Childhood vaccines have been under speculation by some parenting groups for years. In more recent years, many fingers have been pointed at vaccines as the cause or instigating factor in the high numbers of autism cases identified each year. Parents are becoming concerned about vaccines and the health of their child, but waiting or choosing not to vaccinate may be just as dangerous.

The Vaccination Schedule

The many vaccines required for children today are scheduled to be administered beginning at birth and routinely at almost every doctor’s appointment for the remainder of childhood. The sheer number of vaccines is baffling to many parents who remember only a handful from their own childhood.

Pediatricians will inform you of when your child is due for each vaccine, and will give you information about the shot and common side effects. Parents may elect to skip or delay vaccines, but schools and daycares will require a completed shot record with enrollment or a qualified waiver.

Concerns about Vaccines

In the past, many vaccines were made using live strands of the disease the shot was designed to prevent. In some cases, the vaccinated child actually developed the disease or experienced severe, sometimes life threatening side effects. Over time, live viruses were removed from vaccinations, and today all vaccines are available without live cultures – but be sure to check with your doctor that your child is receiving the safer version.

Many strongly believe that autism is caused or brought forth more prominently by the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine. For many years mercury was used as a component of the shot, and mercury was believed to have harmful effects in children. Today, mercury has been removed from the vaccine, but many parents still delay the vaccine.

Delaying Vaccines

There is a middle path between getting all vaccines on time, even if you’re not sure your child is ready, and skipping them all together. Most of your child’s first doctor’s appointments will include four or five shots. Rather than getting all the vaccines so early, you can delay them over a few years giving your child’s immune system time to develop more properly should he have an adverse reaction to the immunization.

The MMR is often delayed. The correct time frame for the MMR is between twelve and twenty-four months. Most doctors give it at one year, but you may simply be more comfortable waiting until your child is two. Vaccines are important to prevent the spread of highly contagious diseases, but there is no rule that you have to immunize your child on someone else’s schedule.

When your child gets sick, often you can’t ease their discomfort until you know what you are facing. During the colder months of the year, your child can come down with any number of bugs and viruses, but the worst bug of all is the flu. Unfortunately, even cold symptoms in children can be pronounced, so it can be challenging to determine if your child is suffering from a common cold or if she does in fact have the flu.

Cold Symptoms

In children the most common symptoms of a cold are a runny nose, cough, and irritability. Of course, these can also be signs of teething, so the best way to check for a cold is to determine the color of the nasal discharge. Green or yellow mucus is indicative of a cold, but clear discharge is likely allergies or teething related. Other cold symptoms include:

There is no cure for colds, and young children should not be given any cold medicines as they have been shown to be dangerous. Instead treat the symptoms as best you can with a little extra love and attention. Push fluids and food, and elevate the crib mattress and encourage older children to sleep with their head on the pillow to help drain fluids away from the nose and ears.

Flu Symptoms

The flu is a much more intense disease that might be prevented by getting a flu vaccine each year. Children six months and up are encouraged to get a flu vaccine annually. If your child has the flu, the first symptoms might appear similar to a cold, but symptoms will quickly become more severe. Symptoms of the flu include:

• High fever lasting 3-4 days
• Severe headache
• Severe body aches and pains
• Lingering fatigue and weakness
• Extreme exhaustion
• Chest discomfort and cough
• Occasional stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing

The flu can be shortened considerably by administering antiviral drugs within twenty-four to forty-eight hours of the start of the disease, but you’ll need to discuss this with your pediatrician. The flu must be monitored carefully as it can develop into other more serious conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

There has long been a debate about the presence of television in a child’s life. Is it necessary for his growth and development? No. Is it dangerous? It might be. Is it all bad? Certainly not. Television can be compared to sweets. A daily treat isn’t great for you, but a small serving won’t hurt you, either. Of course, too many sweets will cause problems – much like too much television.

Educational Television

There are many television programs and videos that tout their educational benefits. While some shows are definitely more appropriate than others, educational television is a misnomer. Television can’t educate – but you can use television to facilitate education. If you sit your child in front of the television while you throw dinner together, don’t expect her to learn more than Elmo’s favorite song.

