One of Those Days!

3:59:00 PM Unknown 2 Comments

So it is 7:00am she’s out of bed and ready to go. I personally am out of bed but not so ready to go! Well maybe I would like to go make a cup of coffee but she exclaims “I need shoes!!” I think who needs shoes at 7:00am, but she doesn’t care what time it is she just needs shoes and not any shoes she needs the red shoes with the sparkles. And just my luck I can only find one of them so now the search is on.... so I am looking near and far and wondering where could a little red shoe go? And behind me I can hear “Mommy shoe please” and I am think ‘Mommy coffee please’! So finally we find the shoe but now I hear a little voice saying “I need a hat” and so we walk over to the hats and she ponders over which one she would like to wear today and this seems to take oh about 10 years, but at last she decides and she puts her hat on and looks up and smiles and I smile back, and I think hooray we have our hat, our shoes, now mommy can have coffee! As I am pouring my first cup I hear a little voice “Mommy dress please”. So I put down my cup and we walk into the bedroom and I take off her jammies and she contemplates over what dress she would like to wear. I suggest a few but my suggestion is met with a loud “NO!” finally she decides!!! And again she looks up and smiles, I smile back and give her a kiss and I look over at her brother and like every good male he looks up at me with a little giggle and goes back to play with his toys and I am sure he is thinking “You look fine let’s go eat!!” and she seems to agree too so she gets her baby and runs into the living room to play. Finally I get my coffee and as I am drinking I daydream of a way to event a machine that can create the energy of a two year old. Just think if we had that kind of energy how productive we would be!!! I could sell my machine for “One Million Dollars” and then I’d be rich!! Unfortunately my million dollar fantasy is ended with a loud bang and a crying little boy. I rush into the living room to find my little boy with his tooth through his lip and his mouth is pouring blood, I scoop him up and ask my lovely daughter what happened and she tells me “ I pushed him, he touch my baby”. So I send her to the couch and now she is screaming because she figured that pushing someone’s head into the coffee table is an appropriate way to handle someone touching your baby. I clean up my little boy and his wound isn’t that bad and now he is smiling and laughing, I think he will live. My lovely daughter then comes over and says sorry; she must have decided maybe that wasn’t so nice! I look over at the clock and it says 8:00 am, I think umm... maybe I shouldn’t have asked God for patience and my last thought is if God always gives you opposite of what you ask then tomorrow I am going to ask to be poor!!

Worthwhile

10:47:00 PM Unknown 0 Comments

Read Muti-Taskers. Get Things Done! at http://barb-insearchofeden@blogspot.com it is well writen and a worthwhile read!!!

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate: The H1N1 Vaccine

9:42:00 PM Unknown 4 Comments

Many people recently are asking the question should I vaccinate myself and my family against H1N1. In hopes of helping to answer this question I have done extensive research to provide you with up to the date information from both sides of the debate this information should help you to make an informed educate decision regarding the H1N1 vaccine.
Health Canada and the CDC recommends ages 6 months to 24 years and people over the age of 65 to get the H1N1 vaccine. Health Canada feels the dangers of vaccine preventable diseases are far greater than the risk of the vaccine. In a poll done in the US ½ of health care workers said they are not confident with the vaccine and are planning on refusing it. On the other hand I did my own survey at my work and discovered that 2/3 of those health care workers were for the vaccine and one of my co-workers made a valid point by say “He felt the vaccine is safe and since it is predicted that 30-50% of the population will contract H1N1 he felt the risk of getting the side effects are better than the risk of death for his children if they get the virus.” Also, in a recent ABC poll 3 out of 10 people were not confident in the safety of the H1N1 vaccine and 4 out of 10 parents were unsure if they would vaccinate their child. The two main concerns people had were they felt the vaccine maybe unsafe due improper testing, Although Health Canada states that this vaccine meets the requirements of being safe and effective and has been tested by the manufacturer before the approval of sale was made. The other concerns were the two main ingredients in vaccine which are: squalene which is oil based derivative that can cause blindness, auto-immune dysfunction, inability for sperm production and death. And Thimerosal which is mercury which people feel may cause autism. Other ingredients in the vaccine include formaldehyde and potassium sulphate which is a soluble salt used in fertilizer. In response to these concerns Health Canada states the vaccine is safe and effective and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization http://atlantique.phac.gc.ca/naci-ccni/index-eng.php has reviewed the latest science and has concluded, “There is no legitimate safety reason to avoid the use of thimerosal-containing products for children and older individuals”. Other concerns surrounding the vaccine are serious side effects like autism and Guillan-Barre syndrome which is an incurable auto immune disorder that attacks the protective myelin sheath surrounding the nerves and it has been reported that many of the people that received the vaccine in the 1970’s contacted Guillian-Barre syndrome. In response this concern Health Canada and the CDC state the causes of these disorders are not known and there is no link between these disorders and the vaccine. In conclusion I hope the information provided here helps you to make an informed educated decision. The choice is yours; you have to decide for your self is the known side effects of the disease greater than the unknown side effects of the vaccine. And remember for every action there is a reaction so please educate yourself and give this topic some serious thought before you make a decision.

