Category Archives: Moms & Dads

Weekend Review Reading Selection

Posted on by
Reply

Yay it’s the weekend! Sailing into Summer…

My weekend is a precious time for me and my family. I try to stay away from screens although with a blog it is difficult not to maintain some daily presence on social media. One thing that I enjoy in particular is Friday night dinner with friends. It is a time to relax and unwind for Papa and me where we can kick back and be ourselves while enjoying some good food that I don’t have to prepare.

Another favorite thing for me to do on the weekend is cook with my granddaughter when she is at our home. Sometimes we make sweet things, other times savory. We love to eat homemade pizza on Saturday and sometimes have movie night.

I also love to read so here are some of my suggestions.

Summer Weekend

Sailing into Summer

Since I recently had shingles, I found this very interesting. Luckily for me it was a mild case but since it was on my face and close to my eye, it gave me a great amount of initial anxiety and concern. One thing I can say is if you develop a rash of any sort and you have had chicken pox then you need to see your doctor right away so he can check it out and prescribe an anti-viral medication to keep the virus from spreading. The sooner the better in the case of shingles.

 

Shingles, kids and pregnant women – know the facts Many pregnant women have written to us expressing concern about being exposed to a family member who has shingles. Usually it is their parent or grandparent, or another older adult who has the virus. However, did you know that children can get shingles, too?

Source: News Moms Need » Blog Archive » Shingles, kids and pregnant women – know the facts

While I am happy that Caitlyn Jenner has raised the transgender discussion to a new level, personally I find it difficult to put my thoughts into the right words. So I have relied on reading many of the more serious articles concerning the transgender topic. Certainly we as women can relate to this particular article as a important aspect of transgender dignity.

 

People who haven’t lived their whole lives as women, whether Ms. Jenner or Mr. Summers, shouldn’t get to define us. That’s something men have been doing for much too long. And as much as I recognize and endorse the right of men to throw off the mantle of maleness, they cannot stake their claim to dignity as transgender people by trampling on mine as a woman.

 

Source: What Makes a Woman? – NYTimes.com

How do you read people you come in contact with on a daily basis? This is kind of a fun article which will test your ability to read people’s emotions. Try it out and then use your ability this weekend.

If you are among those people who are mystified by moods, new research offers hope. A new study shows that certain types of reading can actually help us improve our sensitivity IQ. To find out how well you read the emotions of others, take the Well quiz, which is based on an assessment tool developed by University of Cambridge professor Simon Baron-Cohen.

 

Source: Can You Read People’s Emotions? – NYTimes.com

DSCN0129

Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers!

Pregnancy at 27 Weeks

Posted on by
Reply

Pregnancy at 27 Weeks

More growing…your baby is probably 2 pounds and the size of a cauliflower(14 1/2 inches)  from head to foot. He is sleeping at regular intervals.

Pregnancy-baby at 27 weeks

Baby is probably experiencing her first hiccups. You will feel the rhythm of these first hiccups every now and then for the weeks to come. Her lungs are functioning better and could sustain her if they had to outside the uterus with the help of medical intervention if she was born this early in the pregnancy.

Your life continues to change:

  • Second trimester is ending
  • You may develop some new aches, your back and leg muscles may hurt due to the increased weight of your uterus which is putting pressure on certain blood vessels and nerves.

Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. When a cramp strikes, stretching the calf muscle should give you some relief.

Straighten your leg and then gently flex your toes back toward your shin. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.

As it gets closer to the end of your pregnancy, you might want to think about birth control after you deliver. If you are planning a tubal ligation you will have to decide soon and sign a consent form in advance of the surgery. Some states require a 30 day delay in the surgery after you sign your consent form for a tubal ligation. You are always able to change your mind about surgery but better to sign your consent just in case your baby comes early.

“Need more vitamin C? Try red bell peppers! They have nearly twice the vitamin C of a navel orange, and a half cup is one of the five servings of fruits and vegetables you need each day.”
– Kayla B.

