So early last month (2 months to the day after my early labour, that was halted) and ten days overdue - my baby girl arrived into this world.
I stayed at home a bit too long (about 4 days to be precise) so when I got to the hospital it was time to push - we were only in the building 55 minutes before the baby arrived!
I'd been in labour 4 days earlier, the contractions did reach 4 minutes apart, but were not intense and my water didn't break, so I went about live as normally as possible. When my hubby came in from work I decided we should have dinner first - no point getting to the hospital too soon!
Well during dinner the contractions that had been going for 6 hours slowed down to every 6 minutes, so I decided - best not go to the hospital and then get sent home.. so I went for a lie down - wanted to conserve my strenght. I woke up 2 hours later and the contractions stopped! Oh well I thought and carried on with normal routines.
Off an on (as I had been doing for a couple of months - I got sparodic contractions, but nothing that felt worth going to the hospital. Anyway four nights later feeling a it off I went to bed early, I woke up after two hours and lost a tiny bit of water.. but no other symptoms, so went back to bed, two hours later I woke up and boy did my water break and erm now I was having back to back contractions.
A nudge to hubby and a call to his mum later (to come over and house watch our sleeping son) we were on our way my three concerns were 1) we were not gonna make it, 2) where was my hairbrush and 2) who moved my water bottle - it has a fixed home in my car and was missing and I was parched!
Well in the hospital and 55 minutes later baby girl arrived! I'd already decided I didn't want drugs in my labour - which was lucky as I was informed I'd left it too late anyway! I did have stiches and I enquired how many and received the information that it was a 'running hem'! That term still makes me chuckle! I didn't ask for any other details.
I cannot say how different this experience was compared to my last baby (boy) which was a c section for a breech baby. Last time I had to wait 45 minutes whilst I was stitched up etc, this time in about 2 minutes or less after I was holding my baby and she latched and nursed for nearly an hour. It was magical.
Whilst I wouldn't change a thing and feel very blessed with both my children I am so grateful to have been able to 'go natural'!
So life has been busy and baby girl is now 7 weeks old and we are enjoying the festive season with both kids - our son is now 19 months old and as I type napping in the room next door.
I'd like more time to write, but right now my priorities are feeding baby girl and playing with toddler boy.
Wishing everyone a great new years eve tomorrow night!
Breadwinner and Breadmaker
Friday, December 30, 2011
Naturally sweet
At this time of year when many are on the couch with aching bellies and sugar and junk food overloads - I am turning my attention to next year taking out as much processed sugar as possible, from our diet!
I often substitue honey and select products that are not artificially sweetened, but I would love to do more and am inspired by this article and the alternatives available.
Hmmmm how to grow a blue agave and where can I get some volcanic soil...?
I often substitue honey and select products that are not artificially sweetened, but I would love to do more and am inspired by this article and the alternatives available.
Hmmmm how to grow a blue agave and where can I get some volcanic soil...?
Monday, December 19, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Mini Momsicles
this idea is so fab I am speechless!
Never heard of this and it makes so much sense!
Teething popsicles made from frozen breastmilk!
Never heard of this and it makes so much sense!
Teething popsicles made from frozen breastmilk!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Acupuncture and induction!
lol - after trying to make an early appearance, it's nearly two months later and baby girl is still in place, in no rush and now overdue!
I want to a fantastic acupuncturist on Friday, she was great and baby girl seemed like she was ready to arrive in the parking lot afterwards, but then she settled down again, despite the hectic weekend where we dispatched our chickens (as we hadn't yet winterised the chicken shed) and I scrubbed it out... nothing!
Well - still waiting and drinking herbal teas and following every old wives tale going!
One thing that amused me, in the parking lot after my acupuncture was a car with the plate - 4zinuff! Boy did that make me giggle.
When my little one gets here I should get a plate: 2zinuff
I want to a fantastic acupuncturist on Friday, she was great and baby girl seemed like she was ready to arrive in the parking lot afterwards, but then she settled down again, despite the hectic weekend where we dispatched our chickens (as we hadn't yet winterised the chicken shed) and I scrubbed it out... nothing!
Well - still waiting and drinking herbal teas and following every old wives tale going!
One thing that amused me, in the parking lot after my acupuncture was a car with the plate - 4zinuff! Boy did that make me giggle.
When my little one gets here I should get a plate: 2zinuff
Friday, October 28, 2011
Halloween treats
Just seen a post with fab link to Kraft Halloween Centre with great ideas for making halloween treats, they don't look too tricky to make!
yum!
yum!
Still waiting...
well it's Friday, my due date was Sunday... still nothing much!
Whilst I feel bad complaining - I am done now, all my big work projects are completed as of yesterday, the freezer is full, the nursery (well that's full to bursting - 2 kids, winter clothes, one tiny room!) I know that by going into labour early things could have been so different and I am grateful that all is fine... but now that I successfully reached and exceeded my due date...
Bored!
I've had reflexology, drunk a lot of raspberry leaf tea, bounced on a gym ball, eaten curry, (eaten eggplant parmigiana & I don't like eggplant), held the positive intention and many more things besides...
Am now considering acupuncture with someone who almost comes with a guarantee, afterall it is the weekend coming up - perfect timing, my boy is at his gran and pops for a sleep over tonight... right, meant to be...!
I am open to other old wives tales as well, so please feel free to share!
Whilst I feel bad complaining - I am done now, all my big work projects are completed as of yesterday, the freezer is full, the nursery (well that's full to bursting - 2 kids, winter clothes, one tiny room!) I know that by going into labour early things could have been so different and I am grateful that all is fine... but now that I successfully reached and exceeded my due date...
Bored!
I've had reflexology, drunk a lot of raspberry leaf tea, bounced on a gym ball, eaten curry, (eaten eggplant parmigiana & I don't like eggplant), held the positive intention and many more things besides...
Am now considering acupuncture with someone who almost comes with a guarantee, afterall it is the weekend coming up - perfect timing, my boy is at his gran and pops for a sleep over tonight... right, meant to be...!
I am open to other old wives tales as well, so please feel free to share!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Make Ahead Mamma - update
Further to my previous post I would like to update you on progress!
As my last article said I set out to throw myself into the deep end of cook for a day and then eat for a month. Well the special day came around - my son's 1st day of Montessori (2.5 days a week as he needs an 'out' plus is too loud at home when I am working despite the excellent childcare hubby provides) I had taken the day off work and was full of ambition!
I had hoped to do all the shopping and some of the prep work the day before, but the way the week was shaping up - I had to do it all on one day (as the day before was a civic holiday and no other day that week would work..)
The day started with a full on shopping trip. I got back home and tucked into the most involved of all the recipes, looking back if only I had started with all the easy ones... Anyway it was the day I went into early labour! I wasn't sure at nearly 9 weeks early that I was in labour, but when hubby came in the kitchen and saw me kneeling on the floor hands up at head height chopping veggies - he pointed out that maybe I should take a break!
A few hours later I was at the hospital and amazed at all the great things they can do to help stop the labour... it really was incredible. (But that's not what this post is about.)
My groceries and my baby managed to wait and when I came home from the hospital I worked in earnest to get everything done and am delighted to say - my freezer now contains 37 dinners (6 different recipes to rotate) and 7 lunches.
It was very hard work and I learnt a lot from it, but that is the great part, apart from still cooking baby girl - I really have got the bug and feel for this batch cooking!
Now I feel I can accomplish a lot more and a lot more easily. I also intend to branch out and fill up the freezer on baked goods, treats and the such like, but sssshhh don't tell hubby as he already thinks we have 'too much food in the freezer' - like there can be such a thing!
I intend to log my journey in more detail for you next time and provide more advice, maybe this can just provide inspiration? No matter what I am a convert! To me this makes so much sense I am not a fan of cooking, but to have one day and to then prepare everything so you know where you stand for the month, saves bags of time, money and even washing up. You can prep x meals of chicken and then do the clean up and then x meals with beef/ pork and so on, this appeals to me on so many levels.
If this sounds too daunting - just try a 2 week plan and maybe double up ingredients and therefore you are still making a month's worth. (I mean really in a 14 day stretch how much variety is there in our meals...?)
Good luck and enjoy - healthy, cost effective meals with your family and more time to spend with them too! To find out more and share ideas go to Make Ahead Mammas!
As my last article said I set out to throw myself into the deep end of cook for a day and then eat for a month. Well the special day came around - my son's 1st day of Montessori (2.5 days a week as he needs an 'out' plus is too loud at home when I am working despite the excellent childcare hubby provides) I had taken the day off work and was full of ambition!
I had hoped to do all the shopping and some of the prep work the day before, but the way the week was shaping up - I had to do it all on one day (as the day before was a civic holiday and no other day that week would work..)
The day started with a full on shopping trip. I got back home and tucked into the most involved of all the recipes, looking back if only I had started with all the easy ones... Anyway it was the day I went into early labour! I wasn't sure at nearly 9 weeks early that I was in labour, but when hubby came in the kitchen and saw me kneeling on the floor hands up at head height chopping veggies - he pointed out that maybe I should take a break!
A few hours later I was at the hospital and amazed at all the great things they can do to help stop the labour... it really was incredible. (But that's not what this post is about.)
My groceries and my baby managed to wait and when I came home from the hospital I worked in earnest to get everything done and am delighted to say - my freezer now contains 37 dinners (6 different recipes to rotate) and 7 lunches.
It was very hard work and I learnt a lot from it, but that is the great part, apart from still cooking baby girl - I really have got the bug and feel for this batch cooking!
Now I feel I can accomplish a lot more and a lot more easily. I also intend to branch out and fill up the freezer on baked goods, treats and the such like, but sssshhh don't tell hubby as he already thinks we have 'too much food in the freezer' - like there can be such a thing!
I intend to log my journey in more detail for you next time and provide more advice, maybe this can just provide inspiration? No matter what I am a convert! To me this makes so much sense I am not a fan of cooking, but to have one day and to then prepare everything so you know where you stand for the month, saves bags of time, money and even washing up. You can prep x meals of chicken and then do the clean up and then x meals with beef/ pork and so on, this appeals to me on so many levels.
