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Babiekins Magazine

A Trendsetting Magazine & Online Community For The Trendsetting Child + Parent

Momkins // Motherhood

By Rachel Fox Kipphut, Contributor Leave a Comment

Babiekinsmag | Motherhood

I feel like my life as a mother is like the Alanis Morset’s song, “Ironic.” The words in my head are a little different though. Something more akin to “your kid just pooped, when your already late”, or the “Benny Hill” theme song plays in my head when I’m chasing my girls around the house, car or wherever. Motherhood is ironic at times and it is hard work. In fact, it is the hardest job I have ever had. There are challenges, there are trials to overcome, and sometimes it can be discouraging. Motherhood is also beautiful, fulfilling, rewarding, and brings such joy to my life. It can even be a lot of fun! But motherhood is so much more than those few words. It is an experience beyond incredible. I am so grateful that I have been able to be a mother and I wouldn’t change anything about my experiences. The journey has been exciting, tiring, and full of joy in the few years I have been a mother. It has also been full of surprises. Lots of surprises. Being a mother is life changing, but the surprises that have come with my experiences have changed me far more than I could even imagine.

I am the oldest of three girls and my mom is incredible. The older I get and with the more children I have, the more I ask her, “How did you do it!?” She was hardworking, funny, stylish and she was “the cool mom”. She was a great cook and a pioneer aerobic instructor back in the early 80’s. She also worked as a dental assistant, did PTA, was a girl scout leader, a cheerleading coach, volunteered when needed, and would even work at our favorite clothing store so that we could get discounts. Despite life’s ups, downs, and “surprises”, we truly had a blessed childhood. I can’t even put into words how grateful I am to the two of them and for all that they did. The reality I have come to understand with age, is that my mother worked three jobs to keep up with everything she couldn’t bear to take away from us. It even meant selling things she enjoyed, like a leather coat or jewelry, to help pay for the things we kids enjoyed. The sacrifices that she made brings tears to my eyes. She is a strong woman, and I feel I owe so much more than just love and gratitude to her. Her strength and great example is helping me through my motherhood experiences now. With a soon to be four year old, a just turned two year old, and another on the way, I find myself already involved with PTA, volunteering, dance and gymnastics classes, and more on top of my own life aspirations as an artist, advocate for differently-abled individuals, photographer, business woman,blogger, and pet mom. How can I do this all? Like my mom, I can’t say no to things. I might complain about a full plate, but really, I want to do it all while trying to be the best mom I can in the process. I’d be fine with the “World’s Okay-est Mom” title. Hopefully I will go out in the end knowing that I had always tried my best at being a mother and became a better person from being one.

