MyBaby - rockergirrl Journal

Back from my trip and still losing it.

Posted June 25, 2007 at 12:09AM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

DH lost his grandfather last fall but they held off on his services until this summer. So he headed out with his family from Friday - Wed to attend. We decided it wasn’t the place for our kids so I stayed behind. I planned to leave on Friday and head to see my family 3 hours away for the weekend. I thought it would make things easier for me while he was gone. Um not so much. I have stayed with the kids many times when he has traveled for work but we have always stayed put at home. It was SO hard going away. My sister had a party for her oldest son (9) and it was a zoo. My oldest had fun running around my little guy is such a creature of habit that if you take him out of his element and mess up his schedule at all he melts down. So due to travel time and on Friday and being in a new place on Saturday he didn’t nap for two days. He was a mess on Sautrday. I thought I was going to lose it. Everyone else spent the day by the pool and I was pulling my hair out with a very unhappy child.

Now you all know by now how I feel about routines for kids but I was feeling the pressure to just “let go” of it . I stuck to my guns and put my kids to bed roughly on time instead of keeping them up until 11:00 like everyone else. By Sunday morning I was ready to leave. I was going to stay at a friends house Sunday night but I just felt like I had to get the kids back to a less crazy environment. I would have been more fun if I wasn’t doing it all by myself.

So now I am back and I still have a couple of days until DH returns. 6 days on my own it will be. I really really need a vacation soon.

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cosmoblue responded June 25, 2007 at 12:34AM

What a weekend. I hope that you get your vacation.

Sticky_Mommy responded June 25, 2007 at 1:31PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

Oh man, I feel you on that one. That's the wrost when others are able to chill pool side and you're dealing with grumpy kids.

And by vacation, I'm sure you mean if you can take a bath solo, you'll be happy.

birdiehandmade responded June 25, 2007 at 9:24PM

Sorry it sounds like a long weekend. WE've been invited to a family reuinion down on Cape Cod in July, and I'm trying to decide whether to go or not. DH can't take the time off from work, so I'd be traveling solo with the boys. I am so tired right now (remember that whole first trimester thing?) that I don't know if I can handle the "vacation"!

The importance of routine

Posted June 18, 2007 at 10:26AM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

The importance of routine

I believe kids need a consistent home life as much as possible. This means going to sleep and waking at roughly the same time. Sitting down for meals and having a morning and afternoon snack. If your child is having melt downs at the same time every day look at possible what is happening around that time. Could they have used a snack? Or perhaps a nap? In my family having a rhythm to our day and night is key. Rigidness and strict rules are I think a bit different than routine and rhythm. Each child and family is different of course. I am just sharing my experiences. I have never had night time battles. Both of my kids (ages 5 1/2 and 2) start getting ready for bed at the same time. Usually by 6:45 we are getting them into their pjs. If it is bath night they get into the tub around 6:15-6:30 The littlest one then brushes his teeth, says goodnight and goes upstairs at 7:00pm. He gets read a few books and then goes to bed. The older one is downstairs brushing his teeth and then he gets books and game time until we take him up at 8:00pm. They don't kick and scream or say a peep about it. They just go to bed. I think part of it is their temperament but I also think a lot of has tot do with creating rhythm in our home throughout the day and night.

Tags: home life rhythm

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cosmoblue responded June 18, 2007 at 12:09AM

That is such a good point. I am trying to do this now with DD, but as I am a generally erratic person and DH is decidedly spontaneous we are struggling with it. Bedtime for us is the hardest. For some reason we cannot get DD down at a regular time. Her naps are crazy which throws off her meals and then bedtime. I hope it is a growth spurt and she gets over it soon.

rockergirrl responded June 18, 2007 at 12:16AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

her naps are crazy as in they are long or just never at the same time?

vtmomof2 responded June 18, 2007 at 1:22PM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

My kids are great at bedtime and I think it has everything to do with the routine also, every night is generally the same. Dinner, bath, brush teeth, pjs, book & quiet time than lights out. They are happier for the routines.

cosmoblue responded June 18, 2007 at 5:16PM

never the same length and she tries not to take them at the same time. We used to nap at 11:00 and 4:00 now a lot of times she only takes one nap at 1:00 or two naps at 12:00 and 5:30 or three 30 minute naps at completely random times of day. Nuts.

Sticky_Mommy responded June 19, 2007 at 9:24AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

Cosmoblue - it could be that your DD is now one and transistioning to 1 nap a day.

rockergirrl responded June 19, 2007 at 10:45AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

I agree with Sticky Cosmo. Sounds like she is done with two naps. And if she is napping around 4 or 5pm that is the probably the reason why bedtime is hard. My youngest DS only takes one nap a day now and he goes down at about 12:30 and sleeps for a few hours. He then goes down to bed at 7pm and sleeps until 6:00am. Try cutting out the morning nap and then put her down for a nap right after lunch. Then just try an earlier bedtime.