Source: Your pregnancy: 27 weeks | BabyCenter

Pregnancy at 26 weeks

Posted on by
Reply

Pregnancy at 26 Weeks

Wow, time is moving along…your baby is hearing your voice and your significant other’s so he will recognize you both after he is born. He is also breathing amniotic fluid and developing his lungs. Weighing in at about 1 2/3 pounds, he is now about 14 inches from head to foot. Boy baby’s testicles are now descending into the scrotal sac, this process will take about three months.

Pregnancy 26 weeks

Your mom-to-be life at 26 weeks of pregnancy:

  • Childbirth classes
  • Getting baby’s room ready
  • Taking care of yourself, eating right and exercising
  • Your blood pressure may be increasing slightly
  • Watching out for signs of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia — a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure — most often shows up after 37 weeks, but it can happen earlier so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs. Call your caregiver if you have swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain (more than 4-5 pounds in a week). With more severe preeclampsia, you may experience other symptoms. Let your caregiver know immediately if you have a severe or persistent headache, vision changes (including double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light, or temporary loss of vision), intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen, or vomiting.

  • Your lower back may be achy due to your growing uterus and your shifting center of gravity-your abdominal muscles are stretched and weaker at this point-your joints and muscles are feeling the stress of your extra weight-all of this makes you feel pretty tired at the end of the day.

Some relief measures:

  • warm baths or warm or cool compresses
  • maintain good posture
  • take breaks from sitting and standing too long
  • sleep on your side
  • bend you knees and put a pillow between your legs and use another pillow to support you belly.

Some of these suggestions will come naturally. Over thirty years ago I did these out of sheer common sense…your body sometimes tells you what to do if you listen to it.

“To help yourself relax, immerse your feet in a basin filled with warm water. Add a few drops of scented oil and enjoy.”
– Astrid

Source: Your pregnancy: 26 weeks | BabyCenter

Questions for this time.

  • Do you want to write a birth plan?

Maybe you don’t even know where to go with this idea but it can help you to learn more about labor and delivery. If you are considering using a doula you might want discuss a birth plan with them or with your caregiver and your significant other.

Things to think about in a birth plan:

  • pain relief
  • medication
  • epidural
  • elective c-section
  • unpredictable things about labor and delivery
  • remaining flexible
  • defining your philosophy and writing about how you would like things to go
  • do you want delivery to be somewhat private or do you want family present
  • do you want your partner to cut the cord
  • do you plan to breastfeed
  • 24 hour rooming in with your baby

If you are having a boy, here is a question. Circumcision or no circumcision?

Most of all try to enjoy the remaining weeks of your pregnancy before your baby arrives.

 

3 Must Reads This Weekend

Posted on by
Reply

3 Must Reads this Weekend

Weekend Fun at Fullers Beach Martha's Vineyard

Secondary Drowning and How You Can Save Your Child

There is nothing like a summer weekend for family fun times. Water safety is something we should all be aware of especially during this time of the year.

Water is fun but it can also be dangerous. If your child falls in or has a water incident and displays any of these signs it could be secondary drowning which can happen in even 1/2 inch of water.

  • child is not acting like himself
  • he is lethargic
  • he is coughing even after the event is over
  • his lips changed color
  • he has a change in his breathing

These can be a sign that he has water in his lungs and needs immediate medical help. Call 911 immediately.

Click the following link for a video on CPR for children.

 

Source: What Is Secondary Drowning And How Can You Prevent It :: YummyMummyClub.ca

Flying with Baby

Traveling with baby on a weekend getaway can be trying at best. Here are a few tips that just might help you as you get ready to board a plane with your little one.

  • Crying At High Altitudes-This is stressful for you more than other passengers even when they give you dirty looks. Sucking on a pacifier, nursing or feeding your baby a bottle might ease the pressure on his ears.
  • Ear pain– Again this is experienced by some babies and not others. If your baby has a cold and you are going to travel you might want to have your pediatrician take a quick peek at his ears to make sure he does not have an infection.
  • Noise level- The decibel level in the plane may be upsetting to your baby, using small  pieces of cotton to cover your baby’s ears may help him fall asleep through the noise.
  • Flying with Baby – HealthyChildren.org

9 Signs of Mean Girl Behavior Warnings

No one wants their daughter to be a “mean” girl. Here are some 9 signs that might be the beginning of trouble.

