The Dream Baby Shower is back again with the Richmond maternity store that you love— Hip to Be Round—under new ownership and still in Carytown!

Here’s how to vote for one of these amazing women:

1) Click here to vote, or simply click any link by the nominee’s name to vote. Each person may only vote ONCE (duplicates will not be counted).

2) Voting occurs 10/1/11-10/19/11, and everyone votes just ONCE (so you don’t have to bug all your friends to keep voting!). The winner with the most unique votes wins the Dream Baby Shower.

3) The winner will be announced at the Expectant Girls Night Out on Oct 20, 2011 at 6:00-7:30pm at Hip to be Round in Carytown, where all entrants are invited for nibbles courtesy of Green Monkey Catering and a few giveaways to celebrate Richmond’s newest citizens (to be!)

4) The 2 runners-up will receive signed Richmond Rocks books for their new Baby and a $25 gift certificate for Hip to be Round.

The 2011 Dream Baby Shower Nominees (in alphabetical order by first name)  are:

Alison B.                                                       Click here to vote

I deserve this Dream Baby Shower because over the last three and a half years I have been doing all I can to keep my family afloat and it is time for a nice break for me.  I have been working full-time as a ICU nurse with rotating shifts to support my family while my husband has been in school.  During this time we have had to put our home renovations on hold, our honeymoon on hold, our first child was born, and chaos seems to be the norm.  It is time for a little fun for me in honor of our new addition to the family.  Plus I have never won anything before so maybe this baby is my new lucky charm.

Amber F. (2 nominations)                                          Click here to vote

A mama to four with one on the way, Amber devotes her life to her family and to others. Amber works as a professional doula helping to support moms-to-be in their pregnancy, labor, birth and post-partum. She works hard for the birthing community here in Richmond, guiding new doulas into their work as labor supporters so that many new moms have been touched by Amber in some way.  With all the love and support she gives to her pregnant moms, new moms and newborns, she deserves a little something extra with this new baby!

Amber is an amazing mother of 4, with a 5th on the way and she definitely deserves to be pampered with an awesome baby shower!  Amber has been a friend to me for more than 9 years… I have watched her work so hard to care well for her family, and in the last couple years she has begun to work as a doula to assist others as they embrace pregnancy, birth, and motherhood.  My husband and I were blessed to be able to have Amber support us through our pregnancy and birth within this last year.  We can both testify to Amber’s dedication to her family, as well as the loving care she gives to those she serves as a doula.  With Amber having her 5th child, they will naturally get lots of hand-me-downs and use things that have been used with the other kids, but I believe it would be such an amazing treat for her to receive this shower.  Anyone who has had the benefit of knowing Amber and the blessing she is to so many would agree that she is a worthy recipient.  Please choose Amber.

April J.                                                                        Click here to vote

April is a mother of 4 year old twins while still working a full time job. Over the past four years, April has dealt with a lot of grief and obstacles. Being 33 years old, having had her husband have a heart attack and be out of work for a lengthy period of time, April is a fighter. Due to April’s husband not being able to work, they lost their home and had to move into a tiny 3 bedroom trailer. Sometimes friends and family would help and take groceries over to April and her family, even though she would never ask for help, we knew she needed it. This pregnancy has been tough for her, being diagnosed with high blood pressure she has had to limit her activities and this makes it hard for her to be active with the twins. Just last month April lost her aunt, who was also her best friend. Losing her aunt was sudden and unexpected and took a toll on her. This dream baby shower would be helpful and give April hope for this new baby and the rest of her family.

Ashley R.                                                  Click here to vote

Ashley is a newly-wed and a first time mom.  She and her husband moved back to VA from Arizona when they found out she was pregnant so they could be near family.  Like most of us the economy has hit this young couple hard.  Their plan in Arizona was to work toward opening their own restaurant but now they work at a small local restaurant and have moved in with a gracious family member to share expenses. They haven’t given up on their dream to own their own restaurant but the time-table has been extended.

They are both very excited about this baby and look forward to having a little princess in their lives.  Having a Dream Baby Shower would give them a chance to forget the hard times and concentrate on the joys of having a baby.

Brandy J.                                                               Click here to vote

I think I am most deserving, because I work hard every day taking care of my 2 year old daughter and I would love to celebrate the pending arrival of my second daughter.