Adult hangover

Posted June 18, 2007 at 8:20AM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

I was spoiled last week. My inlaws were in town from Alaska all week and JB was off work. It was super crazy having so many people in my small house but it was also very refreshing to have adults around me all week. Everyone left yesterday and JB is back to work today. I am having an adult hangover today. I wish he could have taken an extra day off to give me some transition time here. It is nice to have the house quiet again though. He had to take our car today which is forcing me to just stay put, get my house back in order, do laundry and go on an extra long bike ride with the kids.

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Sticky_Mommy responded June 19, 2007 at 10:32AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

Just like vacation, you need a day to transistion back to the real world.

7 years

Posted June 17, 2007 at 8:32PM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

Saturday JB and I celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary. His parents were in town so they watched the kids while we went out. We started our evening with some drinks at one of our favorite bars. They have the best back patio that reminds us both of bars in San Francisco. We then had dinner at Leunig's Bistro. The meal was excellent but I was a bit bummed on the service. I actually had to get up and as the host for water during our meal because it was never put on our table. Isn't that the first thing put on the table when you sit down? The food was so good it outweighed the bad service. After dinner we stopped at Uncommon Ground for coffee and cookies. We got to sit in the window and watch a fabulous street performer on Church Street. It was a wonderful night.

JB and I met only one year before we were married. We met in May of 1999 in San Francisco. Set up by a mutual friend, we fell fast and furious for each other. We used to frequent a place called Zeitgeist and it is here where we both said je t'aime to each other for the first time. Four months later we found out I was pregnant. Sadly we lost the baby who we call "little" but we knew at this point we were meant to be together . We moved into a tiny apartment a block from Ocean Beach and planned our wedding. We were married 7 months later on June 16. 2000.

After a honeymoon in Mexico we packed a UHaul and left the city that watched us fall in love.

Here is a poem I wrote about JB the month I first met him.

An innocent meeting
in an office bright
Is when you first came
into my sight.
I know it sounds corny
but yet it is true
I never knew what love at first sight was
until I met you.

You made my heart flutter
my soul melt like butter
We spoke or the first time
and that was the sign.

I think you are the reason
I have been looking so long
I think you are the reason
everything up until now has been wrong.
-----------------------------

happy anniversary lover.

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handanmyl responded June 17, 2007 at 8:43PM

Three is for me!

Congratulations!!!!

Sticky_Mommy responded June 19, 2007 at 9:23AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

Happy, Happy Aniversary!!! I've heard from a few different couples about the 7 year itch. Is the 7the year a hard one?

rockergirrl responded June 19, 2007 at 10:43AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

not for me.

LatteMommy responded June 19, 2007 at 5:04PM

LatteMommy

congratulations! DH & I celebrated our 7th in May. Awesome! Many Many More.

Passing down shoes

Posted June 14, 2007 at 8:02AM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

What are your thoughts on handing down shoes for kids? I am kind of a freak about accepting shoes from other people for the kids but I have used some from my oldest DS for my youngest. I think it is super important for kids to have good supportive shoes so as long as they are not too worn.

Tags: shoes

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vtmomof2 responded June 14, 2007 at 8:25AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

As long as they are in good shape, I don't see anything wrong with it.

birdiehandmade responded June 14, 2007 at 9:10AM

If they fit well and are in good shape, I don't see anything wrong with it. Sometimes you can find perfectly good, almost new shoes that someone's child just didn't wear, and it saves you the ridiculously high price of new kids shoes - which they seem to grow out of in 6 months anyway!

Sticky_Mommy responded June 14, 2007 at 10:00AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

I've got shoes for both my kids a 2nd hand stores & I don't have a problem with them.

dustbunny responded June 14, 2007 at 11:20AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

run it. if the shoe fits, wear it...you'll probably lose one anyway. i buy shoes f/ once upon a child- vans, nike, puma...cute shoes... second hand ($5 is better than $35 new!)...no problem

Recipe: Papaya Summer Soup

Posted June 14, 2007 at 7:37AM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

Toddler Treat: Papaya Summer Soup

By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers

Cold, fruit soups may seem a bit sophisticated for a toddler, but think again. They are perfect—sweet, healthy, and refreshing. Come to think of it, they are perfect for anyone on a hot summer day. Bring two spoons to the table with a bowl of this soup. Better yet, bring a second bowl—toddlers arenâ€™t much for sharing. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 papaya peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
Â½ cup pineapple, cut into chunks
1 1/2 cups of vanilla yogurt (soy or dairy)
1/2 cup of milk (soy or dairy)
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons lime juice
Sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon

Directions:
Puree all ingredients in a blender. Chill and serve.

Makes 3-4 servings.

Tags: recipes

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ttriddick responded September 19, 2007 at 1:47PM

~*~Cancel My Subscription, I'm Through With Your Issues~*~

I must must MUST try this! I recently had a chilled watermelon soup at a very nice dining facility and this sounds wonderful as well, thanks!!

