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Katwoman_1982
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Rented house
Does anyone have ideas on how to decorate a nursery in a rented house? I'm not allowed t...
Thursday, October 04, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Imagine that you are in line to buy a cup of java. (For many sleep-deprived parents, this doesn't take much "imagining.") You have your little one along for the ride, saddled on your hip. You are impatient. Your little one is even less patient. The line is long. Slow. You really want - okay NEED - this cup of coffee. You're starting to wonder who will lose it first, you or our little one.
Solution! You pull out our your smartphone, or other electronic gadget of your choice, and you hand it to your wee one. Or do you?
Changing Seasons: 5 Fun Activities for Fall
Monday, October 01, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Where DID summer go? I’ve blinked and fall is here.
I have the same thoughts when I think about my kiddo’s development (first time she rolled over, first time she sat up, first tooth, first steps, etc.). In the moment, I thought the age and stage would be here forever. Then, I blinked and it was gone. A new stage is here.
At times, it is hard for me to embrace change, whether it is the change of seasons or the next stage of development. To me, it’s bittersweet.
Thursday, September 27, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
It is a good day for a nap. Unfortunately, no one in my house seems to be taking one today. During infancy and toddlerhood, our daily lives seemed to revolve around naptime. It wasn't just about the health and wellness of my daughter; it was about my mental health as well. Naptime was wonderful. Quiet. It was a chance to empty the garbage, scoop the cat litter, and sometimes even have a cup of tea or take a nap myself.
Yes, I was the kind of mama who scheduled our day around naptime. I was the kind of mama who always planned our outings, always plotting for where and when the kiddo would catch a few Zzzs. A trip to the zoo? Two hours in the morning was perfect. Grocery store? Provided a great after nap outing. Lunch out with friends? Forget about it, at least with the kiddo in tow.
Monday, September 24, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
There are some things that we cannot control when it comes to our developing children. There are many things we can. Good nutrition is one thing we can control to positively impact our child's development. Oh yes, our kiddos have their own opinions about what they will or will not eat. However, as parents we can help define what those choices will be. Milk, whether breast milk or milk from a cow, has always been an easy choice when it comes to nutritious offerings provided to our tiny tots. Or is it?
Friday, September 21, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
"When the going gets tough, the tough get going." At least that is how Joseph P. Kennedy's (father of President John F. Kennedy - now you can say you learned something new today!) famous quote goes.
I'm not so sure he was talking about parenthood though. When the going gets tough around here, I often want to go (to get coffee, go shopping, or to the spa!), but being a mama (or daddy) doesn't quite work like that. Sometimes, there is nowhere you can go (especially at 2am).
How do you cope when the going does get tough?
Tuesday, September 18, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
If you want to hear what you sound like, listen to your little one. I've been reminded of this lately, as my not-so-little one has been talking baby talk to me. It's driving me crazy. We are long past the days of "milky," "choo-choo," and "night-night." We are to the phase of milk, trains and nighttime and those are the words that I would like to hear come out of her mouth.
Where DID she get those baby talk words?
Thursday, September 13, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Is 9 months long enough to be pregnant?
Certainly, I thought it was. By the end of pregnancy, my ankles had become "cankles," my weight had surpassed my husband's, and I was quite the "waddler." On top of that, sleeping was anything but comfortable and more than anything else, I was excited to meet my little girl!
WHY 9 months?
Monday, September 10, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Parenting isn't rocket science. But, it's not easy either.
Lately, I've been reminded of this. A lot.
Perhaps it is the hubby's new gig. Perhaps it is the fact that my little girl began kindergarten this fall. Add together two major life changes and sprinkle in a little stress of my full-time job, and the everyday worries of being a mama and this journey has started to feel as complicated as rocket science.
Thursday, September 06, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
We were lucky, at least for the first three years. During infancy and toddlerhood, my daughter was put on antibiotics once. Yes, once.
Sure, she had a few stuffy noses and a few bouts of the stomach bug, but all passed with a little TLC and time. The one time I begged for a dose of antibiotics occurred with our first visit to the emergency room, late one Saturday night, with an infant that had an ear infection. I was sure that without antibiotics none of us would survive until Monday.
Labor Day (The One that Ends with a Baby)
Saturday, September 01, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
It's Labor Day! Of course, it's the perfect time to talk about labor and delivery. Oh yes, I know, Labor Day isn't really about labor and delivery of an infant (it's really a time to celebrate the economic contributions of working Americans). However, when you are expecting, the day when your body goes into labor and prepares for the birth of your little one is a bit more exciting!
Are you ready?
