You’re almost 2 months old and I’ve grown so deeply in love with you. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to love another baby as much as I loved your brother, Nikolas but boy was I wrong! God gives us mamas extra love to pass around especially to someone like you, sweet boy! You’ve began to recognize our faces and voices. You respond with big smiles and cooing at your father’s voice and you stare at your brother – right at his eyes – when he talks to you. It’s the sweetest thing! You look at me like you’re trying to tell me something. I am dying to hear!

We finally made a decision on a godparent for you. After many prayers, God blessed us and you with the sweetest person, Katerina. She will do us the honor and become your Godmother on July 1st. She loves you already, sweet boy! We are so humbled and joyful to welcome her to our family!

Your grandma (my mother) returned home after almost 6 weeks of visiting with us and your grandpa (my father) will be leaving this week. We will miss them dearly but we are forever grateful of their help during these first months.

John Andrew, I’ve decided to draw your silhouette each month of your life until you turn 2 years old. I started this with your brother and found it to be such a unique way to document his growth that I can’t wait to do it with you as well. I love your 1st month’s silhouette! Your features are already starting to take shape and to me you look so much like your big brother.

Happy 1st month birthday sweet boy! I look forward to seeing you grow grow grow!

xoxo

Mama

As promised here are a few photos of the boys.

I ordered their matching outfits from Tiny Sprouts. I remember coming across Tracey’s work a few years back and bookmarking her shop – only wishing to purchase a few things if we ever had another baby. So happy my wish came true! Her work is exquisite! These matching outfits have been a hit and we’ve received so many compliments.

We never ordered hospital pictures for Nikolas – I wish we had. So when John came along, we knew we wanted to capture those early moments and opted for some family pictures. I especially love the one of the boys together. The look on Nikolas’ eyes melts me!

As you can imagine I’ve been taking many pictures of our little guy changing daily. The one with them wearing matching shirts and vests was taken last week. John sleeps pretty much all the time:) As for me, well, I’m enjoying being a mama to John. I know this time will never come back so I’m making the best of it.

I’ve kept busy with a few personal projects as well as some custom work but all in all I’ve been taking it easy – for a few more weeks at least. My parents are here helping us – which has been huge! Not having to think about cooking or cleaning has been the biggest blessing. They too, are loving their time here. We’ll miss them when they go back.

Thanks for following along – I am now sharing my daily photos on Instagram. Are you using it? If so, come say “Hi”!

I was so convinced our boy will arrive more than a week before his due date of March 26th. I had all the signs, the belly tightening, the pressure on the lower abdomen even a few contractions. Plus I had a strong feeling he was coming soon (we mamas just know!). On Wednesday, the 21st of March I went in for my weekly visit and was told by my midwife I was 4 cm dilated and that labor was to start soon. My mother had just arrived the day before and we were joking how little John Andrew had been waiting for his grandma to arrive before he would make his appearance.

Thursday morning I woke up at 3:30 AM to some strong contractions which we began to time and soon discovered they were irregular and not close together. I texted my doula at 4:20 AM to give her an update and was told to try to rest as much as possible. I was able to go back to sleep until about 8 AM. Aaron stayed home as we were sure the baby would arrive that day. We kept Nikolas home from school ( he was too excited to finally meet baby brother!). I went on a walk with the boys – the weather couldn’t have been nicer! My contractions started to pair up but still far apart – I was in what they call “puttering” part of labor, where things progress slowly. I had texted my closest friends and family asking for their thoughts and prayers as labor was progressing. Their encouraging replies gave me heart but also made me emotional. I was so close to meeting our precious one yet the unknown was making me anxious! My doula called to find out the pattern of contractions. When I told her contractions were pairing up she asked if she could come over soon. The paired contractions are a sign that baby’s the head is sitting crooked on the pelvis. She said there is a position that can help resolve the crooked head position. She arrived at 11:15 AM and put me in the “open knee chest” position – with Aaron’s shins supporting my weight. I was in that position until 11:55 AM. I must note here, it was a very uncomfortable position to be in but the thought this could bring me closer to meeting our little guy, made it all worth while. During this time I experienced 3 strong contractions 7-10 minutes apart. Doula squeezed my thigh during each contraction to give me focus for my breathing. Another strong contraction occurred right after I got up – this one much stronger.

Labor had finally picked up! I settled into a nest on the couch with the body pillow behind my back and serving as armrests and another pillow behind my head. I went into what they call “a floppy soggy” stage with each contraction Aaron doing the thigh squeeze. Contractions were becoming regular (now at 5 minutes apart) and the loopiness of active labor set in. I could feel each contraction come so strongly but with the help of Aaron and doula I was handling them ok. Each would last about 30 seconds. I knew I was getting closer and closer to pushing the baby.