If this sounds too daunting - just try a 2 week plan and maybe double up ingredients and therefore you are still making a month's worth. (I mean really in a 14 day stretch how much variety is there in our meals...?)
Good luck and enjoy - healthy, cost effective meals with your family and more time to spend with them too! To find out more and share ideas go to Make Ahead Mammas!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
restin up and radio silence
sorry for the silence.
Early sept I went into early labour and have since been trying to slow things done.. whilst filling the freezer with home cooked meals and working more hours than ever before!
I owe a debt of gratitude to my inlaws for all their additional help as I am on no lift duties and my son is now 28lbs and still loves being lifted up lots!
I cannot believe how much time has gone by, didn't mean to neglect this blog so much.
Still need to do more trimming of chores as life is mega busy and baby girl is not even here yet... deciding to maybe cull the chickens over winter.. wasn't the original plan, we had the heat lamp ready, but not yet got the power source sorted and so many more reasons!
There maybe lots of roasts and stock in the near future, keeping the meat rabbits over winter as planned as they will just be fine inside the shed and believe it or not they represent a greater $ investment, or will do by the end of Jan when they are ready to reproduce!
So next spring we will probably start again with new chickens and each only needs to produce 5 boxes of eggs and they have paid for themselves, in purchase cost at least. By the start of next winter we should all be square again, but I will be honest it's not so much the dollar and cents, it's the knowledge of the healthy life we give them, the enjoyment of caring for them as well as the opportunity for our children to grow up knowing eggs come from chickens!
Sorry for the infrequent posts, I hope to be closer to back on track now!
Early sept I went into early labour and have since been trying to slow things done.. whilst filling the freezer with home cooked meals and working more hours than ever before!
I owe a debt of gratitude to my inlaws for all their additional help as I am on no lift duties and my son is now 28lbs and still loves being lifted up lots!
I cannot believe how much time has gone by, didn't mean to neglect this blog so much.
Still need to do more trimming of chores as life is mega busy and baby girl is not even here yet... deciding to maybe cull the chickens over winter.. wasn't the original plan, we had the heat lamp ready, but not yet got the power source sorted and so many more reasons!
There maybe lots of roasts and stock in the near future, keeping the meat rabbits over winter as planned as they will just be fine inside the shed and believe it or not they represent a greater $ investment, or will do by the end of Jan when they are ready to reproduce!
So next spring we will probably start again with new chickens and each only needs to produce 5 boxes of eggs and they have paid for themselves, in purchase cost at least. By the start of next winter we should all be square again, but I will be honest it's not so much the dollar and cents, it's the knowledge of the healthy life we give them, the enjoyment of caring for them as well as the opportunity for our children to grow up knowing eggs come from chickens!
Sorry for the infrequent posts, I hope to be closer to back on track now!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Make Ahead Mamma
..that's me. Well that's me now!
I try to be time efficient and I am naturally very frugal - my husband and I bring in our groceries at a very low cost..we monitor per unit costs of food stuffs, so clever marketing or different packet sizes etc don't tempt us ... if the base unit cost is not actually that good.
This takes time, tracking and organising, but is so worth it. With the arrival of baby number two approx 7 weeks away it is time to step things up a notch... So begins batch cooking.
Whilst it is something I've wanted to try for a while - so far I have just been reading up on it, logging recipes (in library books - to keep the costs down!) They honestly look very easy. Next Tuesday is my son's first day of daycare and so I am taking it off work to see how many make ahead recipes I can get through in that time. (I look forward to sharing my progress with you.)
It's always in my advice to other moms to spend that last few pregnancy weeks filling the freezer, sleep is not something you can bank so not advice I give, but food very much is. Last time we made dishes and made extra and froze as we went, shopped for handy foods like waffles and ready made breaded chicken (yes our food bill went up) and I was content enough with that. It meant as sleep deprived as we got, we never had to think about food for very long!
For me cooking is not something I enjoy, but even less than that is the thinking about food, so this way if I can learn the skills to one day cook for a day and then dine on the results for a month - fantastic! Not only that I have a 15 month old whose eating habits are very much influenced by our own.. I'd like to continue to set him a good example and to not be nervous about sharing food from my plate with him and corrupting his so far healthy taste buds!
This time I'm taking it to a whole new level... making and freezing bulk amounts of food, visiting warehouse clubs to buy big trays of meat, then making what really looks like easy recipes, pouring it into ziploc bags and voila a freezer filled with nutritious, cost efficient and easy to prepare meals that really just need baking in the oven (same as those pesky breaded chicken bits) or cooking in the slow cooker - which is already my favourite process!
I've just looked up a very handy blog with 100 very tasty looking make ahead recipes.
Well I have to dash and get going with my writing notes and shopping lists as my books are due back at the library at the weekend!
I hope to record some successes and post them here, as I really hope to inspire others and why not - it reduces the stress, when we are rushing around in our busy lives - one less thing to think about as last night you took something out the freezer and put it in the fridge to thaw and all you need to do is cook or assemble dinner! Perfect!
Good luck enjoy and please feel free to send in - share recipes!
I try to be time efficient and I am naturally very frugal - my husband and I bring in our groceries at a very low cost..we monitor per unit costs of food stuffs, so clever marketing or different packet sizes etc don't tempt us ... if the base unit cost is not actually that good.
This takes time, tracking and organising, but is so worth it. With the arrival of baby number two approx 7 weeks away it is time to step things up a notch... So begins batch cooking.
Whilst it is something I've wanted to try for a while - so far I have just been reading up on it, logging recipes (in library books - to keep the costs down!) They honestly look very easy. Next Tuesday is my son's first day of daycare and so I am taking it off work to see how many make ahead recipes I can get through in that time. (I look forward to sharing my progress with you.)
It's always in my advice to other moms to spend that last few pregnancy weeks filling the freezer, sleep is not something you can bank so not advice I give, but food very much is. Last time we made dishes and made extra and froze as we went, shopped for handy foods like waffles and ready made breaded chicken (yes our food bill went up) and I was content enough with that. It meant as sleep deprived as we got, we never had to think about food for very long!
For me cooking is not something I enjoy, but even less than that is the thinking about food, so this way if I can learn the skills to one day cook for a day and then dine on the results for a month - fantastic! Not only that I have a 15 month old whose eating habits are very much influenced by our own.. I'd like to continue to set him a good example and to not be nervous about sharing food from my plate with him and corrupting his so far healthy taste buds!
This time I'm taking it to a whole new level... making and freezing bulk amounts of food, visiting warehouse clubs to buy big trays of meat, then making what really looks like easy recipes, pouring it into ziploc bags and voila a freezer filled with nutritious, cost efficient and easy to prepare meals that really just need baking in the oven (same as those pesky breaded chicken bits) or cooking in the slow cooker - which is already my favourite process!
I've just looked up a very handy blog with 100 very tasty looking make ahead recipes.
Well I have to dash and get going with my writing notes and shopping lists as my books are due back at the library at the weekend!
I hope to record some successes and post them here, as I really hope to inspire others and why not - it reduces the stress, when we are rushing around in our busy lives - one less thing to think about as last night you took something out the freezer and put it in the fridge to thaw and all you need to do is cook or assemble dinner! Perfect!
Good luck enjoy and please feel free to send in - share recipes!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
McCrikey!
Ok - so I knew it was bad but I just read this article on what is in a McNugget - for some reason I always favoured these as hopefully less bad options to eat, luckily I have not had to go thro the golden gates, much more than 3 or 4 times in the last 2 years and I will no longer be placing an order for 'chicken' nuggets. Now please no one tell me what's in their apple pie (apart from half my daily intake of calories.)
Anyway - great article: do read and share
also read
Whilst I am no fast food follower I am going to do a lot more to steer clear of it from now on! Anyone feeling hungry?
Anyway - great article: do read and share
also read
Whilst I am no fast food follower I am going to do a lot more to steer clear of it from now on! Anyone feeling hungry?
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Canning planning!
I'm getting excited to plan my canning event with my sister in law.
After years of yearning to can, last year I began - it was only a minor entry into the canning leagues, but I still can remember in the spring one day - hubby and I hunting the kitchen for some impromptu dessert and finding the last can of locally grown peaches (next year planting our own fruit and nut trees are on my agenda.. I just need to negotiate with hubby - the removal of some of his beloved cedar trees first!) anyway they were a forgotten and most enjoyed treasure!
This year I want to can everything! But I know I won't and can't so I'm about to sit down with pen and paper and look at what is ready in my garden and the local market, how many jars I have saved up and realistically how much time I honestly have!
I am very bad for planning/ hoping to 'do it all' then being disappointed with myself when I cannot achieve the impossible... so I am working on that.
I'm beginning to lose focus and am drifting into my thoughts of canned peaches, salsa, tomatoes, home made tomato sauce - I can't wait to get away from the store bought version!
All suggestions of favourite canning recipes are welcome!
After years of yearning to can, last year I began - it was only a minor entry into the canning leagues, but I still can remember in the spring one day - hubby and I hunting the kitchen for some impromptu dessert and finding the last can of locally grown peaches (next year planting our own fruit and nut trees are on my agenda.. I just need to negotiate with hubby - the removal of some of his beloved cedar trees first!) anyway they were a forgotten and most enjoyed treasure!
This year I want to can everything! But I know I won't and can't so I'm about to sit down with pen and paper and look at what is ready in my garden and the local market, how many jars I have saved up and realistically how much time I honestly have!
I am very bad for planning/ hoping to 'do it all' then being disappointed with myself when I cannot achieve the impossible... so I am working on that.
I'm beginning to lose focus and am drifting into my thoughts of canned peaches, salsa, tomatoes, home made tomato sauce - I can't wait to get away from the store bought version!
All suggestions of favourite canning recipes are welcome!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Soother/ pacifier - weaning solutions!
On my ever increasing to do list is to write a piece on soother weaning, however I have just read the perfect one that cover's everything I was planning to say!
So thank you to Circle of Mom's! You can read it via the link here or pasted below, with some thoughts from me.
For us - we have only offered the soother for the sleep and if he is not bright as a button upon waking then for the first 5 minutes and I just carefully sneak it away whilst introducing a toy or drink. Dad is more of a grab and go guy - which works for him!
