Its hard to say goodbye

Its hard to say good bye. Its hard to make big changes...but it seems that Baby Awearness has to do both in 2011. After much thought, Hot Mama and Baby Awearness have decided to say goodbye as partners and roomies in Manoa. Now under new ownership, Hot Mama Maternity will re-open in Pearl City in the summer of 2011. As Baby A's closest fans and families, I thought I would use this opportunity and this forum to reflect on the past year and what I have learned.

Joining up with Hot Mama was not a choice - I think Mel and I both agree, it was fate. A chance meeting with Mel in Hot Mama's old Waialae location quickly turned into an amazing partnership. Within 2 months of meeting, Hot Mama moved in to Manoa, and their creative and financial support allowed Baby A to grow tremendously. 

Together we developed the Hawaii's Next Hot Mama Contest, which we hope to hold again this Spring, and from that, the Hot Mama Network. Through these events, I realized just what an amazing community we have built through Baby A. Smart, talented, creative, driven women attend these events. Moms who give amazing advice. Honest advice. Women who speak truth. We've developed this incredible network of crafty, funky, fun mamas...and despite Hot Mama's departure, we will continue to support them through our classes, events and products.

Part of me is kind of scared to go off on our own - will we make it? Does natural and eco-friendly parenting have the interest and support that the continued operation of Baby A requires? I think we will and I think we do. The success of small businesses like baby awearness is not simply a result of our products and prices - although we try to be as competitive as possible. Our success is about the relationships we have cultivated - relationships with our customers, with other local businesses, and the amazing mama-prenuers here in Hawaii.

It was the suggestions of these woman that will drive Baby A's new direction. I'm exicted to share this new direction - details are coming within the week.

But for now, I pause to reflect - and give thanks.

Mel, Hot Mama's former owner,  is an incredible woman, and an asset to our community. I was/am honored to have the chance to work with her. To the new owners of Hot Mama Maternity - we wish you the best and we're here to help!

Bye Bye Hot Mama. We'll miss you.

-Ashley

Dana Pinho: through the eyes of her sons...

What celebrity mom or historical/political figure are they most like and why?
Our mom is like Jenny McCarthy. Jenny McCarthy took challenging circumstances that her family experienced and used it to educate and empower other families. She took her sons diagnosis of Autism and fought endlessly until she found ways to help alieviate his struggles. Her steadfast dedication and love for her son affected many in great ways.

While Jenny McCarthy experienced autism, our mom experienced prematurity. All of us were born premature, varying from 25-34 weeks. Each time, our mom was there right by our side. Even through news that would have crumbled the resolve of the average woman, she always stood strong and never waivered. She would not accept no for an answer when it came to our wellbeing. Even through months and months of hospitalization, she still came nearly every day to see us. Even when we were to sick to be held or touched, she would come just to look at us and tell us that she was there.

Even through our struggles with prematurity, our mom finds ways to give back. She makes sure we know that the March of Dimes helps babies that were born like us and encourages us to donate a part of our allowance to them. She really tries to get people to support the March of Dimes March for Babies and their other efforts to raise funds for sick and premature babies. She tells us it's so that one day no family will have to go through what our family has gone through.

Our mom is a shiny lip gloss, mascara, bright-pink cape wearing super mom, just like Jenny McCarthy.

What would their family say makes them the best mom ever?
Our mom is the best mom because she is perfectly imperfect. Sometimes she forgets to brush her teeth (and hair), but she always carries a toothbrush and toothpaste in her bag so that when she remembers she won't have morning breath. That's a great thing, too, because sometimes we forget and at least we can borrow hers. Once in a while she lets us eat popcorn and kaki mochi for lunch, but she always puts in furikaki (because we need our veggies, too!) When we're sick and accidentally vomit on the carpet or on the bed because we thought we weren't going to be sick, she always checks to make sure we are okay before magically making the stink and smell dissapear.

In all seriousness, our mom is incredible. She has sacrificed so much, asked for so little, gives more than what everyone expects, is loyal to a fault and loves so freely. When she found out she was pregnant with our twin brothers she went on a quest to give them a fighting chance at making it as closest to term as possible. She gave up her favorite foods and drinks because they weren't good for pregnant woman to have, good-bye to her favorite fish and caffinated drinks she so loved and hello to organic and local grown produce! She eliminated as much stress as possible and added exercise to her day to provide the most perfect environment for her growing babies.

