Our Story
Boy was I in for a surprise!!! The first few days and weeks were definitely not magical. I remember crying uncontrollably because my milk had not come in...and it's been 4 days!!! Jaden wouldn't stop crying. My mom was sure he was hungry but the doctors insisted the little itty bitty few drops of colostrum were enough. I felt so helpless but mostly, I felt like a failure. That evening, the graveyard nurse came in to weigh Jaden. He had lost too much weight so she offered baby formula. She could feel my hesitation so she reassured me. She said "I have 3 grandbabies, I promise you it'll be ok if we feed him a little bit of formula." I reluctantly agreed. He was only supposed to drink half an ounce but he was so hungry that he drank the entire 2oz bottle. Jaden finally stopped crying. Big relief! I felt a whole lot better. Sigh.
Sadly, Jaden passed away when he was only 8 months old. He was the sweetest soul. He would clap his hands when he got excited. He loved music, books and daddy's spaghetti. Even though he is not physically here with us, we keep him alive by sharing our special memories of him with his little brother and sister. My heart will forever be broken but from my great loss, I've learned to truly love and live.
Noah was born a year after we lost Jaden. He was a very much needed and anticipated blessing. He brought joy back into our lives. He has a smile (with the cutest dimple) that could warm any heart.
After his first birthday, I launched my first business, Joeys On The Go. I put so much of my heart and soul into that business. During my time at Joeys On The Go, I've discovered the impact I could make in family's lives by selling European Baby Formula. I received the sweetest messages from our customers after receiving their delivery or shipment. I've gotten lots of hugs (pre-covid era) and our customers were always happy to see me. I was pleasantly suprised by how much our simple service meant to parents. One evening around 11pm, I received a text message. She needed Holle formula for the following day for her friend who just got diagnosed with breast cancer. Her friend needed to start chemo and was required to immediately stop breastfeeding her 5 month old. Being able to help filled my heart with so much joy and gratitude. In that moment, my mission became undeniably clear.
A few months before Maddie was born, I gave up Joeys On The Go and created BabaBellies to focus solely on European Baby Formula. Joeys On The Go was not a success but in that journey, I discovered the magic of HiPP and Holle. This second time around, my mission is focused. I want to spend as much time with my little loves while still making an impact with my business. Maddie is the sweetest baby as she allows me to be a mamapreneur (so as long as I am holding her). I am enjoying every minute of her being an infant (and her chubby cheeks and arms and legs) as I know she'll be grown before I'm ready for it.
and that is exactly where I want to be.
