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Saturday, May 29, 2010

Mr.Dylan (a.k.a. cranky pants)

So Dylan is 19 months as of today, and he is one spunky little boy let me tell you. He is talking up a storm, not like you can understand much but it's there. He is always on the go and has mastered the skill of having temper tantrums. His latest being when I put him in the stroller and he doesn't want to go in...man oh man..does he ever give a fight. I literally need to restrain him to get him in there, and this little boy is pretty strong I may add. He also does this thing where he looses his breath and can't breathe and goes all purple in the face. He actually has done this since he was a baby, and it still scares me everytime he does it.

                                                                       "AHHHHH"
                                                                    (caught in action)

Dylan also has took in this new habit of screaming everytime he wants something or isn't getting the attention he wants. He does this "ahhhh" thing with the cutest face afterwards..well the screaming isn't cute but that face..omg !! I have tried every behaviour strategy and he just doesn't want to listen to mommy. I can just ignore the scream but he will just keep doing it and it will just get louder and louder. He actually is doing it as we speak, he is in his room having some playtime and obvioulsy wants me. OK....so guess what? He had a dirty diaper. I went down there and he said to me "poo poo", sure enough he was right!!

What else is new Dylan's world?

Well he has been sleeping in his 'big boy' bed for a few weeks now. It was a challenge at first because I would stay there with him until he fell asleep and then I realized that he would never learn to sleep on his own in his bed if I kept that up. So I had to start sleep training him all over again, as I did with him when he was in the crib. The only method that has ever worked with us is the cry it out method (CIO) so that is what I had to do with him, except this time it was harder because he has a big open room to explore while he's crying. So we stick to our bedtime routine and once we've finished reading his 'night night' book, I sing him a slovenian prayer and then I tell him it's time to go to sleep. I kiss him goodnight and proceed to leave the room. He will still cry a bit (it's only been about a week of this) and come to the gate at the door, but it doesn't last more than 5-10 minutes and then it's all quite. I can somtimes hear him playing but he's usually in his bed sleeping within half an hour. He has always been an early riser, about 5ish and that has stayed the same.

So as I just read this draft (well it's a post now)....I started writing this about a good week ago.

Dylan is still Mr.cranky-pants!!!! Teething, being in the good old 18-21 months transition period and a new baby sister may just be the culprit.

Yay for MOMMY!!!!!!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

SUNSCREEN: Helpful or harmful ??

So now that the weather is getting so summerlicious the need for suncreen has come in to effect.

Over the years we have had this constant reminder that too much sun exposure is bad for our health so we avoid damaging our skin by applying sunscreen. Our children are probably the most likely to be smothered in sunscreen because we want to protect their delicate skin, right? But the real question that has been on my mind lately........

Is it realy all that helpful ?

Protection from the sun is important (I get that) but the chemicals we put on our skin can be very harmful, especially to our children. I don't know about you but have you ever really taken a look at the ingredients list in the products we are putting on our children?

Over the years the skin care industry has had to increase the level of chemical compounds in sunscreen in order to raise the sun protection factor (SPF) level. Upon the absorbtion into the skin, sunscreen can actually form the dangerous compunds it was meant to block causing negative substances that lead to skin cancer.

In addition to the cancer risk is the effect that common sunscreens have on the develpoing child. Many sunscreen chemicals have estrogen-like effects. Children's organs are more sensitve to these estrogen exposures and can develop abnormalities.

Limiting our exposure to the sun, especially between the hours of 10-4 when that sun gets super hot and seeking out more healthy skin products that don't contain dangerous ingredients are possible solutions for us to consider. But let's not forget that sun exposure is a GOOD thing. We need sunlight for good health and being in the sun for a short time without sunscreen poses no real dangerous threat. I mean as long as your being sun smart (not at peak times, wearing a hat, protective clothing, seeking shade when needed etc...) you really don't have much to worry about.

So with all that said.... what exactly do we need to avoid when choosing a sunscreen? Here are some nasty ingredients that we want to stay away from:

Benzophenone (benzonphenone-3), hemosalate, and octy-menthoxycinnamate (octionxate):
These chemicals are bad news because they have shown estrogen activity in lab tests. Oxybenzone is aderivative of benzophenone and its linked to allergies, hormone disruptions and cell damage.
To read more on this chemical click here

Parabens ( butyl-,ethyl-,methyl-, and propyl-):
These are preservatives that have estrogenic qualities. They have produced hormonal effects following on laboratory rodents, partically male, resulting in decreased testosterone levels and othe abnomalities. The have also been found to accumulate in the breast tissue of woman with breast cancer.

Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 (Avobenzone):
While on the surface of skin these chemicals appear to prevent UV damage but whe absorbed intot he skin thay can damage DNA. There is evidence that the sun's light may cause these chemicals to become reactive and cause free-radical damage when they are absorbed.

PABA:
This is not widely used anymore because many people were very sensitive to it and ended up wth red, itchy skin.

In general any zinc oxide and titanium are good choices as they scatter and reflect the sun's rays rather than absorb them. When sunscreens leave white streaks on the sun there is a less risk of the substance actually absorbing into our skin.

I have also recently heard about something called Nano particles, these are particles of small dimensions that leaverage the unique physical properties that chemicals exibit at the nanoscale. Thus making the zinc and titanium oxide in sunscreen go on clearer and smoother. The changing properties often result in unpredictable changes in toxicity that are not yet understood. The problem here is that companies don't even label the use of nano particles or any safety information.

To read more on these nano particles press here .

So with all that said I would highly consider checking out the sunscreens we are currently using on our children and ourselves. I had no idea the risk I was putting my child under when I was using the common Coppertone baby sunscreen. Just take a trip to the local pharmacy and check out all the common ones; Banana Boat, Coppertone, Nivea, Aveeno, Neutrogena, Hawaiian tropic, Kiss my face, this list can go on for days.

I recently took a trip to my local health store and purchased Badger All natural mosturizing sunscreen ( I really like!) for my little one.

There is also an organization called Environmental Working Group.....check out the 2010 guide to sunscreen.

Okay...so this post only took me about a week to write (lol) my children have been super CRAZY lately. So there might be some parts that are a bit rush rush, I truly had a lot more to say but the most important information is there for you. I just had a moment to finish this post.....and there goes they little one crying for her mommy, so I have to say bye bye for now.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

So things have been a bit busy over here.......

 Juggling between my "not so baby" anymore little boy who is actively entering the toddler stage (oh so fun!!), my 8 week little princess who is trying to figure out how she works and the various house chores I need to stay on top of to keep the hubbie happy.

In between all of this I'm trying my best to keep myself as healthy as I can so I can have the energy to accomplish all that needs to be done. So if you notice the lacking in my writing I do appologize in advance, with that said I am trying my best. If my brain could telepathically signal to the computer all of my thoughts I would have many interesting and informative posts for your reading pleasure.

I can tell you I am working on some very interesting pieces of reading material that you should stay tuned for.

Friday, May 14, 2010

WATER, WATER, WATER

As I sit here this morning and enjoy my big glass of water, I think to myself all of the wonderful benefits it is providing my body.

Water is one of nature's most important gifts to mankind, it really is!

It is the most essential element in maintaning a healthy lifestyle.

Here's a list to just name a few;
  •  necessary for digestion and the absorbstion of food
  • helps maintain proper muscle tone
  • supplies oxygen and all the right nutrients to your cells
  • rids your body of waste
  • serves as a natural air conditioning system
  • helps metabolize stored fat, so a significant factor in losing weight
  • hydrates your skin, especially in pregnancy (helps reduce stretch marks)
  • helps the body to detoxify
  • helps build up your immune system
  • decreases the risk of colon cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer and so many over diseases
P.s. This list could go on and on and on......

The recommended amount is to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. I say drink 12!!!
I love my water and I am pretty much drinking it all day, always refilling my water canister. I have never been one to drink pop or juice (unless it's real juice from a juicer) and I only have my organic coffee in the morning..Because we all know those early mornings with the kiddies could really use that added boost!

So what was the whole point to this post??

Drink your WATER ladies and get your children started early. My son has been drinking water since introducing him to a sippy cup, he never drinks juice (once again unless real "juicer" juice) and absolutely loves it. I am so blown away when I see the crap people drink these days....just sugar, high caloric yuckiness!!

So when you wake up in the morning, start your day off right. Enjoy a nice tall cup of cold, refreshing water!!!

Reminds me of those milk ads.... Milk, does the body good!! Not anymore it doesn't......that's a whole other story I will get into later.

WATER... DOES THE BODY GOOD!!......that's more like it.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Smoothie Heaven

So the hubbie recently bought the magic bullet and I have been hooked ever since. So now I have been on this crazy smoothie kick and I thought I would share my latest creation.

I always have frozen berries in the freezer, I usually go to the market and stock up on blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. I am allergic to strawberries so that is why it's not listed....yes, very very sad I know! I also usually have mango chunks (the ones you can buy pre-frozen from presidents chioce) too.

