Prenatal Education Stories

It’s the collision of two unlikely impulses: the cheapskate meets the big spender in an unlikely alliance as the dollars left in our flex spending Account need to be drained before the year is out! No a lot more generics for us.

Oh crap. Let’s get shopping. It’s use it or lose it time.

You see, we planned to have a baby this year so we set aside a little extra. and if #2 had cost what #1 cost us, we wouldn’t have any left in the pot at all. but we were lucky and managed to switch to a better insurance plan, so now we have two weeks to spend about $300+.

There’s a whole lotta baby-having, fertility, infertility stuff that’s covered but we’re all set in that area. There’s not enough time to start and then earnestly stop smoking.

First on our shopping spree was Target. I went with both kids (now 31 months and 9 months old) and wheeled through only two aisles loading up on pain relief, eye lubrication, and cough suppressants for young and old. I gotten a helpful dandy fancy ear thermometer and got out of there for nearly $150. We had to make an extra stop at the returns counter (with the toddler screaming because he couldn’t use the credit scores card machine) because it turns out that Airborne is not a health expense.

It’s such a funny feeling to leave Target and feel like “I didn’t spend enough today — we need to get more!”

I called my dentist and got in for a Wednesday cleaning. but with no co-pay, I have clean teeth and less than two weeks to get something health-related.

Alec also had a dental exam and he has one cavity. Yay!?

Now I better go buy just the ideal amount of contact lenses and hope I don’t go over.

—-UPDATE—-
drugstore.com has a special FSA section of the store where it is possible and easy to spend the exact amount you want. Yeehaw! Butt paste for everyone!

funny story: The phone rang today during one of Holden’s crying fits. Alec looked at the caller id and it was mystery area code 113 (does that even exist in the US?!). We both thought the same thing instantly: telemarketers! So, he picked up the phone and directed Holden’s wailing into the unsuspecting caller’s ear. Ha ha.

The joke was on us because it was my pal Rachel, now 30 weeks pregnant, calling from the UK. Oops. Sorry, you don’t have kids (yet), so we need to keep the illusion going that its all cuddling and serene moments doing wooden puzzles on the floor before the child is old enough for Scrabble and cards.

So, I got to thinking that a fun photo task for her (and any parent-to-be or new parent) is to pick a room or nook in your house and photograph it over time will it or won’t it devolve into a den of plastic baby crap? only time will tell.

My house last month with two babies and two babes and a lot of crap.

How a home stager redid the same room to clear evidence of kids

So when Alexander was very first born, we had this.

Aw, soft focus pictures of our young boys together kissing as well as cuddling, Oliver our firstborn as well as heir looking lovingly at his younger brother, our darling infant Alexander. Bless.

Fast ahead a year. Oliver realises his sibling is sticking around for a lot more than just the picture opp (and he’s loud, positive as well as wants to play with his toys). like forevs. The adoration is still there, sure it is. however from Alexander to his older brother. A spends his days gazing at huge Bro brimming with love as well as admiration.

When Oliver play-sleeps he bounds over as well as lays his head on him, stroking his back, urging him to wake up as well as play. until he gets walloped over the head that is. then my mainly mild mannered smiley infant kid cries as well as cries making for tears before bedtime… as well as lunchtime as well as pretty much all of the time when Oliver is around.

Master Oliver is absolutely wearing out the naughty step… as well as my patience at the moment.

I get it, he’s fed up of this cute little dude with the angelic face as well as best curls, stealing his thunder as well as previous ‘divide as well as rule’ status pre baby.

So we now have pictures like this.

Oliver is a caring little boy, he just doesn’t want to share our attentions as well as affections after being King for 2 as well as a half years before he arrived. in some cases is of program kind to him as well as they play happily together, one game is where Oliver crawls chasing after Alexander before tickling him as well as they all autumn about laughing.  I just wish it was a lot more often. I just wish I didn’t feel like I was pulling my hair out some days. I’ve got great hair guys, please don’t destroy it.

…And my previously talkative infant (around 8 words as well as counting at 11 months) has now resorted to calling everybody as well as whatever “Mama” as well as he’s not the only one regressing. My mature little 3 as well as a half year old Oliver who is bright as button, might write his name from 2 1/2, creates songs that would make a tiger mum enlist him for Britain’s got talent (do you take toddlers Mr Cowell?) is now demanding milk from a infant bottle when his sibling does, wails in synchronicity with his sibling (and the cat)-I understand I really requirement to get them on Britain’s got Talent…and he even wants to play with his brother’s toys, hides his clothes as well as generally would like us to put him up for adoption.