Visit Design it Chic to win

1:03:00 PM Unknown 0 Comments

Visit this site and you can win!!! http://designitchic.blogspot.com/2009/10/100th-post-giveaway.html

Information On H1N1 Aka Swine Flu

8:48:00 PM Unknown 1 Comments

What is pandemic H1N1 influenza virus?

• It is a new strain of the influenza A virus (2009). The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a pandemic virus.
• It contains a combination of genes from pigs (swine), bird (avian) and human influenza viruses that have never previously been detected in humans and swine.
• Most people have no immunity to protect them from getting sick with this new virus.
• This virus is being detected in humans in many countries around the world and is spreading from person to person in communities.
The severity of illness has been similar to seasonal influenza, causing mostly mild illness. However, there have been some cases of severe disease requiring hospitalization and a few deaths.

• It spreads the same way as seasonal influenza – from person to person through “droplets” that are released through the air when an infected person coughs and sneezes. The droplets can then be breathed in by others.
• The virus can also be contracted through:
o Shaking hands that are contaminated with the virus; and
o Touching a hard surface, such as a counter or door handle that has been contaminated with the virus.
• A person then becomes infected by then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
• The virus is considered infectious for up to eight hours on hard surfaces and only a few minutes on soft surfaces.
• People with mild symptoms generally do not require testing.
• Usually persons are contagious from one day before, up to seven days after symptoms begin.
• Children, especially younger children, immunocompromised individuals and those with severe illness may be contagious for a longer period, i.e. up to 10 days
• If you are sick with influenza-like illness, stay home from work or school for seven days from the start of your symptoms or until you are able to resume normal activities, whichever is shorter.
• Avoid close contact with others as much as possible. This is to keep you from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

The symptoms of pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in Canada have been generally mild, but illness can be severe for some individuals. The symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza and may include:
• Sudden onset of fever and cough;
• Fatigue;
• Muscle aches;
• Lack of appetite;
• Some people may also experience a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

What can You do to protect yourself and others from pandemic H1N1 influenza virus?

You can take simple measures to minimize the risk of being infected.
1. Stay home from work or school for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you are feeling well enough to resume normal activities, whichever is shorter.
2. Help prevent infection with pandemic influenza by getting the vaccine that is anticipated to be available to the public in November 2009.
3. Clean hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When done correctly, this is the single most effective way to reduce the spread of infections.
4. Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand.
5. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after shaking hands or touching hard surfaces like counters and door handles or other surfaces that may harbour influenza and other viruses. Keep common surfaces clean and disinfected.
6. Stay at least two metres (six feet) away from people who are experiencing influenza-like symptoms. This is called social distancing and includes staying away from crowds when influenza is circulating in the community.
7. Other steps to keep yourself healthy include:
o Healthy eating;
o Maintaining an active lifestyle; and
o Getting enough rest and sleep.
Pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine

Clinics will begin immunizing all Albertans over six months of age against H1N1 as early as October 26.
• The seasonal influenza vaccine being used in Canada this year is not effective against this new strain of influenza, but is an important measure to prevent infection with seasonal influenza.
• Immunization is an important measure to prevent getting influenza.
• Find an influenza clinic in your area.

How to care for yourself and others
What should you do if you are concerned that you have symptoms of pandemic H1N1 influenza virus?•

Refer to answer on pandemic H1N1 influenza home page.

What should I do if I have been in contact with someone who is sick with pandemic H1N1 influenza virus?

• If you are well, no further action is needed. Monitor yourself for symptoms of influenza illness for four days.
o The incubation period for the virus is the time from when people become infected until they develop symptoms.
• If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection with a sudden fever and cough. Go the ER or call your Doctor

A six-phased pandemic alert is used to determine the approach to activating plans that prepare for and respond to a new influenza virus capable of causing a worldwide epidemic.
• More information is on the WHO website.

What does WHO raising the pandemic level to Phase 6 mean?