Calee F.                                                                 Click here to vote

Chelsea C.                                                           Click here to vote

Nominating myself once I saw this amazing opportunity, I’m 14 weeks pregnant and due March 26th, I would love to win this…I am a nursing student and employee at a local Richmond salon (go local owners!) I’ve had to postpone my RN clinicals to expect the wonderful new edition coming this Spring to our family. I plan to finish my degree after the baby is born to work in the neonatal unit; and would make this experience so very special to enjoy a much deserved dream baby shower for my hardworking husband and I thrown by the best maternity boutique in RVA.

Christal M.                                                                             Click here to vote

She works extremely Hard and deserve something excellent or nice done to her.  She spend most or all her day working for others and doing this for her will make her feel very appreciated.

 Christine S.                                                                       Click here to vote

Christine is a wonderful friend and is always the first one to make a big deal about bridal/baby showers, birthdays, holidays, any reason to celebrate. She is very creative and comes up with the best themes to celebrate. I would love to do the same for her in return. She works hard and deserves to be pampered with this wonderful shower!

Courtaney G.                                                                     Click here to vote

Courtaney will be having her baby in January 2012.  This will be her first child and our first great grandchild.  It’s a boy.  Boys don’t arrive very often in this family and we are all so excited we can hardly wait to see this wonderful bundle of joy.  What a wonderful addition to our family.  Courtaney will be a great mother.  She loves children and already knows so much about just how she and her parent plan on raising their child.  He will be a very lucky little fellow when he arrives next year.  The family has been very supportive of Courtaney and James.  They are very deserving of a dream baby shower and would be very appreciative of such an honor.  As young parents there will be a lot to learn and experience on the way.  The Dream Baby Shower would be the icing on the cake for these two and baby Houston makes three. It would be wonderful for Courtaney to be selected to be the winner of the Richmond Dream Baby Shower.  Thank you.

Danielle B.                                                                              Click here to vote

I am a full-time mom & college student, that was laid off from her job. Now relying on only my husband’s salary has left us pinching pennies, clipping coupons, and making some big sacrifices. I’ve had so many serious health problems and operations over the past few years (and am about to have another one in 4 weeks while pregnant again). We could just use a random act of kindness/generosity, and something good to happen to us and for our new baby!

Deborah L.                                                                        Click here to vote

It is with great love & respect to nominate my daughter-in-law, Deborah. I am honored to have her in our family. My son, Jon, couldn’t have found a better partner for life. This is their 1st baby & we are very excited. Debs exemplifies what it means to be a wife, daughter sister, aunt & friend. She loves children & they love her.  Her nieces & nephews adore her. I am touched by the love & care she gives to my son,family & friends. I can only imagine the life that our grandchild will have with Debs as a mom (of course, my son Jon, as a dad). I am impressed by the quality she possesses to make everyone “be special” instead of just “feel special”.  Debs is a very special gift & she is giving us yet another very special gift, our grandchild. Debs is no more deserving of this baby shower than any other pregnant woman.  She is however, worthy of this special opportunity to win a baby shower because she is a very special woman with the biggest & warmest heart ever & I adore her.

Donna S.                                                                                              Click here to vote

Donna is a wonderful, hard-working mother of four beautiful homeschooled girls (ages 12, 9, and 5). With baby number 5 on the way and the youngest out of diapers for so long, Donna will need to stock up on all the things a newborn baby requires. My brother Patrick, her husband, is the sole provider for their family and sometimes money can be tight. However, they’re close-knit and happy, and they have each other. A large baby shower for Snyder #5 would be a wonderful — and welcome! — surprise.

Fiona M.                                                                                                              Click here to vote

Fiona is a stay-at-home mom of two and is expecting her third child in February.  She is an awesome person and a great friend.  I think its nice to recognize and pamper pregnant ladies who already have children, not just first-time moms.  Young children don’t seem to acknowledge morning sickness or the fact that pregnancy is just plain exhausting which can make things quite challenging at times but I’m sure Fiona will handle it all with a smile!

Jenniqua A.                                                                                         Click here to vote

Hello, my best friend, Jeniqua, is a great choice for this prize because she has been going through so much lately and this would definitely help her and her family out. She is currently pregnant with her third child and has recently had to move into a smaller home due to financial circumstances. Her and her husband are sweet people and work very hard to support their two daughters. I would love to help them out, but unfortunately I too have fallen on hard times and don’t have a lot to share with them. Because this child is coming over 5 years from her last baby; there aren’t any items saved to help the expense. They have to start from scratch. She isn’t due to Nov. 27th, but I don’t believe that she will make it to that date. She has been in A LOT of pain since she was 4 mths and according to her doctor, her cervix is over 50% thinning. She will probably go into active labor next month. There won’t be enough time to prepare for the new one. Please, please consider her. Thank you.

