We know that not everyone believes in vaccinating their kids, but for those who do, we’ve developed a pretty cool Immunization Tracker Chart for you. You might want to print a thumbnail for your wallet so you’re always on top of these things!
The debate about whether or not to immunize has advocates on each side. Please do your research and remember that the health of our society is only as strong as it’s most immuno-compromized member.
The triple screen during pregnancy is a blood test carried out during the second trimester (weeks 15 – 20) to signal if there is a risk of chromosomal abnormalities. It is important to remember that the blood alone is not the only indicator used. A woman’s age, ethnicity and other factors are combined with the bloodwork in order to estimate the chances that the fetus may have an abnormality. These tests DO NOT diagnose a problem; they only indicate that further testing should be done.
Why are we so hard on ourselves? When did weight become so debilitating that it can actually change the way we live our life? Talking to people about the #MommyFit 2011 Competition I have learned that many people who are unhappy with their weight actually avoid social situations as they are uncomfortable in a room of “thinner people!”
So we nearly at the end and I am still struggling. I asked for help, something I’ve never been great at, but Mama-hood has many things to teach me, and I wish I had asked sooner. We simplified the meal plan to something I can handle and share with Tiger Cub, and while I still try to get in a workout here and there, I have a goal of being active with the baby at least once a day. When I started this journey I really didn’t think it would be so difficult or take so long, often it’s felt like walking on sand; sliding back a little each step, so a mile feels like five. I’m glad I did this now, because the support I received was really incredible and made it so that I didn’t give up. Also getting a good grasp on what my challenges are has helped me to find ways to overcome them. I’m by no means done either, it’s probably going to take 16 more weeks to get to where I want to be, but I feel like I have the tools to get me there.
-Kirsten Sikora
This week I went to a little park near our house with my daughter, we never go there because there is no swing for little ones, only a tire and the slide is big but she’s getting bigger and I thought, why not. There is a little grassy hill and Coco was running down and I was running after her, it was perfect blue sky, the sun was warm and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. She was laughing so hard as I ran behind her, she loves being chased, I caught her and threw her in the air, she was delighted, nothing beats kids laughter and squeals. I turned around while hugging her and looked up the little hill over her shoulder at the cherry blossoms trees and the park bench, I was suddenly overcome with so much joy and happiness my eyes welled up and I couldn’t control the tears. Last year at this time I was finally recovering from serious postpartum depression.
With financial ideas always at the forefront of parents’ minds, we thought we’d send you a little treat. Our interactive Family Budget Calculator can help you get organized so that stress can be reduced and savings can grow. We also have some great Family Budget Basics.
Okay so this week gets a 5 out 7. I began the week with a lot of determination and renewed intention, I was making the meals, doing the workouts – even some extra. But Friday night I fell apart, got lazy and ate a crappy dinner. Then Saturday I let myself snack on junk food and I had no energy to do anything. It amazes me how little it takes to send my energy plummeting, and yet when I was doing more the exercise and healthy food was giving me energy.
You know the one I’m talking about… the one that doesn’t allow you to buy new clothes when your child is asking for a bike? The one that makes you cancel the babysitter because the baby is teething?
Or how about the one that makes you sleep on the couch when the kids have had a bad dream and there’s no room left in your bed?
Yep, that’s the one. GUILT.
Although having a baby is a normal and natural event, it is a time that requires a lot of adjustments. Consider these practical “post-partum” suggestions for taking care of you with a new baby so that you have the energy and desire to care for your newborn and your household in the way that you would like. It can be difficult to make yourself a priority during this time, but you must care for yourself before you can nurture others.
This tourtiere recipe originated in Quebec and is frequently enjoyed in the winter months – especially on ski vacations and during special holidays. After enjoying the expansive terrain and fresh Tremblant air, you’ll need a piping hot, hearty pie to warm your bones. So pop off the skis, make some cocoa for the kids, and wrap yourself in cashmere as your Mont Tremblant Tourtiere warms in the oven.