The Phase 6 designation is a measure of where and how widespread the new virus is around the world.
• It is not indicative of how severe the disease is. The risk level to the general public remains low.
• Alberta has a pandemic plan that has been unfolding in response to the levels of pandemic alert.
Information gathered from Alberta Health Services Website ( www.health.alberta.ca)

Our Sweet Peas: Flashback Friday

4:28:00 PM Unknown 0 Comments

Please check out this post it is heart warming and an excellent read!!!
Our Sweet Peas: Flashback Friday

Today

11:21:00 PM Unknown 3 Comments

I find it amazing how two year olds work and oh how they have changed since birth. When they were born they were this cute, little easygoing bundle of joy and today although still cute and joyful their behavior is well manic. If we adults behaved like a two year old we would be locked up and the key thrown away. Let me elaborate: today she is full of kisses, hugs and loves. Her favorite place is on my lap and all she wants to do is cuddle, but then tomorrow her favorite word is no and mine (seriously how can everything be yours?) she has a clear plan in her head of what she wants to do and if you get in the way she has no problem throwing herself on the floor and screaming because for some reason she feels this will work ( although it never does). But I don't worry to much because tomorrow this little person who some what resembles a crazy person will be as sweet as candy! So can you imagine yourself behaving this way!!! Although truthfully I think sometimes it would be nice to act like were two, maybe even just for a day. Imagine your at the grocery store and someone takes the last can of formula and you feel it is okay to yell "NO" and take it back because it is yours and if your boss denies your vacation time surely throwing yourself on his office floor screaming will achieve your goal ( well that actually might work). And the sweetest part of being two is going home and saying to your mom I just want to cuddle and she wraps you in a blanket and this is where you can relax for the rest of the day. See people would think you lost your marbles if you were acting like that. But two year olds are who they are and I am sure glad we outgrow the acting like we are crazy phase, imagine the chaos the world would be in if we all were that free spirited and stubborn but on the other hand the world could use more of the sweetness, unconditional love, carefree attitude and imagination of a two year old. So moms if we should learn anything from our toddlers we should learn how to smile and laugh more, to love harder and to get more joy out of all things and to see old things as new and to play. So today we should be nicer, and compliment a stranger and maybe even turn clouds into shapes, take your shoes off and dance in the streets enjoy life and act like your two!!!!

Sleepyhead

8:18:00 PM Unknown 2 Comments

I believe that a baby that sleeps well is a happy baby and a happy baby is a happy mom and a happy home. Which I am sure you all are saying yes I agree, but what baby sleeps well? Well I am here to hopefully get you on your way to a good nights sleep!!So lets get started: The first and most important thing is a routine. In order for your baby to sleep well at bedtime and nap time you need a routine; this routine may include a bath, book, story and snack, or anything you choose. Design your own routine to fit your life. It doesn't really matter what your routine is, it is just important that you have one and you do it at the same time and in the same order each time you are trying to get your child asleep. Also, your sleep routine should not take more the 1 hour!! The purpose of this routine is that it cues your child that it is time to go to sleep, this is both psychological and physiological reaction. So starting today if you child is 5 days old or 5 years old develop a routine. Next you need an appropriate bedtime this time should be no earlier then 6:30 pm and no later then 8:00 pm, this is you child`s natural sleep window and your child should sleep about 10 to 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep *If your child is older then 4 months* (younger babies need to still feed in the night). And your child should nap at regular times throughout the day. If your child is 1 month to 12 months they need 3-4 hours made up in one to two naps a day and 12 months to 3 years your child should have a 2-4 hour nap a day. Length and time depends on your child`s age and sleep needs. Use sleep cues such as rubbing eyes, cranky, dark eye circles etc... to determine when to nap your child. Also your child should be in their own crib or bed in a quiet dark room. In order for your child to sleep well they have to self soother. Self soothing should be one of first thing you teach them. It is VERY important for you child to self soother they will use these soothing techniques for life. So in order for your child to self soother you have to stop soothing them. I warn you if your child is older then four months you are going to have a rough couple of nights, but it will be worth it, trust me! The sleep well steps are: do your sleep routine, then make sure you child is comfortable, warm and in a quite dark room and then lay them down in their crib or bed and shut the door. Don't use mobiles or soothers or any other device tohelp your child sleep, if fact these devices only steal their sleep and trust me in long run using them will be harder on you and your child. After you do these steps expect that your child will try and not go to sleep but you have to be firm and if they get out of bed then escort them back to bed; DON'T stop for stories or cookies or milk or pees just bring them back to bed and tell them that it is time to sleep. DO NOT give in this will only set you back further. If your baby is crying then let them cry for up to 10 minute. Your baby can cry safely for up to 10 minutes before you should go in and assess their needs again, but remember don't give in. The last and final step is not to make your house super quiet your child can sleep through normal household noise, if you make you house quite and turn off phone ringers or doorbells or other noise makers your child will get use to the quiet and every little noise will wake them and steal their sleep. I hope this helps all you sleepless moms, be strong and follow this plan and you can have your sleep back!!!