PSA - Skin Deep website

Posted June 13, 2007 at 8:26PM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

Looking for safer sunscreen to protect the kids this summer? Or shampoos without dangerous preservatives? Skin Deep, the popular cosmetics and personal care products database, helps you learn what not to buy, and helps you find safer options for you and your family. This in-depth resource has recently been expanded and improved: the site has been redesigned top to bottom, with ratings added for nearly 10,000 more products. Now in its fourth year and third major update, the Skin Deep product safety database provides safety ratings for nearly 25,000 personal care products—almost a quarter of all products on the market—and the 7,000 ingredients they contain. Due to gaping loopholes in federal law, companies can put virtually any ingredient into personal care products. Even worse, the government does not require pre-market safety tests for any of them. Skin deep's aim is to fill in where companies and the government left off. Skin Deep is the only tool available to consumers for assessing and comparing the safety of personal care products.

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cosmoblue responded June 14, 2007 at 12:50AM

this site is so addictive. I look up everything there and I get stressex if I can't find a product there.

rockergirrl responded June 14, 2007 at 7:50AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

I haven't been on it for a while. Just looked up my current kid sunscreen and kid shampoo/soap thinking they would have low scores. Got them at the health food store, PABA free etc . . . they had scores of 5 and over. I was floored.

Why I hate the ice cream truck

Posted June 13, 2007 at 8:23PM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

Remember the neighbor hood ice cream truck? Well we have one in our neighborhood but I want to run out and throw rocks at it whenever it goes by. Why? Because for the past 5 years I have lived in this neighborhood we are on the suckiest route. That darn truck only drives by my house at dinner time or right before bed. Now I know I eat a lot earlier than most (6:00) and my kids go to be pretty early (7:00 & 8:00) but come on now. Is it too much to ask to get on a different route one time.

I am not big on the crap they sell in those things but my oldest is 5 1/2, it is summer and I would like to be able to indulge him once in a while. My poor kids hear the dumb music being played from the truck miles away and they jump from the dinner table or run to the window in the pj's to oogle at the truck.

One time a few weeks ago it managed to find its way down my street on a Saturday at around 2:00 in the afternoon. Our ears perked at the sound of the music, we dropped what we were doing and made a dash across the backyard, threw open the fence and flagged down the truck. Before I even gave my order the poor guy got an earful from me about how I think they should put some other streets on the night time shift and give us a break for once. Needless to say that was the one and only time we saw them during the day.

oh well - we don't need all that partially hydrogenated crap anyway.

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Sticky_Mommy responded June 14, 2007 at 9:57AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

I know that jingle make the kids salavate like Pavlos dog! I'm scaring my kids b/c the truck doesn't even make it up our dirt road...

vtmomof2 responded June 14, 2007 at 3:39PM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

You must live by my parents, everytime we are there that truck goes by, my daughter goes crazy for a very expensive popsicle or ice cream sandwich. It never fails though everytime my daughter is visiting my parents it goes by their house, it's like they know she's there.

"Mommy" bars

Posted June 12, 2007 at 2:40PM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

So I have told a fib to my kids. You know Luna Bars? Well some of them are pretty darn good. Especially the carmel chocolate fudge brownie flavor. It totally satisfies my afternoon snack urge. I used to sneak one in the kitchen until finally one day my oldest DS came in and caught me. I told him it was a mommy bar. A bar created just to give mommies the energy they need to get through the day. It wasn't a total fib I guess.

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birdiehandmade responded June 12, 2007 at 10:04PM

Did you know that there are now organic Cliff bars for kids called Z Bars? They have all that good stuff that our mommy bars do, but are sized for kids in kid-friendly flavors. My kids think they're getting a treat, but I know I'm getting some good stuff into them as well.

Maybe you could tell DS that you found special kiddo bars for him and he'd probably be so psyched to be sharing something "grown up" with mommy.

As far as telling a fib to the boy, don't sweat it. We've all been there!

rockergirrl responded June 12, 2007 at 10:26PM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

I LOVE the Zbars! I need to buy those again for the kids. Good thinking.

dustbunny responded June 13, 2007 at 10:29AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

i keep lemon lunas on hand- the kids love them and they aren't messy like the chocolates- those are for mommies :)

Recipes: Romaine & Avocado Salad

Posted June 12, 2007 at 2:07PM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

This easy, refreshing salad jazzes up avocado (a nutrient-packed power food) with a fresh, flavorful dressing.

2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 garlic clove finely chopped
1 teaspoon grainy mustard
1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large avocado
1 small head of romaine lettuce
salt & pepper to taste

Whisk lemon juice, garlic, mustard, and honey. Add in the oil. Lightly toss this dressing with the avocado. Season with salt & pepper. Toss with bite-sized pieces of romaine lettuce.

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vtmomof2 responded June 13, 2007 at 6:47PM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

This sounds really good. I'm going to have to make it. Thanks for the recipe.

Pointers for young children

Posted June 12, 2007 at 7:47AM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

I was recently reminded of a parenting philosophy as I was rereading Beyond The Rainbow Bridge: Nurturing our children from birth to seven. This is a Waldorf inspired book written but you do not need to be a Waldorf purist to enjoy some of the basic parenting advice. I bought this book after my first child was born and I still refer to it almost monthly for parenting reminders. Especially now since my youngest DS has suddenly hit a period of growth since turning two. He all of a sudden is more challenging and defiant.

