Super Cool Chore Chart for Kids!

If you have kids, you know how hard it can be to get them to do their chores. Money, toys, outings....it seems no bribe is enticing enough to get them to do them and do them regularly!  And not that we should be bribing them anyway right?! Well, I found an app that not my daughter not only looked forward to using AFTER completing her chores, she initiated doing them and asked if she could so more!!

Chore Monster is the app I'm talking about and I totally found it as a fluke! It popped up as one of those annoying Facebook ads and something told me I should click on it!  Glad I did! So, here's what it is and what it does!

You create the chores your kids need to do, assign a point value and then choose how often they need to be done. Your kids then have to check off when they're done (and you can choose to verify this and "accept" completion or not!).  Once the chore is complete, they get the points and, after earning points, obnoxious little animated monsters and rewards YOU create motivate your kids to keep going!

Best part...the app is FREE!! And it's available on Android and iPhone. So, check it out here  and if you'd like more information and a more extensive review, click here.

Teach Your Kids Everything They Need to Know for Pre-K and Kinder with School Sparks

One other resource that I found invaluable for teaching your kids at home is the School Sparks website.  This website was designed by a former teacher and has thousands of worksheets on every topic you could imagine (including auditory processing, reading comprehension, fine motor skills and even holiday worksheets!)  One of the best ways to get your kids interested in learning at home is by starting with the holiday worksheets.  They are more interesting to them, more colorful and they get them into the spirit of the season.  Since we're in October, take a look at their Halloween worksheets and print some out at home to get your kids started. Click the link to get to the worksheets that you can print for FREE!

If you like the site, you may want to save money and order all of their worksheets in a bound book.  It includes over 450 of their best worksheets for only $28.  A great deal that was an excellent resource for me as well as many other mom friends that ordered it.  And by the way, I was not paid or compensated in any way to write this review on School Sparks.  I simply loved the site and had to tell other moms about it.  So check it out and use it with your kids. You'll be benefiting them more than you know and you'll be saving money on preschool too!

The BIGGEST Misconception About Breastfeeding!

When it comes to breastfeeding, you are going to get A LOT of advice from A LOT of people. What's important is being informed and not being too hard on yourself if you're having difficulty with it.  I have two kids and had no problem at all with my first.  She latched on right away and would have breastfed for hours if I let her.  She gained weight quickly and was at the top of the percentile bracket across the board.  My second baby, however, did not make it so easy for me.  He had some trouble latching on, moved around a lot while feeding and seemed to lose interest quickly.  To make matters worse, he wasn't gaining weight as he should have and was in the 1-2 percentile from his 2 week appointment through 4 months.  This is even though he was born at a whopping 8 lbs. 6 oz. at birth.

What my biggest problem was with him was figuring out how much milk he was getting from me.  This was actually a problem for me with my first as well but, since she was growing so well and so quickly, I didn't worry about it and figured she had to be eating enough.  When I talked to my husband about my frustrations, he said, "Well, he may not be getting enough because look how little you get when you pump each time."  And what he's referring to is when I'd pump after 3-4 hours of not breastfeeding or pumping.  I immediately got worried and started trying anything and everything I could think of to increase my supply.  I tried drops, pills, teas....anything I could find!  While some products seem to have worked a little bit, none really increased my supply to the point where I'd pump any more than 3 oz at a time.  I got very depressed and spoke with my son's pediatrician.  This is the best thing I could have done.  My children's pediatrician is amazing and, although she knew he was slightly under weight, she knew I was trying to avoid formula and exclusively breastfeed, so she supported me as much as she could.  So, here's the answer to the BIGGEST BREASTFEEDING MISCONCEPTION.... JUST BECAUSE YOU PUMP ONLY 2 OZ DOESN'T MEAN THAT'S ALL BABIES GETTING WHEN HE OR SHE EATS.  Read on for the explanation!

The pump is not a natural way to remove milk.  The body knows this and will not excrete nearly as much as when a baby is breastfeeding.  She explained that you can pump 2 ounces and seem like you have nothing left but, if you latch baby on right afterwards, he or she will be able to get a lot more from you!

So, I went home and did exactly as she told me to.  I put baby down for a nap and, after about 2.5 hours (30 minutes or so before I expected him to wake), I pumped for 15 minutes and got only 2 ounces out. My son then woke up about 45 minutes later. I did as she said and weighed him just prior to feeding. I made sure he had a dry clean diaper on and nothing else. As soon as I was finished feeding him, I weighed him again.  To my surprise, his weight was up 5 1/2 ounces!! Which meant he was able to get an additional 5 1/2 ounces out of me that the pump could not!