Baby Steps

1:35:00 PM Unknown 1 Comments

I find it amazing to watch your baby grow and develop, each new milestone he accomplishes bring joy yet saddness. As you watch him grow you know soon he will no longer be a baby. He will soon be a toddler, then a little boy then one day far to soon in the future a man. I look forward to our late night cuddles and comforting him when he crys; I wish he could stay and baby longer. Today we take baby steps together, I watch him walk away from me. As he learns to walk I learn to withstand all my fears about what's ahead for him along lifes way. He trips over a toy and crys out for me, my heart leaps and he lets me hold him for a brief moment before he breaks away and tries again. Then he turns awkardly to search for my face of approval, only to tumble again, and this time he giggles and I smile. As he grows and reaches new milestones and develops into the person he will be one day; I think back to that day when his tiny hand wraped around mine for the first time. I watched him sleep and prayed that he would never let go. Each day that has passed since we first met I have joined in the angel's applause of the gift I have been given, I have memorized every detail from his nose to toes and I hope he will always know love, and as I promised then and I still promise today I will hold his hand, craddle his heart, and lead him down a path that is good and true and I hope he will always know he is the best part of me. Today we take baby steps together and I am overcome with joy of who he has become and I am remined to enjoy all the moments of today because time does not stand still.

Take time for you self

11:50:00 AM Unknown 2 Comments

Mothers remember back to those days when you could sleep all day and no one care much less noticed and a warm cup of coffee you just took for granted. Life was easy, care free, and simple. Then one day this little person comes into your life and says "not only can you not sleep in I want you to get up every two hours and yes I think you can enjoy cold coffee my needs are much greater then yours". And then as a mother this crazy, slept deprived life becomes normal and oh how you love it! But some days you lay in bed and you can hear that baby crying and you think back to those simple days, but because you are a wonderful breed; a mother you happily with sleep in your eyes go make a bottle. Perhaps it is through sleeplessness we find out how strong we really are. But every mothers no matter how strong needs a break, you can only be everything to everyone for so long before you need to call up your girlfriend and go let your hair down! Every mother can relate to those days when everything is driving you crazy your kids are getting into everything and your husband is trying to help but to no avail is just getting under you feet and forcing you to have visions of strangling him. Now ladies listen up you've all been there, so instead of throwing in the dish towel and buying a one way ticket to Mexico call up your dearest friend and go out for drinks or get your hair done find that sexy carefree self you used to be, the key is to relax. I like to call this a mini vacation from reality. Trust me gals it will make you a better mother well, actually it will make you a better person because no one likes you when your on the edge. Then after this mini vacation when you get home you will feel refreshed revived and at peace and then tomorrow you can wake up and go back to your old ways of cold coffee and picking up toys, but for today you can just simply be you and think of you. Women so often get caught up in that tangled web of lies that tells you because you are a mom you can never think of your self, and true most of the time you can't think of yourselves but every now again you can, well you have to! Yes your life is now crazy, and unglamourous and down right hard work, but those sweet faces and little giggles make it worth while. So ladies tonight tuck those babies in bed run your self a bubble bath, pour a glass of wine, relax and live in the moment and remember your life is wonderful and full of joy.

Stay at home moms vs Working moms

2:04:00 PM Unknown 5 Comments

Today I was watching the Dr Phil show about stay at home moms vs working moms and I thought this is crazy women fighting over what way is the right way; to work or not to work. Personally I feel as women we should stand together, we are all moms aren't we? And truthfully there is no manual on how to raise children, we do what our instincts tell us is best and when our children are grown that is when we will find out how we did. There are critiques in every crowd, telling us what we should or shouldn't do as mothers, but what I find particularly upsetting is we as moms are the first to criticize our fellow moms and not only do we criticize each other but we find ways to put other moms down; we brag: "Johnny" is doing so well and he is such a good kid, he so smart oh yes he walked at two days old he's so advanced, I am so lucky. And we say this well our fellow mom is trying to pull her two year old down off the curtains. Maybe just maybe we should put aside the competition and sympathize and tell the TRUTH. Yes Johnny is wonderful but remember that night long ago at 2 am when you couldn't stand his little crying face and you felt like your life was over and you were on the verge of going over the metaphorical cliff. So wouldn't it be better to say to your friend, I understand but this moment will pass and there will be many wonderful ones ahead of you I HAVE BEEN THERE TOO! So back to the debate of stay at home moms vs working moms, we do what is in our children's best interest and you fellow moms should support that, because isn't that what you are doing? If you feel you are a better mom when you are working and your child is in a high quality day care and you child is happy, well taken care of then I am sure you are doing a wonderful job. And on the other side if you feel you can not divide you attention between work and home and you are better mother when you stay home, good for you. Personally I work part time, but I am home more with my children then I am working and I feel getting out of the house away from my children does make me a better mom. But on the other hand I know moms who work too much and when they are home they are just as absent and their children suffer. Also, I know moms who stay at home and are absent from their children's lives and maybe they would be better moms if they worked. So in conclusion moms gather together and celebrate your differences, tell the truth of the ups and downs and the truth is 90% of the moms out there are doing what they feel is best! So who cares if you work or you stay at home we are all raising children and what we need is support and compassion!!!