  • She is bossy
  • She is always making threats
  • She forms clubs to exclude other kids
  • Click the link to read the rest: Is Your Daughter a Mean Girl

Happy Weekend from ParentingintheLoop!

Pregnancy at 25 weeks

Posted on by
Reply

Pregnancy at 25 Weeks

Your baby is now about 13 1/2 inches long and weights approximately 1 1/2 pounds. He now has some baby fat on him and is starting to look more like a newborn. He has more hair with color and texture.

Pregnancy at 25 weeks

Your life at 25 Weeks Gestation

  • You may be finding it harder to get around at this point in your pregnancy. So be more careful when you are exercising and don’t work out when you are too tired, or have any pain. Your balance may be a little off and you definitely do not want to fall.
  • Do not lie flat on your back as the weight of your uterus impedes the flow of major blood vessels which can make you lightheaded and dizzy.
  • Drink plenty of water while you exercise.
  • Your hair will be thicker now…due to hormonal changes so enjoy your nice locks because  you will lose the extra hair after delivery.
  • You will be having a glucose screening between 24-28 weeks.
  • Baby names should no be on your schedule too. Make this a fun time for you and your significant other.

“To ease constipation, add oat or wheat bran to anything you can think of — cereal, yogurt, smoothies, or even spaghetti sauce.”

Third Trimester of Pregnancy is Coming Up:

  • You will see your practitioner every two weeks during weeks 28-36 and then it will become weekly.
  • Your practitioner will be checking on you physically and emotionally. Physically, he will ask you about contractions, vaginal discharge, bleeding or headaches. Make sure to mention if you are anxious or depressed.
  • There will be questions about your baby’s movements. If you baby becomes less active you will be instructed to call your caregiver. You may be asked to start counting your baby’s movements for a set period each day.
  • Weighing-in at each appointment is important as is checking your urine for sugar and protein a sign of preeclampsia.
  • Your blood pressure will be monitored as well as any swelling of your ankles, hands and face.
  • Baby’s heartbeat will be monitored also. Your abdomen will be measured too, which is a way to estimate the size of your baby.

Usually you will not have an internal exam until maybe the last four weeks. Your caregiver will probably discuss the signs of early or preterm labor as you get closer to your due date. He/she will also discuss signs of preeclampsia.

  • You should make a list of questions for your caregiver.
  • You might want to discuss circumcision and feeding of your baby.

Here are a list of tests coming up for some of you.

  • Hemocrit/hemoglobin, which tests for anemia
  • Glucose screening will be done and a Glucose Tolerance Test will be ordered if you screening is abnormal.
  • Rh antibody screening will be repeated if you are Rh-negative. If you are Rh-neg you will receive an injection of Rhogam (Rh immune globulin) at 28 weeks. This will protect you from developing anti-bodies, which would pose a risk to future babies or even to this child. If you and the father of the baby are both Rh-negative then your baby will also be Rh-negative and you will not need Rhogam.
  • If you are at risk, now is the time to check again for any STDs including HIV.
  • Biophysical profiles and non stress tests which check on your baby will be done if you have any complications.

Group B strep test: Between 35 and 37 weeks, you’ll be checked for group B streptococci (GBS) in your vagina and rectum. You won’t be treated right away if the cultures are positive, because early treatment is no guarantee that the bacteria won’t return. Instead, you’ll be treated with IV antibiotics when you’re in labor. (If you’ve previously given birth to a baby who had GBS, you can skip this test because you’ll be given antibiotics in labor no matter what.)

Taking care of yourself and significant other:

Take time for you and your significant other at this time of pregnancy. The next weeks will seem to take forever but they will actually speed by and before you know it, you will have your baby in your arms. So enjoy your time together before the arrival of your child.