Aaron called my midwife at 12:25 PM informing her of the timing of contractions. She headed out from her home and said she would meet us in the hospital. I was feeling a little pushy – ok, very very pushy! We started moving between 12:30 and 12:35 PM. Aaron asked doula to ride with us in case the baby came on the way! They grabbed a pot (yes, a large spaghetti pot!!) and some towels and the three of us headed out. My mother was in complete shock at the speed of events. Nikolas was completely oblivious and totally immersed on playing Star Wars on the iPad. We headed out quickly! I told my mom (who doesn’t speak much English) I would call her when baby had arrived.

Doula held me during the drive encouraging me to stay focused and continue to breath during each contraction. I was having small pushy contractions that sometimes moved my belly. I was later told that was a sign my body wanting to push the baby out. I didn’t want to deliver in the car so I did my very very best to try to hold off until we arrived at the hospital. We arrived at Northwest Community Hospital at 12:45 and Aaron went in asking for a wheelchair. He moved the car up a bit from the entrance and left his flashers on. There was no time to park! As we arrived on the delivery floor, the doula explained the situation to the front desk. My midwife had also called so they were expecting us. We got situated into the delivery room at 12:50 PM and once I changed into the gown I laid in bed. A few nurses came to set things up. There was no time for an IV (God knows how much I hate needles!) My midwife was still on her way. A vaginal exam showed I was 9 1/2 cm dilated. My water broke shortly after the examination. The on call doctor, came in to catch the baby. I had this intense urge to push. I knew the end was near and I was finally giving it all I had. Doula said I could touch his head. Hearing those words was all I needed to push him out. I pushed about 3-5 minutes. Our precious boy was out on the third push – first his head and than his body came out almost effortlessly. Pushing the placenta out was a breeze, getting a 1st degree repair done with very little anesthetic was not fun.

At 1:08 PM they placed sweet John into my arms. He was still a bit purplish and wet and crying. My heart felt like it was going to burst from joy. His soft and smooth skin next to mine. We had finally met! It was a sweet moment I could live over and over again. My midwife (whom I just love and feel a bit sad she wasn’t there to catch John) arrived at 1:15 PM. While she was doing the repair (a first degree tear, yikes!), Aaron was skin to skin with John. Than John came back to me where he latched on and nursed well on both sides with a great big mouth. An hour or so later, we were moved on the mother/baby unit where sweet John received his first bath. Aaron held John’s little hand the whole time to comfort him. Precious! At around 3:45 PM they brought sleepy John to me. He nursed and slept so well and I couldn’t stop gazing at his sweet face all night long. Nikolas came over at 4:30 PM with my mom to meet his little brother for the very first time. I would never forget the proud look on his face!

On March 22nd, 2012 at 1:01 PM, our precious boy, John Andrew Chupp joined our family at 8 lbs 13 oz, and 21 1/2 inches tall.  I could have never imagined the kind of birth I had – so unpredictable and quick! Although deep down I know God was there listening to my prayers and comforting me in my fears every step of the way. Thank you all for reading my story and for following along my pregnancy. Your thoughts, kindness and well wishes mean so very much to me! 

xoxo Vana

PS. Next week I will be sharing more pictures.

Hope you’re looking forward to the weekend as much as we are! Over here, weekends are filled with a lot of cuddling, yummy food and family time. This weekend will be our second as a family of four. Can’t wait!

A quick reminder about the special currently going on at Le Papier Studio!

SPECIAL OFFER
For the rest of the month (now through 03.31.2012) enjoy 20% OFF anything on our
New Spring Collection – enter code LPSSPRING2012 at check out.

Special Note to our Repeat Customers
We keep all custom silhouettes previously created for you on file, so you can apply them to any of our new products without being charged the custom fee again. All you have to do is mention your previous order number or simply let us know to use the silhouette/s we have on file for you.

And finally, a Free Printable just for you! You can click on it to download your free 8×10 copy. Image can not be used for commercial use.

Happy weekend everyone!

xo

Vana

1. Baby Romper 2. Swaddle blankets 3. Polar bear crib booties 4. Hat and Booties set 5.Welcome home outfit  6. Baby mittens 7. Sophie the Giraffe teether 8. Kimono – style bodysuit  9. Stripy booties

Today we welcomed to the world our precious boy! John Andrew was born at 1:01 pm at 8 lbs 13 oz. He is precious in every way, shape or form and we’re all head over heel in love with him!! We’re all doing great! Can’t wait to share the birth story with you all!

Until than, you’ll excuse me as I love up this little guy:)

xoxo,

Vana

Check out some of our newest designs featuring our new silhouettes on patterned backgrounds.

View the entire Spring Collection HERE.

