We have baby news! Anne-Marie is in the hospital and ready to give birth to her first born son- and not a second too soon with her attendance and speech at the Small Business Awards last night in Seattle (see post here).  She’s truly amazing and always seems able to fit everything in seamlessly – even labor and delivery! We are so thrilled to announce that all is going well thus far. We’ll update you on Monday with pictures of the new Bramble Baby!

In Anne-Marie’s absence, we want to assure you that your soapmaking questions will be taken care of on Facebook, Twitter and the Soap Queen Blog while she’s enjoying the first thrills and challenges of mommyhood. Who are we you ask? Meet Amber and Courtney (that’s us), Anne-Marie’s right hand girls. We’re both Bramble Berry veterans and know the ropes around the warehouse.

Amber (left) and Courtney (right)

Meet Amber… “Hi everyone. I’m the Chief Marketing Officer here at Bramble Berry. You may know me from the Soap Swap or some guest blog posts I did last year (Making Pasta, Screen Printing, Crafty Wonderland). I love managing our high energy and fun loving marketing team. I also design our homepages, newsletters and e-books. When I’m not at BB I’m probably at Yoga. If I’m not at yoga (rare) then I’m in my kitchen cooking something delicious or crafting in my home studio.”

As for me?  My name is Courtney and I’ve been with Bramble Berry for 3 blissful years. I’m the (official) Customer Service Team Captain and Marketing Assistant. You may know me from the recent Fair Ivy Contest or the S.O.A.P. Panel (I’m sure I’ve emailed many of you at one time or another). I also work hands-on with product testing and also assist Anne-Marie when she busts out the Soap Queen Thursday Tutorials. When I’m not at work you’ll find me at the gym, the mountain or the lake.

Amber and I are also both behind the scenes on the Soap Queen TV set. Have you ever heard a really loud cackle during some of the out-takes? Yep, that’s our Amber! She has an infectious laugh that makes our work environment so much fun. Between Anne-Marie, Amber and myself, we create the energy of three happy, hyper chipmunks (Anne-Marie’s enthusiasm and positive outlook is quite contagious)!

Now that Amber and I have been officially introduced to the Soap Queen readers, it’s up to you to let us know how we can help. We’re here for ya! And we promise to keep you updated on Anne-Marie and family. We’re wishing her the best of luck with her new bundle of joy and can’t wait to meet him in person.

I have been absolutely stunned and so grateful for some of the lovely bars of soap, body balm and breastfeeding presents I’ve received from customers and Soap Queen Readers. Thanks Guys!

But, the baby schwag basket I received this week was way too cute and too over the top to NOT share. Thank you so much to Holly, from Lotion Bar Cafe, for sending me this darling gift basket. You are so sweet!

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With just 20 or so days to go until we meet our little Bramble Bump, he is growing like a champ. Our last ultrasound showed him at 5 pounds, 6 ounces and that was 10 days ago! He should be over 6 pounds now. My waist is currently 41″ around and I’ve gained 26 pounds for the pregnancy (thus far – we still have a little bit to go!).

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FSE Baby Shower

In December, when Chris’s company, FSE, found out I was pregnant (he announced it first thing in his annual “Message to the Company”), two of the engineers’ wives immediately offered to throw me a baby shower. It was so kind of them to organize a couple’s shower for me, Chris and baby Renoud. I kept trying to help but they wouldn’t let me. All we did was show up and enjoy our special day; there was lots of laughing, lots of advice and lots of anticipation.

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That photo was taken in the morning. It’s subtle, but I do grow a little bit during the day, every day (water retention, food etc…). I tried to do a photo that showed the growth but it’s not as impressive to look at as it feels.

According to my multiple baby sites, apps and books – the baby is anywhere between 13 1/2 ounces to 1.7 pounds and is either the size of a 12″ ear of corn to a 15″ giant squash.

My stomach, at its widest widest point is 35 1/2″ wide. I’m too scared to measure my rear or hips. I’m in a good mood and don’t feel like taking the time for the crying jag that would ensue after that little experiment.

Overall, pregnancy has been good. But, I’m pregnant. So I don’t feel all “top of the morning to ya‘!” every morning. I feel more like 1/2 of my normal self with energy level and mood. That probably has a lot to do with the pregnancy insomnia that seems to have moved into our home. I still work out 5-6 times per week but have changed my work out substantially. I’ve added Prenatal Pilates, Prenatal Yoga, walking, elliptical trainer, and light weights. This week, I might make it to water aerobics since jogging and jazzercise bit the dust around month 5. My feet hurt too much with both of those. Probably the extra weight? Or maybe my spreading feet size?

This week, I’m going to be focusing on moving my office into the new baby-centric office, complete with a rocking chair, a new desk and Moses basket (or pack’n’play – I’m not sure yet). We can’t wait to meet this little one.