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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Sweet Aprons! (not your Grandma's either) :)

Hey sometimes we get tired of the kitchen right? It seems all we do is make meals, feed kids, and clean up after....well, add some fun spice to the kitchen! You might find you LOVE being in the kitchen, simply because you get to wear an adorable apron. And what a fantastic gift idea!


think fast designs



Modern Linen Teapot Apron




Adorable Ruffle Yellow Apron




Modern Linen Apron

Monday, March 28, 2011

Homemade Easter Eggs

Easter is coming up and as a child I used to make Easter Eggs at home. I always loved it and looked forward to it! We would take the eggs after they were done and hang them on an "Easter Egg Tree" of sorts. Here is what we did:




How to:

egg and needleThe most important step in cleanly blowing out eggs is to make sure the eggs are at room temperature. Eggs taken directly from a refrigerator or cooler will be very hard to blow out.

Start by poking a hole in each end of the egg with your needle. Be sure to puncture the egg yolk with your needle. Enlarge the hole at one end with a small sharp object. The pin size hole at the other end will be large enough.

Blow gently through the small hole with the large hole facing down into a large mixing bowl. If you have never blown eggs before, be prepared for the egg to break (just in case) into the bowl and not all over you or your work area. This can and probably will happen if you are blowing several eggs.

Once you have blown the eggs clean, place them in a bowl of water to rinse them and then return them to the egg carton with the largest hole placed at the bottom. This will allow any left overs to run into the carton.

If you like, you can wash your eggs in a half water, half white vinegar solution, but be careful with brown eggs. If brown eggs are left in this solution, the colour will fade very quickly. So, if you want to lighten your eggs a little, let them sit in the solution of vinegar and water for a few minutes. There is a catch though. - you must hold the eggs so that they are completely immersed in the solution, or you will end up with rings forming, where the air and the mixture meet.



You can decorate however your imagination directs you! (we always painted them) Have fun!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

A Day at the Park

Reagan loves being outside!

Keeping an eye on things 

Watching other kids

Hi Mom! What are you doing?

Blues skies

It's getting dark but he doesn't stop

Reagan wondering what Dad is reading

We love this park

Had to bribe him away from the park with the rest of the soda :)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Do you have a 3T girl?











Brands from Hanna Andersson and Ralph Lauren to Baby Gap and Children's Place! All size 3T

Thursday, March 17, 2011

My boys

Love them

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

More Swimsuits!






Summer is coming! Get your child a swimsuit while they last (for a very inexpensive price!)

Friday, March 11, 2011

Is your baby fussy while nursing?

