Then you meet them.

You can’t imagine #3 being any more amazing than . . . → Read More: 10 Reasons Why Baby #3 is Easier]]>

When you are pregnant with #3 you think about how you could possibly manage caring for THREE kids when two can be overwhelming. You try to imagine who this little person will be and if their personality, appearance, temperament will be like the others.

Then you meet them.

You can’t imagine #3 being any more amazing than they are – and they are the perfect addition to your family and you can’t imagine life being any different. As you look forward to the next few years, as busy as they will be, keep this list in mind when life with three presents challenges.

Here are some reasons why #3 is easier and more fun

1. You aren’t #3’s only source of learning and entertainment. #3 will spend considerable time watching older siblings and play in close proximity with them giving you a bit of a break.
2. #3 has more family members to cheer for first steps, first birthdays and other milestones.
3. #3 has learned to “brush” their teeth and other tasks at 12 months because they observe and do EVERYTHING their siblings do.
4. You KNOW that #3 will eventually sleep through the night and actually appreciate the nighttime snuggles knowing that this special time passes too quickly.
5. You have been through croup, colic, colds, vomit and mystery rashes and know that as sick as a baby can get, they recover quickly and are back to smiles and mischief in no time.
6. You’re experience allows you relax a little with the rules – most behaviors are developmental phases and having been through it a couple of times lets you truly know that “this too shall pass”.
7. You have little helpers who are eager to help grab diapers, entertain the baby and even comfort #3 when they wake up crying.
8. Although you have the largest collection of educational toys, you know that your parents were right when they said “they’ll spend more time playing with cardboard boxes and pots and pans” so that’s what #3 gets.
9. You take advantage of nap time. It’s not the time for cleaning or laundry, it’s time for mom to have a nap, catch up on a reality show or connect with a friend.
10. With #1 you really felt you were too busy to shower. By the time #3 arrives you have learned that monitors, swings, and excersaucers are all there to HELP YOU take care of yourself. You know the importance of self-care to be the best mom you can and have learned creative ways to do it.

Obviously three kids are much more work than two – some say “exponentially more” – but three can be a ton of fun regardless of the age differences between siblings. The older ones are becoming more independent and need less hands-on care and a new baby is such a miracle. Try to find the time each day to give some undivided attention to each of your children. Life with three will be busy but there is always time to give a hug, look them in the eye and say “I love you” – even if they are driving you crazy.

Like most parents you’ve researched what foods to start with.  Maybe you’ve checked with your pediatrician or physician about food allergies or what they . . . → Read More: Safely feeding your baby]]>

First foods … it’s an exciting pairing of words.   The first time you feed your infant something other than breast milk or formula there is a lot of preparation that you’ve done beforehand.

Like most parents you’ve researched what foods to start with.  Maybe you’ve checked with your pediatrician or physician about food allergies or what they recommend.  You’ve gone shopping for the all important bowls and baby spoons to start feeding those first foods.  But are you prepared if it doesn’t go well?

Not all infants are overjoyed or easily swallow their first solid foods.  Most physicians recommend a very watered down rice or other cereal to start with.  After all, your baby has been on a liquid only diet up to this point.  It is natural for him or her to spit it up, gag, or even choke on those first spoonfuls.

Before starting solids you might want to review what to do if your infant begins to choke.  The steps on what to do are basic, but in a moment of panic would you know what to do?

Disclaimer:  These instructions do not replace taking an actual hands-on CPR course.

How will I know if my infant is choking:
• Your child will not be able to breathe.
• Has high pitched breathing or wheezing sounds. 
• His or her skin color may be very flushed due to straining to breathe or may be bluish in color. 
• Your child will not be able to scream or cry.

What to do if your infant is choking:
• Support baby’s head and neck with your hand and lay baby face down across your lap.
• Give 5 forceful back slaps between baby’s shoulders
• Support baby’s head and neck and place baby face up on your lap
• Give 5 chest thrusts in the center of the chest
• Keep switching between back slaps and chest thrust until baby spits up the object or becomes unresponsive.
• If baby becomes unresponsive start CPR and call 911

You can be prepared for an emergency by taking a CPR course.  Most hospitals and fire departments offer courses.  Ask at your doctor’s office and they may be able to refer you to an instructor.

