So you're going to become a father. Now is not the time to panic. You've got lots of time to get used to the idea, before that new life you helped create, arrives to join your own. These tips for a first-time Dad will help you to survive the pre-baby and post-birth jitters.
Be supportive of your partner during the pregnancy. Some women have a more difficult time than others, and the fluctuation of hormones can bring on everything from mood swings to what seems to be unreasonable irritation with you, and everything else. While you may not understand her moods, remember that they are transient, and weather them in whatever way works best for you both. She may be irritated, but would appreciate a simple gesture like flowers, a foot rub, or even a cup of tea without having to get up. You'll find your own paths to peace, as the pregnancy progresses.
When the baby arrives, don't be upset if you don't fall in love immediately. You're excited to be a father, but often men think they are failing in some respect, when they don't feel the same overwhelming bond that a mother does. But you didn't carry another life inside you for nine months. So one of the best tips for a first-time Dad, is to give yourself time to love, and be loved back.
Because you have been basically on the "outside" of things until the birth, you may not feel you're really an integral part of their life. Nothing could be further from the truth, because you are now a father, and with that comes all the responsibilities and worries that a mother has.
Parenting isn't done alone, it's done together, with the two of you supporting each other, giving each other breaks from the routine and stresses, as well as taking pleasure in watching your child grow and thrive, together.
Visit http://my-tiger-site.atspace.com/ and sign up for free weekly tips that will take the mystery and fear out of parenting your precious little one.
petak, 20. studenoga 2009.
srijeda, 18. studenoga 2009.
Here's What to expect at a Baby Shower
A baby shower is a great way to welcome a new child and congratulate the new mother. Many mothers appreciate the help in purchasing the items they will need for their new baby. Commonly, baby showers are given only to new mothers or mothers who have not had a child in a long while. This way, friends and family, can help give the family the things babies need.
Baby showers are a tradition, but what happens at a baby shower is less formal for sure. Sometimes, friends and family members will hold a baby shower for a new Mom as a surprise. Often times, new mothers will get several showers thrown for her first child from different groups, such as one from friends, one from the mothers side of the family, and maybe one from her friends at work. Regardless of how many, these get-togethers are a great way for people to welcome the new child.
Planning a baby shower can be a lot of fun. For baby shower ideas, try checking online at the many websites that offer new parent information. Another place to get some ideas is at craft supply stores where there are aisles and aisles of ideas. Some things to consider for your baby shower are baby shower invitations and baby shower favors. Other things to think about are baby shower decorations! Baby shower games can make a boring party a lot of fun. Most of these can even be free baby shower games by using items from around your home. For example, you can take a roll of toilet paper with you to the party. Each guest has to guess how many individual sheets it will take to circle the mother to be. Giving away small gifts can make these games even more fun.
Planning a baby shower and attending them can be a lot of fun. Take a trip to the craft store and look around at all the baby shower decorations, games, and favors they have to offer. Pull together some friends and plan a few baby shower games and make your own decorations. Pinks and blues in streamers and tablecloths can fill a room with excitement. Either way you are sure to make the mother to be happy and feeling loved.
Baby showers are a tradition, but what happens at a baby shower is less formal for sure. Sometimes, friends and family members will hold a baby shower for a new Mom as a surprise. Often times, new mothers will get several showers thrown for her first child from different groups, such as one from friends, one from the mothers side of the family, and maybe one from her friends at work. Regardless of how many, these get-togethers are a great way for people to welcome the new child.
Planning a baby shower can be a lot of fun. For baby shower ideas, try checking online at the many websites that offer new parent information. Another place to get some ideas is at craft supply stores where there are aisles and aisles of ideas. Some things to consider for your baby shower are baby shower invitations and baby shower favors. Other things to think about are baby shower decorations! Baby shower games can make a boring party a lot of fun. Most of these can even be free baby shower games by using items from around your home. For example, you can take a roll of toilet paper with you to the party. Each guest has to guess how many individual sheets it will take to circle the mother to be. Giving away small gifts can make these games even more fun.
Planning a baby shower and attending them can be a lot of fun. Take a trip to the craft store and look around at all the baby shower decorations, games, and favors they have to offer. Pull together some friends and plan a few baby shower games and make your own decorations. Pinks and blues in streamers and tablecloths can fill a room with excitement. Either way you are sure to make the mother to be happy and feeling loved.
utorak, 17. studenoga 2009.
Ten Ha-Ha-Hilarious Kids Party Games
Want to become the most popular kids party-giver on the planet?
Keep kids cracking up with these ten tried-and-true ha-ha-hilarious kids party game ideas.
PARROT GAME
Divide guests into two equal groups, one is the Pirates, the other the Parrots. The parrots are very very grouchy and are not permitted to smile. The pirates can do anything they like to get the parrots to laugh. The parrots can only respond parrot-style - if they think they can without crackering-er, I mean cracking - up!!! You might make one of the rules that parrots must answer any questions in "parrot-speak" only. The last parrot to keep a straight face is the winner.
BABY BOTTLE GAME
Before the party, prepare a baby bottle with a new clean nipple for each guest. Fill each bottle with 1 ounce of water and make sure the water runs out of each bottle at the same rate of speed. At a signal, each contestant tries to drink the water the fastest. The first one to finish is the winner. Imagine what great pictures you'll get with this one!
SLEEPING LIONS
One player is chosen to be "it". All other players lie down and become sleeping lions. They lie flat on their backs, keeping as still and quiet as possible. The "it" person has to try to make them laugh by making funny faces but not actually touching them. Anyone who giggles is out. The last lion is the winner.
Variations: Sleeping Clowns, Sleeping Astronauts, Sleeping Pirates, Sleeping Cowboys, etc.
HA!HA!HA!
The object of this game is to keep a straight face while the other players try to make you laugh. Everyone sits in a circle. One child says, "Ha!" The next child adds a second "Ha!" by saying "Ha!Ha!". The third child adds another "Ha!" saying, "Ha!Ha!Ha!"...and so on. Any player who laughs or makes a mistake must drop out of the circle. However, those "drop-outs" can also try to make the others laugh (except by touching them or talking). The player who keeps a straight face the longest is the winner.
Variation: Have each child lie down, resting his or her head on the stomach of the next child. The last child to laugh is the winner.
POOR PUSSY
This is a tried and true game which has been popular for generations. Arrange players in a circle. except for one child who is designated "Poor Pussy". Poor Pussy kneels in front of any player and acts like - you guessed it - a pussy cat. While he or she is meowing, the player must stroke Poor Pussy's head and say "Poor Pussy, Poor Pussy" without smiling. If the player petting Pussy smiles or laughs, they become "Poor Pussy" in the next round.
Think about how difficult it is not to crack up while petting someone's head and saying "Poor Pussy"! To make it worse, Poor Pussy is allowed to do anything to make players lose their composure, including silly faces, strange purring sounds, or other catlike moves. Other players are also permitted to laugh and do whatever possible to make it more difficult for the designated person to keep their composure.
CAT TAILS GAME
Cut thin strips of cloth for each guest at least one yard long and have them put them into the back of their pants, just skimming the ground. Kids then try to step on each other's tails. They are out when they lose their tail. The winner is the last one to keep his tail!
JUNGLE KNOTS
Instruct guests to stand in a circle facing inward. To begin, everyone extends his or her right hand into the ring and takes hold of someone else's hand. Then, they do the same with their left hands. The object of the game is to see if they can untangle the "knot" by stepping over, ducking under people, or turning around. Whatever happens, they can't let go of hands!
FIRE ALARM RELAY
Prepare two sets of fire fighter's clothing, including boots, oversized jackets, hats and gloves. Mark a starting line and place two chairs across the room with an empty wrapping paper tube on each. This will be the location of the fire and the hose to put it out.
Divide guests into two teams and demonstrate the proper procedure for the game. They must put on the firefighter's clothing, run to the chair, pick up the "hose" and run around the chair with it spraying the fire, set the hose back on the chair, return to the dressing station, take off the clothes and go back to their line. The next person on their team then repeats the whole procedure until all team members have taken a turn. The team that completes the relay first is the winner.
This game can be played with any type of clothing. Match it to fit the theme of your party.
MUSCLE BUILDERS
Inflate up to 100 small balloons. Divide guests into two teams and select one guest on each team to be the "weakling". The remaining guests will be "personal trainers". Gather teams on opposite sides of the room and divide the balloons between them. The weakling puts on one-piece long johns or any other simple jumpsuit type of clothing you may have.
When you say "go", the teams of personal trainers must make their weaklings grow instant muscles by stuffing as many balloons as they can into their long underwear. Give teams one minute for this task. When time is up - and you've taken lots of pictures! - remove and count the balloons for each team. The weakling with the most "muscles" or balloons, wins. This can be done more than once with new weaklings.
MUMMY WRAP
Split the party goers into teams of three and give each team a toilet roll. Two persons then wrap the third in the toilet roll so that they look like an Egyptian Mummy. The winning team is the one who in a set time (2 minutes is good) have the neatest and most covered Mummy.
Kids-Party-Paradise.com - a complete resource for kids party ideas including invitations, cakes, decorations, games, costumes, favors, and food.