So for this time I put some organic plain yogurt, frozen blueberries and half a banana into my bullet. I then put a heavy tablespoon of almond butter and about 2 teaspoons of shelled flax seed ( I got this amazing product from the store called Omega crunch; it's a unique product whereby the hull is naturally removed from the inner flax kernel, therefore making it easy to digest and reap the full spectrum of benefits offered in the powerful seed..so good for the little ones!) and then I top it all up with a bit of almond milk. I blend it all together and then I have the most delicious and health benefitting drink ever!!!!!!!

Now this was just one of the many creations I have made so far. The amazing thing about having a blender is that you can create such a wide variety of drinks like this one. I often mix together a bunch of berries/fruits, always the flax (flax meal is often the easiest, I just happen to have the omega crunch at the moment), and I sometimes like to put oatmeal in too (thanks Tosca Rena for that one).

The extra amazing thing about smoothies is that kids love them. Well my son does, and I know he's getting some amazing nutrients this way. We're going to buy a juicer soon too...ooh I can't wait, I love juicing!!! It's also pretty amazing what kids will eat when it's all disguised in something like a juice. Just the other day I was out at one of my favorite juice places and I got Dylan a juice with beets, apples, carrots and ginger....he LOVED IT!

I have been putting the magic bullet to good use and am always mixing away. I actually think I'm going to make myself a frozen yogurt for dessert. I just mix whatever I want together, my yogurt and some ice instead of the milk. Talk about a yummy and healthy way to eat treat yourself after a busy day.

With all that said I'm off to make a new creation.

Monday, May 10, 2010

What's more important than the health of your child ??


A Wake-Up Story from Healthy Child Healthy World on Vimeo.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Today is a special day. A day to remember just how important we are and to give thanks to the mothers before us. Our own mother's have gave us this very special opportunity to follow in their footprints.
Now I know some of you out there, may not have "good mothers", but they did at least birth us, by this, giving us the greatest gift of all.........LIFE!!!!!! We now are here today as mother's to our own children.

I myself have had many ups and downs with my own mother (who hasn't??) Looking back at those teenage years, oh man did I give her hell! My mother was and still is a very loving mother, and now that I'm older I can fully appreciate all that she has given me.

I LOVE YOU MAMI !!!!!!!! SO VERY VERY MUCH XOXO
(Mami is obviously my mother....we're Slovenian and we call our mom, MAMI)

Today is also a day to appreciate our children (I'm sure we do already)...... its a very proud day, a day where I can look at my beautiful growing children and take in that feeling I get in the pit of my heart. The feeling that takes over my whole entire body, the true feeling of unconditional love.

Friday, May 7, 2010

She's here....and it only took me 6 weeks to make a post !

Okay....so as I look at my last post I see that I have become very behind in my little project we call my mommy blog. My life got a bit hectic (who am I kidding.. it still is!) but now I feel I have figured out how to sqeeze in some time to write some posts. With that said, let me now introduce you to my latest addition.

Chloe Danica was born Sunday, March 21st @ 6:15pm.
Weighing in at 8.9 lbs

Just in time for dinner!!
 (this line is so fitting because this little girl has one healthy appetite....always wanting more and more!)

My labour and delivery was amazing as I stuck true to my wishes and
DID NOT GET THE EPIDURAL!!!!

This in itself left me with the greatest high in my whole entire life. I ended up getting the epidural the first time with my son, and if I compare the two, this time around left me feeling about 100 times better afterwards. I had energy, I wasn't all swollen from the drip, I could feel my legs, my head was clear (last time I got this horrible headache..which lasted over a week) and I was just so damn proud of myself.

It was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life and it was worth every ounce of the pain. I had an amazing support system and I just remember getting into this zone, more like a trance where I had to remain extremely focused on my breathing. It's crazy now if I look back to that day, those moments when I was going through each and every contraction.

I believe every woman can have a natural birthing experience, you just need to get in touch with yourself and stay commited to your will power.

 I know for me there were times in between where I thought that it was getting too painful and once I started to focus on that pain, my whole concentration and breathing pattern got off, and that is where I found that I couldn't allow myself to come out of what looked like this 'trance'. I couldn't speak to anyone and I didn't want to move, I was so into my mind and my body.

WOW... looking back at it now, it was such an incredible experience!




So now we're 6 weeks in and and baby Chloe is doing amazing. She has her fussy moments, most of them being when she's either hungry or needs and clean diaper. Big brother Dylan is now 18 months, and is a handful. With that being said, he is a very good big brother. He is very affectionate with his little sister, always seeing what she's up to and giving her lots of kisses.



Seeing how 6 weeks have gone by, I obviously have lots to say. But I will keep my thoughts for the next post, and then the next and next.

