Surprise Appearance


“Surprise Appearance”

By Cari


Hello there! It’s been a LONG time since my last entry, but I have a surprise entry to make today.

I just had to share the long-anticipated news that Gordon went poopy in the big toilet today! After an entire summer of trying to potty-train, it looks like my mother was right all along (don’t tell her I said so). She kept telling me that Gordon would let me know when he was ready. And today, he DID let me know he was ready in his own sweet, little, non-verbal way… in fact, he insisted on it!

I wasn’t even thinking about potty training at this point. Gordon turned two in October and my new goal was to work on potty training in the spring. With the holiday chaos in full swing, I just didn’t think it was worth it. However, he had other plans. We were playing cars in our basement when Gordon started grabbing at his pants like he does when he has a poopy diaper. So I asked him if his diaper was poopy. He said yes. I checked and it wasn’t. Then I asked again and he said yes again. I checked again and told him he wasn’t poopy. He kept saying yes and pointing upstairs. So, I went out on a limb and asked if he needed to go poopy in the toilet. He said yes and started making his way up two flights of stairs to our top floor bathroom (which made me giggle as I realized that this is the toilet of choice for both residents and guests at our house when they need a little privacy).

Because this was so unexpected, I was completely unprepared… no potty attachment, no special litte-kid-bum wipes, no training pants… and to my shock and surprise, everything came out ok (no pun intended… ok, so I DID intend to make a pun there)! He held on to the sides of the toilet like a little trooper and pooped just like a big kid (or at least I assume that’s how a big kid would do it).

He got lots of praise and hugs and kisses… and then he got to wake up Daddy (who was on afternoons and surprisingly not quite as excited about poop as we were) and tell him the good news! Daddy made a really good effort to act excited though. Too funny… did I ever think I would be writing a five paragraph essay about going poop? Well, there are a lot of things I have done as a parent that I never thought I would do. Now on to the next battle… will Gordon have the same success with number 1 as well? A friend of mine told me stories about “the waterfall” while training her little guy. Sounds scary to me. I’ll keep you posted…

Related Articles:

Potty Diaries “Introduction”
Potty Diaries ” To Train or not to train”

Potty Diaries ” H’or D’eurves Doggy Style”

Potty Diaries “Everyone Else’s Two Cents”

Potty Diaries “No Dice”

Potty Diaries “Long Time No Train”


Surprise Appearance


“Surprise Appearance”

By Cari


Hello there! It’s been a LONG time since my last entry, but I have a surprise entry to make today.

I just had to share the long-anticipated news that Gordon went poopy in the big toilet today! After an entire summer of trying to potty-train, it looks like my mother was right all along (don’t tell her I said so). She kept telling me that Gordon would let me know when he was ready. And today, he DID let me know he was ready in his own sweet, little, non-verbal way… in fact, he insisted on it!

I wasn’t even thinking about potty training at this point. Gordon turned two in October and my new goal was to work on potty training in the spring. With the holiday chaos in full swing, I just didn’t think it was worth it. However, he had other plans. We were playing cars in our basement when Gordon started grabbing at his pants like he does when he has a poopy diaper. So I asked him if his diaper was poopy. He said yes. I checked and it wasn’t. Then I asked again and he said yes again. I checked again and told him he wasn’t poopy. He kept saying yes and pointing upstairs. So, I went out on a limb and asked if he needed to go poopy in the toilet. He said yes and started making his way up two flights of stairs to our top floor bathroom (which made me giggle as I realized that this is the toilet of choice for both residents and guests at our house when they need a little privacy).

Because this was so unexpected, I was completely unprepared… no potty attachment, no special litte-kid-bum wipes, no training pants… and to my shock and surprise, everything came out ok (no pun intended… ok, so I DID intend to make a pun there)! He held on to the sides of the toilet like a little trooper and pooped just like a big kid (or at least I assume that’s how a big kid would do it).

