Motherhood has been called the toughest job you’ll ever love, the most rewarding journey you’ll ever travel and the happiest time of your life. (With two little ones of my own, I wholeheartedly concur.)
For those who’ve missed the past nine months around here, Brandy and her husband Dave are six days from bringing Baby J into the world and we’re almost as excited as they are to meet the little guy.

Brandy and Dave in the home stretch!
There’s no doubt she’ll take on the challenges of mothering in the practical and organized way that is her trademark, becoming a pro in no time at all.
Kinda like the way she handles her job here as managing editor.
A job I’ll be doing for the next 12 weeks while she’s on maternity leave.
Help.
Truth be told, Brandy has even been so organized as to…well, organize the next 12 weeks of work I’ll need to cover. She’s gotten all the kinks out of our production schedule, she’s given writers all their deadlines and she’s even sent me appointments reminding me to set appointments.
Now all I have to do is final edit all the writing, map the pages for each issue, create a list of all the project photos for the studio, compile the contracts for our writers and project contributors, get projects organized and delivered to our studio for photography, review first, second and final design proofs, review the final page layouts before they go to the printer, write a few columns, come up with headlines for our covers and organize our post-mortem meetings. For three months.
Nooooooo problem.
If you see our next three issues in your mailbox and on the newsstand, you can thank Brandy. I’ll be the one over there whimpering in the corner.
Brandy, we sure will miss you while you’re gone but we’re so excited for you!

Laughter, adorable baby clothes and lots of cupcakes at our shower for Brandy.
With my respect and appreciation for all you do around here, and love from all of us,
Jennifer
P.S. It’s time to announce the winner of Cath’s CHA Winter 2010: Trends by the Dozen post!
Debbie Seyer (Feb. 9, 10:58 a.m.)
Congrats, Debbie! You’ve won Cosmo Cricket’s new Material Girl collection! Kelly will be contacting you next week to get your mailing address. Thanks to all who left comments!


























25 comments
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February 11, 2010 at 5:46 am
Carol (ScrapMomOf2)
Good luck Brandy! I hope everything goes smoothly! Being a mom is truly amazing and wonderful!!
February 11, 2010 at 6:30 am
Vanessa Menhorn
All the best for you and your baby, Brandy!!
February 11, 2010 at 6:36 am
Nicole
The baby shower looked like fun with those yummy pretty cupcakes. Congrats Brandy please let us know when the little one comes
February 11, 2010 at 6:39 am
Erika M
I hope Brandy is doing well!
February 11, 2010 at 6:41 am
Summer Braxton
Congrats Brandy!! He’s almost here, and soon you’ll wonder how you ever smiled without him in your life.
February 11, 2010 at 6:47 am
Helen F.
Best Wishes, Brandy! How exciting for you and your family. Can’t wait to see photos of the new little one
)
February 11, 2010 at 7:03 am
Kimberly S
All the best to you and your hubby Brandy! Definitely the happiest moments of your life.
February 11, 2010 at 8:40 am
Anita Young
Congrats to you and your husband Brandy!!! Can’t wait to see pictures of the sweet little one
February 11, 2010 at 9:01 am
Julie Masse
Congrats Brandy!!! Enjoy this most exciting time, remember and cherish every single minute – it FLIES by!!!
February 11, 2010 at 9:05 am
ryannmarin
Brandy – Best wishes for an easy delivery and a healthy baby! Congrats to you and your husband!!
February 11, 2010 at 9:10 am
Tiffany Johnson
The “welcome Cooper” sign is adorable!!!! Best of luck Brandy!!!! Congrats to you and your family!
February 11, 2010 at 9:17 am
Ashley Nguyen Newell
Congrats Brandy!! What a pretty pregnant lady!
February 11, 2010 at 9:19 am
jenn C.
Congrats Brandy! Can’t wait to see the baby photos, hope it all goes smoothly!
February 11, 2010 at 9:30 am
Melanie D
So happy for you, Brandy! February babies are wonderful. Hope you enjoy your new job. Can’t wait to “meet” baby J!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 11, 2010 at 9:47 am
AnitaRex
Congrats! Good luck! Here’s to healthy baby! Oh and 12 weeks is nothing, in Canada it’s a year!
February 11, 2010 at 9:57 am
Debbie seyer
Oh Brandy!! I sure do envy you! I remember that feeling and its one that I wish I could bottle and keep forever. After 3 girls, it still brings a tear to the eye!! Enjoy each and every moment because they go by so quickly! Congrats and can’t wait to meet your new bundle!!
Hey! I won something!!! Awesome!!
February 11, 2010 at 10:48 am
Pam Abbott
Congratulations Brandy! Hope you enjoy this time together getting to know your little one….And Jennifer, somehow, I have a feeling Brandy won’t be able to stay away….Good luck to you too!
February 11, 2010 at 11:31 am
Heidi Van Laar
Congratulations Brandy!!
February 11, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Lori B!
That looks like a fun shower. Congrats to you and your family, Lori B
February 11, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Rose Banwart
You can do this job. One day at a time… and just know creative juices will be all around you!
February 11, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Toni Storie
You can do it Jennifer!!!
February 11, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Lisa Petrella
Good luck, Brandy!! Hope everything goes smoothly!! I’ll be looking forward to seeing lots of photos of Baby J! And Jennifer, you’re a superstar!! You’ll handle everything just perfectly I’m sure!!
February 11, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Winter
Good luck to you Brandy and Jennifer in your new roles in life!
February 11, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Betsy Veldman
Oh Brandy!! I am so excited for you! Best wishes during this last week, for a safe delivery and a healthy little bundle!!
February 14, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Tabitha Cater
The best of luck to you for a safe and fast delivery! I am actually due tomorrow with my ‘surro-daughter’ so my fingers are crossed that we both have easy deliveries! And no worries here Jennifer-you’ll do great!