Welcome to the World, Kellan Robert!

Kellan Robert was born at home yesterday at 3:00 pm. He weighs 8 lbs. 14 oz. and nurses like a champ!

Breastfeeding Mommies, Don't Forget Your Calcium!

As we know, there are many wonderful benefits to breastfeeding, not just for baby, but for us mommies, too. One of my favorite little benefits was how much it helped me lose weight! Combined with regular exercise and healthy eating, breastfeeding melted the pounds off of me. It certainly wasn't the reason I chose breastfeeding, nor the top of the benefit list, but it felt pretty awesome.

That little helper, however, is also a secret little robber of calcium.  Supplying milk for our little ones takes about 200 mg per day of calcium stores. Calcium loss will affect our bones for the worse, especially if we are Vitamin D deficient as well, which 70-75% of women are.  Vitamin D and calcium are critical in preventing osteopenia or osteoperosis later in life.

What can you do to make sure your bones are healthy while breastfeeding? 


General wisdom would tell us to simply make sure we eat and drink more calcium-rich dairy products or take supplements. According to breastfeeding.com, however, during lactation our bodies release a hormone that calcium from the bones and into the bloodstream. These higher levels of calcium in the blood may hinder absorption of extra calcium from what we consume. Once we stop nursing or menstruation begins this hormone is no longer released and we go back to normal calcium absorption.

Some research indicates that within 6 months to a year of  beginning menstruation or weaning, our bones are restored.  Based on this, nursing is thought to help prevent osteoporosis later in life. However, recent research reveals that we may need to help things along because most of us aren't getting enough of the essential calcium and Vitamin D in the first place. Our bodies can't restore our bones if we're not providing the building blocks and doing some of the work.

Be Aware of Your Calcium and Vitamin D Needs

So what do we do? One of the best steps we can take is to make sure we are getting plenty of calcium and Vitamin D in our diets. Most of us don't get the daily recommended amounts of 1000 mg of calcium and 200 IU of vitamin D that we need.  

Read more on a breastfeeding mommy's calcium needs and how to get the necessary amount of calcium every day in the article, Calcium Needs During Lactation at breastfeeding.com. 

The best way to get vitamin D, of course, is through about 15 minutes of pure sun exposure (without any sunscreen) two-three times a week. With that amount of sun your body can make all it needs, so you have it taken care of if you're getting outdoors for some exercise (read below)!  

For more information on Vitamin D needs and how to get it from other sources read the article, 

Vitamin D Deficient: Women's Silent Bone Threat on WebMD.

Break Out Those Sneakers!

Osteoporosis tends to occur more frequently within petite women and those who are sedentary so number one preventer is exercise!  Osteopenia and osteoporosis indicate a loss in bone density.  One of the easiest ways to strengthen bones and increase bone density is through weight-bearing exercise. It's ideal to shoot for 30 minutes a day most days of the week or a combination of times that adds up to that amount.

I know it's tough to get out of the house, or sometimes harder, to stay in the house and get the exercise you need. Many of us face the challenge of staying motivated to exercise even before we have children.  It gets harder for all of us when we do have children and much of our life and priorities change. There are many ways, however, that we can get active while involving our kids.

• Strap your kiddo safely in a sling (I'm thinking backpack-style for comfort) and get walking! Walking alone is weight-bearing, but you're doing double duty when you have the extra weight of your babe on you. 
• Take out and dust off that jogging stroller from the closet or garage and put it to work on a jog or run. Your child will love catching the outdoor scenery while you get in a good workout. 
• Take your kids out hiking at the closest nature preserve, park trails or countryside.  
• Pop in some fast-paced, fun tunes and start dancing around silly with your little ones.
• Take tennis or racquetball lessons with your older child.
• Is your toddler obsessed with his new-found skill for climbing stairs? Do it with him. Over, and over, and over....
• There are many ways to weight lift with the kids, too. Ever play airplane? Lie on your back, hoist them up on your feet and take them flying! Play with your kids in the sand or dirt filling buckets and hauling them around to build castles or mud cakes. Do some traditional weight-lifting exercises like bicep curls or bench presses but use your little one as the weight (perhaps over the bed for safety...) and be a little silly.  It helps if you use your best Swedish gym-guy impression to count out your reps!
• Check out a family yoga DVD or class. Mommy and baby classes and then family classes for older kids and teens would benefit you the most. Toddler and younger child classes don't involve enough adult poses. 

If anything, have a talk with your family, especially your partner, about what you need to be healthy. If you're not getting enough exercise with the kids, ask your partner for support in finding time to yourself to run for 30 minutes or take a yoga class a few times a week. If you're not good about diversifying your diet or have trouble establishing new habits like taking supplements, ask for their support in that, too.  Let it be important to you to take care of yourself so that you can be healthy and strong for years to come.  Have the energy and health you need to be able to chase around not just your kids, but your grandkids, too. 

Compassionate Parenting Makes for a Happier, Healthier You

According to the new book, The Compassionate Instinct: The Science of Human Goodness released by the Greater Good Science Center, compassion physiologically makes us happier and healthier!

Reading in Body + Soul Magazine, I came across a small interview with the co-editor of the book.  She explains that "Neuroscientists are discovering that feeling compassion causes parts of your nervous system to light up, include parts of the frontal lobe, our emotional control center.  it's also associated with the release of oxytocin... which helps calm stress and boost immune function."