Keep kids cracking up with these ten tried-and-true ha-ha-hilarious kids party game ideas.
PARROT GAME
Divide guests into two equal groups, one is the Pirates, the other the Parrots. The parrots are very very grouchy and are not permitted to smile. The pirates can do anything they like to get the parrots to laugh. The parrots can only respond parrot-style - if they think they can without crackering-er, I mean cracking - up!!! You might make one of the rules that parrots must answer any questions in "parrot-speak" only. The last parrot to keep a straight face is the winner.
BABY BOTTLE GAME
Before the party, prepare a baby bottle with a new clean nipple for each guest. Fill each bottle with 1 ounce of water and make sure the water runs out of each bottle at the same rate of speed. At a signal, each contestant tries to drink the water the fastest. The first one to finish is the winner. Imagine what great pictures you'll get with this one!
SLEEPING LIONS
One player is chosen to be "it". All other players lie down and become sleeping lions. They lie flat on their backs, keeping as still and quiet as possible. The "it" person has to try to make them laugh by making funny faces but not actually touching them. Anyone who giggles is out. The last lion is the winner.
Variations: Sleeping Clowns, Sleeping Astronauts, Sleeping Pirates, Sleeping Cowboys, etc.
HA!HA!HA!
The object of this game is to keep a straight face while the other players try to make you laugh. Everyone sits in a circle. One child says, "Ha!" The next child adds a second "Ha!" by saying "Ha!Ha!". The third child adds another "Ha!" saying, "Ha!Ha!Ha!"...and so on. Any player who laughs or makes a mistake must drop out of the circle. However, those "drop-outs" can also try to make the others laugh (except by touching them or talking). The player who keeps a straight face the longest is the winner.
Variation: Have each child lie down, resting his or her head on the stomach of the next child. The last child to laugh is the winner.
POOR PUSSY
This is a tried and true game which has been popular for generations. Arrange players in a circle. except for one child who is designated "Poor Pussy". Poor Pussy kneels in front of any player and acts like - you guessed it - a pussy cat. While he or she is meowing, the player must stroke Poor Pussy's head and say "Poor Pussy, Poor Pussy" without smiling. If the player petting Pussy smiles or laughs, they become "Poor Pussy" in the next round.
Think about how difficult it is not to crack up while petting someone's head and saying "Poor Pussy"! To make it worse, Poor Pussy is allowed to do anything to make players lose their composure, including silly faces, strange purring sounds, or other catlike moves. Other players are also permitted to laugh and do whatever possible to make it more difficult for the designated person to keep their composure.
CAT TAILS GAME
Cut thin strips of cloth for each guest at least one yard long and have them put them into the back of their pants, just skimming the ground. Kids then try to step on each other's tails. They are out when they lose their tail. The winner is the last one to keep his tail!
JUNGLE KNOTS
Instruct guests to stand in a circle facing inward. To begin, everyone extends his or her right hand into the ring and takes hold of someone else's hand. Then, they do the same with their left hands. The object of the game is to see if they can untangle the "knot" by stepping over, ducking under people, or turning around. Whatever happens, they can't let go of hands!
FIRE ALARM RELAY
Prepare two sets of fire fighter's clothing, including boots, oversized jackets, hats and gloves. Mark a starting line and place two chairs across the room with an empty wrapping paper tube on each. This will be the location of the fire and the hose to put it out.
Divide guests into two teams and demonstrate the proper procedure for the game. They must put on the firefighter's clothing, run to the chair, pick up the "hose" and run around the chair with it spraying the fire, set the hose back on the chair, return to the dressing station, take off the clothes and go back to their line. The next person on their team then repeats the whole procedure until all team members have taken a turn. The team that completes the relay first is the winner.
This game can be played with any type of clothing. Match it to fit the theme of your party.
MUSCLE BUILDERS
Inflate up to 100 small balloons. Divide guests into two teams and select one guest on each team to be the "weakling". The remaining guests will be "personal trainers". Gather teams on opposite sides of the room and divide the balloons between them. The weakling puts on one-piece long johns or any other simple jumpsuit type of clothing you may have.
When you say "go", the teams of personal trainers must make their weaklings grow instant muscles by stuffing as many balloons as they can into their long underwear. Give teams one minute for this task. When time is up - and you've taken lots of pictures! - remove and count the balloons for each team. The weakling with the most "muscles" or balloons, wins. This can be done more than once with new weaklings.
MUMMY WRAP
Split the party goers into teams of three and give each team a toilet roll. Two persons then wrap the third in the toilet roll so that they look like an Egyptian Mummy. The winning team is the one who in a set time (2 minutes is good) have the neatest and most covered Mummy.
Kids-Party-Paradise.com - a complete resource for kids party ideas including invitations, cakes, decorations, games, costumes, favors, and food.
nedjelja, 15. studenoga 2009.
The 5 Babysitter Commandments
Having a babysitter take care of your kids is sometimes a dangerous thing to do because the babysitter is the person that will be alone with your kid. Here are some ideas about your relationship with the babysitter.
1. The babysitter should be encouraged by keeping the favorite foods on hand. That's because when you find a good babysitter, you should keep them happy, that's what most experienced parents say. Writing a thank you card once or twice a year would be a good idea too.
2. If you can't handle daily errands and taking care of your kids you can hire a "mother's helper" to come play with your kids. Since you'll be in the house you can hire a less expensive babysitter that has less experience.
3. Any sign that the child has been molested should be taken very seriously, terror of the babysitter or the demonstration of sexual behaivour while playing might be such a sign. Young adolescents might not understand the intensity of their sexual impulses as much as an adult does, that leading to the adolescent being tempt to explore with your child. Even so, child molestors come in every age, size or gender.
4. If using the same babysitter regularly learning to express your desires in a concrete form would be a good idea. Otherwise, you might do just like other parents, and develop a resentment towards the babysitter and forget the fact that a simple request might be all it's needed.
5. If you forget to remind your babysitter that the safety of your child is the main concern while he's in their care, the babysitter may get scattered among the responsibilities and forget the safety issues.
That being said, hope you won't have any problems with the babysitter that takes care of your kids. Good luck!
For great domestic cleaning advice, babysitter services, Wedding services, personal trainer, yoga teacher and many more great services just visit us at http://www.londonrate.com
1. The babysitter should be encouraged by keeping the favorite foods on hand. That's because when you find a good babysitter, you should keep them happy, that's what most experienced parents say. Writing a thank you card once or twice a year would be a good idea too.
2. If you can't handle daily errands and taking care of your kids you can hire a "mother's helper" to come play with your kids. Since you'll be in the house you can hire a less expensive babysitter that has less experience.
3. Any sign that the child has been molested should be taken very seriously, terror of the babysitter or the demonstration of sexual behaivour while playing might be such a sign. Young adolescents might not understand the intensity of their sexual impulses as much as an adult does, that leading to the adolescent being tempt to explore with your child. Even so, child molestors come in every age, size or gender.
4. If using the same babysitter regularly learning to express your desires in a concrete form would be a good idea. Otherwise, you might do just like other parents, and develop a resentment towards the babysitter and forget the fact that a simple request might be all it's needed.
5. If you forget to remind your babysitter that the safety of your child is the main concern while he's in their care, the babysitter may get scattered among the responsibilities and forget the safety issues.
That being said, hope you won't have any problems with the babysitter that takes care of your kids. Good luck!
For great domestic cleaning advice, babysitter services, Wedding services, personal trainer, yoga teacher and many more great services just visit us at http://www.londonrate.com
četvrtak, 12. studenoga 2009.
How to Save Money on Wedding and Baby Shower Favors
Planning on having a wedding or baby shower soon? Getting favors is a nice way of saying thank you to your guests for coming. Here are some tips for saving money when purchasing baby shower or wedding favors.
1) Buy extras off other people - Oftentimes, people get too many favors for their occasion. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry. Once the celebration is over, however, these people may be willing to sell you their leftover favors at a sharp discount. If you don't know anyone personally, then look in the classifieds in both local and national papers as well as online auction sites like ebay.
2) Buy in bulk and sell the leftovers - Sometimes you will be able to save money by buying in bulk. You can sell the extras to other people. If you know other people that are having weddings or baby showers, then you can combine your orders and benefit from lower costs and possibly bulk purchase incentives like free shipping.
3) Make your own favors - If you are crafty, then you can make your own favors. Purchase all the materials at your local craft shop or online. Since you are making them from scratch, you can customize and personalize as well. People will appreciate the effort that went into making your own favors.
4) Find a craftsman - If you find a local craftsman or artist, then there is a chance that you can get a great price from them for your favors. Another possibility is an art student that is still in school. They will usually work for less money than a full time professional.
5) Flea markets and thrift shops - Flea markets and thrift shops are great places to locate bargain items. Also check out closeouts, store sales, garage sales, and live auctions. Oftentimes, you can also negotiate prices with these vendors.
As you can see, there are many ways to save money when shopping for gifts for your guests. Follow these tips and you are sure to save money or favors and supplies for your wedding, baby shower, or any other special occasion.