Two pointers that stuck in my head while rereading this book last night are:

1. Use the magic word “May”. Try this experiment at home. Try saying “You may put your shoes and coat on now.” instead of “Can you put your shoes and coat on now?” How many times a day do you find yourself asking your children questions that are not really questions to begin with? Even worse is (and I am SO guilty of doing this it drives me crazy) is when we put the word “ok” at the end of everything we say.

It’s time to take a bath ok?
It’s time to brush our teeth ok?
It’s time to go to bed ok?

we take a perfectly good statement and turn it into a question by putting “ok” at the end. What does the child typically say back? “No”.

2. Limiting options: Not only are too many options to a young child overwhelming but some believe it also awakens the early “I want” need in a child. A young child (under 4 ) can get overwhelmed with too many options which can then lead to melt downs. Here are some examples:

breakfast time: Would you like waffles, toast or cereal? Orange juice or apple juice? Butter peanut butter?

getting dressed: would you like to wear the purple pants, or the red shorts? Sneakers or sandals, a coat or vest

these are just exaggerations but perhaps you can think of a time where you could scale back options presented to you child. Another example is a couple is in a restaurant with their child. They are reading all of the options from the menu to the child. The child seems to be getting upset as the parents try to get the child to decide on something. The child is getting overwhelmed and the parents are getting frustrated because the child just won’t decide. as the child begins to have a melt down the parents finally throw up their hands and say “forget it let’s just leave.” and they leave the restaurant. It is also the thought that always allowing your child to choose from a large assortment of options awakens the "I want" stage too early.

I am not saying to dictate how everything will go but instead think of it as limiting the options. This theory not only works with children but also with most adults. When I worked in Sales the biggest lesson I learned was the more options you presented to your customer the more chance the customer will get overwhelmed and walk away without buying anything.

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vtmomof2 responded June 12, 2007 at 8:49AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

Great advice. I'm going to try using "may" I find myself turning everything into a question and it really isn't. I also add the ok at the end and it drives me crazy. I agree with children being overwhelmed I never give my kids more than two options and my son who is only 3 I only let him decide a few things, like what shirt he may want to wear or if he wants chicken nuggets or a cheeseburger at mcdonalds, not that we go there very often.

Date Night

Posted June 11, 2007 at 7:46AM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

This weekend started out right with an early morning yard sale adventure with two of my friends. There is this super funky neighborhood in our town that has a sale every year. If you are into funky, vintage items for some reason this street has it all. I usually hit the same house first. I hit the jackpot this year. It is the home to an artist who opens up her backyard studio and sells vintage clothing and nik naks. It picked up 6 pieces of clothing and a table cloth for $7.00. This new clothing came at the perfect time. JB and I were headed out on a date that night. To see our first movie at a theater together in 5 years.

My friend gave me movie tickets and a night of babysitting for my birthday. She is pregnant and due at the end of July so we decided to use the gift now before she give birth. I picked out my outfit from my new selection of clothing. It felt amazing to put on some new clothes and feel comfortable and new for my date. The evening was gorgeous. We had a drink before the movie. It felt so good to be out with JB.

The experience rejuvenated me. I have been feeling frazzled and burnt out. It is amazing what a new outfit and a night out can do to refuel you.

JB and I leaving for datenight.

My yardsale finds for $7.00

Tags: datenight, yardsale

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Sticky_Mommy responded June 11, 2007 at 2:12PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

I really can't express how great it is to be with your husband w/out kids, but it works wonders. We had our 5 year a couple weeks back and went to dinner. The next day we spent the day together (he was working and I was his lovely assistant) and I remembered why I married him. So good! And good for you!

cosmoblue responded June 11, 2007 at 6:01PM

I am so excited for my datenight this weekend. I have not been out with DH since last August. I am totally taking advantage of my brother being in town this month. He hates babysitting, but is doing it for me as a favor.

Question about overnight bed wetting

Posted June 7, 2007 at 10:15PM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

My oldest DS will be 6 this fall. He still wears a pull up to bed at night and it is soaked the next morning. I am so sick of buying pull ups. They are so expensive but I am hesitant to buy cloth overnights becasue I don't feel like he will use them long enough. In the same breath it feels like he will wearing it forever. My question is for those of you with older kids - when does the night time bedwetting stop. I mean we limit his fluid intake to nothing after dinner, make him go to the bathroom before bed but still he is wet in the morning. So clearly his body is just not ready to stop. I know we can just stop the pull ups and put a waterproof pad on the bed but that doesn't really solve it. Is this just how it goes? A waiting game until he ends up being dry in the morning? Help!

Tags: bedwetting

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karriejean responded June 8, 2007 at 7:54AM

Massage therapist, martial artist, butt-kickin' momma.

