build-A-Bear Workshop: Mara

Pink bear from Build-A-Bear Workshop: Cathy

*Winners were selected randomly (via random.org) from those who submitted new mom tips in the comments below.

First let me congratulate our big winner: Sarah Gaffney won the Dream Connection essay contest and a one thousand dollar shopping spree from ArtisticSensations.com! My favorite part of the essay was when Sarah wrote:

“Women can be an incredible support system for one another. Finding that one person who understands you, and inspires you doesn’t come along every day.”

What a lucky lady to have a friend like this… and to have WON! And just in time for Mother’s Day. Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your inspiring story and your mommy wisdom with all of us in the My Mommy Manual community. Your story truly reminded us of the power that comes when we support each other as moms!

Now on to how to spend that nice big sum of cash! I don’t think any of us would have trouble doing the honors. Artistic Sensations has adorable ideas for decorating children’s rooms and more. From wall stickies and wall letters to cool clocks and bedding for teens, I know I would be up to the task!

Check out where the lucky Sarah Gaffney spent her winnings:

Dinosaurs Sleeping Bag x 2

Deluxe Garage Play set

Play Table with Storage Bins

Cape Cod 3-Drawer Chest

Thanks to all that played, to our awesome four finalists, and finally, a BIG thank you to the hundreds of MMM readers that voted. we loved all your great comments. And last but not least, a HUGE thanks to owner Kim Gellman and everyone at ArtisticSensations.com for making DREAM CONNECTION a REALITY!

In 2006, I brought home triplets from the hospital. Suddenly, I went from a fairly normal life to 100% immersion in Mommy-world. Fortunately, my husband and I were helped by all kinds of wonderful people, who assisted us with round-the-clock feedings, diaper changes, doctors’ appointments, dishes, yard work and much much, more. But there were a few ‘mommies of multiples’ that really gave me the ‘mommy connection’ that I needed, and the encouragement that…YES, I COULD DO THIS!!!

Fast forward four years later. We moved away from Savannah, Georgia, where we lived then. Life has progressively gotten easier as the triplets are now four years old–wise, mature, school-goers with their own colored backpacks.

But about a month ago, a lady from Savannah called me up at my home here in Kentucky–she’s someone that my husband used to work with. She had just had twins (preemies) and was really needing some good advice and encouragement (her husband was about to get deployed too). We talk now about every week, and she asks me things, and I give her my best answer, and I just encourage her. She thanks me profusely, but here’s the truth…

…she’s helping me even more than I’m helping her, because she has allowed me to make the ‘mommy connection’ come full circle. And I can’t think of anything better!!!

My connection is with my mother in law. I was married at the age of 16 and didn’t know anything. I could barely dress myself and here I was a wife and soon to be mother. I couldn’t clean very well, I didn’t know how to cook anything and I was lonely and clueless. My mother in law saw in me what other people couldn’t or wouldn’t. They saw only a 16 year old girl who was pregnant and married. She saw a smart, tenacious young woman who wanted to be a good wife and mother. She helped me by teaching me how to cook and clean, and most of all, how to love my children and take care of them to the best of my ability. Without her I wouldn’t have made it. She had nine children and was a fountain of information and kindness.

My husband and I have now been married for 24 years and our children are all grown. They are happy, healthy, loving young men and I have my mother in law to thank for that. Now I have two grandsons, aged 2.5 and 7 months and have made my daughter in law a promise to teach her and nurture her and my grandsons with as much love as I was lucky enough to have.

Growing up as the only girl was tough for me.  I grew up as a tom-boy and wanted nothing to do with babies and playing house. I was the girl that said, “I’m never having kids.” It wasn’t until I grew up a bit and realized what a special blessing it is to raise a child.

I am blessed to say that I have 4 moms. My real mom, who is my best-friend, and her 3 sisters, who do not have girls of their own. Growing up we have always joked about me having so many moms, but I would not be the person I am today without them.  When I got married they were all right there with me helping me plan every step. My mom’s youngest sister was actually one of my bridesmaids.

When I found out I was pregnant two years ago I couldn’t wait to tell my mom. I cried and then we screamed together. It was the best moment of my life. Then when I hung up the phone I told my husband! I wanted to tell my aunts in a special way, so we decided to all go to our favorite Mexican restaurant. About halfway through our dinner I asked them when our next shopping trip was going to be because I needed to buy some maternity clothes. They were so excited. And that is when all the advice started pouring in. They checked on me it seemed like every day throughout my pregnancy. I would send out e-mails after every doctor’s visit and my mom went to almost all of my appointments with me. When it came time to deliver my daughter I asked my mom to come back with my husband and I because I could not imagine going through this without her. Of course she beat us to the hospital and 25 hours later I delivered my beautiful baby girl. My daughter had a rough first couple of months and my family was there every step of the way to help out, they brought food over, came and stayed with us for relief, and just called to check up on us. They let me know everyday what it is to be a mom and I wouldn’t be the mother I am today without all of these wonderful ladies. Now I have become one of the sisters, not a daughter or a niece, I’m one of them.  I cannot wait for my daughter to grow-up with them as an influence in her life. I know that they will help me mold her into a beautiful person inside and out.