1) Buy extras off other people - Oftentimes, people get too many favors for their occasion. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry. Once the celebration is over, however, these people may be willing to sell you their leftover favors at a sharp discount. If you don't know anyone personally, then look in the classifieds in both local and national papers as well as online auction sites like ebay.
2) Buy in bulk and sell the leftovers - Sometimes you will be able to save money by buying in bulk. You can sell the extras to other people. If you know other people that are having weddings or baby showers, then you can combine your orders and benefit from lower costs and possibly bulk purchase incentives like free shipping.
3) Make your own favors - If you are crafty, then you can make your own favors. Purchase all the materials at your local craft shop or online. Since you are making them from scratch, you can customize and personalize as well. People will appreciate the effort that went into making your own favors.
4) Find a craftsman - If you find a local craftsman or artist, then there is a chance that you can get a great price from them for your favors. Another possibility is an art student that is still in school. They will usually work for less money than a full time professional.
5) Flea markets and thrift shops - Flea markets and thrift shops are great places to locate bargain items. Also check out closeouts, store sales, garage sales, and live auctions. Oftentimes, you can also negotiate prices with these vendors.
As you can see, there are many ways to save money when shopping for gifts for your guests. Follow these tips and you are sure to save money or favors and supplies for your wedding, baby shower, or any other special occasion.
nedjelja, 8. studenoga 2009.
Unique Baby Names
What’s in a name? Er…well, everything, really! Of course your little bundle of joy is the sweetest, most beautiful thing you have ever seen and you want to choose a name that reflects his/her individuality, spirituality, uniqueness and all-round special-ness.
But wait a minute!
Remember that the unique baby name you choose will help define junior’s life - how they are viewed and accepted - for many, many years. What sounds cute and original for a 5-year-old, may not sound so funky for a 15-year-old…and what about a 55-year old?
Time was when only celebrities could get away with unique baby names (Zowie Bowie, Dweezil and Moon Unit Zappa, etc), but in the modern world, individuality is more prized than ever before, and increasingly, this starts with our names. Great idea – but don’t allow a flash of a self-indulgence to condemn your child to a lifetime of problems; it’s reported that a Chinese couple named their child “Saddam Sars” to mark the current world events at the time of the birth! I just hope it means something nice in Mandarin, or Cantonese!
This probably wouldn’t have happened in Germany, where names can only be registered if they recognizable, do not ridicule the child and are gender specific. Perhaps there is at least one Chinese child in the world, who will grow up wishing he/she were German!
So – assuming you are not German - what should you do if you want to create a unique baby name, without creating too many problems? Here are some tips and some warnings to make the process less painful:
1. Anagrams: try creating an anagram of an existing name.
2. Father and Mother: try using derivatives of one of the parents’ names, or a combination of both. Alternatively, how does the mother’s maiden name sound as a first name?
3. Telescoping: try dropping letters from another name or a word, until you get a nice-sounding name.
4. Spelling: an unusual spelling of a common name creates uniqueness. However, remember that your child will be condemned to a lifetime of “…that’s David spelt D..A..Y..V..I..D…” conversations.
5. Pronunciation: another trick is to pronounce a common name in an unusual way. But this can also lead to a lifetime of corrections and explanations – as well as teasing and accusations of pretentiousness.
6. History: do some research into names that were popular in previous eras, but have become less so.
7. Family History: are there any unusual baby names that can be used to honor family members or ancestors? But beware family politics…
8. Nature: many names come from the natural world, particularly flowers (e.g. Rose) and it’s a great source for unique baby names (e.g. Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter Apple).
9. Geography: another useful source of great names - grab an atlas and start searching. David and Victoria Beckham called their first son Brooklyn, which many people think is a cool-sounding name. However, it’s reported that the choice was made because that’s where conception took place. Hmmm, imagine a lifetime in which your name is a constant reminder of your parents having sex! Eeeuuuuww!!!
10. Celebrities: famous people with slightly unusual names are a common source of inspiration. There are lots of teenage “Kylie”s running around the UK since Kylie Minogue’s arrival on the music scene at end of the ‘80’s, and her recent resurgence, will have created a second wave of them. And I’m sure many little “Be’yonce”s have been popping up over the last few years. The only problem is that names like these very soon begin to sound a little silly and “wannabe”.
11. Foreign Names: consider using a foreign version of a name, e.g., Pedro, instead of Peter. Or try using a name from a completely different culture.
12. Nicknames: try using a nickname e.g. Angie, instead of Angela or Angelina. However, make sure the name is will pass the “age test” – see number 17 below.
13. Middle Names: a great way to accommodate individuality when naming your baby, is to combine a common first name with a unique second/middle name. The benefit of this is that your child can avoid embarrassment throughout his/her life by ignoring it of keeping it hidden.
14. Initials: when you have settled on some names, check that the initials aren’t embarrassing. This is an easy trap to fall into and can lead to a lifetime of misery. “Zina Indigo” are may be nice sounding names for your lovely daughter, but make sure your surname doesn’t begin with “T”!
15. First Name-Surname: check how the selected first name combines with the surname. Make sure the two names do not create some something recognizable, to prevent a lifetime of teasing. Also, check the rhythm of the two names; a different number of syllables in each name usually flows much better. Avoid rhyming the 2 names at all costs or your child will hate you forever!
16. The loudness test: try saying the name softly, at normal pitch and shouting it very loudly. You may be surprised at the results.
17. The age test: try to visualize your child with the name as a baby, as a teenager, as a young adult, a mature adult and as a senior citizen. A name can create completely different perceptions of the individual at separate stages of life.
18. The meaning: the final test of the name that you choose should be to check its meaning (if any). Don’t leave your child open to getting a nasty surprise later in life.
Whatever name you decide, don’t fall into the trap of self-indulgence. Remember, it’s not about you, it’s all about your child. Your grand design to celebrate the uniqueness of this new human being, may eventually lead to a lifelong, desperate desire for conformity and anonymity. Even Zowie Bowie eventually changed his name to “Joey”…
Check out the wealth of baby resources and pick up the FREE ebook "Baby Tips for New Parents" at his website; http://www.all-about-baby-names.com
But wait a minute!
Remember that the unique baby name you choose will help define junior’s life - how they are viewed and accepted - for many, many years. What sounds cute and original for a 5-year-old, may not sound so funky for a 15-year-old…and what about a 55-year old?
Time was when only celebrities could get away with unique baby names (Zowie Bowie, Dweezil and Moon Unit Zappa, etc), but in the modern world, individuality is more prized than ever before, and increasingly, this starts with our names. Great idea – but don’t allow a flash of a self-indulgence to condemn your child to a lifetime of problems; it’s reported that a Chinese couple named their child “Saddam Sars” to mark the current world events at the time of the birth! I just hope it means something nice in Mandarin, or Cantonese!
This probably wouldn’t have happened in Germany, where names can only be registered if they recognizable, do not ridicule the child and are gender specific. Perhaps there is at least one Chinese child in the world, who will grow up wishing he/she were German!
So – assuming you are not German - what should you do if you want to create a unique baby name, without creating too many problems? Here are some tips and some warnings to make the process less painful:
1. Anagrams: try creating an anagram of an existing name.
2. Father and Mother: try using derivatives of one of the parents’ names, or a combination of both. Alternatively, how does the mother’s maiden name sound as a first name?
3. Telescoping: try dropping letters from another name or a word, until you get a nice-sounding name.
4. Spelling: an unusual spelling of a common name creates uniqueness. However, remember that your child will be condemned to a lifetime of “…that’s David spelt D..A..Y..V..I..D…” conversations.
5. Pronunciation: another trick is to pronounce a common name in an unusual way. But this can also lead to a lifetime of corrections and explanations – as well as teasing and accusations of pretentiousness.
6. History: do some research into names that were popular in previous eras, but have become less so.
7. Family History: are there any unusual baby names that can be used to honor family members or ancestors? But beware family politics…
8. Nature: many names come from the natural world, particularly flowers (e.g. Rose) and it’s a great source for unique baby names (e.g. Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter Apple).
9. Geography: another useful source of great names - grab an atlas and start searching. David and Victoria Beckham called their first son Brooklyn, which many people think is a cool-sounding name. However, it’s reported that the choice was made because that’s where conception took place. Hmmm, imagine a lifetime in which your name is a constant reminder of your parents having sex! Eeeuuuuww!!!
10. Celebrities: famous people with slightly unusual names are a common source of inspiration. There are lots of teenage “Kylie”s running around the UK since Kylie Minogue’s arrival on the music scene at end of the ‘80’s, and her recent resurgence, will have created a second wave of them. And I’m sure many little “Be’yonce”s have been popping up over the last few years. The only problem is that names like these very soon begin to sound a little silly and “wannabe”.
11. Foreign Names: consider using a foreign version of a name, e.g., Pedro, instead of Peter. Or try using a name from a completely different culture.
12. Nicknames: try using a nickname e.g. Angie, instead of Angela or Angelina. However, make sure the name is will pass the “age test” – see number 17 below.
13. Middle Names: a great way to accommodate individuality when naming your baby, is to combine a common first name with a unique second/middle name. The benefit of this is that your child can avoid embarrassment throughout his/her life by ignoring it of keeping it hidden.
