All Things Mom

reality check

2009-01-05T13:11:00.005-06:00

While riding in the car with Sam he said, "Mommy, Siddy is my FAVORITE friend!"

It just melted my heart and literally brought a tear to my eye. But before I shed said tear, Samuel added,

"And you're not my favorite, Mommy."

Hmmm.... Reality check. Eyes are suddenly dry. But still, I'm content and happy that my little boy has a best buddy in his sister.

for the Christmas bargain shopper

2009-01-04T14:46:00.003-06:00

I've been in a rut. Oh, for a good 6 months. I'm not sure that qualifies as a rut as much as it does a new sorry way of life. I could go on about what got me to where I am but really I can't blame anything or anyone. It's my own fault and I need to find my way out of it. I imagine it starts with good old fashioned exercise just to get the adrenaline going again. I'm not a fan of New Years resolutions but I'm thinking I need one to get myself motivated. I'll start by slowly but surely trying to find my way back to the things that help make me whole. This post is one small step in that direction. So Julie, thanks for trying to help get me out of my rut and this post is for you.

Disclaimer: This post is only timely for the bargain shopper.

I want to tell you about a little visitor that was in our house this holiday season. He's an Elf. Specifically, he's the Elf on the Shelf. Santa specially delivered Samuel and Sydney their very own Elf right to our door! Their Elf came with a book to describe our new tradition. The way it works is that the Elf watches over the kids throughout the day and reports back to Santa at night on their behavior. He returns the next morning from the North Pole and the kids find him waiting in a new spot in the house.

Now, I gotta be honest, I wasn't initially thrilled with the idea that this concept really plays on the "be nice or Santa won't come" part of Christmas. There's just something about that which really bothers me. I don't enjoy bribing Samuel, but honestly, I'm not above it. Mostly my appeal to the elf was that it seemed like a fun idea for Samuel to find the elf each morning. He loves playing hide-and-go-seek and this was a take on that. I also thought he'd enjoy naming the elf. To my surprise, he named him, "Elf". What kid with pretend piggies named Tierko and Geryl names their Elf, "Elf"? But, "Elf" it is.

Elf proved to be a fun new tradition and as I suspected the first thing Samuel did each morning was look for his Elf. The bribery part though, really didn't work for us. It didn't really bother him in the least if we said the Elf was watching his behavior and would report back to Santa. Maybe next year that will have more of an affect. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised given that Samuel recently told me, "I like causing trouble." *sigh* But at least I've found some forms of punishment that work because he quickly followed with, "but I don't like being sent to my room or time outs."

So, why do I mention the Elf a week and a half after Christmas? Honestly, because I didn't have time to post over Christmas. But the good news is it's likely to be on clearance at Hallmark if you are interested in getting one of your own for next year!

random stuff overheard at our house

2008-12-16T01:24:00.003-06:00

Mommy: "What does a duck say, Sydney?"

Sydney: "qak, qak"

Mommy: "Good clapping, Sydney!"

Sydney: "qak, qak" (as her hands clap as quick as she can)

Yes, Sydney's first words are quack and clap, both of which sound exactly like the other. But Mommy knows exactly what she means!

You know what we are hearing in the middle of the night from baby girl? SILENCE. Life is good!

Mommy: "Samuel, what was the best part of your day today?"

Samuel: "YOU!"

Awwweeee!

Mommy: "Samuel, what was the worst part of your day today?"

Samuel: "Sydney didn't make me very happy last day" (past tense is almost always "last day" to Sam). This little guy is having a hard time letting Syd play with toys. Any toy she has he suddenly wants.

Samuel: "Mommy, I'm a farmer, and I ride machines, and I plow the fields and put the animals in the barn. And that's the story of my life."

Mommy (as I'm putting on make-up): "What are you going to ask Santa for for Christmas?"

Samuel: "a machine, or make-up!" (hmmm... maybe we won't tell Dad that one).

Samuel (as he pretended to bite me): "Mommy, I'm a dinosaur and I just bit your bum, and you can no longer go poopy!"

1st and 3rd year stats

2008-12-09T23:15:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post to document the kids "stats" from their annual Dr. appointments. Tad came with me to the Dr. and I was SO GRATEFUL. Normally I go solo to Dr. appointments but since we were taking them both in at once it was a huge help to have 2 parents there. The 2 kids would not have done well being there from 9 am to 11 am with just me, a small office, and a nurse with a needle. We all even got our flu shots. The kids and I got the thimerosal-free one.

Sydney, 1 year

Weight: 18 lbs, 10 oz (7th percentile, but 0% in relation to her height)

Height: 29.75" (75th percentile)

Samuel was the same height at 1 year but weighed 5 lbs more, hard to believe!

No other shots but a flu shot today, which Sydney handled like a champ. I opt to do the MMR, Chicken Pox, and Hep A when the kids are older due to my own personal beliefs. Other than that she's up to date on all shots.

Samuel, 3 years

Weight: 33 lbs, 8 oz (70th percentile, but 85th percentile in relation to his height)

Height: 36.75" (25th percentile)

Samuel did great with the hearing and vision tests. He could see better than Daddy, even with Dad's glasses on! No other shots for Samuel besides the flu shot either. He was all excited to get it. Ignorance is bliss because afterwards he said, "I didn't like that flu shot Mom!"

Happy First Birthday Sydney!

2008-12-08T21:35:00.004-06:00

Well, if you know me on facebook or my parenting message board, you may have already seen this. But if not, here is a video of pictures to celebrate Sydney's 1st year. She turned 1 yesterday (12/7). A letter for her is in the works too!

Sydney's 1st Year Photo Montage

And here are some birthday pictures.

Opening her present from Mom, Dad and Samuel that morning:

Enjoying her new playhouse!

Chillin' in her party outfit before guests arrived.

She LOVES this tutu get-up and has been eyeing it for weeks in the closet.

Family picture time (I don't know why this piece of crap

computer or blogger is underlying my type)

Picture with the cousins.

Loving her new stroller!

She's a little protective of her new doll and will fight people for it. LOL!

It's safe to say she enjoyed the party!

Her birthday cupcakes. Her cupcake is the duck one because she likes ducks.

Her first word was "quack". She did not enjoy the cupcake though.

She put it in her mouth and then started to cry. I'm not sure she's my daughter.

a letter to samuel

2008-11-30T23:00:00.002-06:00

This is a letter to Samuel in honor of his 3rd birthday. It's long and I certainly don't expect anyone to read it (though I do hope he'll have the interest some day!). But I wanted to put it out here to save it. Warning: I didn't hold back on my raves about my little guy in this post. :) There is definitely a lack of modesty here.

You turned 3 this month. How did that happen? Though you have never been a big cuddler, I do remember a time rocking you before placing you off to dreamland in your crib. As we'd rock, you'd look up at me and get a mischievious look on your face while you giggled. I could rarely rock you to sleep because you just wanted to play! I should have known then how much fun you would be now; Still today you thrive on interaction with others. True, you can take a few minutes to warm to a crowd as you hide behind my leg, but by the end of a gathering everyone is amazed that the energetic, fun, and outgoing little boy is the same as the one who arrived. You sometimes say to us: "I'm shy" followed by lots of giggles because you recognize the absurdity of that statement.

I've heard numerous times from others that you are "a very special little boy" and believe me, Mom and Dad know that better than anyone but it's fun to hear. There is something about you that brings light, joy and hope to others. Just the other day you brought a tear to Gumpa John's eye because you spontaneously gave him the biggest bear hug you could muster as you said goodbye. You often accuse me of "Too much hugging!" and you follow it up with, "Don't hug me, I'll hug you!" as you squeeze me tight and say a long drawn-out, "Huuuuuuuuuugggg!".

Like your Dad, you seem to know just the right thing to say in such a small number of words. I'll remember forever the first time you said, "You're the best mom in the whole world!". Turns out Dad is the best Dad in the whole world and Sydney (whom you nick-named Siddy) is the best Siddy in the whole world and even Jenny is the best Jenny in the whole world - and we thank you for that! You get me all teary-eyed when you say things like, "We're a great family" and "I like spending time with you, family."

Recently you told me you wanted to buy a gift for Daddy, just because. So we took money from your own piggy bank and I gave you a choice that we could either go to the local gift shop or we could go to the hardware store. Boy do you know Daddy because you chose the hardware store. You walked slowly through every isle, examining everything closely. After wavering between a bird house, a funnel, and vice grips, you decided Dad really needed a funnel. Daddy was so pleased at your thoughtfulness; it turned out he did in fact need a funnel! It's probably no coincidence that you liked the gift too and Daddy lets you use it for bath time.

You have always had an amazing vocabulary and people are often surprised that you are just 3. You even are starting to use your own slang like "whatever" (I won't always appreciate that one!), and "no problem, Mom". "Sure" seems to find it's way in most of your sentences, as in "I sure will miss you" and "that sure is a nice dam" (you're into dams and any sort of area with lots of electrical equipment is a dam to you).

We don't have a lot of children in our neighborhood that you know but you are quite fond of our neighbors. You make regular trips to Dale and Jackie's and Jackie spoils you with cookies and crackers. You enjoy visiting Bob and giving him a run for his money in the countless questions you ask him as he goes about his work.

You are getting much better at understanding, following, and even enforcing rules. You once laughed your way through time outs but you now seem to understand why and when we use it. In fact, you get embarrassed when you are in trouble and put your arm over your eyes thinking we can't see you. You take it upon yourself to ensure others are following the rules too. You put me in time out earlier this year for yelling and you have busted us many times for eating in the family room. You take it upon yourself to be a 3rd parent to Sydney and ensure that she isn't putting anything in her mouth or playing with anything dangerous. When Mom and Dad once turned their head as Sydney sped up the stairs enjoying her newfound freedom, you promptly came to us with your hands at your hips and declared, "You're daughter is going up the stairs!"

What a wonderful imagination you have. Throughout the day we get visits from friends that only you can see: from Tierko and Boo Boo the pigs, Paw Paw the bear and the dancing bunnies with no names. These poor friends have been tortured by me inadvertently sitting on them from time to time. I got a good laugh when you told me that the piggies didn't join us at our friend Heidi's house because you were worried her cat might eat them.

Virtually every day you wear your froggy swim goggles and I enjoy hearing your reasoning why. Some days you are a fire-fighter and the goggles will protect you from smoke, other days they protect you from the wind outside, and still other days they are simply swim goggles "for swimming Mom!" - duh! We get comments from many strangers how much they love your "winter hat and swim goggles" look. You also have a preference for certain clothes but love being naked the most, which we've started discouraging more since it's getting cold. Still, you find a way to use your imagination to justify your naked-ness. It seems every time I turn a corner some article of clothing is now off either due to the tag on it bothering you or for some fun reason like "to help you wade in the deep water in our family room", you say.

You conquered day-time potty training this year at the age of 2 1/2. It went really well, though I'm certain that's what started this naked trend. You have not yet mastered keeping your diaper dry at night. Each morning you say, "It's really hard to keep my diaper dry at night" and we assure you it will come in time. You moved to a big boy bed shortly before turning 2 and we thought you loved it but recently you are telling us otherwise. We now hear talk about ghosts in your room, the need for all lights on, and how you don't like the top bunk. Even our nightly story time, kissing bandit kisses, and songs ("This Little Light of Mine", "Twinkle Twinkle", and "Lullaby") do not fend off ghosts anymore.

This has been a big year for you. You suddenly went from being our baby to being the big brother. You handled the transition so well and have only had a great love for your little sister Sydney. The other day you said to her, "You're my best friend Siddy" and it melted my heart. And boy does she ever love you. She follows you with her eyes like a hawk and squeels with delight at the mere sound of your voice. She does whatever she can to keep up with your antics, and you've already taught her how to climb on furniture.

Your spirit and enthusiasm make life much more fun. It became obvious to me at the zoo that very few people enjoy life more as you yelled with glee to all the kids "LOOK AT THAT SHARK GUYS!" while the other children sat more reserved. You have the highest of highs. But I can not very well summarize your year without mentioning that your spark and enthusiasm also help contribute to the lowest of lows. Your tantrums can rival the best of them and while your persistence will one day serve you well, it tests our patience more than I ever thought possible. The truth is, whether it be a good day or a bad day, you take an extraordinary amount of energy, but I wouldn't change a thing about you. I can only hope that our reserved nature will balance, and not stiffle, you. I'm so proud of the fact that you have so much joy and confidence and I would be surprised if I ever worried about you finding what you want out of life.

We love you very much Samuel. Thank you for being you.

All our love,

Mommy & Daddy

cool art

2008-11-19T23:06:00.004-06:00

I thought this was such a cool idea for art. What a clever way to get hand prints of everyone in the family and serve as unique art at the same time! Now, if only those colors of canvas worked well in my house. I'm sure there is a simple way to make it myself with different colors. If only I had the time.

By the way, you can purchase this kit at Red Envelope for $39.95.

In unrelated but very important news: my Mom is getting out of the hospital Friday, exactly 6 weeks after her being admitted. 2 surgeries (open heart surgery to repair many things, and a gallbladder removal), and lots of hard work later she's ready to come home. New challenges await her and us but I'm excited for her.

I'm hoping things will calm down in my life and I can start blogging again more now that I'll be blogging less on my Mom's Caring Bridge site. I can't believe I didn't make a post about Sam turning 3 (on November 8)! What a fun time we had at a local community center water park! Where did my baby boy go?

Tricia

P.S. The invitation I designed for Sydney made the Digitreats blog, my favorite spot for Digital scrapping!

just poppin' in to post a pic

2008-11-01T13:25:00.004-05:00

This is what happens when you give an

almost-3 year old vegetable dip.

Tricia

PS thanks for the supportive replies to my previous posts!

Mom has already graduated to the rehab unit!

poor excuse for a baby book

2008-10-27T20:22:00.006-05:00

First of all the good news... Mom overcame 9 hours of intense surgery and is recovering well. She has had a couple set backs: 1 being a stroke and she also seems to be getting pneumonia. We are of course not pleased about that; however, all things considered I'd say she's doing wonderfully given everything she's had to overcome.

This has been quite the journey. I'm really struggling. I'm finding I'm not meeting all the needs in any aspect of my life: my kids, work, my Mom, my husband, and me! I hate to complain because I know there are people out there with a lot more going on (like my Mom overcoming major surgery!) but I just wish I didn't feel like I was treading water just to get through the day. Thank God for the help of family and friends! My babysitter has also been in the hospital for 2.5 weeks and my mother-in-law has really helped out a ton (thanks Barb!). My Dad was here and both of my brothers to help with Mom too so that helped a lot too. And of course Tad has helped a ton and most of all has been patient with my almost-to-a-breakdown state of mind.

Needless to say, "extra" things like scrap-booking and baby books are pretty much out of the question right now. Not that I ever had that much time for them. But that's been one thing great about this blog - it's an easy and fast place for me to document important memories in hopes that I one day get it in a real book. Now, what are the odds of that happening? :) So, while I may bore you, I'd like to make note of a few important things I've noticed about the kids recently before they become a blur.

Sam

Still the funniest and wittiest kid I know. And I'm not at all biased :) The things he comes up with just crack me up. He's into his own space now and tells me "I need privacy Mom" when he goes to use the potty. So today he's using the potty with the door closed and suddenly I hear him yell, "Mom! I'm really having a bad hair day!" What? I don't ever recall using that phrase with him but certainly he heard it somewhere!
He can't wait for Sydney to grow up and wrestle with him. He already plays too rough with her but that little girl loves it, and so does he. He's said to me, "Mom, when Sydney's bigger I can jump on her!" Um, No. However, this little girl is growing FAST and it wouldn't surprise me if one day she were bigger than him.
Samuel is into being a family right now. He calls out to us, as in, "Come over here with me family!"
Suddenly Sam looks bigger to me and more like a little boy. He promises me he won't grow up too fast, but I'm sure that is a promise hard to keep.
As we read stories he interrupts nearly every sentence with, "Excuse me..." and then one of many questions about the picture on that page. I love that he's so engaged. Though we are trying to work on asking his questions after I'm done reading the page so that we can actually get through a book!
For whatever reason he's not fond of his bed lately and really struggles going down for a nap and bed. I'm sure it's one of many stall tactics in the many years to come. But he seems quite scared and I'm not sure why.
Samuel will be a fireman for Halloween and he tells me that I should be a pirate.
Samuel has been much better behaved lately. I've heard the "half year" theory in that kids struggle more around the time of their half birthdays and that has held true for us.
Sam will be 3 in 1.5 weeks! Say it isn't so! We are having his party at the community center water park. It was a good deal and they provide the cake, balloons, etc. so it was a route I needed to take given everything going on in our lives right now. I'm not what you'd call an easy-going party-planner!

Sydney

Baby girl is almost 11 months old! We will have her first birthday party here (I'm hoping by then things will have settled down with my Mom and she'll be well on her way to health!). We'll have family over and do the first birthday cake deal, etc. I only hope that I'll have the energy to put into it like I did for Sam. I made a pretty intricate cake for him and I created a photo montage that she must have as well! Grandma Barb made her a party outfit that I just can NOT wait for her to wear. It is to-die-for cute!
Sydney has been standing and cruising for a while but I can tell when she's standing she is now giving some thought to trying to walk toward us. She's not quite ready but it's not far!
Syd still likes to be held, a lot. She'll crawl over to us and pull up on our legs. It's hard to walk anywhere because she's nearly always attached to a leg! Poor baby girl - sometimes I find myself veering away from her as I walk by so that she doesn't stick to me like Velcro. I love her and want to be with her as much as I can but I'm worried I may trip over that little girl one day and let's face it, a mom has lots to do too!
Sydney has the cutest way of communicating. She'll yell out random one-syllable screams of excitement and Sam seems to "talk" to her in the same language. She is learning to sign and asks for milk all.day.long. And I believe she would like to nurse all day long if I let her!
She loves it when I lie on the floor and she can crawl all over me. She shrieks with joy when we are down at her level.
Her hair is getting longer and it's up for debate if it's strawberry-blond/red, or blond.
She's still not a fan of just anyone holding her but it's much better than 4 months ago.
I still get the best baby kisses from her.
She loves to play with her hair while she drinks from a bottle or nurses. It's her way of soothing herself.
Sydney is still not sleeping well. It's worse lately. I'm certain it's because things have been crazy and I've had a harder time dedicating myself to ensure she's eating dinner really early and that we're avoiding dairy. Yesterday I tried dairy-based (but lactose free) formula with her and what...a...mistake! So it's quite clear to me that she has a sensitive tummy and her reflux is exacerbated by it. I really need to make it a priority to watch my diet (since I still nurse), her diet, and the timing of her food because it only makes a stressful day 10x more stressful if she's uncomfortable and mamas not getting her sleep.

I am blessed with a wonderful family!

prayers needed

2008-10-14T14:54:00.003-05:00

Just days after my Mom's birthday she was admitted to the hospital with severe left heart failure and pulmonary edema. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. For further info feel free to visit her CaringBridge page.

I don't plan to be on the blog much these days.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/susanhougnon

birthday greetings!

2008-10-07T23:00:00.004-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Hope it was a great day and that you are feeling better!

And Happy 10 months to baby girl Sydney! Where did time go?!

Sydney:

Is an expert crawler (though she doesn't always use her knees, which is hard to explain).

Walks behind a push toy!

Has 5 teeth and 3 more peeking through!