As parents we have opportunities through out our daily lives to strengthen our compassion muscle.  

Responding to your child's needs with sensitivity builds his/her trust in you.   Is your toddler having a hard time communicating her needs? Patiently listening, giving her the words to communicate and showing empathy are a few ways to respond with sensitivity and compassion.  Is your older child asserting his independence?  Respecting these desires and his feelings, giving him the space he needs while showing interest in his activities are also ways to respond with compassion.

One of the greatest and easiest ways for a parent to show compassion is through nurturing touch.  Provide your infant with nurturing touch by breastfeeding, carrying him in a sling, or giving massages. Extend this compassion to your older child by accompanying your compliments with hugs and kisses, or back rubs and playful wrestling games.

Everett wrestling with his Uncle Robbie at a family gathering.

And pictured above, I am comforting my nephew Ryan, afraid of the meteor shower at T-Rex Cafe

Kids Yoga Activities: Old MacDonald Went to Yoga

In my pursuit to brainstorm activities specifically geared towards the toddler and preschool age, I automatically think of songs.  Children loves to sing and express themselves musically.  So what could be better to connect to yoga, another activity that they love?

Old MacDonald Had a Farm immediately came to mind because it's an animal song and we do a lot of animal asanas (poses) in yoga. So I quickly cooked up this little version of Old MacDonald.  You can sing it with your child while using the poses for each animal.


Old MacDonald Went to Yoga

Old MacDonald Went to Yoga, E-I-E-I-O.
And in his class he saw a CAT, E-I-E-I-O.
With a meow here (move in and out of pose on meow),
and a meow there (move in and out of pose on meow).
Here a meow (move into pose and hold until last meow), there a meow, everywhere a meow.
Old MacDonald Went to Yoga, E-I-E-I-O!

You get the idea... fill in each verse with a different animal pose.

Here is several animal poses with their link to Yoga Journal's instructions on how to move into the pose. Choose a few and try them with the song!

Cat pose

Cow pose

Cobra pose

Downward Facing Dog pose

Lion pose

Butterfly (bound angle) pose

Dolphin Pose

Magic Beneath the Trees- A Poem in Honor of Earth Day

There is Something

about lying 

beneath the

Trees

gazing up to 

the underside of their 

branches and 

leaves silhouetted 

against the sky.

I lose myself

as my breath slows

and disappears

I disappear

resting 

in the peaceful Earth

I become a part

of its 

ancient Magic.

Mindful Meditation: Asanas

I've got myself a little overloaded with regularly run series, and due to the popularity of my other regular series, I'm going to omit Mindful Meditations as a set of scheduled postings. Keep looking out for posts on Meditation and Yoga to inspire your home practice!


Here's a few asanas, or poses, that are comfortable and relaxing for meditation. Yoga Journal's online instructions are easy to follow for anyone. Click the name of the poses below for the Yoga Journal link and instructions on how to settle yourself into the pose.

Easy Pose

Corpse Pose

Child's Pose

Legs-up-the-Wall Pose

Legs-up-the-Wall is a favorite in my yoga classes.  As your blood flows down towards the center of your body, your heart has an easier time pumping blood so you feel more relaxed and your pulse and blood pressure decreases. It benefits your circulatory system as a whole, especially in your legs that bare so much weight in blood throughout the day. I highly recommend it!

Waiting with Patience

I am waiting. Waiting at the end of my pregnancy, full of anticipation, excitement and a bit of discomfort, for this baby to be born. Quite possibly, this is the hardest time I have had in a very long time (in my life?) being present to the moment.

I've had a wonderful pregnancy. I've stayed very active, happy and healthy.  I have learned to balance out time for rest and time for activity (sometimes my body has simply demanded it of me). My son and I have had so many wonderful days, spent at a relaxed pace, playing and enjoying everything simple. He has grown more excited about the baby as he watches my burgeoning belly and heard about what it is like to have a brother or sister. But most of all, we have relished in these last moments we have together, just him and me. Or just him, me and his dad.

However, these last few months have pulled me more out of the moment and put me more into my head. I acknowledge the importance of this. Preparation and planning is important. I've been able to guide Everett into the changes of our soon to be expanded family with preparation. I've been able to, hopefully, ease the transition for everyone by preparing and planning.

But nothing has been like these last couple weeks. Suddenly, having this baby invaded my whole being.  For several days, I could think of almost nothing more. How frustrating this felt. I have been dreaming about going into labor every night, restless in my sleep. I have obsessed about it here and there throughout the day, especially when I've grown most uncomfortable and tired. I am so ready to have this baby. To have birth over with and to be holding this sweet one in my arms.

Luckily, I have kept my heart in it too. And in my heart, I know to wait with patience. So with a little venting to fully understanding mommy friends, and a lot of support from my husband, I've tried to pull myself back on track. Back into the moment.

I am refocusing on the last chances to snuggle with my Everett every morning and for the rare nap. I am creatively finding ways to play with him while I get less and less active and he continues on with his endless energy. I am coveting the unimaginable happiness that has been my life with him for the last three years.

I have dug into sewing projects that I have wanted to do for a long time, made a gift for a friend who is due with her baby in June, and immersed myself in drawing a birth mandala at bedtime. I have kicked up my feet almost everyday.  Lying on a glider on the back deck, I gaze at the trees, listen to the birds and soak in the chance to just be.  I give myself special treats: massages, pedicures (thanks to my mom-in-law), and decaf coffee drinks. My husband and I have gone out on a last date, and spent a couple lazy mornings together alone.