14. Initials: when you have settled on some names, check that the initials aren’t embarrassing. This is an easy trap to fall into and can lead to a lifetime of misery. “Zina Indigo” are may be nice sounding names for your lovely daughter, but make sure your surname doesn’t begin with “T”!
15. First Name-Surname: check how the selected first name combines with the surname. Make sure the two names do not create some something recognizable, to prevent a lifetime of teasing. Also, check the rhythm of the two names; a different number of syllables in each name usually flows much better. Avoid rhyming the 2 names at all costs or your child will hate you forever!
16. The loudness test: try saying the name softly, at normal pitch and shouting it very loudly. You may be surprised at the results.
17. The age test: try to visualize your child with the name as a baby, as a teenager, as a young adult, a mature adult and as a senior citizen. A name can create completely different perceptions of the individual at separate stages of life.
18. The meaning: the final test of the name that you choose should be to check its meaning (if any). Don’t leave your child open to getting a nasty surprise later in life.
Whatever name you decide, don’t fall into the trap of self-indulgence. Remember, it’s not about you, it’s all about your child. Your grand design to celebrate the uniqueness of this new human being, may eventually lead to a lifelong, desperate desire for conformity and anonymity. Even Zowie Bowie eventually changed his name to “Joey”…
Check out the wealth of baby resources and pick up the FREE ebook "Baby Tips for New Parents" at his website; http://www.all-about-baby-names.com
subota, 7. studenoga 2009.
How to Make Your Own Baby Food
Making your own baby food will ensure that what your child is eating is fresh, nutritious and free of
additives. By making your own baby foods, you'll be saving money, up to 50%. And to top it off, it's
easy; making baby food at home is probably a lot less time-consuming than you may have thought.
In order to make your own baby foods, you'll need something to cook in. A steamer basket is cheap
and by cooking fruits and vegetables in it, you'll be sure of keeping the nutrients in the food, instead
of in the cooking water.
To puree your foods, you can use a fork, a food mill or blender. A blender quickly purees almost
anything into the finest consistency. When your baby first starts on solids, you'll be pureeing things to
a very fine consistency and, as baby gets a little older, you will make foods a little coarser.
You may wish to buy a food mill which comes in large and small sizes. It is very handy and
inexpensive. The food mill strains most cooked foods to a very smooth consistency, although meats
can be a problem as they will have a coarser texture.
As babies are susceptible to digestive upsets, you'll want to take note of the following tips
concerning the handling of foods:
always work with clean hands.
always use clean utensils.
prepare foods immediately upon removing them from the refrigerator.
freeze immediately after cooking any foods you want to store.
You can prepare large amounts of foods at once and freeze them. Take your prepared foods and
plop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Freeze the plops right away and then take them off the sheet
when they are frozen and put them into plastic bags. Label and date. You can also freeze the food in
plastic "pop out" ice cube trays. Small tupperware jars with lids serve the same purpose and stack
easily. Frozen baby foods can be stored for up to two months.
When you take frozen foods out for baby, warm the food in a cup placed in a saucepan of boiling
water with a lid on.
Cereals are typically the first foods given to a baby because they contain lots of iron. You can buy
the commercial baby cereals, or prepare your own, by running oatmeal through your blender, for
instance.
Fruits are generally given next. Except for raw, mashed banana, you will need to cook all other fruits
till they are soft.
Try making your own applesauce and pearsauce; don't add any sugar, as these fruits are sweet
enough on their own. You can also peel peaches, plums and apricots and boil or steam them.
Use fresh vegetables whenever possible in order to provide the best nutrition and flavor for your
baby. Frozen vegetables are better to use than canned. Steaming vegetables is the best method of
preparation. Carrots and sweet potato are two popular choices to begin with.
Yogurt, mashed cottage cheese, mashed pumpkin, baked potato, avocado and tofu (oriental soy
bean curd) are all popular with babies. One good idea is to blend together cottage cheese, banana
and fresh orange juice - delicious!
Meats should be added slowly. They can be boiled or broiled, then put in the blender with a little
milk and perhaps banana or cream of rice to get the right consistency. Chicken is generally the first
meat baby is introduced to and usually goes down fairly well.
There is no rush to start your baby on solid foods. Milk is his most important food. Your doctor's
recommendations and your own intuition will help you to know when to begin introducing solods to
your baby's diet. Always remember to be patient with your baby and allow at least a few days
between newly added foods to make sure baby doesn't suffer any reactions.
Grab more free recipes at http://recipe-directory.net
additives. By making your own baby foods, you'll be saving money, up to 50%. And to top it off, it's
easy; making baby food at home is probably a lot less time-consuming than you may have thought.
In order to make your own baby foods, you'll need something to cook in. A steamer basket is cheap
and by cooking fruits and vegetables in it, you'll be sure of keeping the nutrients in the food, instead
of in the cooking water.
To puree your foods, you can use a fork, a food mill or blender. A blender quickly purees almost
anything into the finest consistency. When your baby first starts on solids, you'll be pureeing things to
a very fine consistency and, as baby gets a little older, you will make foods a little coarser.
You may wish to buy a food mill which comes in large and small sizes. It is very handy and
inexpensive. The food mill strains most cooked foods to a very smooth consistency, although meats
can be a problem as they will have a coarser texture.
As babies are susceptible to digestive upsets, you'll want to take note of the following tips
concerning the handling of foods:
always work with clean hands.
always use clean utensils.
prepare foods immediately upon removing them from the refrigerator.
freeze immediately after cooking any foods you want to store.
You can prepare large amounts of foods at once and freeze them. Take your prepared foods and
plop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Freeze the plops right away and then take them off the sheet
when they are frozen and put them into plastic bags. Label and date. You can also freeze the food in
plastic "pop out" ice cube trays. Small tupperware jars with lids serve the same purpose and stack
easily. Frozen baby foods can be stored for up to two months.
When you take frozen foods out for baby, warm the food in a cup placed in a saucepan of boiling
water with a lid on.
Cereals are typically the first foods given to a baby because they contain lots of iron. You can buy
the commercial baby cereals, or prepare your own, by running oatmeal through your blender, for
instance.
Fruits are generally given next. Except for raw, mashed banana, you will need to cook all other fruits
till they are soft.
Try making your own applesauce and pearsauce; don't add any sugar, as these fruits are sweet
enough on their own. You can also peel peaches, plums and apricots and boil or steam them.
Use fresh vegetables whenever possible in order to provide the best nutrition and flavor for your
baby. Frozen vegetables are better to use than canned. Steaming vegetables is the best method of
preparation. Carrots and sweet potato are two popular choices to begin with.
Yogurt, mashed cottage cheese, mashed pumpkin, baked potato, avocado and tofu (oriental soy
bean curd) are all popular with babies. One good idea is to blend together cottage cheese, banana
and fresh orange juice - delicious!
Meats should be added slowly. They can be boiled or broiled, then put in the blender with a little
milk and perhaps banana or cream of rice to get the right consistency. Chicken is generally the first
meat baby is introduced to and usually goes down fairly well.
There is no rush to start your baby on solid foods. Milk is his most important food. Your doctor's
recommendations and your own intuition will help you to know when to begin introducing solods to
your baby's diet. Always remember to be patient with your baby and allow at least a few days
between newly added foods to make sure baby doesn't suffer any reactions.
Grab more free recipes at http://recipe-directory.net
petak, 6. studenoga 2009.
Baby Cold Symptoms and How to Give Care
Remember how miserable you felt when you last had a cold? Can you imagine what your baby must feel when he experiences a cold for the first time?
Viruses are responsible for causing colds. Infected people spread the viruses when they sneeze or cough nearby healthy people. The virus gets into the nose and throat where it multiplies.
What Are The Symptoms?
When your baby has a cold, there will be a number of symptoms. He will be sneezing and have a runny nose. He may have a sore throat and it may be difficult for him to swallow. His glands may become swollen.
He may not feel like eating much and he could become irritable. A cough may develop. He may get a slight fever or have a body temperature of 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If your baby is three months old or less and has cold like symptoms, you should contact a pediatrician immediately. Cold like symptoms in a baby three months old or less are misleading and could lead to a serious ailment.
On the other hand, if your child is more than three months old you should contact a doctor if you notice that he is breathing loudly and his nostrils expand out with each breath. His nails or lips are becoming blue. His mucus is thick, runny and green. He has a cough that hasn’t gone a way for more than a week. His ears ache. His temperature is more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit. He has become more drowsy or grouchy.
How to Care For Your Baby
Medical experts tell us there is no cure for the common cold. However, there are ways to alleviate the miserable symptoms your baby undergoes.
Make sure he gets plenty of rest and extra fluids. If he has a fever, give him acetaminophen or if he’s older that six months he may take ibuprofen (but don’t give it to your baby if he is dehydrated or continuously vomiting).
If your child has a cough and is under three years old, don’t give him a cough suppressing medicine unless it was prescribed by a pediatrician. Coughing rids the lower respiratory tract of mucus.