Some babies will fuss, cry or pull off the breast during nursing. There are a number of reasons why this might be happening. It's pretty common to see this type of behavior at around 6-8 weeks, though it can occur at any time. If your baby is generally fussy: 
Determining the problem
Here are some of the problem-solving steps I go through when my baby is fussy at the breast or a mother asks me why her baby is fussing during nursing:
How old is baby? Most babies go through growth spurts during the first few days at home and around 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, etc. Many babies are fussy during growth spurts.
Is baby working on anything new developmentally? Babies who are starting to notice the world around them can be notoriously distractible. Any kind of new developmental step that baby is working on can affect nursing temporarily, whether it be fussy nursing behavior or simply more frequent nursing.
When is baby fussing? To figure out the cause it's helpful to pay attention to when the fussy behavior happens, both during the nursing session and during the day.
If baby is fussy right when your milk is letting down (or immediately after), there's a good chance that the fussy nursing is related to a fast let-down. If baby is fussy before let-down, or a few minutes into nursing (and a while after let-down), then baby may be impatient for the fast flow of milk that comes with let-down. Fussing at the end of a nursing session (or what seems to be the end) may mean that baby needs to burp, or is ready to finish nursing, or just wants to suck (and doesn't want to deal with a new let-down at this point), or wants to continue nursing on the other side or with a faster flow of milk.
If the fussy behavior is mainly in the mornings, it might be due to a faster than usual let-down if baby has just had a longer sleep period and mom's breasts are fuller than usual. If baby is fussier during evening nursings, it may be due to the normal fussy time that most babies have during the evening. Although most babies don't react to foods that mom eats, some do. If you eat a particular food at about the same time each day (or most days) and baby has a regular time where she fusses during nursing, try not eating that food for a week or two to see if things improve.
Does fussing occur on both sides equally or only on one side? Most moms have a faster let-down and/or a more abundant milk supply on one side than the other, so if your baby fusses more on one side, it may be due to these differences. 
What else is going on with baby? Is she sick or teething? Is something new or different going on in her environment? Has she started solids or is she trying a new food? Is she exhibiting other symptoms besides the fussy nursing?
Below are discussions of some of the different things that can lead to fussy nursing behavior. Keep in mind that the problem may also be a combination of several things.
Does baby need to burp?
Many babies will cry, fuss, pull off the breast, etc. if they need to burp. Try to burp between breasts and after a feeding, but don't worry if baby does not burp and is content. Breastfed babies overall don't take in as much air during a feeding as bottle-fed babies do, so usually don't need to burp as often. If baby has been crying before she nurses, or is so hungry that she nurses "frantically" or if mom has a fast let-down, baby could be taking in more air and may need to be burped more often.
Burping is usually only necessary during the first few months, though it may extend longer. Once your baby is moving more freely, she will be able to relieve the gastric gas herself. This usually will occur between the 4th and 6th month, but may be shorter in some children and longer in others.
If baby has a hard time burping, try burping more often during a feeding. The best burping position is one that applies firm pressure to the baby's tummy. Placing baby over the shoulderway up so that there is pressure on baby's abdomen often works well. Walking around while doing this might distract her long enough to get a good burp. You may even want to lie baby down on her stomach and burp her that way. 
Growth spurt
Babies often pull off and fuss during growth spurts. Most babies go through growth spurts, sometimes called frequency days, during the first few days at home and around 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months and 9 months (more or less). More growth spurt information in this link.
Forceful let-down
Some babies will pull off the breast soon after let-down if mom has a forceful let-down. Baby may be frustrated by the too-fast flow of milk with let-down. A too-forceful let-down can also cause excessive gas or spitting up/vomiting. 
Slow let-down
Some babies get very impatient if mom has a slow let-down.
Baby wants a faster milk flow
Even very young babies can be quick to notice that pulling off, kneading the breast, etc. can cause an additional let-down, and can facilitate a faster, easier milk flow. Some babies become impatient with the slower milk flow following the initial fast flow at let-down. This may or may not be related to a slow let-down.
When a feeding begins at the breast there are drops of milk. Then when the initial let-down occurs (several seconds to a minute into the feeding), the milk flow speeds up quite a bit. At that time it may drip very quickly, squirt, or even spray. Some minutes later it slows again and the baby must continue to suck vigorously in order to elicit further let-downs. This pattern can continue through successive, multiple let-downs as long as the baby is continuing to nurse vigorously. Eventually, baby will learn that the flow will pick back up again if she'll only continue to vigorously suck/swallow.
With bottle feeding, the flow is instant and continuous. The baby is required to work very little. Once a baby has had a bottle, especially a lot of bottles, she may begin to prefer the ease of bottle-feeding over the work of breastfeeding. She may become frustrated at the breast after the first let-down occurs and the flow of milk begins to slow.
If baby is getting bottles you might consider putting them away, at least for a while. When you must use a bottle, only use a newborn nipple for as long as baby will tolerate it so that she never gets a really fast flow of milk from the bottle, but has to work a little more to get the milk.
Sometimes babies of moms with oversupply or fast let-down will also get very used to the fast flow and object when it normally slows somewhere between 3 weeks to 3 months.
It can be helpful to do some breast compression when this fussiness starts or right before you expect it to. This will help speed up the milk flow again. Once compression stops helping, try switching baby to the other side when she begins to fuss and back and forth again (after using compression) as you need to.
Baby is done nursing for the moment
If baby is fussing after she's been nursing for a while, and you've ruled out other causes, she may be in the process of changing her nursing pattern. Babies become very efficient at the breast with growth and maturity. They can milk the breast in a lot less time per feeding session than they required before. Baby's frustration may just be a sign that she's finished and wants to move on.
On a similar note, an occasional baby will just want to suck at the end of a nursing session and the flow of milk with let-down frustrates her. You might see if offering her a finger or pacifier (if baby is older than 4-6 weeks) to suck on during these times seems to help.
Baby prefers one side
Sometimes babies will refuse or fuss at a breast when the let-down is slower or too forceful, or the supply a bit lower. They in turn will prefer the side which lets down more/less quickly and in which the supply is more bountiful. 
Teething
Teething can cause fussy nursing behavior, as some babies experience gum discomfort with sucking. Baby might start to nurse, but then pull off and cry or fuss and not want to nurse anymore. 
Thrush
Frequent pulling off the breast can be a symptom of thrush.
Stuffy nose
A stuffy nose can cause fussy nursing behavior. If your baby has a stuffy nose and is having a hard time breathing and nursing at the same time.
Allergy or food sensitivity
Some babies with allergies or food sensitivities exhibit fussy nursing behavior. Often when there is a sensitivity to something in mom's diet, baby will come to the breast hungry but when she tastes/smells something in the milk that will cause her GI distress, she pulls off, bats her head back and forth, etc. Sensitivities to foods in mom's diet are rare. If this is the problem, you will most likely notice other symptoms, such as excessive spitting up or vomiting, colic, diarrhea, rash, persistent congestion or runny nose, or excessive gas.
Low milk supply
Low milk supply can cause baby to be fussy at the breast.
Reflux
Reflux can result in baby being fussy at the breast. 