Jennifer G.                                                                                           Click here to vote

This is our first baby–a little boy–and like most first-time parents we are ecstatic and overjoyed about his arrival. But, we are also nervous and stressed as we get closer and closer to my due date. The wonderful gifts in the Dream Baby Shower package would help ease some of the stress of dealing with a new baby. And, happy parents help contribute to a happy baby!

Jennifer T.                                                                                                   Click here to vote

I am a hard working, dedicated, person who is expecting her first baby.  My husband and I were recently married and now wanting to bring a bundle of joy into our lives.  We are looking forward to starting our family and raising our child.  We are due Oct 31st and have no idea what we are having.  We look at this pregnancy as a christmas present because you are not supposed to know what you are getting in the package.  So its a complete surprise.

Kristen H.                                                                                           Click here to vote   

My husband and I recently celebrated our 7 year anniversary last week and are finally able to say that we are going to have a family!  In fact, we will be doubling our household size because we are expecting boy-girl twins.  We have been trying off and on for about 5 years so this has been a long time in the works and couldn’t be happier. My “mental” due date is at 37 weeks, which is November 29th so right around Thanksgiving, which is perfect because we have so much to be thankful for!  It is a little overwhelming at times to think that I will be giving birth to TWO little babies and I only have two hands. I keep telling myself that God will never give you more than you can handle. I believe we deserve this prize because it has been something we have both always wanted and had to work hard to get – I truly appreciate the gift we have been given. These babies are such a blessing for us – a dream come true. We have waited a long time for this so I hope you will vote for us!

Princess R.                                                                              Click here to vote

Princess is a co-worker of mine. We work together 12 hour shifts on a very busy unit in a local hospital. We work in a very high stress environment that sees a large volume of patients daily. Although Princess has experienced extreme morning sickness she still displays a happy and pleasant attitude through it all.Despite her own morning sickness she manages to take excellent care of the patients and help support other pregnant co-workers making sure they have adequate breaks. I was extremely impress when she helped collect money and gifts for a co-worker who lost everything after the hurricane. In additon to caring for her co-workers and patients full time she is also a full time student. Although having a baby is a wonderful surprise it can be stressful and I could not think of anyone more deserving of a Dream Baby Shower.

Rachel H.                                                                              Click here to vote

She is the Greatest Wife, Mother, Person in the World.

Ruth W. (6 nominations)                                                     Click here to vote

We are parents from Lakeland, Florida. Ruth was so excited the first time she visited your store (Hip to Be Round) to tell us about your fabulous place! Actually her  husband, Bryan was the one who found you, but her a gift certificate and sent her in. When we visited Richmond she brough us in to see for ourselves and you’re right–grea tshop for an expectant mother. Ruth is an active person in this community–a busy drama teacher in the school system and involved with the state of Virgnia. She has national interests in the arts and has been a student advisor for the optimist club. Ruth and Bryan are excited and looking forward to Cassidy’s birth and will be wonderful and involved parents.

Our daughter Ruth is ecpecting her first child after nearly ten years of marriage.  She and her husband are both public school teachers who work many hours beyond requirements.  Her Mom and I live in Florida and Ruth often calls us when she is leaving her school.  Many times it is after dark, well into the night!  I have always thought that Ruth will be a wonderful mother.  She loves children, which is so apparent in her teaching profession.   She is excited and ready to be a mother.

She is the best teacher I have ever had.  She is always there for her students, and treated each and every one of us as her own.  She’s the most inspirational person I’ve ever met.  Not only was she a teacher, she was a friend, and someone who I will never forget.  Without her, I would never have followed any of my dreams like I am today.