 

Source:  | BabyCenter

Family Summer Safety

Posted on by
Reply

Summer Safety

Safety is a concern for your family during these months when you are having picnics and may be around water. Children pose specific safety concerns at this time of year.

Here are some suggestions:

summer

Sandy Fun

Summer Food Safety:

  • Cleanliness: Handwashing is most important and then keeping surfaces clean when you are preparing food so you do not cross contaminate any of the foods. Always  thoroughly wash fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Cooking: Make sure foods are cooked thoroughly and to the proper temperature so that bacteria and germs are destroyed. Allow food to rest for the recommended time so that the internal temperature of the food continues to destroy germs.
  • Chilling: Did you know that a room temperature bacteria can double in your food every 20 minutes? Refrigeration kills bacteria so keep foods at cold temperatures so that you do not get sick.

Outdoors:

Sunscreen is something everyone should use especially women who are pregnant as their skin is more sensitive to the sun. Sun exposure increases your risk of skin cancer and will age your skin prematurely.

A baby burns more easily than older children because their skin is thin. Sun safety is so important especially for babies younger than 6 months.

Sun Safety:

  • Stay out of the sun between 10a.m. and 4p.m. when the sunlight is strongest. Babies that are younger than 6 months should avoid the sun altogether.
  • Wear your hat with a brim along with your UV protection sunglasses.
  • Wear lightweight clothes that cover arms and legs.
Parenting

A Day at the Beach…Martha’s Vineyard

Summer Water Safety:

• Never leave your children alone around water. Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water.
• Don’t be distracted when watching your children at the pool or beach. Make sure someone is always watching them and do not rely on family members unless they are specifically designated to watch your children at a given time.
• Use a proper fitting Coast Guard approved life vest for children under 5 years old
• Learn CPR.

Here’s to a safe summer!

Source: News Moms Need » 

Tags: CPR, food safety, food-borne illness, sun safety, sunscreen, water safety

 

TGIF-Weekend Reading

Posted on by
Reply

Weekend Reading

 

Memorial Day Weekend

Martha’s Vineyard

Are you getting ready for a long weekend and the beginning of the Summer season by finding a beach read?

I do love the beginning of summer. But, in my opinion, anytime is a time for reading, especially when you have a few extra hours to devote to relaxing and catching up.

So here are some short articles for you to peruse in the next few days when you get that minute!

Music

Do you hate listening to all those kid CDs in the car or even at home? Then this article might help make your music more appealing to your children. It may come in handy if you are taking a road trip this holiday weekend.

You don’t have to listen to kiddie tunes even though you have a kid. Check these out.

Depression News

Having depression is serious. Most of us, at sometime in our lives, have experienced a feeling of being down or depressed. The recent findings from a study done in England are quite astounding. Depression can cause a shorter life expectancy due to changes in our DNA.

The good news is this, the process is more than likely reversible. There is evidence in studying mice that were stressed and showed the same DNA changes as humans who were depressed. The mice improved when they were removed from the stressors. The mice actually recovered from the stress. The mice cells literally returned to health. This is wonderful news about depression and its possible treatments.

Depression has always been seen as a mood disorder to those who haven’t experienced it and sometimes, even those who have don’t understand the science behind the way depression affects your brain. New research has come to light showing that depression can change your DNA and change the way in which your cells generate energy.

 

Working Moms

It seems that everyone has an opinion over what is better for kids, a working mom or a stay at home mom. It is one of the topics that continues to ignite the mommy wars. This is an interesting article discussing the positive side of having a mother who works.

 

Nearly three-quarters of American mothers with children at home are employed. That fact doesn’t necessarily make it any easier for mothers to drop a toddler at day care or miss school plays. The mommy wars might seem like a relic of the 1990s, but 41 percent of adults say the increase in working mothers is bad for society, while just 22 percent say it is good, according to the Pew Research Center.