But if you sit down with her after dinner is finished and point out objects, count along, and talk about what the show discusses, your child can use what she sees on the television as a basis for future learning. This is truly the only way television can be educational – if parents, or someday teachers, use it to show examples and help students see a topic in action. It can also help a child practice skills they have already learned, such as counting, but young children will not learn the skill from the television.

Too Much Television

There is such a thing as too much television. As it is not necessary for a child’s development in any way, there is no problem if you ban television all together in your home. Granted, most parents are willing to let their child watch a show in the morning to give the parents time to get ready for the day, and many children watch another show before dinner or as a family before bed.

Experts state that infants have no need for any television, and that toddlers should watch thirty minutes or less per day. Older children can watch a bit more, but anything over 1-2 hours can be damaging to their health.

The Dangers of Television

When a child sits in front of the television, he isn’t running and playing. The television lets a child’s brain rest. This means the brain is not working on learning new things or creating imaginative games. Television is entertainment, so while the TV is entertaining your child, she is also not learning to entertain herself.

There are also physical repercussions to too much television. Watching hours of television each day can lead to poor eating habits and overweight and under active children. Sitting on the couch is no substitute for riding a bike or playing in the backyard. A short break is perfectly natural, but in a perfect world, you should be watching a show together or skipping television entirely and reading a book.

The only thing more stressful than moving is moving with kids. When you have young children, any disruption to their normal routine and environment can trigger meltdowns, tantrums and anxiety. Moving to a new home is one of the most dramatic changes you can make, so while you hope the move will go smoothly; anticipate up to six weeks of adjustments once you arrive. To ease the transition, prepare your child in advance, make it new and exciting, and accommodate their needs.

Preparing in Advance

Very young children won’t understand the discussion of moving, but preschoolers can understand that they will be getting a new room in a new house or apartment. If possible, take your child to see the new home a few weeks before the move and explain that this is going to be their new home. Refer to the new house often, but avoid talking about the home you’re leaving behind. Pack his room discreetly and stay focused on the positives of the new home, not leaving his old room behind.

New and Exciting

When you move, your destination is always new, but you want to be sure the move is new and exciting. If you were able to take your child to see the property in advance, help him pick out his new room and talk about how you should decorate it. It will be a bit extra to pack, but let your child pick out new linens and wall decorations for his room before you move. This way he has something physical, even if they are still in the packaging, to remind him how great his new room is going to be. Be upbeat and rave about the new house in his presence. Save the stress and bickering for after he’s in bed.

Accommodate His Needs

Your child can live anywhere, but he needs your help to adjust. If you have to leave the unpacking until after he’s in bed every night - do it. It’s far better to spend all day with your child helping him feel at ease in the new home than it is to get the pictures on the wall in a matter of days.

Unpack his room first - if you have new decorations, put them up, but be sure to leave the old and comfortable aspects of his prior room in place as well. Favorite pillows or stuffed animals can make a new room less intimidating at night.

Expect a few rough nights as he settles into his new surroundings, especially if he is young. See to his needs and even spend the first night together as a family camping out in your bed or in sleeping bags to make it more exciting as well as to ease the initial trepidation your child might be feeling. You may not get much sleep that night, but you will doze knowing your child feels safe and secure in his new home.

Moms are constantly on the go, and that often means meals are grabbed through drive-thrus or simply not eaten at all. Energy comes from caffeine and sugar, and the crash that inevitably follows is handled with another round of the same treatment. What every mom needs to remember is that nutrition isn’t just important when it comes to her children – her nutrition is essential for keeping the entire family at prime operating condition.

Water, Water, and More Water

The number one item missing from the diets of many mothers is water. Coffee and soda do not contain the kind of pure water your body craves to run at optimal condition. Lack of water can spur headaches, fatigue and actually make you feel ill. So grab a big bottle of water and carry it with you. Opt for water or other caffeine and sugar free drinks when eating out, and you may be surprised at the amount of energy you have without your daily lattes and giant cup of soda.

