Archive for the ‘Parenting’ Category

In Defense Of Cats: Yes, I have Three Cats & A Baby!

Posted, September 28th, 2012, By Robyn Good

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For some reason, people think cats and babies don’t mix!

It really dumbfounded me when I first got pregnant that people kept asking, “So What are you going to do with your cats?”. I kept wondering why was that the first thing that came to there mind? What did they think I was going to do with my cats throw them in the garbage? Obviously, not! My cats are a part of my family and there should be no reason why a baby makes that any different.

When Ava was a little baby the cats didn’t even think she was a living being! They had absolutely no interest in her whatsoever! When she started to crawl they would just run away if they didn’t like what she was doing. I always make sure to monitor any encounter Ava has with our three cats to ensure she doesn’t get scratched. Till date, Ava has only had one to two minor scratches.

People often forget a family pet or cat can have many benefits on a baby. A baby learns how to interact and love something distinct from mama and dada with the help of an animal. At 14-months-old, the cats are are no longer mama and dada’s, but Ava’s. Her favorite cat, Admira loves following her around and Ava gets a kick out of it. She know how to pet Admira without hurting her. She also loves giving Admira affection by pulling her close and giving her hugs and kisses.

I must admit, our three cats are extremely gentle and wouldn’t hurt a fly. However, I have only seen one crazy cat my whole life which is not something I could say for dogs.

What is you take on mixing cats or family pets with babies? Did it work for you?

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Maxwell Drew Bikini Photo Sets Parents Off

Posted, September 13th, 2012, By Jenivieve Elly

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Jessica Simpson just revealed her fabulous weight loss on “Katie,” where she also revealed Maxwell Drew in a bikini. People are to talking about how amazing Jess looks, or how much weight she lost, but instead are lashing out at her for putting her four month old in a teeny bikini.

Now, I am not sure where I stand on this. I have two little boys, so thankfully I don’t have to worry about it! Little Maxwell Drew was all dolled up and looking cute in her little yellow bikini. It is a crocheted piece, so probably not best for swimming. Jessica siad it was her daughters first bikini and shared the photo proudly. She obviously thought nothing of it.

Well, the world just isn’t that innocent. She is now getting backlash from people who say that it over sexualizes her daughter, that it is completely inappropriate. One commenter wrote,

“Sharing pictures of your baby in a bikini with three million TV viewers, as Jessica did when she appeared on an American chat show? That is nothing short of inexcusable.”

Another said,

“I just think that is a little ridiculous that you would put that on your child. It gives people the wrong idea too quickly.”

I just find it sad. She is innocent and I am sure Jess thought it was simply cute, and it is. It is a sad day when you can over sexualize a baby. I get it – there are pervs out there and I am not sure I would be comfortable in doing the same with my daughter, but I am tired of the judgmental parenting!

What do you think about Maxwell Drew’s bikini photo?

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Safe Co-Sleeping

Posted, September 7th, 2012, By Jenivieve Elly

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It is becoming more common to co-sleep with your baby, and yet the AAP does not recommend it. As an attached parent, I have practiced safe co-sleeping with my children and we currently have a huge family bed. In the research I have done, it seems that many of the cases of infant death have resulted in unsafe co-sleeping, and/or a parent being intoxicated. When done properly, research actually suggests that it can reduce the risk of SIDS.

I love co-sleeping and wouldn’t change it for the world. I wake before my little guy fully rouses to nurse and so he “sleeps through the night” only waking to feed, therefore we all get more rest. I feel more confident in that I KNOW he is next to me, breathing, and I can kep a very close eye on him. With my toddler, I love being ther when he wakes for those bad dreams, or when he just needs mommy. And I LOVE waking up in the morning for family snuggles.

With that all being said, there are several safety precautions we take to ensure that the infant and toddler are safe. These are not things to get careless with, no matter how comfortable co-sleeping you are.

Safe co-sleeping:

Remove all pillows from the bed, except the one you use to sleep on and keep it away from the baby’s head.

Dress the baby in warm clothing so he doesn’t need a blanket.

Put the bed on the floor and make sure there are no cracks or pillows for him to get stuck in.

Make sure the sheets fit tight and the mattress is firm. We have a pillow top mattress, but it is on the floor making it firm. When DS was very young he slept in the cook of my arm, and wasn’t going ANYWHERE! I also keep him on his back, though he can now roll and pick up his head.

