Blooming Baby Jamaica Magazine Issue 4- April 2021- Spring Edition

Blo WI om ing 1 of N T-S Bab 6 hir y M ts am a APRIL 2021/ ISSUE 4

MAGAZINE

BLOOMING BABY MAMA STORIES 4 awesome moms share their interesting tales

MAY IS CHILD MONTH special ncmc feature

BBJ CELEBRATES MAY what's is store

WWW.BLOOMINGBABYJAMAICA.COM

BUY BBJ! we're open

The season of spring is definitely our season to bloom! During April, our Blooming Babies can enjoy Easter blessings. I'm so happy that during the month of May, we get to celebrate Child Month and not only that but Mother's Day as well. Just after May, comes June when it is family month and fathers get their big day! Blooming Baby Jamaica is excited to embrace everything that this awesome time of the year has to offer. We certainly have much in store for you our friends, fans and family. It is no coincidence that May is Blooming Baby Jamaica month and you won't want to miss out on all the fun and magnificence that awaits. Let's have a blooming springtime together!

Z. Giselle W.

All That Blooms 06

An EZ Recipe

09

May is Child Month

12

May is Our Month

23

Blooming Baby Mama Stories

36

Birthday Blooming Babies

40

BBJ Boutique Now Open

WWW.BLOOMINGBABYJAMAICA.COM

Visit bloomingbabyjamaica.com

The Easter That Was

by The Blooming Baby Ja Mama A very exciting part of spring is Easter. It is one of those seasons that bring much happiness as we enjoy the special treats that come along.

For those of us with older Blooming Babies, we try to make it fun for them by filling eggs for them to find in a hunt.

But how may of you knew the real meaning behind this? The eggs symbolize new life which is really what the Blessed Easter celebration is all about.

AN Fo

Mango Sorbet

r

E Z Th R os E e C Li IPE tt le

Some ripe mangoes are all you'll need!

Peel your mangoes and slice into pieces about the size of a bite.

Blend up your mango until there are no lumps in sight.

Pour this puree into and container then partially freeze.

EASY. TASTY. HEALTHY.

Blend your icy mango mixture. Don't eat yet, put it back into the freezer please.

It is ready to serve once it becomes frozen. It will be so yummy, you can use it as a token.

C

he

fs

OUR MANTRA:

"Nourish. Cherish. Flourish."

Born to Bloom

by Blooming Baby Ja

#borntobloom

Blooming Baby Jamaica believes that every child deserves to thrive each day that they are alive. Every baby that has been born must be a Blooming Baby, one who is nourished and cherished so he or she can truly flourish. Our objective as a Blooming Baby Brand is to help parents raise their children in the best way possible and we're committed to getting there.

MAY IS CHILD MONTH FROM NCMCJA

About National Child Month Committee Dr, Cecily Williams, an internationally known Jamaican pediatrician, promoted the idea that a month be devoted to the children of Jamaica. This received overwhelming support and the first Children's Month Committee (as it was called at that time), chaired by Lady Foote, the wife of the then Governor-General , was formed in 1953.

2021 Theme:

I- S.O.A.R Find out more @ncmc_ja May was designated as Children's Month and the Council of Voluntary Social Services was asked to coordinate the activities which included children services, lectures, broadcasts, children concerts, dramatic presentations and competitions.

The first committee comprised of the Child Welfare Association, now VOUCH, the Jamaica Children's Services Society and the Jamaica Save the Children Fund. Since 1961, the National Child Month Committee has expanded to include representatives of Government and Non- Government institutions, working in the interest of the children of Jamaica.

Presently, the committee is made up of 40 agencies who are each working everyday to improve the lives of the children they serve. The efforts during Child Month serve only to highlight the shared concern and vision for the children of Jamaica.

"Strive to Overcome Adverisities with Resilience."