He got lots of praise and hugs and kisses… and then he got to wake up Daddy (who was on afternoons and surprisingly not quite as excited about poop as we were) and tell him the good news! Daddy made a really good effort to act excited though. Too funny… did I ever think I would be writing a five paragraph essay about going poop? Well, there are a lot of things I have done as a parent that I never thought I would do. Now on to the next battle… will Gordon have the same success with number 1 as well? A friend of mine told me stories about “the waterfall” while training her little guy. Sounds scary to me. I’ll keep you posted…

Related Articles:

Potty Diaries “Introduction”
Potty Diaries ” To Train or not to train”

Potty Diaries ” H’or D’eurves Doggy Style”

Potty Diaries “Everyone Else’s Two Cents”

Potty Diaries “No Dice”

Potty Diaries “Long Time No Train”


Tiger And Elin Expecting A Cub


Tiger Woods announced on his website today that he and Elin are expecting their first child.

“As some of you know, today is my 31st birthday. I’ll spend it quietly with family and friends, but Elin and I have more exciting news to share: We are expecting our first child together this summer”.

“Obviously, we couldn’t be happier and our families are thrilled,” said Woods. “I have always wanted to be a dad. I just wish my father could be around to share the experience.”

Woods’s dad, Earl Woods, passed away in May at age 74 after battling cancer. The father and son had a famously close relationship. “My dad was my best friend and greatest role model,” Woods said at the time. “He was an amazing dad, coach, mentor, soldier, husband and friend.

“As for his career, Woods says he plans to “stick close to home” for the next few weeks to spend more time with his expectant wife. He plans to start his 2007 PGA Tour season at the Buick Invitational in late January.

We are happy for Tiger and Elin. They were married for just over two years in a lavish celebration on the Island of Barbados. It is time for him to have a protege to teach all of his golf tricks to.

SOURCE:PEOPLE


10 Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy


Here are some great tips to help you have a healthy, energetic Pregnancy.

1. Reduce the amount of fish you eat while pregnant. Larger fish like Tuna, Shark and Mackerel have high levels of Mercury and may cause health issues for your unborn child. To make sure you still get your Omega-3’s try Udo’s choice 3-6-9 oil on your salad, in shakes or just by the spoonful. Available in gel Caps and straight oil form.

2. Take your prenatal Vitamins. On top of ensuring that you and your baby get all of the nutrition needed, they will reduce birth defects. Most doctors recommend Materna or you can go a reputable health food store and they will help you find something else.

3. Don’t give in to bad cravings. You will find when you are pregnant that all of the sudden your body will ask for something you may not normally eat. These craving could go from a full box of chocolates to pizza to a fully loaded burger with fries and gravy. These foods don’t benefit you or the baby. You will end up feeling worst after downing a greasy burger plus it will probably stay with you until long after the baby has arrived.

4. Visit your doctor regularly. Your doctor will make sure that the things you are experiencing are normal. He/she will schedule your routine tests and ultrasounds. You will probably be referred to an OBGYN around month 6 if everything is going as planned, earlier if there are issues or multiples.

5. Stop Changing the Kitty Litter. Some cats carry a parasite that can give you and your baby a dangerous infection called toxoplasmosis. Often, women pick up the parasite when they change the litter box. The odds of having a problem with toxoplasmosis are low–one in 1,000 pregnancies are affected–but the consequences are serious. In some cases, babies have been born with birth defects, such as severe learning disabilities, water on the brain, or deafness.

6. Get lots of rest. Early on in your pregnancy you may feel tired. It is normal to feel tired as your body works to protect and nurture the developing baby. The placenta (the organ that nourishes the fetus until birth) is just forming, your body is making more blood, and your heart is pumping faster.