Makes a cute yelling noise to get our attention (I'm sure this will get old fast.)

Likes to be held a lot. Loves other babies, dolls, and tearing apart Sam's train table.

Is starting to take consistent & longer naps in her crib twice a day (finally!)

Sleeps at night in her car-seat (I'm desperate, people!)

Loves her big brother and laughs at everything he does.

Waves hello and goodbye.

LOVES "big people" food and has yet to turn down anything I've had her try (except for baby food, she doesn't like that). She's very impatient while I prepare her food.

Greets us home from work by crawling as fast as she can toward us while giggling.

Likes her babysitter.

LOVES music and bounces up and down while clapping to the beat.

Does not like her diaper changed.

Throws herself face down on the ground thrashing her arms and legs if someone takes something from her, and by someone I mean Sam. ;)

Gives the world's best baby kisses.

Likes to climb! On people, on furniture, on fireplaces... up an ENTIRE flight of stairs!

Look out world! This girl has smarts, sweetness and sass in one cute package.

sure to please treats for adults (ahem, I mean kids)...

2008-10-06T20:32:00.003-05:00

OK, so this is really a "kids treat" but I've gotten raves from both kids and their parents. I can't claim the recipe but I've found enough people aren't familiar with it that I thought it was worth passing along here. I always like to pass along super easy recipes because those are the kind that as a Mom I love the best.

M&M Pretzel Bars

Melt:

1/4 c. butter

1 - 10 oz. package of marshmallows

1/3 c. creamy peanut butter

Mix in:

2 c. thin pretzel sticks (broken up)

2 c. Chex cereal (I use rice but I'm sure any kind would be fine)

Last mix in 1 1/2 c. M&Ms (choose whatever color combo goes with the season/celebration!)

Press into a greased 9x13 pan. If recipe is halved, press into a greased 8x8 pan, if recipe is doubled, press into a greased large cookie sheet.

Let set & enjoy! YUM!

our meal ticket

2008-09-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

Thought I'd let you all know that Sydney is a semi-finalist in a photo contest! While photo contests are certainly not my objective for baby girl, I'm still a proud mama! We had her 6 month pictures taken at Proex and they automatically enrolled her in their national photo contest. As a semi-finalist we get a commemorative plaque and her picture will be on display at a local studio (ok, so "meal ticket" was an exaggeration of her prize. LOL.) Tad's not a big fan of this picture (way too girly for his taste) but I think it's super cute. Hopefully she won't be too embarrassed when she's older. We won't know if she's a finalist until next month. Good luck Ms. Sydney, win mama that vacation! ;)

these are a few of his favorite things

2008-09-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens? Nope. Samuel's favorite things are much more unique. He has a collection of items he must carry everywhere with him and they each have their own reason, as follows:

His neon yellow froggy swim goggles: "to protect him from smoke" (he's a fireman, don'tchya know?)

His watch: Warn ON HIS LEG just above his knee is to protect him from "falling in space". Who doesn't need that?

A toy egg: This is his spaceship and he refers to it as such.

A large band: This is kind of a multi-purpose tool. Today he used it to cover my eyes to protect them from dust when his dump trucks were driving by.

Occasionally some other "things" (as he calls them) fall into the mix: My cell phone car-charger (it drives me crazy how he has to have that thing all the time!), his fireman hat, toy hammer, toy screwdriver, and his little rubber bunny.

It's a lot of work to keep track of these things near and dear to Samuel's heart and he'd love to take them everywhere. Luckily I've been able to avoid taking them on errands because I tell him we certainly don't want to lose his things in the store. That works like a charm! The swim goggles and the watch pretty much go everywhere with us but I don't mind since he can wear them.

By the way, did you notice the red discoloration on the pics above. Well, that awesome new camera I was bragging about had to be returned. And we suspect we may have been sold a "refurbished" one actually. I look forward to the new one I'm hoping will arrive soon.

i will not ever brag again

2008-09-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Remember my bragging on baby girl sleeping through the night again? And remember how I said I was hesitant to say anything because every time I bragged she reverted. Well, I should have listened to myself. Sydney is back to waking at night every 2-3 hours. W..T..H.

Thank goodness this baby girl is C-U-T-E because I see a lot of her, day and night! :)

Anyway, I'm back to reconsidering the extra testing regarding her reflux that the doctor recommended since my feeding plans don't seem to be helping much. I'm also starting a food diary. But in the end, my gut tells me this is something she is just going to have to outgrow in time. *sigh*

yeah! vbac success!

2008-09-26T17:43:00.002-05:00

Recently I told you I was posting VBAC info for a friend who was about to try it. WELL, just 2 days later she had her healthy baby and she had a successful VBAC! YEAH! Congrats Phaedra and welcome to the world Scarlett!

Tricia

everyone needs a magic green button

2008-09-21T23:18:00.000-05:00

The other day I was singing when Sam blurted out, "STOP!". I proceeded to sing when suddenly I see him point his index finger quickly in the air as if pushing something. He then yells out, "STOP! I pushed the green button! STOP!"

Apparently the "green button" is the mute button for Mommy. My boy is already muting Mom. So sad.

But this button does more than you could ever imagine.

I've since seen him use it to "turn you back into a human!" (I'm not sure what I was before Sam turned me back but thank God he helped me out).

I've seen him push the button to "blast off into space" (chasing after his imaginary pig friends by the way - who I've been told live on "red planet" with him). Before Sam "blasts off" he has started saying to me, "I'm sorry I can't stay here with you Mommy. But I have to go into space. I'm sorry, Mommy." I tell him I'll miss him if he leaves and he's kind enough to invite me along.

And, I've seen him turn to the button to stop things he doesn't like.

Which got me thinking, where can I find me one of these magic green buttons?????!

sometimes dad knows best too

2008-09-20T23:07:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm a bit hesitant to post this because I've jinxed myself before. But we have so far had 4 nights of Sydney sleeping through the night! I've gone 3 months with her waking 2-5x/night and me averaging 4 hours of sleep a night. I had glimmers of hope along the way with little fixes here and there. Each "fix" I'd post about all happy that my sleeper was about to return...not.so.much. But now...now... she's sleeping 7:30pm - 5am. I call that SUCCESS. Yes, 5am is early. But I'll take it!

So, how did it happen? Some great insight on my part maybe? No. Daddy dearest had the key to success.

Tad commented that he noticed Sydney seemed to do better the later she went to bed. I never made this correlation. Heck, I've been too tired to notice when I need to brush my own hair. Anyway, I wasn't convinced this insight meant she needed a later bed time because she is always rubbin' her eyes before I finally get her down. So I started thinking and I began to wonder if maybe the later bed time was doing the trick only because it gave her more time to digest her dinner and thus causing less aggravation for her reflux. So I decided to start feeding her dinner early at 4:30 pm, 3 hours before bed time. Guess what, THAT NIGHT she started sleeping through the night! HALLELUJAH!

While it stinks she has to eat so early and later watch us while we eat dinner as a family at 6, I'm happy we have a key to help her sleep. I'm also happy to know I finally have an understanding of her problem. I should have suspected that this was entirely food related because our problems began when she started solids at 6 mo. But she also started teething at that time so I just wasn't sure. And then I started to wonder if we had a habit on our hands. And then I got REALLY tired, making it impossible for me to really evaluate the situation well at all. Poor baby girl has been given many doses of motrin in hopes that she'd sleep through the night in case it was her teeth bothering her. Well, her doctor informed me last week that motrin has been known to aggravate reflux. Lovely. I can't believe how long it took me to figure this situation out and here I only made it worse along the way. I suppose hindsight is always 20/20.

The great news is the Doctor ok'd the cancellation of some additional testing he ordered for Sydney. He feels that this is a good solution to her problems and hopefully she'll outgrow the reflux and not always have to suck on teethers and avoid dairy while we indulge in front of her.

VBAC support

2008-09-19T21:46:00.005-05:00

The following is not meant to replace the advice from your medical doctor. :)

For anyone who doesn't know, a VBAC is a "Vaginal Birth after Cesarean". I had a cesarean with Samuel due to fetal distress. I had hoped for a VBAC with Sydney but unfortunately she was showing signs of distress before birth so my Dr., and the second Dr. whom I sought an opinion from, both highly recommended a repeat c-section the next morning. They said they'd allow for labor if it occurred naturally by the next morning but if it wouldn't they felt a c-section was required to get baby girl out quickly and ensure she continued to thrive (they didn't see induction as an option for me due to increased chance of uterine rupture given the fact that I had a previous cesarean, and I agreed with them).

Anyway, a friend of mine is about to attempt a VBAC and I promised her I'd put up some great information that was sent to me by a local hospital. This information supports VBACS, something that can be hard to find these days in our lawsuit-happy world.

I believe that doctors and patients need to make it a priority to attempt the most natural birth possible, including VBAC attempts (provided both mother and baby are healthy). (When I say natural, that doesn't mean I'm opposed to some help with the pain along the way ladies! Though I admire anyone who does a medication-free delivery and I do see that as an ideal birth plan.). Baby and Mom experience many physical benefits from a vaginal birth that I think are often overlooked. Likewise, I think risks to cesarean (which is a major surgery), and the recovery effort from them, are often underestimated. There are risks to cesareans too. I had a friend who contracted an infection from her c-section and was in and out of the hospital for 3 months and was not able to care for her newborn baby. I have another friend who had to have a transfusion after delivery. And while my c-sections didn't have any complications, my second section was very difficult for me to recover from and my incision kept showing signs of the beginnings of potential opening (though luckily I was able to mitigate with some intense rest).

I do want to make it clear that I'm thankful the Doctors were able to help ensure I delivered 2 healthy babies, regardless of their route to the world and I do believe most often c-sections are warranted. In the end, the goal of any birth plan should be the health of mom and baby. My point is that for women who have had a cesarean, I want them to know that the 2nd time around they do have a choice. They can choose VBAC. Yes, there are risks to VBACs, and yes this risk has a small potential to be catastrophic. However, their are catastrophic risks to any birth and the increase in catastrophic risk from VBAC is quite small. Mostly I want people to be aware that there are risks to c-section too. Whether you choose a repeat-C (which I also support as long as it's what the mother and her doctor feel is best for her and baby), or a VBAC, the point is: Get informed. Do your research. Their are risks to both and you need to weigh the pros and cons against your own situation and beliefs.

For the power point on benefits/risks of VBACs click here.

it's getting crowded here

2008-09-11T21:58:00.002-05:00

We have some visitors at home and it sure is getting crowded. And the problem is, the only one who can see them is Sam. Lately I'm hearing all about little pigs named Geryl, Boo Boo, Po Po and Tierko (yes, Tierko. I have no idea where he comes up with these names). I also hear about a big bear named Paw Paw and a little bear named Po Po (yes, we have both a bear and a pig here named Po Po - popular name I guess). And we also have bunnies, though I'm not sure of their names yet.

Sam speaks of these animals as if they are right next to him engaging with him all day. For instance, yesterday he broke out in a dance and when I asked what he was doing he said, "I'm dancing with the bunnies!" I asked him who was the best dancer and he said Paw Paw the bear. So then I said, "What about the pigs, are they dancing with you too?" And that's when he told me pigs aren't good dancers. Good to know.

Little piggies Geryl and Boo Boo hang out with Sam the most and have become a bit of a problem for me because apparently I'm always setting things on top of them (they are very little I'm told) or worse, I inadvertently sit on them! Luckily Sam is pretty patient with my accidental cruelty; though he's quick to point out when I do it.

Every night before bed we now have to build a gate out of pillows to corral all of his new friends so that they stay in bed with him. As far as I know, no animals have escaped yet so we must have been successful.

Sam assures me these are all nice friends. Though occasionally he tells me there is a ghost here and it is not nice. I try to rush through that conversation because it freaks me out.

In case it isn't already obvious what a crazy imagination this little guy has, I'll tell you one other funny story. The other day I asked him not to jump on the bed. In typical Sam fashion he responded as follows: "Actually, I wasn't jumping on the bed. I was a rocket and I blasted off! And fire came out of my bum! See! Here I go again, BLAST OFF!"

the great syd update

2008-09-07T01:00:00.000-05:00

Sydney is 9 months today! It's time to do a little bragging over baby girl!

She may not be a great night sleeper but she still sleeps "on the go" really well. Good news, she's starting to take better naps at home lately too.

A woman of the cloth. Yup, she wears cloth diapers. Yup, I wash cloth diapers. And YUP, Tad changes cloth diapers. She has VERY sensitive skin so I was hoping this would help. I'm not certain it's helping the sensitive skin like I had hoped, but I do feel good about the 6,000 diapers I won't throw away and the $1500 I'll save. Besides, doesn't she look CUTE?
Her first virus, complete with rash and all. Poor kiddo.

She discovered she loves our Jenny dog.

Ms. Independent skipped baby food and went right to finger food at 8 months. Here I thought she didn't like food. Turns out she just didn't want me feeding her! She's doing great with a sippy cup too.

Still nursing full time (though I have had Tad give her formula a couple times during the middle of the night to give myself a break). I have to pump at work but that's going well.

Sydney is SUCH a happy girl. When she's with Mom , Dad and Sam, she's all smiles and brings serious joy to us all with her big slobbery baby kisses.
Started crawling at 7.5 months

And is pulling to a stand too (8 months)!
And is even trying to use her walking toy (look out world!)
This girl loves her fashion. She's infatuated with shoes (I'm a proud mama!)
And she knows how to show off for the camera.
She still LOVES the Baby Bjorn (any time when Mom is holding her is a great thing)
Now that she's on the move she's discovered Sam's toys, which makes her VERY happy and makes Sam not so happy. She also chases us down to tackle us with her big kisses or to insist on being held as she crawls up your leg.
She's teething like crazy. She has 4 teeth and at least 3 more ready to pop any time. Poor girl!

We're still working on getting sleep around here as I feel like I'm as close to seriously sleep deprived as I hope I will ever have to experience. Never a good sign when you fall asleep in a parking ramp (with the car off thankfully!). The "wrap" that keeps her inclined in her crib, as well as new medication, seems to have helped improve her sleep, though we still have quite a ways to go. I'm hoping sleep will return after these teeth that have been trying to surface come.

We went to a specialist (pediatric gastroenterologist) for her blood in her stools and her reflux and I feel that we have a great game plan ahead of us. Luckily, the doctor is not concerned about the blood at this point.

Her separation anxiety has improved dramatically and she's doing great with the nanny. Coming home from work is the greatest because she starts bouncing up and down. She just learned to clap too!

Thanks for your interest! We love our sweet baby girl. Time is going entirely too fast yet I'm excited for her on all the fun things ahead.

PS HAPPY 6TH ANNIVERSARY TAD!!! LOTS OF LOVE!

speaking of birthdays...

2008-09-06T15:22:00.000-05:00

...we went to an annual birthday party for my friend's son Jake and his cousins. Jake's grandparents put this on every year for their grandchildren. To call it a birthday party is an understatement. It's really the carnival of the year. All gifts go to charity.

I've told Samuel it's a "summer party". I don't want to give him any ideas of what his birthday party should be. On second thought, maybe I should have told him that the "summer party" was for his birthday! LOL! Borrow a party - now there is a concept! We recently went to another friend's house and Sam asked if a pony would be there - no Samuel, we don't get pony rides at all parties! LOL!

Happy Birthday Jake!

The big blow-up slide. This was Sam's favorite!

The magic show

Sam happy as a clam slurping his icee & eating his popcorn during the show

1 of 3 moon-walks (& the other ones were HUGE!)

Pony rides!

The blow-up water-slide. Also the site where a little girl fell on the ground and sprayed mud ALL OVER ME - everywhere.

A petting zoo! Yes, that's a llama in their front yard!

A karate demonstration

Sydney with good friends M & L!

Not pictured: A kid's band, popcorn stand, BBQ, cotton candy, dunk tank, water balloon game, and more I'm sure!!

another year older

2008-08-31T10:47:00.002-05:00

Happy Labor Day!

Since I'm behind in blogs I'll fill you in on past events ;) Friday was my birthday. It also happened to be Michael Jackson's birthday, a fact I used to be proud of way back when. Now, not so much. But I mention it today anyway because I can't believe he turned 50! Which got me thinking... I'm 16 years shy of 50! For some reason 34 sounds perfectly fine but 16 years from 50 doesn't. Probably because I know just how fast 16 years can fly. After all, it was 16 years ago I graduated from high school, and where did that time go? I guess I'm smack dab in the middle of high school graduation and 50. I sure hope the next 16 years don't fly as fast and I sure hope I do my best to take deep breaths and take everything wonderful about it in as I go. And once I get there, to 50 that is, a whole new adventure will be waiting for me. Sam will be graduating high school, Sydney will be getting her drivers license and dating (oh wait, no dating until 30). Scary thoughts for sure, so I'll stick to living in the present and enjoying Samuel's big imagination (today he's a space man) and Sydney's slobbery baby kisses.

Grandma Sue (my Mom), the kids and I went to the state fair on my birthday. Something I haven't done for about, well, 16 years! Our state fair is arguably one of the best. A good time was had by all but I think I'll be ok if it's another 16 years before I go. Maybe I'll make it a once a decade event.

The evening of my birthday was very nice, complete with a steak meal and super yummy chocolate cake courtesy of Tad. And then...THE GIFT... holy cow I am not worthy of this gift (but I will gladly accept it!). I'm going to do my darndest to learn how to use this because it sure would be a shame to have such a nice gift wasted on people like me with no talent.

I really wanted to upload shots of the kids but I've been having a terrible time uploading pics to blogger recently, which is part of the reason I haven't blogged much. :( I MUST get this figured out so that I can upload pics once my new camera comes in the mail!!!

Tricia

shhhh... do you hear that?

2008-08-22T14:24:00.005-05:00

No? Neither do I! Yup, BOTH kids are asleep - AT. THE. SAME. TIME. Hallelujah! And even bigger news: Syd put herself to sleep TWICE today. TWICE! She hasn't done that in months.

So that's the good news. The bad news is that preparation for nap was quite the event. The following occurred while Sam was supposed to be falling fast asleep to dreamland:

A boy in just his pull up (I let him be).

Later... a naked boy with swim goggles on his head (I take away the goggles, put a pull up on him, and don't bother with the clothes).

Even later... a naked boy (where'd that pull up go again??) who snuck past me while I was putting syd to bed & I later found him by our basement door curled up on the floor asleep. WTH? Let me tell you my heart was racing while I couldn't find him! So I pick him up and put him back in bed naked (screw the diaper... I'll hope for a dry nap).

Then, I hear crying coming from Sydney's room. I look in the video monitor but the camera must have fallen. I quickly realize Sam must be behind this. I run upstairs and find:

A naked boy curled up in Sydney's crib. Apparently she didn't want to be cuddled.

And finally, after one more return to bed, and some rocking for Sydney, both kids are now asleep.

It's much easier going to work. LOL.

Tricia

P.S. I'm worried about Sam's disappearing tricks. This is the third time this week he's snuck into other rooms without me hearing him only to have me find him curled up somewhere random. I'm going to have to put a gate on his bedroom. The gate won't stop him, he climbs it. But hopefully I'll be able to hear his mischief more before I find the kid outside one day!

the more things change, the more they stay the same

2008-08-20T21:01:00.007-05:00

I returned to the workforce this week (part-time). I vowed not to blog about work but since I just started, I thought I'd update you on some of the highlights.

Same Company I worked for 9 months ago before having Sydney.