I don't have an older child, but my sister's 8 year old boy just barely stopped wearing pull-ups. He had the same problem, as did his father (who I think wet the bed until well after 8) and she said that it's just something that will eventually work itself out. Hope this helps...it must be so frustrating for you (and your son)!

mecjg responded June 8, 2007 at 9:28AM

Sorry to hear that. I have a 6 year old daughter and she rarely wets the bed and has been w/out a pull up for over 3 yrs. I do know boys take longer, my brothers oldest is 9 and still wets the bed once in awhile. My 3 (almost 4 yr old) daughter is having some problems still. One week she wets the bed and the next week we put a pull up back on because she starts wetting the bed again. It will just take time, remember it takes the boys a bit longer than girls.

birdiehandmade responded June 8, 2007 at 10:10PM

I don't really know for sure, but I wonder if it might be worth trying cold turkey for a little while to see what happens? If pull-ups are the same as smaller diapers, your son might not feel the wetness, or even realize that he's going pee. Maybe feeling the wet sheets/jammies would make him realize that he doesn't want to wake up wet? I know it would mean a lot of extra washing for a while, but it might end the pull up cycle? As I said, I'm not saying this from experience. I was one of those lucky moms (I hate to even say this) whose boys got through potty training quickly and easily. My now 6 1/2 yr old just decided one day to stop wearing diapers, never went back, and has only the occasional accident. I know though that he HATES the feeling of being wet, so he somehow holds it in all night - and there are some mornings when I swear he pees for 2 minutes straight once he gets out of bed! I don't know, but good luck!

Attracting Your Child to Healthier Food

Posted June 7, 2007 at 7:49AM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

December 2004
Attracting Your Child to Healthier Food

from food for families by cynthia lair

There are some very simple steps that parents can take to assure their child of better nutrition. Much of what we want for our children - healthy bodies with less illness, ability to concentrate, better study skills, adept physical ability - can be aided with a wholesome diet. The first step is to remind ourselves that we are role models. If we are eating vital, wholesome foods - whole grains, beans, fresh vegetables and fruit, healthy animal products - our children will be more likely to follow suit. Sometimes this requires parents to negotiate a united purpose. If one parent offers celery stalks for snacks and the other scoots out to the ice cream store, the children get mixed messages and will lean toward the more stimulating food.

Parents not only need to be in sync, they have to be willing to set boundaries around food and eating habits. Just as you would not let a 5-year-old choose when to go to bed, it is inappropriate to expect a young child to make a nutritious decision about what to eat for lunch. Children are affected by happy-looking packaging, entertaining advertisements and even addictive ingredients in commercial foods. They do not have the knowledge or wisdom to overcome marketing ploys and make healthful choices. Parents need to make the decisions or offer simple, limited choices like offering an apple or an orange.

Assuming you want your child to eat well, what can you do to pave the path toward good eating habits?

1. Honor mealtimes.
Studies show that children who sit down to regular shared family meals have more emotional stability, do better in school, and eat a wider variety of foods. With busy schedules you may not be able to get everyone together more than once a day, or even twice a week. Whatever you can manage, find times that work and keep them sacred.

2. Provide excellent choices.
Remember that you pay for the groceries. They’ll eat what you buy. If you don’t want your child to eat something, don’t buy it. Keep the cupboards and frig stocked with things you can feel good about your child eating.

3. Announce that what’s served is served.
Make only one meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Don’t fall into being a short-order cook. If every dish of the meal you’ve prepared is rejected, allow the child to be excused from the table until the next meal.

4. Include a winner with every meal.
Most kids like things like fresh fruit, applesauce, bread and butter, or potatoes. Whatever you choose for the meal, try to make sure there is something on the table that your child will like, even if it is just a side dish.

5. Refrain from bribing, rewarding or punishing with food.
This sets up hard-to-reverse messages - like desserts and sweets are something you get if you’ve been good or cooperated. Messages like this can eventually lead to eating disorders.

6. Set clear rules about special treats and favorite “less-nutritious” meals.
Say you have a child that loves macaroni and cheese. Will only eat macaroni and cheese. Don’t deny total access, just set up when and how often you think it’s healthy and reasonable to have it. Make it clear - we have macaroni and cheese on Friday nights. After awhile the standard will be set and the pleading will stop.

7. Create appealing presentations.
Some kids don’t like their food mixed up or touching. They might try a sauce if it was on the side to dip into rather than smothering the dish. Salad might get an “ugh” but some cut up carrots, cucumbers and radish will get eaten. Pay attention to how foods are put on the plate. Usually the simpler, the better.

Resources:
Lair, Cynthia, Feeding the Whole Family. Seattle:Moon Smile Press, 1998.
McLaughlin, A. T. Family Dinners Provide Food for Thought as Well. The Christian Science Monitor March 14, 1996.
Pope, Sharon, "Good Nutrition for the Very Young", PCC (Puget Consumer's Co-op) Sound Consumer, No. 181, April 1988.
Smith, Lendon, Dr., Feed Your Kids Right. New York, NY: Mc Graw-Hill, 1979.

Tags: healthy eating

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momotogo responded June 7, 2007 at 2:03PM

The part about honoring mealtime is so true and so absent in most of our lives. It's great family connect time & it makes eating more mindful (vs eating with the TV on). It's easier to manage when everyone is little, as kids get to be school aged and have after school activities, getting everyone together at the same time is more of a challenge, but something worth trying to schedule at least once or twice a week.