And as much as I can, I am trying to cherish being pregnant still. I sit and talk to the baby, or gaze at my big belly. I love to watch it move as the baby stretches out her/his legs or wiggles around a bit. On the 11th, we went out to get family photos, complete with pictures of Everett and me with my belly exposed. Now those are definitely going to be cherished.

I was brought the best comfort when I saw my midwife last. She told me she was happy I was still pregnant. She is always so happy to see mommy's make it close to their due dates because the womb still is the safest and perfect place for baby to be. She's right.

So I smile, now and keep that in mind. I get to spend a little more time with Everett, my husband, and myself.  And the baby continues to grow safely in my body until it's time has come to be born into our world.

Preparing Everett for the New Baby

Any day now, we'll be expecting our new little one! Of course, most of us are bubbling over with anticipation and excitement. When asked, Everett says he's excited, but really? How much can a 3 year old be excited about a new baby?

He seems to think that the baby is going to be just like his cousin, Ryan, who is about 20 months, and able to run around and play with him.  So, sure, he would be thrilled if that were the case! We, of course, have talked to him about what a new baby will really be like (lots of love and attention but not so much play...) and have tried to prepare him in other ways.





What We've Done Before the Baby Arrives

• I have taken Everett to several prenatal visits.  He has heard about how the baby has grown, watched as my midwife uses a grover or elmo doll to show us the baby's position, and listened to her/his heart beat. He's helped measure my growing belly (among anything else he can get his hands on), weighed himself when I weighed myself, and played with toy while the midwife and I talked. 
• For his birthday, we bought him a baby doll to help take care of before and after our little one is born. 
• We have discussed with him what changes we all will make; how we will share our bed, share mommy's na-nas, and share our time. But we've also told him that we will give him special attention in other ways and will try hard to have a little bit of special time together, without the baby, every day. 
• We have made a BIG deal about how much he, as a "big guy," will be able to help with the baby, changing diapers, (occasional) bottle feeding, giving hugs and kisses, etc. 
• We have talked about what being a big brother means: being that big help, giving special big brother snuggles, sharing secrets, playing together, teaching the baby how to play ball or games when s/he gets older. 
• He has helped me make meals and choose snacks to stock up on for after baby is born, especially choosing ones that he loves. 

What Will Happen After the Baby is Born

• Everett and the baby are exchanging gifts.  The baby is giving him a Big Brother Tool Belt full of bath supplies and a little toy. Everett will be picking out a blanket or stuffed animal to snuggle with the baby. 
• We bought Everett some small surprises or gifts..  Of course, the grandmas are all over this, too. We picked up a few small items to surprise him with on those rough days, or when people bring gifts for baby, but not for him. 
• We plan on spending special time with him alone after baby is born.  While Everett napped on me most of the time, this one will probably be laid down for naps more often so I can spend some time with Everett. Likewise, Everett's daddy will be spending some time with him alone and probably a few special trips out to the park or zoo. 
• Family members are also taking him out for special outings after baby is born. Since his birthday was only a month ago, he is spending his birthday outings with family for special days away.  Air Zone and Paradise Park watch out for this active boy!
• As an early labor project (depending on the time of day/night) I plan on making a birthday cake for the baby with Everett. If I'm not able, my family is going to make it with him.  He'll play a big part in decorating it. 

Beyond all this fun stuff, I think what's most important is that we will allow him to still be him, a 3 year old boy who still relies on mom and dad's support for physical, emotional and mental well being.  We'll expect him to depend on us, and balance that with encouraging his independent growth. We will give him opportunity to be open with his feelings. Sure, we dream of a sweet and loving bond between siblings, but we're not foolish.  We know from the get-go, Everett may likely feel that he simply wants the baby to go away most of the time.  He may ask to take the baby back or act out in more physical ways. No matter what, we want to continue responding with sensitivity to his needs while we all learn to adapt to our newly expanded family.

If you have more than one child, what did you do to help your first child transition into being a big sister/brother? 


What would be your best advice for someone like myself, getting ready to embark upon that new step in parenthood?

Embracing his Emotions, Big and Small

It's easy to embrace the sweet, small emotions. Who doesn't love a whispered, "I love you" or a head that drops on your shoulder in a gesture of comfort? My son, Everett, has just reached the age of three and I'm beginning to see less of those little moments. Every morning we cuddle, we give lots of kisses and hugs through the day and he still loves to sit on my lap for a few moments, on pause between hours of play. But the moments grow further apart, and the kisses and hugs are more silly games than sweet little expressions. Never the less, I embrace them.  They are still his way of showing love and special to me.

What's harder is learning to embrace those big emotions, instead of stifle, ignore, or push them away. When the first signs of tantrums began to show, it was hard to know if I handled them appropriately.  From the beginning, I wanted to be sensitive to his needs and feelings. As an adult, I've had my own issues with expressing anger. I tend to push it away in favor of keeping the peace. Over the last couple years, my greatest growth has come from empowering myself to be angry instead of stifle it. I want Everett to grow up feeling all of his emotions and being able to speak his truth with them.