Same hiring manager.

Different job responsibilities.

Less Stress.

New learning opportunities.

Same commute route.

Way more traffic.

Same desk.

New cube-mate.

Same difficulty getting to work on time.

New bigger vending machines (with only 20 oz pop) - just what I need.

Same security guy.

New security badge with a new ugly picture of me.

Same awesome new-mom benefits like a Mother's pumping room with hospital-grade pumps.

Same computer system.

New rules including no access to blogger or message boards (*sniff*sniff*).

New parking ramp (that cost me $20 today - doh!) - I will promptly return to the old ramp, which costs $10/day. *sigh*

Same kids.

Mom has new appreciation for kids.

Same Mom.

Kids have new appreciation for mom.

Overall so far this seems to be a very good thing for us. There have been some "glitches" and I'm exhausted. BUT, I think it's going to be a good thing. The nanny is doing well getting up to speed. I feel rejuvenated getting a change of pace in our week. And what I didn't realize would be a benefit is that I think the kids are rejuvenated by the change-up too. The last 2 nights Sam has been extraordinarily well behaved. I think maybe he appreciates me more in smaller doses. LOL. So rather than spending an entire day disciplining him (which is no fun for either of us), he spent the day with the nanny (she reported good behavior) and a few hours of QUALITY time with mom that consisted of very little discipline (it just wasn't needed!)! Tonight we ate dinner as a family, played outside, ate dessert outside, visited 2 neighbors, and read stories - all before bed. I don't recall having that much fun in such a short time in a long while. And great news, Sydney is doing well too, staying relatively happy and she's taking the bottle - YEAH!

P.S. The sleep wrap seems to be helping Sydney. Maybe it's coincidence but she's now taking MUCH longer naps (think 20 minutes before to 2 hours now) and sleeping longer periods at night. One of these days she might sleep through the night again!

return of the reflux

2008-08-17T23:08:00.003-05:00

You may have noticed that I've been MIA these days. Bottom line is: I'm exhausted. Utterly, totally, and completely. It seems all heck is breaking loose in this household over the last 2 months. I've been busy planning a return to the work-force and interviewing child-care candidates. Meanwhile, Samuel is giving me a run for my money where it seems disciplining him is a full time job and then some. And Sydney, well, she has 4 teeth coming in and her reflux has been kicking it in high-gear. Until the last few days, she's been sleeping less than when she was a newborn! Anyone who knows me really well knows that I require A LOT of sleep. I mean, a lot. 10 hours would be ideal. I know, I know, who gets 10 hours sleep unless you are a teenager? Well, I'll settle for 7. But I'm getting about 4 - and it's interrupted sleep at that. At a time where Sam needs me on my toes the most I'm lucky if I can get out of bed.

Back to the reflux... Sydney no longer physically "spits up" like she used to. But I know the reflux is still an issue because she has sharp cries of pain that is much different than simply a baby needing attention. She also clears her throat, has an occasional horse voice, and is often congested - all signs of reflux. You don't have to "spit up" to have a problem with reflux. What's referred to as "silent reflux" can be a problem too. But reflux doesn't even have to be a problem. Almost ALL babies have reflux. It becomes a problem if it's either causing pain or if it's causing a failure to thrive. Sydney is NOT failing to thrive by any means. In fact, she eats more when her reflux is bothering her (out of comfort). But she is clearly in pain, and it's affecting her sleep a great deal. So it's a problem.

It's been difficult to talk to too many people about what we are going through with Sydney's reflux. I think people assume my concern is that she "spits up", but that is far from the case. I could care less if she pukes over everything I own. I just hate to see her in pain. It doesn't help that apparently reflux is a common diagnosis these days so when you say your baby has reflux I think people aren't sure if you mean your baby spits up (duh, all babies do), your baby is in pain, or your baby is failing to thrive. It seems reflux is the new colic. Many babies that were once described as being colicky are now better understood to have reflux.

To help control the reflux, Sydney does best when sleeping at an angle. But since she's such a mover and a shaker, she rolls down the bed. Therefore, I've invested in the following sleep wrap designed to hold her in place while the bed is at an angle, based on a recommendation from my friend Jennifer W. So far I think it's making a real positive difference. I don't really like the fact that having the mattress upright at an angle causes her neck to kink to the side, but her chiropractor didn't seem concerned. Yes, my daughter has a chiropractor. I'm willing to try it all to get more sleep.

We've also moved on to a more aggressive medication and I'm more serious about eliminating dairy from my diet (I'm still nursing). Often reflux is aggravated (though not caused) by sensitivities; both Sydney's doctor and I believe she has a sensitivity to milk-products. Occasionally she has blood in her stools, further evidence of allergies.

All in all, I'm starting to "see the light", which is why I can hop back into blog land. We're not yet back to sleeping through the night, but we're doing much better. I feel the reflux is more under control now. I'm not sure if it's the sleep wrap, the new meds, my diet, the chiropractor, or her age that is helping, but I guess I'll continue with our current plan because something is working. Now, if I could only do something about these 4 teeth coming in for poor baby girl!

Tricia

P.S. turns out you can save a good chunk of cash and make a sleep wrap. Why didn't I think of that???

there's a new sheriff in town

2008-08-07T11:11:00.005-05:00

And his name is Samuel.

Sometimes I've wondered if our 2.5 year old Sam doesn't understand the concept of rules because he breaks them all the time. There are certain rules he breaks so often in fact that we have to run through a list of reminders before play dates. It goes something like this:

"Sam, we're going to play with Tyler today. Won't that be fun! Can you play nice with Tyler today?"

"Yeah."

"Remind me what playing nice means. What are some of the rules?"

Sam runs off the list: "No hitting, no biting, no kicking, no pushing, no pinching."

"Right!" And then I add, "And we share too, right?"

To which Sam says, "It's hard for me Mom."

"I know it is. But you're such a good kid you can do it. Try really hard, ok!"

Often he still breaks a rule or two even after our "pre-game pep talk" (or three or four or five broken rules on more challenging days). But there is no denying he knows what a rule is as these days HE'S the one giving US the rules. Here are some rules that have been turned around on us the past few days:

"Take your hat off at the dinner table Mom.

Grandpa Bruce didn't pick his bed up. Maybe he should do that when he comes back. (You were busted Grandpa Bruce for not picking your blankets up before you left. LOL.)

Don't talk mean Mom. We don't talk like that to family. You go to time out Mom." (for the record, I wasn't really talking mean, but I was being stern - handing out more rules I suppose)

Yes, this new sheriff comes armed with time-outs and all. So watch out and mind your Ps and Qs when he's around!

Tricia

P.S. A special HAPPY 8 MONTHS TO MISS SYDNEY!

because charlene asked

2008-08-05T20:33:00.000-05:00

I've been MIA. More on that later.

For now, I'll leave you with this...

Hey Char! Glad to see you visited my comments and thanks to your question I'm going to post about my all time favorite toddler toy: The Imaginarium Train Station. Yes, it's pricey at $150 (I bought it for $120 on sale, but before tax) and yes it can be an eyesore in our family room (what toy isn't?); but it's by far our most used toy.

I'd post pics of Sam at the table but I'm having trouble uploading pics to blogger today!

Anyway, what do I love about it?

It's at the right level for toddlers.
Both the table and train set that it comes with are great in my opinion.
It makes noises as the train goes through tunnels and over bridges.
It's a high quality set at the best price I've seen compared to similar sets.
"Thomas the Tank" trains designed for the Thomas set of this size also fit on this set!
It has 2 great drawers to store extra trains, another track set - whatever you wish!
It's a great toy for multiple children to play with and offers less sharing disputes.

What do I not love about it?

I do not recommend it for kids under 2. When Sam was younger than 2 he just wanted to destroy the tracks. Now that Sam is older he rarely takes the set apart (once every 2 months?)
When Sam does take it apart, it is a pain to put the tracks back together in the right order - we almost always have to consult the directions. At one point we had thought about screwing the tracks to the table but I wanted to have the option to replace with other sets, though I have yet to buy another set and doubt I ever will.
The set comes with one battery operated engine. Well, that "little engine that could" is the "little engine that couldn't". It has such a hard time going up one of the hills. We don't mind though, Sam is always talking about helping it up the hill. And frankly usually we have that train without batteries anyway because they always run out.
The drawer sometimes sticks on the table platform, making it a bit tricky to close all the way.

P.S. Toys 'R Us is not paying me to recommend this train set. LOL. And for what it's worth, I'm not being paid by Amazon to recommend products I've mentioned in the past of theirs either. Should a ton of people buy from amazon via my links I could eventually get a small kick-back but I don't expect that will happen. It's not a goal of mine and the incentive is small, very small. ;) The short of it is, I blog about products that I believe in.

stuffed

2008-07-31T23:36:00.005-05:00

Some days I feel that our home is over-run by toys. Yet it seems we don't have nearly as many toys as many other kids I know. But every where I look I see "stuff". I'm reminded just how many toys the kids have when my Step-Dad tells stories of the kinds of things he and his brother played with as kids and how they used their ingenuity to come up with fun ideas (they also used their ingenuity to find trouble too but we won't go there). Anyway, I digress... somehow that "stuff" just makes me feel so full and greedy. I want to raise an appreciative boy, and I want him to enjoy these generous gifts he was given by us and many other family and friends. So I decided to box Samuel and Sydney's toys up in rubbermaid containers and rotate them each week. I'm hoping Sam will appreciate his toys more this way and that the toys will continue to feel new to both of them. I also like the fact that our living room and Sam's bedroom is now a little less cluttered.

But even what seem like good ideas can have some glitches along the way, right? Well, when Sam came down this morning to see a good chunk of his toys were missing he said, "Did I throw those toys Mommy? Did you take them away? Did you give them to another boy that will like them?" The poor kid thought I shipped all of his toys off to another little boy! You see, we have a rule here that anytime a toy is thrown, it's taken away for the day. So that explains why he thinks I took the toys away, but you may wonder why he thinks another little boy has them. Well, I admit it, I once told him in the heat of the moment after he had been throwing trains Sydney's direction that maybe we should give the train set to a boy that would take nice care of it. So I tried to tell him that no, I did not send his toys to another little boy, and I tried to explain the rotation concept but I think until he sees those toys back on that living room floor he's going to think they are in some other little boy's room. Poor little guy! Why must he remember EVERYTHING I've ever said!

congress is listening!

2008-07-31T00:23:00.005-05:00

For anyone who isn't a regular safemama reader, I thought it was worth passing along this great news they posted yesterday!

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Yesterday, Congress voted on the Children’s Safe Products Act which approved a nationwide ban on phthalates in products intended for children under 12. We’ve been waiting for this so we’re happy to say goodbye tophthalates DEHP, DBP and BBP… three chemicals used to soften plastics in children’s toys like bath squirties, soft books and “rubber” ducks. The Act is part of a final Bill to reform and improve the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This is obviously good news and further confirmation that there is enough doubt in their safety as well as demand for strict regulations on children’s products. And don’t think you didn’t have anything to do with it. Members and supporters of MomsRising.org alone sent in over 100,000 letters to congressman urging them to support the Act.

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This ban will take effect in 6 months so in the meantime be on the lookout for products loaded with phthalates. I know I've started loving more "natural" toys to avoid plastic all together. I've enjoyed sites such as Inspired Play and Natural Pod (a Canadian store). Don't get me wrong, we still have plenty of plastic toys that I have no intention of throwing out, but I am trying to get smarter especially about the toys that Sydney is likely to put in her mouth.

In other news, I was happy to see that Safemama published their safer bug repellent report. Turns out the brand I was already using (Burt's Bees) is one of their favs.

i guess streaking runs in the family

2008-07-29T15:52:00.002-05:00

I decided we needed a day out. Both the kids and I tend to have a better day if we go do something away from our home. So we went to the zoo even though it was one of the most humid days of the year. Luckily the zoo has a new grizzly bear exhibit all decked out with gushing geysers for the kids to run through and cool off. As Sam and I head to the new exhibit I became slightly distracted as an old friend I hadn't talked to in forever called so I wanted to at least pick up. As I'm talking I begin to notice a few "looks" (you know, the look from other disapproving parents who would never let THEIR kid do what you let your kid do... wait, maybe I'm the only one that gets those looks). So I promptly look down at Samuel to find his pants and underwear are around his ankles! He was so excited to run in the water he decided he better get undressed. I quickly end my call and got him in his swimsuit, luckily without a fight.

All in all it was a successful trip, despite a melt-down because Sam didn't want to leave. But little did I know that our streaking for the day was not yet over. And you can bet your life I would never have guessed I'd be the offender. And since I guess I don't mind humiliating myself, I'll tell the story.

This afternoon I was nursing Sydney when I got a knock on the door... I'm sure you can see where this is going... Since we NEVER get random knocks and since I knew my neighbor was missing her dog I thought I better answer it. So I lift Sydney up, cover myself up, and go answer the door. It was a nice neighbor woman with 4 children she cares for. We talk for a minute (I learn the dog was found!) when suddenly I feel a cool breeze. I look down and apparently I had not fully covered myself up like I had thought, exposing my left breast! Upon realizing my faux pas my face became beat red and I told her how utterly (no pun intended) embarrassed I was. Luckily she nursed her own children and she was cool about it. But THOSE POOR POOR CHILDREN. Gawd I hope I didn't scar them for life.

I have a feeling we won't be getting any more knocks from neighbors. I'm sure it's only a matter of a day or two before everyone around here knows. It's really a shame because I was just starting to make friends here!

overheard at my house

2008-07-28T14:42:00.002-05:00

I yell from the living room to Sam in the bathroom, "Whatchya doin' Sam?"

"Painting with my potty."

Suddenly, I hear the pitter patter of little feet run from the bathroom to the family room and see a wet trail of footprints behind my little streaker. Sure enough, he "missed" during his potty break and decided to use his feet to paint with his potty. *sigh*

Time to go clean the bathroom floor for the 3rd time this week.

Tricia

update on my baby bears

2008-07-27T08:13:00.012-05:00

This blog has evolved a bit for me. It started as a place for me to save all my favorite resources. But I've quickly realized it also serves as an easy place to document history for our photo albums. I figure bragging about the kids falls under the category of "all things mom" so why not.

Last night Sam turned to me and said, "We a great family." Awwwwwwe!

Lately whenever you ask Sam a question he says, "uhhhhhhh

hhhhhh" while he thinks before he answers. He must have picked that up from me since I'm always forgetting words when I talk!

He is also putting "so" in front of sentences, as in, "So where we goin' Mommy?"

The other day he put a ball under his shirt and said, "Be

careful Mommy, there is a baby in my belly. Remember when Sydney was in my belly?" Funny, that's not how I remember those 9 months at all.

And whenever anyone is hurt, sad, etc. he comes to the rescue, as in: "Don't worry Mommy, I will always take care of Sydney." Or, "I will help you feel better, Mom. Here's my blanky and pillow. Now you feel better."

He likes to pretend he's a fireman lately. He puts his hat on backward so it looks more like a fireman's hat and then he puts on his rain-boots: Voila, a fireman, all his own idea. Even if it's 90+ degrees outside, he insists on wearing his fireman boots.

I'm so proud of Sam, he was so fearless at the waterpark we went to last week. He was swimming like a fish, head getting wet and everything. At 2 1/2 he even went on very big slides all by himself (this is him below coming down the green slide, which started toward the top of the indoor park's high ceiling and wound it's way to the bottom where Tad was waiting for him).

In Sydney news... she's not a big fan of food. Is she really my child? She'll take a few bites and then she's bored with it. I'm slightly concerned actually but I know that nutritionally she's getting everything she needs via breast-milk and her daily vitamin.

Sydney is also "crawling". It's her own version though. She uses her back 2 legs and her head to scoot forward. I imagine she'll be doing traditional crawling very shortly. My little girl is growing up so quickly!

Sydney is such a happy girl, she truly brightens our day and adds so much to our family. And she remains this happy even on low sleep. She gets less sleep than Sam! Until 2 months ago she consistently slept through the night. For whatever reason, those days are over. I've recently learned that her Great-grandfather, also named Sydney, slept very little. So maybe we should have went with a different name. She's "talking" up a storm too. Lots of "da da da da" and cute little breaths along with it so of course Tad thinks her first word is Dad. It was for Sam too, though I'm not convinced Syd yet knows what "da da" means. ;)

i'm so NOT hot

2008-07-25T15:31:00.005-05:00

You may have noticed I've been absent. Sam, Sydney and I accompanied Tad on a business trip and made a stop at a water park! Talk about heaven for Samuel! Pictures and details on that to come.

For now I'll share a funny story that happened the morning of our departure.

I was driving on a road I rarely drive coming home from dropping our dog off at the kennel, which by the way is more like doggie paradise than kennel club. Suddenly I notice this guy checking me out. But he was more than checking me out. He was watching my car's every move. Now, normally I'm a VERY modest person in my opinion. But I must have been in a good mood excited for our trip and feeling extra confident that day as I thought to myself: "Damn, I'm good. I can turn a head today with 2 kids in the back seat!"... and then... I see the flashing lights through my rear view mirror. A cop. Turns out I'm not all that hot and that guy was simply watching a ditzy lady not notice a cop trying to pull her over.

All is well that ends well though... I guess I was at least looking good enough to just get off on a warning. And for what it's worth, I was being honest when I told the police officer I thought the speed limit was 40 (I guess it was 30. oops!).

And shhhh... don't tell Tad. He doesn't know this story. :) But Samuel knows I got pulled over so it's only a matter of time before everyone else does too so I might as well let my family and friends get a good laugh out of it. Tad will get a good laugh too, and then promptly tell me to drive more carefully!

getting organized

2008-07-20T22:49:00.006-05:00

I have so many things on my "to-do" list but yet I seem to struggle just keeping up with daily life. I thought staying home with the kids would also give me an opportunity to do all the projects I've been putting off (scrapbooking, finishing the decorating touches on Sydney's room, touch up painting, etc.). Yet my day is plenty busy getting kids clothed, fed, napped, fed, exercised and mentally stimulated (if I'm lucky), napped, fed, bathed, and to bed. And of course they rarely sleep at the same time so there is no such thing as a lunch break for mama!

Today I did manage to check one minor thing off the to-do list while Tad kept Samuel entertained swimming in the lake. Boy was I jealous of their fun, but if felt good to get something done.

It seems I consistently forget things at the grocery store. So I decided to do what perhaps many others already do: I created a standing grocery list of items our family buys. The food is listed in order of location in my grocery store, which I'm hoping will help save me time on my trip. I have a comments section next to each item for further clarification if needed. I found many grocery checklists on the web but since they listed off practically everything a grocery store sells they were 4+ pages long. This list is 2 pages long (1 page if you print front and back). Here is a screenshot of a portion of the list.

I plan to put this list on my fridge and check things off as I notice they are needed. If I want to get really crazy, I'll highlight any items for which I have a coupon. :)

I used this on my shopping trip tonight and I didn't forget one single thing! The only problem: I spent $50 more than usual (though I did stock up on items we typically are not out of). But I saved gas money as I think I avoided the repeat trips I typically have to make for forgotten items.

Here is a link to download it if anyone is interested; You could customize the excel doc to include items you frequently buy. I apologize as some of the check boxes are really messed up (there are many on top of each other but you can't tell until you start to delete them). I just don't have time to fix it right now.