Shopping Organic

Posted June 7, 2007 at 7:45AM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

To give basic info on shopping organic here is excerpt from the July 2005
Organic: For the Earth, For Your Family
By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahler

Shopping For Organic

When shopping for your family, you should consider that per pound of body weight, babies consume about 60 times more fruits and vegetables than adults. This fact combined with undeveloped digestive and immune systems, put young children at the greatest health risk for pesticide residues. To minimize the effects, you might consider buying organic for those foods that your children eat regularly.

Produce: Pesticides levels vary in produce. Here is a list of common fruits and veggies that are high in pesticide residues. Because of the naturally high levels, you might consider buying organic for these foods:

Apples
Bell peppers
Celery
Cherries
Grapes (imported)
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Potatoes
Red Raspberries
Spinach
Strawberries

On the flip side, these fruits and veggies are commonly found to have the lowest levels of pesticide residues

Asparagus
Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Corn (sweet)
Kiwi
Mangos
Onions
Papayas
Pineapples
Peas (sweet)

(Source: The Environmental Workers Union)

Dairy, egg and meat products: While produce is often associated with organic food, there is a growing interest among consumers in dairy, egg, and meat products. The reason for increased interest is quite simple - consumers want to know their food is safe. The strict guidelines for producing organic foods are the answer to consumer concerns. Organic eggs and dairy products are ready available in supermarkets. Horizon, Stonyfield Farm and Eggland's Best are just a few national brands. Organic meats may be harder to find. Look for them in natural products stores, farmer's markets and through home delivery services.

Processed foods: Many stores are stocking their shelves with organically processed foods too. In order to make it easier to shop for organic products, the USDA has defined special labeling:

"100% Organic" label means made with 100% organic ingredients;
"Organic" label means made with at least 95% organic ingredients;
"Made With Organic Ingredients" label means made with a minimum of 70% organic ingredients with strict restrictions on the remaining 30% including no GMOs (genetically modified organisms); and
Products with less than 70% organic ingredients may list organically produced ingredients on the side panel of the package, but may not make any organic claims on the front of the package.

Tags: shopping organic

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Cloth Swim Diapers

Posted June 6, 2007 at 1:28PM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

A lot of people can't go cloth because they work full time. If you would like to save money and help the landfill a little bit you could try using cloth swim diapers. After all my research I ended up choosing Kushies cloth swim diapers. I got mine at http://www.cottonbabies.com/index.php?cPath=114

One diaper costs $9.95. A pack of huggies throw away dipes are about that much but how many packs do you end up buying all summer long? I started wth buying two cloth swim dipes. It guess it depends on how muh you are in the water and how old your child is. My son is now 2 and so we don't have as many diaper changes during the day as we used to.

Tags: cloth swim diapers

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Sticky_Mommy responded June 6, 2007 at 3:40PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

Good idea. I also have rubbery reuseable swim diapers that work great. I bought them at the pool we go to.

Simple Summer

Posted June 5, 2007 at 8:04AM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

Summer is coming. I can still remember the coming of summer as a child as if it were yesterday. Heck I still get that feeling as the season approaches. Ah yes carefree summers. But for many they are not. I was on the phone with my sister the other day who is the complete opposite of me. We were trying to make plans to see each other this summer. She only lives three hours away. It quickly became apparent it was going to be difficult to manage. She informed me she was booked for just about every weekend from here until school starts. Between vacations, soccer, baseball, gymnastics and whatever else they have signed up for she was already sounding totally stressed out about the schedule. “This is just how it is now” she tells me. “Really?” I say. Not for me. No thanks.

I am not saying that organized sports and events are wrong but I do believe we are over scheduling our children at such a young age. My sisters kids come home from school, do their home work, rush off to some type of game, get home eat dinner at 8pm and go to bed. That is just during the school week. Don’t you think these kids are tired enough from just going to school all day? Then comes the weekend and they are up at the crack of dawn for gymnastics, karate and then baseball or soccer games in the afternoon. One afternoon my niece who is 6 had two soccer games in one afternoon. Give me a break.

Kids burn out and harbor stress just like adults do. Maybe even worse because they do not know how to handle it. I think activities and sports have their place of course but I also strongly believe in letting a child be a child. Children need more quiet play time. They need more creative slow time where they are playing on their own, and developing their imaginations. They need unstructured, unplanned, unstressful time to just be kids.

Instead of always trying to find ways to keep your child busy by sending them off somewhere or to some organized event try spending time alone with them going for a walk in the woods, go camping even if it is in your living room or back yard, play in the sand, read books in the grass, have a picnic, stay up late to see the stars together. Just have a better balance at least and enjoy a little simple time. You will feel the benefits too.

