Posts from — April 2008

It used to be that new mamas debuted their babies after delivery, not their hot postpartum bods.

But, keeping up with Hollywood’s trend of mums bouncing back right after babe, Halle Berry unveiled the fruits of her gym labors at Silver Rose Gala and Auction in LA on Sunday.

While there’s no denying the actress looks amazing after having daughter, Nahla six weeks ago, our friends at Celebrity Baby Scoop have a shot of her looking just as stunning, but less svelte while shopping yesterday.

Do you think the hoopla of Halle’s postpartum perfection sets a ridiculous bar for other child bearing women?

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 By Ericka Lutz

Eating out with toddlers doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Try these great tips to make your restaurant experiences more palatable.

OK, let’s get it straight: having kids doesn’t mean your life is over or that you have to sacrifice your social life. I’m passionate about this belief, especially when it comes to eating out, an activity our family long ago elevated to high hobby. I want my daughter to appreciate fine food and good dining as much as I do, so from the time she was born we’ve been hauling her to restaurants—and having a good time, too.

Granted, we’re unusual. If you’re like most parents, it’s been a long time since you ventured beyond the neighborhood pizza parlor with little ones. Remember those long ago days before kids when you used to go to real restaurants? Not McHotDog Queen. Not that faux Italian place in the mall with the floor sticky from spilled soda where they pass out free earplugs at the door to drown out the endless beeps and crashes of the video arcade. I’m talking about places with tablecloths and wait staff, not announcements over the loud speaker (”Number 12, your dinner is ready … number 12, please!”).

I know. Next month is your anniversary, and you plan to get a babysitter and go out. Until then … Until then …? That’s no way to live! While going out to eat with babies and toddlers can be a challenge, it isn’t impossible, foolhardy, or insane. It’s usually enjoyable. It does take a little practice but it’s worth it.

Here, then, is a quick hit version of everything I know about restauranteering with the under-five set. [Read more →]

 By Dr. Roger McIntire

Just when it seems you’re getting the knack of parenting, your child enters the “No” stage. Learn how to handle the power struggle between you and your toddler.

Two-year-old Joshua’s “No!” is accompanied by a sly look at Mom. He is testing his mother’s limits, but he is also trying to navigate his own limits. He is asking, “Are my parents a part of me, or do we think independently?”

You’ve just started to finally make some parenting progress on the basics of sleeping, eating, and successful toilet training . . . and then the “No” stage takes over.

Weary parents, don’t despair! Here are some tips to help you manage these trying times.

Your Child and No!

A few months ago Joshua learned his hand was part of him, and his mommy’s finger between his first teeth was not. This leads to two conclusions: Biting mommy’s fingers doesn’t hurt him but the consequences vary, and biting his own fingers hurts every time.

Not long after this discovery of independence, the milestones of eating, sleeping, and toilet training become the early battlegrounds for the “No” stage. Here, a child has an advantage because he has his own inside information: “Aren’t you hungry?” “No.” [Read more →]

I came across this really useful great idea post here is the link so you know what i mean . http://homemakerbarbi.blogspot.com/2008/04/works-for-me-wednesday-potty-chair.html

Its great if your showing your tot how to potty train.

Competition for spots in acceptable state schools is so fierce in Spain, that parents are getting divorces in order to give their children an advantage. Under Spanish law, children living with a single parent get extra points on their applications.

Family courts have noticed that the numbers of official separation rose by 50 percent right before the deadline for school registration. In Spain, spouses can secure a divorce in only five weeks. After school placement is over, officials claim that many couples are back in court seeking reconciliation.

[Read more →]

Its really hot in Texas so we decided to give him sugar free popsicles . Can you tell his happy? I’m sticking to sugar free treats from now on because we were at Starbucks yesterday and I gave him some of my vanilla frappuccino and it turned out to be a really bad idea! It was non stop jumping he was everywhere. I’ve never seen him so excited and full of energy and I never thought he could ever get any more hyper than he already was. He was babbling, and spinning, jumping, crawling around ,picking up and touching everything he could get his hands on. It was like he drank 10 red bulls and when into fast forward. We all had a pretty good laugh, and it took hours for him to calm down, so I learned a very valuable lesson as a new mom, NEVER EVER give your toddler vanilla frappuccino or anything too sweet. The results will vary but you will have your work cut out for you trust me!

Check out these cute outfits only at gap. Your tot is going to look cute wearing these you can even mix and match them. Their at a reasonable price, very comfortable and easy to wash. Go and see the rest of the cute pictures. [Read more →]

My babe is at the stage where he repeats EVERYTHING I say. It’s fun most of the time, but can be a tad harrowing when someone drops a four–letter word in front of her.

Somehow my motherly instincts have severely curbed my cursing, but every now and again, I let one slip.

Just the other night she caught me by surprise as she dropped the “F” bomb. Shocked and appalled, I didn’t know what to do. At 33–months–old, what good does scolding him for bad language do? And besides that, it wasn’t his fault that he learned it and was simply repeating it. It was just like any other word.

To find out what happened, read more.

As I stared at his with wide eyes and dropped jaw, he reached forward and grabbed his frog and again said the “F” word. Much relieved, I excitedly said, “Yes! Frog! F–R–O–G!”

Phew. A close call for sure. It was a good reminder to mind my P’s and Q’s.

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