…

Gail Klanchesser is a CPR & First Aid instructor and the owner of Coastal CPR & First Aid, LLC located on the NH Seacoast.  She is a mom of 4 and an active community volunteer.  She writes on CPR, First Aid and Safety topics as well as her random life with kids.  You can find out about Gail’s courses; visit her online store of safety products or find links to all the interesting places she hangs out on her website www.coastalcpr.com

The decision to go back to work after having your first child is an agonizing one.  Most moms I have spoken with have gone back to work with a heavy heart and hope that one day they won’t feel guilty about leaving their child with someone else all day.  When my eldest was . . . → Read More: Balancing Working from Home and Motherhood – Not an easy Task]]>

by Lindsay Harris

The decision to go back to work after having your first child is an agonizing one.  Most moms I have spoken with have gone back to work with a heavy heart and hope that one day they won’t feel guilty about leaving their child with someone else all day.  When my eldest was one I struggled with this decision and ultimately decided to quit my permanent job.  I was lucky enough to find a consulting job with a previous employer and so I was able to work from home.  It was the best of both worlds.  I had an income coming in, I was challenged and most importantly I got to spend oodles of time with Ainsley.  It was fairly easy to juggle my work and her needs.

When I began looking at the options after my second daughter Juliet was born, it was a different world.  The company I had consulted for no longer had room in their budget for me so I was faced with either going back to work full-time or I had to find another solution.  I had toyed with the idea of starting my own business but had never really had a reason to take the leap.  The thought of being my own boss and being able to be here for my children was what ultimately motivated me to start Glow Baby www.glowbaby.ca.   I thought that running my own business would be similar to working as a consultant except that I could choose what I wanted to work on and every high point would be because of my efforts.

Glow Baby has been in business for 9 months now and my expectations were definitely wrong on some levels but correct in other ways.  It takes a lot of work to get a business up and running.   When you are a sole proprietor you are the accounting department, the marketing department, the sales department, shipping department and the administrator to name a few.  In my case I am also the product developer.  I love my business.  I love what I have created and I have a million ideas in my head about the direction I want my company to go.  I do not however, have enough time. 

It was definitely easier to balance my business needs and my daughters’ needs at the early stages of the business.  Ainsley was in nursery school for 4 mornings a week and Juliet would nap in the morning so I could get work done.  I would then pick Ainsley up from school we would all have lunch and then both girls would have their afternoon nap.  I would seize this opportunity to work again.  When the girls woke up we would have snack and then play until dinner time and then we would have family time until bedtime.  I would then pick up working again after they went to bed.  It was definitely busy, but I had blocks of time to devote to my work.

As Juliet grew older, she dropped her morning nap which meant that I do not have time in the morning anymore for the business.  As a result, I have found a wonderful caregiver who is able to come in two mornings a week to play with Juliet so I can work.  There are days when I struggle with the fact that I am not with her on these mornings and I do get jealous when they go out and have fun, but I keep telling myself that the total time I am missing each week is 6 hours.  If I was working in an office I would be missing her at least 9 hours a day if not more. 

Another challenge I have been faced with as the girls get older is that Ainsley has now dropped her afternoon nap.  At first this was very frustrating as there went two hours of work time, but we now have a routine.  I will let Ainsley watch an hour of TV (and yes I felt guilty and still do about this) but then she will come into my office/dining room and do her own “work”.  She will draw next to me as I work and has learned that when mommy is on the phone she needs to be quiet.  It’s actually very cute and I have a huge art collection now of Ainsley originals.  Ainsley loves to see what I am working on and I love to see what she works on and we get to do our work together.