What Children Need to from Acceptance Boundaries Compassion Devotion Encouragement Fun Goals Honesty Inspiration

Justice Kindness Laughter Modeling Nurturing Opportunities Praise Quality Time Respect

Support Trust Unconditional love Values Wisdom eXcitement You Zest

Source: Positive Promotions

Feeding your Blooming Baby with what is best based on their age is one of the first steps towards ensuring success in their growth and development. Be sure to ask your nurse or doctor for advise on nutrition during their checkups at the clinic or pediatrician.

#nourish

MAY IS...

MONTH. ABOUT OUR BRAND For the past five years during the month of May, Blooming Baby Jamaica has found it fitting to offer baby and familythemed activities in an effort to help parents raise their children in the best way possible. Traditionally, our creative baby and family brand has executed western Jamaica's only Baby & Family Expo, providing all participating parents and patrons with direct access to wellneeded resources such as pertinent information and a variety of important products necessary for nurturing the family. However, with the onset of Covid-19 since early 2020, our event endeavors have been hampered but we remain committed to our cause and since then have increased our presence on social media platforms.

It is no coincidence that as our nation celebrates Child Month , Blooming Baby Jamaica has chosen to carry out special activities and further promote its mission in May as well.

With the mantra, "Nourish. Cherish.

Flourish.", we will continue to cater to our target audience of Blooming Babies, from in the tummy up to twelve years!

All Virtual

EVENTS

PANEL DISCUSSION CHURCH SERVICE STORY TIME PRODUCT PROMOS SALES GIVEAWAYS For more info. Follow us on...

@bloomingbabyja

A Giveaway IN

RECOGNITION

OF

CHILD

MONTH

enter to win

Simply send a short and sweet story about your child or children (from in the tummy to twelve years). Be sure to share what you enjoy most about raising them.

Send in your entry by email to bloomingbabyja@gmail.com

by May 28, 2021.

Gift courtesy of...

Our Blooming Babies grow up so fast and that's the great reason for appreciating each milestone and cherishing every moment.

Make time to spend time for doing little things together and going on big adventures. Remember, you can't take too many photos.

Create your own magical memories that you'll have to share and cherish for years to come!

#cherish

Let's meet....

Our Blooming Babies Of The Month!

For January, February and March.

@bloomingbabyja

Adrian Congratulates our Winners!

Khameesi

Kaelyn

Akele #babyofthemonth

"Wearing one of our branded tees with a winning smile!"

#i❤bloomingbabyja

Sunday, May 9 is

MOTHER'S DAY!

4 Funny Things Blooming Babies would if they could, say...

"I love your breast.

It's the best!"

"Goo-goo Gaga.

I want my mama."

"You look pretty.

Please lift me up"

"Mommy, you smell nice like my bottle."

PassionatePoetry FROM A PROUD PARENT

#imabloomingbabymama

Beloved Mirror

by Geraldine JohnsonBlooming Baby Mama

My footprints, their pathway What I see is what I carved What they do is what I taught Like a Picasso, steadily and slowly they trace Oh yes, I trod carefully to avoid a lethal mistake Fot it would be too great a cost to break what I cannot replace I will not break my vows For I am the grateful producer of good seeds I am a proud conceiver of Kings and Queens I am a persistent provider of all their needs Without a question or excuse, I pour my all for their growth and nourishment As sun is to daytime and the moon and the stars dedicatedly shine throughout night They belong to me They are mine They are mine to mould They are mine They are mine to love

Blooming Baby Mama

STORIES

4 amazing moms share their interesting tales "Don't

just be another

ordinary mom. Be a oneof-a-kind Blooming Baby Mama."

Z. GISELLE. W

Blooming

Baby Mama Expecting Her First!

Yashieka As it is written, "Be fruitful and bloom." Children are a blessing and as a Blooming Baby Mama expecting my first bundle, it is beyond exciting... it's super dope. I am very optimistic and remain realistic about the process. I educate myself by reading a lot and asking questions at my antenatal visits.

What is most fascinating is that I had a sudden urge for writing poems for my unborn and listening to classical music was a thing. There is never a moment that I don't look forward to a new adventure with my little sweet pea.