Thursday, March 10, 2011

Baby Gas

What treatment is available for baby’s gas problems?

Burping the baby thoroughly will reduce the amount of air in the stomach, so that it does not pass on to the intestinal tract. Unfortunately, burping is not 100% effective at eliminating gas, since it has absolutely no effect on the gas created in the intestines during normal digestion. There are baby massage techniques which may prove effective in helping baby to release gas. Simply applying light pressure on the tummy can soothe and help. You can also try carrying baby in the “football hold” – face down on your forearm with baby’s legs straddling your elbow and baby’s chin resting in your hand. Again, the gentle pressure placed on the little tummy can help soothe and release baby’s gas.
There are several treatments available for infant gas. As always, you should consult your pediatrician first before giving baby any medications, remedies or supplements.


  • Sodium Bicarbonate (a.k.a. Baking Soda) is used in several gripe water brands that are sold as dietary supplements. Be careful! These are not regulated by the FDA and fall under loose dietary supplement guidelines. Sodium bicarbonate is an alkali which counteracts the PH of stomach acid which is naturally created in the baby’s stomach. It can temporarily relieve some discomfort caused by acid reflux. Unfortunately, sodiumbicarbonate is absorbed into the bloodstream and can have unwanted side effects. Forthis reason, sodium bicarbonate is not to be consumed by children under an age five years, as stated clearly on baking soda boxes. Even for adults, it should not be used for more than 2 weeks or for recurring conditions. According to some doctors, sodium bicarbonate can cause an imbalance in babies' electrolites which can lead to serious problems.
  • Essential Oils and Herbal Extracts (dill, fennel, etc.) are used by some gripe water brands and sold as dietary supplements. Again, be careful as these are not regulated by the FDA. There are known safety issues with essential oils. Many experts believe they are not to be taken internally by adults, let alone infants. Please be well advised of all possible side effects before giving essential oils to your baby, no matter how small the concentrations.
  • Homeopathic formulas can be an excellent choice for treating infant gas symptoms.Homeopathic medicine is completely allergen-free and side-effect-free. There is only one such liquid formula on the market. Colic Calm Gripe Water is available on-line and in select health food stores and health practitioners’ offices. Colic Calm has a success rate of over 95% in treating infant gas andcolic. Many parents and caretakers have been relieved to find an all-natural remedy. The unique homeopathic formula works within minutes, so it is only given on an “as needed” basis. Thousands of satisfied customers have also reported that ColicCalm works wonders for bloating, pressure, stomach cramps, and even hiccups. It is also extremely effective on gas created during introduction of new foods into babies’ delicate digestive tracts. Read more about how Colic Calm Gripe Water Treats Newborn, Infant and Baby Gas Problems

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

When shouldn't your baby use a pacifier?

Babies have an intense need to suck, and some have more intense needs than others. Babies even suck their thumbs in the womb. Next to holding and feeding, sucking is the most time-tested comforter.
1. In the newborn nursery. Peer through any newborn nursery window and you're sure to witness contented babies lying quietly in plastic boxes all plugged in with no place to go. Pull the plug on this scene. These babies should be plugged into their mothers.
2. In the early weeks of breastfeeding. When learning how to breastfeed, a baby should have only mother's nipple in his mouth. About the only thing a newborn has to "learn" is how to suck on mother's nipple the right way to get the most milk.
  • A baby sucks on a pacifier differently than on mother's nipples. Some newborns, develop nipple confusion when given a pacifier or bottle nipple when they are learning to suck from mother. Pacifiers have a narrow base, so baby doesn't have to open his lips wide. This often results in poor latch-on techniques, sore nipples, and a difficult start at breastfeeding.
  • Many sensitive babies gag on every pacifier you might try. The texture, taste, and smell are rejected hands down. Other babies make the transition from rubber to flesh nipples without any confusion or complaint.
  • Our advice: Avoid pacifiers until your newborn learns to latch on properly and you have a good milk supply. If your own nipples are wearing out, or at least the mom they are attached to is, use your finger (or, better yet, get dad or someone else to give you a break). The skin-to-skin element is still there, and your index finger (or dad's little finger) can be placed more properly in baby's mouth to stimulate sucking at the breast. Many of our babies have been soothed by the touch of my well-scrubbed pinkie.
3. When pacifier overuse is harming the teeth. Between two and three years of age, toddlers can cause their upper front teeth to protrude by sucking intensely on a pacifier, especially at night.
4. As habitual substitutes for nurturing. Ideally, pacifiers are for the comfort of babies, not the convenience of parents (but I have yet to meet the ideal parent or the ideal baby and, believe it or not, you probably won't meet any on this site.) To insert the plug and leave baby in the plastic infant seat every time he cries is unhealthy reliance on an artificial comforter. This baby needs picking up and holding. Always relying on an alternative peacemaker lessens the buildup of baby's trust in the parents and denies the parents a chance to develop baby-comforting skills. Pacifiers are meant to satisfy intense sucking needs, not to delay or replace nurturing. A person should always be at the other end of a comforting tool. The breast (or the finger) has the built-in advantage of making sure you don't fall into the habit of just plugging up the source of the cries as a mechanical gesture. When baby cries, if you find yourself, by reflex, reaching for the pacifier instead of reaching for your baby, pull the plug – and lose it.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