When our twin brothers were born prematurely at 26 weeks despite all of our moms efforts to keep them in as long as possible, she did everything she could to provide the best for them. She pumped breastmilk every two hours around the clock for over 3 months because preemies have risks for an intestinal disorder called NEC and breast milk is the best prevention for NEC. She pushed for them to co-bed as soon as possible because it was good for growth. Even when doctors told her that she wouldn't be able to breastfeed her twins until many months later, at 30 weeks she realized that one twin had signs of being ready to nurse and fought to do so. Surprising the doctors and nurses, our tiny two and a half pound brother nursed for 7 minutes and never took a step back since then. When 2 months later she stopped producing as much milk, she consulted every professional she could reach in order to find out how to keep up production of milk to feed twins. Though many doctors said that most moms can't and won't make enough milk to successful exclusively feed twins, she managed to find someone to help and has managed to provide them with breast milk till this day.

Then through December and January one of our twin brothers was hospitalized. Our mom made this incredibly stressful situation as easy as it could be on our family. She allowed us to learn about our brothers condition and participate in his care, so that his equpitment at home would not be as intimdating for us. She allowed us to see that he was the same brother we had, he just had a few extra "accessories" now. During this time our baby brother refused feedings by everyone but our mom, so when she should have been celebrating the holidays she instead spent weeks driving back and forth from our home to the hospital in order to feed both of our twins (since one would only breastfeed and the other had never had a bottle before). Some days she spent hours driving back and forth from the hospital to our home (sometimes five or six times a day), or waiting in the parking lot of the hospital for hours because one of our twin brothers was not allowed to visit and he still needed to eat. Our mom still manages to spend time with us all and provide our brother with the medical care he needs, most of the time single handedly. When he was discharged, even though our schedule still is booked with our twin brother's medical appointments we still get to do fun things.

Our mom does everything she can to better us as a family. She has done everything from adding better foods to our diet and showing us why local, organic produce is the best for us (we even tried to grow okra) to allowing us to participate in making our twin brothers baby food (our favorite is applesauce because we eat it too). She gives us enough room to grown, but enough guidance to keep us grounded. She loves us so much, but allows us to make our own mistakes.

Why should they be Hawaii's Next Hot Mama?
Our mom is Hawaii's Next Hot Mama because she is the mom that everyone would die for. She manages to mix cookies while carrying both of our twin brothers. She manages to make tofu taste like steak. Our mom rocks because even when she has challenging days with our little brother, we still get time with her alone. OUr mom is the best because she still manages to be humble and has incredible amounts of love despite going through so much.

Presenting Hawaii's Next Hot Mama!

Hot Mama Maternity and Baby aWEARness are proud to announce Hawaii's Next Hot Mama: Dana Pinho!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just like so many of the nominees, Dana is an amazing woman who's positive energy, perseverance and ability to be a mother, friend, wife and community leader gracefully encompasses what being a Hot Mama is. Along with being of an awe-inspiring, energetic and creative mother and wife, Dana maintains her positive attitude and still has what it takes to put on a pair of stilettos and walk proudly into a room full of strangers. As if being a mother of four isn't challenging enough Dana is working on starting a non-profit to assist other mothers who share some of the struggles Dana has faced.

Dana, proud mother of four was nominated by two of her sons, Kris and Kyler Younge, with the assistance of their dad Chris.

Here are some highlights:

"Our mom is the best mom because she is perfectly imperfect. She has sacrificed so much, asked for so little, gives more than what everyone expects, is loyal to a fault and loves so freely. She took her sons diagnosis of Autism and fought endlessly until she found ways to help alleviate his struggles. Our twin brothers were born prematurely at 26 weeks and despite all of our mom's efforts to keep them in as long as possible, she did everything she could to provide the best for them. She pumped breast milk every two hours around the clock for over 3 months because preemies have risks for an intestinal disorder called NEC and breast milk is the best prevention for NEC. Our mom made this incredibly stressful situation as easy as it could be on our family. She is the best because she still manages to be humble and has incredible amounts of love despite going through so much."