I anticipate the little moments and I will cherish them all. As a first time Blooming Baby Mama, I will give it my all. not doing it for myself or my spouse but for the betterment of my unborn fetus.

Blooming Baby Mama As A Teen

Avaloye I got pregnant at age 16 and had to stop going to my High School, then started the Women Centre for pregnant teenagers. At one point I thought that my life was over.

There were people that were talking down to me and saying things like, "I won't make it and I am an embarrassment."

But I knew what I could do and what I wanted in life and with the support of my mother, other family members and friends at church, I pushed through and overcame all that others had to say about me. I had my beautiful baby girl and I went back to school, got my subjects and graduated from college with an Associate Degree in Restaurant Management.

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT LIFE MAY BRING. ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU CAN OVERCOME ANY BATTLES THAT COME YOUR WAY AS LONG AS YOU BELIEVE IN GOD AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU CAN DO.

Blooming Baby Mama

Candice

Of 3 Boys

Three- The Hard Way

I am the mother of 3 energetic, adventurous, talkative boys, including a 5-month old. The other two are 9 and 10. Listen, I cannot say that I have mastered the art of raising boys but I can proudly confess that I have a God who is completely and fully capable. So, one of the most important factors for me is my faith and growing them in God. Prov. 13:24 says to us as parents, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." This has encouraged me to be an influencer, a boundary setter and a consequence applier to the boys.

I try my very best to grow with my boys; being child-like but definitely not childish. Meeting their needs, My Tips encouraging them and training 1. Respect your children. them the best way I know how. We 2. Let them feel extremely comfortable play together. We ride bicycles and 3. Teach them how to show affection. I race with them. We used to go to the gym together but now we go to 4. Make chores fun. the park. They help me to clean 5. Let them spend time with Daddy too. and cook. They are always making 6. Cherish your children different shapes with their dumplings, like hearts, loops, smiley faces and so on.

Navigating the virtual world of work and monitoring the online school environments for two different grade levels is extremely difficult, especially if there is no family support member around. Working from home with two boys who are also studying from home demand skills that were never required nor acquired before.

The biggest irony of working from home with children who study from home is that, instead of increasing quality family time it can easily reduce it. As a means of coping and creating balance, I have been using a few strategies.

Sherian

Blooming Baby Mama WORKING FROM HOME WITH 2

Firstly, I ask and accept help from family members—daddy, grandmother, aunty etc. This gives me moments to rejuvenate, especially after a day of extending myself.

Secondly, I talk with other mothers working from home with children in schools. We share the burdens of the new role and encourage each other. It really feels good to know that I am not alone. Thirdly, I celebrate the small successes of my children as they dominate a task assigned by their teacher. When they overcome a challenge, I get to give the hug, the smile and the high five right away.

These are moments that I would not have, if we were not operating within the dictates of Covid-19.

Fourthly, I explain to my clients, coworkers and boss that I have two children and therefore I may have to be excused more frequently. This reduces the pressure of presenting a pristine environment and as I do my job… I just need to remember to have the mic on mute!

Finally, my best coping strategy is going outside with the boys. It requires the greatest of discipline because we put away all devices and interact uninterrupted. The outdoors bring back intimacy and togetherness. If you are a mother working from home with children, and you struggle to find balance, you are not alone so be encouraged and take it one day at a time.

1 of 6 "I'm a Blooming Baby Mama"

Cotton T-Shirts

Send us a photo of you and your Blooming Baby or Babies to bloomingbabyja@gmail.com.

Be sure to tell us why you are a Blooming Baby Mama.

The first six entries in by May 22 will win!

The things we do for our Blooming Babies today will give them a brighter tomorrow. Don't just think about their childhood needs, consider their future as a young adult. One way to prepare for their success, is to save. Starting to save for their tertiary education from they are very young may seem unnecessary but before you know it they are transitioning from diapers to diploma!