Tags: natural parenting

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vtmomof2 responded June 5, 2007 at 8:46AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

I agree with you completely. I always see parents who have their children doing all kinds of things and my kids do nothing, well my daughter marched in the town parade this year and wants to play an instrument next year, but I don't push her. I enjoy sitting outside with my kids and them just being kids, swinging, and sliding. They love it when I put a blanket down to have a picnic lunch during the summer. I have to admit though sometimes I feel a little guilty about not doing all the things other kids do, but my kids are happy and not stressed and they are allowed to be kids, like I was. They have plenty of time to be stressed when they get older.

mecjg responded June 5, 2007 at 9:43AM

I believe that kids need to be pushed at sometime. My kids do not do alot at this time but we believe they need some type of push to interact with other children. My oldest just turned 6 and she played soccer last fall and this spring (she loves it). we started with a goup lesson last year and she just cried (but said she wanted to do it before the lessons started), this was a week long camp and my wife was going to pull her out. It was the best thing for my girl because now she cannot wait to play every Saturday morning.

Sticky_Mommy responded June 5, 2007 at 11:20AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

Each kid is differnt and I think you need to let your children take the lead to some extent. It's good to expose them to diffents things they may not have tried on their own, but also giving them time to loaf around too.

cosmoblue responded June 5, 2007 at 1:07PM

It is funny that you remember carefree summers being relaxing and not full of activities. All of the summers that I can remember I tried to get my parents to let me do all of the things I didn't get to do during the school year. I did theatre, and dancing, and playdates with all of my friends, swimming lessons, and as much T.V as I could watch. Although I should say that before I started elementary all of my days were carefree no sports or dance lessons or preschool for me.

dustbunny responded June 5, 2007 at 3:59PM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

I'd say, as they get to elementary years...the more activities the better. my son is a different person at the end of summer (and not in the good way- he's a mess)...he needs something to do- it's just the way he is. otherwise, he flops around- I'm bored, I have nothing to do, I blah blah blah. then we argue- it's a balance thing. don't get crazy about doing this or that but don't let them get you crazy by hanging around whining! I've only signed him up for 1 skateboard camp & I am worried it's not enough. still, always make enough time to (on a whim) pack up the kids, go to the lake or beach or swimming hole- that's probably the one ABSOLUTE freetime thing I love the most!

rockergirrl responded June 5, 2007 at 4:17PM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

wow I so did not mean to apply that activities are bad for children and loading is the answer. I was talking about the extreme like the example I gave of my sister.

handanmyl responded June 6, 2007 at 10:21AM

Three is for me!

I sgree, kids should be kids but you need to let them make their own decisions without pushing them too hard. The twins started gymnastics this year and they had a grea time and it was healthy for them to work their bodies. During the summer we are taking a break and they will spend alot of time with me we will be hiking and swimming and doing the summer reading program. All stuff they want to do. They also participate in girl scouts during the year and will attend sleepaway camp this summer. They are very happy to be doing the little that they do, and it keeps them from getting bored with the same old, same old.

VT soy milk

Posted June 4, 2007 at 5:57PM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

For any Vermonters who drink soymilk we now have an option to buy local. Vermont Soymilk is made in Hardwick VT and can be found at the Coop in Burlington. I am sure it will be available at Healthy living and other health food stores in VT. That is just the only place I know of right now.

Yeah for VT grown soybeans. I love being able to add to my list of products I can now buy locally.

Tags: VTsoymilk

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Convenience meals - what are yours?

Posted June 4, 2007 at 5:50PM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

What are theconvenience meals you serve every week? If any. Mine is Veggie burgers w/ french fries and frozen veggies early in the week and home made pizza on Fridays. I just can't take them off my menu. I love knowing that those two days of the week dinner is thought of and simple.

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cosmoblue responded June 4, 2007 at 7:15PM

We have taco night almost weekly.

dustbunny responded June 4, 2007 at 7:45PM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

quesadillas- throw some refritos in there or the old spaghetti standby

mecjg responded June 5, 2007 at 9:33AM

Pizza on Friday's for the kids, although not home made. We do veggie burgers (I can't stand them) w/fries or tatar tots and a veggie. We will also have a pasta night for the kids. Maybe once every other week we will do mac/cheese with hot dogs cut up and thrown in.

LatteMommy responded June 5, 2007 at 11:22AM

LatteMommy

We like the garden burgers & cascadian farm organic veggies (I'll eat all those myself, just love them, got my Aunt hooked on them now too). We have pasta night, pizza night is at our local pizza place, home made mac&chz (sometimes w/cut up hotdogs & diced tomatoe's (our daughter LOVES it), vegen dogs w/french fries & veggie or baked beans, subway or wegman's sub night, salad night (our daughter does not eat the lettuce though, but steals our tomatoe's & cuc's), oh yeah grilled chez night w/sliced tomatoe's, don't forget pancake w/scrambled egg night. If we are really worn out and too tired to eat ourselves we give little one a P&J and she is thrilled. If we have veggies on hand we will cut up tomatoe's, all color of peppers, cuc's, apples or pears, carrotts and grab the ranch dip and sit and watch a movie and snack & dip for dinner together. Those are fun and HEALTHY. As long as we have DIP we are okay for about anything. Short and Simple and QUICK organic meals are all we try to do in our house. Our girl likes to go out to eat too and chicken nuggets/strips are her choice and I'm Chicken Quessidilla and DH is a burger man. That is about it on our menu these past months. When I'm in the kitchen cooking dinner, my daughter is in the living room usually watchig Rachel Ray or some cooking show. It's safe network for them to watch cause there is NO violence or nasty language and THEY DO LEARN FROM IT TOO. My daughter told me how to slice up a pepper one night. LOL. Happy cooking! :)

mumstheword responded August 24, 2007 at 10:48PM

Cloth Mania

Spaghetti on grocery night and at the end of the fortnight (we get paid fortnightly)

I am a Rockergirrl - I did it!