Memorial Day Weekend is here. I hope you enjoy it. Let’s honor our military.

Pregnancy at 24 Weeks

Posted on by
Reply

Pregnancy at 24 Weeks

Your baby continues to grow:

  • He is about the size of an ear of corn
  • He weighs in at about 1 1/3 pounds
  • He is about 12 inches long
  • He still is pretty skinny and his skin is still almost see through, once he puts on weight that will change
  • His brain continues to grow quickly around this time in gestation
  • His lungs are developing their branches
  • He is beginning to produce surfactant that will help his air sacs to fill with air and inflate when he is born

 

Pregnancy at 24 Weeks

About now you should know the signs of preterm labor just in case:

  • increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge, watery, mucus-like or bloody or blood tinged, pinkish.
  • any vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • cramping like menstrual pain
  • abdominal pain
  • more than 4 contractions in one hour even if they do not hurt
  • increased pressure in your pelvis
  • low back pain especially if you did not previously have back pain

Symptoms like the above can be normal and confusing but they should be checked out by your midwife or doctor. Contractions can be Braxton Hicks contractions which are normal and pelvic pressure and back pain can be normal too but always better to get your caregivers opinion before assuming that this is normal for you.

If you think that you are experiencing preterm labor call your practitioner right away without delay.

You will probably will be told to go to the hospital to get an assessment. Once you are there your contractions will be monitored as well as your baby’s heart rate. You will probably have a speculum vaginal exam to determine if your membranes have ruptured. A swab of your cervix and vagina will probably be done and sent to the lab to check for infection. Another swab will be sent to check for a fetal fibronectin test.

 

This test analyzes your cervical and vaginal fluid for the presence of a protein that helps bind the amniotic sac to the lining of your uterus. Between 24 and 34 weeks, elevated levels of fFN mean that this “glue” is disintegrating ahead of schedule (due to contractions or injury to the amniotic sac). A negative result means that it’s highly unlikely that you’ll give birth in the next week or two, which can set your mind at ease and allow your practitioner to hold off on treatments that may prove to be unnecessary.

via Baby Center

Preterm labor is always worrisome. Premies born between 34 to 37 weeks tend to do okay although they are still at risk for some long and short term problems. Babies who are extremely premature may have serious long term problems although there have been many advances in their care and survival rates.

Good prenatal care can help reduce your chances of preterm labor. So continue to be good to yourself and attend your appointments as scheduled.

Life changes during this stage of pregnancy:

  • Your uterus has grown and is now above your belly button and about the size of a soccer ball.
  • Glucose screening tests will usually be done between now and 28 weeks to check for gestational diabetes
  • If your test is abnormal you will have a glucose tolerance test to find out for sure if you have gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes can cause your baby to grow too large during pregnancy and make it difficult to deliver your baby vaginally. It also can increase your baby’s risk for low blood sugar complications after delivery.

It is a time to learn about the signs of preterm labor and know that it is okay to call your doctor if you have questions about whether or not you are having symptoms of it. It may be good to make your own list of these preterm labor signs so that you can have them handy if you do have a question.

Continue to take care of yourself and enjoy your pregnancy.

 

Traveling Through the First Trimester

Posted on by
Reply

First Trimester (in a nutshell) by Adrienne Lavine

I had no nausea and no morning sickness but I was rid with anxiety with a touch of depression. Living half way across the country from my family and the bitter cold winter with a snowstorm every other day did not help.

First Trimester

I taught yoga through my first trimester. However, not having a regular 9-5 job, not having family nearby and not having as many friends around is very hard, especially while pregnant. All I wanted to do was to go home and be with my family. My husband was annoying me but when he wasn’t around, I wanted him to be home. I couldn’t win and neither could he.

In addition to the homesickness, boredom and loneliness during my first trimester, I was also experiencing panic attacks. I decided that I needed to go and be with my family so I traveled to Chicago at the end of February. It was supposed to only be for a week but ended up to be a three weeks.