P.S. I created this on a Mac but it should work on a PC as long as my formatting works in your excel version.

more on potty training

2008-07-17T14:15:00.004-05:00

Samuel continues to do great with potty training! But it hasn't been without it's challenges. I told him it's his job to know when he has to go, so I try not to give him reminders, and he's good about going. However, I do insist he go at certain times during the day (before sleep and after waking, for example) and Mr. Independent is often not willing to go when it's at the suggestion of others. The problem is, if he doesn't go just after waking, he tends to wait until it's an emergency and if he then has a tantrum or a time-out, that's when the rare accident will occur. Since I can't force the kid on the potty, I went to the potty pros for more info. I stumbled upon a couple good resources that I thought I'd pass along.

1. The When and Hows of Potty Training by Dr. Greene

2. Potty Training Concepts

Even if you aren't a fan of the methods introduced on this site, you will find other useful tools. Lots of potty paraphernalia is available here. I personally was excited to find the printable potty charts. I'm using a potty chart to give Sam a sticker every time he goes potty (and washes his hands, another challenge!) both on his own and when I ask him to. After 4 successful days of going potty when asked he'll get to pick out a toy at Target. I'm hoping it won't take long for going potty after waking to just become a habit that I don't have to enforce.

Narmin Parpia, author of "Potty Training in One Day - A Guide for Today's Parents", is the potty training expert on this site. I think the "one day training" method was first widely introduced by Dr. Phil and similar methods were later written by authors such as Teri Crane in "Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day".

3. Potty Training Solutions

Another spot to purchase PT products. Here is a wider selection of potty seats, etc.

I can not believe how many products are out there centered around PTing! I personally had a little chuckle at the following products.

And this one may be a good idea, who knows. But I couldn't resist posting this product since their motto is, "Where our aim is to improve his."

out of the mouth of sam

2008-07-15T15:00:00.000-05:00

pyrex lids

2008-07-15T10:56:00.001-05:00

Did you see today's safemama post?

Pyrex lids are BPA free! I've been wondering, as we have a lot of pyrex. But I haven't taken the time to research it myself. Thanks for the continual great research safemama! LUV that site!

Tricia

what's for dinner?

2008-07-14T16:05:00.003-05:00

What's for dinner? We're having my all time FAVORITE pork loin recipe on the grill. I love pork but it's hard to find the right recipe that doesn't dry it out. My brother says the secret is to grill pork in aluminum foil, though I've never tried it. I usually have great luck with this recipe linked here. By the way, you'd never guess by tasting that a primary ingredient is ketchup! And since I don't have cider vinegar lying around I've substituted with rice vinegar with no problems.

And then for dessert we're having grilled bananas with cool whip. YUM! Check out that blog, I really like it!

If you have a favorite cooking site/blog let me know. I usually rely on allrecipes.com and kraftfoods.com.

Hope you are having a great start to your week. Time to get a cookin'...

Tricia

kids say the darndest things...

2008-07-12T00:00:00.003-05:00

Sam: "Are you old mommy?"

Me: "I don't know; do you think I'm old Sam?"

Sam: "Yes. Let me get my doctor kit. I'll help you."

Sam: Picks up a stick and says, "This is my sword! I'm protectin' you!"

Me: As I'm trying to discourage sword-playing (though I think it's inevitable anyway), I say, "That's not a sword Sam".

Sam: "You right. It's an ice-cream thrower. POW! (as he waves it violently) You have ice cream on you!"

Me: "Mmmm. That tastes good."

Sam: "It's not on your mouth, Mommy!!!! It's on your clothes."

Sam: "You a good Mom, Mommy. But just knock it off and settle down!"

Me: ....... knowing exactly where he's heard that one from .......

adding it all up

2008-07-11T15:08:00.007-05:00

1 put-together (for once) mom with baby in baby bjorn, walking hand-in-hand into target with her sweet toe-head toddler

1 sticker from a target greeter given to said toddler for promising to mind his mother and to "stay in the cart"

1 escape-artist toddler, yelling in target 5 isles away from his mother only minutes after promising to behave

1 toddler under lock-down who lost all walking privileges and was told any future escapes would result in an immediate departure without our end-of-trip "target lunch" (hot dog)

1 happy mom that she didn't have to follow through on that threat

1 toy to distract toddler in cart

1 bruised hand from said toy thrown at mother

1 less toy

1 stranger giving praise for disciplining toddler in target

27 reminders to stay in the cart and then we would get to eat lunch at target (no I'm not above bribery)

5 announcements to strangers that he's 2 years old and has to go potty

1 sprinting mom and cart to the bathroom on the other end of the store

1 pair of wet underwear (his, not mine) because the toilet is too tall

1 10% off everything at target coupon

lunch at target

1 mommy who realizes on the way home that she forgot to buy bread

1 crying baby

1 boy who said, "I love you Mommy" on the ride home

=======================================

a successful target shopping trip

(you should see our bad days)

a great family activity

2008-07-10T00:00:00.001-05:00

This past weekend we took some time away from potty training for some fun! We made stepping stones to replace some of the lime-stones we have leading from our front door to the deck entry off the side of our house.

Tad simply dug a hole and filled it with concrete. We let it set a bit and then dipped our hands/feet and decorated with beads. I bought Sam turtle beads and brightly colored beads. For Sydney: pastel and flower beads. On the stone I share with my husband, he refused to have any beads around his half - men! - so I only decorated my half. *sigh* Sam had a lot of fun with this activity and Sydney did great with it too! Here is the result of our home-made handy-work:

The finished product below (more landscape work is needed but you get the idea). We thought we might do this again in 5 years or so and replace more of the lime-stones and see how much the kids have grown. We need one for the dog too of course. ;)

Samuel, helping as usual:

Sydney, sitting pretty:

If you don't have concrete lying around and you are looking for a mold and instructions ready for you, check this out:

the downside to potty training

2008-07-09T15:29:00.009-05:00

I'm happy to say that Sam continues to do GREAT with potty training! He's had just one accident in the last 5 days, and that was on Monday. It will be a while before he's nap/night trained though. He's a sound sleeper like his mama! It has been nice to be diaper-free but there is a downside, and here it is:

1. You spend A LOT of time in the bathroom. On Monday, we must have spent half our day in that room. We read in there, we talked in there, we sang in there, and I'll admit - we even ate in there. GROSS. Thankfully our bathroom quality time is decreasing.

2. You get no sleep. Sam has to use the potty 3-5 times before bed. While I want to encourage potty breaks, he hasn't been getting to sleep until between 9 & 10:30 when normally his bedtime is 8. And when Samuel is sleep-deprived he acts even more crazy than his already active self. I'm exhausted trying to keep up with this lovable maniac. Yesterday at the park a woman said to me with a sigh, "He's all boy isn't he?" I knew what she really meant. I said, "Yup, he's a lot of fun!"

3. Your new namesake is now poop. Let me explain, and sorry in advance for too much information. When Sam poops more than one poop at a time, he names them before he flushes them. As in, "Look! A Daddy poopy, a Mommy poopy, a Sam poopy and a Sydney poopy!" Lovely.

4. You talk about pee and poop a LOT as if it's as innocent as talking about the weather. You assume it's normal conversation that others will enjoy, so you blog about it too. I used to hate the word "poop" but now it's one of my most used words. I decided not to substitute with words like "BM" or "#2" because everyone knows what you really mean: poop.

5. A streaker is born. Since we have occasionally taken the "naked approach" to potty training, Samuel has realized he loves being naked. He loves it so much in fact that today he started taking off his clothes outside. At the park. In front of other children. And their parents. He got off his shorts and underwear and came running to me yelling, "I GOTTA GO POOP!" So I pack Sydney up and we start heading for the porta-potty. Mid-sprint to the porta-potty he decides he doesn't have to go, must have just had gas I guess. So he starts running back to the park and insists on playing naked. Who in the world would want to climb up a ladder, slide down slides & hang on monkey bars naked? Sam, that's who. It's all a blur but somehow I managed to get him back to the porta-potty (naked). I tried to tell him that some people get arrested for this sort of behavior but I still only managed to get his underwear on prior to packing us up to go home after our potty break.

6. You visit more porta-pottys during toilet training than you've seen in your entire life. Every time we go somewhere Sam's first question is, "Do they have a bathroom?" Good question for a potty training kid if you ask me. But I don't think it has anything to do with him formulating a plan in case of a potty emergency. Instead I believe he has this need to check out all potties. It's like he has to show off his skills to every potty. Christen every potty, if you will. Lord help us at parks with multiple porta-pottys as he would like to inspect each one. And I CRINGE. I GAG. I try to tell him they are all occupied but ONE, yet he tries to open each one. When we finally manage to get into a porta-potty, he gives me the low down on if kids have gone poopy before him or not. I'm hoping by purchasing the following for my car we may avoid future bad porta-potty experiences or worse yet an emergency with no potty in sight:

7. New found independence. Sounds great, right? Well now Sam wants to clean up the little potty after a potty break. But he doesn't just rinse it out. He wants it to be filled and then he wants to play in it. I tried to tell him that's "poopy water" but now he just tries to splash his hands in it while yelling "POOPY WATER! POOPY WATER!"

8. A need for privacy. Sure, everyone wants privacy while they go potty. But Sam is now insisting on closing the door all the while I'm hearing noises in there I can't translate and picturing potty everywhere but the potty. I'm slowly convincing him that a little help from Mom and Dad is necessary.

I feel the need to get to #10 but I'd just waste your time. 8 is enough to give you a picture into the life I've been living the last several days. It must get easier... right?

potty traning for dummies

2008-07-06T20:30:00.008-05:00

In case you were wondering, the dummy is me, not my 2.5 year old. If there were a book on what NOT to do during potty training, I could clearly write it.

Samuel has been interested in the potty for quite some time. Everyone said it was too early, but he wanted to use the potty so I let him. I never pushed him to go but he's been requesting to go every night before bed for a good year. Eventually we did need to "encourage" this trend because if he would forget to go it suddenly became a stall tactic, requesting to go after already in bed. Recently I've been wondering how I can get him to go on the potty during the day too because I really felt like the only thing holding him back was me (to be honest I was a bit overwhelmed at the thought of potty training). So I bought a book I've heard good things about: Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day: Proven Secrets of the Potty Pro

I scanned the book and got some good tips from it. I also got good tips from The Potty Whisperer (thanks for the link Mom!). Just as I was about to revisit the book and get myself a complete potty training plan for our "Potty Day", it seemed potty training was about to begin whether I was ready for it or not. So much for planning.

Lately Sam has been wanting to be naked boy so I decided to embrace this phase and use it as my opportunity to bring out the potty. I told him he could stay naked in the house as long as he did his important job of using the potty (a good thing to say to Mr. Independent!). I didn't really have high expectations and I didn't plan to push. But guess what, being naked worked... but the timing couldn't have been worse. I mean, this was July 3! We had guests coming over on the 4th, plans for a couple boat rides and a trip to the local fair over the weekend!

He did have 2 accidents on July 3 - one was during a time-out (which he's since learned that saying "I gotta go potty" gets him out of time-out *sigh*). July 4 went well though I did throw diapers on him in the afternoon because I didn't want him to stress about any accidents with our friends over. And Sam has been completely dry for the last 2 days (though he still needs diapers at night). I'm so proud of my little guy because he really had to work hard for this PT success! Our weekend included a trip to a porta-potty and an attempt at peeing off the boat (which was quite the sight, lol!) and STILL he remained dry! All future boat & car trips will have a potty AND a diaper on board by the way. Poor guy is a bit hesitant on this whole poop-on-the-potty part but with a blanket in hand (gross!) and a verbal "bye-bye" to the poopy all is good in Sam-land.

The author of the book "Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day" recommends a party at the end of the day. There was no time to plan a party for this unplanned training so instead I asked him who he wanted to call to tell about going on the potty. Well, he asked to call the neighbors. So we called them even though all their children and Grandchildren were over for dinner (again, great timing on my part). They understood what a big deal this was and gave Sam tons of praise over speaker phone. Neighbor Dale was pretty quick to hand the phone back to his wife after Sam yelled, "I WENT POOPY TOO, DALE!" but he was very sweet to him nonetheless. We've called a couple Grandma's too and Sam is a proud boy.

While it certainly wasn't "potty training in a day", 3 days aint bad. Thank goodness my little guy could overcome the bad timing and my terrible planning. I'm sure we will have challenges ahead but it was a lot less overwhelming than I had anticipated.

moms know best

2008-07-06T00:00:00.006-05:00

I've recently been informed of a CNN article on the safety of sunscreen (thanks, Denise!). Sunscreen is definitely a must, but it turns out there are some sunscreens that are safer than others because as you can imagine, sunscreens can be loaded with chemicals. Additionally, it turns out some aren't doing as good of a job as you think they are doing.

I chuckle a bit at the timing of this CNN article. I've seen information on the safety of sunscreen on the "mom-blogs" for months and yet CNN is coming out with the info just now. Better late than never though; sources like CNN are trusted by a wide audience. It reminds me of the times when I've told my husband some information only for him to validate me a couple months later after he hears it on NPR. ;) I swear I'm going to keep my finger on the pulse of mommy bloggers and my mom friends on my message board because they really are "in the know" when it comes to current events in regard to children! Go mommies!

I first was alerted to the sunscreen issue by my friend Shannon. It makes sense to me that the chemicals in sunscreen might be harmful; but when you are trying to prevent a problem it's easy to forget about the ones you may be creating along the way. Don't get me wrong, I'm not AT ALL trying to discourage sunscreen usage, but I do hope to become smarter about finding the safest ones.

Both safemama and zrecs have some great info on their sunscreen research and reviews. But my all time fav resource is the Environmental Working Group (EWG)'s Cosmetic Database. Here you can find both the toxicity rating and UVA/B protection rating for most sunscreens. And if your sunscreen isn't listed, simply add it to the database by listing all the ingredients. The EWG did their own sunscreen study and this is the result. Look for toxicity ratings with low numbers.

I've tried 3 of the "safer" sunscreens.

California Baby, No Fragrance, SPF 30: This is a highly rated sunscreen by both safemama and EWG. So that holds major clout for me. I do like that it has no scent and that it's safe. It is pretty thick though and does leave a bit of a white film on the skin but it's no biggie. It's water-resistant so that is also a huge plus for me.

Be forewarned, it took me 3 weeks to receive this sunscreen from Amazon! I've heard it's on back order almost everywhere.

Blue Lizard, Sensitive (or Baby) SPF 30: This is rated good by EWG. What I like about this sunscreen is that it's more attainable being that it's available at CVS. It's more affordable as well. The physical attributes (somewhat thick) seems somewhat similar to California Baby to me.

Weleda Children's Sunscreen, SPF 18: I LOVE how this goes on smooth and doesn't produce a thick film! It's a bit oily but simply shaking the tube helps a great deal with that. I think it smells a little strong but my husband likes the scent. Safemama recommends it and it's also water-resistant. It wasn't rated by the EWG until I entered it into their database. The product received somewhat of a high rating (high = bad) so that confused me since Weleda is known for their natural products. I think that the ingredient "fragrance" is throwing the score off. Typically fragrance involves harmful chemicals. But when it comes to Weleda products, the fragrance is actually derived from essential oils (something that is in asterisks on the ingredients list that the EWG database can not pick up). However, the product also doesn't get a great UVB protection rating so that turns me off a bit. It does have a high UVA protection rating.

I plan to only use California Baby on my infant. It's rated very good across multiple sources. I will use any of the above on my 2.5 year old (depending on the circumstances) and on myself and my husband.

P.S. The cosmetic database is useful for looking up any cosmetic product to find it's toxicity rating. Not all products are listed but the database is growing each day and you can help by entering products and their ingredients as well.

happy 4th of july!

2008-07-04T00:00:00.002-05:00

I hope this post finds you relaxing on the 4th. We have some friends coming over with their kids and plan to do fireworks right on the beach after a day of playing on the lake, boating & BBQing. It should be a great time with good company and lots of food as usual. Good thing our Bowflex is arriving next week. LOL!

In baby news... after my co-op run I'm stocked up on veggies and fruit and have decided to make Syd some home-made baby food, something I often did for Sam too. This may be a huge mistake as so far she hasn't taken to ANY food. I thought she was ready for food because, well, she's almost 7 months old and she has been eyeing the food on my plate for quite some time! But every time I give her baby food she spits it right back out. I don't know if she doesn't like it or if she's not ready. I've tried rice cereal, pears, and avocado. I had the best luck with the avocado. But even when she has eaten food, it only came back up a half hour later. *sigh*

Anyway, thought I'd pass along a great site for making your own baby food! It's much easier than you'd think. Just whip it up in a blender and freeze in old glass baby food jars or ice cube trays (to be later stored in freezer bags once frozen).

And a few Sam-isms to share:

Anytime he's too little for something I tend to say, "That's for adults only." Well this morning he said to me, "Mom, I'm an adult; you can be a little boy."

As I was putting sunscreen on him today he said, "Don't frost me like a cake!"

His little imagination just blows me away. I certainly didn't pass down that trait.

i'm beginning to think i'm bad luck

2008-07-03T00:55:00.005-05:00

In the last month I've been to 3 funerals. Our dear neighbor, a friend's father, and another friend's mother. And unfortunately there were 2 other recent funerals that I did not attend: my step-father's brother (who lived in Vegas) and a friend's father-in-law.

Then today I got an email from a dear friend requesting prayers for 2 deaths within her circle of friends and family.

And tonight, our fish died. Betty the Beta has been with us for a couple years. She's been sick for a while so I'm sure she is loving being back to her feisty self in fish heaven.

Please don't misunderstand; I know our fish's death should probably not even be mentioned in the same post as death's of people who will be so dearly missed. But I can't help but feel that I've been surrounded by death lately. And while most of my sadness surrounds the sympathy I feel for those especially close to the people who have passed, I'd very much like for this trend to cease.

The saying is, "things come in threes", NOT EIGHTS!

Special prayers going out to...

Ginger who lost her husband.

Amy who lost her Dad.

Angela who lost her Mom.

John who lost his brother.

Heidi who lost her father-in-law.

Jessica who lost her friends.

oh Canada!

2008-07-01T16:00:00.004-05:00

A shout out to my Canadian friends! HAPPY CANADA DAY!

And in breaking news... I found my LilyPadz! WOO HOO! Though I still better get another pair soon to avoid future embarrassment!

I just got back from a very nice service for my friend's mother. What a beautiful job they did honoring a wonderful woman.

And for a random tidbit of the day... yesterday I got Sydney's eyes checked free of charge as part of the InfantSee program. Click here to find an ophthalmologist participating in the program. By the way, both kid's eyes checked out good. Sam is seeing at approximately 20/30, totally normal for his age. I was also concerned he might be color blind as we've made absolutely no progress in teaching him colors even though he's done well at learning other areas. We won't know for sure for a few years, but it's looking like he can differentiate between colors. So that's great news! And it turns out color-blindness is passed down via the Mother's side, which is a relief since Tad's Grandfather was colorblind. Though there are a host of other vision problems that may be passed on from my end. LOL. As for Sydney, she passed her exam too. And her occasional cross-eyed look is also normal and she should outgrow it.

Go red!

2008-06-30T23:13:00.008-05:00

I went to a wake tonight for one of my closest friend's mother. She suddenly passed from a massive heart attack. She had even been to the Dr. earlier that day complaining of back and shoulder pain but since she had been hanging curtains the doctor assumed her pain was a result of overdoing it. He was wrong. Later that evening she passed. She had no prior history of heart disease. She was only 63 years old, active, and healthy. She was an absolutely amazing and wonderful woman and will be missed greatly by everyone.