There are days when I miss the girls as I have to devote more time to what is going on in the business but overall when really looking at the amount of time I do get to spend with them, I am very lucky.  I got to see their first steps, hear their first words and I get to be there to develop the people they are going to be.  As much work as the business can be, I am in control of the pace of our growth and can keep it slow and steady while the girls are young and build a solid foundation.  Once the girls start full-time school I can take what I have already accomplished and run with it.  I hope that the girls remember the time we spend together happily and I hope that they can see what I have done with my business and realize that they too can do anything they want if they only put their minds to it.

 …

Lindsay Harris is the owner of Glow Baby – For the Organized Family www.glowbaby.ca.  Glow Baby products are designed to help parents stay organized through all stages of parenthood to help make life easier after baby.  She is also the proud mom of two beautiful daughters ages 3 and 16 months.

Some days I loved my growing belly and enjoyed all the kicks and hiccups that made it jump and shake. Other days it was more of a struggle to appreciate the bump that . . . → Read More: Maternity and Newborn Photos: A Must for Moms-to-Be]]>

Your pregnant and you feel like a gorgeous, glowing superwoman embracing her new body. Or like many women, you feel bloated, fat and exhausted or somewhere in between. 

Some days I loved my growing belly and enjoyed all the kicks and hiccups that made it jump and shake. Other days it was more of a struggle to appreciate the bump that made it so I couldn’t put on my own shoes or let me roll over comfortably in bed.

When I look back, I wish I had cherished that belly more. It’s really amazing that a little person is sharing your body and it’s equally amazing that your body will stretch and grow making the perfect home for your new baby.

I often view portfolios of photographers specializing in pregnancy and newborns. Pregnancy may seem like an eternity when you are pregnant but once baby arrives it’s just a blur and quicly fading memory. The newborn stage is so brief and filled with innocence and awe — a time that should be cherished but might not be if mom is recovering, sleep deprived and trying to manage a new world of breastfeeding.

I wish I had better photos – much better than a photo taken in my living room while proudly lifting my shirt to show my belly. Great photographers are able to somehow capture the love and fondness a pregnant woman has for her unborn baby and the pride in which she carries her new body.

Women are so lucky to be able to experience pregnancy and all of the amazing changes that go along with it. You may look back with much more fondness about being pregnant once you are into the toddler years and wish you had professional photos of that special time in your lives –  before you met but were forever bonded.  If you can afford it, hire a professional photographer specializing in maternity and newborn photos to capture you during the last 4-6 weeks of your pregnancy. You’ll never want to forget how beautiful and radiant you were when you are pregnant – even if you don’t feel that way now.

I’m staring down the barrel of yet another birthday. They happen WAY too often. Here are the top 10 things I have learned since becoming a mom three short birthdays ago;

10. Throw modesty out the window. I could never go to the bathroom in . . . → Read More: The Top 10 Things I Have Learned Since Becoming a Mom]]>

The following is a guest post from Shelagh Cummins, M.Ed, Practicalmum.com

I’m staring down the barrel of yet another birthday. They happen WAY too often. Here are the top 10 things I have learned since becoming a mom three short birthdays ago;

10. Throw modesty out the window. I could never go to the bathroom in public places. I would get stage fright. I remember running home from school as fast as I could with my back teeth floating I had to pee so badly. Forget having a BM in public. To this day, I would still rather have a gut ache than relieve myself in a public washroom. Then… enter kids. I now shower with an audience, dress with an audience, toilet with an audience and often with play by play commentary (for a good laugh see conversations with a 2.5 year old) and generally talk very openly about bodies and their functions. This was not my comfort zone. ‘Tis now.

9. There is more to cooking than heat and time. It is no secret that Betty Crocker or Rachel Ray, I am not. I have, until recently, cooked everything at 400F until that slightly sweet yet alarming aroma wafted forth and made its way to the smoke detector and I could ’smell’ that it was done. That was cooking, a means to an end. As it turns out, following directions in a cookbook can really make a yummy meal. I am astounded. Who knew? Adding spices and taking the time to flavor the food makes it even more appealing. I am now learning to cook properly, following in the footsteps of my mum, my mum-in-law and my sister… I am not at their calibre by any stretch, but I can make a mean (and healthy) mac and cheese, and stand back… my salmon is actually edible. Recipes. They are a wonderful thing. Follow them.

