They Grow SO Fast

It is a common saying; "They grow so fast." Some sayings are said for a reason. I was just going through pictures of my little guy and I honestly cannot believe the way that he transferred from a baby to a boy. Although he will always be my baby. They may catch me saying "My baby is the one in right field wearing #3." I may also be found making my pre-teen sit in my lap or cuddle with me on the couch. It is exciting to watch them grow but also sobering to think of how important it is to cherish every moment. Every time they fall asleep in your arms or cry to your when they are needing some taking care of. I am happy to have pictures and videos of memories, but will try not to be sad when my sweet boy graduates from high school and is off to college because I know that I have cherished every moment of his growth and will see the excitement in all ages.

Mother's day bliss

Today is Mother's Day, and I have enjoyed being honored for the work that it takes to be a good mom to my baby. It is long hours with no over time, it is selfless attention and endless love, it is grubby housework, it is making food for yourself only to give it to them when they say they want it, it is cleaning poopy diapers and wiping snotty noses, it is cleaning throw up, doctors appointments, medicine, and most of all letting your child consume your heart and be the first priority in your life. A day of honor is nice, but the rest of the year is better. Happy Mother's Day to all!

A trick to clipping your toddler's nails

So I came up with this idea because my almost 3-year-old very much dislikes it when I cut his nails. I needed a way to make it fun for him. I decided to try cutting just enough, but leave one piece at the end. Then you have them pull it off. We make a big deal out of it too. It has now become something that he gets to participate in and the nails get cut twice as fast because there is no fussing! YAY!

Teaching our children about water conservation

I attended a lecture on California's water shortage and have been seeing commercials on television about this crisis. I was inspired to do more research to find out tips that I can teach my son on how to appreciate and conserve our water.
• I learned that watering the lawn should be done only when the grass does not spring back after stepping on it, which signals that it is time to water. This could conserve 750-1,500 gallons a month.
• I also learned that for every leaky faucet that is fixed it could result in saving 20 gallons per day.
• Using a bucket full of water as opposed to running the hose to wash your vehicle can save 150 gallons per car.
• Installing water saving shower heads can save 500-800 gallons/ month.
• Washing full loads of laundry and dishes can save 300-800 gallons/month.
• Shortening your shower or taking a bath (which I do), can save 700 gallons a month by reduction of one or two minutes.
• Using a broom instead of a hose to clean the driveway or patio area can save 600 gallons a month.
• This is a good one: While waiting on the tap water to get hot, catch it and save it to use around the house later (watering plants, etc). This will save 200 to 300 gallons a month.
Educating our younger generation about how to follow these simple and easy tips can save hundreds of gallons per family. We must all help to conserve our god given and fundamental right of having water!
Go to www.BeWaterWise.com for more tips on conserving water

Swine Flu and Children: How to protect your child

It is all over the news and it is occurring worldwide: swine flu.
With 91 cases that have been confirmed in the U.S, this fast traveling flu is a fear for most parents. It is an illness that scientists have little knowledge about and we don't know whether it will worsen or turn out to be nothing more than a general flu. Still I am nervous to take my little one anywhere that includes a mass amount of people: IE Disneyland. It is so scary. After hearing of the toddler in Texas that died of it...and quickly I may add, I want to know everything I can do to prevent it from coming near my son. So here it is:

In order to protect your child it is best to know the symptoms to look out for in young children. Warning signs need urgent medical attention. They include:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not waking up or not interacting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash

And how do we protect our children from swine flu?

Since this flue spreads mainly from person to person through sneezing, coughing, and the common ways of spreading germs from infected people, practicing good hygiene is the best way to keep your child safe. So of course wash those hands at every chance you have, baths don't hurt, and avoid places that tend to be germ infected. Don't allow them in the ball pit at Chuck-e-cheese's!! Basically be hypersensitive about germs.

We can all rest easy...The Obama's have found their dog!!!

Phew! What a relief hah? After months of anticipation, a 6-month-old Portuguese Water Dog named Bo has joined the White House. The name was chosen by Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, because their cousins have a cat named Bo and because Mrs. Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley...don't you get it?... Bo Diddley...Anyhow, the dog was a gift from Sen. Ted Kennedy, who owns three dogs of the same breed. This particular breed is said to be high spirited and a good fit for kids with allergies (such as Malia). So, there you go...Maybe a bird will be next??? Goody!

Governor puts our children in jeapordy