Have a large enough bed. We co-slept with our first son in a king bed and when our second was born we tried a co-sleeper. DS hated it and ended up in the bed. To ensure everyone’s safety and a good nights sleep, we bought another king bed. They lie side by side on the floor, and everyone has enough room.

NEVER CO-SLEEP WHILE INTOXICATED IN ANY WAY.

Co-sleeping is a great bonding experience and I absolutely love it, but co-sleeping safely is very important. Be sure to do your research and make sure it is right for your family.

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Car Seats On Shopping Carts: A Big No No

Posted, September 6th, 2012, By Jenivieve Elly

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I see it every day, a car seat sitting on top of a shopping cart. Most people think that because they hear the car seat “click” it is secure. The reality is, it is absolutely not. I just wrote about this on my personal blog, Attached 2 Parenting, and it is a very passionate subject for me. As I noted in that post, a dear friend, who is an excellent mother, clicked her car seat in, and the baby fell on the ground. Thank goodness she was strapped in secrurely AND that the bar was up preventing her child from hitting the ground. But for many this is not the case.

Every year there are more than 20,000 car seat/shopping cart injuries and some of those result in death. That is right people, death. All it takes is to hit a bump, or have someone bump your cart and the baby and seat crash tot he floor.

While most car seats specifically address shopping carts and warn against placing them on top of carts, people often over look this because it is among several other warnings that easily get brushed aside. Even if there are specific instructions for using the car seat on the shopping cart (this is the exception more than the rule) shopping car seat themselves usually warn against it. The were not designed to carry that weight in the front, and provide no way of securing the car seat to the cart.

A company called Safe-Strap Co. recently announced the Safe-Dock which will allow for safe car seat docking on a shopping cart. But it has yet to hit many stores.

So what is one to do when they must shop with their child (and who doesn’t usually?!) Use a sling or carrier, a stroller if shopping with a partner or friend, or put the car seat INSIDE the cart and use the bottom and cart seat for the groceries. Play it safe people, this is an easy injury to avoid!

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Things I Do Better Now That I Am A Mommy

Posted, August 24th, 2012, By Jenivieve Elly

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So this morning I was doing my morning grooming routine with my toddler and it hit me – I brush my teeth way better and longer now that I have someone I am trying to show how to care for themselves. And so, it inspired this post!

Here are some things I do better now that I am a mommy!

Teeth brushing – you have to get those buggies off!

Eating healthy – because I now my son will want what ever I have, I usually opt for fruit instead of chips or a sweet.

Watch my language! Toddlers mimic everything! Not cute to hear a cursing kid.

Time management – I have gotten so much better at managing every moment! When it counts, you really learn what takes priorityand how to bunch things in quick. Especially as a WAHM! We also arrive to most places on time, as I have leaned to get a head start!

Budgeting – every penny counts. Again, especially as a WAHM. I would rather clip coupons and look for deals so we can hit the zoo or aquarium (with a groupon of course) than fill my cart as I go along and waste money.

I am sure there are a dozen things I could add, but my time management is coming to an end as my little one is almost done exploring my drawer!

What are some of the things you do better now that you are a parent?

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Healthy Foods For Toddler… Well Kinda

Posted, August 23rd, 2012, By Jenivieve Elly

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My toddler will not eat anything but PB&J’s, Mac N Cheese, Cheesy Wraps, Chips, pretzels, waffles, happy meals (including the apples!!!) , most fruits, and bagels. I am not kidding. I am lucky if I get an organic smoothie into him. This is recent, and I am hoping just a phase. So I have gotten smart. I have busted out the toddler trickery.

When making his mac n cheese, I mix in frozen spinach and peas. Not too much, but enough where he won’t try too hard to pick them out. I throw in some sour cream as opposed to milk and he gobbles it right up. Most of the time. Once I put too much in and he called me out.

In his smoothies I also add spinach and use more frozen vanilla yogurt to make it flavorful but still healthy. When given lunch, I try to give him apples and peanut butter as the main course, with a side of watermelon. At least he is getting protein and some fruit. I am lucky in that he will eat a good variety of fruit.

I will also shred chicken and mix it in his cheesy wrap very thinly. I purchase organic whole wheat waffles and bagels, and always give it with a fruit.

I am sure it is a phase. I would rather him be picky then throw a tantrum because he is hungry and we are trying to force him to eat something he isn’t willing to try. My brother was the exact same way. He literally ate nothing but Mac N Cheese, bacon, and pasta. Then he hit puberty. He began working out and is not the healthiest eater I know. Period. It is awesome. I have faith that he will come out of it and test his pallet one day soon! Till then, on with the trickery!

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