 This shocked me and also gave me an ENORMOUS sense of relief!  I wasn't starving my baby after all. I was about to throw in the towel and supplement with formula and, thanks to this piece of advice, I realized I didn't have a supply issue at all. My body just prefers baby versus the pump and that was the only difference.  After having my first and now my second, I have spoken to SO many moms that have the same preconceived notions about breastfeeding. They are afraid of supply issues and, because they didn't think they made enough for their first baby and/or their current one when they pumped, they started supplementing with formula and eventually gave up breastfeeding all together. See, if you breastfeed less often (when you supplement with formula, this will happen) your supply WILL go down. The way to keep supply up is to feed more often, hence supply and demand.  While some women may not be able to breastfeed, either due to personal or medical reasons, if you can, it is THE BEST choice and the HEALTHIEST choice for your little ones.  Not to mention the cheapest!  It's a free nutrient we have within us and it's an incredible natural remedy as well! Stay tuned for my next post on the many ways breastmilk can heal your baby AND you!

Baby Food Recipes: Basic Veggie Blends

If you haven't read my first baby food post, Baby Food 101, then you'll want to read that first. It discusses some of my favorite ways to store my homemade baby food and my favorite machine to use to make it!

For this post,  I'll be sharing a few of my favorite veggie baby foods and veggie blends. I started my little one with carrots, peas, squash, green beans and sweet potato and I make them pretty much the same way.

First off, we'll talk about making Squash, Carrots and/or Sweet Potato Baby Food.  You can either bake them or boil them to soften them up, it's up to you.  Baking the sweet potato makes it a little bit sweeter & can be easier too, but either way is fine. If you'd like, you can also use frozen veggies. That is the easiest and fastest way. Frozen veggies are just as healthy as fresh ones and some believe they're even better for you because they are frozen at their peak.  

Squash, Carrots & Sweet Potato
1.  Place the squash, carrots and/or sweet potato on a cookie sheet.  Bake until soft (approx. 20 min).
--Or you can boil them in a pot of water completely submerged until soft.  

2. Once softened, peeled (carrots don't need to be peeled) and dice up. Place the squash, carrots and/or sweet potato in the blender, add some water and/or breastmilk and blend to the consistency of your choice. 

3.  Once blended,  pour into the containers you've chosen to store the food and either feed to baby within 3 days or freeze.  I always make plenty at a time so I freeze a portion and save a 3 day supply on the refrigerator as well.

Next, we'll do the peas & green beans. I like to buy the frozen peas and green beans since their are all seat to boil and prep.  The canned versions have way too much sodium not only for a baby but for an adult as well. If you opted for frozen carrots, spinach, squash or any other frozen vegetable combination, you can follow the directions below as well.  

Peas & Green Beans 
1.  Steam or boil them in a pot of water completely submerged until soft.

2. Once softened, place them in the blender, add some water and/or breastmilk and blend to the consistency of your choice. 

3.  Once blended,  pour into the containers you've chosen to store the food and either feed to baby within 3 days or freeze.  I always make plenty at a time so I freeze a portion and save a 3 day supply on the refrigerator as well.

And that's how easy it is.  If you are just starting off with solids, make each veggie individually and serve it to baby a few times before combining it with others.  I've combined all of these veggies for my little one (squash, carrots, sweet potato, green beans and peas) in various combinations and all together and he loved them all.  I also add oatmeal cereal to thicken it up a bit, especially after defrosting it.  

The Baby Bjorn One Review!

As a mom and blogger, testing and trying out baby and kid products is something I do not only for myself and my kids but for other moms and dads to learn from as well.  One of my absolute favorite baby products and one of the items I consider a necessity for moms and dads alike is a baby carrier. Unlike a stroller, a baby carrier allows you to carry the baby close to you, hands free and without the hassle of pushing, loading and unloading a bulky stroller. With that said, the abundance of baby carriers on the market can be quite overwhelming.  There are countless varieties, prices ranges, name brands and styles available but one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a baby carrier is comfort.  If it’s not comfortable, you are not going to want to wear it, period.  Some look comfortable and are quite affordable but, after time, they leave you with back pain and discomfort even after your stop using it.

With my first baby almost five years ago, I tried 5 different types of carriers and was finally satisfied with the last one I purchased.  I tried the Chicco, the Infantino, the Moby Wrap, the Baby Bjorn Original and the Ergo Carrier.  Out of all 5, the only one I used on a regular basis that did not cause any back pain was the Ergo Carrier. Although it had a price tag of over $100, it was well worth it because it helped me get around and get things done while my baby was with me the entire time. One of the biggest drawbacks of the original Ergo, however, is that baby can only face in, not out. That was a bit of a disappointment and something I hoped would change after time.  Lucky for me, Ergo has released a new version, the Ergo 360, which allows for a front facing carry position.  Stay tuned for my review of Ergobaby's 360 coming in a few weeks and see how it compares to the Baby Bjorn One!  