I'd thought we'd wean by 1 year - just based on my dentist's advice, but then with teething and a few bugs we are now approaching 14 months and working on teeth 13-16 in one go, we've let it carry on. At first I was bothered by this until I thought about it, he really only uses it for 5-10 minutes whilst falling asleep and if he re-wakes in the night. So his exposure over the last year has been minimal, he lets us take it without a fuss - so it's not yet too big a 'crutch'. I am hoping after he gets these next 4 teeth in we will get a break for a few months and can choose a route from the below ideas for weaning.
I'd especially like for him to be used to not having it before the fall and baby two's arrival! One thing that has helped us in the night - or at least helped him is his SweetDreams soother blanket!
I liked all 6 of the tips below and can imagine that for us snip the tip may be the best one to get him to lose interest! Will report back - hopefully in a month or so!
1. Snip the Tip
One of the most popular pacifier weaning tricks is cutting off the pacifier’s tip. After the ability to suck is removed, many children quickly lose interest. Try telling your child that the pacifier is broken, and let her throw it away. If the initial snip doesn’t do the trick, moms like Christina M., a mother of one son, suggest gradually cutting off more of the pacifier: “I tried cutting the end of the pacifier off a little bit every few days until there was nothing for him to suck on, and then he didn’t really want it anymore.” Just be careful that your child isn’t chewing off pacifier pieces, which could be a choking hazard.
2. Swap Soothing Items
“Try replacing the pacifier with something else that can give her security,” suggests Kate G. While a child may not instantly forget her pacifier, many moms found that alternative soothing items did eventually replace the pacifier. As Angela C. recalls: “I replaced the pacifier with a ‘sleep blanket’...The first couple of nights/naps she would cry for about 10 minutes, but her blanket against her face kept her warm and happy eventually.”
3. Gradually Reduce Use
While some moms advocate a cold-turkey approach to pacifier weaning, others like Meredith Z. find that gradually limiting pacifier usage is successful: “First, we limited pacifier usage to inside the house, then only to sleep time, then only to overnight, and then we said ‘let’s try bedtime without your bink just for tonight,’ and after the first night, he only asked for it once, and then he was totally fine. We just made sure we stuck to our rules, and let him be comfortable at each level before restricting bink usage more.”
4. The Dummy Fairy, Easter Bunny, and Santa
Another popular pacifier weaning tactic is to have a make-believe character reward the child for giving away their pacifiers. Sarah M., mother of two girls shares: “Say that the Dummy Fairy will come and take them and give them to new babies that need them. Then you leave a special ‘big girl’ present in the basket for them when they wake up.” Other moms, including Linnea F., use characters the kids already believe in: “My kids all gave theirs to the Easter Bunny for little ones who need binkies and don’t have them. This would also work with Santa. We still had some withdrawal cries, but it didn't last.”
5. Trade for Toys
Instead of having imaginative characters bring a child a reward, some moms advocate openly trading the pacifier for a prize. “Take her to Toys“R”Us and let her pick out a toy in exchange for the pacifier,” suggested Janice D. “It worked for me two times. You may have a few days that are a bit rough, but then it will be fine.” Other moms also had their child “pay” the cashier with a pacifier for the toy—just discuss this with the cashier in advance to make sure she’s game.
6. “Lose” It
After Melissa C. misplaced her daughter’s pacifier, she realized that simply pretending to lose it would be a good pacifier weaning strategy: “Maybe if you somehow ‘lose’ yours and have him help you look for it and don’t find it, it’ll let him know that you care enough to help him, even if you can't fix it.” Dawn D. used the same weaning tactic: “I just told her ‘we lost it’ and we’d look, but then she was OK with ‘we lost it’ and in two weeks she forgot all about it.”
Best of luck to all trying to 'lose the soother' by whatever means you choose!
So thank you to Circle of Mom's! You can read it via the link here or pasted below, with some thoughts from me.
For us - we have only offered the soother for the sleep and if he is not bright as a button upon waking then for the first 5 minutes and I just carefully sneak it away whilst introducing a toy or drink. Dad is more of a grab and go guy - which works for him!
I'd thought we'd wean by 1 year - just based on my dentist's advice, but then with teething and a few bugs we are now approaching 14 months and working on teeth 13-16 in one go, we've let it carry on. At first I was bothered by this until I thought about it, he really only uses it for 5-10 minutes whilst falling asleep and if he re-wakes in the night. So his exposure over the last year has been minimal, he lets us take it without a fuss - so it's not yet too big a 'crutch'. I am hoping after he gets these next 4 teeth in we will get a break for a few months and can choose a route from the below ideas for weaning.
I'd especially like for him to be used to not having it before the fall and baby two's arrival! One thing that has helped us in the night - or at least helped him is his SweetDreams soother blanket!
I liked all 6 of the tips below and can imagine that for us snip the tip may be the best one to get him to lose interest! Will report back - hopefully in a month or so!
1. Snip the Tip
One of the most popular pacifier weaning tricks is cutting off the pacifier’s tip. After the ability to suck is removed, many children quickly lose interest. Try telling your child that the pacifier is broken, and let her throw it away. If the initial snip doesn’t do the trick, moms like Christina M., a mother of one son, suggest gradually cutting off more of the pacifier: “I tried cutting the end of the pacifier off a little bit every few days until there was nothing for him to suck on, and then he didn’t really want it anymore.” Just be careful that your child isn’t chewing off pacifier pieces, which could be a choking hazard.
2. Swap Soothing Items
“Try replacing the pacifier with something else that can give her security,” suggests Kate G. While a child may not instantly forget her pacifier, many moms found that alternative soothing items did eventually replace the pacifier. As Angela C. recalls: “I replaced the pacifier with a ‘sleep blanket’...The first couple of nights/naps she would cry for about 10 minutes, but her blanket against her face kept her warm and happy eventually.”
3. Gradually Reduce Use
While some moms advocate a cold-turkey approach to pacifier weaning, others like Meredith Z. find that gradually limiting pacifier usage is successful: “First, we limited pacifier usage to inside the house, then only to sleep time, then only to overnight, and then we said ‘let’s try bedtime without your bink just for tonight,’ and after the first night, he only asked for it once, and then he was totally fine. We just made sure we stuck to our rules, and let him be comfortable at each level before restricting bink usage more.”
4. The Dummy Fairy, Easter Bunny, and Santa
Another popular pacifier weaning tactic is to have a make-believe character reward the child for giving away their pacifiers. Sarah M., mother of two girls shares: “Say that the Dummy Fairy will come and take them and give them to new babies that need them. Then you leave a special ‘big girl’ present in the basket for them when they wake up.” Other moms, including Linnea F., use characters the kids already believe in: “My kids all gave theirs to the Easter Bunny for little ones who need binkies and don’t have them. This would also work with Santa. We still had some withdrawal cries, but it didn't last.”
5. Trade for Toys
Instead of having imaginative characters bring a child a reward, some moms advocate openly trading the pacifier for a prize. “Take her to Toys“R”Us and let her pick out a toy in exchange for the pacifier,” suggested Janice D. “It worked for me two times. You may have a few days that are a bit rough, but then it will be fine.” Other moms also had their child “pay” the cashier with a pacifier for the toy—just discuss this with the cashier in advance to make sure she’s game.
6. “Lose” It
After Melissa C. misplaced her daughter’s pacifier, she realized that simply pretending to lose it would be a good pacifier weaning strategy: “Maybe if you somehow ‘lose’ yours and have him help you look for it and don’t find it, it’ll let him know that you care enough to help him, even if you can't fix it.” Dawn D. used the same weaning tactic: “I just told her ‘we lost it’ and we’d look, but then she was OK with ‘we lost it’ and in two weeks she forgot all about it.”
Best of luck to all trying to 'lose the soother' by whatever means you choose!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Garden bounty
When the day starts with mint tea, followed by a salad lunch and dinner with fresh potatos - all home grown: you can tell summer's here!
Sadly at the same time our rain barrels are dry and I am loathing watering the garden with water I have paid to drink!
I am also looking at our two new chickens who have racked up three weeks with us and no eggs! I'm beginning to revise tonight's dinner menu... but wanting to try one more thing - to seperate the old and new 'flock' to see if they just need privacy to lay.. I had thought they had settled down, but the lack of eggs suggests they may not be being allowed into the nesting boxes.. I just don't want to shut my present flock out (who lay so very well) to test the theory...
Hmmm - we had the deal that all animals must pay for their keep and if we aren't getting eggs... Well we'll see!
I'm loving the rest of my harvest so far and gardening with my son and letting him eat the fresh blackberries and watching the joy on his purple stained face is priceless.
All I need is my wedding anniversary gift of a root cellar and next yr a small green house and better rabbit defences and we will really be generating some output on our 'backyard homestead'!
Sadly at the same time our rain barrels are dry and I am loathing watering the garden with water I have paid to drink!
I am also looking at our two new chickens who have racked up three weeks with us and no eggs! I'm beginning to revise tonight's dinner menu... but wanting to try one more thing - to seperate the old and new 'flock' to see if they just need privacy to lay.. I had thought they had settled down, but the lack of eggs suggests they may not be being allowed into the nesting boxes.. I just don't want to shut my present flock out (who lay so very well) to test the theory...
Hmmm - we had the deal that all animals must pay for their keep and if we aren't getting eggs... Well we'll see!
I'm loving the rest of my harvest so far and gardening with my son and letting him eat the fresh blackberries and watching the joy on his purple stained face is priceless.
All I need is my wedding anniversary gift of a root cellar and next yr a small green house and better rabbit defences and we will really be generating some output on our 'backyard homestead'!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
I'm loving the Miserly Moms Book!
Just got it from the library a few days ago (see I am frugal - I borrow not buy books) - I get to read a little bit each evening - whilst herding our chickens! [We have 3 chickens and 2 temporary interloper chickens. They have a big hen palace and run, but love to stretch their wings and rummage through the garden and compost heap of an evening... we just don't have a fence yet, so I have to keep them on our plot! I am starting to think our neighbours now sit out each evening just waiting for this spectacle!]