In 2011, I married my best friend, Scott. Truly friends before we were romantic, we dated for 4 (or more?) years before we were married. I think we both feel like it was just meant to be. A month after we were married, we learned we were expecting our first child. SURPRISE! I remember thinking that I wasn’t ready for motherhood in the least, but ultimately, we were thrilled. We were even more thrilled to find out that we were having a little girl. I had a wonderful, healthy pregnancy! After two days of false labor and 16 hours of active labor, we were surprised with an unplanned C-section. The whole experience was a bit of a blur. But eventually, Eva was here! She was just so beautiful. We thought she was perfect and we instantly fell in love. Looking at our first born, we knew that Eva was going to be special. Little did we know how special she really was.
Babiekinsmag | Motherhood
On the second of being in the hospital, we learned that there was a possibility that Eva could have a genetic disorder known as Trisomy 21, or Down Syndrome (DS). We had normal ultrasounds and negative pre-natal screenings for DS; we just couldn’t believe the news. Eva later was transferred to the NICU to be treated for some complications, which as new parents, we didn’t think much of. The night we found out in the hospital that Eva could have DS, we had mixed feelings, mostly of sadness and doubt. Those feelings were quickly replaced with, “how are we so blessed?” and “how did we get so lucky?”. Now don’t get me wrong, every child is a special blessing, but we both kind of felt that we would actually be disappointed to be told she did not have DS, because we might not get to enjoy the experiences that come with a special needs child. Feeling at peace with knowing our Eva could possibly have DS, it was finally confirmed when she was 4 weeks old. We were surprised again to find out that Eva had a congenital heart defect and would need open heart surgery at six months old. The whole time was difficult, exhausting, and was probably the hardest experience for Scott and I. Because of our unique circumstances, none of our friends or family had gone through anything like this, so we were going into this on our own. This experience was so different than what either of our parents had, even though they were incredibly supportive, how could they truly understand what we were going through? After her surgery there were complications that kept us at the hospital longer than anticipated, but on Thanksgiving 2012, we went home with a healthy, happy baby girl. She has brought such joy and happiness to our lives and she continues to surprise us with such great and amazing things. We are just so grateful to be her parents and I am so grateful that I was chosen to be her mother.
Babiekinsmag | Motherhood
Around Eva’s first birthday, we found out we were expecting again. Although we weren’t completely shocked, we weren’t exactly planning on our little girl, Elsie. Much like Eva, we felt Elsie was meant to be with us, despite the surprise. We are convinced Elsie was born to be Eva’s best friend and support. They are two peas in a pod. Two crazy peas in a pod, sometimes. Elsie is overly curious, quirky, quick to learn, funny and is a giant ball of energy. It is that energy, though, that usually gives our, sometimes, shy Eva a little more confidence every day. Together they get into a lot of trouble, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have just recently felt like I was finally finding balance in my life with two. This past January, I found out that we were expecting again. Surprise again! Without getting into detail, let’s just say that I was beyond shocked. To be honest, I wasn’t thrilled that I was pregnant, and that I was going to be a mother to another little human. I digested the news and to our excitement, we found out we were having a little boy. I don’t know what it will be like with three, I don’t know what is to come, and I don’t know how I will do everything. Like everyone else, I don’t have it figured out. I do expect there to be great joy, tears, dirty dishes, less showering than I would like, laundry piled high and drive-through dinners. I will have another beautiful face to look at though, and with that there will be more happiness, more sacrifice and more stories to tell. I love being a mother and I will do my best, no matter what challenges or surprises I may face. The greatest joys in my life have ended up being the best surprises in my life, my children.
Babiekinsmag | Motherhood

Maternity Photo by Elizabeth Graham |Boho Headband | Mother-Daughter Dresses | Salmon Dress by Old Navy

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #babiekinsmag, Babiekins, Baby, blog, Boho style, children, Down Syndrome, kids fashion, kids style, lifestyle, Living with Children, Maternity, mom fashion, mom style, momkins, motherhood, Mothers, Mothers Day, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Style, Special Needs Families, toddler fashion, toddler style Posted By: Rachel Fox Kipphut, Contributor

Featurekins // Etsy Finds

By Kimbah Leave a Comment

Babiekins Magazine | Etsy Find

01. Black & White Linen Dress | 02. Yarning Made Black Knitted Helvetica | 03. Bell & The Bear Infant Oxford | 04. Plumbed Cloud Cushion 05. Snugstudio Alphabet Print |  06. Colette Bream Polar Bear

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Baby, black and white, children, Decor, etsy, Monochrome Posted By: Kimbah

Featurekins // Maven Dolls

By Kimbah Leave a Comment

Babiekins Magazine | Maven Dolls

Babiekins Magazine | Maven Dolls

Direct from the runway, the Mavens in this debut collection, entitled “Blushed”, showcase signature styles including Liberty of London smocks, tulle collars and tutus, linen frocks, sequin locks, feathers and felt embellishments.

Maven Dolls is a ‘Doll House’ under the creative direction of Mother and Artisan Lee Talbot who designs and handcrafts the bespoke French-inspired Ragdolls. Known as Mavens, each beauty emulates current fashionable trends with her own unique style and a subtle nod to past traditions.