Well, back to our current product review, the Baby Bjorn One! So, fast forward 5 years and here I am the mommy of a beautiful little babe once again!  This time, I wanted to find the perfect carrier, if that is at all  possible.  I wanted a comprehensive carrier that provided proper back support, storage areas for my keys, cell phone and cash, sturdy fabric and the ability to carry my little on my chest or my back facing forwards or backwards.  To my surprise, in October of this year, Baby Bjorn released the Baby Bjorn One.  This is said to be the best of the best when it comes to carriers so I had to give it a shot.

From day one, this carrier shocked me.  I took it out of the package and could not believe the difference between this one and previous Bjorn models.  It had SO many features that other carriers didn’t and it was definitely much sturdier and well-built in comparison to past Baby Bjorn models.

Before trying it on, I decided to look over the instruction manual that comes with it and see all it can do.  In short, what sets this carrier apart from others and previous Bjorn models?  For starters, the clips on this carrier are very sturdy and give you the assurance that your child is securely clipped in.  You can clearly hear the sound when the buckles are properly clipped together.

Another feature I love is, not only the option for front facing carry but the accommodations you can make to make baby more comfortable when facing forward.  The Baby Bjorn One has two zippers, one on each size, to allow for better leg positioning when baby is facing forward on your chest.

The straps are another favorite feature on this carrier for me.  The shoulder and back straps are thick and padded to prevent soreness or pain from the weight of the baby.  The strap that goes across the lower back when carrying baby on your chest is thick, easy to buckle and provides ample support to prevent the awful lower back pain that many carriers can cause.

Some of the parameters for use with the Baby Born are as follows:

• Newborn must be at least 20.5 inches long and weigh at least 7 1/2 pounds.
• Can be used until your toddler is 39 inches tall and 33 pounds.
• Baby should be at least 5 months old before carried facing outwards on your chest.
• Baby should be at least 12 months old to be carried on your back.
• Baby Bjorn One is completely machine washable.
• Comes with a thorough user manual that demonstrates how to put it on and adjust it to any size child and any type of carry.

When I received this carrier, I couldn’t wait to use it.  The day I received it I started using it and carried my little man around in it all around the local mall for almost 2 hours.  We happened to go when it was nap time and he slept like a baby in it the entire time.  I never had problems with him slumping over or slipping out of it.  I also did not experience any back pain, which really surprised me.

After my he woke up, I decided to try the front facing carry and the back carry as well.  I read the directions and it was an easy transition to make, even without taking it off.  I was able to transition the carrier from the front to the back on my own, without any help from my husband.  With other carriers, this is impossible to do.  Carrying on my back was very comfortable and felt like a back pack.  The straps are very thick and did not strain my upper back or shoulders at all.  My baby preferred the front facing carry since he loves to see the  world and I was surprised at how comfortable he seemed.  My only concern is that he is still sort of dangling in there instead of being in a seated position as is recommended by physicians.  The dangling is something that doctors have suggested causes hip displasia in babies and I was hoping of a little better design in this one compared to other Bjorn carriers.  

After I wore it, I passed the Baby Bjorn One over to my husband to see how well it fit a bigger build on a man.  I was surprised that it fit him quite well and he did not mind wearing it at all. Definitely a WIN! 

So, if you’re in the market for a carrier, I suggest you give the Baby Bjorn One a shot.  It is a marked improvement from previous Baby Bjorn models and the bells and whistles on it (buckles, straps and adjustments) are pretty awesome. Although the front carry position is still not my ideal, It’s easily one of the most versatile of all carriers on the market for now.  We'll see how my opinion changes when I give the Erobaby 360 a shot! 

Pros

1) It is the only Baby Bjorn that allows for back carry.

2) It can be used with newborns without needing to purchase an additional newborn insert.

3) It can be used well into the toddler years.

4)  Has zippers at the bottom to make baby more comfortable when transitioning from rear facing to front facing carry.

5) It’s easy to put on and transition without help from anyone else.

Cons

1)  The baby still hangs in the front facing position instead of being in a seated position as recommended.

2) At almost $200, it can seem very expensive, especially when compared to other carriers on the market.

Latchy Catchy: Door Safety Never Looked So Good!

When I saw the Latchy Catchy, my first thought was,  "This is genius!  And yet so simple! The minute I knew mine was on its way, I couldn't wait to try it. Now I'm sold and will be ordering a few more for myself and my mommy friends too.