Stay tuned, because this mother of two has learned and experienced a great deal and would love to share with all of you.

xoxo

Thursday, March 18, 2010

I'm still here !!

So with all the craziness we call my life, I have been neglecting my so called project we call this little blog. With that, I am very sorry. Wow...does being ready to pop and running around after your crazy (but most adorable) little toddler keep you busy. By the time I put him down for bed, I'm so done. My mind doesn't even want to work, not to mention my body is finished with the day. I'm sleeping ok, besides the common wake up bathroom trips. Dylan has finally started sleeping through the night, which is a big help to my own sanity. Just for writing that, watch tonight he gets up 2 times. Dylan was never a good sleeper, but I think we finally got it down. The key is consistency in his naps and his bedtime routine!!

So this specific post has taken me a few days to write.....

While I was on the progress of writing that I started feeling a bit ill so I took a break. Here we are 2 days later and I think I'm about ready to have this baby. My actual due date is today; march 18th.
I have been noticing some action the last 2 days and today I went to the doctor and baby is engaged and I am 1 centimeter dialated. Now for the waiting game..tic toc!! My first labour was a very long process lasting around 34 hrs, and he was 2 weeks late. I have no idea how to feel right now, as I am getting mild contractions here and there but nothing as to where I remember them getting to. Only time will tell I guess!

I promise to keep you posted.

xoxo

Friday, February 12, 2010

Macaroni and cheese anyone ?

So I was trying to decide what to make for dinner, and I opened the pantry and the first thing my eye made contact with was a can of chickpeas. I thought to myself..hmmm..what can I do with this? Then I remembered a couple weeks ago I was making humus and had left over chickpeas and managed to come up with this macaroni dish. So I just thought I would share.

I began by boiling some whole wheat macaroni. While that was cooking, I put about 1 cup of chickpeas into my cuisinart chopper grinder attachment with about a clove of garlic, some olive oil (just a bit) and blended it all together. Then as it began to come together I added some milk. I know I'm not using proper measurements, but like I've mentioned before I kind of just go with the flow, this is something you can do easily, just get it to the right smooth consistency. Once that is all blended (looks like creamy hummus), I put it in a small pot that had been heated already. I then add my shredded cheese (I used about 1/3 cup of cheddar, but you can use whatever you fancy and make it as little or as cheesy as you want) to the pot and mixed until it started to get nice and creamy. Once you get a nice cheese sauce you can add the macaroni. Mix it all together and voila, you have a yummy macaroni and cheese!


Now I know this one sounds pretty plain but you can jazz it up with your own flavour..I was thinking maybe some paprika would taste yummy. Whatever you want, be creative !!


I know Dylan enjoyed it!!


THIS IS YUMMY MOMMY!!!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

CHILD PROOFING??

Anyone curious as to why they have toilet seat locks for children?





This is what happens when you leave Dylan alone for a few minutes (I was only in the hallway folding some laundry). This is his latest obsession, wanting to put everything into the toilet, behind furniture, into drawers, you name it. If there is any sort of nook or cranny....Dylan will manage to get something in there!

Gotta love the toddler years!!!

Monday, February 1, 2010

The power of Witch Hazel

So as promised I said that I would give some tips. The first tip I would like to get out there is a tip for all you ladies suffering from sore legs. As we get further along, some of us are get blessed with the gift of what we call varicose veins (yuckie!!) and with them come the sore, aching, and throbing pain. Well at least that is what I feel! For some, we may not actually see the veins but we can feel them brewing underneath or like most its just the pain that comes with all that pressure of our babies and we get swollen.  I know with me, my legs get so sore after a day of walking around (and when your running after a toddler and just doing regular mom stuff it just can't be avoided). With my first pregnancy, my god where my legs ever bad. I was working on my feet all the time and at the end of my shift my feet where ballons, I had no ankels, and my legs where just unbelievibly sore.

So this is where my sister introduced me to witch hazel. Witch hazel is an astringent that contains resin, procyanadins and flavonoids, all in which have soothing anti-infammatory properties. It can be found in most pharmacies, so its very accessible.

I think most of us know how important it is to have our sore legs elevated, but some of us may not know that by adding a cloth soaked in witch hazel can add to this releif. Now I'm not talking lying on the couch or in bed, I mean get those legs up ladies. Lie against the wall and have your legs up as close as you can get to a 90 degree angle and take the cloth and rub down towards you. This will make you feel so much better..I promise!!!