A guilty pleasure for mothers, like a true feature fashion piece, a Maven adorns a shelf in a child’s room or nursery with both grace and character. Each with a unique personality and delightfully demure face they are the piece ‘to build a room around’ and make the perfect keepsake for that special little someone in your life.

The debut collection, entitled “Blushed”, is available in-store now for a limited time, with new collection previews taking place regularly.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: children, dolls, French-inspired, Maven Dolls, Ragdolls Posted By: Kimbah

MOMKINS :: Introducing Your Kids to Other Cultures / A Trip to the Brasilian Supermarket

By Gina Munsey, Senior Editor 1 Comment

Introducing Your Kids to Other Cultures - A Trip to the Brasilian Supermarket via the Babiekins Magazine blog

Among the families on our editorial team, many of us have been heavily influenced by countries other than the United States. I was born outside the US and lived for a bit in Europe as a child as well. Our Editor-in-Chief, Priscila, is from Brasil. And as I’ve gotten older, feel more strongly than ever that experiences from other cultures should be a regular part of every kid’s childhood. It shouldn’t be a production or a big deal, it should just be a given! None of us are meant to just live inside our own tiny worlds. It’s so important for children to develop a well-rounded worldview.

While I dream of traveling internationally with my little family someday, until then, there are many ways to experience other cultures right here in our own city. And so yesterday, Aveline and I headed over to Silva’s Market, a local Brasilian deli and supermarket. (Our editorial team is primarily in Southern California, but a few of us live elsewhere — I’m in Orlando, Florida.)

Our friend Priscilla Barbosa — who is from Brasil and who had her camera along — met us at the market. Aveline roamed the aisles with the owner’s daughter, before sitting down in the deli to down nearly an entire helping of pao de queijo. (If there was any doubt that’s she’s two, fear not, she is. I turned around for one second to ogle the selection of sweets, and she plunged her mini GI Joe into a full glass, sending a cascade of water everywhere.)

See, the thing about introducing children to other cultures at a young age, is that it’s not a big deal for the kids. The outing wasn’t something different to her. It was just fun.

And isn’t that the way it should be? 

-xo, Gina 

Introducing Your Kids to Other Cultures - A Trip to the Brasilian Supermarket via the Babiekins Magazine blog

Introducing Your Kids to Other Cultures - A Trip to the Brasilian Supermarket via the Babiekins Magazine blog

Introducing Your Kids to Other Cultures - A Trip to the Brasilian Supermarket via the Babiekins Magazine blog

Introducing Your Kids to Other Cultures - A Trip to the Brasilian Supermarket via the Babiekins Magazine blog

Introducing Your Kids to Other Cultures - A Trip to the Brasilian Supermarket via the Babiekins Magazine blog

Introducing Your Kids to Other Cultures - A Trip to the Brasilian Supermarket via the Babiekins Magazine blog

Introducing Your Kids to Other Cultures - A Trip to the Brasilian Supermarket via the Babiekins Magazine blog

Introducing Your Kids to Other Cultures - A Trip to the Brasilian Supermarket via the Babiekins Magazine blog

Introducing Your Kids to Other Cultures - A Trip to the Brasilian Supermarket via the Babiekins Magazine blog

Introducing Your Kids to Other Cultures - A Trip to the Brasilian Supermarket via the Babiekins Magazine blog

Introducing Your Kids to Other Cultures - A Trip to the Brasilian Supermarket via the Babiekins Magazine blog

Introducing Your Kids to Other Cultures - A Trip to the Brasilian Supermarket via the Babiekins Magazine blog

Location: Silva’s Market | Images: Priscilla Barbosa

Filed Under: Editors' Lifestyle, Family Tagged With: brasil, brazil, children, culture, grocery stores, kids, lifestyle, parenting, photography, priscilla barbosa, silva's market, supermarket Posted By: Gina Munsey, Senior Editor

MOMKINS :: A Week in the Real Life of a Loud and Messy Paradise

By Gina Munsey, Senior Editor Leave a Comment

A little while ago, we mentioned on Instagram we want to bring you more of the real, behind-the-scenes, lives of the Babiekins moms-turned-editors. See, among the mamas on our editorial team, we have enough children to fill a small classroom. They range in age from in-the-womb to teenager, and as you can imagine, there’s a whole lot of craziness that extends far beyond the editorials and the photo shoots. And we’re going to start sharing more candid snapshots with you — the kind of scenes that we capture on our phones and then text to friends.