The Latchy Catchy is made from durable designer fabric with a stretchy elastic strap on each side.   The straps wrap around each side of the door knob and the fabric serves as a barrier between the door and lock. The thick fabric keeps the door closed without letting it lock.  The colors and patter available are endless and there are even organic options.

So, what is the Latchy Catchy you ask & how can it work for you? It's a multi-use little tool for moms that also serves as a safety device for your doors.  It's a genius way to make getting around the house and in & out of rooms much easier! It allows you to open and close any door inside your home silently, without the door slamming, the door knob clicking or the lock catching. It also prevents the door from locking so your little ones don't end up locking themselves inside a bedroom or bathroom by mistake!  It's ideal for moms and dads with little ones that may be light sleepers and wake up to the slightest of sounds.  It's also perfect to have on doors as you're walking through the house with your hands full.  When you have a baby, a load of laundry and a phone in your hands, it's not easy to grab and twist a door knob as you'd think. The Latchy Catchy makes it easy and it looks good too!

Even after the kids are grown, the Latchy, Catchy is cute and functional to keep on your doors. Use them on bedroom, office or library doors or even pass them along to the kids going to college.  The patterns are super cute and blend well with the colorful schemes in a dorm room.

Get yours at www.thelatchycatchy.com for only $9.95.   Be sure Don't to like Latchy Catchy on Facebook for updates, sales and coupon codes and follow them on Instagram for awesome giveaways!

Disclaimer: I received this product free in exchange for my review but, as always, my opinions are honest and my own.

Baby Food 101: Part 1

When it came time to start solids with my little one, I knew I was going to do the same thing I did with my first baby.  I was going to make his food and feed him homemade little meals just like the rest of the family eats.  Sure, it's easier to buy the store bought food in the little glass jars or the popular pouches, but something about those doesn't sit well with me.  I did buy a few of the jars of baby food to have on hand for emergencies (since they have a much longer shelf life than homemade food so they're excellent for emergency kits) but I only plan to use those if I have absolutely have to.  I did the same with my oldest (5 years ago) while working full time and then some so I know it's possible to do it again.  

For some, making baby food at home can be intimidating but, in reality, it's very simple. In the beginning, you start off with the basic veggies (i.e., carrots, squash, sweet potato, peas, green beans) and you build up from there.  Eventually you introduce proteins such as egg, chicken, red mean, etc and fruits as well.  With my daughter, I waited until she was almost a year old and had tried virtually every vegetable and protein before I introduced fruit.  Why you ask?  Because fruit is sweet and the taste is very appetizing when compared to carrots, peas or green beans. Many moms I've talked to have found that, after introducing fruits, their kids no longer like the veggies and refuse to eat them.  So, I waited on the fruits with my oldest and it worked out well. She LOVES fruit but LOVES her veggies just as much and will still eat them plain, steamed, raw and any other way I serve them at almost 6 years old.  

So, back to the topic of actually making your own baby food.  When starting solids, some start with rice or oatmeal cereal and others start with veggies. I started with the veggies because the rice and oatmeal cereal can be a little difficult for little bellies to digest and, depending on the baby, it can constipate them as well.  You can also add a little bit of the fortified oatmeal cereal (or rice cereal if you prefer) to your veggies to give them some extra nutrients and DHA.  My favorite oatmeal cereal and the only one I buy for my babies is the Happy Bellies.  It's organic and includes plenty of extras such as DHA, Choline and probiotics to promote a healthy digestive system. It's sold at Whole Foods and Target but you can also get it online at sites such as Diapers.com.  

When you decide to start veggies, go to the store and buy a few of each of the following:  carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, bag of frozen peas, bag of frozen green beans and avocados.  These are all easy vegetables to start with and easy ones to make at home with a basic blender as well.  Sure a Blendtech or Vitamix will make things MUCH easier but you can get by with a basic blender as well.  There are baby food making machines out there too (such as Baby Bullet and Beaba Babycook) but I am not a fan of those.  The jars they come with are small and you can't make a large quantity in them if you choose to plan ahead and freeze the food (which is fine & just as healthy).  The baby food making machines can also cost upwards of $150 so using a basic blender will save you some money too!  