If your baby has nasal congestion, you can use a rubber suction bulb to draw out the mucus from his nostrils. If the mucus is too thick, you can apply saline nose drops to soften the mucus before extracting with the bulb. A humidifier can also be used in the baby’s room to help liquefy the nasal secretions.
Concluding Thoughts
The best way for your baby to avoid a cold is to not have him near people who are infected. But if your baby gets a cold, the best thing you can do is make it comfortable for him. Soon his cold symptoms will disappear and he’ll be back to health, that is, until the next episode. But by now you’ll be ready for that, won’t you?
To learn more about newborns and what you can expect during your baby’s first year visit: http://www.firstyearbabyadvice.com
Viruses are responsible for causing colds. Infected people spread the viruses when they sneeze or cough nearby healthy people. The virus gets into the nose and throat where it multiplies.
What Are The Symptoms?
When your baby has a cold, there will be a number of symptoms. He will be sneezing and have a runny nose. He may have a sore throat and it may be difficult for him to swallow. His glands may become swollen.
He may not feel like eating much and he could become irritable. A cough may develop. He may get a slight fever or have a body temperature of 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If your baby is three months old or less and has cold like symptoms, you should contact a pediatrician immediately. Cold like symptoms in a baby three months old or less are misleading and could lead to a serious ailment.
On the other hand, if your child is more than three months old you should contact a doctor if you notice that he is breathing loudly and his nostrils expand out with each breath. His nails or lips are becoming blue. His mucus is thick, runny and green. He has a cough that hasn’t gone a way for more than a week. His ears ache. His temperature is more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit. He has become more drowsy or grouchy.
How to Care For Your Baby
Medical experts tell us there is no cure for the common cold. However, there are ways to alleviate the miserable symptoms your baby undergoes.
Make sure he gets plenty of rest and extra fluids. If he has a fever, give him acetaminophen or if he’s older that six months he may take ibuprofen (but don’t give it to your baby if he is dehydrated or continuously vomiting).
If your child has a cough and is under three years old, don’t give him a cough suppressing medicine unless it was prescribed by a pediatrician. Coughing rids the lower respiratory tract of mucus.
If your baby has nasal congestion, you can use a rubber suction bulb to draw out the mucus from his nostrils. If the mucus is too thick, you can apply saline nose drops to soften the mucus before extracting with the bulb. A humidifier can also be used in the baby’s room to help liquefy the nasal secretions.
Concluding Thoughts
The best way for your baby to avoid a cold is to not have him near people who are infected. But if your baby gets a cold, the best thing you can do is make it comfortable for him. Soon his cold symptoms will disappear and he’ll be back to health, that is, until the next episode. But by now you’ll be ready for that, won’t you?
To learn more about newborns and what you can expect during your baby’s first year visit: http://www.firstyearbabyadvice.com
četvrtak, 5. studenoga 2009.
Are You Financially Prepared to Have a Baby?
Perhaps you are a newly married couple doing some family planning, or you may have just discovered that you have a little “surprise” coming your way. Whether you are barely trying to get the hang of marriage and money management, or if you’re simply looking ahead to a future with a baby in it, a little financial planning will go a long way once your bundle of jubilation comes along.
The US Department of Agriculture estimates that a middle income family will spend a bare minimum of $250,000 to raise a child. Yikes! Don’t worry! Time is on your side. College won’t be for another 18 years, at the very least. But that doesn’t mean that you can slack off on saving, either.
A financial advisor can help you to realistically assess your income and your debts. More importantly a professional can help you set a realistic budget. Doing this will help you set sensible goals each month. You will find that, rather than go with your impulse to buy that “gotta have it” item, you will hold off on it a little longer, only to find that something of a much higher priority will come along.
That’s the whole idea of saving… saying “no” now so that you can say “yes” to the important things, later.
http://www.successfulmarriageresource.com,great online sources for marriage and finance information.
The US Department of Agriculture estimates that a middle income family will spend a bare minimum of $250,000 to raise a child. Yikes! Don’t worry! Time is on your side. College won’t be for another 18 years, at the very least. But that doesn’t mean that you can slack off on saving, either.
A financial advisor can help you to realistically assess your income and your debts. More importantly a professional can help you set a realistic budget. Doing this will help you set sensible goals each month. You will find that, rather than go with your impulse to buy that “gotta have it” item, you will hold off on it a little longer, only to find that something of a much higher priority will come along.
That’s the whole idea of saving… saying “no” now so that you can say “yes” to the important things, later.
http://www.successfulmarriageresource.com,great online sources for marriage and finance information.
Grandparents! Help Your Grandkids Do Math
This may come as a surprise.
But despite all the advances in education, many kids still struggle in the math class.
Math is an important subject, yet many kids just don't "get it".
Teachers can only devote a limited amount of personal attention to each student.
And parents are so busy with their own work nowadays, they don't have time to help their children with school work.
That's where YOU, the grandparent, come in!
Grandparents teach their grandchildren through example and play a role in encouraging them to be successful and set goals.
Grandparents are naturally forgiving and patient, and children sense that.
As a grandparent you can help right from the time your grandkids are toddlers, by asking them questions involving numbers, and showing them how important math is to our lives:
- Ask them number-based questions, like: "How many books do you want to read tonight?"
- Or: "How many miles to grandma's house?"
- Show them basic fractions by dividing groups of jelly beans into halves and quarters.
- Bake cookies together and teach them how to measure ingredients.
- Make something in the wood shop and teach them how to use a ruler.
The time you spend with your grandchild is a blessing for both of you. If you work with your grandchildren and teach them the simple basics of math, they will develop a natural talent for it and move to the head of the class.
It is important to be positive, patient and enthusiastic. You have a whole lifetime of experiences to share with them. You can be there for them if they become discouraged in school.
Don't be negative about math - be positive and enthusiastic. Your attitude will greatly influence them. You can help them over the bumps by showing them that math is simple if you break it down to the basics and build from there.
Show them that math is nothing to fear, but rather something to enjoy. Show them how good it feels to solve problems and how wonderful learning is.
Teach your grandchildren that math is a tool we use everyday from working at our jobs, using checkbooks, going to the store, furnishing our homes, eating in restaurants, planning vacations and converting our currency.
Being a grandparent is one of the miracles of life. There is a natural bond of human affection between grandparent and grandchild that brings a lifetime of joy and love to you both.
Spending time with them and really helping them will make all the difference in the world, and it will make math fun for them, too.
Successful students will remember spending time with their grandparents and learning life's lessons.
From precious baby to challenging teenager, they will remember you were there every step of the way.
Kenneth Williams is a math teacher with over 31 years teaching experience. He is also author of the popular "Fun With Figures" mental math course, which shows anyone aged 8 to 80 the easy way to do impressive mental calculations. Visit the website today for more details at:
http://FunWithFigures.com
But despite all the advances in education, many kids still struggle in the math class.
Math is an important subject, yet many kids just don't "get it".
Teachers can only devote a limited amount of personal attention to each student.
And parents are so busy with their own work nowadays, they don't have time to help their children with school work.
That's where YOU, the grandparent, come in!
Grandparents teach their grandchildren through example and play a role in encouraging them to be successful and set goals.
Grandparents are naturally forgiving and patient, and children sense that.
As a grandparent you can help right from the time your grandkids are toddlers, by asking them questions involving numbers, and showing them how important math is to our lives:
- Ask them number-based questions, like: "How many books do you want to read tonight?"
- Or: "How many miles to grandma's house?"
- Show them basic fractions by dividing groups of jelly beans into halves and quarters.
- Bake cookies together and teach them how to measure ingredients.
- Make something in the wood shop and teach them how to use a ruler.
The time you spend with your grandchild is a blessing for both of you. If you work with your grandchildren and teach them the simple basics of math, they will develop a natural talent for it and move to the head of the class.
It is important to be positive, patient and enthusiastic. You have a whole lifetime of experiences to share with them. You can be there for them if they become discouraged in school.
Don't be negative about math - be positive and enthusiastic. Your attitude will greatly influence them. You can help them over the bumps by showing them that math is simple if you break it down to the basics and build from there.
Show them that math is nothing to fear, but rather something to enjoy. Show them how good it feels to solve problems and how wonderful learning is.
Teach your grandchildren that math is a tool we use everyday from working at our jobs, using checkbooks, going to the store, furnishing our homes, eating in restaurants, planning vacations and converting our currency.
Being a grandparent is one of the miracles of life. There is a natural bond of human affection between grandparent and grandchild that brings a lifetime of joy and love to you both.
Spending time with them and really helping them will make all the difference in the world, and it will make math fun for them, too.
Successful students will remember spending time with their grandparents and learning life's lessons.
From precious baby to challenging teenager, they will remember you were there every step of the way.
Kenneth Williams is a math teacher with over 31 years teaching experience. He is also author of the popular "Fun With Figures" mental math course, which shows anyone aged 8 to 80 the easy way to do impressive mental calculations. Visit the website today for more details at:
http://FunWithFigures.com
srijeda, 4. studenoga 2009.