8. Feed and exercise all critters regularly – Big and small. Kids need to run around and blow off steam at least once a day, if not twice. So do mummies. An exercised mummy is a happier mummy. We, too, need to blow off steam, it helps equilibrate my patience, my mood and my general sense of well being. Oh, and it’s good for me too. So is a bottle/ glass of red wine by the way. Everything in moderation. And for crying out loud, feed yourself too. We deserve more than the scraps off our children’s plates. Include mummy in all meals. Snacks too.

7. Get out of the house. Activities are important. It’s EASIER to stay inside – oh the horror of getting the kids into their outdoor gear (see posts about the perils of snowsuits and trying to get out of the house). When I was working full-time, I cherished ‘home days’ when I could lounge in my PJs and not have to go anywhere. That was then. This is now. I’m learning: activities are good. They don’t have to be grandiose or massive… ride the bus for one loop, take the subway a couple of stops, walk around the block, go to the library, play with the Thomas table at the toy store, get together with other kids, go to the park, anything to have a change of scenery. We’ve discovered memberships this year too. One to the zoo and one to the Science Center. The membership pays for itself within a couple of visits – and there is no pressure to have our outing be a whole day affair. We’ve gone to the zoo, ridden the Zoomobile around the whole zoo once, then come home. Never left the tram. Girlfriends, get out of the house. It’s worth the extra work.

6. Trust your intuition. We don’t need to be childcare experts – there are enough people out there pontificating from their soapboxes about how wonderful they are, and that their parenting technique is the only way to parent. Well, their way is the only way to parent THEIR child. Your child is YOURS and you need to find a cross-section of information to find the parenting technique that is right for you and your child. Read lots, reach out to other moms, and MAYBE even join a supportive network like Practicalmum.com. We’re all in this together. Let’s work together.

5. Personal Hygiene is more than a second coat of antiperspirant. Easier said than done. Girlfriends -we love to see you, we don’twant to smell you. It is WAY too easy to sidestep the shower to ensure all little people are fed, clothed and ready for the day. I feel so much better when I’m clean, wearing fresh clothes and I’ve passed a comb through the hair. I am the first to bypass the shower in the morning- but there is a direct correlation between my happiness and my hygiene and interestingly, others are most apt to chat with me when I have brushed my teeth. Huh! Somedays, bathing is an accomplishment in itself to celebrate – but we always need a reason to celebrate, right? (*see red wine comment in #8*).

4. Wave the white flag. Other people are qualified to care for my children too. Know when to surrender and wave the white flag. Hang up the supermom cape. I’m not just saying that because I would look more like the Michelin Man than catwoman in a superhero costume. It is important for our children to learn that other people are just as loving and attentive as we are. There is nothing worse than the self-imposed pressure of not being able to leave the children, even for an hour. We need to escape, breathe some oxygen, and refill our tank. These is no shame in asking for help when I’m about to crack. Turns out I am not being judged as an incapable mother – in fact, quite the opposite. People thank me for reaching out and letting them help. People love to help, and we all need to learn to accept help more often.

3. Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em. I want my house clean and tidy, I want my laundry folded and put away, I want to see my kitchen counter top – but it’s important to know when to give in and get down on the floor to play. Play blocks, fingerpaint, dress-up, dance… if the kids are acting up they are likely trying to get my attention. Why not just give it to them? Laundry will still be there tomorrow. But before I can blink, I know the kids will be starting full days at school and I’ll wonder where the time went. Dusting? Vacuuming? I don’t want pictures of those in my memory scrapbook.

2. My husband is not a moron. Despite mounting evidence to the contrary on some days, he is capable of caring for our children. On his own. He may not notice the mounds of laundry or the dirty dishes in the sink – but he can help and independently take care of the kids. It will just be done differently from the way I do things. And that is okay. SO a red towel turns an entire load of laundry pink. Not the end of the world. I pick my battles, bite my tongue, and appreciate the help my husband is giving me. With less critiquing of his methodology, often he surprises me by doing more.