For storing your homemade baby foods, you have plenty of options.  Below are some ways moms I know have stored their homemade baby food:

• Small plastic Tupperware type containers
• Ice cube trays
• Baby food storage trays sold separately matching machines (from Baby Bullet & Beaba)
• Baby food storage containers (OXO & Cuisinart make great ones)
• Empty, washed & sterilized glass baby food jars
• Small Gladware containers (disposable type of plastic storage containers)

 My favorite way to store my homemade baby food and the least expensive way is empty baby food jars. I bought 50 of them for $3.00 from a local mom that was getting rid of them and it is plenty for me to store the food I make and have enough to last me about a month. That is about how long I keep frozen baby food for but I have kept it up to 3 months in the past.  When I defrost it, I do so by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight and, by morning, it's ready to eat.  It's tastes just as good as it did when I prepared it and baby loves it the same :) If I make the baby food and end up having a lot more than expected left over, I either put it in ice cube trays or in larger containers.  I don't like the ice cube trays much because you can take the food with you as you can when it's pre-packaged in small, sealed containers but they are a good option if you stay home a lot and feed baby at home.  

So, if you have a little one that is almost ready for solids, give homemade baby food a shot!  It's not very difficult and the recipes are basic enough that anyone can make it. It's as simple as peeling a vegetable, boiling it, dicing it & putting it in the blender!  I'll be posting some of my baby food recipes on here shortly so follow the blog to get updates on when a new post is up!! Thanks for visiting!

Your Personal Security Guard and Few Trillion of his Closest Friends

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Tom Hines, co-founder of NutritionGeeks.com, on Twitter. He offered to write a guest post for my blog and it could not be a more fitting time! My mom was recently admitted to the hospital after one of several intestinal bacterial infections. Taking care of your body is very important, as is listening to the warning signs it gives off. Read on for an excellent article written by Tom on why good bacteria is good for us and what you can do to prevent bacterial infections that can sometimes be deadly!

A few weeks ago, a friend and I loaded up some supplies into a trailer and made our way to the security checkpoint at a large local home improvement store. As we pulled up, he looked toward the guy manning the checkpoint and said, “that’s the most important person working here. That guy decides what gets in and what leaves.”

Whether we’re talking kids or adults, it’s hard to overstate the importance of a healthy gut. Much like our underappreciated security guard, the gut is responsible for the majority of what makes it into our bodies, and just as importantly… what doesn’t. In addition, about 70% of our immune function comes from the gut, certain vitamins are produced there, and battles with invading forces are waged there (viruses, bad bacteria, bad yeast, toxins). Unlike our security guard, the gut can’t do it all alone; it relies on help from trillions of it’s closest friends… probiotics.

You might not be aware of this but you are only really about 10% human. Your body is made up of about 10 trillion cells, but you are home to about 100 trillion bacteria. Lucky for you, the vast majority of them are good and live in your gut.  

What does good bacteria do for us?

• Use resources and space that bad bacteria and yeast would claim in their absence
• Produces vitamin K, folic acid, vitamin B-12, and biotin (aka vitamin H)
• Breakdown and carry away toxins
• Stimulate the immune system
• Assist in nutrient absorption
• Ferment dietary fiber into short chain fatty acids

It’s important to be aware of all this for one simple reason; today more than ever, we have an enormous amount of influence over the health and wellbeing of our teeny tiny little family.  Government and corporations pour a seemingly endless supply of money and resources into the messages “this is safe”, “this is good for you”, “this is better”.  It’s hard to blame anyone, especially kids, for buying into this constant barrage of Good, Safe, Normal, Better, Healthy.  It’s confusing as heck, and the truth in this case, we’re outgunned.

What can you do?

• Limit antibiotic usage -  If you have a doctor that prescribes an antibiotic every time you stub your toe, then find a new doctor.
• Eat less refined sugars - Sugar is food for yeast. A large percentage of Americans have a yeast overgrowth.  The yeast causes several problems of it’s own and crowds out good bacteria.
• Eat more fiber - Fiber will keep things moving, carry away toxins, and supply food to probiotics.
• Eliminate or cut back on gluten - Even if you don’t have celiac disease, gluten can increase the permeability of the gut and cause damage.
• Cut back on the chemicals - Processed foods, food additives, pesticides, and herbicides can all harm those little guys.
• Take probiotics - There is a constant war going on and this is like sending in more troops.  Find a few GREAT products and rotate them throughout the year to get a variety.  Here are three that I like: Florajen 3 by American Lifeline, Dr Ohhira’s by Essential Formulas, and Ultimate Flora by ReNew Life.
• Eat more fermented and cultured foods - Yogurt is great, but there’s so much more.  The old practice of fermenting foods like sauerkraut and other vegetables is coming back strong due largely to their probiotic benefits.  Here’s a great video on how to make your own.
• Pay attention to your gut - If you have frequent constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, pain or other gut issues, then start asking “why?”.  Your body is trying to tell you something and I’m telling you that it’s not normal… I don’t care how many friends and family you know with the same issues.  Misery may love company, but it doesn’t make it right.

Take care of your gut and your little friends, and they will take care of you.