Luckily, my first instincts were to get down on his level and pay close attention to what might have caused his emotional outburst. I would sit or crouch down to him. If he let me, I would hold him and talk to him. Ask him questions, listen, and try to give him the words he didn't have. I would model for him an appropriate way to express those feelings. All the time, keeping it simple and easy for him to understand so he could process it and learn to use it.

Our techniques have changed here and there based on what he needs. I have stayed at home and spent a lot of time paying attention to the rhythms of our days, weeks, months. I know what he loves to spend his time doing, what and who is most important to him. We work, play, eat and sleep together.  I know that he is sensitive to other's feelings and expects them to be sensitive to his. I know that he is generally able to let things go and move on to play. I know that when he's tired or hungry that's when most of his outbursts occur.

Through it all, he has sought out my comfort. For example, even when he hits me, I am clearly upset with his choice and he knows it,  he almost immediately jumps into my arms. He knows that he can trust me to be sensitive to his feelings no matter what. The fact that I am the one he hits, yells at, or says, "I'm angry" to, tells me that he trusts me, and shows me that I am on the right path.

Creating Time Capsules for Kids

Today I would like to welcome Dionna, who has written a guest post on creating time capsules for kids. She is a lawyer turned work at home mama, and she’s one of those crunchy liberals her parents warned her about. You can normally find Dionna on Code Name: Mama, where she shares information, resources, and her thoughts on natural parenting and life with a toddler. Today, I have a guest post there. So, once you’re done reading Dionna’s thoughts on creating time capsules for kids, head on over to see what I have to say about the benefits of kids' yoga.


We have been promising ourselves for months - ok, years - that we were going to make a time capsule for Kieran. On his first birthday, we solicited letters from friends and family; we got two. Tom and I were also supposed to write letters to Kieran - I think we both got so far as to write:

"Dear Kieran,"

in a Word doc, and then saved them to our respective desktops. I've tried many times to write it, but in the first year I was still too hormonal, and in the second year I've forgotten all of the things I wanted to say in the first year.

It's a quandry.

We also wanted to put in little bits of memorabilia from the year he was born (2007), some pictures and memories, a bottle of something appropriate to open on his 21st birthday . . .

I decided maybe if I put the idea out publicly, I would not only get some great ideas to include in both the letter (what do you tell your child 20 years in the future?) and for objects/pictures/memorabilia to include.

Also, maybe I will get some people who want to make their own time capsules with me. Anyone want to join in the fun? I plan on posting about our finished time capsule two weeks from today.

If you have older kids (even toddlers and preschoolers), it would be a fun project to do together!

So . . . who's in?

Have you ever made a time capsule for yourself or your child?

What did you include?

Where did you stash it?

When will you open it?

Photo credit: iotdfi

Replace hitting with....?

Welcome to the April Carnival of Natural Parenting: Parenting advice!
This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Hobo Mama and Code Name: Mama. This month we're writing letters to ask our readers for help with a current parenting issue. Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival participants.
***


Dear Readers,

I come to you with a problem that I have had on and off through the last year and a half of Everett's life. I know each parent with a child at least 18 mos old probably has experienced the same problem. Each time it arises (it seems to come and go) we have to find a different solution; one that fits his developmental stage.

My problem is hitting. Impulsive-"I'm mad"-and-don't-know-how-to-express-my-feelings-hitting. How do I reach out to my son, completely accepting his inability to control his impulses and live in his head long enough to differentiate between an appropriate response and an inappropriate response?

I continually direct/model for him how to express his feelings in a different way- breathing or using his words, mostly- but to no avail this time. I have told him in the past that he can use his words to say No or I don't like that/I don't want to, I'm mad/frustrated/etc. I've come to realize as he uses his words that this doesn't help him channel the anger away from hitting. He just hits and uses his words. I'm at a loss as to where to go from there. The feelings still exist if he can't change the situation. I don't want to stop the feelings, I don't think that would be healthy. I just want to help him channel them into a more appropriate expression that will eventually lead to being able to calm and resolve them in a healthy manner.

I encourage him to use his breath like we do in yoga and, sometimes, he will. More recently, he refuses. I tried to show him a new breathing exercise where you use forceful breath and punch the air, but still he resists. I feel because he is such a physically active boy (most of his play involves sports, running, jumping, climbing, etc) and he's still only a three year old experiencing life through his body that he needs a physical outlet for his anger. I just don't know what that can be. A stress ball? Punching a pillow? Where do I go from words? How do I help him stop hitting?

With appreciation,
Mom-at-a-loss

***

Visit Hobo Mama and Code Name: Mama to find out how you can participate in the next Carnival of Natural Parenting!

Please take time to read the submissions by the other carnival participants:

(This list will be updated by the end of the day April 13 with all the carnival links.)