Get back in shape after the birth of your baby - a gentle 10 point plan
1.Be especially kind to yourself in the first weeks after your baby is born. Your body has gone through huge changes and it's unrealistic to expect that you can snap back into your old shape straight away. Unrealistic expectations sets you up for failure and disappointment, but you CAN get your figure back if you are patient and take it one step at a time.
2.Forget drastic dieting and treat your body to healthy nourishing food and gentle exercise to get back in shape. You will naturally lose some weight during the first few weeks as your uterus shrinks. Breast feeding alone will allow you to lose weight at 1lb a week if you eat normally and healthily as it uses up 500 calories a day, but you do need to eat enough so that your milk does not dry up. Plan on losing the remainder at a gentle pace.
3.Your tummy will look very sad after the birth, flabby and saggy. Don't worry you can soon get things looking good again. Do all the post-natal exercises and gentle exercise recommended by your health-care professionals during the first 6 weeks to get your tummy back in shape. After that check with them that it is Ok if you want to embark on a more strenuous exercise routine. Once your doctor says its OK to exercise, one of the best ways to retighten your muscles is a simple yoga move. Stand with your feet apart, hands on thighs. Breathe out fully and then pull your tummy muscles in and up as hard as you can, holding for a count of 10. If you do this a few times a day before breakfast you'll soon see results. Don't do this during pregnancy.
4.The first few weeks with your baby are precious and not the time to start injuring yourself by doing too much too soon. Whatever you decide to do, don't go mad in the first week you're allowed to exercise normally. Build up gradually as if you'd not exercised before.
5.If you are not able to get back to the gym or to do whatever activity you used to do now that you have a baby to care for, investigate home-exercise programs and videos you can do while your baby sleeps or organise your partner or friend to watch your baby for a short time while you exercise. You will need to be a bit more resourceful and determined to fit in your exercise but you can find a way if you really want to.
6.Walking with your baby is always great – you both get fresh air and out of the house and you get fitter while your baby is soothed by the movement of the pram. You could also use a baby carrier to keep your baby close to you while you walk. This is especially soothing for a restless baby. Aim to walk for 30 minutes to an hour each day.
7.You may find yourself tempted to snack more if you are alone at home with your baby especially if you are used to being out and about at work every day. Make sure you have lots of healthy snacks around such as fruit and avoid buying unhealthy snacks so you are not tempted. You may be better to plan 5 or 6 mini-meals rather than snacking all day AND having your usual lunch and dinner.
8.Take the time to plan simple meals for the next few days before you go shopping. This will help you avoid the "What's for dinner"/"Oh no, I haven't defrosted it?" / "Better send out for pizza again" Syndrome. This is not the time to plan elaborate recipes but try and avoid too much processed junk food because you do have time for a simple omelette, pasta sauce, baked potato or salad
9.If you start a plan to get in shape and it all feels like too much, simply restart it when you feel up to it – there's no need to beat yourself up over anything. Most women feel a bit tired and stressed with a new baby so don't put more pressure on yourself. All in good time. If you feel really down remember and seek help - post-natal depression is very real and quite common.
10.Reward yourself. You've been through a lot – your body has changed, your hormones are in disarray. Whatever you do that helps towards getting back in shape (a walk, a healthy snack, your tummy exercises or whatever) give yourself a pat on the back. A few moments to yourself can be a great reward if you have someone who will care for your little one for a while.
Bonus tip: Above all relax into your new life with your baby. You'll achieve nothing by worrying about your shape. Take time to rest and pamper yourself as much as possible. Sometimes you can feel quite neglected because your baby makes so many demands and this in itself can lead you to eat for comfort. Take care of your own needs. Ask for support from your partner. If you look after yourself by eating healthily and keeping up some gentle exercise you'll be fine and your weight will naturally rebalance itself over time.
2.Forget drastic dieting and treat your body to healthy nourishing food and gentle exercise to get back in shape. You will naturally lose some weight during the first few weeks as your uterus shrinks. Breast feeding alone will allow you to lose weight at 1lb a week if you eat normally and healthily as it uses up 500 calories a day, but you do need to eat enough so that your milk does not dry up. Plan on losing the remainder at a gentle pace.
3.Your tummy will look very sad after the birth, flabby and saggy. Don't worry you can soon get things looking good again. Do all the post-natal exercises and gentle exercise recommended by your health-care professionals during the first 6 weeks to get your tummy back in shape. After that check with them that it is Ok if you want to embark on a more strenuous exercise routine. Once your doctor says its OK to exercise, one of the best ways to retighten your muscles is a simple yoga move. Stand with your feet apart, hands on thighs. Breathe out fully and then pull your tummy muscles in and up as hard as you can, holding for a count of 10. If you do this a few times a day before breakfast you'll soon see results. Don't do this during pregnancy.
4.The first few weeks with your baby are precious and not the time to start injuring yourself by doing too much too soon. Whatever you decide to do, don't go mad in the first week you're allowed to exercise normally. Build up gradually as if you'd not exercised before.
5.If you are not able to get back to the gym or to do whatever activity you used to do now that you have a baby to care for, investigate home-exercise programs and videos you can do while your baby sleeps or organise your partner or friend to watch your baby for a short time while you exercise. You will need to be a bit more resourceful and determined to fit in your exercise but you can find a way if you really want to.
6.Walking with your baby is always great – you both get fresh air and out of the house and you get fitter while your baby is soothed by the movement of the pram. You could also use a baby carrier to keep your baby close to you while you walk. This is especially soothing for a restless baby. Aim to walk for 30 minutes to an hour each day.
7.You may find yourself tempted to snack more if you are alone at home with your baby especially if you are used to being out and about at work every day. Make sure you have lots of healthy snacks around such as fruit and avoid buying unhealthy snacks so you are not tempted. You may be better to plan 5 or 6 mini-meals rather than snacking all day AND having your usual lunch and dinner.
8.Take the time to plan simple meals for the next few days before you go shopping. This will help you avoid the "What's for dinner"/"Oh no, I haven't defrosted it?" / "Better send out for pizza again" Syndrome. This is not the time to plan elaborate recipes but try and avoid too much processed junk food because you do have time for a simple omelette, pasta sauce, baked potato or salad
9.If you start a plan to get in shape and it all feels like too much, simply restart it when you feel up to it – there's no need to beat yourself up over anything. Most women feel a bit tired and stressed with a new baby so don't put more pressure on yourself. All in good time. If you feel really down remember and seek help - post-natal depression is very real and quite common.
10.Reward yourself. You've been through a lot – your body has changed, your hormones are in disarray. Whatever you do that helps towards getting back in shape (a walk, a healthy snack, your tummy exercises or whatever) give yourself a pat on the back. A few moments to yourself can be a great reward if you have someone who will care for your little one for a while.
Bonus tip: Above all relax into your new life with your baby. You'll achieve nothing by worrying about your shape. Take time to rest and pamper yourself as much as possible. Sometimes you can feel quite neglected because your baby makes so many demands and this in itself can lead you to eat for comfort. Take care of your own needs. Ask for support from your partner. If you look after yourself by eating healthily and keeping up some gentle exercise you'll be fine and your weight will naturally rebalance itself over time.
Choose the Right Puppy for Your Family
Purchasing a puppy for your family is a very big decision. It should never be approached casually, or lightly. A new pet becomes part of your family. You should do everything you can to educate yourself about the breed of puppy you are considering and its personality. You should also explore how much grooming or maintenance each new addition to your family requires.
The worst thing you can do when selecting a puppy is simply choosing one because you think it is cute. Most dogs are cute. Cuteness alone does not make a good pet. Even the sweetest looking dog can bring havoc to your home if you are not set up and prepared for it.
Each breed of dog should be investigated. You do not want a dog with herding instincts around small children. They may truly take to rounding up the kids and nip and bite at their heels during play. Breeds which have the hunter instinct in them may not work well in homes where there are other pets, such as cats, hamsters, rabbits and birds. Dogs which require constant grooming may not work well in a farming family, or living outside. Research the history of the breed you are considering before you purchase your animal. If you are purchasing a beagle to hang out in the house, you may be upset when he decides to take off after that aroma that is beckoning to him from the woods.
Terriers are favored choices by pet owners because this breed comes in various sizes, from large to small and they have much personality. The Cairn Terrier, for instance is wire-haired. This breed sheds very little. You should keep in mind the Carin was bred to be a ratter. You should be prepared for a pet that loves to dig and burrow. This breed is very trainable, and if you supply him a patch of ground for digging all should be well. However, if you plan on keeping a Carin in a quiet apartment complex, you should keep in mind this breed is prone to barking. Find a breed which matches the personality of your home. Be realistic and do not assume you can change a dogs nature.
When you go to observe a litter of pups, you should take in the kennel cleanliness and the health of the parents. If the kennel is smelly, dirty and unkempt, you can assume the mother dog may not be in the best of health or she probably hasn't had the best care. You should never assume because the mother is thin she is unhealthy. Most mother dogs do go through a thin stage after birth and during the weaning process. However, signs of malnutrition are obvious. If the mother dog is in bad shape, you should not purchase a pup from her litter. If she is aggressive toward you, you should also reconsider purchasing one of her pups.