So, PLEASE PLEASE get in the know about the warning signs of a heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest for women. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer of women!

Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

On a much lighter note, I have to tell you what happened to me at the wake. I lactated through my nursing pad AND shirt. No lie. Sorry for TMI but I just had to share because this is the kind of crap that happens to me... I have a knack for saying the wrong thing or doing the wrong thing at the wrong time! I was pretty embarrassed. The good news is that I gave my friend a good laugh.

So you'd think I'd prepare myself for an evening away from my baby right? Well, normally I count on my trusty LilyPadz (which I love!). They are reuseable breast pads made of a sticky silicone that sticks to you - they don't require a bra to hold them in place and you can even wear them under a swimsuit! They really work!

So why wasn't I wearing them? Well, I was wearing one, I can't find the other! Sam thinks they are really funny and whenever he sees them he grabs them & finds some place funny to put them (even on his own body!). So on the other side I had a standard pad, which didn't hold up for the lilyPadz. Looks like I may need to buy another set before another embarrassing moment happens.

the dirty dozen

2008-06-30T14:10:00.008-05:00

Yesterday Sydney was baptized (see slideshow above). It was a really nice ceremony and she was P.E.R.F.E.C.T. I was so thrilled because she was happy during the ceremony AND she let people interact with her all day. You may remember from previous posts that she's quite the mommy & daddy's girl. But it appears that she's now enjoying other people's company. YEAH for my baby girl!

We had a party at our house after the ceremony. Perfect weather, good company, and good food (excuse the lack of modesty there!). And for the first time ever I did a good job gauging how much food would be needed. Normally I have an enormous amount of leftovers. While there were still left overs, it's a manageable amount that we should be able to eat up as a family without tossing extra. In fact, I'm embarrassed to say that I was disappointed that there was only 1 piece of cake left over....until... I read a recent post of Shannon's. After reading that post I realized just how indulgent I was being wishing I could eat leftover cake for a week. I know it's not good for me. And I know we should watch our sugar and processed food intake. But man do I love me some CAKE (this one had a raspberry filling - YUM)!

Anyway, Shannon's great post (Thanks Shannon! Just the reality check I needed before grabbing another bar!) motivated me to trek out with the kids today to our closest co-op. The truth is, I'm not a poster-child for organic eating. Our local grocery doesn't carry it so I have to drive 20 minutes for it. I know that's a do-able drive but with the day-to-day living of caring for 2 little ones, combined with the higher price of organic food, I simply make it a low priority. Plus, I get easily overwhelmed because it's not just eating organically that makes for healthy nutrition (there is a lot of crappy food out there that is made with organic products)... it's eating less processed foods, more pure foods, less allergenic foods (for the little ones), in combination with eating foods without pesticides (organic).

So, if you are like me and are looking for a place to start, I thought you would appreciate knowing about The Dirty Dozen and the Cleanest 12, a list of the 12 foods with the most and least amount of pesticides. It gives a bit of focus for overwhelmed people like myself when organic is not always an option. This list was created by The Environmental Working Group. Check out their blog too as it's filled with great information. I'm diggin' this non-profit group that helps keep US politicians and their policies on their toes.

decorating for the holidays

2008-06-29T17:55:00.003-05:00

Well, just thought I'd get all patriotic on y'all (that's a nod to my Texas friends!) and spruce this place up for the 4th. I'm not sure I'm sold on the look but it's staying for a bit anyway (too lazy to change it back!).

we're back!

2008-06-25T21:31:00.009-05:00

We're back and our trip to Lutsen, MN was a success, for the most part. ;) Driving 5 hours alone with both kids was easier than I thought it would be. Sydney fussed only one time, for just a few minutes and stopped as soon as Sam started singing to her. Now how cute is that? For both the ride there and back Samuel did great, but got a little feisty toward the end (think kicking the DVD player!).

Minnesota's north shore of Lake Superior is just beautiful. I really enjoyed looking at the scenery as I listened to the beautiful accompaniment of Little Einstein's music from Sam's cartoon. ;) But honestly Sam enjoyed the scenery too; though he was mostly interested in passing by trains, driving through the tunnels built into the cliffs around the shore, and driving past mining areas. So I'd say we both got something out of the deal. And Sydney, well, she just liked sleeping, watching her big brother, and blowing occasional bubbles.

The drive reminded me of my Grandma's Marathon runs (the route is on the way to Lutsen). I could literally feel the crowd cheering for me as I was on "lemon drop hill"... until suddenly I realized... I'm not running. I'm driving. Oh, and I'm in no shape for running and am 7 lbs heavier. But, at the very least maybe that flashback will get me excited to start running again. It's so surreal to me that running was such a huge part of my life 3 years ago and yet as time passes it seems like that was a different woman. In fact, the only running Sam has seen me do is on command when he's in back-seat driver mode in the stroller: "faster, MOM!"

Here's me 6 years ago running Grandma's (my favorite marathon of the 5 I've done). The pic below that is me with my brother (not the one I visited this wknd) crossing the finish line together.

Speaking of Grandma's, it was just this past weekend. Congrats to all the runners, including my sister-in-law! WAY TO GO!

Back to our visit... we stayed right off the water thanks to my brother and sister-and-law letting us crash with them (thanks guys!). The place was perfect for Sam because he LOVES throwing rocks into lakes. He could do it all day. I even caught him dreaming about rocks last night, yelling out "THAT'S MY ROCK!" in his sleep. He must have been dreaming about his arguments with his cousin - he wanted to throw the rocks while she wanted to keep the "pretty" rocks.

It wasn't exactly a relaxing break since I was dealing with 2 small children on my own (though my brother & SIL helped me out) and my Sydney decided that would be a great time to cut 2 teeth and work on 2 more - but it was a great opportunity to see my brother & his family and revisit the north shore, which I hadn't been to in years. Below are some picture highlights.

Here Sam is saying, "Don't take my picture!" (literally)

My brother and his family on the covered walking bridge:Cute nieces & nephew, don't ya think!Me & Sam (with his best "cheese!" face on):Sam with his uncle, aunt and cousins skipping rocks on the beach:
Sydney hanging out on top of the cliff with Mom while we wait for the gang to come back (we couldn't climb down there safely with the baby):Sam and his uncle:

Ready for retirement:

Sam also loved riding down this Alpine Slide at Lutsen mountain with his uncle (I was watching Sydney). I couldn't believe this place doesn't make people wear helmets and you only have to be 2 to ride (with an adult). Apparently people can fall off because occasionally prairie dogs will try to cross the track. A whole new kind of road kill I guess. But you'll be happy to know that no 2 year olds or prairie dogs were injured in Sam's adventure. (This is not Sam below.)

linkin' away...

2008-06-21T23:46:00.005-05:00

I have a few cool links to pass along.

First, for you expecting mamas! My friend Julie sent me this super cool site today & I thought some of you might be interested. It's a baby name genie to help pick your baby name.

Second, for you mamas of infants and young toddlers! Julie gave me a heads up on a recent article safemama.com did on wet-wipes. Turns out I've been using one of the most chemical-laden wipes. AHH! I often make my own wipes but have been pretty lazy in that department lately. Directions for my hand made wipes (thanks to my friend Jenni) below.

Third, another piece of good info from safemama.com. Consider tossing your vinyl shower curtain. Turns out that strong smell when you open the package is just an indication of the crap in those things. Who-da thunk? (and yes, that's sarcasm.) Kinda reminds me of the strong smell from the new carpet we just got. I don't think I even want to know what's in that carpet. I'm not ready to give up carpet, people! ;) Anyway, check this out regarding the shower curtain.

Finally, for you bloggers! Looking to increase traffic to your site? Though I wouldn't mind more traffic, it's not currently a goal of mine. For those of you who are interested, zrecs had some great tips to increase traffic.

Have a great rest of the weekend. I'll be gone for a few days and off the computer (will I survive?). I'm heading up north with the kids to visit my brother's family. I'll be traveling 5 hours each way by myself with them. Wish me luck! I'll need it. I'm almost done packing and it looks like I am packing for the Duggars.

Tricia

Homemade Baby Wipes

1 Roll of High Quality Paper Towels (or substitute wash cloths for you environmentally conscious folks). I use Viva paper towels - they are strong and soft.

2 Cups Hot Water

2 Tsp Organic Soap (I use California Baby Body Wash)

1 Tsp Baby Oil (I use Burt's Bees)

Cut paper towels in half (save one half for next time). I use a serrated knife. Heat water for 2 minutes in microwave safe container. Add soap and oil and stir until disolved. Pour the hot water mixture in a 2.5 quart container. Immerse smooth end of paper towels in water mixture. Immediately flip the paper towels and place the rough-cut end into the water mixture. Allow to soak for 5 minutes. Remove saturated center cardboard and pull out a towel or two from the center to throw out (they would have been glued to the cardboard). You are now ready to start using - pull from the center. I place mine in a wipe warmer to keep them moist & warm. In hot temps, use within one week to avoid mold.

share & take turns!

2008-06-20T00:17:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow a girlfriend of mine is coming over with her two boys. Knowing that Samuel has had an especially hard time sharing lately I decided I'd be proactive about the issue. I told him if there were any toys he thought he might not want to share tomorrow that we could put them in his room tonight. Well, it seemed like a great idea at first, that is until his pile of "no share toys" exceeded his "share toys". I think he might have put aside every single toy he owns had I not eventually put a limit on it. So much for great ideas. I do hope this plan will help though, but I'm certain there is a "share toy" that suddenly tomorrow will become a prized possession. Maybe if I remind him that he agreed to share, it will help calm the storm. Who am I kidding? He's 2 1/2 - there isn't a ton of reasoning you can do at that age.

I forgot to report on Syd's 6 mo. stats! She's long and lean. How on earth did my athletic 5'2" frame produce that? She's 27" (85%) and 14 lbs 15 oz (12%). For her height her weight is off the charts (in the negative). The Doctor actually seemed slightly concerned about her weight because in the past she'd been at the 30th percentile. But he and I agreed that she looks really healthy and just take one look at her pictures - there is plenty of baby chunk on this baby! :) But the slow weight gain, in combination with her reflux, and the fact that she's had periodic blood in her diapers (sorry for TMI!) means we need to keep an eye on things - though I'm certain she's just fine. She's even starting to scoot and somehow make her way toward toys (look out Samuel!). I suspect crawling will be in the not too distant future.

I know I have talked a lot about the kids lately and have not offered much in the way of useful information (which was the original point of my blog). I apologize. Though I hope my family at least is enjoying the kiddo info. I'm just so swamped over the next couple weeks I don't have a lot of time to prepare the info posts that I like doing. If anyone cares, I appreciate your patience.

One bit of useful info I do want to pass along now is the personalized name sets that Pamela is offering at Digitreats. You can get digital papers for approx. $5 with your child's name on them (provided she already has your child's name completed). They are really cool sets and would be so perfect for scrapbooking and many other digital projects.

TGIF!

Tricia

leavin' me hangin!

2008-06-19T00:00:00.003-05:00

Sam has been such a riot lately (well, and a handful!) that I just have to write down some of these funny things he's been saying - so in the blog they go. Today I said, "give me five!", as I put my hand out. Sam's response: "No, I'm gonna leave you hangin' ". WHAT? Leave me hangin'? Whateva kid! I only carried you for 9 months in my belly! (Every Mom has a right to play that card, right?)

Sydney has been busy talkin' up a storm. So again I asked Sam what she was saying and he said, "She's not saying I like cars. She's saying I love you." Well, I'll take that! (You may recall from a previous post that Sam interprets Sydney's motor noises as meaning "I like cars.")

Speaking of Sydney, she had her 6 month shots today and handled them like a champ. OK, that's a lie. She screamed bloody murder at the mere touch of the stethoscope. But doesn't it seem like all parents say little Johnny was "a champ" or little Jane was "a real trooper"? It's like when people ask you, "Is she a good baby?" What the hell kind of question is that anyway? I mean, if she were fussy (which frankly she is sometimes - though luckily she's outgrowing that nasty reflux) am I supposed to say, "Nope, she's a bad baby"? So, to you readers out there (hello?????), I'd like you to know that my dear Sydney is a good baby and handles shots like a champ. *wink*wink* At any rate, to us, she's perfect.

I wanted you to also know that I already received the paci clip that I mentioned in last Friday's post. That sure didn't take long! Only 3 days - and over a weekend! Anyway, it's quite cute!! It is smaller than I thought it would be, but I suppose the smaller chain explains why it doesn't have the "snap in half" safety feature that the longer Hanna Andersson paci clip has. It takes more time than it should to attach the paci to it since that doll gets in the way, but luckily I shouldn't have to attach a paci to it more than once a day.

Sydney is entranced by the cute beads and it does it's job of keeping the paci off the ground - so it's a hit. Parts of the doll are not on the paci chain itself so I worried that those beads might be at risk for falling off and become a choking hazard but they seem very secure and the company I bought them from (well, the company that Amazon routed me to) assured me that they are secure and to toss at any sign of defect.

Until next time,

Tricia

so much to do, so little time!

2008-06-18T08:02:00.004-05:00

Wow, talk about way too many things going on for me right now. We're having carpet installed in our basement tomorrow so I've been frantically trying to paint. Just to add more chaos to the equation I'm trying to get in all our doctor appointments by the end of the month (our deductible goes back to 0 in July). Sydney turned 6 months so she has her 6 mo. well check today (poor girl will get shots) and of course I need to get her 6 month pictures done too. Oh, and did I mention that Sydney's baptism (and party) is in a week and a half and between now and then my brother will be in the area so I may be taking a 4 hour trek up north with the kids to hang out with him and his family. Somewhere in the midst of all this chaos I need to care for and entertain our 2 kids. So all of that is plenty to keep anyone busy, right? Well, apparently I like to make my life difficult and add more projects to the list.

I have great memories as a kid going to Olan Mills every couple years for a family photo. So I always make a big deal out of pictures for my kids. And as usual, I can't just pick an outfit we already own and go with it. It's not that I need the outfit to be new. I just usually have a certain look in mind and normally that look does not yet exist in the kid's wardrobe. ;) So, last night, at 12:30 am, after painting the basement, I decided to make Sydney a couple of hair-accessories for her pictures. (By the way, she really doesn't have much hair to speak of so that in itself makes me crazy.) Anyway, you probably think I've done this before, right? Well, I haven't. This is SO par for the course for me. I always seem to try new things just before a big event. While I like the fact that I'm willing to try new things, why is my timing so terrible? You'd think I'd learn and do a little practicing first! But who has time to practice?

And of course I can't make the baptism easy for me either. So I hope to make her a bracelet and I decided to add a little pearl beading to her baptism gown (which was actually my gown). I thought that would be a nice way to use my gown while making it her own too. Now, have I beaded a dress before? Absolutely not. This project, thankfully, is turning out to be pretty easy though. I'm not that lucky with many projects I try at the last minute. Case in point: Sam's first birthday cake. I had never decorated a cake before (aside from opening a jar of frosting) but I decided to attempt a Bavarian cream-filled layered cake cut up and decorated like baby blocks. What was I thinking? While it tasted wonderful, each block looked more like the leaning tower of Pisa. But you know what? I always feel good about things if I at least tried. And tried I did, so to me it was a success. Here is the result.

Wish me luck as I tackle all my current projects. I'll be sure to post the results!

Make it a great day! Tricia

favorite pics of the week

2008-06-15T20:32:00.004-05:00

Well, with it being Father's Day & all, this week's pic must include Tad! I love the picture below because it shows how sweet Tad is with the kids (I honestly couldn't have picked a better Dad for my kids!). But also, this documents Samuel & Sydney's first fight over toys. They both wanted that blue elephant so bad and good for Sydney she was standing up to her big bro & trying to fight for it with all her might!

Samuel pretending he's a truck with a truck wheel on his head. Sometimes he makes us all put one on our head (Sydney included) and we are a truck family for the night.

My friend H & her daughter A came over this weekend to play! I had a great time. Samuel gave me a run for my money but what can you do.

Sydney loving her swing.

Just a goofy picture of Sydney.

Sam's new shirt from Grandma Sue. It says, "This is my summer job." Aint that the truth!

happy father's day!

2008-06-15T09:29:00.002-05:00

This blog may be called "All Things Mom" but we can't forget the Dad's out there!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tricia

P.S. Sam's gift to his Daddy: Last night we were on the deck and Sam looked at the house and said, "Such a nice house. Thanks for building it for me Daddy." (Tad built most of our house himself with the help of family & friends). Now how nice was that?! And it was just the sweet thing we needed to hear after an incredibly trying day with our 2 year old.

who needs a baby whisperer when you have a 2 year old?

2008-06-14T01:59:00.004-05:00

Today Sydney was blowing bubbles and making her "Brrrrrrr" noises that are TDF (to-die-for) cute! She does it when she's either super happy or super sad. Anyway, so Sam tells me that Sydney is talking. I ask him what she's saying and he says, "She's saying, I like cars." Hmmm... car noises = "I like cars". Totally makes sense! Now if I could get him to translate every cry for me.

friday the 13th came a day early for me

2008-06-13T00:00:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days where every little thing just annoyed the crap out of you? Yesterday was one of those days for me. My primary enemy today: The pacifier. Poor Sydney is teething like crazy and could not keep that pacifier in her mouth. I swear she has a way of spitting that thing out of her mouth at mach speed with some serious projectile action only to become pissed off wondering where her pacifier went. And the kicker, I often can not find the pacifier because I'm searching in the local vicinity (while she's crying in my ear) when really I should be looking half way across the room with that projection ability of hers.

My favorite clip is from Hanna Andersson (Oh how I love that store! If I were a rich woman I'd be a regular here!) because it's cute, wooden, doubles as a toy to investigate, and has a safety feature where the chain breaks in 2 if pressure is applied. At $12, it's more expensive than the little plastic clips you can buy at Target but I've found it worth the price. Unfortunately, I can not find Sam's Hanna clip that he used. I kept hoping I'd find it but I was so annoyed by today's battle that I just can't wait any longer! And wouldn't you know it, there must be an epidemic of pacifier spitters out there because this clip is back ordered until July 12!

While this problem really is quite trivial, I'm embarrassed to admit the level of aggravation it caused me today. So, if a simple gadget can help me win my pacifier war, and focus on real issues, I'm sold. And while I think the Hanna clip is worth the price, it's not worth the back order wait for me so I'm going to try one by another brand, Selecta. It's very similar to the Hanna one, though I don't know if it has the same great safety feature. It's more expensive than the Hanna one *gulp* (thankfully shipping is only ten cents at Amazon) but I'm justifying the cost by the fact that I shouldn't lose any more pacifiers.

I also noticed Amazon had some clips by another great brand, HABA Toys, like this one: Teddy Pacifier Chain. Both brands, by the way, are made in Germany.

I sure hope this ships fast for both Sydney's sake and mine! This product wasn't on my top ten list of baby-must-haves but after today it just might be!

kids say the darndest things...

2008-06-12T00:39:00.003-05:00

This morning as I am getting ready to drop Sam off at a play-date I say to him, "play nicely with Tyler today, ok." To which Sam said, "That's just a figure of speech, Mommy." I had to do a double-take and ask him to repeat what he said because it just sounded so odd coming out of his 2.5 year old little mouth. At first I thought he probably doesn't know what that expression means. But then I got to thinking more and I wondered if maybe he knows exactly what it means. Maybe to him, "playing nicely" IS just a figure of speech! LOL! It certainly would explain all those times where he didn't heed my advice.