7. Drink 6 – 8 glasses of water. Water plays many vital roles in a healthy pregnancy. Think of water as your body’s transportation system — it carries nutrients through your blood to the baby. Water also helps prevent bladder infections, which are common during pregnancy. If you drink enough water, your urine will stay diluted, reducing your risk of infection. Juices can contribute to your fluid intake, but keep in mind that they can also provide a lot of extra calories. Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, colas, and teas don’t count as part of your fluid intake because they’re diuretics — they make you urinate more so you actually lose water.

8. Exercise 15 – 20 minutes a day. Exercising actually makes for an easier pregnancy and delivery. In fact, a study of 500 pregnant women who exercised delivered a healthier baby with a stronger fetal heart rate. Even more compelling is the fact that of the women who exercised, time spent in labor was shortened by about a third, with 65% of the women delivering in four hours or less. And when you’re in labor, every extra hour seems like an eternity. Try Yoga for Pregnant moms, the benefits are mountainous.

9. Check with your Doctor before taking any over the counter medications or herbal remedies. When you are pregnant, you are not allowed to take most medications. Some are accepted, but double check with your doctor to be totally sure. Side effects of herbal remedies have not been proven during pregnancy. Here is a list of remedies that safe and not safe.

10. Eat Your Fruit and Veggies. A good balanced diet is good for the baby and eating fruit and vegetables cuts your miscarriage risk in half. Each day you should get the following: 6-11 servings of grain products, 3-5 servings of vegetables, 2-4 servings of fruits, 4-6 servings of milk and milk products, 3-4 servings of meat and protein foods. Foods low in fat and high in fiber are important to a healthy diet.

SOURCE:CHILDBIRTH,
SOURCE:PARENTHOOD,
SOURCE:KIDSHEALTH ,
SOURCE:BABYCENTER


Tiger And Elin Expecting A Cub


Tiger Woods announced on his website today that he and Elin are expecting their first child.

“As some of you know, today is my 31st birthday. I’ll spend it quietly with family and friends, but Elin and I have more exciting news to share: We are expecting our first child together this summer”.

“Obviously, we couldn’t be happier and our families are thrilled,” said Woods. “I have always wanted to be a dad. I just wish my father could be around to share the experience.”

Woods’s dad, Earl Woods, passed away in May at age 74 after battling cancer. The father and son had a famously close relationship. “My dad was my best friend and greatest role model,” Woods said at the time. “He was an amazing dad, coach, mentor, soldier, husband and friend.

“As for his career, Woods says he plans to “stick close to home” for the next few weeks to spend more time with his expectant wife. He plans to start his 2007 PGA Tour season at the Buick Invitational in late January.

We are happy for Tiger and Elin. They were married for just over two years in a lavish celebration on the Island of Barbados. It is time for him to have a protege to teach all of his golf tricks to.

SOURCE:PEOPLE


10 Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy


Here are some great tips to help you have a healthy, energetic Pregnancy.

1. Reduce the amount of fish you eat while pregnant. Larger fish like Tuna, Shark and Mackerel have high levels of Mercury and may cause health issues for your unborn child. To make sure you still get your Omega-3’s try Udo’s choice 3-6-9 oil on your salad, in shakes or just by the spoonful. Available in gel Caps and straight oil form.

2. Take your prenatal Vitamins. On top of ensuring that you and your baby get all of the nutrition needed, they will reduce birth defects. Most doctors recommend Materna or you can go a reputable health food store and they will help you find something else.

3. Don’t give in to bad cravings. You will find when you are pregnant that all of the sudden your body will ask for something you may not normally eat. These craving could go from a full box of chocolates to pizza to a fully loaded burger with fries and gravy. These foods don’t benefit you or the baby. You will end up feeling worst after downing a greasy burger plus it will probably stay with you until long after the baby has arrived.

4. Visit your doctor regularly. Your doctor will make sure that the things you are experiencing are normal. He/she will schedule your routine tests and ultrasounds. You will probably be referred to an OBGYN around month 6 if everything is going as planned, earlier if there are issues or multiples.