Snacks

Most adults should be eating every two to three hours. Meals, of course, are at regular times, but in-between meals, healthy snacks help keep your metabolism burning and regulate your energy levels. Grab some of the new portion controlled snack pouches, fresh fruit and snack bars to take with you. Raisins, whole grain crackers, and granola bars can stay in your glove box and bag for easy retrieval when the urge to snack appears. And don’t be afraid to grab a few diet program snack bars as these often contain extra vitamins but taste great.

Meals on the Go

When you’re on the road and ready to eat, you have two options. Many fast-food restaurants now offer healthier alternatives, but moms know that you can’t eat a salad while driving. So, you can order that salad on your way to pick up a child, and then take some time to sit and enjoy it in the parking lot rather than the highway. Or, you can pack your own lunch in a small cooler to take with you on the road. With that option, you’re munching on a healthy ham sandwich while you drive car-pool rather than a greasy burger.

Supplements

Finally, every mom should be taking a daily vitamin – especially mothers who are breastfeeding. No matter how much you plan and attempt to get all of your nutrients from food, which is ideal, you should take a vitamin to cover any gaps you might have in your daily diet.

Everyone likes to look good, but many moms find themselves last on the list for personal attention and grooming. All hope is not lost for frantic mothers, however. A few quick beauty fixes might be just what you need to boost your spirits and feel great about yourself.

Wash and Wear Wardrobe

The first thing to tackle is your wardrobe. Assemble a new Mommy wardrobe that is quick and easy – in all ways. Skip the dry cleaning and find items that easily mix and match, but are stylish. You can’t go wrong with jeans and a cute top. Throw on a sweater or fitted jacket and you instantly look stylish. Alternate your jeans with khaki pants and ditch the athletic sneakers in favor of some trendy flats that are just as comfortable, but much more stylish. Save gym clothes for the gym.

Easy Hair

Find a hairstyle that is stylish, but easy to manage. It may be that you just cut bangs to dress up your constant ponytail, but consult with your stylist to find something that you can wash, style and wear in less time than it takes for a bottle to warm. If you have especially stubborn hair, design a style that can be done at night after the kids are in bed. Then, simply refresh the look in the morning and you’re good to go.

Tone Down Make-up

Today’s mothers are in luck. Minimalist make-up is very fashionable, and cosmetic companies are offering combination kits that make things even easier. Grab a light foundation and coordinating powder. Use a bit of brightener on the insides of your eyes and your cheekbones. Swipe on blush, apply dark brown or black mascara and you’re ready to go. Your lip gloss doesn’t require liner, and it travels easily in your bag to be applied after you kiss your kids good-bye.

Stand Up Straight and Smile

Standing up straight can take off ten pounds in a heartbeat and make you feel more confident. It’s amazing how many opportunities mothers have to slouch with all the babies and gear they carry. When you realize you’re slouching, draw yourself up like a puppet on a string and take a few deep breaths. Then smile to show the world how much you love your busy life, and you can also benefit from the way that smile brightens your face.

The worst part of the first trimester for most pregnant women is morning sickness, or as many complain - all day sickness. Morning sickness affects almost every pregnant woman differently. Cases range from slight and general nausea to dehabilitating vomiting that even lands some moms in the hospital.

Morning Sickness

There is no universally accepted cause of morning sickness other than your body’s reactions to hormones created by the pregnancy. Thus far a cure has not been developed, although there are ways to try and help manage the symptoms. The vast majority of pregnant women are affected by some form of morning sickness with symptoms beginning around six to eight weeks and lasting through the beginning of the second trimester or week fourteen.

Some women are lucky and breeze through the first trimester without so much as gagging on a toothbrush. Others wind up in the hospital with severe weight loss and dehydration. This extreme morning sickness is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum or HG. It should not be taken lightly – consult with your doctor immediately if your morning sickness is interfering with your hydration level or preventing you from consuming adequate amounts of nutrition.

Handling the Symptoms

While there is no cure for morning sickness, there are ways to handle the symptoms. Just like many things about parenthood, finding the solution for you may be a matter of trial and error.

