baby care

eyeglasses at age three (the story behind her specs)

We noticed her eyes going cross-eyed when she was 2 1/2. It only happened when she was excited…she’d get a new balloon, talk about her cousin Ava, hear that we were going to have noodles for dinner – and her eyes would cross inward. We weren’t particularly worried, but we took her to our optometrist [...]

vaccines [undecided]

Two kids (and hours of research) later, Tim and I are still undecided. We’ve read “The Vaccine Book” (an excellent book, by the way). We’ve interviewed Dr. Sears on phone and by e-mail. We’ve scribbled down questions for our pediatrician. We’ve read blog posts and heard reasons. We’ve looked at what Dr. Tenpenny has to [...]

My baby is such a “GOOD” sleeper

“How is your baby sleeping?“ “Is she a ‘good’ sleeper?“ “Does she sleep through the night?“ People still ask me those questions. I always hesitate before responding. The most truthful answer is that she is a wonderful sleeper and that we are all well-rested. If there ever is any lack of sleep in our house, [...]

Nature Calls

Yesterday, we went on a 2-hour hike as a family. We crunched leaves, skipped rocks over a creek, listened to the wind whisper through the trees, touched tree bark, and marveled at the majesty of Nature. As we wandered up-and-over, around-and-across, I thought to myself, “THIS is what childhood should be. This discovery, this simplicity, [...]

If I were a 1st time mom again

I would register for these products…[click on each picture for product details]. Pregnancy Breastfeeding Baby Care Life You may be scratching your head and wondering why I left out so many “essential” items. Cribs. Bottles. Pacifiers. Pumps. A matching changing table and bookcase. A swing. Baby toys. Travel systems. Etc. But I actually left those [...]

She’s sick, and I’m sad

My baby has a fever today. And a cough. And a runny nose. She’s sitting in my lap right now. Resting her head on my chest. With her hand down my shirt. I’m sad. And can’t think about much. Besides helping her feel better. Tomorrow, there will be time for other things. Today, I’m going [...]

SLY Awards: Learner’s Bibs by Baggino

Kristen‘s 14-month-old son is a mega-cutie (see left). She’s told me in the past that he usually makes a mega-mess when he eats. To this, I say, “Welcome to the Club” with a wide smile. Our girls, for example, manage to cover our floor and table with sauce, vegetables, fruits, and bread crumbs after almost [...]

You are (one)derful

I have been known to say that one is the hardest age. 1-year-olds want to crawl, squirm, wriggle, kick, explore, and do everything that older kids do. But they don’t quite have the balance, the communication skills, or the dexterity to do everything – which can make them mad-oh-mad. But…SHE…is changing my mind about that. [...]

1st Bday: Planet Wise & Softbums

:: The Cloth Diaper Report :: You may recall that we were contemplating switching to cloth a few months ago. Well, we never officially held our noses and jumped off the diving board. Cost was prohibitive – and timing – and then…there is the fact that the whole thing is overwhelming (so many choices + [...]

1st Bday: BestView Handheld Color Video Monitor

When we were pregnant with our first baby, we registered for and received an audio baby monitor. It served us well for the short time we had it, enabling us to hear our baby’s squeaks and squirms and cries from the adjacent room (***we co-slept for the majority of the first year, but our baby [...]

1st Bday: Episencial skincare products

I am weary of the skincare industry. In fact, I tend to shy away from anything that says “anti-aging” or “sonic technology” or has scary-sounding ingredients that I can’t pronounce or demystify. I prefer to use homemade soap for my body and face. When I need to use sunscreen or lotion, I often opt for [...]

You Asked, I Answer (Part V)

Here are 3 more questions you asked…and my answers. Mary asks: Have any tips on dealing with separation anxiety in an attached baby? It’s not that I want to leave my child with strangers, but it would be nice if her grandparents could hold her once in a while… Um. Not really. Because…we don’t really [...]