Back to the book - I am naturally 'sensible' with money, but with my belly expanding it is a constant reminder that soon our family will grow, my time will shrink further and food costs will keep rising... so something needs to change... I then found this book and already have seen a number of ways already I can track better, plan better and live better... on less!
Also I have been looking at ways to increase my income streams.. as my work requires me to be attached to a laptop with a headset and to have no background noise.. so far with one baby and childshare / workshare with hubby that has worked out! Who knows when number two comes along how she will fit in, what her personality and needs will be! So I have been adding new ways to make an income that would not be affected by/ can be worked around family! I will write more on this (sometime I promise!)
The core message of the book helps families looking to live on one income whilst one parent stays home... our setup is a little different we have opted for both parents to parent, but sadly two part time incomes don't quite yet add up to one full time one - so we need this book more than most!
As for our life choices - I would not change a thing! My husband and son have a wonderful bond and our boy gets to have loud and busy play with daddy in the mornings, but also get a completely different take on life with mummy in the afternoons - play dates, swimming, gardening and much much more!
I'd love to write more - but in essence - this book is good, it has more applications for my life than I had hoped for! Go read a copy!
Back to the book - I am naturally 'sensible' with money, but with my belly expanding it is a constant reminder that soon our family will grow, my time will shrink further and food costs will keep rising... so something needs to change... I then found this book and already have seen a number of ways already I can track better, plan better and live better... on less!
Also I have been looking at ways to increase my income streams.. as my work requires me to be attached to a laptop with a headset and to have no background noise.. so far with one baby and childshare / workshare with hubby that has worked out! Who knows when number two comes along how she will fit in, what her personality and needs will be! So I have been adding new ways to make an income that would not be affected by/ can be worked around family! I will write more on this (sometime I promise!)
The core message of the book helps families looking to live on one income whilst one parent stays home... our setup is a little different we have opted for both parents to parent, but sadly two part time incomes don't quite yet add up to one full time one - so we need this book more than most!
As for our life choices - I would not change a thing! My husband and son have a wonderful bond and our boy gets to have loud and busy play with daddy in the mornings, but also get a completely different take on life with mummy in the afternoons - play dates, swimming, gardening and much much more!
I'd love to write more - but in essence - this book is good, it has more applications for my life than I had hoped for! Go read a copy!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Full set of Nashers!
Well since the morning sickness weeks, we have been going through my son trying to get a full set of teeth! It's not been like the early, smaller teeth (pre - teething necklace) he started out this time for the first two weeks not wanting to go to bed and being clingy, then these last two weeks he has been off his food, but going to bed and then waking up sometime aroud 12 - 4am and being clingy and hungry!
Needless to say I'm a bit tired, but we are getting lots of lovely teeth through. I am just hoping to find some higher calorie things that he wants to eat, to help get him through the night, whilst praying that we are not creating a pattern - as he is ending up in bed with mum in the night... but that's because me and my baby bump need sleep too and not sure what else to do!
My wee man is not one for crying much, but if he starts - he is not gonna stop til someone fixes the problem! Roll on the rest of the teeth, then can we have a break please before the next few teeth come in! (Preferrably long enough to catch up on sleep and then face those early sleepless weeks with baby 2. She is doing well and we are excited for her arrival in October!)
Needless to say I'm a bit tired, but we are getting lots of lovely teeth through. I am just hoping to find some higher calorie things that he wants to eat, to help get him through the night, whilst praying that we are not creating a pattern - as he is ending up in bed with mum in the night... but that's because me and my baby bump need sleep too and not sure what else to do!
My wee man is not one for crying much, but if he starts - he is not gonna stop til someone fixes the problem! Roll on the rest of the teeth, then can we have a break please before the next few teeth come in! (Preferrably long enough to catch up on sleep and then face those early sleepless weeks with baby 2. She is doing well and we are excited for her arrival in October!)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
I'd love to write a piece on the how to juggle time...
... but I am a terrible example!
I love writing this blog, but between work, my gorgeous and busy son and a number of part time projects including my new USANA business that my priorities have slipped!
With so many to do's each day - chickens three visits a day (I can't do them holding my son as want to keep him away from any chicken poop!) two visits to veggie garden (can't do whilst holding a baby as need hands free to water and weed!)
That plus all normal things and too many clients for available working hours, I'm barely able to keep on top of the cloth diapers and the only thing that helps in that area are naked afternoons. I try to keep one or two afternoons a week at home just 'to be' with my boy rather than play dates and dashing around. It isn't always possible, but when we do it's T-shirt only time and that saves lots of laundry. We have two potties on hand (I'm not allowed to leave my son's side to empty potty number one and I make the dash and ignore the screams when both need emptying!)
So forgive the slow down/ quietening down. I have so much I want to share and currently no window of time to do so!
I love writing this blog, but between work, my gorgeous and busy son and a number of part time projects including my new USANA business that my priorities have slipped!
With so many to do's each day - chickens three visits a day (I can't do them holding my son as want to keep him away from any chicken poop!) two visits to veggie garden (can't do whilst holding a baby as need hands free to water and weed!)
That plus all normal things and too many clients for available working hours, I'm barely able to keep on top of the cloth diapers and the only thing that helps in that area are naked afternoons. I try to keep one or two afternoons a week at home just 'to be' with my boy rather than play dates and dashing around. It isn't always possible, but when we do it's T-shirt only time and that saves lots of laundry. We have two potties on hand (I'm not allowed to leave my son's side to empty potty number one and I make the dash and ignore the screams when both need emptying!)
So forgive the slow down/ quietening down. I have so much I want to share and currently no window of time to do so!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Raw almonds, or rotten?
still on a food theme - I came across this and really felt I had to share it!
I know weeks with hardly anything and two posts back to back! Feeling like SuperWoman today! It's amazing what a few days with food in the belly can do for you, as opposed to limping through the day feeling hungry, weak and fed up! but enough of that!
We need to look into our food more and not trust labels - I am pleased that wherever my local bulk store sources it's almonds from - they seem to be ok, as I do soak my almonds overnight to help release their goodness when I eat them, I will now replicate this test and see for sure how they fare!
I know weeks with hardly anything and two posts back to back! Feeling like SuperWoman today! It's amazing what a few days with food in the belly can do for you, as opposed to limping through the day feeling hungry, weak and fed up! but enough of that!
We need to look into our food more and not trust labels - I am pleased that wherever my local bulk store sources it's almonds from - they seem to be ok, as I do soak my almonds overnight to help release their goodness when I eat them, I will now replicate this test and see for sure how they fare!
Self healing cavaties - I kid you not!
I am pleased to say that my morning sickness is easing up - which as my last pregnancy it went the whole nine months and I was working and trying to set up a new home around it, it was tricky and not much fun.
I'd like to blog more on this subject and will, but this article on another blog a friend of mine follows really really caught my eye. I've been wanting to try to make my own butter oil (Ghee) and get more into making fermented and traditional foods, so when I saw this - I got really inspired, so watch this space for more info, but do read this amazing article how one mum healed her son's cavity, with a few small dietary changes and no trip to the dentist!
Genius! As I have many cavities from 9 months of stomach acid (sorry!) and I had only just started addressing having them filled when I fell pregnant with baby number 2, I will be testing this out very soon!
Fantastic! Great post, great blog!
I'd like to blog more on this subject and will, but this article on another blog a friend of mine follows really really caught my eye. I've been wanting to try to make my own butter oil (Ghee) and get more into making fermented and traditional foods, so when I saw this - I got really inspired, so watch this space for more info, but do read this amazing article how one mum healed her son's cavity, with a few small dietary changes and no trip to the dentist!
Genius! As I have many cavities from 9 months of stomach acid (sorry!) and I had only just started addressing having them filled when I fell pregnant with baby number 2, I will be testing this out very soon!
Fantastic! Great post, great blog!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sorry for the silence!
I'd really like to be writing more and writing on coping with life with severe morning sickness, but sadly between my pregnancy, my beautiful boy and his upcoming first birthday, work, the launch of two new exciting businesses I have been pushed for time.
This is my passion and I hope you bear with me and I also hope that unlike my last pregnancy - the sickness lets up soon!
Right - got to catch up on lots.
All the best
21st Century Mum
This is my passion and I hope you bear with me and I also hope that unlike my last pregnancy - the sickness lets up soon!
Right - got to catch up on lots.
All the best
21st Century Mum
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Morning (noon & night) sickness!
Well it is my intention to write a fuller piece on this, but in the meantime.
I just wanted to explain my absence!
Best wishes to any other sufferers out there!
I just wanted to explain my absence!
Best wishes to any other sufferers out there!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
What is the perfect age gap between siblings?
This is something I’ve thought about quite a lot. There are 2.5 years between my sister and I, and the way our birthdays fell meant we were three school years apart. I know many people who have siblings 15 - 17 months older than them and they felt it was mostly great to have a friend and a sibling in one, as well as those who felt a four year age gap or more was too much and felt they did not know their sister or brother as well.
Why is this on my mind? Well, I am very happy and proud to say I will be expecting my second baby in the autumn – and we will be celebrating my firstborn's first birthday at the end of next month. I get a lot of “you will have your hands full”, “you are brave” or “oops” type comments, which I find funny and posed my thoughts for this blog!
I only have a few birthdays before the ‘big 4-0’ and so did not want to waste any more time on the kids front. In fact, I prayed for twins with my first pregnancy and so prayed not for twins with this one! My husband and I want a total of two kids, close together in age. The fact that they will only be one school year apart – due to the Canadian school year following the calendar year – is ideal for a self employed work from home mom (and dad!).
It also means baby number two will get a whole year one on one with mum whilst baby one will be a big grown up boy heading out to kindergarten. I do feel I want to ensure one on one time with each child on a regular basis as they grow, as well as important family time and I think this is ideal.
Whilst a lot of my friends have put their changing babies bums days behind them, there are still those who have one child in the one – three years age range who are like “whooaaa! What you doing?” Then there are friends with four years olds seem to still not be able to see when the ‘right time’ for a second child would be. I’m not sure I see the problem with my little ones approx 16 months age gap, no matter what age baby one is when I have to take care of baby two – life will be busy!?