Rest – It’s hard to feel sick while you’re sleeping, and you need plenty of rest anyway. If you start feeling bad, climb in bed, lie down and stay there as long as possible.

Eat – It could be that you only feel sick when you’re hungry. If that’s the case, eat! If certain foods sound especially good and filling, eat those. So long as you’re getting all of your nutrients, there is no reason to not eat Macaroni and Cheese with dinner every night – although you do want to watch your overall calorie consumption as well.

Snack – If the thought of food makes you ill, you still need to eat. Find the foods that are the least undesirable and snack constantly all day. Some tummies tolerate only small amounts, so graze all day to help keep your stomach settled.

Drink – If you’re dehydrated you’re going to feel worse, so sip on tepid water during your sick periods and drink plenty of water the rest of the day to keep your hydration levels up.

Walk – Exercise can help keep nausea at bay, so go for a light stroll. Of if the first few steps make your head swim, stop and go climb back in bed for another rest.

Ah, the diaper bag. Nothing makes a bolder statement about parenthood than the giant bag slung over your shoulder stuffed with diapers, burp clothes and changes of clothing. Well, maybe the spit-up drying on your back makes a statement, too, but the diaper bag can at least be fashionable.

The Bag

There are many styles of diaper bags available, from totes to backpacks and everything in between. The style of diaper bag you select has more to do with your personality and preferences than anything else. But be sure to think about both parents when selecting the bag, and opt for something that meshes with your style as your baby could care less if her bottles are toted in a trim black tote or a giant Winnie the Pooh bag.

Backpacks or messenger bags are great for parents who are always on the go and looking for an extra hand. By wearing the bag on your back, you have both hands free, but it does complicate things for parents who wear their babies or who like to grab or drop items in the bag at any moment.

Totes have easy access which is nice for parents who like to reach in and grab the pacifier without stopping, but that easy access also means your diaper bag may spill easily. Some totes come with zippers or flaps which can solve this problem. Diaper bags with flaps, however, can be frustrating if the flap is constantly falling in the way or if items fall out of the flap compartments when it is being lifted.

The Contents

Just as every child is different, the contents of every diaper bag are different. But speaking in generalities, when you pack your diaper bag, you should include the following:

Diapers – What would a diaper bag be without them? Load up the bag so you don’t always have to think about adding more.

Wipes – Invest in a travel size wipes dispenser to keep yourself organized.

Diaper Rash Ointment – If you use it at home, you’ll want it on the road.

Burp Cloth – You know why you need it.

Light Blanket – This can double as a burp cloth or keep your baby cozy in air conditioning or cooler weather.

Emergency Rations – Carry a nonperishable snack or two in the bag and a single serving sized can of formula along with an extra bottle should you be caught unawares.

Bottle of Water – The water is great for breastfeeding moms or parents on the go, but it can also be used in your emergency bottle if your older baby needs a drink or if you’re trying to mix powdered formula.

Meals – Any meals you’ll be eating while you’re away from home can be packed neatly into the diaper bag.

Bib – Throw in a regular bib or invest in the disposable ones.

Change of Clothes – Young babies or those learning to self-feed may want more than a single change of clothes.

Pacifier – The pacifier tends to disappear out of the bag after each outing, so be sure it’s replaced so you’re not stranded without one.

Toys – A few small toys can help keep your baby busy while sitting in a waiting room or in line at the grocery store.

It’s truly an amazing phenomenon. Even before many parents begin trying for a second baby, they begin worrying about the impact of that unconceived child on their oldest child. After all, the first born has been smothered with attention his entire life, how could he possibly understand (or tolerate) losing that esteemed position?

The worry continues throughout the pregnancy, but at least conscientious parents can use that energy in a productive way - they can prepare their toddler as much as possible.

Encourage Independence

As your toddler ages, he should be getting increasingly independent in his play, eating, and daily routines. Naturally he will prefer to play with you, and you should spend as much time as is reasonable playing with your child. But be sure to let him play independently, too. Find him interesting, developmentally appropriate toys and keep an eye on him while washing the dishes or taking care of a few things around the house. That independence will come in handy when you’re simply unable to feed an infant and amuse a toddler at the same time.