5. Stop Changing the Kitty Litter. Some cats carry a parasite that can give you and your baby a dangerous infection called toxoplasmosis. Often, women pick up the parasite when they change the litter box. The odds of having a problem with toxoplasmosis are low–one in 1,000 pregnancies are affected–but the consequences are serious. In some cases, babies have been born with birth defects, such as severe learning disabilities, water on the brain, or deafness.

6. Get lots of rest. Early on in your pregnancy you may feel tired. It is normal to feel tired as your body works to protect and nurture the developing baby. The placenta (the organ that nourishes the fetus until birth) is just forming, your body is making more blood, and your heart is pumping faster.

7. Drink 6 – 8 glasses of water. Water plays many vital roles in a healthy pregnancy. Think of water as your body’s transportation system — it carries nutrients through your blood to the baby. Water also helps prevent bladder infections, which are common during pregnancy. If you drink enough water, your urine will stay diluted, reducing your risk of infection. Juices can contribute to your fluid intake, but keep in mind that they can also provide a lot of extra calories. Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, colas, and teas don’t count as part of your fluid intake because they’re diuretics — they make you urinate more so you actually lose water.

8. Exercise 15 – 20 minutes a day. Exercising actually makes for an easier pregnancy and delivery. In fact, a study of 500 pregnant women who exercised delivered a healthier baby with a stronger fetal heart rate. Even more compelling is the fact that of the women who exercised, time spent in labor was shortened by about a third, with 65% of the women delivering in four hours or less. And when you’re in labor, every extra hour seems like an eternity. Try Yoga for Pregnant moms, the benefits are mountainous.

9. Check with your Doctor before taking any over the counter medications or herbal remedies. When you are pregnant, you are not allowed to take most medications. Some are accepted, but double check with your doctor to be totally sure. Side effects of herbal remedies have not been proven during pregnancy. Here is a list of remedies that safe and not safe.

10. Eat Your Fruit and Veggies. A good balanced diet is good for the baby and eating fruit and vegetables cuts your miscarriage risk in half. Each day you should get the following: 6-11 servings of grain products, 3-5 servings of vegetables, 2-4 servings of fruits, 4-6 servings of milk and milk products, 3-4 servings of meat and protein foods. Foods low in fat and high in fiber are important to a healthy diet.

SOURCE:CHILDBIRTH,
SOURCE:PARENTHOOD,
SOURCE:KIDSHEALTH ,
SOURCE:BABYCENTER


Even Pandas Have Preemies


This week in Japan Mei Mei gave birth to a set of twin pandas at Adventure World in Wakayama. Both Mom and babies are said to be in good condition.

Zoo officials have yet to confirm the sex of the twins. At least one of the twins is said to weigh just three ounces, which is considered to be premature. A Panda cub is born weighing between 26-200 grams.

“Meimei is such a good mother, taking good care of both of the cubs,” zookeeper Tadashi Ishikawa said. “Often, especially in the wild, the mother panda focuses on caring for a healther one and leaves the other one to die.”

It was the fifth delivery for the veteran mother, who also gave birth to twin cubs in August 2005 and September 2003.

Mei Mei, 12, and partner Eimei, 14, are both on loan from China.

China’s Xinhua News Agency said that their birth raised the number of artificially bred pandas born this year to a record 30.

Ishikawa said, however, that officials could not confirm if the twins were born as a result of natural mating or artificial insemination because both methods were tried on the couple.

The panda is one of the world’s rarest animals, with about 1,590 living in the wild in China, mostly in Sichuan and the western province of Shaanxi. Another 180 have been bred in captivity.

Related Articles:

You Tube “Baby Pandas Playing”

SOURCE:CONTRACOSTATIMES

SOURCE:TEHRATIMES


Even Pandas Have Preemies


This week in Japan Mei Mei gave birth to a set of twin pandas at Adventure World in Wakayama. Both Mom and babies are said to be in good condition.