Here in my world (I’m Gina, the Copy Editor) I share every day with a feisty little person often referred to as “the human pogo stick”. She’s pretty great. She’s also very two.

This week, she didn’t just draw on the wall, she drew on the window. (“I colorbook a f’ower, mummy!”) She mistook the grapefruit at the farmers’ market for “fro and catch balls”. She jumped on the bed, stood up on the seat of her tricycle, hula-hooped in her underwear, sang loudly throughout her nap-times, turned a potted cactus upside-down, ate lots of mandarins and spilled one or two or five cups of milk. 

Every week, she makes me cry and makes me laugh and makes a lot of messes and makes me gasp, “How on earth did you manage to do that so fast?!” 

This wild-child-raising, it’s the most wonderful and the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Every day, I interact with a tiny opinionated human who has the most profoundly confusing logic I’ve ever observed. Children are a paradox: stubbornly independent, and yet completely dependent.

It’s not easy.

But it’s also a paradise — a very loud, messy, colorful, and chaotic paradise.

And in the eyes of a two-year-old, that’s pretty much perfect, isn’t it?

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #lifeofmomturnededitor, candid snapshots, chaos, childhood, children, life of mom turned editor, motherhood, real life, toddlers, week in the life Posted By: Gina Munsey, Senior Editor

Fashionkins // Apples by Stacy Swearengin

By Priscila Barros, Editor-in-Chief 4 Comments

 

We had the pleasure of working with Stacy Swearengin a couple months ago as she did an amazing video and editorial for all the Babiekins fans!  We love how these images capture children and their carefree spirit.

Check out Stacy’s Facebook page, and website here.

Also be sure to check out the beautiful video for this Apples editorial.

Credits:

Photography by Stacy Swearengin
Styled by Stacy Swearengin
Creative Director: Stacy Swearengin
Video + Editing: Jan Renegar
Singer + Songwriter + guitar: Stacy Swearengin
Bass: Andrew Sharpe
Hair + Makeup: Jeanne Shrader
Assistant/hair accessory design: Jen Fouts
Models: Savannah, Ebba, Berlin, Chloe
Location: Isom’s Orchard AL

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #babiekinsamag, #babiekinsmag, apples, Babiekins, Babiekins Magazine, carefree, children, Fashion, kids fashion, kids fashion magazine, summer, video, vintage Posted By: Priscila Barros, Editor-in-Chief


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Copyright © 2021 · Babiekins Magazine | A Trendsetting Kids' Fashion Magazine and Online Community for Parents and Children Alike · Since the Southern California birth of Babiekins in 2010, the magazine has grown from into an internationally-recognized print publication with a global circulation and now a thriving online community. We are more than a kids’ fashion magazine. We search everywhere for inspiration, and go beyond trends to bring you fashion, style, decor, design, books, DIY, parties, and playthings. Our readers look to us to keep up with the best and most up-to-date concepts in the children’s market worldwide. We have an eye for quirk. We’re high-fashion, but we value whimsy over tradition. Playful childhood is more important to us than making kids into copycat adults. We believe life is beautiful, life is valuable, and life changes when you see it through the eyes of a child. We seek to transcend skin color, language and zip codes and bring out the real, wild, magical creativity inherent in every child. And behind Babiekins is an optimistic team of mothers-turned-editors, working from home, often with our own little babiekins climbing on, under and around the desks. We want to encourage you, and challenge you to see something different — something special — in yourself and in this world we all share. Welcome to Babiekins!

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