• Replace hitting with…? — Acacia at Be Present Mama is at a loss on how to handle her three year old's hitting.
• Two Questions — Alexandra at Breastfeeding Momma would like some ideas on how to strengthen her bond with her 8-month-old daughter; she's also looking for input on an emotional topic: vaccines.
• Balancing Needs When Baby Trumps Mama — Alison at BluebirdMama wonders how her child's need for noise and energy balances out against her need for quiet and space. (@childbearing )
• The McDilemma — Annie at PhD in Parenting is on the arches of a McDilemma. (@phdinparenting)
• Where is the mutually agreeable solution? When parenting calls for blood draws — Arwyn at Raising My Boychick has a child who needs regular blood tests that are torment for him. How does a parent honor a child when his health is on the line? (@RaisingBoychick)
• When To Wait To Nurse — Cave Mother wonders what age toddlers can be asked to wait to nurse.
• I don't love you Mama! — CurlyMonkey wonders what to do with her daughter's intense feelings. (@curlymonkey_)
• Help a Mama Out — Danielle at Born.in.Japan isn't getting much sleep with her cosleeping, night nursing, cranky little guy and hopes you can help with some suggestions for shuteye. (@borninjp)
• Dear Abby: My daughter really misses her Daddy — Darcel at The Mahogany Way needs to know how to help her daddy's girl get the connection with her father she needs — and not feel left out in the process. (@MahoganyWayMama)
• What's Going on at School? — Deb at Science@home is in a quandary: how can she find out what really goes on at school without stepping on the teacher's toes? (@ScienceMum)
• April Carnival of Natural Parenting: Parenting Advice — Dionna at Code Name: Mama wants to find volunteer work that includes her toddler. (@CodeNameMama)
• How do you deal? — Erin at Beatnik Momma does not want to engage in "mommy wars." She'd like your input on how (and how much) to discuss her natural parenting choices with curious friends and family who parent differently. (@babybeatnik)
• Dear Abby — The Grumbles at Grumbles and Grunts gave her son a banana...and no solid food since. What's the next step in baby-led weaning? (@thegrumbles)
• Excuse me, I have a poop question — Jessica at This is Worthwhile has a question for you about toddler tinkling. (@tisworthwhile)
• The Half Empty Nest Syndrome: What to do when Momma gets replaced by a cow? — Joni Rae at Kitchen Witch Momma is suffering from "half-empty nest syndrome": what do you do when your babies start growing up? (@kitchenwitch)
• Peer Pressure — Kate at Momopoly worries what message her daughter's new friend is sending — but how to break up such an infatuation? (@Momopoly)
• When I Fall Down — Katherine at Momioso.com needs your wisdom on how to be more gentle and at peace with herself. (@naturalparent)
• A question of sleep and sanity — KeepingMumSane needs your toddler cosleeping advice in order to, well, keep mum sane! (@keepingmumsane)
• April Carnival of Natural Parenting: Parenting advice — Lauren at Hobo Mama needs a chiropractor … or help getting her 36 lb toddler to walk up the stairs. (@Hobo_Mama)
• Driver's Ed for Mommies — Maman A Droit is a self-confessed terrible driver and is scared to drive with her baby in the car.
• Solo Parenting — Mammapie at Downside Up and Outside In needs tips for being a single working mother while her partner's away. (@mammapie)
• Itsy Bitsy Biter — Mamapoekie at Authentic Parenting needs your advice about her daughter, otherwise known as the pitbull.
• How Can I Avoid Beauty Obsession? — Melodie at Breastfeeding Moms Unite! is at a loss ever since her tomboys turned into wannabe princesses. (@bfmom)
• Seeking Stability in Chaos — Michelle at Seeking Mother is in a heart-wrenching position. She needs your input on how to make a toddler feel secure during a time of transition, the illness of a parent, and multiple (new) caregivers. (@Seekingmother)
• Mama, That's Too, Too Boring! — Michelle at The Parent Vortex started out asking how to encourage her preschooler to get dressed — and four days later, she began to without prompting! (@TheParentVortex)
• Dear Lovey Hart, I am Desperate. — Mommy Soup from Cream of Mommy Soup has several questions for you, from how you play favorites when no one's your favorite to how to tell off strangers curious about the ample size of your family. (@mommysoup)
• Diaper Duty Dilemma — Paige at Baby Dust Diaries has a simple request: talk to her about cloth! (@babydust)
• What Do You Need My Son — pchanner at A Mom's Fresh Start wishes her calm four-month-old hadn't turned into an inquisitive and dramatic six-month-old. How do you handle changes in baby's personality? (@pchanner)
• Dear Natural Parenting Community — Sarah at OneStarryNight wants to know how to respond to criticism from family and friends over breastfeeding. (@starrymom)
• Natural Parenting Carnival — Help — Sarah at Consider Eden feels like either her to-do list or her parenting is suffering, because she can't do both! (@considereden)
• To potty learn or not to potty learn - that is the question — Sheryl at Little Snowflakes wants to know whether it's time to start potty training. (@sheryljesin)
• Seeking Patience — Starr at Earth Mama looks to the collective tribal wisdom of this community to learn how to teach patience to children.
• A Dirty Girl Comes Clean — Tashmica at Mother Flippin' is struggling. How do parents deal with their inability to keep their children protected from danger? (@Mother_Flippin)
• Uli and the Pussy Cats — Thomasin at Propson Palingenesis has a toddler who likes to put kitties in headlocks and ride them like horsies. How best to separate the little beasties?
• Perceptions of Discipline — Zoey at Good Goog doesn't use conventional discipline with her child — and doesn't know how to respond around people who do. (@zoeyspeak)

Kids in the Kitchen: Asian Pasta Salad

What kid doesn't looove pasta? And what's more versatile and nutritious than a pasta salad loaded with veggies? With the variety of pastas out there you can cut back on carbohydrates, go full grain or go gluten-free. And the amount of fresh vegetables available year-round allow you to stick to local or change it up with a new flavor. Our most recent favorite is an Asian style salad with a yummy homemade dressing.