Sure enough this afternoon I said, "That's a pickle". To which Sam again said, "That's a figure of speech." Well, yes it is, proving my point that he may in fact know what it means and apparently in his world rules fall under the category of "figures of speech". Lord help me. Forget "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader". I'm not smart enough to get through to a 2 year old!

another mommy-must-have for baby!

2008-06-10T23:27:00.008-05:00

Tonight I met with my local Mom's group for dinner (which was a lot of fun - thanks guys!). I brought Sydney and knew I'd have to nurse her, something I use to completely fear doing in public. I used to feel like such a clod and in my mind surely the entire world had seen much more than they bargained for. To make matters worse, as Sam got older he started pulling the blanket that was covering us down, making it nearly impossible for me to remain discreet. I'm sure it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought but in my mind I envisioned a crying baby, a sweaty mommy, and... well... sorry for the scary visual but I felt like boobs were flying everywhere.

Maybe they were, maybe they weren't, but at the time I felt like the people around me would probably prefer a quiet baby than a screaming one so I nursed in public when I had to despite my fears.

This time around I'm smarter (well really I just have a smart friend named Julie!) and I've found a fantastic nursing cover by Bebe au Lait. I just love it and I was able to nurse in public tonight with complete confidence! It hangs around my neck so Sydney can NOT pull it off and is made of enough material to ensure discreet nursing. The material is thin (in fun designs!) and neither Sydney nor I get hot. And the best part - a firm edge that allows the cover to stick outward a bit making it easy for me to look down and see Sydney while also retaining complete coverage. The corner of the cover even has part of a burp cloth attached, which definitely comes in handy.

This, is absolutely in my top 10 must haves!

By the way, some time ago I said I planned to blog about my top 10 must-haves for baby (in my opinion of course). Rather than put that in one post I've decided to post separately about each one since I'm too darn chatty for 10 gadgets in a post.

2 down, 8 to go.

darn those gas prices!

2008-06-09T22:27:00.003-05:00

Well, we all know how ridiculously high the cost of gas is right now. I think twice before I even make a run to Target these days. To think I once wouldn't bat an eye at driving 80 miles a day when I commuted for work to the cities. Thank goodness my new job (which hasn't exactly started yet by the way) is from home.

Given the current average American gasoline price of $4.04/gal I thought it was worth mentioning gasbuddy.com as a great resource to shop around for the cheapest gas. Enter your zip to find local gas stations and their prices (btw there are resources on this site for Canada too). This isn't a new site so apologies if this is "old news" to you, but I felt it was worth mentioning. Thanks Mom for passing along the link; leave it to you to know how to bargain shop gas!

We are contemplating a couple summer road trips but if these gas prices get much higher we may reconsider. I had also hoped to fly out to see my brother this fall but I suppose airfare must be ridiculous as well. I'm not ruling any of our plans out at this point but I'm a little bummed that here I am with more time on my hands than normal (since I am not working) and yet less money to spend that time traveling (since I'm not working - lol). Isn't that always the way it goes?

Until next time, Tricia

favorite pics of the week

2008-06-08T19:51:00.007-05:00

Time again for favorite pics of the week! Sorry to any readers that got my email of Sydney's pictures at 6 months as a couple of these are duplicates from that. This week I've even included a video of Sam fishing. He's got quite the cast!

Samuel & our sweet Jenny dog:

Our little hippie chick:

More fishing:

Time with Daddy:

Time with Mommy:

Check out Jenny! She fell asleep with the ball in her mouth.

Gone fishin'!

By the way, normally we do enforce the "must have life jacket on when on the dock" policy. Not sure why we were such slackers yesterday. Though he is standing over only a foot of water & we were there of course.

happy 6 months baby girl!

2008-06-07T22:44:00.006-05:00

Our baby girl turned 6 months old today! It's truly very hard for me to believe. That newborn phase is always such a blur, isn't it? At least for me it is. I try my best to capture every precious moment in my memory forever. But in the end I'm always left wondering where time went.

Lord knows I love pictures - I took 40 today alone! But I wish we could also somehow capture forever how things feel for us at each particular moment - her little fingers and toes, her tiny frame easily cradled in one arm, her head resting on my shoulder, the sound of her deep breaths and yawns, that newborn cry and of course that newborn smell.

I get a little sad and nostalgic when I think of the time that has passed, but then I remember how much I love who she is now. It has been the same way with my son. I always feel like I don't want him to grow up but each new age became my favorite for new reasons.

The (tiny!) filmstrip above shows an age and size progression of Sydney in her little tub the hospital gave us. The filmstrip pictures are (L-R): 3 days, 3 months, and 6 months old. The picture of her in the middle with the over-the-top flower on her head (I couldn't resist!) was taken today at 6 months old.

Happy 6 months baby girl. I look forward to each new milestone (but don't grow too fast, ok!).

the art of manipulation...

2008-06-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

...apparently is perfected at a very young age.

Sam was an early talker and verbal skills continue to be a strength of his. Where he gets this I have no idea because, as likely obvious from my blog, my vocabulary has never, ever, been a strength of mine and the same can be said for my husband. We're already arguing over who gets to help with the math homework and who is left to help with English. Hopefully, he won't need our help because if he does he's screwed.

One thing Samuel has never been big on saying, however, is those 3 little words: "I love you." Maybe it's our fault; although we have said it often to him, we never asked or encouraged him to say it back. I knew it would come in his own time and it didn't feel right to ask him to do it. Well, I was right - it came at his own time and he's handing it out left and right lately... it's very sweet. But clearly he has quickly learned how much this means to me because now during time-out, instead of crying, he looks over at me with his big blue eyes and says, very sweetly, "Mommy?"

"Sam, we'll talk when your time out is over."

"I love you."

"Thank you Sam, I love you too, but let's talk in a couple minutes."

"Mommy? I like you too."

I'm happy to report I've stood my ground & he stays in time-out during this whole charade. But I can't help but feel that he's getting nothing out of being there. Somehow I feel like I'm being "reverse-psychologied" out of time-outs by my 2 year old. (And yes, my English may suck but I know that's a made up word.) I mean, how much is a kid getting out of time out if he sits there and yells "I LOVE YOU MOMMY!" the whole 2 minutes? Isn't he supposed to feel sad he's there? Isn't he supposed to think about his actions and eagerly await time out to be over so that we can reconcile & hug?

We are so in trouble.

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT to my husband! LOVE YOU!

you heard it here first...

2008-06-05T00:00:00.009-05:00

Remember that post I did about fingerprints on your stainless steel appliances? I directed you to the following microfiber cloths that work like a charm.

Well, it turns out I'm not the only one taking notice of these cloths. I saw one of my fav blogs, Zrecs, had a post on this yesterday where they linked to a recent article by BusinessWeek. Here I thought that post I made about microfiber was sort of lame - but guess what? Lame or not, I posted about them first. And for a competitive chick like me, that's really all that matters. Do you think my little blog is getting noticed by the outside world? Or do you think my family is made up of spies for other blogs and more notable news organizations? I'm watching you Mom. I'm watching you Dad. Sure, your comments seem innocent enough... but I know who's paying you to keep tabs on my content. ;)

OK, reality check. It's all clearly coincidental. But nonetheless I feel good about being "in the know" and in a timely manner. Though I guess Europeans have been using these cloths for 15-some years... but better late than never, right?

One important thing that I clearly was not "in the know" about, however, is just how useful these cloths really are. I recommended using them on stainless steel but it turns out they are good for just about any cleaning! It's a great way to clean safely (no chemicals!) and in an environmentally-friendly way! Now, I'm not saying to use them in your toilet bowl or anything, but these cloths could work great on just about all surfaces.

Check out this blurb from the BusinessWeek article:

"It's one of the greenest products out there. From the research we've done, microfiber cleans and removes dirt and bacteria with water alone. You do not need chemicals," says Judy Klein, director of retail cleaning for Newell Rubbermaid

If you're looking for microfiber, this option seems to be a good deal:

Clean-Rite 7-512 12-Pk Microfiber Cleaning Towels

I know, I know, it doesn't feel clean unless you get high off the chemicals in the process, right? Well, I dare you to give microfiber a try. I know I will.

P.S. I haven't forgotten about my final Digital Scrapping posts I owe ya. It's a work in progress...

i'm a hippie??

2008-06-04T00:00:00.006-05:00

My husband called me a hippie. At first I thought he was mocking me, but then realized he actually meant it as a compliment. I've never ever thought of myself as a hippie. And any hippie out there would probably be totally offended that I was categorized with them. Upon looking "hippie" up on dictionary.com I got the following definition:

noun. a person, esp. of the late 1960s, who rejected established institutions and values and sought spontaneity, direct personal relations expressing love, and expanded consciousness, often expressed externally in the wearing of casual, folksy clothing and of beads, headbands, used garments, etc.

Hmmm... based on the above definition I don't make a very good hippie. I was born in the 70s. I'm not one to reject established institutions, I wouldn't call myself spontaneous, I'm not overly lovey, and I wouldn't call my wardrobe "folksy". Wait, do running clothes count as "folksy"? But, one part of that definition above really struck a cord with me: expanded consciousness. That is really one of the reasons why I started this blog (though I never put it so eloquently): to expand my consciousness regarding my family's health. To take notice of what we are exposing ourselves to and what we are putting into our bodies. I'm a big believer that what you put in is what you get out - whether in relation to how we are nurturing our body, mind, or spirit. Everything needs gas to go and it's all about finding the right kind of gas for the mind, body, and spirit.

Does People magazine qualify as good gas for the mind? Hmmmm... It's a learning curve and I might be on the short end still.

When I think of hippie I also think of earth-loving people. I wish I could say my motives were environmental. I do care, and worry, about the environment but the truth is my real motivation for much of the mommy research I do stems from my desire to live healthy. (I say desire because I'm not always successful at realizing the *healthy* part. Though I did choose an oatmeal raisin cookie - o.k. fine, cookieS - today instead of chocolate chip.) Anyway, I'm quickly learning that a lot of things that are not good for us are also not good for the environment, which really shouldn't surprise me. It makes perfect sense actually. So, thanks to these personal revelations, and thanks to friends like Shannon and her blog, I'm also learning to be more environmentally conscious along the way. Though I have a long way to go.

So, back to my husband... he's a pretty "traditional" kind of guy. A khakis and dress shirt Eddie Bauer reserved kind of guy (until you spend an evening with him playing Euchre over a couple of beers). So, you can see why a hippie compliment sort of surprised me. Frankly, I sort of thought he might think I'm wasting my time because both of us agree that the information out there is both daunting and biased and it's hard to know if the preventative steps we take are solving a problem or creating a new one. But I think he likes that I worry about the good of our family and I think he agrees that it's better to try to be informed and to not just give up. I'm getting to him too... I caught him picking weeds which I've never seen him do before (prior years the weed killer came out) and he said he did it just for us.

See, even us old dogs can learn new tricks. And us younger dogs can too. ;) I say that because one of us is turning a year older this week and it's not me. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! *wink, wink*

go old navy & gap!

2008-06-03T09:57:00.004-05:00

This is a poor excuse for a post but I just wanted to share how excited I am that you can now shop Gap, Old Navy, Piperlime, and Banana Republic online (the companies fall under the same ownership) and have a combined $7 flat shipping rate & free returns! Now, if only I could get that UPS return label to print off right. *sigh*

Also, in regard to digital scrapping - shutterfly has a 20% off sale for photo books through June 5. I'm desperately trying to finish an album by then but I'm not sure that I'll succeed. Wish me luck!

Favorite pics of the week

2008-06-02T00:00:00.009-05:00

Around here we call our kiddos baby bears after one of our favorite books: "You're All My Favorites" by Sam Mcbratney.

It's an adorable book about how each child is their parent's favorite child, but for their own unique attributes. I thought it was the perfect book for my kids because my son was always pretending to be a baby bear and I loved the message, especially given the fact that we have a relatively new baby added to our family. So if you see me calling my son BB1 (1st baby bear) and my daughter BB2, you now know why.

I thought it might be fun to post a few of my favorite pictures of the week of my favorite baby bears.

BB1 below. I love how serious he looks in this picture. He loves to "work", as he calls it. In fact, recently when I told him we had to go inside he said, while picking up drywall tools, "I can't. I gotta do some drywall work." WHAT? He is 2 1/2, and not 35, right? Sounds like too much project time with Dad. And then the other day when I questioned a noise coming from the neighbors garage he said, "That's an air compressor Mom!" in a tone that resembled "DUHHH!"

And just because he was lookin' so darn cute (& I can't forget to mention our sweet Jenny-dog pictured here too!):

One of BB2 looking cute as can be:

Do you think she's outgrown the bouncy seat since she is trying to sit up in it? LOL!

Have a great week.

digital scrapping, part 2 continued

2008-06-01T07:59:00.004-05:00

OMG, I can't believe I forgot to fill you in on a wonderful freebie as part of my "part 2" post I created last night. Any Thomas fans out there? Check this out from Kylie M. Designs. Perfect for scrapping or a birthday party invitation!

digital scrapping, part 2

2008-05-31T22:00:00.006-05:00

First, some good news: My Mom and Step-Dad watched Sydney today with NO CRYING (on neither their part nor Sydney's!). WOO HOO! Mom, if you are reading this: You are in charge of all future baby-sitting! Lucky YOU! :)

As much as I love to be loved by this little girl, I'm happy that there is hope that I won't be her prom date.

OK, now time to get back to digital scrapping...

Remember those element freebies I mentioned before that you can find on the web? Well, I'll route you to some of my fav links. Some of these links offer freebies and/or items for sale.

When using these digital elements, be sure to read the TOU (terms of usage) that comes with each download. Most are for personal-use only (so scrappin' is just fine). But some require credits (and rightfully so) for any work showcased online. Additionally, many items are not eligible for use in a product that you plan to sell - those that are ok for this purpose are tagged as "commercial use ok".

Now, there are tons more blogs and sites out there - below are just some of my favorites. Beware, one click on a link below may suck you into hours of browsing all the cool stuff out there!

DigiFree

My FAV site! A "search engine" of sorts to find digital freebies available for download! Feel free to make a donation to help the woman who runs it make up for all her time she spends searching for freebies! Here's an example of a freebie DigiFree pointed me to. It's by Sarah's Scraps.

IKEAGoddess

More freebies found for you!

GingerScraps

A relatively new blog showing you all sorts of freebies out there! She has found some cute stuff!

Digitreats

I LOVE this designer. She has an ABC series she's in the middle of doing right now where she is going through every letter of the alphabet and creating cool elements and pages based on that letter in varying styles. When each new product comes out it's free on the main page of her blog and once it drops off it is still available for sale. Here is an example of her creations as part of the letter C. The template is a scrapbook page layout template & is used to drop & drag pictures on to.

Divine.Digital

Not a lot of freebies here, but high-quality downloads are available at reasonable prices. Commercial products and commercial licenses available for sale too - which is why I personally like this site. I do not recommend the grab bag, though I've only tried one.

Digital Scrapbook Place

Every Monday they have a freebie to download. Also helpful on this site are the tutorials. Check out the galleries to get ideas or to show off your own work!

Free Digital Scrapbooking.com

Several high-quality freebies here. The site does not appear to be updated with "new" things very often but if you are a first time visitor you will find many treats for you.

DigiShopTalk

Looking for a place to talk to other people about scrapping & get some ideas? This is the place to go. I've found their Directory very useful in helping me track down digital scrapping resources.

DigiScrapMac

Tips for Macintosh Digital Scrappers (yours truly!)

Once you start downloading freebies you may quickly become overwhelmed with all of your images. You'll hear from me soon regarding ideas for organizing all of your downloads.

Tricia

no corporate world for this baby!

2008-05-30T20:46:00.006-05:00

We interrupt this digital scrapping series to bring you an important message: Never bring a baby to an office. Ever.

oh my god. What an afternoon I had. I went to pick up my laptop at my contracting company and decided to bring Sydney (my 5 mo old) with me because I had thought it would be a quick visit, it was a Friday afternoon, and I had previous requests to bring her by for people to meet her. big mistake. BIG mistake.

I knew we were in trouble the moment I got to the parking lot as she started to cry. So we get inside and the person I'm meeting is on the phone. Sydney is losing her patience. Meanwhile one of my favorite colleagues (& a big wig with the company) spots Syd and wants to hold her. I let her but tell her that I'm not sure it's going to go well. Did I tell you that Sydney is the world's biggest mommy's girl and daddy's girl EVER? I thought separation anxiety is supposed to start at like 9 mo? Well, it kicked in for this girl at 4 mo. And it never fails, whenever I react with hesitation for people to hold her (only because I know dang well we are about to see some serious tears) I get some sort of comment about how she'll be fine and then no more than 2 minutes later they are returning a screaming baby to me. *sigh* My own best friend said, "Oh Tricia, it can't be that bad." I told her she could give it a try then and within 5 minutes my friend said, "Yeah, I don't know what you are going to do. Good luck with that." I continue to let people try though (with me close at hand) because I'm certain that keeping her all to myself will only perpetuate things.

So, there I was, at work, with a screaming baby. I could feel sweat beads on my forehead while I tried my darndest to listen to the info they needed to pass along to me and keep my cool at the same time. I felt like I was shoving pacifiers in Syd's mouth left & right (poor girl!). I looked like a complete side-show... Syd keeps spitting out her paci to the floor and as I'm reaching down to get it things start falling out of my bag. Oh, and did I mention I had spit-up on my shirt? So much for professionalism.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my baby girl and I LOVE when people meet her. But I learned one thing for sure today: I will never ever bring a baby to an office again. I don't care how busy I am, and I don't care who wants to see her, it's not going to happen. I just don't handle things well when my separate worlds collide like that.

Luckily my colleagues were cool about it - at least they pretended to be anyway. And since it was a Friday afternoon and so many people were out sick the office was pretty dead. Thankfully. Should a colleague ever stumble on this little blog... apologies for taking over your office today. Hopefully you didn't have any explaining to do to any clients.

Sydney, on the other hand, was not cool about it. She was a mess the rest of the night. I swear every time a stranger looked at her she gave a look like "don't you dare pick me up!". Poor thing! I just sincerely hope that this stage will not prevent other people from bonding with her. I'm SO not used to this because our son is extremely independent and such a social butterfly. But when Syd is just with us, our little fam of 4 (5 with the dog), she is SUCH a sweet, fun, HAPPY and SMILEY baby. I feel like we have a completely different baby behind closed doors.

So, wish me luck as Sydney will need to have childcare very soon. How on Earth will we do it? Thankfully my job does not require a lot of hours and is quite flexible in terms of when I complete them. So I may need to help our sitter (who has not been hired yet! Ahhh! So much to do!) a bit until Sydney gets accustomed to her.

Tricia

digital scrapping, part 1

2008-05-29T22:33:00.016-05:00

I've been sucked into the vortex that is digital scrapping! I've spent a lot of time finding some great resources so I thought I'd share what I've found thus far. But there is so much great info out there in web-land that I couldn't possibly share it all in one post. Today I'll focus on what Digital Scrapping is and share nitty-gritty details as I create subsequent posts. I'm still a beginner though so if you have any great tips please share as well!