I wish to nominate My Daughter In Law, Ruth Wareham. Ruth had a miscarriage in 2009 after waiting 7 years to get pregnant. She and husband Bryan wanted to wait until they bought a home, and got established in their careers before they considered having children. After the miscarriage Ruth had medical issues to resolve and there was the emotional setback for both her and Bryan to deal with. When they found out they were pregnant in February they were beaming and knew that this time it was God’s perfect plan. Ruth will be an exceptional mother, because she’s an exceptional wife and teacher. She teaches young people to seek the best in themselves and to be creatively challenged. She knows how to bring out the positives in a person and not the negatives. She is an environmentalist and passionate about her beliefs. She is creative in bead making,sewing,and designing quilts too. My new granddaughter, Cassidy Adelyn will be one lucky girl to have such talented and loving parents to raise her.

Ruth deserves the Richmond’s Dream Baby Shower, her husband, Bryan, have tried multiple times to have a baby, and not until just a few months ago did their dream become a reality. Expecting their first child any day now, is a dream come true for them.  They are both actively involved in their careers as school teachers and will enjoy sharing their love of school and the arts with their new bundle.  Ruth & Bryan are going to be wonderful parents and could benefit from the Richmond’s Dream Baby Shower.

I’m just meant to be a mom (I’ve felt that way since I could imagine being one). After a near cancer scare and miscarriage, my wish as finally come true! I’m due October 3rd! Unfortunately, we just discovered that our baby, Cassidy, is breech and our birth plan feels compromised. We have a scheduled c-section September 30th and realize that what’s most important is holding our healthy baby in our arms; however, our hearts are saddened we may not have the birth experience we had hoped. Winning this contest would be a nice uplifting event and something to look forward to. I just recently discovered the store and love all of the merchandise and helpful sales associates. I’ve only been able to purchase a couple of essentials so it would be fun to get some items for Cassidy as well as for dad and myself.

Sara S.                                                                                   Click here to vote

Sara is a “young” first time mom who deserves to have that wonderful “first baby shower” experience.  She works full time at a law firm, which is exhausting, so she really deserves to be pampered.  She is extremely excited about becoming a mother, and loves to share news of her pregnancy through facebook and a blog.  She is such a special person and I really want her to have a memorable baby shower.

Shannon E.                                                                        Click here to vote

Shannon is a first time mommy. She is 7 months along and is due in the beginning of December. Her and her husband, Evan, were originally told that because of her polycystic kidney disease, it would be extremely difficult to conceive and carry a child to term. Well, she is doing just that.Shannonspends all day on her feet as a hair stylist at Bombshell in Carytown making other woman look chic and beautiful. She deserves to be pampered. Winning this baby shower would allow her to do something for herself. I am nominating Shannon because of her inherent goodness and her obvious love for life. Upon meeting this woman, she radiates with laughter and warmth.  Vote for her!

Shannon S.                                                                           Click here to vote

I am a single mother to a little 3 year old girl. When I had her baby shower my sister n laws and friends lived close by, making it easy for them to create a baby shower for me and my little one. I am expecting again with another little one, and I would love to gather my friends and family to celebrate the joy of them. However, I don’t have anyone near me who can create me a wonderful shower nor am I financially capable of doing one myself. I was married before when I had my daughter and with this one it is just me raising my soon to be bundle of joy. I would love to have my estrained family get together and learn to love this child as much as I already do. There is no greater joy then to celebrate a new life then with the ones you love, and I would love to be given that oppurtunity. I struggle with my daughter now, and I know I will with this one as well, but I would love to be given just a day to put all my stress and worries aside and be able to fully enjoy the thought of them coming.

Sonia B.                                                                                         Click here to vote

Sonia found out she and her new hubby are expecting their first child in January 2012; it was unexpected and unplanned, but the greatest gift of all that they could have been blessed with.  Sonia and her now husband have been together for 9 years and just tied the knot on August 13th 2011 at Main Street Station in Richmond, VA. Their English Bulldog, Talula, has been their baby for three years now and there is a little boy, whose name will be Landry, that will soon be moving into the picture! Sonia is so deserving of this Dream Baby Shower to prepare her as a NEW MOM she is hard-working, works a full-time job in Richmond at DEQ and is also in school full-time working toward her Master’s Degree which she will obtain in 2013. Sonia and Donny both work in Richmond, and reside in Colonial Heights, and have been life-time residents of the area.  Sonia has a big heart, as does Donny, they are both good people and more than deserving of this great Baby Shower! Good Luck Sonia & Donny!