Milky! Giveaway: Win a Chance to Try the Organic Way to Increase & Improve Breastmilk Supply

As the mom of a beautiful 4 year old girl and expecting #2 in January, I am always on the lookout for new products.  I love discovering new products that I can use and that other moms will love as well.  Recently I discovered Need Brands.  Need Brands was created by Tia and Tamera Mowry, the famous twins that many of us thirty something moms grew up watching on t.v.!  As they started their own families, they had similar concerns to most moms.  Breastfeeding and producing plenty of milk to feed their little ones was a big one!  They decided to create a tasty, effective product that could increase milk production, be healthy for mom and baby and be affordable too!  From this idea, they came up withMilky!

Milky is a natural, organic lactation herbal tea supplement.  It promotes lactation without having to go through the trouble of brewing hot teas throughout the day and it was designed by a pediatrician to help boost the quality and quantity of breast milk. Some of the main ingredients are fenugreek, fennel, ginger, chamomile and rooibos.  Unlike teas you have to prepare at home, you can take Milky! with you in the convenient bottles they are packaged in and drink them on the go.  They will make for a healthier lifestyle for you and nourish your baby too! One of my favorite aspects of Milky! and all of the Need Brands products is that they are all vegan and are not tested on animals.  They are also all eco-friendly and they are scientifically proven to work.

So, do you want a chance to win your own box of Milky!?  It includes a 6 day supply and it is valued at $29.99 plus $5 flat rate shipping.  Below are the rules to enter and a 10% discount code for all to use as well!

Rules to Enter the Giveaway:
The winner will be selected at random and given points per entry.  Ways to enter are:
1) Like us on Facebook at
2) Follow us on Twitter at
3) Tweet about the giveaway on Twitter
4) Comment on this blog post below

Contest begins September 25, 2013 at 12 am and ends September 29, 2013 at 12 am.  Get started and win yourself a box of the best breastfeeding supplement around.

If you would like to order a supply of Milky! in advance, enter NICK10  at checkout to receive 10% off your entire order of 2 boxes or more.

I was not paid/compensated in any way to test/review this product.


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Top 5 Tips for New Dads: Mom is #1!

As a first time dad, your toughest challenge is ahead but, at the same time, so is the absolute best time of your life. Being a parent is a gift that is not guaranteed so, regardless of the trials that come with it, enjoy it, be grateful for it and, most importantly, prepare for it. In order to do that, you'll have to know how to handle being a first time dad AND a husband to a first time mom! Mood swings will come and go so be ready for a roller coaster. I promise it'll all be worth it!

1. Although you'd think the baby is your first priority, in reality it's your wife
She's going to need you by her side for at least the first week or two. You should be there to comfort her and help her in any way you can. She may have mom, sister and best friend there but nothing compares to sharing the first few weeks (at least) of your lifetime as parents together. Post-partum depression is all too common and being there to share in the ups and downs of the first few weeks at home will help show your wife that parenthood is a team effort!

2. Always be preparedAs a mom in law enforcement, I have a small emergency bag in my patrol car. It carries all of the necessities I'll need in a true life gun battle. As parents in real life, my husband and I carry the same type of bag for our parent emergencies. It is a smaller version of our diaper bag with a diaper, wipes, rash cream, tissues, an extra pacifier, an extra outfit and some baby food or rice cereal. This ensures that, regardless of where I am, I'll be prepared. We have all run out of the house to make a quick grocery store or gas station trip. This won't change when you're a parent, other than you'll have a baby in the back seat that may decide now's the time to relieve him or herself. That's where having an emergency baby bag in your car (along with an actual emergency kit of course) will come in very handy!

3. Babies WILL cry....a lotThis is the only way they know how to communicate. All you can do is comfort them and give them what you think they need. Your instinct will kick in and you will know what to do once baby is here. Sometimes they'll need to be rocked to sleep, other times they'll just want the comfort of dad's arms. Regardless of what it is, don't freak out every time the baby cries. You'll know when it's something serious and, when in doubt, reach out to your closest veteran parent friends. My husband and I called the hospital one too many times in the first month for reasons we now can't stop laughing about.

4. Help your wife with the usual baby duties......this includes diaper changes, bottle making and even breast feeding. Breastfeeding is one of the toughest things to master for new moms and they'll need your help. Stay beside her and get her anything she may need, including lots of water since breastfeeding requires a lot of hydration. She may need help positioning the baby, checking for a correct latch from your vantage point or just a break while she uses the potty. A lot of moms want to try and do everything themselves. Don't be afraid to take on the 50/50 challenge of taking care of the baby!