A basic recipe for healthy pasta salad is as simple as 1) any type of pasta, 2) several different chopped fruits and veggies, 3) a protein source and 4) a nutritious dressing. For our Asian style we do something like this:

1 lb. box of linguine or rice noodles, cooked according to package directions
2 sweet red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
3-4 carrots, chopped
2 or more handfuls chopped fresh spinach
1 bag of bean sprouts
2 green onions, chopped
1 to 1 1/2 cups steamed and cooled edamame
1/3 cup sesame seeds

Asian Dressing:

6 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2-3 Tbsp. Sesame Oil
8 Tbsp. Soy sauce
1/3 cup honey
Juice of 1 lime
2 cloves garlic, grated
3 Tbsp. fresh ginger, grated


Combine in a medium sized jar, close the lid and give a good shake.

Everett loves to help cut up the veggies. We started out about a year ago letting him stand on a stool cutting whatever he could with a dull butter knife. Now, I actually let him use a relatively dull serrated knife and he cuts up the peppers and carrots after I cut them into big pieces.
After the noodles have cooked and been sprayed with cool water, Everett dumps in the veggies, sprouts, and edamame. I toss it with the dressing and he sprinkles it with sesame seeds.

He even helps measure out the ingredients for the dressing. I pour as he holds the tablespoon/measuring cups and then he dumps it into the jar. I add the lime, garlic and ginger, and twist the lid shut. He loves to shake it up!

** This week I made the salad twice and Everett was just not into helping either time, so this is based on what he has done in the past and no pics with him :(    That's cooking with kids...

Bell peppers are a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and folic acid. Red peppers, in particular, contain a large amount of lycopene that helps fight cancer and heart disease.
Edamame is one of the few vegetarian protein options that has all nine of the essential amino acids that the body doesn't make and it packs 11 grams of protein in just half a cup.
Honey is the source of several vitamins and minerals, has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and when consumed with warm water, honey helps digest the fats stored in your body.
Ginger boosts bone health and relieves joint pain. It also regulates digestion, aids diarrhea, fights the flu, and cures nausea.

Kids Yoga Activities: Spring Mandalas

Mandalas are a meditative tool that can be a creative yoga activity for kids, too. Creating mandalas is a meditative act in itself, as they typically require some repetition and focus. For young children, they can be created in a theme that connects them to the natural world. Take for example, spring mandalas that could be created with spring-like images.

My son and I recently collaged our spring mandalas as part of celebrating the renewal and new beginnings of the season. I told him that the seeds waiting in the fertile earth during the cold and dark of winter are now being warmed and called by the sun to sprout and bloom.  Then we talked about how we are the same: we have seeds of ideas or abilities inside of us that can bloom during the spring. Then we created our mandalas and talked about new things we wanted to try this spring. Everett, for example, wants to learn how to skateboard!

Everett's Spring Mandala

We traced a small plate on a piece of construction paper and cut up some reused tissue paper from gift wrapping.  We glued the tissue onto our circle (we used Mod Podge and painted it on with paint brushes) for the background.  Then I helped him cut out flowers from old gardening and house/home magazines. We chose a large one for the center and small ones to radiate from the center and glued them on top of the tissue.

For older children, you could create a simple radial pattern- a pattern that branches out from the center and continues around the circle. Incorporate spring-like images in the pattern, like flowers, trees, etc. Encourage them to focus quietly on their work, allowing themselves to be absorbed in the repeated drawing.

(These examples are from an art teacher's blog)

Take the concept a step further by connecting it to a meditation. Have them look at one image within the mandala, like one flower, and close their eyes, holding the image of the flower in mind. Or gaze at the mandala while sitting in silence for a few minutes, trying to let go of the rest of the world.

For some more fun, spring time activities for your toddler visit Dionna's Toddler Activities Schedule at Code Name: Mama.

Inspiring Young Children's Art Appetite and a Children's Art Auction Benefit

From a young age, I've given him opportunity to discover through all sorts of art projects. I've exposed him to artwork by taking him to art museums or looking at it in books. I've collected a variety of media for him to explore and various subjects to inspire him.  Creating art is now one of his very favorite activities, whether alone or with me. It's also one of my favorite ways to be present to him because I, personally, love art so much, and because I love to see his innate creativity come to life.

I was given some information, recently, on a call for entries for a children's art auction benefit and signed up to donate some of Everett's work.  I wanted also to spread the word about the auction and thought I would also give some tips on inspiring a young child's art appetite.

The best way to boost a young child's creativity and inspire a love of art is to give your child the chance to create open-ended art projects. Open-ended simply means that there is no adult-driven result in mind, like creating a realistic picture of flowers with specific colors. Open-ended art projects involve objectives with words like discover, explore, or increase awareness of; for example, increase child's awareness of nature by using colors we see outside or creating a collage with natural found objects.

What is key to young children's continual interest is that the focus is on the process, not the product. It is important to expose them to a variety of media and subject matter, then to follow their interests. Allow them to explore with the materials and not worry what the artwork looks like in the end. You will see some awesome and very creative artwork this way!

This piece was created with the simple objective of exploring paint with different brushwork.







This doesn't mean you can't create art projects with more direction. As you learn about your child's preferences, interests and skills in art, you can start to create some product-oriented work, too. Just keep in mind, the look of the product should be rather open.