I understand this is all typical older sibling behaviour (it is right?) that will no question pass however precisely exactly how long does it take? I’ve now flipping well regressing myself. You’ll discover me tantrumming as well as wailing on the living room floor reaching for red wine (see above) by lunchtime.

And I’m tired, so tired… can I have my hot milk now?

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Laugh if you must, but seeing baby Ivy (daughter of the Langs) chilling in her denim diapers, I started to think “hey, these are seriously cute.”

Ivy has the blues

I just learned from Huggies that there are three new ways to help families struggling to provide diapers:

Buy a package of specially marked denim diapers, Huggies will donate a diaper to the Every little bottom program to help a family in need. A great choice if your babe is still wearing diapers.

Share a picture of your own baby in denim diapers on Huggies virtual Runway, Huggies will also donate a diaper to a family in need.

LIKE this photo of Ivy in her jeans dipes, a diaper will also be donated. C’mon now, that one’s super easy!

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Disclosure: We have partnered the Huggies® Every little bottom program and are compensated for our time. Our kids have not worn the denim diapers because they wear undies now, but I suspect my new little one will join the ranks of those who “poo in blue.” As always, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

This weekend I’m putting on my travel writer hat as well as heading to L.A. for a jam-packed tour of different Disney-related things.

While I don’t feel poor about seeing the movie take on without my kids (I’ll be going to a screening of it), I do feel poor about taking a tour of the new cars and trucks Land function at Disney California experience Park.

Stay tuned… when I return, I will share Disney tips for people with infants as well as opine on whether or not take on is a great in shape for bit ones or should be saved for the grade institution years.

In situation you’re wondering, although Heather as well as I do both online just a few miles from Pixar, the take on characters Merida as well as Elinor (below) were not based on us, in spite of a strong resemblance.

just so you know, it is not my fault that these difficulties are being provided to you all out-of-order. Please blame Heather.

One of the pitfalls of being a working mom is missing out on all of those morning “mommy as well as me” classes. However, being a teacher, I do get summers off to delight in a few weeks of a class with my boy. This is why I was so grateful that Not just Art, provided a “drop-in” week during my spring break as well as we might total Rookie Mom’s difficulty #41: to go to a totally free music class. My hubby is a musician, as well as we’ve been handing Weston mini-instruments because day one, which is why I was beyond thrilled to be taking him to a music class where we might sing, dance, as well as satisfy people. For me, the enjoyment wasn’t as much about the class, as it was about viewing my child respond to as well as interact with both the music, as well as kids his own age.

We went to a morning class with my buddy as well as daughter; the class was mainly girls, one of which toddled as much as Weston, as well as in true young boy style, Weston completely ignored her. The bit woman got fed up, said, “ugh!” to him as well as walked away. Her nanny was horrified, I believed it was hysterical. Nevertheless, he did like standing up as well as viewing all of the other children; his eyes got broad as each new trainee came into the room. miss Kristen was our teacher, as well as she was wonderful. The class began with a rousing rendition of “The hi Song,” which Weston absolutely adored. ever because then, we’ve been practicing daily as well as he truly does keep in mind it!

Baby, You have Ears, Too!

Miss Kristen took the music extremely seriously, which I appreciated. even though they are babies, they still have ears! The volume of the music was appropriate, as well as she wouldn’t begin singing up until she understood she was in the best key. I liked that she had “adult sized” instruments out as well as let the youngsters play with them. The environment was so friendly as well as welcoming. After singing for some time, she disposed a ton of instruments the ground for the youngsters to play with. Weston went wild as well as chewed on a great number of tambourines as well as maracas. We likewise played freeze dance, as well as I was floored when my child really “froze” when the music stopped!

It Isn’t about the music At All:
What I liked much more than anything about the class was it’s philosophy: that the class is just a time to link with your child. They made it remove that phones were to be put away, as well as even taking pictures was discouraged (I was the only one taking photos!). In this hectic world, we frequently are holding both the infant as well as our iPhone; we tell the infant to “wait one second, I have to inspect my email,” or even hand the infant our phone as a toy. as well as then, to assuage our guilt, we spend much more time taking pictures of our child, lest we fail to remember the moment. But, I delighted in the strict guidelines to put whatever else on hold as well as just connect.; miss Kristen made it remove from the begin that no matter what occurred in the class, it was about our personal connection as well as time with our child. Weston as well as I had a blast as well as I am counting down the seconds up until we get to sing hi to everybody this summer.

[Photo Credit: Olivia Howell, all rights reserved]

Find much more infant activities with the 52 regular rookie mother challenges.