So, what do I mean by digital scrapping? When scrapping digitally, embellishments such as ribbons, buttons, and brads are now digital images that can be dragged and dropped wherever you want them on your digital layout. You can create a beautiful end product that can look like the "real thing". It offers a mess-free solution that is often less expensive, more flexible, and environmentally friendly! Check this out for more on the benefits of Digital Scrapping.

To be truthful, I'm not totally into scrap-booking in general. I'm way too lazy to create a fancy page for every picture I have. But since I'm sort of a gadget-geek and have a love of all-things-tech, digital scrapping is much more appealing to me than traditional scrapping. Yet, still I'm too lazy to digital scrapbook all my pics. My plan is to create a yearly photo-book filled with a few pages I've designed myself showcasing my favorite pics and then use a photo-book creation product such as the one Shutterfly has to quickly display the remaining pictures. Shutterfly allows you to include both pages designed by you (specs and templates are available to help ensure you are using the right dimensions) and those stemming from Shutterfly templates (more on printing and pricing later).

So, how do you make your own digital scrapbook page? Well, check out Digital Scrapbooking 101 for a good overview. I personally use a combination of a layout program (iScrapbook for Macintosh and in the past I've used Scrapbook Factory for the PC) and a photo editing program like Photoshop Elements. Many other great programs exist, these are just the ones I have experience with.

Photo editing programs like Photoshop offer the most design flexibility and a way to actually create digital elements. But again, I'm lazy, & cheap, so I enjoy using a more user-friendly and lower learning-curve program like iScrapbook to complete my actual layout in conjunction with a less expensive version of Photoshop (Elements) for some photo & element editing along the way. Programs like iScrapbook also come included with some digital elements and page templates so that you don't have to start from scratch. Personally, I often find the included elements "cheesy". iScrapbook actually does have some good embellishments but I've seen some other packages that have a "90s clip art-esque" look to them. Don't worry though, there are PLENTY of really cool elements available on the internet (& FREE!) that can be imported into programs like Photoshop or iScrapbook.

Here are some samples of things I've created digitally recently.

A 12x12 photo-book page below of baby girl! I used a template available in my iScrapbook software and simply dragged my pictures onto it! Super easy!

The following 12x12 page I designed myself using my iScrapbook software and elements I downloaded for free from the "run elements kit" (sorry, the kit now costs - $1.99) at digitreats.typepad.com.

And what I love best about digital scrapping... I can use digital software and elements to create frame-able layouts, invitations, cards, and announcements - all of which can be printed online or at a photo lab.

I created this 5x7 using my iScrapbook software and I incorporated free elements (now priced at $1) from the "Sorbet Bliss" collection at Divine Digital.

I designed this 5x7 invitation using my iScrapbook software. I purchased the bow from lbcreations. It can be colored to any color and it came with terms of usage (TOU) that allows for commercial-use should I choose to sell some of my invites.

So, if all of that overwhelms you I do have some good news... since digital scrapbook elements are usually .jpg image files, they can even be used in programs like MS Word as a modern-day "clip-art" for a brochure or simple invitation you may be creating.

More later on where to find digital elements online (& for free!), how to organize your elements, and where to print your end-products! Please share your ideas too as I'm learning as I go! Thanks to any of you who have already helped me along the way!

Tricia

gettin' old

2008-05-28T23:14:00.010-05:00

We went to a H.S. graduation party on Sunday. But get this: for the 3 year old boy I used to nanny for. Where did time go? Why is he taller than me? A LOT taller than me. I have this problem where I think anyone younger than me should be shorter than me. This really is a strange way for me to think given the fact that I'm only 5'3" (DH insists I'm actually 5'2") and really just about everyone over the age of 12 is taller than me. *sigh*

I was a nanny for his 2 older sisters too - one now on her way to med school and the other with a budding career in the music biz. She released her first album last year and is on her way to creating a second. She's really good - great voice, meaningful lyrics, soulful - the perfect combination. Check Alison Scott out at www.alisonscott.com.

Here's Alison at I believe her CD Release Party:

Hey! The pictures feature is now working for me. Which means no more excuses to get you the start of my digital scrapping posts. I have a ton of what I think are great resources to share with you so it will be a short series of posts. But, for now, time for this old lady to get to bed.

finally! good customer service!

2008-05-28T00:23:00.006-05:00

Well, I had high hopes of publishing my first post about digital scrapping but I'm having trouble attaching my files (they keep showing up at the top of my posts). So, while I buy some time I'd like to rave about the company Summer Infant. I have their hand-held day & night color baby monitor (pictured above, since I can't get this freakin' post to put my pictures in the right spot mid-post). I just L-O-V-E this monitor. It's truly a "Top 10 Must" in my book! But more on that later.

Anyway, I had to call Summer Infant today to inquire about replacing one of our cameras. I have two video cameras (one for each child - both transmit sound/video signals to the same hand-held monitor) and the one in baby girl's room suddenly produced a large amount of static and really was no longer use-able from a sound perspective. I searched high and low for my receipt and could not find one anywhere (which is so unlike me since I still have receipts filed away from years ago!). I called Summer Infant assuming they would not be able to help me because of either the fact that I didn't have a receipt or because any warranty they might offer I had expected to be expired by now. I'm happy to report that I was proven wrong. The Customer Service Rep simply asked for an ID number on the back of the camera and confirmed it was still within warranty (FWIW they offer a year full warranty and 50% discount on a replacement product post-warranty). My information was already on file from my purchase and they are sending me a fed-ex return label. Upon receipt of my faulty camera they will send me a replacement free of charge. THANK YOU SUMMER INFANT. It's so nice to have experiences like that with no hassle.

So, back to making my Top 10... I know it sounds crazy that I consider a video camera a "Top 10 Must". I mean, do I really *need* a video camera? No. But absolutely, definitely, positively it is my fav baby gadget. I got it when my son was about 14 mo. old and I wish I had it from the beginning! It allows me to see if he's sleeping without walking in the room and inadvertently waking him! I've learned all sorts of funny things about what my little guy does once doors are closed. And best of all, now that he's in a big boy bed it allows me to see if he's getting out of bed and into mischief.

The monitor has 2 channels so I can switch back and forth between my son and daughter's room. The only problem is that you can't have the sound/video displayed from both rooms at the same time. So before I go to bed I have to choose which room I want on. Luckily the kids are right next door to each other so if I have the sound/video on from my sons room I'll still hear my daughter via my son's camera if she gets up.

This camera has night vision too, which is important because for us even nap-time is dark since we close the shades. In fact, we get little use out of the "color" feature on this monitor because 99% of the time the room is dark and the night vision is on (it turns on automatically when needed, something not every video monitor brand does). Another thing it has that not all hand-held video monitors do - rechargeable batteries. Just plug it in & charge! No AA batteries!

My only gripes about the monitor? Well, the fact that one of my cameras broke suddenly of course (which is being remedied by Summer Infant). I also wish the sound dial had numbers on it so that I could turn the dial to a specific spot each night before bed. Some complain of static but I believe that could be a problem with virtually every monitor depending on what kind of frequencies you have running in/near your home.

I want you to know the hype is not just from me; everyone I know with a video camera can't imagine life with out it. It's certainly indulgent but I justify it by knowing just how much I use it. It's probably my most used baby product.

good news, bad news

2008-05-27T00:00:00.006-05:00

Well, good news first: Those Hyland's Teething Tablets seem to work on our baby girl! Well, at least for a short period of time. She was crying this weekend, a lot. And it seemed I couldn't do anything to help her. So, I broke out the teething tablets. Within 15 seconds of giving her 2 teething tablets she was calm (recommended dosage is 2-3 tablets). It was absolutely amazing! I'd say within an hour she was fussy again but it offered a much needed break, for both of us.

So, what's the bad news? Well, it turns out the tablets are slightly controversial. The tablets contain Belladonna, which stems from a toxic plant and has several different medical uses including sedation. They also contain Coffea Cruda so of course I worried about caffeine intake. When I was exploring the tablets for my son a year ago I called Hyland's regarding my concern. The Customer Service Rep explained to me that since the tablets are made using a homeopathic process, extremely small dosages are used resulting in an effective product that is not harmful. She also went on to tell me that their product has been in use for decades with no problems. I asked her why caffeine (Coffea Cruda) would be on the ingredient list. I mean, why would you want to give a baby who can't sleep caffeine? She explained to me that often in homeopathic treatments, since the dosage is so small, you actually get the opposite effect as if the dosage were large.

Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia's definition of Homeopathy, which explains it much better than I can.

According to homeopaths, serial dilution, with shaking between each dilution, removes the toxic effects of the remedy while the qualities of the substance are retained by the diluent(water, sugar, or alcohol). The end product is often so diluted that it is indistinguishable from pure water, sugar or alcohol.

While I'm no expert on homeopathy, that explanation helped me to feel comfortable using the tablets, especially given Hyland's great track record for them. But what I didn't know before giving the tablets to our baby girl, and only learned upon preparing this post, is that there is a recent uproar on the internet related to a mother claiming belladonna poisoning from these tablets. Hyland's response can be found on their website.

Now, I'm not sure what to think. And to make matters worse, here is more bad news. That tooth that I so clearly felt the tip of on baby girl's gums the other day is now just beneath the surface again. How unfair is that? I had heard that was possible but never noticed it with our son. Poor girl. Maybe had my husband known this he would have understood why I was so incredibly upset with him after he inadvertently woke her this afternoon (it took me a long time to get her down!).

Since I posted 2 bits of bad news it's only fair to leave on a happy note: I got several digital projects done this weekend which I'll share with you soon!

Hope your Memorial Day weekend was nice. Aside from the teething we had a great weekend with lots of family time.

Tricia

baby's first tooth!

2008-05-24T23:09:00.010-05:00

We've had a rough few nights in the sleep department. I had thought it was because we were no longer swaddling our baby girl. But now I think I know the real reason: her first tooth (at 5.5 mo) is just peeking out of her gums. Poor girl is in pain!

Time to break out the anbesol tooth chart to track her teething for her baby book, which I'll probably complete in say 5 years from now (if I'm lucky). *sigh*

I'll be interested to find out if the Hyland's Teething Tablets work this time around. I've had many people recommend them to me but they never seemed to do much for my son. We just stuck to occasional Tylenol for him.

It's also time to break out those teethers again! But what about BPA in teethers?! To be honest, I haven't taken all precautions I could when it comes to the plastics concern, partly because of the conflicting information out there regarding how big of a concern this topic really is. I have not thrown out plastic kitchen items that I have not been able to determine the safety of and I am not planning to throw out all of our plastic toys. However, when it comes to things children suck on like bottles, teethers, pacifiers, sippys and dinnerware, I'm not taking any chances. For those items, I've ensured that we use only plastics having recycle codes that are considered "safe" and I try to use stainless steel sippys and water bottles, especially outside in the heat.

I threw many of our teethers away because they were not found on any of the safe teether guides that I'm aware of (see links on the left side of my blog). These lists are not necessarily all-inclusive, so it's possible some of the teethers I tossed are BPA-free; however, after a ton of use from our son (he loved 'em), they were getting old anyway. So, I bought this BPA-free teething kit from The Soft Landing:

How freakin' cute is that giraffe? Unfortunately that dang giraffe is what drives up the price on this sampler. But I'm a sucker and since I just got a job I went for it.

While I was shopping at The Soft Landing I also bought a few more Sassy teethers

and this cool Klean Kanteen tote by Built NY. I love that it can insulate not only our Klean Kanteen sippys but bottles too, and it can attach to a stroller or diaper bag!

I'll leave you with a really cool blog I found recently. It's called "Z Recommends". Here is a link to a post in which BPA information is broken down by brand.

Z Recommends: The Z Report on BPA in Children's Feeding Products, Third Edition

mama got a job!

2008-05-22T18:57:00.007-05:00

Big news: I was offered a part-time, work-from-home, contracting position today, and I accepted! I have not been actively looking for a job but my contracting company has been on the look-out for something flexible for me. I'll be working 15-25 hours a week and the great news is that for the most part I can do these hours whenever I want to, which means less time for the kids in child-care. I've been told it won't be my most challenging job but the pay is the same as my previous rate and the flexibility can't be beat. I'll be outsourced by my company to a company who is outsourcing me to another company - gotta love today's tech world.

Of course, I have some mixed emotions because it means less time with the kids. And naturally I worry about child-care. And selfishly I'm also sad to think of the fact that I may need to spend less time on my hobbies and creative outlets, though I'm hoping this blog won't suffer as I'm really having fun with it! Maybe my new crazier life will give me blog material, though I won't write about my experiences with work - I'm not that dumb.

My husband jokingly said, "Does this now mean you are going to be a part-time mom?" He's referring to the fact that I tend to take offense to the term "full-time mom". Aren't ALL moms full-time moms, even if they have a job outside the home? I don't think stay-at-home-moms mean any offense with that term. And I do feel that stay-at-home-moms deserve a loaded title equal to their efforts (is such a title possible!) because as I've said before it's a totally under-appreciated and very difficult job. But yet, somehow I can't seem to get past that term and feel that it implies working moms are "part-time moms" even if it's not the intent. I suppose my offense stems from my own insecurity.

So, let me introduce you to the new me: a full-time mom/wife/doggie mommy/daughter/sister/friend/dork and a part-time business analyst in the software industry. I start the BA job next Wednesday.

Can I sneak in a Sam-story? Tonight I caught him trying to get into my jewelry box. When I asked what he was doing he said, very reassuringly, "I'm not opening your jewelry box." Sure you're not, Sam. Later he tried again, this time behind a closed door. When I busted him again he said, "This box is just for you, mommy? I want to be you mommy." and then quickly bursted into song singing "I Wanna Be Like You" from "The Jungle Book". "ooh ooh ooh! I wanna be like you! I wanna walk like you, talk like you, tooooo!..."

He's double trouble now - both mischievous and cunning. But he sure is cute and knows how to make a sucker out of me. Just yesterday he said, "Mommy, I love you. I like your smile." Awwwwe.

time for a pat on the back

2008-05-21T23:06:00.005-05:00

Breaking news: some people are reading my blog. It turns out all whopping 41 hits on my counter are not just from my parents. Word is out that I actually helped someone with my review on baby wearing. My friend Shannon (who has a really great blog filled with wonderful tidbits of Mom info as well as fun updates on her family) recommended my blog and one of her readers bought a Moby Wrap thanks to my review. And guess what? It is working out great for her! I'm so happy! That makes consolidating my research into this blog totally worth it for me.

In other big news: Your American Idol is David Cook! GO DC! Turns out my 3 votes mattered. Yes, I voted 3 times (lowering my head in shame).

And finally I'll end this post with something I was very surprised to learn today from Parents Magazine. Did you know you can hire your own "Super Nanny"? Apparently there are certified Parent Coaches available to assist with child-behavior problems. I had no idea such certifications existed. Professions such as this really are a testament to today's parenting trends. It seems so many parents are totally overwhelmed, not just by today's busy schedules, but also by the perceived cultural expectation to parent perfectly. With so much information at our fingertips, a lot of research goes into parenting today. I'm not convinced there is a "right" way to parent as I'm a firm believer that every kid is different, requiring a specific approach. But, as obvious from this blog, I do want to do what I can to find the perfect solution for us. Oh how I hope I will never need to consult a professional like this to find the solutions we need, but it's nice to know it's an option.

The service is pricey at approximately $60-$100 for a 45 minute phone conversation.

Need to find your own parent coach? Here are some links that Parents Magazine provided:

Intentional Parenting

Destination Parenting

Pathways Parent Coach

The Parent Coach Company

Or, I'll throw in a cheaper option - ask Grandma & Grandpa what they did when you bit your friends. Or join a playgroup and talk amongst other Moms (and Dads). I've been active on an online playgroup with other Mothers that have children Sam's age. That has been invaluable for me to get parenting advice from other people going through similar things.

i heart david cook

2008-05-20T20:05:00.005-05:00

I did say that this blog would contain not just the latest research I've done on mommyhood but also my interests that help define me as a mom, right? Well, I admit it, I like American Idol. And I heart David Cook. I'm not totally blown away by his performance tonight, and I must admit David Archuleta won a few points from me for his performance, but David Cook is still my overall fav. And I will be voting. I've never voted before. Ever. So that shows you how much I want David Cook to win.

I promise I've got some posts cooking that will have some real information in the week to come. Specifically, I'm working on consolidating all the great "Digital Scrapbooking" information I've been finding. And I'm putting together a list of my 10 favorite baby gadget/product must-haves for a girlfriend of mine. So if you know of a must-have that I must include, feel free to leave me a comment!

Tricia

P.S. My friend Shannon was right; Sydney is getting used to her SleepSack that I posted about. The first night she only woke up 10 minutes earlier than normal. Though lately normal is 5am - so hopefully that's a consolation for any of you who may have been irritated that my baby slept through the night by 6 weeks. Last night, however, she woke up very early. But I have hopes my 7pm-5am sleeper will return soon. Once we cross this bridge my next task will be moving her to her own room. Yes, I admit, I still have her in our room. I think she will have a much easier time parting than I will.

the return of sleepless nights?

2008-05-18T22:08:00.008-05:00

I think I'm off to bed for a sleepless night. At five months old our baby has sadly outgrown the swaddle blanket that I believe helped her to sleep through the night beginning at such a young age (6 weeks!). It's called The Miracle Blanket and it kept Sydney snug and warm while she slept so soundly. We are big fans of swaddling around here; it helped sooth both of our children very well. I'm so thankful my friend Jessica recommended the book "The Happiest Baby on the Block" because it introduced us to some fantastic infant soothing techniques, swaddling being one of them. None of the techniques are earth-shattering. In fact, they are quite simple. But when you aren't used to being in "baby mode", and when you are sleep-deprived, it's nice to have a great source like this book to lay out soothing techniques that really work.

So, what do we do now that Sydney has outgrown swaddling? She's kicking her way out of blankets (even tight swaddles) so it's certainly no longer safe to wrap her. I remember being in this position with my son too but how can I forget what I did to get past it? I suppose I probably wasn't getting any sleep and therefore don't remember it. Anyway, tonight I have put Syd in one of those SleepSacks to at least keep her warm, but without that snug swaddle I worry she'll not sleep soundly. And anyone who knows me knows that Mama needs her sleep!

Wish me luck,

Tricia

what's in a name?

2008-05-17T00:42:00.000-05:00

What's in a name? A lot in my opinion. And I'm just not satisfied with how I have things named here. I want to settle on a name now while the reader numbers are low. Not that I'll ever get a lot of readers but one can hope, right? Anyway, I love the sound of "All Things Mom" but that blog URL is not available (even though it's not being used), nor is "All Things Mommy". So, for now the URL is "amomsresource.blogspot.com" because this blog really is about consolidating my resources. In fact, I thought about changing it to "onemomsresource.blogspot.com". But neither is really doing it for me.

So, any creative ideas out there from you few readers? I'm listening! (I hear crickets chirping as I wait.)