Play-Up Being a Big Kid

Your toddler may still seem like a baby to you, but take that word out of your vocabulary. He’s a Big Boy now, and Big Boys get to do all kinds of things that babies can’t. Help him eat his food like a Big Boy and show him how interesting the Big Boy toys are. Take him places only Big Boys can go.

Keep up this Big Boy training after the baby comes. He’ll likely want to play with the baby items when they start showing up around the house, and that’s okay. Let him play, but be sure that the Big Boy novelties are much more exciting, and he’ll be more content to leave the baby things to the baby.

Make Special Connections

You most likely already have some, but find even more ways to develop a special connection with your toddler. Sing a special song together. Invent a rhyme that is especially his. Sing His Song when you’re driving in the car or putting him to bed. Then, when the baby arrives, you might be changing a diaper, but you can sing your toddler’s special song together while you do it. This helps keep the attention on him as much as possible, and the baby simply enjoys the singing.

Taking your first trip by air with a baby is intimidating. After all, you don’t want to be the parent with the screaming baby and you’re not sure what you can bring and if you can handle luggage, car seats and a stroller. Never fear – parents have been flying with babies for decades. It might not be easy, but it doesn’t need to be impossible either.

Airline Regulations

Since 9/11, airlines and airports have tightened security and added procedures that should help keep us safe. Of course these procedures also make travel more complicated – especially for parents trying to bring little ones through crowded airports.

Gear

Baby gear makes up most of what is stressful about traveling with babies. You usually bring a stroller, a pack-n-play, clothing, diapers, bottles, carriers, and a carseat. Fortunately, you are allowed extra baggage by major airlines for babies. In addition to the standard bags, babies are also allowed a checked carseat and another bag for diapers and gear. Checking the pack-n-play is permitted as well.

Check as much as possible upon arriving at the airport. The less you have to take through security the better. Take the stroller to the gate, even if you’re not using it at the moment. You’ll appreciate having it when the plan lands and they attendants will check it for you and have it set up when you exit the plane. Also be sure to wear shoes that slip on and off. There is nothing worse than trying to hurry and get your own shoes back on while your toddler races away.

Food

You are now allowed to bring stored breastmilk, juice and formula on the plane, even if your baby is not with you. You must present it right away at the security checkpoint, however. It is best to store the liquids in containers of less than three ounces if possible as this is the magic cutoff for the TSA. Bring enough for the plane ride (with a bit extra for security) and check the rest in your luggage. Consider feeding your baby during take off and landing to help with pressure in his ears.

Airplane Safety

Airlines allow children under two to fly free as lap babies. While this is economical, it is not as safe as paying for a child’s fare and bringing a carseat. The seat will keep your child comfortable and safe in case of turbulence. It will also allow you to have your hands free to make bottles, fix snacks and do all the entertaining you must do to survive the flight in one piece.

Parents with small children are allowed to board a flight early. This helps them get all of the gear stored and the children settled. Take advantage of this perk, but bring extra toys and snacks for the waiting you’ll be doing while everyone else is boarding. Buy your tickets far in advance to get the front seats with extra leg room. You will not be allowed to sit on the exit aisles. Pack your bag with exciting toys, snacks and maybe a portable DVD player to keep your little one distracted and entertained for the entire flight.

A trip to Grandmother’s house is fraught with treats, adventures and very real dangers. Grandparents love their grandchildren dearly, but often fail to prepare their homes for the exploring and destruction that children bring. If you’re on your way to Grandma’s house, be prepared to keep your children safe.

Inside

Inside your parent’s home, there are the kinds of dangers you very carefully removed from your own. Grandparents are unlikely to crawl on the floor in search of enticing wires or dropped coins. They may be completely unaware of the mothballs on the floor of a closet or the cleaning supplies casually stored under the sink.