"Our mom does everything she can to better us as a family. She has done everything from adding better foods to our diet and showing us why local, organic produce is the best for us (we even tried to grow okra) to allowing us to participate in making our twin brothers baby food (our favorite is applesauce because we eat it too). She gives us enough room to grown, but enough guidance to keep us grounded. She loves us so much, but allows us to make our own mistakes."

When asked what motherhood meant to her, Dana offered the following wise words:

"I'm reminded daily that someone's someplace begging for the opportunities I have. Being Mom to my boys, including one with "special needs" and another who's "medically fragile," has been that: the greatest opportunity. My unique family has taken every stereotypical mold of motherhood and flung it out the window, allowing me to experience beautiful off-the-beaten-road paths like encouraging them to break glass ceilings society has placed above them and to see such pride when they succeed!! Motherhood meant, occasionally, heartache and happiness were synonymous. It's digging up every ounce of fight when there's none left. It's meant loving myself at my best, and more importantly, my worst. It means recognizing my importance...I may be raising the next President, cancer-curing doctor or simply a gentlemen. I see my child teased, but know that hugs and affirmations of how loved he is are much stronger than ignorance. I perform uncomfortable medical procedures on my baby, but know my touch is still the most comforting thing in his world. Simply, I am the luckiest girl because motherhood means I get to be here for my boys, especially through tough times...because some don't even get that."

As the face of Hot Mama Maternity and Baby aWEARness, Dana will enjoy an entire day of pampering at Allure Spa & Salon, followed by a professional photoshoot with Island Style Images. Once Dana has picked out her favorite shots, we will begin featuring Danain all of our advertising and community outreach materials. The contest has introduced so many wonderful women into our lives, we are going to begin hosting several fun Hot Mama inspired events to continue to recognize, appreciate and most importantly unite all the soulful, driven beautiful women on this island. Please stay tuned as we work out the details of our growing Hot Mama Network!

We hope that you will continue to be a part of our Baby aWEARness/Hot Mama family. We will make sure to keep you in the loop on special events and as always, you are always welcome to stop by to say hello, seek advise, check out the new products and classes we have to offer, or simply just to get out of the house! We are always looking for ideas on new classes to host, products to carry or any other ideas you may have.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of this wonderful celebration. We have enjoyed hosting this contest and being truly have been inspired by all of the heartfelt stories we received. Tune in to Hawaii News Now on Tuesday morning March 2 at 8:15 am to see a special segment on Dana as she officially accepts her role as Hawaii's Next Hot Mama.

Hot Mama - Nihon

Ａｌｏｈａ！　皆さん。

今回、Hot Mama MaternityとのBaby aWEARnessの新しいパートナーシップを祝して、「ハワイのＮｅｘｔ　Ｈｏｔ　ママ！」(ハワイ在住のママさんたちに自分らしく輝いていただく機会を提供するコンテスト)を開催しています。 見事、勝者となったママさんは2010年、このHot Mama MaternityとのBaby aWEARnessの新しいパートナーシップの象徴となってくれるでしょう。

みなさん、是非、ふるってご応募ください。
こちらを読んでいただいているママさんはもちろん、お友達のママさんにも、ぜひぜひお伝えくださいね！Hot Mama MaternityとのBaby aWEARness共々、
かっこよくて素敵な、Ｈｏｔなママさんに出逢えるのを楽しみにしています。

ご応募の詳細ついては以下、引き続きお読み下さい。
応募は簡単♪エントリーシートに必要事項をご記入ください！（英語になります。）

Are YOU Hawaii's Next Hot Mama?
あなたはハワイのＮｅｘｔ　Ｈｏｔ　ママをご存知ですか?　
本コンテストはハワイ在住のママさんたちに、女性らしく自分らしく輝いていただくための機会です。 コンテストの期間は、2009年の2010年1月1日から2月11日です。 あなたの知り合いや友人、家族のＨｏｔ　ママさんたち、今すぐご応募ください！
　　ところで、どうしたらＮｅｘｔ　Ｈｏｔ　ママになれるのでしょう？　Hot ママはスーパーモデルである、などと言う事ではありません。 Ｎｅｘｔ　Ｈｏｔ　ママとは、活動的で、クリエイティブな輝いているお母さんであるということ。 それは一人の女性として、そしてまた一人の母親として、さらに一個人としての役割に誇りを持っているということ。