If you’re already participating, utilize hashtag #rookiemoms on instagram or twitter so we can applaud each other on.

Did you understand that Hypnobirthing as well as Hypnobabies are two different things? Uhh, we didn’t. A rookie-mom-to-be just recently asked us by means of twitter about a cheat sheet for different kid birth methods. When I answered that it sounded like a great assignment, she took it as well as ran with it (don’t tell her, however I indicated task for us to do). thanks so much Bri for demystifying these techniques as well as terms.

With my very first infant on the method I feel like I’ve been cramming for the greatest test I will ever take. between getting the scoop on consumer reports stroller ratings, navigating California pregnancy leave laws, as well as catching up the current research study on kid development– the concept of choosing a birth technique class is overwhelming. I was not able to discover a quick as well as simple cheat sheet on my choices so I jumped at the chance to put one together for Rookie Moms.

Child Birth choices Cheat Sheet
The crucial thing seems to be discovering the class that fits you. Whether this is your very first pregnancy or ninth each mom as well as pregnancy is different.

Birthing From Within: A holistic technique to kid birth with a focus on physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual as well as social preparation. expecting parents discover pain coping methods as well as physiology in addition to take part in introspective activities like journaling as well as art projects.

Bradley Method: when called “Husband-Coached Childbirth”, the Bradley technique is established on the principle that with the appropriate education as well as preparation lots of women neither requirement nor want medical interference while providing birth. Bradley classes have a big focus on prenatal nutrition as well as exercise to prepare for kid birth. Additionally, a considerable amount of class time is spent training the partner exactly how to be a labor coach.

Hypnobirthing: According to Hypnobirthers, society has made women unnecessarily fearful as well as apprehensive of childbirth. concern produces tension as well as creates adrenaline which boosts pain which boosts concern as well as tension which boosts pain; not a great cycle to get into while in labor. Hypnobirth classes show trainees relaxation as well as self-hypnosis methods including utilizing relaxation music, integrating visualizations, as well as light touch massage.

Hypnobabies: This is an independent, at-home class choice for expectant parents. The program is similar to the Hypnobirthing in that you discover relaxation as well as self-hypnosis techniques. Where in Hypnobirthing the suitable specify is non-moving as well as quiet, a Hypnobabies program will show mom’s exactly how to hypnotize themselves anywhere (even while peeing). The Hypnobabies class likewise show mom’s hypnotic anesthesia techniques.

International childbirth education association (ICEA): As a training program for kid birth educators ICEA does not advocate a specific philosophy. Each trainer will have their own approach within the framework of advocating for natural kid birth as well as parents having the capability to make informed decisions based on understanding of alternatives.

LaMaze: LaMaze may be one of the most recognizable names in birth class options. (The one with all the breathing, right?) While controlled breathing is still one tool taught. LaMaze birth classes have expanded to show lots of relaxation techniques. The goal of LaMaze is for women to boost their confidence in their capability to provide birth.

[Editor’s note: She didn’t include my preferred technique of “whatever occurs happens” with a side of heavy epidural.]

Bri writes Habbala, for Stratejoy, as well as is expecting her very first infant (a boy!) in November. If she ran into you on the street, she would firmly insist on getting you a cup of coffee to ensure that the two of you might laugh, tell stories, as well as ended up being excellent friends.

A peek at the new paint job in Scarlett’s bedroom.

My daughter’s bedroom was last painted 11 years ago when I was expecting her older brother, my first baby. I didn’t know what gender he would be, so I painted the room a light green, with a distinct accent wall featuring thick circus stripes behind the crib.

This look (more pics) was versatile enough to grow with my kids, becoming a girl’s nursery after being a boy’s, and the room eventually lost the crib, gained toddler beds, and over the years, bunk beds. My beloved stripe wall became the background for a play kitchen, and it still worked.

But for Christmas we gifted our children the freedom to have their own rooms, and because Scarlett was staying put in the room she and Julian had been sharing for the past six years, I thought it was due a makeover.

I’ll show much more of the room in another post, but I wanted to show off her gold polka dot wall today.

I had the room painted white with a coral ceiling.

I purchased a set of 48 Lottie Dots Polka dot wall decals in gold
from: The Land of Nod.

Here’s their styling of the dots.

They come in white, black, aqua, pink and multicolored, as well as star-shaped and bricks-shaped for your LEGO fans. See them all >

I was so thrilled about these gold dots, I obsessed about the paint color for days. I was leaning toward navy blue as the background for the dots, like I saw in this image on Land of Nod, but ultimately chose that if I was only going to paint the room every 11 years, white was much more versatile, plus simpler to paint over.