Your parents might be unaware, but you aren’t. When you arrive with your children, make a sweep of the house. Open cabinets and peek in closets. If you see something dangerous, either shut the door and declare the room off limits or resolve the situation. Pick up and move small items and breakables. Hide cords and unplug unnecessary items. Block the stairs with a baby gate you brought specifically for that purpose.

And while you are doing your baby proofing, explain to your parents what you are doing and why. It’s been many years since they have had a baby or toddler who enjoy eating the flies off the windowsills or throwing handfuls of dirt from the potted plants. As a final resort bring a play pen or enclosure of baby gates to keep your little one away from temptation when you’re not able to watch him like a hawk.

Outside

Outside of the home can be just as dangerous as the inside. Unprotected swimming pools, flower beds, porches and unfamiliar pets present potentially serious problems. If your parents have a swimming pool without a gate, keep your children inside or allow them outside only when you are present. Don’t assume your parents can move as well as you can if there was some sort of emergency.

Help your child meet any animals, and stress that she not pet the dog or give him hugs. In fact, leaving the dog in a room away from your child is probably the safest option. Animals that live with grandparents are often spoiled and will see no harm in hopping in your toddler’s lap or jumping up for attention. They are also unfamiliar with little ones and might snap if cornered or “petted” too enthusiastically.

Educate

Be sure to educate your parents on things that have changed or they might have forgotten since their own days of child rearing. You know your child best, and your parents should respect your knowledge and preference. Spoiling is not the same as endangering. Let your child lavish in her grandparent’s attention and affection, but keep a close eye on her to be sure she does so safely.

A great deal of attention is paid to the working mom. She is given special status for working and raising children. It is the mom who gets accolades for her hard work and dedication to too many activities and commitments. But she is not the only one working and raising children in a home. It’s time to pay a little respect to the working dad.

The Working Man

As long as stereotypes have ruled our lives, men have had the important job of leaving the house everyday and bringing home a nice paycheck. According to the stereotype, he’s supposed to bring in enough paycheck to pay all the bills, keep everyone fed and comfortable and allow the mommy to be at home raising the kids without having to even think about an office or commute.

Women didn’t like the stereotype, so they changed it. Now men leave the house every day and head to work to bring home a decent paycheck and women have the option to leave, too. Sometimes women stay home, and on very rare occasions the father will stay at home with children, but this is most definitely the exception. In this country, men work. And that work and the paycheck it brings are a special kind of loving gift to a family.

Finding Balance

Some men buy into the Working Man theory so strongly they forget to balance their work with their families. After all they are working to support and show their love for their families, so they keep at it for long hours. But most children and wives will agree that while money and the security it brings are essential, they are not the means of loving expression they seek.

A family includes the dad. And if that dad is spending all of his time at work, he is missing out on the pleasure of his wife and children, and they are missing out on his company. A family is not complete and is not as fulfilling without all of the members.

Take Time…

So working dads must make a conscious effort to take time away from work. Leave the office at a certain time. Declare weekends work-free days. Turn off the laptop and phones until after the children are in bed. Take the family on a weekend getaway. Even if you just take an hour after dinner to play outside with your children and visit with your wife, not only will your life be richer, their lives will be more positively impacted as well.

Dressing up your baby for Halloween is a great deal of fun for parents and most babies are mostly tolerant of their parents’ glee. After all, it’s unlikely someone who can’t yet walk will have a strong opinion about being a ladybug versus a monkey. So enjoy Halloween and find exactly the costume you want – this may be the only year you get your way.

Safety

The most important consideration when finding a Halloween costume for your baby is to find one that is safe. Masks, capes, and even face paints might not be the best choice for little ones who can’t keep their hands away from their mouths. They might knock the mask askew blocking their airway or smear paint into their eyes or mouths. If your baby is closer to a toddler, be sure you keep the costume streamlined. Bulky fabrics and trailing material can trip up even the most surefooted little one.

Holidays present a unique challenge for most sets of new parents. The new baby is greatly admired by both sides of the family, and their vying for your time and attention that began as a married couple accelerates into overdrive as everyone tries to make you commit to their house for each respective holiday. If this is your first set of holidays as new parents, set the standard right away to save you headaches for years to come.