The Dream Connection $1000 Shopping Spree

Vote for Carla by LEAVING A COMMENT below!

Win $1000 shopping spree! My Mommy Manual and ArtisticSensations.com are celebrating our Dream Connection (read our story here) by inviting you to share yours.

ENTER TO WIN
Beginning FEBRUARY 14, 2010, we will be accepting your entries! Write a minimum of 300-word essay about a significant mom-to-mom connection in your life that has had a defining effect on your mothering. Is it your mom, your sister, your aunt, a friend or a teacher? Your entry must also include YOUR $1000 WISH LIST from ArtisticSensations.com. Shop from thousands of items, including kids/teens designer bedding, furniture, room decor, and gifts.

Our panel will select the top entries, which will be featured on My Mommy Manual starting on March 21. Then we will open it up to the world… and yes, including all your friends and family… to VOTE for your story. The Dream Connection that has the most votes by 12:00 NOON CST on April 20, 2010 will get a code to redeem immediately at ArtisticSensations.com

Deadline for entries is March 15, 2010

AND THE WINNER IS…
Sarah Gaffney! Check out Sarah’s wonderful essay. Congratulations, mama! Go spend that $1000!

For just $1, you can win this adorable 3 qt. Cookie jar features a cozy airtight place to store your favorite cookies. Designed by world renowned artist, Kathy Davis, this very colorful cookie jar will delight any home. Personalized with your family’s name. Invite your holiday guests to enjoy the “Tweets” inside.

And you can win this one for ONE DOLLAR. It’s October’s Power of One prize, valued at $38 from ArtisticSensations.com Click on the widget to donate $1 to Parents As Teachers using your credit card. Easy!

POSH Handbags are all about life — a Fabulous life!! The woman behind POSH is Austin-based fashion designer Tori Alvarado. Tori’s keen eye for fashion allows her to expertly integrate the latest styles and colors into fun and functional accessories. Directed by Tori’s creative vision, the POSH collection is focused on handbags as the crowning gem of any outfit. Tori believes a woman’s handbag is directly tied to her moods and passions.

And you can win this one for ONE DOLLAR. It’s October’s Power of One prize, valued at $129 from ArtisticSensations.com

Click on the widget to donate $1 to Parents As Teachers using your credit card. Easy… and way Fabulous!

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT, EVERYONE!

Happy July! We are so excited to announce the first month of the Power of ONE, the My Mommy Manual Raffle. We introduced the idea at It’s ALL About Mom, our mom event last May. We have an amazing corporate sponsor, Artistic Sensations and now an equally amazing non-profit partner, Parents As Teachers.

Please…

WHAT IS THE POWER OF ONE?
What are we doing? We were so inspired by the success and good vibes from our Mom It Forward/12 for 12k Pajama Party and our most recent Believe in Zero Red Balloon Toss! We just don’t want the Giving to end! So we’re establishing the Power of ONE, an ongoing raffle starting TODAY… to raise money all year long for a charity selected by YOU!

WHO ARE WE SUPPORTING?
We happen to agree that Parents As Teachers is in perfect alignment with our mission of CONNECTION. Their vision is that “all children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential.” They achieve this by providing parents with support and encouragement during their children’s crucial early years of life.

We had an amazing meeting today with Pat Simpson at the Parents As Teachers National Headquarters. Wow! We are so excited about this collaboration.

WHY “POWER OF ONE?”
We’ve named this program “Power of ONE” because we strongly believe that ONE person can make a difference, that ONE great parent can change the world by being a positive influence in a child’s life. It takes ONE person to believe, ONE person to empower an entire community, ONE dollar to be part of change.

YOUR $1 DONATION MAKES YOU  PART OF SOMETHING BIG!
1) On the first of every month, we will announce a new raffle prize.
2) To be entered into the raffle, use the ChipIn widget here to donate at least $1
3) At the end of the month, we will draw a raffle winner!

Our inaugural partner, Artistic Sensations is an online retailer that specializes in “whimsical and practical” kids bedroom decor. This month, founder (and mommy), Kim Gellman is contributing a very cool Toddler Nap/Sleeping Sack valued at $45.

C’mon! You know you want it!!!!

And if you don’t already, follow these awesome women on Twitter: Pat, @psimpso and Kim @artisticsens