1. Become a fan of SH Portraits on Facebook. After you become a fan, post on the page “(your name) is a fan of SH Portraits!” This way I can easily keep track of new fans and be sure you get your entry! Worth ONE Entry.

2. If you are already a fan, but a current client of SH Portraits, leave a review on the SH Portraits Fan Page. There is a tab at the top of the fan page for reviews! Worth ONE Entry.

3. Tell your friends & family to vote for SH Portraits in the 2009 Nicks Parents Picks Awards. Send an email out and copy me (samara@shportraits.com) so I can see you sent it, or post on your Facebook page (if you do this, please email me a print screen of your status to be fair since I can’t see everyone’s status) Worth TWO entries.

You can earn as much as 4 entries into the contest! I have ballots that I will fill out for each person and then I will draw the winner on the 15th and post the winner sometime after 5:00pm!

Gosh I love contests – this will be fun!

Go to the Facebook Fan Page! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Buffalo-NY/SH-Portraits/73699087284
Go here to vote! http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/parents-picks/buffalo-ny-usa/best-buffalo-family-photographer

So tell us a little bit about “Baby’s Sweet Beginnings” for those readers not familiar with it yet.

Baby’s Sweet Beginnings is a family friendly, pre-natal, post-partum support center. We service all of WNY for childbirth education, breastfeeding classes and retail services. BSB is the only center of its kind owned and operated by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in our area.

What about your job do you like most?

The thing I like most about my job is knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life.  BSB is here to help parents smoothly transition into the new and exciting journey of parenthood. Seeing our families grow and including us in their special moments makes my day, everyday!

How did you get started?

I have been an IBCLC for 7 years and have worked with the Erie County WIC Dept for 13 years. I became an IBCLC because I worked with a wonderful Consultant when my daughter was born and she was a difficult breast feeder. I wanted to give back to someone else all the wonderful assistance that I received. Also, I felt that WNY needed a Center like BSB where they parents would feel comfortable asking questions and getting professional, but friendly advice.

What is the best time for parents to come into your business during their pregnancy?

Moms can start taking pre-natal yoga classes as early as they want to; we follow them through their entire pregnancy. There are many pre-natal as well as post-partum classes and support groups for parents to be involved in.

What other services are offered at Baby’s Sweet Beginnings?

BSB offers retail items such as breast pumps, Hygeia and Medela, pump refurbishing, parts and information. (remember, you are always working with a Certified Professional not just any retail staff), nursing bras, nursing pillows, maternity clothing, and unique gift items. We also have cloth diapers and tagalong blankets! Classes such as CPR, Infant Massage, Happiest Baby on the Block, Joy of Parenting, Childbirth education, Successful pumping and storing, FREE Mommy & Me mornings. We have the only 24/7 help line in the area for any questions or concerns you may have.

Where can we find you (website, blog, location)?

Baby’s Sweet Beginnings is located in the Village of Lancaster.

231 Aurora St (corner of Como Park Blvd and Aurora)

http://www.babyssweetbeginnings.com

We are also on Facebook!

Send us your e-mail and you will receive a monthly newsletter keeping you up to date on all the happenings at BSB! p.thoman@yahoo.com

Do you have any upcoming events that you would like to share with readers?

We have Free Mommy & Me Mornings every 2nd and 4th Monday Mornings of the month (with the exception of Memorial Day)

In June we have a car seat safety check with the NYS Police

August brings our “Birthday Bash!” We will be celebrating Baby’s Sweet Beginnings Birthday on Sunday August 9th. Free seminars, hotdog roast, car seat safety check, music. Come and help us celebrate!

Please check our website for exact dates and times!

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t at Baby’s Sweet Beginnings?

I love to spend time with my kids and husband. Owning a business takes up a lot of my time and I cherish the moments I can spend with my family. My gardens are my “get away” spots where I can think of nothing but the fresh earth and beautiful flowers.

I also enjoy my volunteer job with Lancaster Volunteer Ambulance Corp where I work as a dispatcher. They are a great group of people who have been good friends to me.