For example, Everett and I created some bug artwork.  He is interested in bugs, loves to cut and paint, and he is especially skilled at cutting. So I set up a product-oriented art project of paper bugs with squished paint.  The goal was bugs and they were pre-drawn, but what they looked like was up to his cutting, his color choice and his squishing.


Here are a few websites for open-ended and product-oriented project ideas:

KinderArt
Preschool Express Art Station
Enchanted Learning Crafts

 And the upcoming art auction...

Catch Me Running
A Children’s Art Show and Auction
Call For Entries 

How could anyone with an eye, or just with eyes really, not want to see those fantastic first attempts at faces or little handprints of smeared paint? Or the watercolor worthy of a prominent place in somebody’s living room, and then there are those beautifully crooked clay pots made with no inhibition. A child’s creative side deserves more than a spot on the refrigerator.

Break out the washable paint ‘cause here’s that chance!

The Gallery at 19 Below will be hosting a very special exhibit and benefit during the month of June, featuring your little one’s work. This group show will be part of the June 4th First Friday Openings, with a Private Viewing and Silent Auction Thursday, June 3. That’s right; don’t get too attached to those masterpieces, unless you are willing to up the bid!

“Catch Me Running” A Children’s Art Show and Auction will donate 100% of its proceeds to a very important cause – a 2-year-old boy named Blake. Blake is currently receiving treatment for a brain tumor that was discovered last summer. Please help us help Blake get the absolute best treatment he can, and enable his parents to spend their energy helping little Blake fight this horrible disease rather than picking up extra shifts and overtime.

Submit the work of the children you adore, regardless of age. We are asking that you make a $10 hanging fee donation for each masterpiece you submit, or you may submit 3 pieces for a $25 donation. Please have the work ready to hang, meaning mounted/framed or however it’s intended to be viewed! We will begin accepting submissions immediately. Work can be dropped off at The Gallery at 19 Below, 5 W. 19th Street, Kansas City MO, 64108, and hanging fees paid through Wednesday June 2nd. Please contact Joy Moeller at contact@19below.tv with questions or requests.

We are also looking for donations from those that create one of a kind pieces of their own, such as children’s clothing and accessories, books, furniture, jewelry, and your own fine works of art!

You can read more about Blake and his families struggles and miracles through their Care Pages:

http://www.carepages.com/visit
From the link above, type in fightingforTUMORrow in the search. 

Mother Blessing Ceremony

A Mother Blessing Ceremony prepares a mama for the sacred rite of passage of labor and child birth.  It goes beyond the traditional showering of material gifts and games at a baby shower to a deeply honoring, affirmative ceremony that lends emotional and spiritual strength and prepares a mama for labor and birth.

A Blessingway, as it is also known, originates as a Navajo tradition.  Fortunately, this sacred ceremony has made its way into the homes of many women seeking out a deeper celebration of the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth. Often a circle of the closest women friends and/or family of a pregnant mama will gather to honor her, bless the baby and celebrate The Mother (creator), Birth and Rebirth. The ceremony can be personalized to fit the mama's style, whether long or short, serious or light-hearted. Some of the rituals from a Mother Blessing can even be incorporated into the traditional baby shower.

Some of the rituals performed/co-created at Mother Blessings include:

• Invoking the Four Directions/Elements and Spirit guides
• Invoking the ancestral grandmothers, goddesses, etc.
• Smudging
• Foot washing, body massage, or reiki
• Belly casting, painting or mendhi  
• Hair braiding, flower crowns
• Creating a Birth bead necklace to be worn by mama during labor and birth
• Creating a birth altar
• Co-creating a quilt or tying the last threads of a baby blanket
• Candle lighting or passing out candles for everyone to bring home and light during labor and birth
• Creating prayer flags (much like Buddhist prayer flags) to hang in the birth room
• Story sharing or co-creating birth art
• Creating a list of names and phone numbers for labor and birth notification and/or post birth support.

My Mother Blessing Experience

I decided to have a Mother Blessing for this pregnancy because I wanted to be able to recall the experience during my soon to come labor and birth. For the last couple of years I have been a part of a Mystery School women's circle. We have studied many traditions of the feminine divine, nature based religions and spiritual paths, and what some might call "new age" spiritual paths. We have become very close and their support has become as important to me as the support of my own family. Furthermore, I am totally not a fan of baby showers and would rather not have one so this was a perfect alternative for me. 

My ceremony took place this Saturday with some of the women in my circle and the women in my immediate family. We had it mid-afternoon, so we share teas and the appropriate tea-time snacks. We socialized, created a phone tree for the labor and birth and created an alter with sacred items symbolizing new life or birth. 

Each woman wrote/drew an affirmation or blessing on a piece of fabric that was strung on ribbon for a Birth Prayer Flag.  Then we called the Four Directions, smudged and co-created a birth bead necklace.  Each one of them brought a bead for the necklace and gave their energy to the necklace as they strung it. I will  fill in with more with beads that unify the colors and symbols on the necklace.

Then we sang a little and everyone collaborated on my belly casting.

My friend, who led the ceremony, said a couple blessings for me. One in particular may be part of a song and I can't wait to use it as a mantra in birth.
"Woman am I... Spirit am I.
I am the infinite within my soul.
I have no beginning and I have no end.
All this am I..."