So what are the pros and cons of having two babies close in age? Here's what I think...
Pros
* Getting the messy stuff and sleepless nights all done ‘quickly’.
* Getting the childcare (very important to us) and pre-school issues behind you as quickly as possible.
* They may have more shared interests and shared activities and make entertaining them both during the school holidays easier.
* The two siblings may play well together.
* Baby one being young when baby two arrives will be like life without the other never happened and hopefully make the adjustment easier. (I have my fingers crossed on this one!)
Cons
* Life will be busy... to say the least!
* You will be elbow deep in muck, food up the walls and much more, with little or no break for a few years.
* Potentially there could be more squabbling over shared toys etc, as they will have closer interests.
As long as YOU are comfortable with the gap... that is what I see as important. Just like life pre any baby, my advice always is FILL THE FREEZER with easy meals before the new arrival, it will make things a lot easier!
For anyone out there pondering this baby number two question, my advice is to go with whatever works for you, factor in your existing family’s needs & feelings, the go for it because people will make interesting comments no matter what!
Also published at home.
Why is this on my mind? Well, I am very happy and proud to say I will be expecting my second baby in the autumn – and we will be celebrating my firstborn's first birthday at the end of next month. I get a lot of “you will have your hands full”, “you are brave” or “oops” type comments, which I find funny and posed my thoughts for this blog!
I only have a few birthdays before the ‘big 4-0’ and so did not want to waste any more time on the kids front. In fact, I prayed for twins with my first pregnancy and so prayed not for twins with this one! My husband and I want a total of two kids, close together in age. The fact that they will only be one school year apart – due to the Canadian school year following the calendar year – is ideal for a self employed work from home mom (and dad!).
It also means baby number two will get a whole year one on one with mum whilst baby one will be a big grown up boy heading out to kindergarten. I do feel I want to ensure one on one time with each child on a regular basis as they grow, as well as important family time and I think this is ideal.
Whilst a lot of my friends have put their changing babies bums days behind them, there are still those who have one child in the one – three years age range who are like “whooaaa! What you doing?” Then there are friends with four years olds seem to still not be able to see when the ‘right time’ for a second child would be. I’m not sure I see the problem with my little ones approx 16 months age gap, no matter what age baby one is when I have to take care of baby two – life will be busy!?
So what are the pros and cons of having two babies close in age? Here's what I think...
Pros
* Getting the messy stuff and sleepless nights all done ‘quickly’.
* Getting the childcare (very important to us) and pre-school issues behind you as quickly as possible.
* They may have more shared interests and shared activities and make entertaining them both during the school holidays easier.
* The two siblings may play well together.
* Baby one being young when baby two arrives will be like life without the other never happened and hopefully make the adjustment easier. (I have my fingers crossed on this one!)
Cons
* Life will be busy... to say the least!
* You will be elbow deep in muck, food up the walls and much more, with little or no break for a few years.
* Potentially there could be more squabbling over shared toys etc, as they will have closer interests.
As long as YOU are comfortable with the gap... that is what I see as important. Just like life pre any baby, my advice always is FILL THE FREEZER with easy meals before the new arrival, it will make things a lot easier!
For anyone out there pondering this baby number two question, my advice is to go with whatever works for you, factor in your existing family’s needs & feelings, the go for it because people will make interesting comments no matter what!
Also published at home.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Baby 2 scan
Got to see baby 2 today - which was great apart from the morning sickness and a litre of water before 7.30am - my recommendation: sparkling mineral water, well it helped me!
Was so great looking at the wee one, just as active and hiccupy and baby 1! Uh oh - gonna be some fun times ahead as the hiccuping one gets bigger, took me the longest time to know what the feeling was last time, at least now I know.
There is something magical about technology that allows us to meet and see the beginning of life to see the heart beating, all the little limbs present etc. Whilst is is a little too soon for the gender, we think we know, we hope we're right... just watch this space!
Baby 1 came along and thought the whole thing was great and by that I mean he had so much fun playing peekaboo with the big blue curtain! :)
Looking forward to taking baby 1 swimming this afternoon, we've missed a few weeks and I feel bad for him! Can't wait to see his face when he realises where he is when we get there!
2011 is looking like a bumper year for friends and babies! Hurrah!
Was so great looking at the wee one, just as active and hiccupy and baby 1! Uh oh - gonna be some fun times ahead as the hiccuping one gets bigger, took me the longest time to know what the feeling was last time, at least now I know.
There is something magical about technology that allows us to meet and see the beginning of life to see the heart beating, all the little limbs present etc. Whilst is is a little too soon for the gender, we think we know, we hope we're right... just watch this space!
Baby 1 came along and thought the whole thing was great and by that I mean he had so much fun playing peekaboo with the big blue curtain! :)
Looking forward to taking baby 1 swimming this afternoon, we've missed a few weeks and I feel bad for him! Can't wait to see his face when he realises where he is when we get there!
2011 is looking like a bumper year for friends and babies! Hurrah!
Monday, April 11, 2011
An addition...
I am delighted to announce that in October 3 will become 4! We are expecting our second child in the fall.
Which also gives me the opportunity to apologise for the recent infrequent posts and late posting's of Where's Sophie! This has been due to morning (noon & night) sickness.
I am however grateful to have not been as sick as I was when pregnant with my first, so here is hoping now I am in the second trimester that it will pass soon!
Also so very grateful to all the well wishers. Feeling very blessed.
Which also gives me the opportunity to apologise for the recent infrequent posts and late posting's of Where's Sophie! This has been due to morning (noon & night) sickness.
I am however grateful to have not been as sick as I was when pregnant with my first, so here is hoping now I am in the second trimester that it will pass soon!
Also so very grateful to all the well wishers. Feeling very blessed.
Where's Sophie 9? Find her & win a Sophie Saver!
Week 8 - Where is Sophie hiding? Can your little one spot her and be in with a chance of winning a handy Sophie Saver?
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
Contact forms generated by 123ContactForm
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Where's Sophie 8? Find her & win a Sophie Saver!
Week 8 - Where is Sophie hiding? Can your little one spot her and be in with a chance of winning a handy Sophie Saver?
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
Contact forms generated by 123ContactForm
Friday, March 25, 2011
Looking forward to swimming later!
It's nice to have things to look forward to and I truly do love going for a swim with my son at a local (ish) pool!
Swimming is great excercise and it is such an important life skill and my little guy just loves it so much I always enjoy our Friday swim.
I am looking forward to the summer and taking my neighbours up on their offer of using their pool. How great will it be not having to plan the trip down to the last detail, packing everything in the bag we need, snacks and drinks just in case, working it around nap time and the very tight timeline that I can bring a baby to swim, as most places cater to a morning baby routine (all the places with the nice warm pools!)
The idea of heading next door, with a few supplies and maybe some back up stuff our side of the hedge in case, have a swim then it's home for nap time 5 minutes later!
This feels a long way away with the recent snow that is covering the ground, but the warm sun is still giving me hope!
Swimming is great excercise and it is such an important life skill and my little guy just loves it so much I always enjoy our Friday swim.
I am looking forward to the summer and taking my neighbours up on their offer of using their pool. How great will it be not having to plan the trip down to the last detail, packing everything in the bag we need, snacks and drinks just in case, working it around nap time and the very tight timeline that I can bring a baby to swim, as most places cater to a morning baby routine (all the places with the nice warm pools!)
The idea of heading next door, with a few supplies and maybe some back up stuff our side of the hedge in case, have a swim then it's home for nap time 5 minutes later!
This feels a long way away with the recent snow that is covering the ground, but the warm sun is still giving me hope!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Where's Sophie 7? Find her & win a Sophie Saver!
Week 7 - Where is Sophie hiding? Can your little one spot her and be in with a chance of winning a handy Sophie Saver?
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
Contact forms generated by 123ContactForm
Friday, March 18, 2011
Spring feels like it has sprung!
There have been a few days where we felt the warmth of a spring like sun, only to be rewarded with snow or rain for the next few days, but this feels like it!
A lovely red cardinal was just outside my office window - he perched and looked at me long and hard and I got the feeling he's thinking the same thing!
Yippee I love spring, all the promise of things to grow in the garden, the warm walks with my husband and son, feeling the sun on my face!
Yep you're not going to get much more sense out of me today. Right on with some work and then out to play in the sun! :)
A lovely red cardinal was just outside my office window - he perched and looked at me long and hard and I got the feeling he's thinking the same thing!
Yippee I love spring, all the promise of things to grow in the garden, the warm walks with my husband and son, feeling the sun on my face!
Yep you're not going to get much more sense out of me today. Right on with some work and then out to play in the sun! :)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sprout, sprout...let it all out
The wonder of sprouts, winter is still here, the snow banks are receeding, but it is still too soon to eat freshly grown food.... or is it?!
I've always marvelled at the power of sprouts, sometimes in as little as 3-5 days you can be harvesting nutritionally packed sprouted seeds. If you think about these seeds they have all the ability to grow into a fully grown 'plant' and you can reap the rewards and eat them as nutritionally dense sprouts.
These have been staples on our table for a number of years, either added into sandwiches, soups, stirfries, stews - or just a handful as a snack, or side salad! There is something rewarding in eating freshly grown food before even the snow drops have emerged and when your larder contents of preserved goodies is dwindling!
Start off by rinsing and soaking the seeds, I often just rinse then soak overnight in a bowl - it works for me, but there is more than one way to sprout a seed!
You can buy or make a number of different sprouters for your home, using mason jars with a muslin or other lid that allows you to drain off excess water.
Depending on your family's appetite will depend on whether you want to increase these quantities:
Using one or two tablespoons of sprout seeds in a jar or bowl, cover it with muslin or netting and rubber band. Wash, rinse and drain the seed, then add a cup of water and soak for 2 to 4 hours (I often soak overnight), then in the morning drain off the water. Rinse and drain morning and night for 2 or 3 days, sometimes after one day I spread them onto the sprouter container picture above, however you can just sprout them in the jar if you wish..