And the #1 thing I have learned since becoming a mom… drumroll please…

1. I am a smart and capable woman. Even on those days when I think I can’t change one more diaper, or deal with one more spit up, or sidestep one more tantrum… I can.  Just get through the next 5 minutes. Then get through the next 5 minutes after that. We are great mums. Stop following the books, trust your intuition, give yourself a break, hang up your supermom suit, and just get through the next 5 minutes.  Then come back and read #1 again.

…

Shelagh Cummins, M.Ed, is a full time mum and recovering full time teacher who is learning about herself and the wonderous world of parenthood.  Shelagh finds parenting ideas and advice from a growing community of friendly, supportive mums through the practicalmum.com community.  Read, laugh, share, cry and learn alongside Shelagh at www.practicalmum.com and The Minivan Chronicles: Navigating the winding roads of parenthood one speed-bump at a time.

“BEST for BABES is the only non-profit dedicated to giving breastfeeding a makeover and to revealing and removing the “booby traps”- the barriers to breastfeeding that keep tripping women up! . . . → Read More: ‘Best for Babes’ is Best for Moms]]>

We know breast feeding is best for our babies, but sometimes in trying to do what is best, we don’t have the needed support to be successful.

“BEST for BABES is the only non-profit dedicated to giving breastfeeding a makeover and to revealing and removing the “booby traps”- the barriers to breastfeeding that keep tripping women up! New moms don’t need more judgment, pressure, or to be discriminated against for nursing, they deserve to be cheered on, coached and celebrated!

We recently added the Best for Babes PSA to all the websites on our network to help moms easily learn more about breast feeding and how to overcome the “booby traps“.  From nurses with good intentions who supplement your new baby so you can get some needed rest (even if it wasn’t your wish) to the lack of areas for moms to breast feed when out in public (malls are only now starting to include nursing rooms or stations), it seems as though doing what is best presents the most challenges — this shouldn’t be the case.

Even the perception of a breast feeding mom is inaccurate. A recent twitter post from @Smokerette stated “It’s NOT cool to stereotype all breastfeeding moms as granola munching, sandal wearing, vegan, flowers in hair hippies.”  This stereotype is among many that women have to overcome. The idea that this is what society still perceives illustrates the uphill battles moms face and it is completely false.

Best for Babes does acknowledge real hurdles that moms face and accepts that not all moms are going to choose to breast feed. Best for Babes is a site that moms can find needed information and still know that if they choose not to breast feed, they won’t be judged. In fact, they will be given additional information to help them make the healthiest choice for them and for baby — this is a welcome change from sites that condemn moms for not breast feeding.

Women need to support women in making the decisions that are best for them, their families, their health and their lifestyle. This can be achieved through information and empathy, not judgement and criticism.

Get Involved or Donate to the Best for Babes Foundation

Care about moms and babies? Want to get involved? You can support Best for Babes and help moms everywhere. What you can do:

– Link to Best for Babes from your website, become a fan or join the cause on Facebook, follow Best for Babes on Twitter!

– Run their ground-breaking ads pro-bono on your blog, website, or in your publication.

– Share your story! They need more powerful women role models who succeeded with breastfeeding!

– Fundraise. Help spread the word and fund  awareness campaigns,  celebrity interviews, and  education efforts so that they can reach millions of moms and babies.

– Donate. Every bit helps!

– Support their partners. Next time you buy a gift for an expecting mom, give her the gift that gives back–purchase a product from one a Best for Babes sponsor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best for Babes is one of the best websites for moms. We are proud to include their PSA on our sites.

As moms, we are concerned with the health and well-being not only of our own children, but of all families as well as the planet because . . . → Read More: A Greener Home for Baby]]>

This blog is brought to you by Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson, a mother-daughter team and authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family.
…

As moms, we are concerned with the health and well-being not only of our own children, but of all families as well as the planet because we believe you can’t separate the two.

All moms want the best for their babies, and fortunately, you’re giving birth at a time when a great deal is known about the impact of the environment on babies’ growth and development. Along with that knowledge comes lots of information about what you can do to help ensure your baby is born and stays healthy while you live lightly on the Earth.