One of my sisters said a blessing for the baby and I thought it was so beautiful, I almost cried. Part of it is an interfaith baby blessing and part of it she wrote. I envision using this blessing again to welcome our baby to the world. Part of the interfaith blessing:

"...We are gathered this day
To introduce you to your greater family,
And to bless you, before the world
As we prepare to be blessed by your birth!

We offer you to the Four Winds
That you might embrace adventure
And know the wonder of far-off lands..."

And the very end of what she wrote:

"We bless your mouth
That you may taste every flavor
Whisper every promise
Breathe every moment
Speak every thought
And sing every praise

But most of all we bless your heart
That you may hold every one of us within it."


Lastly, everyone brought home a candle to light when they receive a call that labor and birth has begun.

My ceremony was casual and light-hearted. I might have chosen something a little more serious, ritual wise,  if I had the time to plan for it, but I loved it just the same. It was a beautiful chance to chat freely and enjoy the company of my girls before the baby is born.  I will hold all of my friends and family close to my heart and feel their presence when I wear my necklace and focus on the affirmative words and images they created on my Birth Flag.  My ceremony was filled with love, companionship and set a perfect tone for my upcoming birth experience.

Kids in the Kitchen: Fruit and Veggie Chart and Homemade Hummus

Everett and I talk a lot about why fruits and veggies are so good for our bodies. I relate the nutrition to what is important to him.  Peppers and oranges have lots of vitamin C that helps him fight sick germs away so he can play outside a lot. Broccoli is packed with potassium that keeps his heart healthy and helps him feel happy. We also quiz each other on which foods are fruits and which are vegetables. This gave me the idea to make a chart with pictures for him to categorize fruits and veggies.

We drew a simple two column chart with one side for each category of food. Then we cut out pictures of fruits and veggies out of magazines and placed them in the category they belong in.  I talked about how to tell the difference between fruits and vegetables- veggies grow in the ground, fruit grows on bushes or trees and has seeds inside them. After gluing them down we discussed what the first sound in each word was and wrote down the first letter.

This simple activity is a great preface to the whole food pyramid and increase his interest in a variety of foods. I plan on continuing to add to this chart as we come across more pictures that will help introduce him to foods he hasn't tried.

...And how do you get your toddler to eat more fruits and veggies?

Since he was a toddler, about 18 months, Everett has loved dipping foods. I really took advantage of this desire and gave him healthy options to dip his vegetables in, like yogurt, peanut butter and hummus. It encouraged him to try lots of fruit and vegetables and now loves a lot of them. We like to make some of these dips together; one of our faves is hummus!

Homemade Hummus

1 can or 1 3/4 cups chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drain but reserve liquid
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
1 clove garlic
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp salt
Optional: 1/2 cup of either chopped sun dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or artichokes

Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Stream in reserved liquid as you process to desired consistency.
Scoop out and serve with veggie sticks!

Mindful Meditation: Guided Sensory Meditation

I got a little off track after my first meditation posting, but I'll be back on track now! Last posting, I introduced the fourth limb of Yoga, Pranayama. This is an excerpt from that posting that explains a bit about Pranayama:

"Literally translated to mean "life force extension," it more or less means breath control... simply being present to your breath as a single system deeply connected to the whole universe of you. Your entire body has the potential of functioning at its best if you are breathing optimally. You can practice pranayama while sitting and strictly doing breath exercises, or you can incorporate it into a yoga practice... [or] some solo exercises like waking or running."


The next limb of yoga, Pratyahara, is about sensory withdrawal or transcendence. This is typically what people identify with as meditation. However, when building a new meditation practice, I find it is important to first focus on your sensory awareness.  We have a tendency in our fast-paced lives to withdraw from our senses in our focus on what is happening next. Bringing our attention to our senses in the moment forces us to focus on that moment. 


To practice this awareness, set aside a few minutes alone in a fairly quiet room or outside.  Make yourself comfortable but choose somewhere other than your bed, especially if doing this before bed. You can put on music, light candles or just leave yourself to the natural noises and scents around you.

1. Close your eyes, and bring your attention to your breath. Take slow and deep inhales, filling your belly and chest.  Slowly exhale allowing your shoulders, chest and belly to melt with relaxation. 
2. After several breaths, bring your attention to your sense of touch. What do you feel beneath your body? Beneath your hands? Against your skin? Observe, but make no judgments.  
3. Next, bring your attention to your sense of smell. Observe, through several breaths, what smells come to you.
4. Move your attention to your sense of hearing and then taste, each for several breaths.  Again observing without judgment. 
5. Last, open your eyes and look around you.  Without judgment, observe your surroundings. Where did you choose to be? What does it look like? Do you notice any activity? 
6. Take a few final relaxing breaths and rise. 

It may be difficult to with hold judgment at first, but with practice you will find yourself able to focus purely on observation.  Judgment can be considered a simple assumption or opinion on anything. An example might be, "I hear my husband in the next room opening the bathroom cabinet." The simple observation would sound more like this, "metal clicking... wood squeaking..."  Try to eliminate the voice in your head and just listen or feel or see. 

As you learn to focus on these senses, you become fully consumed by the moment.  With practice, you can extend the length of time in which you observe each of your sense and  may begin to withdraw them one by one. 

For more information...

Eight Limbs of Yoga  http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/158

Meditation 101  http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/1307