Almost Friends Again with Babies R Us

Okay, let's try another go at this relationship! As many of you know, I was devastated (yes, I know that's dramatic) with the Rewards department at Babies R Us for messing up my reward redemption certificates. I vowed not to return to the store.  This plan was set in motion, until I realized I needed to use the gift cards in my possession before cutting them off as Iris Grace's store of choice for all her needs.

Well, when using the last of my gift cards, there was an error on their part with my online purchase. Once again, I was on the phone trying to rectify the situation.  Calmly I asked, what exactly went wrong with the order.  Well, the young lady was so nice and simply stated, "it was really our fault so we'll give you 20% off your next online order."

This sounded great, but usually their 20% off coupons come with restrictions... but not this time. I called back to make another order, and I was allowed to use this discount in combination with their 50% off wipes with the purchase of a value box of pampers.  So needless to say, I was very happy with my savings and the great customer service.  This representative was definitely more helpful than the previous one.

More later on the final outcome.  I have plans to use my redemption reward dollars this week.  Once all goes well, I will shout it on the rooftops!  Since the first mishap, I've gone online and studied their coupons and figured out what items are better to purchase there rather than Target.  Now, of course, beating out Target on some items is hard to do... but being a baby specialty store gives them space to get in the ring!

I estimate that as my newborn grows, I will be shopping at Babies & Toys R Us for quite some time if all goes well.  Many know I have quite the big mouth.  So if they make me happy, I'll be sure to let you all know!  One good selling point about the store is their return policy is very hassle free!  Another major selling point is the nursing/changing room for moms.  I've had to feed Grace there twice when she got fussy during our shopping time.  Not sure of any other stores that have that area.

But moms be alert... there's competition in town!  Buy Buy Baby is a division of Bed, Bath and Beyond.  We bought our diaper bag there and was able to use the BBB 20% off coupon at the baby store which was very cool! 

Ok, more later... happy shopping!
#teamcoupons
#teamirisgrace
#teamnewmommy

Theresa Ordell... The Mrs.!
If you have any insight into shopping for your baby, please post to the blog so readers can get the information.  Always read fine print, get clear on the store policies and be wise with your dollars-gift cards or cash!

High Heels & Nursing Pads... Finding My New Life at 42!

Our princess ... Iris Grace

We left the hospital on May 20th after a c-section birth on May 16th.  Due to low fluid, she was delivered a couple days earlier than scheduled.  We were so quiet driving home, in shock that we were allowed to "take the baby".  Yep, Iris Grace was our daughter and would forever changed our lives.

For days and weeks, our world was all about her... and still is! Every noise, grunt and movement brought wonder and surprise.  Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins came to visit.  She was held, kissed and loved by her family and parents.  I cannot believe that seven weeks have passed by!

During the pregnancy, we decided that we wanted her to be a breast fed baby to ensure optimal health.  As a result, an electric breast pump was purchased, nursing bras and tops ... and most of all disposable nursing pads.  Now I knew nursing pads were needed, but I didn't know they'd rule my day every time I got dressed or even went to sleep.  Once Iris was born, the journey began!

Now unlike young moms, having a baby via c-section at 42 is quite a notion! hahaaa - it's not all about bouncing back to your same elegant clothing and running the streets being glamorous!  Loosing weight is a project and so is wearing high heels!

Due to my height (4'11") I've prided myself in wearing heels at all times!  But during my pregnancy, I had to renegotiate this life staple since I was HUGE!  This baby took over every space on my person, as a result... flip flops it was.

I've found that during the newborn phase of staying home and adjusting to parenting, you are so consumed with how beauty-full your child is, that you forget YOU!  One day I found that headbands and casual clothes had become my standard attire.  No more shopping at Nordstroms... all my time was spent at baby stores.  Now, don't get me wrong, shopping for my little girl is fun and very exciting!  But one morning I woke up and missed my wardrobe, MAC, purses and most of all... my heels!

The pain came when I realized that with the extra weight and the big "breast feeding instruments", my clothes didn't fit like before.  This calls for creative revamping of my style as a woman and a mom.

Glamour doesn't have to be forfeited when you become a new mom.

It may not be in the same place you left it, 

but look inside and you will discover the journey to the new YOU!

The bottom line lesson is don't forget YOU as you give affection to your baby and dress her/him up.  Your baby, your husband, your friends and your world need to see you redefine your style.  Every time I complain about my weight, Darryl says, "Theresa... you just had a baby! It will come off!"  The pounds will come off when I get to work on them... and I will, because I'm finding my new life at 42 and embracing the journey! 

Last Sunday we had friends visiting from out of town and were all going to breakfast.  After I got our little princess Grace dressed up... I went to do "me". Hmmm... this would be hard since not everything in the closet fit.  I wondered what I could wear with my gold flip flops, but then I heard my inner style girlfriend say, "Theresa, wear your gold metallic slide on heels!"  I worried that I wasn't healed from surgery, but it had been 7 weeks and the heels weren't so high that I was being insane.  After finding a dress that fit, I tried on the shoes!  How great it felt to be a girl!  But I didn't stop there, I even took out some time to put on my MAC makeup! I was almost done, but I couldn't leave until I slid a pair of nursing pads down my tank top! hahaha

When we were riding in the car, Darryl turned to me and said, "You look so pretty today!"  It was hard to say thank you, because my initial reaction was to focus on my extra weight and bigger bra size... but, I was starting a new journey so I smiled and said "Thanks baby!"

To all my new moms... find the new YOU and embrace the journey!

There's beauty after babies... and high heels too!

#getonamission
#noroomforexcuses
Theresa Ordell

No More Babies R Us ... Bad customer service for reward points

Not willing to help a customer???

I am completely unhappy with Babies "R" Us customer service for reward points! I've purchased at least $1,000 worth of items through my baby registry and my own purchases; nevertheless, I've never received the $5 reward points per every $150 spent. There was an incorrect address - one that I've never heard of - in their system. when I asked if I could have replacements sent to me I was told no. There was no alternative resolve offered whatsoever. If this address error was mine, it would be understood, but I don't know who has been able to claim my rewards... and they don't even care!!!!! I will now shop at Buy Buy baby, Target and any other store willing to offer helpful customer service!!!

I'm making a point to post this to share with other moms to avoid dealing with a company that refuses to hold on to customers that would consistently shop at their store during the duration of their child's growth.  When I told the rep I would no longer shop there, she did not care.  she o

I'm going to consider returning all unopened items, such as our crib and bedding set in order to buy from other stores that carry similar items.