At a time when we are advised to eat less meat and dairy, this is an excellent source of protein. Beans and grains are excellent for sprouting as they are high in protein, low in fat, high in fiber and with no cholesterol. Don't worry - when the seeds sprout some of the starches are converted into simple sugars and therefore make it easier to digest.
Some of my favourite sprouts are mung beans, radish sprouts, buckwheat, red adzuki, broccoli, chia, quinoa, cress (I always think back to the fascinating cress growing experiment we did in school when I sprout cress!) Gosh I could keep going.. however this company supplies an excellent range of sprouts.
Oh yeah and and soybeans, the sprouted soybean has wonderful nitritional properties - it offers very high levels of the B-complex Vitamins, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Often termed as 'baby vegetables' they grow incredibly quickly and year round. The actual yield is great approximately one pound of alfalfa seed will result in about ten to fourteen pounds of fresh edible greens.
You can also sprout nuts and this is something I have longed to try and will report back when I have (that plus fermented food - you may say yuk - but this is how Sauerkraut is traditonally made.)
I could easily go on for ages about sprouts, but will just provide the below references. I also nearly went off on one with a secondary piece on growing food in small places... but that's for another day!
Sprout nutrition
The value of sprouts article.
Enjoy!
I've always marvelled at the power of sprouts, sometimes in as little as 3-5 days you can be harvesting nutritionally packed sprouted seeds. If you think about these seeds they have all the ability to grow into a fully grown 'plant' and you can reap the rewards and eat them as nutritionally dense sprouts.
These have been staples on our table for a number of years, either added into sandwiches, soups, stirfries, stews - or just a handful as a snack, or side salad! There is something rewarding in eating freshly grown food before even the snow drops have emerged and when your larder contents of preserved goodies is dwindling!
Start off by rinsing and soaking the seeds, I often just rinse then soak overnight in a bowl - it works for me, but there is more than one way to sprout a seed!
You can buy or make a number of different sprouters for your home, using mason jars with a muslin or other lid that allows you to drain off excess water.
Depending on your family's appetite will depend on whether you want to increase these quantities:
Using one or two tablespoons of sprout seeds in a jar or bowl, cover it with muslin or netting and rubber band. Wash, rinse and drain the seed, then add a cup of water and soak for 2 to 4 hours (I often soak overnight), then in the morning drain off the water. Rinse and drain morning and night for 2 or 3 days, sometimes after one day I spread them onto the sprouter container picture above, however you can just sprout them in the jar if you wish..
At a time when we are advised to eat less meat and dairy, this is an excellent source of protein. Beans and grains are excellent for sprouting as they are high in protein, low in fat, high in fiber and with no cholesterol. Don't worry - when the seeds sprout some of the starches are converted into simple sugars and therefore make it easier to digest.
Some of my favourite sprouts are mung beans, radish sprouts, buckwheat, red adzuki, broccoli, chia, quinoa, cress (I always think back to the fascinating cress growing experiment we did in school when I sprout cress!) Gosh I could keep going.. however this company supplies an excellent range of sprouts.
Oh yeah and and soybeans, the sprouted soybean has wonderful nitritional properties - it offers very high levels of the B-complex Vitamins, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Often termed as 'baby vegetables' they grow incredibly quickly and year round. The actual yield is great approximately one pound of alfalfa seed will result in about ten to fourteen pounds of fresh edible greens.
You can also sprout nuts and this is something I have longed to try and will report back when I have (that plus fermented food - you may say yuk - but this is how Sauerkraut is traditonally made.)
I could easily go on for ages about sprouts, but will just provide the below references. I also nearly went off on one with a secondary piece on growing food in small places... but that's for another day!
Sprout nutrition
The value of sprouts article.
Enjoy!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Where's Sophie 6? Find her & win a Sophie Saver!
Week 6 - Where is Sophie hiding? Can your little one spot her and be in with a chance of winning a handy Sophie Saver?
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
Contact forms generated by 123ContactForm
Friday, March 11, 2011
Friday is swim day!
Friday is swim day in our house!
Ever since my little boy was 8 weeks old I introduced him to swimming, whenever I hear of tragedies where someone's angel was taken too soon as a result of drowning I firm my resolve to ensure that my children grow up to be strong, confident swimmers.
I used to be a good swimmer, but had a sailing accident a number of years ago, that understandably put me off water, but I can swim and I owe my little guy the chance to love the water and to always be able to take care of himself.
My apologies for drifting down that path - I love swim day! I only wish more pools were accessible for mums and babies after 1pm. Working in the morning and most other babies taking long afternoon naps means our local pools are not normally open to babies in the afternoon!
So when Friday rolls around it's a fun day (afternoon) we head to the pool for almost an hour of swim time fun. Each time I am amazed at the extra reserves of energy he shows and if they didn't close when they do - I am sure he'd stay much longer!
Whilst there are classes that can teach you and your baby various techniques and with safe guidance you can 'dunk' your baby - again they seem to be alluding us and in the mornings! However 2 to 3 years old is when proper swim lessons will be more appropriate - for now it is just fun time for us!
There is no right age to start swimming with your baby, depending on how sensitive to noise your little bundle is may depend on how soon you want to go, or whether you just pick the quiet times.
My boy has come a long way from our first dip where he clung to me with all his might, he now sits in a 'floatie' (I'd love to know the real name for this wonderful device) it has a rope line to it and I can swim and tow him at the same time and he doesn't mind the distance from me anymore!
We always make swim time like playing in a giant bath - with floating toys, making whooshing sounds and generally clapping and squealing! The life guards love his love of the water!
I know the life guards are great at the pool and very vigilant but I always make a point of saying hello - just so they see us and know where we are. (The first time I asked one stand by the edge of the pool the whole time we were there - I asked nicely and I got the feeling I wasn't the first 1st time mum she had encountered!)
It is important that you feel confident and so your baby feels your confidence too!
My least favourite time is the getting dry and dressed at the end when energy levels are depleted all round - I take a bottle, snacks & toys as a distraction, but I still find myself rushed by my fractious angel. I long for the summer when heading outside is not a cold blast and so there are less layers for baby and me!
Ever since my little boy was 8 weeks old I introduced him to swimming, whenever I hear of tragedies where someone's angel was taken too soon as a result of drowning I firm my resolve to ensure that my children grow up to be strong, confident swimmers.
I used to be a good swimmer, but had a sailing accident a number of years ago, that understandably put me off water, but I can swim and I owe my little guy the chance to love the water and to always be able to take care of himself.
My apologies for drifting down that path - I love swim day! I only wish more pools were accessible for mums and babies after 1pm. Working in the morning and most other babies taking long afternoon naps means our local pools are not normally open to babies in the afternoon!
So when Friday rolls around it's a fun day (afternoon) we head to the pool for almost an hour of swim time fun. Each time I am amazed at the extra reserves of energy he shows and if they didn't close when they do - I am sure he'd stay much longer!
Whilst there are classes that can teach you and your baby various techniques and with safe guidance you can 'dunk' your baby - again they seem to be alluding us and in the mornings! However 2 to 3 years old is when proper swim lessons will be more appropriate - for now it is just fun time for us!
There is no right age to start swimming with your baby, depending on how sensitive to noise your little bundle is may depend on how soon you want to go, or whether you just pick the quiet times.
My boy has come a long way from our first dip where he clung to me with all his might, he now sits in a 'floatie' (I'd love to know the real name for this wonderful device) it has a rope line to it and I can swim and tow him at the same time and he doesn't mind the distance from me anymore!
We always make swim time like playing in a giant bath - with floating toys, making whooshing sounds and generally clapping and squealing! The life guards love his love of the water!
I know the life guards are great at the pool and very vigilant but I always make a point of saying hello - just so they see us and know where we are. (The first time I asked one stand by the edge of the pool the whole time we were there - I asked nicely and I got the feeling I wasn't the first 1st time mum she had encountered!)
It is important that you feel confident and so your baby feels your confidence too!
My least favourite time is the getting dry and dressed at the end when energy levels are depleted all round - I take a bottle, snacks & toys as a distraction, but I still find myself rushed by my fractious angel. I long for the summer when heading outside is not a cold blast and so there are less layers for baby and me!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Healthy snacks on the go
I do feel lucky that so far my little one hasn't tasted chocolate or ice cream, but as he gets older he will be exposed more and more to 'convenient' and less than healthy food options.
Whilst he is only 9 months I can ensure that his taste buds stay used to healthy foods and therefore healthy snacks too. I have found that his taste buds have been 'educated' to enjoy home made (& sometimes home grown) foods - to the point where when recently travelling he wouldn't eat the pure organic jar food I had purchased! I can mainly put this down to the heat treating etc that is required to preserve these products.
As inconvenient as it was, I made sure at our destination that I already had sweet potatoes, an ice cube tray and ziploc bags - so hunger was dealt with! This does give me some hope that until other kids birthday parties, sleep overs etc take place that I can do as much as I can to continue to encourage my son's taste buds to like home made nutritious foods & snacks.
Getting caught somewhere longer than you expected can cause the best of intentions to be diverted - I know this when the other day my hunger pangs forced me to visit 'the golden arches' for the first time in over 2 years (not sure the exact length of time - but at least 2 years!) I ate salty fries in front of my son and my hunger pangs led way to guilt pangs as I do believe that I should lead by example! This event has led me to write this article, which I had been wanting to cover for some time. So with a little planning: disasters can be averted. (Yes - I need to head my examples for take along healthy snacks for my son - for myself!)
I do carry in all diaper and other bags a few baby mum mums, at my in laws house I have put a few packets at the back of the cupboard (I am not saying unhealthy food is on offer there as that is not the case, it's just good to have a stash in case plans change!) When heading out for the day if it's the kind of day with lots of errands that an unplanned nap during them could throw the day off course I take along extra foods in a small tupperware. For example some chopped up steamed carrots or other healthy veg or fruit snack - I keep a bag of these in the freezer too, which work great on sore teething gums! (I let them thaw, but when they are still nice and cool - I offer them. I never chop or give them in small circles as they could be a choking hazard.) See choking prevention advice.