0-3 month girls summer!

Gymboree



The Children's Place




Gymboree

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Friday, March 4, 2011

10 ways to get your kids eating healthier


From the Mayo Clinic


Snacking is a major pastime for many kids — and that's not necessarily bad. Snacking can help your child curb hunger throughout the day, as well as provide energy and important nutrients. But the quality of the snacks is key. Consider these 10 tips for healthier children's snacks.



1. Keep junk food out of the house.

Your child won't clamor for cookies or candy bars if you don't keep them on hand. Instead, set a good example by snacking on healthy foods yourself.

2. Go for the grain.

Whole-grain snacks — such as whole-grain pretzels or tortillas and high-fiber, whole-grain cereals — can give your child energy with some staying power.

3. Mix and match.

Serve baby carrots or other raw veggies with fat-free ranch dressing. Dip graham cracker sticks or fresh fruit in fat-free yogurt. Top celery, apples or bananas with peanut butter.

4. Broaden the menu.

Offer out-of-the-usual fare, such as pineapple, cranberries, red or yellow peppers, mangoes, tangelos or roasted soy nuts.

5. Revisit breakfast.

Many breakfast foods — such as low-sugar, whole-grain cereals and whole-grain toast — make great afternoon snacks. Likewise, a small serving of last night's casserole could double as an after-school snack.

6. Sweeten it up.

Healthy children's snacks don't need to be bland. To satisfy your child's sweet tooth, offer fat-free pudding, frozen yogurt or frozen fruit bars. Or use skim milk, fat-free yogurt and fresh fruit to make your own smoothies.

7. Have fun.

Use a cookie cutter to make shapes out of low-fat cheese slices, whole-grain bread or whole-grain tortillas. Eat diced fruit with chopsticks or make fruit kebabs. Make a tower out of whole-grain crackers, spell words with pretzel sticks, or make funny faces on a plate using different types of fruit.

8. Promote independence.

Keep a selection of ready-to-eat veggies in the refrigerator. Leave fresh fruit in a bowl on the counter. Store low-sugar, whole-grain cereal and fruit canned or packaged in its own juice in an easily accessible cabinet.

9. Don't be fooled by labeling gimmicks.

Foods marketed as low-fat or fat-free can still be high in calories. Likewise, foods touted as cholesterol-free can still be high in fat, saturated fat and sugar. Check nutrition labels to find out the whole story.

10. Designate a snacking zone.

Restrict snacking to the kitchen. You'll save your child countless calories from mindless munching in front of the TV. If your child needs to snack on the go, offer string cheese, yogurt sticks, cereal bars or other drip-free items.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Post 100: The Zoo

Boy, Mom sure got me up early today and I'm not sure why....


But I have a feeling it's something kind of fun!!



Plus my Daddy came with!!



Cool! Look at the giraffes!



I sure would like to see those a little closer



Wow! I'm sure glad Patty was there because she brought me to feed the giraffes!!



That was......really.....weird......I wasn't sure if I liked it :)



We watched the lions but they wouldn't move......



.....until the sprinklers turned on! Ha!



My Daddy told me lots of stuff about animals at the zoo



I listened really carefully so I wouldn't miss anything :)



Sometimes my Daddy got tired arms, so I sat in the stroller



My Daddy even went through the jungle to show me.....



....the elephants up close!



We were kind of tired when we left



I didn't really want to leave!



I had so much fun at the Zoo!



and so did Mom and Dad! (I think because Reagan slept most of the time!)