Don't jump right in and start picking up the pups. When you go to choose your pet, you should observe him as he plays with the rest of his litter, first. Is there a pup that dominates his family? Is he pushing the others aside, or being rough toward his siblings? This pup should be considered the alpha dog of the litter. This dog knows who he is and what he wants. You should keep in mind these dogs tend to push their boundaries. If you purchase one, you will have to be very diligent with your training. He can never assume he is dominant over you, or the children in your family. These dogs do make wonderful pets for the family who has enough time to give them the consistent loving but firm attention he will require. However, they can be stubborn.
What about the pup who is cowering in the corner? This pup may be the runt, or the shy one in his family. If you are wanting to purchase a pet to serve as family protection, this dog is probably not for you. This dog will scare easily and will most probably beat you to the hiding place if an intruder bursts into your home! However, it should be said these pets do work well with children. They tend to be gentle, and they will come out of their shell if they are lavished with love, praise and the proper training. These dogs are lovers, not fighters. However, if these pups are not worked with, their shyness will turn to fear. This could lead to snippy dogs, or ones that actually bite. Children should not be allowed to mistreat animals, especially ones which are timid or shy by nature. Their sweet, loving pet may turn on them.
If there is a pup in the litter who is barking at your presence, you should carefully observe it. Is it barking simply because you are a stranger? Is it barking because he wants your attention? Or, is it barking because he is afraid? If he is afraid, this dog could possibly grow up to be aggressive and possibly dangerous. Fearful dogs protect themselves through barking and barring of their teeth. If the pup is aggressive, it will most probably grow up to be even more so. Just because a dog barks doesn't mean he is aggressive, though. Some dogs bark to be friendly. You should be able to tell if the pup you are observing is simply saying "hello" or "get out of here and leave me alone."
The middle of the road pups are usually the best. These are the pups which come up to you. They are friendly. They may playfully pull on your shoe strings or climb upon your lap and start licking your face. These puppies are already trusting by nature. They are willing to socialize with you and they want to make friends.
You should take each pup you are considering purchasing away from its litter to a different area for observation. How does it react away from its family? Is it jumpy and nervous? Is he confident and happy? Does it cower? Do loud noises send it scurrying to hide, or is he simply startled and then full of investigation instincts? When you talk to the pup, does he seem interested in you, or is he simply ignoring you and doing his own thing? All of these little clues will give you an inside peek as to the personality of the pup.
When you hold the pup like a baby, what is his reaction? Does he struggle, lash madly and try to nip at you? If so, this pup is probably very stubborn and will require a firm hand to get it to obey. Does the pup stare at you wild eyed and it fright? This pup is probably very skittish and will require a lot of love and coaxing. The pup who tries to right itself, relaxes, then tries again, off and on while you are holding him should be considered a middle of the line dog. This dog should be fairly easy to train with the proper care and training.
Try walking away from the pup. If he doesn't follow you and is more interested in doing his own thing, this dog will be very independent. He may not be interested in training at all, and it may be a challenge to get this pup to focus on you. If you call him, he looks up and continues about his business, this is also a sign that you have a little prince or princess on your hands who may be oblivious to rules.
Choosing a puppy for the family should be an adult decision. Children can easily be swayed to choose a pet on a whim. Parents can easily check out the litter first and choose a suitable pup or two for the children to choose from. You should also keep in mind that children will be happy with a pet you simply bring home, even if they had no say in the selection process.
Dog lovers and breeders can find more information on the website at: http://www.dog-breeders.biz
Dog lovers and breeders can find more information on the website at: http://www.dog-breeders.biz
The worst thing you can do when selecting a puppy is simply choosing one because you think it is cute. Most dogs are cute. Cuteness alone does not make a good pet. Even the sweetest looking dog can bring havoc to your home if you are not set up and prepared for it.
Each breed of dog should be investigated. You do not want a dog with herding instincts around small children. They may truly take to rounding up the kids and nip and bite at their heels during play. Breeds which have the hunter instinct in them may not work well in homes where there are other pets, such as cats, hamsters, rabbits and birds. Dogs which require constant grooming may not work well in a farming family, or living outside. Research the history of the breed you are considering before you purchase your animal. If you are purchasing a beagle to hang out in the house, you may be upset when he decides to take off after that aroma that is beckoning to him from the woods.
Terriers are favored choices by pet owners because this breed comes in various sizes, from large to small and they have much personality. The Cairn Terrier, for instance is wire-haired. This breed sheds very little. You should keep in mind the Carin was bred to be a ratter. You should be prepared for a pet that loves to dig and burrow. This breed is very trainable, and if you supply him a patch of ground for digging all should be well. However, if you plan on keeping a Carin in a quiet apartment complex, you should keep in mind this breed is prone to barking. Find a breed which matches the personality of your home. Be realistic and do not assume you can change a dogs nature.
When you go to observe a litter of pups, you should take in the kennel cleanliness and the health of the parents. If the kennel is smelly, dirty and unkempt, you can assume the mother dog may not be in the best of health or she probably hasn't had the best care. You should never assume because the mother is thin she is unhealthy. Most mother dogs do go through a thin stage after birth and during the weaning process. However, signs of malnutrition are obvious. If the mother dog is in bad shape, you should not purchase a pup from her litter. If she is aggressive toward you, you should also reconsider purchasing one of her pups.
Don't jump right in and start picking up the pups. When you go to choose your pet, you should observe him as he plays with the rest of his litter, first. Is there a pup that dominates his family? Is he pushing the others aside, or being rough toward his siblings? This pup should be considered the alpha dog of the litter. This dog knows who he is and what he wants. You should keep in mind these dogs tend to push their boundaries. If you purchase one, you will have to be very diligent with your training. He can never assume he is dominant over you, or the children in your family. These dogs do make wonderful pets for the family who has enough time to give them the consistent loving but firm attention he will require. However, they can be stubborn.
What about the pup who is cowering in the corner? This pup may be the runt, or the shy one in his family. If you are wanting to purchase a pet to serve as family protection, this dog is probably not for you. This dog will scare easily and will most probably beat you to the hiding place if an intruder bursts into your home! However, it should be said these pets do work well with children. They tend to be gentle, and they will come out of their shell if they are lavished with love, praise and the proper training. These dogs are lovers, not fighters. However, if these pups are not worked with, their shyness will turn to fear. This could lead to snippy dogs, or ones that actually bite. Children should not be allowed to mistreat animals, especially ones which are timid or shy by nature. Their sweet, loving pet may turn on them.
If there is a pup in the litter who is barking at your presence, you should carefully observe it. Is it barking simply because you are a stranger? Is it barking because he wants your attention? Or, is it barking because he is afraid? If he is afraid, this dog could possibly grow up to be aggressive and possibly dangerous. Fearful dogs protect themselves through barking and barring of their teeth. If the pup is aggressive, it will most probably grow up to be even more so. Just because a dog barks doesn't mean he is aggressive, though. Some dogs bark to be friendly. You should be able to tell if the pup you are observing is simply saying "hello" or "get out of here and leave me alone."
The middle of the road pups are usually the best. These are the pups which come up to you. They are friendly. They may playfully pull on your shoe strings or climb upon your lap and start licking your face. These puppies are already trusting by nature. They are willing to socialize with you and they want to make friends.
You should take each pup you are considering purchasing away from its litter to a different area for observation. How does it react away from its family? Is it jumpy and nervous? Is he confident and happy? Does it cower? Do loud noises send it scurrying to hide, or is he simply startled and then full of investigation instincts? When you talk to the pup, does he seem interested in you, or is he simply ignoring you and doing his own thing? All of these little clues will give you an inside peek as to the personality of the pup.
When you hold the pup like a baby, what is his reaction? Does he struggle, lash madly and try to nip at you? If so, this pup is probably very stubborn and will require a firm hand to get it to obey. Does the pup stare at you wild eyed and it fright? This pup is probably very skittish and will require a lot of love and coaxing. The pup who tries to right itself, relaxes, then tries again, off and on while you are holding him should be considered a middle of the line dog. This dog should be fairly easy to train with the proper care and training.
Try walking away from the pup. If he doesn't follow you and is more interested in doing his own thing, this dog will be very independent. He may not be interested in training at all, and it may be a challenge to get this pup to focus on you. If you call him, he looks up and continues about his business, this is also a sign that you have a little prince or princess on your hands who may be oblivious to rules.
Choosing a puppy for the family should be an adult decision. Children can easily be swayed to choose a pet on a whim. Parents can easily check out the litter first and choose a suitable pup or two for the children to choose from. You should also keep in mind that children will be happy with a pet you simply bring home, even if they had no say in the selection process.
Dog lovers and breeders can find more information on the website at: http://www.dog-breeders.biz
Dog lovers and breeders can find more information on the website at: http://www.dog-breeders.biz
utorak, 3. studenoga 2009.
Mothers Share Buying Habits of Childrens Bedroom Furniture
Just two months ago, a group of mothers from three generations (Gen Y, Gen X and Baby Boomer demographics) shared their buying habits with retailers and manufacturers on purchasing childrens bedroom furniture and baby products. This occurred at the fifth annual Kids Today conference in Bonita Springs Florida.