5. Don't be afraid to leave the houseSure, the doctor recommends you stay indoors for a certain amount of time after delivery. Once you get the go ahead, get out and show your baby the world. Many couples think babies are too young to notice the animals at the zoo, the people at the mall or the kids at the playground. They actually notice A LOT more than you think and the expressions they'll make will be priceless. Traveling with baby is not the nightmare you've been told. Just be prepared and always leave the house with a stocked diaper bag, a stroller and a baby carrier when the stroller is not ideal.

For additional articles on parenting, pregnancy, health, nutrition and education, visit Ellie's contributor page at Playground Dad!

5 Ways to Spend Better Time with Your Kid

As a parent, we always wish we had 48 hours in the day instead of 24! More quality time with our kids would be a treat for any family! I know for me, between work, housekeeping, homework, dance, swim, karate and soccer, I hardly have time to think…and I only have one 3 year old! I honestly don’t know how some parents with 2 or more kids do it, especially working full time! This thought is what has sparked some creativity in me! I’ve had to come up with creative ways to get things done while also incorporating my kids into the activities to allow for quality family time! I wanted to “spend better time” with my kids! Below are some issues many of my mom & dad friends complain they “don’t have time for”. Try them out and see how your day CAN include your entire to do list and your kiddos too!

1. I can’t exercise, I don’t have time! Your kids LOVE to be outside (usually) so, take them out on their bikes, roller blades or skateboards and keep up with them with a slow jog. Your kids are too young to ride a bike, put them in a jogging stroller and get to pushin’! Not only will you get a good workout jogging but the pushing will tone your arms! Too hot or too cold to go outside, pop in a workout video or go online to some of the many sites that offer free, short daily workouts! Do them while your little ones are napping or early in the morning when your family is still catchin’ zzzs!

2. I don’t have time to cook It’s true, when you get home at 6pm, there’s hardly time to shower, not to mention busting out the cookbook and apron and sweating it out in the kitchen. After all, dinner is supposed to be at 6-7pm not 6-7am! So, why not take an hour or two out of your weekend and make dinners for the week! Freeze them up in different containers, label them Monday – Friday and pop them in the freezer. When you get home from work, soccer practice, parent conference or just come home early in tired, pop it in and your home cooked meal is ready in 2-5 minutes!

3. I don’t have time for myself Many parents, mostly moms but some dads too, complain they never have time for themselves. They don’t have time to get nails done, get their hair cut or just treat themselves with a well deserved massage. Well, many spas and salons offer packages for mommy & me and daddy & me! Take your kids and turn it into a bonding activity! It will make your little ones feel extra special, especially if there are siblings involved and they can each have their own day.

4. I need alone time with my spouse but don’t have anyone to watch my kids Well, that’s a problem many of us have. Recently some friends and I have gotten together and developed a calendar. Two to four times a month we have one of the parents watch all of the kids for 3-4 hours. The rest of the parents go out for a parents’ night out! We take turns so we all get our night out and our kids get the fun with friends they love! Local indoor gyms and studios like My Gym also offer Parents Nights Out. You pay a fee, usually between $25-35 per child (with siblings at a discount rate) and they’ll watch your kids for 3-4 hours, feed them dinner and show them a good time!

5. I don’t even have time to clean the house Ok, so, few kids like to clean but, it’s all part of growing up. We all have to learn to take care of our possessions and take pride in our home. Starting early and teaching kids to help out is not a crime nor will it hurt your child’s upbringing. If you have toddlers, teach them where their toys go and to put them away (with help from you in the beginning). If you constantly clean up after them, that’s all they’ll know and you’ll end up doing the cleaning for many years to come. Elementary age kids can be given an incentive to help out. They can earn an allowance like a salary that we earn at work. Their room should be clean without compensation since it’s their own space (like our house is ours and we have to maintain it). If they help out maintaining the rest of the home by dusting, vacuuming or cleaning some windows, reward them in some way. Activities are usually a good option to money, like a day at the park or a trip to your local museum! You can also check out www.myjobchart.com. It’s an excellent online chore chart that teaches your kids to earn, save & spend and best of all it’s FREE!

So, you didn’t think it was doable but it is! You just have to make do with what you have and get creative to spend better time!

The Parent Center also writes for Playground Dad! Check out his blog & our article there!

5 Ways to Spend Better Time with Your Kids

Family Chores: Creative Ways to Get Them Done!

Not everyone's home is going to be spotless, but, with a little help from everyone in the household, it can be close!  Below are some tips from Parents Magazine to help you get your family and your home clean and organized!