Hemorroids anyone? Yes, that's right I just said what I once thought was embarrasing. With the joys of pregnancy, come many other things that aren't so joyful. This is something that just happens, and we as woman just have to accept the small upsets that come along with having babies. I never got hemmoroids with my first pregnancy untill after delivery, and OMG was it ever painful !! With this pregnancy I can openly say that this little girl is giving mommy lots and lots of presure. So yes....I'm having some fun with that embarrasing shh shh thing we call hemmoroids. So what is the point of all me telling you this, oh yes, the witch hazel. You can also soak a cloth in witch hazel and apply to the "shh shh" spot and it reduces the swelling and gives you some relief.

On one last note, I just have to tell you one of the best things witch hazel has helped me with. After delivery we all know that we are very very soar down there. So what I did before I had the baby was soak my pads in witch hazel and put them in the freezer. Then when it was time to go to the hospital I packed them in one of my lunch bags and once I got situated I had them stored in the freezer. After the delivery, sure enough I used them like you would any other pad and let me just tell you it helped sooth amazingly!     

So there you so....WITCH HAZEL....go out and get some, I promise you won't be sorry.

         

Saturday, January 30, 2010

My post from our MOMMY CLUB

Healthy Eating Habits - It's Never Too Late To Start

Hello yummy healthy muffins !

So I meant to write yesterday but things got kind of hectic for me..I wonder why? Dylan (that amazing son I mentioned) has been in and out of the develepmental stage we call "walking". Though he hasn't quite mastered the skill of it, he is getting there slowly.That being said, his sleep has been all over the map and it doesn't help that he has the two top molars coming in. So he has his moments of crankiness, understandibly so. He has been more attached than usual with all that is going on and I think he can sense mommy's new baby coming. Though it's super cute when you ask him where the baby is, he goes to lift up my shirt and kisses my belly. Awe....the joys of motherhood!

He has gone down for his nap, which I think finally are coming together. We've been transitioning to the once a day nap which sometimes takes some work. I had a good week of up and down, due to the fact that I had to gradually move the morning nap later and later and it kind of interfered with the whole schedule he had going. All that being said I have now found that the one 1:00pm nap is working great!

So the one main thing I want to do with this blog is share my healthy eating tips. That being said, I am a firm believer that you should start your children off with healthy eating habits. We all know just how important is, so why is it so hard for parents to get there kids to eat right? I will add another one of my post from our Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies site for your reading pleasure.

Cooking is something I love to do. I even have more love for baking. What's even cooler is that I can experiment and create my own recipes that are actually healthy!!!!!
I often like to bake something for Dylan's afternoon snacks, and yesterday I made these delicious muffins that I just have to share. First off let me explain my baking style, I usually look online or through books for a base recipe, like for an example I looked for oatmeal muffins (I take the main ingredients that I want to use and search for the recipe, in this case it was oatmeal) and then I add my own twist and change the ingredients to  'healthier' options.

Ok..so I'm just going to get to the point and give you the recipe.......

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup oatmeal
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
2 eggs
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup omega oil (a blend of flaxseed, grapeseed, and olive oil)
1/2 cup applesauce (I make homemade but if I dont have time I buy the organic unsweetened)
1/2 cup agave nectar
1 tsp pure vanilla
1 cup shredded carrots (I actually did a mix of zucchini and carrots)

Preheat the oven to 350 F
Mix the all the dry ingredients in a medium size bowl. In a larger bowl beat the two eggs together, then add the yogurt, oil, apple sauce, agave nectar, vanilla and carrots. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix. Mix all untill blended and then add the carrots/zucchini. Pour the batter equally into 12 large muffin cups. Bake for 30 mins.

There you have it...yummy healthy muffins!! I usaully spread some apple butter on the muffin and Dylan just loves them. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Welcome Note

So I wanted just to start off my saying hello. You obviously know that I am a mother..Duhh! What you may not know is that I am about to become a mother again. My son Dylan (who is just absolutely amazing) is 15 months and I will be having a baby girl due this March. Talk about not wasting time! I am excited for her to come, but I obviously know its going to get a little crazy.

Being a mother is such an incredible journey, a journey that I want to make the most out of. I want to optimize my health the best that I can and give my son the best possible start to a healthy life. While using my background in Early Childhood Education and in Health and Wellness I have been able to educate my life the best that I can to give my ALL to my son. I have found the amazing effects my background knowledge has had on my son, and as we enter my journey you will see just how well developed he is. I have to say I am one PROUD MOMMY!! And I love seeing all of my efforts shine through him.

So to all of you that happen to stumble across my blog, look forward to seeing daily tips that I have found have helped me in my daily life, stories that I want to share and just my experiences through motherhood. Especially now as I'm sure I will discover many new things with the new birth of my daughter. Yay.....raising a toddler and a newborn. Can't wait for this!!!!
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