Author and entrepreneur Maria Bailey, an executive in the fields of publishing, marketing, and business development, was the keynote speaker at the conference and a moderator for the panel. Maria Bailey has worked for numerous companies, including Automation USA, AutoNation, Discovery Zone, The Miami Herald, Broward Community College, and McDonald's. Her experience as an executive and the mother of four young children led her to specialize in assisting mothers in balancing their home and work lives. Bailey explained the importance of marketing to mothers of different ages.
Even though there were some differences there were also many similarities. One baby boomer said she found information from other mothers quite useful. She tried shopping for childrens beds and other bedroom sets for her boys baby nursery at a baby boutique or a shop for kid furniture and found it was above her budget. She registered for designer baby bedding at one baby boutique but this particular parent found that shopping at a consignment shop for her boys bedroom furniture was the way to go.
A Gen Y mom used hand-me-down bedroom furniture, rather than shopping at a furniture store for her baby and put the rest of the items that she needed on her gift registry. The items she did not receive as baby gifts she purchased at Target and Kmart. She did however find a lot of her ideas (such as themes for luxury baby bedding) at a boutique. She said she would purchase only bedroom accessories, baby bedding, other items that she thought were original at a boutique or baby shops.
Although most of the parents claimed that they mostly shopped at discount stores, they admittedly would make more extravagant purchases like luxury baby bedding or hard-to-find toys at baby boutiques if there was something they really wanted for there kid. A Gen X mom talked about children strollers. She paid $300 for a stroller because she liked the features. Then a Gen Y mom said she paid about $200 for a hard-to-find toy that retails normally for about $50. She said she bought the toy not only because her son wanted it, but because of the educational value. Parents are willing to spend more money on educational toys.
All moms stressed importance on bedroom furniture that would grow with their children. One baby boomer mom said she was in the process of looking for a bed that would take her toddler through high school. A Gen X mom said she would try to redecorate while keeping in mind that she wanted the décor and products to not be changed or updates until her daughter was at least 12.
I personally feel that this type of survey it tough to gauge…not only should they have to consider the age demographics but financial demographics as well.
I know that my friends and I are the same age but due to financial reasons we all have made very different choices on the bedroom sets, etc. we purchased for our kids. Take the changing table for instance. I chose one of those dressers with a built in changing table. When your child is older you flip the dresser over and it converts to a normal dresser top (which by the way I planned on using these dressers for a long while since I had purchased one of those convertible infant cribs).
My other friend decided to forego the changing table altogether, she would change her daughter directly on her crib mattress by using a waterproof disposable pad. While another friend bought an extremely fancy changing table and a bedroom set with armoires, hand carved dressers, etc.
I am sure someone like Brittney Spears would have very different buying habits than someone, the same age, but on a very modest income. So although I am sure the retailers and manufacturers were able to gather some useful information from this conference, hopefully they are considering all the demographics of the parents interviewed.
For more Articles and tips on Selecting Childrens Furniture, Baby Cribs and Kids Furniture visit http://www.best-baby-furniture.com
Author and entrepreneur Maria Bailey, an executive in the fields of publishing, marketing, and business development, was the keynote speaker at the conference and a moderator for the panel. Maria Bailey has worked for numerous companies, including Automation USA, AutoNation, Discovery Zone, The Miami Herald, Broward Community College, and McDonald's. Her experience as an executive and the mother of four young children led her to specialize in assisting mothers in balancing their home and work lives. Bailey explained the importance of marketing to mothers of different ages.
Even though there were some differences there were also many similarities. One baby boomer said she found information from other mothers quite useful. She tried shopping for childrens beds and other bedroom sets for her boys baby nursery at a baby boutique or a shop for kid furniture and found it was above her budget. She registered for designer baby bedding at one baby boutique but this particular parent found that shopping at a consignment shop for her boys bedroom furniture was the way to go.
A Gen Y mom used hand-me-down bedroom furniture, rather than shopping at a furniture store for her baby and put the rest of the items that she needed on her gift registry. The items she did not receive as baby gifts she purchased at Target and Kmart. She did however find a lot of her ideas (such as themes for luxury baby bedding) at a boutique. She said she would purchase only bedroom accessories, baby bedding, other items that she thought were original at a boutique or baby shops.
Although most of the parents claimed that they mostly shopped at discount stores, they admittedly would make more extravagant purchases like luxury baby bedding or hard-to-find toys at baby boutiques if there was something they really wanted for there kid. A Gen X mom talked about children strollers. She paid $300 for a stroller because she liked the features. Then a Gen Y mom said she paid about $200 for a hard-to-find toy that retails normally for about $50. She said she bought the toy not only because her son wanted it, but because of the educational value. Parents are willing to spend more money on educational toys.
All moms stressed importance on bedroom furniture that would grow with their children. One baby boomer mom said she was in the process of looking for a bed that would take her toddler through high school. A Gen X mom said she would try to redecorate while keeping in mind that she wanted the décor and products to not be changed or updates until her daughter was at least 12.
I personally feel that this type of survey it tough to gauge…not only should they have to consider the age demographics but financial demographics as well.
I know that my friends and I are the same age but due to financial reasons we all have made very different choices on the bedroom sets, etc. we purchased for our kids. Take the changing table for instance. I chose one of those dressers with a built in changing table. When your child is older you flip the dresser over and it converts to a normal dresser top (which by the way I planned on using these dressers for a long while since I had purchased one of those convertible infant cribs).
My other friend decided to forego the changing table altogether, she would change her daughter directly on her crib mattress by using a waterproof disposable pad. While another friend bought an extremely fancy changing table and a bedroom set with armoires, hand carved dressers, etc.
I am sure someone like Brittney Spears would have very different buying habits than someone, the same age, but on a very modest income. So although I am sure the retailers and manufacturers were able to gather some useful information from this conference, hopefully they are considering all the demographics of the parents interviewed.
For more Articles and tips on Selecting Childrens Furniture, Baby Cribs and Kids Furniture visit http://www.best-baby-furniture.com
nedjelja, 1. studenoga 2009.
How to Choose a Baby Bathtub
Choosing a baby bathtub is likely one of the easiest decisions you'll have to make when it comes to acquiring supplies for the new arrival. Basically, if it holds water, you're all set.
There is little in the way of advantages to baby bathtub designs. Your basic tub shape, made of sturdy plastic, preferably with a drain plug in the bottom, will do you for quite a while. About the only essential differences, are whether the tub comes with one end that is built up so you can lay an infant back against the elevation, while washing them with water from lower down in the tub.
This style of baby bathtub, may come with a non-slip padded surface that doesn't mildew with use, but which may take a while to dry afterwards. Alternately, you can get “chairs” that are frames with terrycloth covers that create a tilted rest for your child, so you can wash them with ease, and rinse out and hang the cover when you're done.
Any tub that has a reasonable lip to it, for easy moving or carrying, is handy, although sizes do vary some, and you may want to measure them against where you plan to bath your baby. If you have a bathroom counter that will allow the space for a tub and laying the baby afterwards, you're all set. But if your space is limited, and standing at a sink is more comfortable, you might want a tub that is sized to fit in the sink itself, so that you can lay the baby on the cupboard afterwards. Working this way is also easier on a parent's back, than placing the tub on the bathroom floor.
Some parents will also choose a baby bathtub that folds up, for when they are traveling or visiting relatives. If you are interested in these, surf the Internet for the brand name, and see what consumer reports and user reviews have to say. Check for essential points such as whether there is leakage where the ends of the tub fold in, and if the tub comes with locking mechanisms that prevent an accidental collapse.
Visit http://babyproducts.about.com/od/bathsdiaperspotties/bb/baby_bathtub.htm
There is little in the way of advantages to baby bathtub designs. Your basic tub shape, made of sturdy plastic, preferably with a drain plug in the bottom, will do you for quite a while. About the only essential differences, are whether the tub comes with one end that is built up so you can lay an infant back against the elevation, while washing them with water from lower down in the tub.
This style of baby bathtub, may come with a non-slip padded surface that doesn't mildew with use, but which may take a while to dry afterwards. Alternately, you can get “chairs” that are frames with terrycloth covers that create a tilted rest for your child, so you can wash them with ease, and rinse out and hang the cover when you're done.
Any tub that has a reasonable lip to it, for easy moving or carrying, is handy, although sizes do vary some, and you may want to measure them against where you plan to bath your baby. If you have a bathroom counter that will allow the space for a tub and laying the baby afterwards, you're all set. But if your space is limited, and standing at a sink is more comfortable, you might want a tub that is sized to fit in the sink itself, so that you can lay the baby on the cupboard afterwards. Working this way is also easier on a parent's back, than placing the tub on the bathroom floor.
Some parents will also choose a baby bathtub that folds up, for when they are traveling or visiting relatives. If you are interested in these, surf the Internet for the brand name, and see what consumer reports and user reviews have to say. Check for essential points such as whether there is leakage where the ends of the tub fold in, and if the tub comes with locking mechanisms that prevent an accidental collapse.
Visit http://babyproducts.about.com/od/bathsdiaperspotties/bb/baby_bathtub.htm
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