Posted June 4, 2007 at 8:17AM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

Well last night I performed at the Moms Who Rock show at Higher Ground. I was a wreck all day on Sunday. The nerves finally kicked in and I had butterflies all day.JB dropped me off at the venue at 5:00pm where I met up with the other 25 moms who were performing that night. You could see us all scanning the room trying to figure out who could really sing and who couldn't. We got the song order and I learned I would be #21 out of 25 performers. I was pretty bummed. We all took turns going up on stage to get a feel for the mic and the setting. I got a bit nervous when a few of the moms belted out a few notes to test the mic. Um yeah non professions - I think not.

So the show began. JB was there and a group of my friends. I felt a bit better as the show started and several people forgot lines and froze on stage. It made me realize everyone was in the same boat as me. That is until a few of the ladies got up and it was crystal clear these moms have sung in bands before (which was supposedly against the rules) they hit every word, hit every note perfectly and pretty much made me want to puke.

My turn finally came. I waited on the side of the stage as they announced me and read my bio. We were asked why we joined the Moms Who Rock competition. The announcer read my response which was "I want to prove that being a mother is more thanplaydates and playdough ." I was pumped to go up on stage. Walking up the stairs and crossing the stage was the BEST feeling. The band started and I felt very comfortable. I got through my entire performance as I had practiced, didn't miss one word, BUT I sang it completely off key from the band. I knew it but I couldn't fix it and I just decided to give it my all. I was proud I went up there, proud I didn't mess up and freeze on stage. The singing (if you can call it that) was off but man did I rock out and have fun.

The evening ended when they called everyone up on stage to present the gifts that all the performers were getting. A brand new Shure microphone, manicure/pedicure, pot of flowers, gift card to Pizza Put, and a bag filled with soaps organic snacks and goodies. I felt like a winner. Three first place winners were chosen and they got a spa overnight in addition to all the goodies we got. Of course it was the three whoobviously sang in bands before. I can say this because they told me they did. I'm not bitter though (really I'm not.)

See we never got to play with the band before last night. We were given a cd of the original recording of our song choice and that was it. We had to practice with the cd and then show up to play with a band doing their version of the song. I have never sung with a band before so I had no clue how to try to match them once I was into the song. I am done feeling embarrassed about it. The first time I watched back the video I cringed at the vocals. The second time I watched it I could see beyond the vocals and focus on my stage performance whichfreakin ' rocked. I did look comfortable, I did rock out, I did look like I belonged there. I am going to take this opportunity to push myself harder, practice more, get back out on the open mic scene and keeprockin'

Tags: momswhorock, performing

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vtmomof2 responded June 4, 2007 at 9:01AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

I am so impressed you got up there and did that. I don't know if I could, actually I know I couldn't. I can't sing, but it is hard to put yourself out there. Great job!

momotogo responded June 4, 2007 at 9:17AM

Woo Hoo! What a great experience for you and what a great example to set for your children. Obviously they weren't there, but it's a great story to tell them when they are in pursuit of their own dreams. Congratulations!

Sticky_Mommy responded June 4, 2007 at 11:16AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

I'm bitter for you! Not fair about the rule breakers. However, you rock and you've got some big eggs to get up there & do that! BRAVO

dustbunny responded June 4, 2007 at 12:32AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

wow...pretty cool. I have no balls (figuratively and literally speaking, of course) and I would never do that...excellent.

cosmoblue responded June 4, 2007 at 12:55AM

That is so great that you did that. You sound like you had a great time.

handanmyl responded June 4, 2007 at 3:10PM

Three is for me!

That is so awesome! All that matters is that you had a great time, and it will be a wonderful story to tell your children!

15 Minute Stress Relievers

Posted June 1, 2007 at 1:11PM by rockergirrl
www.findbarefootbooks.com

15 Minute Stress Relievers (from mothering.com)

It is easy to feel that you have no free time as a parent, but you can always find 15 minutes. Here are some things you can do in 15 minutes that will allow you to catch your breath and settle your mind:

Take a walk
Go to a park
Take a bath
Call a friend
Read a poem
Have a cup of tea
Lie in the hammock
Look at the clouds
Sit by the fire
Sit by the window
Lie in the grass
Lie on the floor
Water the plants
Give yourself a facial
Read the headlines
Sing a song
Dance around the living room

Tags: stress relievers

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Sticky_Mommy responded June 1, 2007 at 1:35PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

Hey there,

Let me add some more:
Listen to really good rockn' music
Paint your toes
Read some trashy gossip magazine

cosmoblue responded June 1, 2007 at 2:11PM