Zoo officials have yet to confirm the sex of the twins. At least one of the twins is said to weigh just three ounces, which is considered to be premature. A Panda cub is born weighing between 26-200 grams.

“Meimei is such a good mother, taking good care of both of the cubs,” zookeeper Tadashi Ishikawa said. “Often, especially in the wild, the mother panda focuses on caring for a healther one and leaves the other one to die.”

It was the fifth delivery for the veteran mother, who also gave birth to twin cubs in August 2005 and September 2003.

Mei Mei, 12, and partner Eimei, 14, are both on loan from China.

China’s Xinhua News Agency said that their birth raised the number of artificially bred pandas born this year to a record 30.

Ishikawa said, however, that officials could not confirm if the twins were born as a result of natural mating or artificial insemination because both methods were tried on the couple.

The panda is one of the world’s rarest animals, with about 1,590 living in the wild in China, mostly in Sichuan and the western province of Shaanxi. Another 180 have been bred in captivity.

Related Articles:

You Tube “Baby Pandas Playing”

SOURCE:CONTRACOSTATIMES

SOURCE:TEHRATIMES


Julia Roberts Expecting Another Baby


People is reporting that Julia Roberts and husband Danny Moder are Expecting baby number 3.

Hazel and Phinnaeus, her two year old twins, will be getting a new brother/sister this summer, Julia’s rep has confirmed.

For Roberts, motherhood is her top priority. “The kids bring her such a sense of fulfillment and joy,” Roberts’s longtime friend and Three Days of Rain producer Marc Platt told PEOPLE in April. “It’s wonderful to see.”

In May, Roberts told David Letterman of the twins: “They seem to really love each other. He’s sort of very boyish and masculine. He has red hair and big green eyes. And she’s very girlish and has very blonde hair and blue eyes. He likes blueberries. She likes her daddy.”

Congratulations to Julia and Danny. A new baby will bring even more love into their already exciting family.

This next baby will be a breeze for Julia. Having twins first probably made her very efficient.


Three-year-old Blogger’s Inspiring Chemotherapy Diary


Samantha Hughes has spent the past year battling a disease of the nerve cells that affects fewer than 100 children in the UK each year.

Tens of thousands of supporters have been following her progress via the internet after her father Neil began detailing her struggle in a web-log.

The youngster’s diary – called simply “Samantha’s Story” – is written in the style her parents think she would use if she could pen it herself.

It begins: “I seem to have lost my appetite for the last few weeks. The only things I fancy eating are yoghurt during the day and milk during the night.

“Mummy and daddy have noticed my belly has become quite swollen, so they are going to take me to see the doctor to see whether I am poorly or not.”

In the weeks after her first entry Samantha underwent a series of X-rays, CT scans, bone-marrow tests and biopsies to diagnose her problem.

Doctors eventually found she had neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer whose victims are usually aged less than five.

The condition, about which little is still known, causes a solid tumour that usually originates in the abdomen in the tissue of the adrenal gland.

Now, after 13 gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and an operation to remove a growth, Samantha is at last showing no signs of the disease.

But she still faces an agonising wait to see whether the cancer will return – and doctors have warned there will be little hope for her if it does.

She says in her blog: “Although I’m winning my battle against this deadly cancer, I have a long way to go before I can say I have won the war.

“The doctors say that if the disease does come back my body will not be able to cope with any more chemotherapy, so I have a very anxious wait.

“But I’m not the kind of girl to sit around thinking of things like that. I’m concentrating on living life to the full and enjoying every second of my life.”

It is inspiring to hear about Samantha’s journey in her own words. Hopefully this little girl will be a role model for kids like her. Please visit her site to read her story in her own words. www.samanthahughes.co.uk

Related Articles:

I’m a Superhero by Daxton Wilde and Sherry Wilde

SOURCE:DAILYMAIL