Once the wall was painted, I got out my stool, ruler, and pencil and started planning out how apply them. I have this useful ruler with a built-in level, so it was pretty easy to measure out my grid. I penciled a dot every 16 inches in both directions until I had a wall of evenly distributed pencil dots. then I applied the decals, lining up each dot’s left edge with the pencil mark.

When my spouse concerned check on my progress, he sort of questioned how far apart I was putting the dots, but I had a vision, and it came out exactly as I hoped.

Materials used (with affiliate links):

Ruler with built-in bi-directional level

Polka dot decals from Land of Nod (Gold)

Pencil!

Arctic White wall paint from home Depot

Powdered petals ceiling paint (Behr) from home Depot

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Some people are fortunate enough to have a partner who is their soul mate, their very best friend. but for numerous people it can be important to have several essential relationships in their lives that give support, balance, advice. We typically find that different people offer support in different ways and in different areas of our lives. It is essential to take the time to nurture and encourage those friendships.

Committed pals are an essential part of our life support package. Some may have been with us all our lives. Some people call everyone they meet a friend, but numerous people will say that they have possibly a handful of people who they regard as the real deal, the pals who are there in good and in bad times.

A true pal will tell us when we are wrong as well as when we are right. They care enough about us to set us straight. They know that we will take their opinions and comments in the way that they are intended, with honesty and with our interests at heart. but even a good pal may have a hidden agenda of their own at times. They may not want us to do something that will take us away from them, either emotionally or physically, they may feel jealous if a new relationship appears to be becoming important.

So, to keep a friendship true and truthful let us look at some of the essential elements that can help to maintain that relationship.– keep communications open and genuine. If you feel that there is an under current then value the relationship enough to talk about it. avoid accusations but keep the discussion clear and relevant to what is going on and address what needs to be said.

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– have fun together. Not everything has to be serious, so make sure that you share good times with your friends, not just your relationship problems or stresses at work. It needs to be enjoyable for you all.

– suggest activities that everyone will enjoy. Take the initiative rather than waiting for things to be organized and then joining in. maybe even look to stretch yourselves a little by taking up an interest, like learning to dance or taking part in a charity race. This results in things happening and gives a little structure to the time you spend together.

– Be inclusive. Some people compartmentalise their pals and their lives. in some cases it is good to mix the different people and interests in our lives. It can be time consuming and stressful to keep everything separate. and a new person can bring a new dimension to our close circle of pals or family, maybe bring in interests or reveal a side to someone in the group that we did not know about. They will have different conversations and ask different questions.

– Be generous with your time. If your pal has problems or concerns, follow up afterwards and be supportive. remember what they have said and refer back to it. treat their issues with importance.

– Be prepared to have a go at new things that are suggested. You never know where it may lead. typically we share similar interests with our friends, but sharing the confidence to try a new activity or take on a new goal can add real energy and a new lease of life to our social scene.

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Susan Leigh, Counsellor and Hypnotherapist

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Annie’s Homegrown (the people who bring you bunny crackers and mac and cheese) is a local-to-us company, based in Berkeley, CA. For the launch of their organic Rising Crust Pizza, now found in the frozen aisle of whole Foods, they’ve hired me and Heather to help out with marketing.

The Annie’s truck is traveling around the country — currently making it’s West coast run — and stopping to give pizza samples along the way. It looks like this:

With the help of some bloggers there, we mobilized a gang of mommies to mob the truck in Austin, Texas. next week, we’ll be meeting up with this pizza-party-on-wheels at a whole Foods in Los Altos, CA. (You are welcome to join us there, if you’re in the South Bay!)

What to expect:

A pick up truck with a live garden growing in the bed which kids are welcome to climb up and check out

Free pizza tasting

Games for kids

Opportunity to pose with the Annie’s mascot, Bernie the bunny (his rear end at least)

If you and your pals would like to chase down the Annie’s truck, check their web site to see when it’s headed your way. The dates we currently know are:

5/14 – Redwood City, CA
5/15 – Los Altos, CA
5/16 – San Mateo, CA
5/17 – San Francisco, CA
5/20 – Novato, CA
5/23 – Sonoma, CA
5/24 – Napa, CA
5/26 – Berkeley, CA
5/27 – Oakland, CA
5/29 – San Ramon, CA
5/30 – Walnut Creek, CA

The trucks will be in place from 12 – 6 in a lot of cases, so it’s a best destination to meet pals and supplement your lunch or dinner grocery run.