Alternating Houses

A popular method of celebrating to get all of the mandatory visits in is to alternate houses. You attend one side of the family’s celebration for Thanksgiving and the other side for Christmas. Every year you switch off, and this is as fair as possible. It does involve a lot of travel and planning in advance, but not as much as trying to hit both places both times.

Dual Houses

Another popular method of celebrating is to cram two of each holiday into the time frame. You eat Thanksgiving lunch at one house and truck over to another for Thanksgiving dinner. You spend Christmas Eve at one house and Christmas day at another. Some very brave souls hit both houses on both days.

While this might appease everyone for a little while, eventually squabbles will begin and feelings will get hurt if you don’t manage to share Christmas day with both sides or make a benign comment about too much turkey on Thanksgiving. The other downside is dragging your kids all over town on two of the most fun-filled holidays of the year. As your children get older, they will begin to enjoy Santa’s visit and Santa’s toys more. They will be hard-pressed to leave the goodies after only an hour or two. This leaves you with only one option.

Your House

You can celebrate holidays at your house. It is up for debate as to which is easier – dragging your family (and their mess) to your parent’s home or having everyone (and their mess) come to yours. Most parents eventually realize that certain parts of the holiday, such as present opening and Santa Clause should be done at home. Other family members are welcome to come over bright and early, but you are not leaving until close to lunchtime – if then.

Thanksgiving is easier to handle – perhaps alternate the holiday every year. Christmas, on the other hand, is most fun with children. And you’ve got the kids. If everyone wants to share in their joy and enthusiasm, they can simply come over to your house and revel in it.

Well, 

I’ve been away from you, my friends, because it’s happened. Exactly a month after conception I became nauseous, and started vomiting. What are you gonna do? That’s the way the cookie crumbles. 

So, I’ve been suffering, and the symptoms may have been a tiny bit easier this time around, but the fact that I now have a toddler to take care of and a full time job, made it seem so much harder than the last. Last time I could lie around and play “dead”, tread my path to the bathroom and back, and wallow in my misery. So I looked around if I could find anything to soothe my symptoms. I found something on the internet (they didn’t have it in any of my local pharmacies) called Morning Sickness Magic, by Mommy’s Bliss. It is an over-the-counter supplement which contains Ginger, Vitamin B complex, Folic Acid, and Red Raspberry Leaf. All of these ingredients are supposed to ease the symptoms. The toughie of it was that you’re supposed to take it up to 4 times per day, and the relief of symptoms may take up to five days. What do you know, it took exactly five days (and not a moment sooner) for me to feel better. And as soon as that happened I got a cold. 

In the midst of all this I had called my doctor and begged them to prescribe something. My doctor prescribed Zofran, but to be honest with you, I still haven’t picked it up from the pharmacy since I got sick. 

So I’m getting over a cold, and toughing out the “All-Day” Sickness, and my son is throwing nightly tantrums. Seth has finally had it with Elija’s nightly “sing-me-bye-bye” at 3 a.m. So last night, I was “Ferberizing” Elija. I did it once before, and it was great, it was much easier last time, because he wasn’t speaking yet and didn’t comment everything I said. Last night it was plain torture. 

My husband grabbed his pillow and went to sleep on the couch, while I battles with my 22-month-old son. After an hour of my refusing to sing to him, cover him with a blankie, find his pacifier, or just generally listen to his hysterical sobs, I laid down in my bed (his crib is in our bedroom, since we have a one bedroom apartment), and he stopped crying and went to sleep. I’m reluctant to say that it worked, and I am dreading tonight will bring another battle. But It has to be done. 

The last time Elijah was able to fall asleep on his own. It was magic. But Seth and I went away on a Weekend Getaway and my son panicked. He would let go of us for a long time. I’ve tried to get him to sleep the “nice way”, staying with him till he falls asleep. But he’s crossed all borders, and he’s old enough to do it all by himself. 

Well, that’s the way it’s been since my last note. Please drop any suggestions possible regarding easing Morning Sickness or teaching kids to fall asleep on their own. All suggestions are welcome. 

Regards, 

Amy