I am looking forward to when my wee one is a little older to give him dried fruits as a snack, I experimented last year with different apples (& other fruits) and techniques in the dehydrator, it went great and it's a very cost effective way to go, whilst ensuring you always have healthy fruit snacks! As an aside I am quite sure if I gave them to my boy now (& for that matter if I fed him steak now) he would gladly wolf them down! But my issues on moving through stages too soon are for another day, as will there be an article on dehydrating, around Sept time! [My son already has 6 teeth and a love of food and has always been ready for the next stage, before I was.]
There are many manufactured baby snacks and some are better than others - check sodium, sugar, preservatives and colours and make your choice. I know many a child that has snacked on regular cheerios - which is fine, however you can get organic whole wheat O's instead. These are more costly, so I use the dispenser cup with dividers in, so only a small amount are in each section - so that if there is a spill, or they don't get eaten very quickly - the majority are in the original packaging and kept fresh. It does mean most days checking the diaper bag for supplies and maybe topping up, but it reduces any waste.
At home I occasionally make some Jello - which can be good for unsettled tummies and also good to help get fruit into the diet of kids who may not be keen on it. I am not talking packet stuff - organic gelatin sheets, which are easy to make and I will supply a recipe later. This is a fast and easy to serve (fun) food that you can pull out for snack time - you can take this in a small container on the go, but it easier to eat when in a chair and properly equipped - with wipes etc!
For normal meals I usually have made and thawed something ahead of time (which I can take in tupperware out and about), if I am doing a family dinner with broccoli etc, I make some extra then mash or puree it and serve fresh and warm. (Steaming or sautéing is the healthiest way to cook veggies.) If you would like to download my easy baby foods pdf - click here.
Not only will making snacks ahead of time, save worries, time, money and potentially eating unhealthy food, it provides an excellent opportunity for portion control! For other frugal advice I have a previous article you can read.
Think drinks, juice etc and take bottled water - in reusable bottles. Stopping somewhere to purchase sugar loaded drinks is not only a pain - it's a sweet ladden minefield that is best avoided!
I do believe that with the groundwork laid down now, through toddlerhood and early school years it will stand my boy in good stead when it comes to culinary choices. I also do believe that maternal nutrition is very important too. However as I know from my own pregnancy that I spent almost the whole 9 months barely able to keep food down and I still have a robust, healthy boy with a love of food. So it is not essential, but I feel that the more you can do during pregnancy to treat your body and therefore your growing baby to healthy balanced meals and snacks, the better.
If you have questions, comments or tips - do get in touch!
Whilst he is only 9 months I can ensure that his taste buds stay used to healthy foods and therefore healthy snacks too. I have found that his taste buds have been 'educated' to enjoy home made (& sometimes home grown) foods - to the point where when recently travelling he wouldn't eat the pure organic jar food I had purchased! I can mainly put this down to the heat treating etc that is required to preserve these products.
As inconvenient as it was, I made sure at our destination that I already had sweet potatoes, an ice cube tray and ziploc bags - so hunger was dealt with! This does give me some hope that until other kids birthday parties, sleep overs etc take place that I can do as much as I can to continue to encourage my son's taste buds to like home made nutritious foods & snacks.
Getting caught somewhere longer than you expected can cause the best of intentions to be diverted - I know this when the other day my hunger pangs forced me to visit 'the golden arches' for the first time in over 2 years (not sure the exact length of time - but at least 2 years!) I ate salty fries in front of my son and my hunger pangs led way to guilt pangs as I do believe that I should lead by example! This event has led me to write this article, which I had been wanting to cover for some time. So with a little planning: disasters can be averted. (Yes - I need to head my examples for take along healthy snacks for my son - for myself!)
I do carry in all diaper and other bags a few baby mum mums, at my in laws house I have put a few packets at the back of the cupboard (I am not saying unhealthy food is on offer there as that is not the case, it's just good to have a stash in case plans change!) When heading out for the day if it's the kind of day with lots of errands that an unplanned nap during them could throw the day off course I take along extra foods in a small tupperware. For example some chopped up steamed carrots or other healthy veg or fruit snack - I keep a bag of these in the freezer too, which work great on sore teething gums! (I let them thaw, but when they are still nice and cool - I offer them. I never chop or give them in small circles as they could be a choking hazard.) See choking prevention advice.
I am looking forward to when my wee one is a little older to give him dried fruits as a snack, I experimented last year with different apples (& other fruits) and techniques in the dehydrator, it went great and it's a very cost effective way to go, whilst ensuring you always have healthy fruit snacks! As an aside I am quite sure if I gave them to my boy now (& for that matter if I fed him steak now) he would gladly wolf them down! But my issues on moving through stages too soon are for another day, as will there be an article on dehydrating, around Sept time! [My son already has 6 teeth and a love of food and has always been ready for the next stage, before I was.]
There are many manufactured baby snacks and some are better than others - check sodium, sugar, preservatives and colours and make your choice. I know many a child that has snacked on regular cheerios - which is fine, however you can get organic whole wheat O's instead. These are more costly, so I use the dispenser cup with dividers in, so only a small amount are in each section - so that if there is a spill, or they don't get eaten very quickly - the majority are in the original packaging and kept fresh. It does mean most days checking the diaper bag for supplies and maybe topping up, but it reduces any waste.
At home I occasionally make some Jello - which can be good for unsettled tummies and also good to help get fruit into the diet of kids who may not be keen on it. I am not talking packet stuff - organic gelatin sheets, which are easy to make and I will supply a recipe later. This is a fast and easy to serve (fun) food that you can pull out for snack time - you can take this in a small container on the go, but it easier to eat when in a chair and properly equipped - with wipes etc!
For normal meals I usually have made and thawed something ahead of time (which I can take in tupperware out and about), if I am doing a family dinner with broccoli etc, I make some extra then mash or puree it and serve fresh and warm. (Steaming or sautéing is the healthiest way to cook veggies.) If you would like to download my easy baby foods pdf - click here.
Not only will making snacks ahead of time, save worries, time, money and potentially eating unhealthy food, it provides an excellent opportunity for portion control! For other frugal advice I have a previous article you can read.
Think drinks, juice etc and take bottled water - in reusable bottles. Stopping somewhere to purchase sugar loaded drinks is not only a pain - it's a sweet ladden minefield that is best avoided!
I do believe that with the groundwork laid down now, through toddlerhood and early school years it will stand my boy in good stead when it comes to culinary choices. I also do believe that maternal nutrition is very important too. However as I know from my own pregnancy that I spent almost the whole 9 months barely able to keep food down and I still have a robust, healthy boy with a love of food. So it is not essential, but I feel that the more you can do during pregnancy to treat your body and therefore your growing baby to healthy balanced meals and snacks, the better.
If you have questions, comments or tips - do get in touch!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Where's Sophie 5? Find her & win a Sophie Saver!
Week 5 - Where is Sophie hiding? Can your little one spot her and be in with a chance of winning a handy Sophie Saver?
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
Contact forms generated by 123ContactForm
Monday, March 7, 2011
Benefits of baby massage
The calming power of touch - from the moment our wee ones arrive into the world, contact with mum and dad can be the most reassuring thing ever! From the second my son was placed on my chest and we had a lovely long cuddle ‘direct contact’ has always been key!
As a baby he was a long and skinny and I would love tracing the outside of him and tickle his beautiful soft skin and make him giggle. I longed to feel more co-ordinated in my approach to this contact, so took a local course in baby massage. Apart from learning these wonderful skills and gaining confidence in my contact with my son - it was a special hour a week with my baby just focussed on relaxed fun!
A fellow classmate was there with her second child and she was taking the time out whilst Gran and Grandpa watched her first child, so that she would have this special time with baby number two. (As a second child myself I can really see the importance of this - but this is just an aside.)
Baby massage has been practised for centuries by many different cultures as babies all understand the shared language of touch! We as adults understand the benefits of a massage for a bad back or aching joints, just as we benefit - so do our infants.
There is a great shared bond that develops as a parent and child enjoy discovering the various likes and dislikes, sensitivities (tickly feet) etc. Here are some basics - you can find more resources on you tube as this is quite a visual subject.
Timing is important - firstly you need to have the time to be able to indulge in this wonderful activity, but also you need to find a time when your baby is not hungry or too tired etc. I found that just before bath time was great and allowed me to wash off the oil, or if we'd been out and not had the time before bath, then after the bath and whilst applying moisturiser.
Olive oil (and in my opinion high quality and organic) is best. Oil makes it easier to gently move your hands over your baby, it's natural and with no over stimulating aroma's. The less extra products or synthetic ingredients the less chance your baby's skin will get irritated. (You don't want to get me started on the ‘nasties’ in skincare products... that's for another article!)
A warm, dimly light room is my recommendation, don't massage too soon after a feed, allow 20mins or more if you baby is happy to continue, if your baby isn't used to it - consider starting with just a 5 to 10 minute massage and build up each day - as it can be too much stimulation for some little ones.
Sit, or kneel comfortably, with baby on a big soft towel and most importantly have baby totally undressed - I haven't met a baby yet who in a warm room doesn't love naked time! Start on baby's tummy, with reassuring eye contact that this is fun and safe.
Start with your fingers at baby's chest height, palm laying softly on baby's tummy, glide your hands to the top of the shoulders, then at the shoulders, stroke down and along the both the arms at the same time. There is an arm 'wringing' maneuver - but I don't quite feel comfortable describing that one in case of misunderstanding. Then work on the hands slowly and gently, stroking the palms, massaging them open, then stroke along each finger from the hand towards the tip.
There are a number of strokes that you can do across the abdomen, but I will let you either gently play and make them up yourself, or look them up on google and you tube as I am wordy at the best of times and don't wish to over describe them!
Then once you move from the abdomen, work on each leg separately: with one hand lightly hold your baby at the ankle (by now mine is usually wriggling a lot so sometimes I would have to hold him tighter than others!) Place your free hand across the top of baby's leg with your finger tips pointing inward and fan down the leg with your fingertips apart as you move down. There is a similar wringing movement here for the leg... my guy loved it so it is worth investigating!