私たちBaby aWEARnessとHot Mamaの新たなパートナーシップの象徴として、このハワイにいらっしゃるすべての母親である人と、その家族のためにＮｅｘｔ　Ｈｏｔ　ママの役割が評価され、はじめてＮｅｘｔ　Ｈｏｔ　ママが誕生することになります。

What Makes A Mom a Hot Mama?
さて、ハワイのNext Hotママは、どんな方でしょう?　妊娠中のママさん、真新しくママになったばかりの方、または、すでにたくさんのお子さんがいらっしゃるママさんであるかもしれません!　専業主婦をされているママさん、ビジネスばりばりのキャリアママさん、ミリタリーのママさんであるかもしれません。どんなママさんも大歓迎！！ ご自身はもちろん、この方こそハワイのNext Hot　ママだという方をご存知の場合でも、どしどしご応募ください。



申し込み方法：
こちらのサイト（http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WRBG7N9）（英語）からオンラインにて、必要事項を書き込み、ご応募ください。また、マノア・マーケットプレイス内（２階）のBaby aWEARnessとHot Mama店頭にても直接お申し込みいただけます。（2752Woodlawn　Drive、スイート5-209、Honolulu、HI 96822）

The Prize:
めでたくハワイのNext Hot Mamaとなった方には、数々の特典をご用意しております。Hot Mamaのウェブサイト、ポスター、ニュースレター、そして店内での宣伝広告に、イメージキャラクターとして登場していただき、そのためのプロによる写真撮影が提供されます。また、見事Next Hot ママに輝いたママさんには、Baby aWEARnessとHot Mamaより、素敵なスパパッケージと1,000ドル相当のギフト券がプレゼントされます。


コンテストのルール:
１．コンテスト・お申し込み期間：2010年1月1日～2月１１日
２．すべての申し込みはわたしたち審査官によって公平に吟味されます。
３．見事Next Hot ママになられたご本人には2月15日の週中に通知致します。

注意事項:
申込者は21歳以上であること。 審査の過程にて、さらなる情報収集のため、ご連絡する場合もございます。ハワイのNext Hot ママとしての特権は2010年12月31日まで有効となります。 当選者の方には、宣伝プロモーションのたまに、補償なしで、名前と写真を使用することへの同意が必要となります。 Baby aWEARness/Hot　Mamaを代表して、最低でも1度のライブ出演に同意していただくことになります。Baby aWEARness/Hot Mamaは、いかなる理由においても、必要な場合はその特権を取り消す権利を有します。

ご意見、ご質問等はFacebook（英語）またはTwitter（英語）で、さらに店頭にてご確認ください。みなさまのたくさんのご応募、お待ちしております！

Hawaii's Next Hot Mama Contest

Hi Everyone,

In celebration of Baby aWEARness's new partnership with Hot Mama Maternity, we are co-hosting "Hawaii's Next Hot Mama," a contest honoring and empowering the mothers of Hawaii. The winner will represent this new partnership for all of 2010. Please please pretty pretty please forward this info below to EVERYONE you know!! I really want to see some amazing mom's nominated and I know that if you aren't one of these moms yourself, than you DEFINITELY know them!

Read on for more details! The entry form is short and sweet!


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


Are YOU Hawaii's Next Hot Mama? Do you know Hawaii's Next Hot Mama?
We're looking for Hawaii's Next Hot Mama and this is your chance to honor and empower the fabulous women in your life. From January 1st, 2009 to February 11th, 2010 the search is on for Hawaii's Next Hot Mama. Nominate your friends and family TODAY!!

What Makes A Mom a Hot Mama?
Being a Hot Mama isn't about being a super model; it is about being a mom that is awe-inspiring, energetic and creative. Most of all it is about taking pride in one's role as a woman and a mother. As the face of the Baby aWEARness/Hot Mama partnership, Hawaii's Next Hot Mama will serve as an inspiration and role model for mothers and families throughout Hawaii.