LIMITED TIME OFFER
For the rest of the month (now through 03.31.2012) enjoy 20% OFF anything on our
New Spring Collection – enter code LPSSPRING2012 at check out.

Special Note to our Repeat Customers
We keep all custom silhouettes previously created for you on file, so you can apply them to any of our new products without being charged the custom fee again. All you have to do is mention your previous order number or simply let us know to use the silhouette/s we have on file for you.

As always, thank you for shopping with us!

Happy Spring!

PR can do wonders for your online business but is also quite pricey – that is if were to hire a traditional PR firm. We all know that isn’t possible for many small online businesses. But how can you give your business the attention it deserves without having to spend an arm and a leg doing so? The answer is simple – Be Your Own PR Agent. Possible? Definitely!

In order to understand how to be your own PR agent, you should first understand what PR means and how to go about performing it. PR is about forming relationships with media people (editors, reporters etc and keeping these relationships alive). If you already have an online store, the second most important thing besides keeping a blog is having a Facebook and Twitter fan page. Why do you need them? Glad you asked!

Reasons why social media should be on top of your list:

• You will get a better understanding of your target market up close
• Your competition is already using Facebook and Twitter
• It will help you build online brand awareness – people will recognize you and your business when they consistently see it
• It will bring you more sales – you will be able to listen to your customers’ needs and address them quickly
• New customers will find you through friends’ referrals
• Social Media will identify you as the expert in your market
• Your brand will be a click away to interested editors

Now that you understand the importance of social media in a successful PR, let’s briefly cover a few tips on what kind of voice you should put out there when pitching your brand.

Believe it or not, you will be pitching your brand every single time you put something out on any of the social media platforms. So make sure you choose your voice correctly. Be true to your story – this is key! You may choose to be more involved in one social media site – say Facebook. How many times should you post? There aren’t really any strict rules about this. Keep in mind the reason you’re using Facebook. Is it to keep in touch, connect with your fans and customers? Help them solve a problem, make a decision, inform them? All of the above? That is great! Keep doing what you do and be consistent at it.

Besides “pitching” to your fans and customers, you will also be reaching out to magazine and blog editors. These are the people who will hopefully help grow your online business by shouting about it to their readers – which is HUGE! Here are a few tips to keep in mind when reaching our to them.

1. Keep it short, sweet and personal

We’re all busy people, especially editors. When pitching a product, keep it short and to the point. Send an email describing your product and the story behind it in one paragraph or less. They will get in touch with you if they are interested to hear more. Always link to your shop in a few sections of your email. Always title your email (for example: New Product/Mother’s Day Gift Guide) and don’t forget to address the editor by their first name.

2. Include 1-2 great pictures

Being short and submitting great pictures are key in achieving press. You can attach 1-2 pictures of the product. Editors are visual people so give them what they need to make a decision in the spot. According to Jena Coray, author of Tip Top Pitch Shop Kit (an e-book on all your questions on how to gain more exposure for your online shop) – many blog editors will decide quickly whether or not to feature your product based on the photographs of your work. Give them nothing short of perfect!

3. Build relationships

Make sure to thank the source/person who covered your product by sending a nice follow up email. Keep in touch with them. This will ensure they remember you when time comes for a new story and you might just get that email or call you’ve been wishing for.

4. Keep a press list at hand

This list should cover all the press contacts you’ve been working with in the past and new ones you wish to pitch your work to. Make sure to have all their information (publication, email, phone number, name) at hand.

5. Keep them up to date with the latest and greatest

If they featured you in the past, chances are they want to hear from you again. Keep them posted with the freshest products. Notify them of a new product launching soon. Always be catchy when pitching your newest idea. This will reassure them their readers would love your idea/product.

6. Be prepared

There’s nothing worst than getting a feature and having your website crash or run out of that product. Make sure you have the right photographs and information they’re looking for upon request.  You don’t want to miss out on a press opportunity because you didn’t answer fast enough.

I hope some of these tips were helpful to you. If you have questions, or to share some of your own tips, please leave a comment below and I will try to address them to the best of my knowledge.

You might want to check out the following books on Press and PR:

Tip Top Pitch Shop Kit – by Jena Coray

Recipe for Press – by Amy Flurry

The New Rules of Marketing and PR – by David Meerman Scott

Also check out our videos on Running a Successful Online Business

All 13 finalists will receive a FREE 8×10 Personalized Silhouette Fine Art Print featuring the silhouette/s of their loved one/s. Thank you again to all who contributed. We look forward to next years’ Spring Silhouette Contest. Start preparing by taking photographs of your little ones. If you need some tips on what works best, you can check our FAQ’s here.

If you see your child’s silhouette above, do leave a comment below. We would love to hear what you think of it.