Then onto the feet - some babies do not like their feet being massaged. With your thumb firmly (but gently) placed on the sole, make small circular motions outward and downward, stopping if your baby is not enjoying it. You can circle the edges of the feet next and then like with the hands, give each toe a gentle stroke.
You can add in a lot more and make up what feels right to you and your baby as long - as it is relaxing for them. It is always good to have a finishing set of movements, to wind things up and to let baby know that the massage is coming to an end. Using your whole hand, palm flat on baby's belly, stroke diagonally downwards towards the left hip, then down the left leg, then from the left shoulder to the right ankle, repeat these twice and firmly but gently!
Most of all you and your baby should be enjoying this. Any questions, comments or advice - let us know!
As a baby he was a long and skinny and I would love tracing the outside of him and tickle his beautiful soft skin and make him giggle. I longed to feel more co-ordinated in my approach to this contact, so took a local course in baby massage. Apart from learning these wonderful skills and gaining confidence in my contact with my son - it was a special hour a week with my baby just focussed on relaxed fun!
A fellow classmate was there with her second child and she was taking the time out whilst Gran and Grandpa watched her first child, so that she would have this special time with baby number two. (As a second child myself I can really see the importance of this - but this is just an aside.)
Baby massage has been practised for centuries by many different cultures as babies all understand the shared language of touch! We as adults understand the benefits of a massage for a bad back or aching joints, just as we benefit - so do our infants.
There is a great shared bond that develops as a parent and child enjoy discovering the various likes and dislikes, sensitivities (tickly feet) etc. Here are some basics - you can find more resources on you tube as this is quite a visual subject.
Timing is important - firstly you need to have the time to be able to indulge in this wonderful activity, but also you need to find a time when your baby is not hungry or too tired etc. I found that just before bath time was great and allowed me to wash off the oil, or if we'd been out and not had the time before bath, then after the bath and whilst applying moisturiser.
Olive oil (and in my opinion high quality and organic) is best. Oil makes it easier to gently move your hands over your baby, it's natural and with no over stimulating aroma's. The less extra products or synthetic ingredients the less chance your baby's skin will get irritated. (You don't want to get me started on the ‘nasties’ in skincare products... that's for another article!)
A warm, dimly light room is my recommendation, don't massage too soon after a feed, allow 20mins or more if you baby is happy to continue, if your baby isn't used to it - consider starting with just a 5 to 10 minute massage and build up each day - as it can be too much stimulation for some little ones.
Sit, or kneel comfortably, with baby on a big soft towel and most importantly have baby totally undressed - I haven't met a baby yet who in a warm room doesn't love naked time! Start on baby's tummy, with reassuring eye contact that this is fun and safe.
Start with your fingers at baby's chest height, palm laying softly on baby's tummy, glide your hands to the top of the shoulders, then at the shoulders, stroke down and along the both the arms at the same time. There is an arm 'wringing' maneuver - but I don't quite feel comfortable describing that one in case of misunderstanding. Then work on the hands slowly and gently, stroking the palms, massaging them open, then stroke along each finger from the hand towards the tip.
There are a number of strokes that you can do across the abdomen, but I will let you either gently play and make them up yourself, or look them up on google and you tube as I am wordy at the best of times and don't wish to over describe them!
Then once you move from the abdomen, work on each leg separately: with one hand lightly hold your baby at the ankle (by now mine is usually wriggling a lot so sometimes I would have to hold him tighter than others!) Place your free hand across the top of baby's leg with your finger tips pointing inward and fan down the leg with your fingertips apart as you move down. There is a similar wringing movement here for the leg... my guy loved it so it is worth investigating!
Then onto the feet - some babies do not like their feet being massaged. With your thumb firmly (but gently) placed on the sole, make small circular motions outward and downward, stopping if your baby is not enjoying it. You can circle the edges of the feet next and then like with the hands, give each toe a gentle stroke.
You can add in a lot more and make up what feels right to you and your baby as long - as it is relaxing for them. It is always good to have a finishing set of movements, to wind things up and to let baby know that the massage is coming to an end. Using your whole hand, palm flat on baby's belly, stroke diagonally downwards towards the left hip, then down the left leg, then from the left shoulder to the right ankle, repeat these twice and firmly but gently!
Most of all you and your baby should be enjoying this. Any questions, comments or advice - let us know!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Transitioning from two naps to one.
What a difference a week makes!
This time last week I was at my wit's end, my little boy was fighting sleep at every turn. He was needing his morning nap, but struggling against it, it would take two hours in the afternoon before he would give in to 'much needed' sleep and then at night he was no longer a happy chappy on a routine, but a soldier fighting the good fight!
Then I thought - even though he's only 9 months old, maybe I should try changing his routine?
So day one (I picked a Saturday - so work schedules wouldn't get in the way) I kept him going all morning at 11.30 he was beginning to struggle, but I brought lunch forward a little and that powered him up! Then it was to the nursery at 11.50, stories and then a blissful 50 minute nap.
50 minutes may not sound much, but until late January he only ever took ten minutes in the morning and ten or so in the afternoon! He did then move this up to maybe 30 minutes each time, until last week........a very long week!
Continuing on from his one nap we made it through to 4pm and then a lot of eye rubbing took place, so we had an additional mini snack time, new games and fun and made it through to start the normal 5pm winding down for a 6.15 bedtime! Hey presto no fighting and back to his good as gold self!
Keeping this routine on the Sunday, I was able to drop the extra afternoon snack and again he went to sleep well. Bingo - life was looking good again! Having previously seen my little one tired, cross and frustrated, it was wonderful to have him back to his happy, laughing normal self.
Then on Monday he was at his Gran's for the morning to fit around mine and my husband's work schedules... he slept for 1.5 hours! Wonderful - we haven't been able to re-create quite that long a nap since, but I am going to get some additional blackout material for his room as I think that may help, his blinds do cut out a lot of the sun, but not as much as at Gran's - so fingers crossed! What could I manage to accomplish in this additional time?!
So my thoughts to you are if you are in a similar boat - trust your instincts, by all means read up on the recommended advice, techniques etc, but above all else go with your 'mummy gut' - if you think that this is what your little one needs, then try it and try it for a few days, it is normal for them to fight it a little (I think my son had got all his fight out of him the previous week!)
Good luck, be strong and above all be flexible to finding what timing work's best in your household!
This time last week I was at my wit's end, my little boy was fighting sleep at every turn. He was needing his morning nap, but struggling against it, it would take two hours in the afternoon before he would give in to 'much needed' sleep and then at night he was no longer a happy chappy on a routine, but a soldier fighting the good fight!
Then I thought - even though he's only 9 months old, maybe I should try changing his routine?
So day one (I picked a Saturday - so work schedules wouldn't get in the way) I kept him going all morning at 11.30 he was beginning to struggle, but I brought lunch forward a little and that powered him up! Then it was to the nursery at 11.50, stories and then a blissful 50 minute nap.
50 minutes may not sound much, but until late January he only ever took ten minutes in the morning and ten or so in the afternoon! He did then move this up to maybe 30 minutes each time, until last week........a very long week!
Continuing on from his one nap we made it through to 4pm and then a lot of eye rubbing took place, so we had an additional mini snack time, new games and fun and made it through to start the normal 5pm winding down for a 6.15 bedtime! Hey presto no fighting and back to his good as gold self!
Keeping this routine on the Sunday, I was able to drop the extra afternoon snack and again he went to sleep well. Bingo - life was looking good again! Having previously seen my little one tired, cross and frustrated, it was wonderful to have him back to his happy, laughing normal self.
Then on Monday he was at his Gran's for the morning to fit around mine and my husband's work schedules... he slept for 1.5 hours! Wonderful - we haven't been able to re-create quite that long a nap since, but I am going to get some additional blackout material for his room as I think that may help, his blinds do cut out a lot of the sun, but not as much as at Gran's - so fingers crossed! What could I manage to accomplish in this additional time?!
So my thoughts to you are if you are in a similar boat - trust your instincts, by all means read up on the recommended advice, techniques etc, but above all else go with your 'mummy gut' - if you think that this is what your little one needs, then try it and try it for a few days, it is normal for them to fight it a little (I think my son had got all his fight out of him the previous week!)
Good luck, be strong and above all be flexible to finding what timing work's best in your household!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The Sophie Saver
Those of you who have been following Sophie's antics may already know the wonder of the Sophie Saver - this and other mompreneur innovations really do captivate me.
Something as simple as this can reduce so much hassle, my son (like soooo many babies) loves to explore gravity and has an unending interest in dropping... well anything he can get his hands on.
Whilst some think that maybe after three or so pickups the item should be left on the floor (as a lesson.) I'll be honest here, I do not see the lesson - that mommy is inconsistent, mommy gets bored easy?
Sorry to all those who I have annoyed with this. Whilst I do not have infinite time to spend picking up everything every second - I can with the Sophie saver and also with the sippy saver - attach Sophie to my son and a toy to his high chair and he will always have something he can drop and then help himself to again!
Genius. Everyone's a winner.
You can go to Going Loopy's site to buy these or you can enter our weekly competition (with one draw of all correct entries taking place at the end of the month) on behalf of your wee one, of course!
Something as simple as this can reduce so much hassle, my son (like soooo many babies) loves to explore gravity and has an unending interest in dropping... well anything he can get his hands on.
Whilst some think that maybe after three or so pickups the item should be left on the floor (as a lesson.) I'll be honest here, I do not see the lesson - that mommy is inconsistent, mommy gets bored easy?
Sorry to all those who I have annoyed with this. Whilst I do not have infinite time to spend picking up everything every second - I can with the Sophie saver and also with the sippy saver - attach Sophie to my son and a toy to his high chair and he will always have something he can drop and then help himself to again!
Genius. Everyone's a winner.
You can go to Going Loopy's site to buy these or you can enter our weekly competition (with one draw of all correct entries taking place at the end of the month) on behalf of your wee one, of course!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Where's Sophie 4? Find her & win!
Sophie's 4th week of hiding - can your little one spot her and be in with a chance of winning?
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
This week's Where's Sophie Competition has a fantastic Sophie Saver up for grabs.
Send in your answers to be in with a chance!
Thanks Going Loopy!
See main competition page and past week's competitions here.
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