Update on ways to help

My wonderful friends set up a few ways that people can help Jewelyn's family.

A P.O. box (thanks Kim!) was set up to accept formula checks (any brand, even checks that are expired!), diaper coupons, or gift cards -- basically anything that can fit in an envelope. Anything not used will be donated to The Liz Logelin Foundation. Send to:

The Jewelyn Okamoto Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 235971
Encinitas, CA 92023-5971


A memorial fund was set up at Arrowhead Credit Union (thanks, Angelina!), and checks can be made out to The Jewelyn Okamoto Memorial Fund. They can be mailed to:

The Jewelyn Okamoto Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 235971
Encinitas, CA 92023-5971


For those who want to send packages larger than an envelope or shipments from UPS, Fed Ex, etc., please send to:

Brandi Futrell
c/o The Jewelyn Okamoto Memorial Fund
14928 S. Maple Avenue
Gardena, CA 90248


There is also the option to contribute via PayPal, that email address is 4jewelyn@gmail.com.


It is absolutely amazing the out pour of support that we have received for Jewelyn's family from all over the world. Thank you to everyone who has helped to get the word out and thank you for your support.

A call for help

If you follow my other blog, you know that my friend, Jewelyn, passed away on Sunday, September 27th due to an amniotic fluid embolism, just hours after giving birth to her first child, Gabrielle.

Gabrielle is doing well and will be released from the NICU this week. Jewelyn's husband, Philip, is going to need all the help he can get over the coming months and years.

A PO Box has been set up to receive formula checks and diaper coupons. Any and all brands will be accepted, and whatever Philip doesn't use will be donated to the Liz Logelin Foundation.

Formula checks and diaper coupons can be sent to:

Jewelyn Okamoto Memorial Fund
PO Box 235971
Encinitas, CA 92023-5971

All the Single Babies

Just too cute!!

Hello again!

Wow, it has been some time since I have posted on this blog. I had a baby and life has changed. I worried about losing myself and be so absorbed into motherhood that the other parts of me would be lost. I think that for the first few months while Baby Bear was a newborn it was. Baby Bear needed me so much that I had to be absorbed into motherhood, if I hadn't allowed myself that I would not have been the best mama bear I could possibly be. Is it selfish that I also want to be more than a mother and also be who I have always been? I don't think so and I hope that is not the case.

I love being a mother, it is absolutely amazing. Baby Bear is absolutely amazing and you see more about her on her blog. I have about a month left until I return to work and it is time to focus a fraction of my attention on me. A happy mama = a happy baby.

The one thing I have really wanted to get back into is working out. I have been taking Baby Bear for walks/jogs and going to mommy and Me yoga. But I am not able to workout like I was pre-pregnancy or even to the extent that I did during pregnancy. It is hard to find the time to get back to the gym with a baby who is so dependent on you. So I decided I needed to figure something out.

Today, I started the 30 Day Shred. I've heard so much about it and wanted to try it out before I got pregnant. I started with level 1 and that kicked my butt. I realize that it has been some time since I have done a real workout and I had a baby 3 months ago, but boy am I out of shape. I have a month before I go back to work and who knows what my time will be like once I add work back into the mix. So I figured I better get my butt in gear and make the commitment. I feel great! I love working out and feeling the burn. I missed that so much!!

I do still have baby weight to lose, but I am more concerned about toning back up and getting back to being fit. My goal is not to lose weight as much since I am still breastfeeding, but to get back to my pre-pregnancy fitness level.