Have a great weekend. It's gorgeous here.

a new beginning

2008-05-16T09:29:00.000-05:00

The other day the kids and I had what seemed to be one of those "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days". After some toys thrown at windows (not by me!), hitting (again, not by me!), tantrums, pure exhaustion, and crying (yes, by me too), I was at my wits end. I really didn't know how to turn things around, until I looked outside. The sun was shining, and that very cute birdie that keeps pecking at every window in our house was back for her daily hello. I then peered across the street to find my neighbor mowing his lawn, his VERY big lawn. Then from down the street comes another neighbor on his riding mower to help. Before long another neighbor came on their tractor as well, and then yet another! There were four people mowing my neighbor's lawn on a beautiful sun-shiny day. You may wonder if my neighbor needed the help. Nope, he's perfectly healthy. The other neighbors pitched in simply to lend a hand and to enjoy the day together. And THIS is what turned my "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day" around. It was just the thing I needed to lift my spirits and remind myself that life is good. Very good.

During the next tantrum (as there will certainly be many more to come) I am going to try to remind myself that "this too shall pass". Kate, from my favorite reality show "Jon & Kate plus 8" (about their life raising a set of twins and a set of sextuplets) once said that each day is a chance for a new beginning. I'm going to take that a step further and say that each moment is a chance for a new beginning. When I feel myself or my kids getting into a funk I'm really going to try to look for simple things to lift our spirits and turn things around.

Enjoy your new beginning,

Tricia

p.s. That cute birdie I referred to is a female cardinal my son nick-named "Crash" because she's been running into our windows for weeks trying to protect her territory from her own reflection. *sigh* There's a male in the area too so she must be fighting for her man.

p.p.s. I should note that my attitude also improved thanks to a little retail therapy! My cool new diaper bag arrived (which I LOVE except I think the inside pockets could be a touch bigger & deeper to accommodate toddler diapers better). I also got a package in the mail with a generous gift for Sydney and loads of fantastic hand-me-downs from a great friend too (Thanks Jennifer!).

fingerprint art on your stainless steel appliances?

2008-05-14T16:23:00.001-05:00

In a time where many of us are looking for more natural solutions I wanted to pass along a great Mother's Day gift I got yesterday from my Mother-in-Law. Check out this Stainless Steel Cloth from Casabella! Just add a touch of water and wipe those finger prints away without using any chemicals! Super easy and effective! And it doesn't require using paper towels, which I'm guilty of using entirely too much.

I also want to quickly note that I'm in the process of redesigning the look of my blog to help define it better. Please excuse any design experiments you may encounter along the way while I finalize things.

my recent addiction: etsy.com

2008-05-13T00:14:00.003-05:00

Have you heard of etsy .com? Why it's the place to buy and sell all things home-made! It's where to shop for the person that has everything! I could get sucked into this site for hours browsing all the cool things out there. Luckily they have search tools to help you find gifts for babies, weddings, Father's Day, etc.

Check out my new diaper bag I found on etsy!! I had this custom made from The Funky Bag Lady.

I still love my Lands' End back-pack for all-day trips with the kids (though the back pack appears to be no longer available for sale???!). Anyway, I get tired of carrying around such a big bag and I wanted something that I could just throw some diapers in and a spare change of clothes for Sydney. The bag from The Funky Bag Lady seems perfect! It's a good size, has several pockets, and is darn cute! Once again etsy.com comes through for me!

Here are some other favorite things I've browsed recently:

father's day gift guide

kid's hats perfect for spring

cute bags for Mom

little girl's jewelry and tutus

little girl's bows

little girl's button hair accessories

baby blankets and burp cloths

more blankets and burp cloths

baby booties

custom cards, announcements and invitations

Don't say I didn't warn you! It's addictive! Have fun! Tricia

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T10:24:00.001-05:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

What's a blog on "all things mom" without a special shout out to all the Moms out there on Mother's Day! Anyone out there? Hellloooooooooo? Helllooooo! Well, my blog is so new I have a feeling this shout out will go mostly unheard. But I'll be sure to inform my own Mother of it. And what a special Mom she is! As a single Mom she raised me and my 2 brothers into successful and loving adults (excuse the lack of modesty here!). She somehow found a way to get us anything we could ever need and had a way of doing it without us having a clue how hard money was to come by. She was so busy with work to provide for us yet she always managed to come to every game, event, etc. that we were involved in. Basically, she was there for us - always has been, even today! THANKS MOM! I love you! WE love you!

I feel very fortunate to know many incredible Moms out there. From single Moms to stay-at-home Moms to Moms that work outside the home as assistants, corporate executives, project managers, analysts (yours truly), teachers, nurses, doctors, dance instructors, sales professionals and Airforce pilots, to name a few. It's incredible what Moms can do and I'm fortunate to be surrounded by amazing Mothers.

I didn't realize until recently how little recognition Mothers get for doing the hardest job on Earth! When I've worked outside the home I think I've thrived on the recognition I get via that job - whether it be through a coworker compliment, a nice review, or even a promotion! As I'm currently a stay at home Mom I no longer get formal reviews. It's easy to feel invisible and under-appreciated some days with spit up running down my shirt and screaming kids next to me. After-all, a child is a lifelong project - it's not like a corporate job where I can feel good about a job well done when a project is complete. So I am trying to feel good about the "baby steps" of success I have along the way as a Mom and it doesn't take long to get a sweet smile from my baby and a big hug combined with a "you so lucky!" from my 2 year old. I guess that's their way of giving me positive feedback and I relish those moments.

Thanks to my husband, this Mother's Day has been very nice and I think I got the "review" I've been looking for in the form of flowers, breakfast and a card from the kids! My own Mom was here last night and she had my son record "Happy Mother's Day" in a card, which I'll cherish forever! What a special day! I hope you enjoy your day too!

more on plastics...

2008-05-09T14:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday a friend of mine passed along a great link regarding plastics (thanks Shannon!). Check out this blog/company regarding information and products for plastic-free living:

lifewithoutplastic.com

Be sure to review their plastic-free products and their "Facts on Plastics". According to this site there are potential dangers with some plastics containing recycle code #1. This was news to me as I had only heard that to-date codes 3, 6, and 7 (some 7s) were considered potentially dangerous to one's health. I did, however, know that codes 1 and 2 are meant for single-use only. At this point I don't have any information to back up what lifewithoutplastic.com is saying regarding code #1 but you can be sure that I'll be on the look out.

Of course, there are those out there who say there are no dangers proven from plastics of any resin-type and that any chemical leaching is negligible. However, Canada is not one of them. Did you know that Canada is proposing legal action to reduce the exposure of BPA to newborns and infants? For more information check out Health Canada. GO CANADA!

I was sipping coffee with friends the other day and glanced down to see that my Starbucks disposable lid was a #6. Aaaahhh! Hot coffee + potentially hazardous material when heated = not a good combination. I called Starbucks and as I expected they assured me that all of their products are safe and comply with government (US) standards. They also assured me that should any information come out showing otherwise they would act accordingly and quickly. While I agree they comply with government standards (after-all we have no laws banning Starbucks, and other food/beverage companies, from using these plastics), that doesn't mean I'm in favor of the current standards. I told the customer service rep that those lids are #6, which represents polystyrene plastics. According to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, the following risks could exist with these plastics.

Styrene can leach from polystyrene plastic.

Styrene is toxic to the brain and nervous system,

among workers with longer-term exposures but also

has been found to adversely affect red blood cells, liver, kid-

neys and stomach in animal studies. Aside from exposure

from food containers, children can be exposed to styrene

from secondhand cigarette smoke, off-gassing of building

materials, auto exhaust fumes and drinking water.

The Starbucks Customer Service Representative told me that the recycle code represented the fact that the product was recyclable, not what the product was made of. I disagree with her on that. From what I've read the code is meant to designate the type of plastic, which in turn allows recycling facilities to determine whether or not it's recyclable (not all recycling facilities recycle every code). Therefore, the code does represent the type of plastic and it does not automatically mean that it's recyclable. Refer to the American Chemistry Council for further information.

And speaking of the American Chemistry Council, they say that Health Canada's assessment of BPA actually supports it's safety. Click here for further details. The discrepancy of information out there is enough to make your head spin, right? I'm fully aware that studies showing risks so far have either been on animals or on humans with long-term and/or significant exposure. So I do recognize that it's possible that the leaching of BPA and other substances is "safe" in small doses. But again, at this point I feel more comfortable erring on the side of caution, especially since we don't necessarily know the long-term affects to small amounts of exposure or the long-term affects to exposure on young children.

So, back to my Starbucks cup, I'm going to make a point to remember my own portable mug next time I go to Starbucks or Caribou Coffee (my other favorite coffee spot) - better for me and the environment. Until now I never really gave it much thought that the two platforms may actually be one. But to me it makes complete sense that something that has a hard time breaking down in the environment probably isn't well tolerated by our bodies either.

One more thing before I go for the day: did you know there is a site specifically for BPA? Of course it's a "pro-BPA" site so take the source into consideration. Here you go: Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group

Until next time, Tricia

baby wearing

2008-05-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

I had a great day yesterday. One of those days where I feel like I just might be ok at this Mom thing. Everything seemed to fall in line today. I got a lot done and yet the kids and I had a ton of fun along the way. I've also rediscovered my hotsling, which brings me to the point of this blog entry - BABY WEARING.

When Sydney was born it was clear that she LOVES to be held. Samuel was much more independent, even from the beginning, so this was new to me. It seems 90% of the time when she's crying she just wants a little attention by being held and talked to. She's a people-person, what can I say! My husband says I used to complain that Samuel wasn't a cuddler and now I got my cuddler! Anyway, after Syd's birth I had to find a way to hold her often yet keep up with my busy 2 year old! And that is how I discovered the world of baby wearing!

Here is a link for pediatrician Dr. Sears' take on baby wearing to help explain the concept.

So, how to wear the baby you ask? Check out the following for information on baby wearing and determining what sling/wrap is best for you: thebabywearer.com

As for me, I have not found a one-size fits-all answer to this. I can only tell you what has worked best for ME personally, which I've outlined below.

1. The Moby wrap!

Oh boy how I love my Moby! It's basically about 5 yards of stretchy fabric that you wrap around yourself and allows you to hold the baby in several different ways. As the baby grows you can change the hold position to best fit that age.

I found this sling is especially helpful for when baby is brand new. It's really the only sling Syd liked at that stage and it allowed me to nurse her in the wrap very easily. I was at a gym once with a friend and all of our kids. I mentioned to her, as I was chasing my 2 year old, that I was nursing Sydney and she could NOT believe it. The sling not only served to hold Syd and keep her happy - but nurse her discreetly as well (thanks also to the help of my FAVORITE nursing tops by BOOB brand - no lie on the brand name)!

What I also love about the Moby is it is definitely the easiest on my back of any of the 4 slings I've tried.

My mother-in-law made me a hand-made Moby out of fleece that I used in the winter time. It was such a perfect way to get Sydney and Samuel outside more easily in our sub-freezing temps! I'd put Syd in the wrap and then put my husband's coat over us! That way I didn't have to bundle her up in outdoor winter wear and she still stayed very warm. I had a whole assembly-line-style process for how to get the 2 young kids outdoors. It was a necessity for my 2 year old - there will never be a winter to slow this kid down! Here are some pics of my outdoor winter baby wearing get up.

Step 1: get baby in sling/wrap. Ensure you are wearing an easily accessible nursing shirt and bra for feedings if necessary. My favorite is by Boob (which is what I'm wearing in this picture) because it doesn't require you to lift the entire shirt up in order to nurse & it's a flattering shirt.

Step 2: Put a big coat over you and the baby and viola you look pregnant again! I used my husband's coat.

Here Syd is all snug as a bug inside the Moby inside my jacket. Don't worry, she got plenty of fresh air through the top of my jacket and she absolutely LOVED it in there. She has taken countless naps in the Moby.

The downside to the Moby - well, some say it's complicated but I don't find that. Don't let the look or directions intimidate you! True, it took a few tries to figure out how to wrap that sucker around me but it actually is a very simple concept once I got a couple practice rounds in. The Moby wrap comes with great instructions, which they also have available on their website. The Moby plays on a method of baby wearing used successfully all over the world. The downside in my opinion to the Moby is that it's slightly bulky as it's about 5 yards of fabric. When I want to travel with it, it takes up a good chunk of my diaper bag - yet still entirely portable. The Moby can also can take a bit longer to put on than some of the other slings.

2. The BABY BJORN!

The BABY BJORN is fantastic for when I'm doing really active things. I take a music class with Samuel that requires a lot of dancing and in that class I feel most comfortable using the BJORN. I've worn the Moby in that class before but seem to always have to readjust her a bit after all that dancing but the BABY BJORN requires no readjusting - it's always at a fixed position (though you can change the settings relatively easily for a different user) with no slack in the material. What I also love about this sling is that my husband feels the most comfortable wearing this one (it's more guy-friendly. lol.) and I'm all for anything that helps him help me! :) This carrier is probably a great option for hot summer days too since it doesn't involve the baby being wrapped up blanket-style.

So what is the downside to the BABY BJORN? Well, unlike other slings and wraps there really is only 2 ways to hold the baby - facing in or facing out. Therefore, I didn't like it as much for brand brand new babies. I really prefer to hold newer babies in the cradle position as it seems the most comfortable and they sleep so much at that age. The only other drawback: although I got the active carrier, for some reason the Baby Bjorn still puts a lot of stress on my shoulders. This carrier is also one of the more pricey ones.

3. The hotsling!

I wasn't sold on this sling at first - other than how darn CUTE they are! I just felt like Sydney was too confined in there. I know babies like to be snug but her head seemed really cramped and she wasn't very happy. I wondered if I was wearing it wrong but I have heard the same response from many other moms. Fast forward to Sydney's 4th month... I got tired of putting that Moby wrap in my diaper bag because it took up so much room so I broke out the hotsling and guess what: SUCCESS! Now that Sydney's head can be positioned on the outside of the sling both she and I like it! I still find the Moby or Baby Bjorn more comfortable but this sling is great in the fact that it travels easier & it's faster to put on.

The downside to the hotsling? Not all Moms find it comfortable for her and/or baby - but that is maybe true for any sling. This sling requires a sized fit as well. I'm not sure the size I bought was quite right after Syd was born but now that I've lost all the baby weight and Syd can sit in it with her head out of the sling, it seems perfect. Like the BJORN, this sling can be on the more expensive side, though some of their fabrics are more affordable than others.

4. The ring sling

I tried one and did not at all like it. It just didn't seem to fit my short 5'3" body at all. I don't really even think it would be fair for me to comment on this one because I was never sure if I was doing it right and I'm not certain of the name of the brand I tried.

That summarizes my adventure in finding the perfect sling! In the end I have enjoyed having 3 slings as I love them each for different reasons. If I had to recommend just one sling it would be the Moby wrap due to the fact that it's affordable and offers the most long term flexibility in baby wearing since there are so many ways it allows you to hold the baby.

The working Mom v. the Stay at Home Mom

2008-05-05T20:54:00.001-05:00

I was listening to a local afternoon talk show the other day. The hosts asked that working mothers and stay at home mothers call in with any opinions on the working v. staying home debate. This upset me because it seems Moms are hard on each other enough as it is. Everyone has an opinion on raising another person's child yet every child and every family is so different. I wish us Moms could be more supportive of one another and respect another Mom's decision even if it's different than her own in the working v. staying at home debate. At any rate, I was pleasantly surprised that the calls into the show were pretty tame so maybe there are a lot more women out there who feel like me than I had thought.

Speaking of working, after a 5 mo (so far) maternity leave with my 2nd child I've been contemplating entering the workforce again part time. I was approached about a job opportunity that seemed almost too good to be true (close to home, great schedule, good pay, perfect nanny to watch the kids, etc.). Apparently it was too good to be true because it sadly never transpired. Although I've LOVED staying home with my 2 kids, I have to admit the thought of returning to work energized me. But I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason so perhaps staying home is the best decision for us right now or perhaps an even better job is on the horizon.

My new goal is to find ways to feel energized that help me both do better at my job (being a Mom) and feel better about myself, which is why I'm hoping to get more serious about this blog. I spend so much time researching kid-related stuff I might as well document along the way. It will keep the OCD side of me happy anyway. I've also decided to get back into my hand-made and digital projects (making invitations, announcements, etc.). Maybe I can even earn a touch of spending money while I wait for that perfect job and meanwhile I'll work to enjoy every minute I have with my kids as I know I'm fortunate.

I feel like I'm making good steps toward my new goal. Case in point this post and I made myself a new digital signature as well (see below).

Tricia

The dreaded plastics

2008-04-10T22:10:00.000-05:00

Well, it's safe to say I'm overwhelmed. It feels that even the simplest decisions like what sippy cup to buy could affect our children's long-term health and well-being. That's a scary thought. I'm adamant about taking action on any information I know to-date; however, I can't help but sometimes feel like throwing in the towel because of the information I'm sure I do not yet know. In the end, I'm not yet ready to give up and this is the primary reason for the creation of my blog. It serves as a place to organize all of the great resources out there available to me.

One big health hot topic today is in regard to plastics and whether or not they contain BPA, phthalates, and/or PCV - all of which have been deemed "bad", especially when heated as some plastics will then breakdown and release the toxin(s). Click here for a recent story on this by MSNBC.

This is obviously a huge concern for parents because plastics are in things like baby bottles, pacifiers, teething rings, formula, and toys - in short, things that have direct contact with our children. SO, how do we know what plastics are "ok" (at least by today's standards) and what plastics are not? Here is an excellent resource to help:

Smart Plastics Guide from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy

There is conflicting information out there of course and it's enough to make my head spin. For instance, although we've heard a #7 recycling code is "bad", apparently that's not totally true. Check this blog out at The Soft Landing for further details. The fact that no explicit rules exist is enough to make my head spin.

Like many in tune with this issue I will likely error on the side of caution and stick to using glass or plastics with recycling codes 4, 5, 1 or 2. But I'm not sure what to do with those items that have no recycling codes other than toss or call the manufacturer.

Below are other resources I've either found or have been referred to me that help make sense of it all and assist with your shopping for new products as well.

Who in the heck do I think I am anyway?

2008-04-10T21:12:00.000-05:00

What on Earth does a simple Mom like me know that should warrant itself bloggable? (Is that a word?) Well, I'm not an expert in much of anything, I'll never claim to be. What I am is a woman, a wife, and a sometimes-working-mother who happens to spend a lot of free time researching "all things Mom". Whether that be the latest in baby gadgets, hot topics like children's vaccinations, current health information, cooking, or hobbies, I realized a blog just might be the best place to document my findings. Really, this blog is for me. My own little spot for documentation history. A Virgo's dream come true. But the more the merrier; I'd be thrilled if someone else were able to benefit from my little addiction to "all things Mom".

Let me introduce you to what makes me a Mom: My husband of 5 years Tad and I have a son named Samuel who is almost 2 1/2 years old and a daughter named Sydney who is 4 months. They are obviously the light of our lives. Samuel has a big personality. A very active little guy who's a lot of fun with a big imagination. He keeps us laughing regularly. Sydney is a flirt and her day is made when you smile back at her. Not many complaints these days from her camp and she seems to be enjoying life so far.

While my kids are my world, to me "all things Mom" encompasses more than kids. It means not only what makes me a Mom (my kids) but what makes me the best Mom I can be (my health, my interests and hobbies, my spirituality, my relationships....etc.). Everything that makes me, me, affects who I am as a Mom. So, while you'll find obvious topics here that may interest other Moms, you may also find topics here that interest me as a person, not just me as a Mom.

Should anyone stumble upon this little blog please feel free to comment and I most definitely welcome comments regarding corrections or updates to any information I may be documenting! I'd like my research to be current if at all possible.

Thanks for your interest. Tricia