#flourish

$10K

After a couple months of posing questions to parents for them to secure a chance to win a $10000 gift voucher, finally, on the 15th day of March, a winner was declared by Ian Myrie. The sincere Sales Manager from Heritage Education Funds International presented all the pros of starting a savings plan for your child's tertiary education. After his short but inspiring presentation, one proud parent who submitted all the correct answers was randomly selected. Our committed child education savings partner deemed it a privilege to positively impact a parent's life in this way. Blooming Baby Jamaica absolutely appreciates all efforts on his part to keep our babies blooming and prepare them for a flourishing future.

Love for babies is at the heart of all we do and for this reason we remain a charitable brand, committed to making a contribution to communities through our kind initiatives. Our Collection Drive for Baby to Big Kid Supplies is continuous, and as we receive generous donations from our Blooming Baby Jamaica Benefactors, we deliver these well-needed items to families all across Jamaica. If you have given to us, we would like to say, "Thanks a bunch for caring and for helping us to show we care.

#bloomingbabyjacares

e v i G o T YOU MAY MAIL YOUR DONATIONS TO:

BLOOMING BABY JAMAICA P.O. Box 1367 #1 Montego Bay, St. James Jamaica, W.I.

n i a G o T Call (876) 831-0796 DM @bloomingbabyja on IG Email: bloomingbabyja@gmail.com

Celebrating birthdays, from first and beyond. The biggest and best birthday wishes to all Blooming Babies who had a birthday in January, February or March!

Happy birthday to you. May the good Lord bless you all!

#birthdaybuzzclub

Our Birthday Blooming Babies

Happy

BIRTHDAY FROM

On Our Fanbase

Hayden McKellop Amearah Miranda Adarian Brown Taiden Stephens Tyler-Jai Thompson Kai-Jaun Russell ZaeJrienne Miller Areli Earl

25% Off

Any BBJ Item

Kelicia McFarlane Jaxson Campbell Jahleel Brown Jevier Williams Kaelyn Newman Shiloh Reid Bella Miller

Kavari Brown Amoya Calvert Le-Andra Johnson Ziandra Davis Amora McKenzie Kenellia McFarlane Malachi Reid Danica Brown

In The Bag Giveaway

Birthday Buzz Club

Register your Blooming Baby at:

bloomingbabyjamaica.com

Being a parent is definitely no joke but it is a role you can definitely be proud of. Be your Blooming Babies' biggest fan by being there for them every step of the way. We are used to moms being the busy one and getting things done but we know that there are Blooming Baby Dadas who are very supportive and for that we say, "Respect due to dads who do."

#imabloomingbabydada

Monthly Newsletter for our Fanbase

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@buybloomingbabyja

Find fabulous Floral Fashion to keep them blooming, from comfortable and classy boy shirts to fantastic dress designs for girls. One of the great things about buying from Blooming Baby Jamaica is that when you do, you help support hardworking Jamaicans.

#buybloomingbabyja

Nourish. Cherish. Flourish BOOK COLLECTION by...

Nourish your Blooming Babies and help them to appreciate good foods with this colouring and storybook with fruits and veggies from A-Z! Sold for $1600

Cherish your Blooming Babies and create fun memories with this scrapbook by adding all their milestones from in the tummy to 12 year! Sold for $2000

Find time for bonding with your Blooming Babies at bedtime and help them flourish with this colourful reading and activity book, with 6 fun stories! Sold for $3000

876-831-0796

$1800

Prayer for Our Children

Lord, bless our children.

Keep them safe, healthy and strong.

Keep them from harm and danger all day long.

Lord, bless our children.

Help them to be good and to show love.

Help them to listen to those set above.

Lord, bless our children.

Guide them through summer all the way to spring.

Guide them through learning, playing and everything.

Lord, keep them blooming.

Amen.

This magazine was created by Blooming Baby Jamaica.

Feel free to send us your Blooming Babies' photos for consideration for future features both in our quarterly magazine and on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Thanks a bunch!

@bloomingbabyja bloomingbabyja@gmail.com 876-831-0796 bloomingbabyjamaica.com