1. The Chore Wheel:  Make up a wheel with each of the family chores written on it.  Spin the wheel weekly to rotate the jobs amongst each member each week.  Avoids boredom and spreads the work out evenly to keep it far.
2. Responsibility Chart:  Post a Responsibility Chart with daily chores on them.  Have your kids check off the ones that are complete and offer a treat at the end of the week if chores were checked off every day.
3. Ready, Set, Go!:  Make everything a race. From cleaning up their rooms to taking out the trash and washing dishes.  Makes it more fun and everything's done much faster :)
4. Make it Make Cents: Pay them! Teach them responsibility and how to budget their money at the same time. Pay them 10 cents a chore and encourage them to save the money up for a specific item they want.  They'll have a goal to reach and realize you have to work for what you want!
5. Last but not least, use My Job Chart (click on the link):  My Job Chart is the free, easy to use, online chore chart and reward system for organizing and motivating your kids to learn first hand how to Save, Share and Spend. Kids earn money then they can set it aside to save, give to charity, or buy rewards you set. An incredible website that offers parents and kids an invaluable tool!

Healthy Tips for Formula Feeders!

While breastfeeding is the most nutritious option for babies, it's not always an option for every mom for a variety of reasons.  Bottle feeding with formula is always an option and here are some tips to to make sure it's nutritious and safe! 

1. CLEANLINESS:  Wash yourhands well with soap and water before feeding.  Consider sterilizing new bottles and nipples before using them for the first time.  After that, washing in the dishwasher will due since the heat sterilizes on its own.
2. ONE AT A TIME:  Prepping a days worth of bottles is convenient but, to be on the safe side, avoid it.  Toss an leftovers and start with a fresh bottle the next time you feed.  Bacteria from baby's mouth can contaminate leftover formula.
3. WATER WORKS:  Only mix powder with plain tap or bottle water that's been boiled for a minute, then cooled.  Bottled water may also contain bacteria, depending on whether it's been opened and/or refilled. Boiling will remove anything harmful that may be in the bottle.
4. THE FINE PRINT:  Follow directions on the formula container carefully.  The powder and water must be measured correctly so your baby gets the nutrient he needs.

Excerpt from Parenting Magazine April 2012

Raise Your Kids to Be Money Savvy!

It's never too early to teach your kids about money. Some parents think children are too young to understand the concept of money but they aren't. They see their parents go to work, go to the grocery store, put gas in their cars and they make the correlation long before you explain it to them that money is what buys you what you need. Now, all parents need to do is show their children how to start learning how to budget their money and use it sensibly at an early age.

Parenting magazine suggests using games that involve tasks in your daily routine to show your kids how money works. Some ideas from Parenting magazine (and some added ones of my own) are below!

Lesson #1: Take your kids with you to the ATM

To children, the ATM is like a money tree. You put your card in, enter a number and the money comes pouring out. They don't see that you first have to deposit the money you made while you were at work the past two weeks . So, talk your kids through each visit to the bank and the ATM. First, go inside and deposit the check. Then explain to them that, in the next few days, when you need the money, you will be back to get the money you saved to buy things you need. You explain to them that you worked to make the money, you save it in the bank and, when you need it, you come back for it. Show them the receipt and explain the math, if the child is old enough to understand, so that he/she knows that the money can and will run out if you keep taking it out.

Lesson #2: Saving for things you want but don't need

Children habitually ask for things when you're out running errands. Whether it's the latest cereal, the latest toy or a candy bar on the way out from the grocery store. Next time they tell you they want a small toy or treat, tell them you'll help them save money for it so they can buy it all on their own. At home, draw a chart with a square for each coin or dollar they need to buy the item. Give your child small tasks to accomplish in order to acquire her money (i.e., take out the trash, walk the dog, clean her room, help wash/put away dishes, etc). Each time she gets a coin/dollar, put a sticker on the chart or color it in. When she has enough to fill the chart and can afford her treat, she can go pick up the item she wanted. Try to make the time it takes to accumulate the money no longer than one to two weeks, just as you would at work for a paycheck.

Lesson #3: Start a savings account

When your child fills up the piggy bank, the natural thing to do is head to the nearest toy store to see what he/she can buy with their loot! Try encouraging saving a portion of it. Allow your child to spend half of the money in the piggy bank on what he/she wants & start a savings account with the rest. It's preferable that you start one with a high yield interest rate so that your child can see the growth faster than in a regular account. CDs and Mutual Fund accounts are great options since this account should only receive money and not have many withdrawls. The goal is for this savings to add up for a long period of time to be a solid lesson in saving money for the long haul. You can show your child the statements each month and how his/her money grows without even putting any money into it!

Teaching your kids about money now can help them establish financial security in the future. Many of my adult friends now wish their parents had taught them about saving money early on so they could have applied it as adolescents and into adulthood. Give them the value of money, teach them skills and instill habits that will get them off to a good start early on in life!