In fact, once you begin to look at the issue of how your family’s environment affects your baby, you may feel overwhelmed. You don’t need to be. We put this information together to offer some basic information and first steps. You don’t need to do it all. Start with what feels easy and right for you and keep this brochure handy to refer to after your baby is born.

Feel free to contact us if you have questions or comments via our website, www.CelebrateGreen.net.

Happy Birth Day!

Warmly,
Lynn & Corey

~ Simple Steps for a happy baby, a healthy home
and a better world ~

Keep indoor air safe and clean

According to the EPA, indoor air quality can be worse than the air outdoors, contributing to both respiratory and non-respiratory illnesses and symptoms. Infants spend more than 90% of their time inside so there’s good reason to be sure that the air in your home is safe for your growing family.

• Open windows for a portion of the day (morning is usually best)
• Avoid the use of candles, air fresheners, smoke, conventional paints and household cleaners
• Air out new furniture, mattresses and carpets before bringing them into your home. If possible, avoid offgassing through the use of formaldehyde-free furniture, wool/ organic cotton mattresses and wool, organic cotton and/or hemp carpets and rugs.
• Use a HEPA filter for your home heating/cooling system and be sure to change it regularly
• Use a fan or open a window when you are using a gas stove or oven
• Vacuum, dust and clean regularly with child-friendly and eco-wise products
• Houseplants can clean the air (just be sure to keep them well-dusted and free of mold)

Choices for feeding the family

• Breastfeed as long as possible and/or use glass or phthalate and BPA-free baby bottles.
• Reduce the use of plastics for cooking and feeding. Choose glass wood/bamboo/or metal tableware, stainless steel sippy cups, and stainless steel or glass food storage containers.
• Feed baby (and nursing mamas) organic foods, whenever possible (see The Dirty Dozen list below)
• Use a water filter for drinking, cooking and washing

Clothes, body, and toys

• Dress baby in organic clothes or clothes that have been well-washed–avoid flame-retardant sleepwear
• Use all natural bath & body products (including sunscreen) for baby and mama
• Use cloth or hybrid-type diapers (such as G Diapers)
• Wash clothes , bedding and cloth diapers in fragrance-free, eco-friendly detergents (hang dry in the sun for  energy-free whitening whenever possible)
• Avoid the use of anti-bacterial soaps and sprays
• Reduce the use of plastic toys and choose wood, wool, silk, hemp or cotton, instead.

~ The Dirty Dozen ~

Based on an analysis of more than 100,000 U.S. government pesticide test results, researchers at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a research and advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., developed the “dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables that they say you should always buy organic, if possible, because their conventionally grown counterparts tend to be laden with pesticides.

While organic foods in general are more expensive, you can save money by joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture, find one near you at www.LocalHarvest.com), buying in bulk (share with family and friends), buying when in season (then freezing for later), using coupons and shopping sales, purchasing fewer of the organic and filling in with other fruits and veggies that are in season and local, but not as burdened with chemicals.

Fruits: Apples, Cherries, Grapes, imported (Chile), Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Raspberries, Strawberries
Vegetables: Bell peppers, Celery, Potatoes, Spinach

Health and safety information

AskDrSears.com
HealthyChild.org
SafeKids.org
HealthyToys.org
ToxicFreeLegacy.org
CosmeticSafetyDatabase.com (for information on bath and body products)

Shopping organic

LocalHarvest.org
OrganicCoupons.org
MamboSprouts.com

Organic baby/children’s clothing

GreenEdgeKids.com
Kee-Ka.com
UnderTheNile.com
HannasDream.com

Cloth & flushable diapers

PunkernoodleBaby.com
PunkinButt.com
gDiapers.com

Sustainable toys

AToyGarden.com
TheWoodenWagon.com
WillowTreeToys.com

Books

Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family by Lynn Colwell & Corey Colwell-Lipson
The Green Parent byJenn Savage
Healthy Child Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home by Christopher Gavigan
Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care by Alan Green