Sunni B.                                                                                    Click here to vote

With so many deserving moms in Richmond, the judges have a difficult job on their hands. BUT, Sunni is particularly deserving because she has brought so much happiness to other moms and families. As a tv reporter, Sunni has been one of Richmond’s most vocal champions for animal rescue and adoption. She has helped countless animals be reunited with their owners or find a new forever home.  Now, it’s her turn to nurture her own loved one. Sunni and her husband Travis are so excited.  This will be their first, with all “start up costs” attached. Sunni has donated her time on so many occasions to emceeing special animal awareness events and making appearances during her days at NBC 12. It would be lovely for her to receive a little help in return. Sunni gave up her on-camera position for a new PR job with a more baby-friendly schedule. Right now, her friends in Richmond are her “family” here and we would love to help her in any and every way. Please consider her among the other great moms!

Tonya M.                                                                                     Click here to vote

Wow, it’s hard to list all of the reasons that Tonya deserves the best baby shower ever in just a thousand words. Anyone that has ever met her would describe her as the sweetest, warmest, caring person. She always gives 110% of her heart to everyone and deserves only the best things in life. But instead, she has suffered large hurdles recently. She just lost her sister and only sibling to a long battle with cystic fibrosis. Even though she lost her sister, her best friend, she never lost her faith, her compassion or her spirit. She is an inspiration. I know that having her first child is an experience that she so much wanted to share with her sister Michelle. Yet, she is still such a positive, gracious and thankful person. I wish for this whole experience to be as wonderful for her as she is to everyone else. Tonya always put her sister first and let her know how important she is. I want her to feel that important too! Tonya is the perfect mom to be. She deserves this and so much more!

Tracy B.                                                         Click here to vote

I met my beautiful wife two years ago and fell in love.  She was living inRaleigh, NC and gave up her job, sold her house and moved to Richmond so we could be together.  We were married 11 months ago and are expecting a little boy in December. As most of her girl friends are in NC I would like to be able give her a special shower, but really don’t know where to start. I would love your help!

Tracyee F.                                                      Click here to vote

This woman is a sweet loving woman that about to have her 4th child and her first boy.  Tracyee is a public school teacher that not only loves her job but has proven that she loves kids more than most people.  She is a great friend that is always willing to listen and give some advice.  Her husband has been to known to brag about how he has the best wife around. I love this woman and want to do anything I can do to help her be “prepared” for this next child as I wasn’t around for the others’ birth (we hadn’t quite met yet).

Trenice M.                                                                    Click here to vote

She is a hard working person. She also doesn’t mind helping out others and I think its about time for her to start reciving the good deeds back.  There’s no better time then this her first-born having the baby shower of her dreams.

Valerie B.                                                                          Click here to vote

She is my new daughter-in-law. She is a native Houstian and all her family is there. She and my son were married on April 15th and soon after found out they were expecting. New wife and soon to be 1st time mother, she had no time to get use to being a wife. She is a deserving  because she has had to put her career on hold and have had to cut corners. She is taking it all in stride and this would be such a grand thing for her as an encouragement for all the things they have not been able to afford.

Vanessa W.                                                                       Click here to vote

I am a 21 year old student at Virginia Commonwealth University and a soon to be mother as of November 22, 2011 and I am so excited. Although my excitement is sometimes wade by financial struggles that I know face. Although I hold a part-time job that was previously sufficient, in need of more money I have been seeking alter employment to no avail covertly because of the pregnancy. However I do not want my finances to hinder me from having the best baby shower ever. I plan on throwing the baby shower as a pre-birthday party for my little girl. I love her so much and it would love have Richmond’s Dream Baby Shower! It would truly be a blessing!

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All entrants will receive a special Dream Baby Shower-only coupon to use during the length of the contest, emailed to each entrant. We look forward to meeting all the expectant new Richmond mamas!

Prizes include $1,000+ in great gifts for mom & baby:

-$200 Shopping Spree in Hip to Be Round

-$350 gift certificate to Hayes & Fisk, the Art of Photography

-$80 one free month of baby classes from Romp n’ Roll

-$78 one hour prenatal massage from Massage Envy Richmond

-$70 Sonicare toothbrush from Atkins, Maestrello, Miller & Associates Pediatric Dentistry

-$50 Visa Card from Call Federal Credit Union

-$50 gift certificate from Clover children’s consignment

-$50 gift certificate to Mom’s Treehouse

-$50 gift certificate from Relay Foods

-$50 gift certificate to Toyconomy

-$44 four exhibit passes to the Science Museum of Virginia

-$26 two signed Richmond Rocks books, one for new baby, one for you