Who Can Be Hawaii's Next Hot Mama?
Hawaii's Next Hot Mama can be an expecting-mom, a brand new mommy, or a mother of many! She can be a full-time mom, a business-minded mom, a military mom - any kind of mom! Nominate yourself, or a candidate that you think would best represent Hawaii's Next Hot Mama. Follow Hawaii's Next Hot Mama Contest on the Baby aWEARness Facebook Page and on Twitter. So come on all you amazing moms, show us what makes you Hawaii's Next Hot Mama! Good luck and happy entering!

The Scoop:
Here are all the details you need to enter, or make nominations for Hawaii's Next Hot Mama Contest, presented by Hot Mama & Baby aWEARness. You can fill out a nomination form in person at the store (2752 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 5-209, Honolulu, HI 96822), or online.

The Prize:
Hawaii's Next Hot Mama will receive an entire package of prizes, including serving as the face of Hot Mama in all advertisments, as well as on their website, newsletters, posters, and in-store promotions. The winner will receive a professional photo shoot in preparation for her role as Hawaii's Next Hot Mama. Along with the photo shoot, the lucky winner will receive a well-deserved spa package and over $1,000 in prizes from Baby aWEARness and Hot Mama.

How to Enter
· Submit your nomination online
· Visit Hot Mama in Baby aWEARness and fill out a nomination form.
2752 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 5-209, Honolulu, HI 96822

Contest Rules:
1. The contest runs from January 1st, 2010 to February 18th, 2010
2. Applications will be accepted until February 11th, 2010
3. All applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges
4. The winner will be announced the week of February 15th, 2010

Official Rules:
Nominees must be 21 years or older. Nominee may be contacted by judges for further information. The title of Hawaii's Next Hot Mama will be valid until December 31, 2010. Winner consents to use her name and likeness for promotional purposes without compensation. Winner must agree to a minimum of one live appearance on behalf of Baby aWEARness/Hot Mama. Baby aWEARness/Hot Mama have the right to revoke the title for any reason, at anytime, deemed necessary by Baby aWEARness/Hot Mama.

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for all the latest details!

Big News!

Hi Everyone,

As 2010 quickly approaches, we are gearing up for a new and exciting year for Baby aWEARness. If you've been in the store recently, you might have noticed that there are some MAJOR changes in the works. In the spirit of providing everything a family would need to grow healthy, happy keiki, Hot Mama Maternity and Baby aWEARness are now under one roof!

We might be a little biased, but we think that Baby aWEARness and Hot Mama are an absolute dream team - Hot Mama Maternity keeps Hawaii's moms feeling blissful and beautiful during pregnancy; Baby aWEARness provides eco-friendly, natural products for Hawaii's blossoming families. Now sharing our space on the second floor of Manoa Marketplace, we can better serve Hawaii's moms and moms-to-be, providing essential resources and excellent products that are better for baby, better for the environment, and best for mom! Whether you are expecting a little one, or they have just arrived, Hot Mama Maternity and Baby aWEARness are now sharing a space in Manoa Marketplace, providing everything an expecting or new mother could need!

Also for your enjoyment, we have permanently extended our store hours!
We are now open:
Monday - Saturday: 10-6pm
Sunday: 10-1pm

In celebration of this new partnership, Baby aWEARness and Hot Mama are co-hosting "Hawaii's Next Hot Mama," a contest honoring and empowering the mothers of Hawaii. The contest will be held from January 1st to February 11th, 2010. As the face of the Baby aWEARness/Hot Mama partnership, Hawaii's Next Hot Mama will serve as an inspiration and role model for mothers and families throughout Hawaii. The winner will be the face of Hot Mama/Baby aWEARness for 2010 and will receive an entire package of perks including over $1,000 in prizes, a well-deserved spa package, and much more!

Hawaii's Next Hot Mama can be an expecting-mom, a brand new mommy, or a mother of many! She can be a full-time mom, a business-minded mom, a military mom - any kind of mom! You can nominate yourself, or a candidate that you think would best represent Hawaii's Next Hot Mama.

Stay tuned for more contest details!
Become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and find out all the latest details first!!

All our love to your blossoming babies,

Ashley, Nicky, and Mel (from Hot Mama!)