I spent a lot of time with my mom. She took me shopping and bought me some new bras that I desperately needed and some brightly colored maternity clothing that cheered me up. My mom is also an incredible cook and made sure that I had good food and enough of it! I even relaxed to the point of being able to take a nap and sleep through the night for the first time in weeks. Trust me that was a big deal.

Having family nearby has so many benefits, although my husband doesn’t fully understand why I want my mom so badly. I am close with my family and tell my mom everything (she jokes sometimes that I probably tell her too much). The amount that I wish to spend more time with my mom will never change and certainly won’t during pregnancy.

The day before I was supposed to return to Rhode Island was week 13. My mom and I thought it would be nice to be able to get an ultrasound done so that she could experience something special with me. We decided to go and have my husband on Face Time. The tech asked if my husband and I wanted to know what we were having… Absolutely! She knew that it was on the early side and was pretty sure it was a boy. My dad walked in the room and it was like he had a reaction. “Oh. It’s a boy!”

Very excited with the news of finally adding a male to the family, we all waited for the tech to bring the DVD of the ultrasound. It was such a happy experience to be able to share with everyone special to me. Plus, I could stop referring to the baby as an “it”.

When I got back to my parents’ house I called Rich to talk. I was supposed to fly home late Tuesday night and would have arrived after midnight. He was going to leave work early on Friday to go on a snowboarding trip to Vermont. I decided to stay in Chicago for an extra week. There was no point in going back to Rhode Island just to be alone for the whole weekend.

The following Tuesday rolled around and my new flight was in the afternoon. I was nervous just at the thought of going back. I was also nervous of flying alone and being alone all of the time.

My mom was driving me to the airport. We were approaching Midway when I had a panic attack. My mom drove the car into one of the garages and parked. After I had calmed down we called my dad. We canceled my flight and booked another for a week later. Then we called Rich. I was still very upset so my mom told him what had happened. He was very understanding and just wanted me to feel better. We ended up flying Rich to Chicago on Saturday so that he could fly back with me on Tuesday. We made it to Rhode Island with a minimal amount of anxiety.

First trimester was full of emotional and physical changes…looking forward to what’s next.

 

TGIF – Weekend Reading

Posted on by
Reply

TGIF Weekend Reading

Weekend moments in the sand.

Moments in Sand

I love my Canadian blogger friends. These suggestions for a fun filled holiday weekend is just a sampling of what you will find at Yummy Mummy Club.

Flower Power Make a trip to your local garden centre so you can create a cascade of rainbows in your yard by planting colourful flowers.

 

Source: Ten Ways To Celebrate The Victoria Day Long Weekend :: YummyMummyClub.ca

These two styles of parenting have been news worthy recently. What style are you? I fall somewhere in between. Here are the “facts” from NYTimes.

1. What are Free Range and Helicopter Parenting? Free Range and Helicopter Parenting are two different and opposing parenting styles that illustrate what happens to a flourishing post-industrial society with excess leisure time. This also explains why “The Bachelor” is in its 19th season.

Source: Free Range vs. Helicopter Parenting: Get the Facts – NYTimes.com

New York City was my home when Etan Patz disappeared as he was going to school one morning. I have never forgotten his story nor have I ever forgotten Adam Walsh, who disappeared from a store in South Florida while I was living there with small children. I became a helicopter parent then and there.

It is there in the quick steps of a woman hurrying up the street in Brooklyn, muttering to herself, “I’m a good parent, I’m a good parent.” She was regretting letting her son run home alone from a restaurant and was rushing to catch up with him. It is there in the childhood memories of a girl who grew up always looking over her shoulder. She would become a mother telling a cautionary tale to her own children. The one about the little boy who left for school one day and was never seen again. It is there in the father who remembers, as a boy, the room going silent when the news anchor Roger Grimsby gave his nightly update on the search. Today, that father says he always has “an eye in the back of my head.”

Source: The Legacy of Etan Patz: Wary Children Who Became Watchful Parents – NYTimes.com

A lot of clouds here this morning…we will have to make our own sunshine this weekend!