1.- Corduroy- by Melanie Rosen-

2.- The Very Hungry Caterpillar- By Eric Carle

3.- My Very First Mother Goose by Iona Opie

4.- Close Your Eyes by Kate Banks

5.- Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino

These are very classic reads that every baby/toddler should have on their shelf.  This encourages a love for reading and helps expand the imagination of your child.  It’s nice to see that classic books are still a top pick, with the ereader making a huge impact in our mainstream lives, you want to ensure that your child has been introduced properly to traditional books/titles early on.

Below is a list of the important pointers, following this advise can help ease some of the stress typically experienced in the first few weeks.  Also, I know it sounds kind of cliche, but calling on a Mommy Reliever to help care for baby while you recuperate after delivery by getting a good nights sleep here and there, and to assist with keeping the norm regarding older siblings during the day, isn’t such a bad idea either.

1.  Simplify Household Chores-   By saving steps for yourself by keeping a basket or bin on every level of your home filled with all basic supplies needed to care for baby, i.e. diapers, wipes, burping cloth, receiving blanket on hand will help with the unnecessary up and down stairs. 

When you have a neighbor, family member or friend over holding the baby, take a few minutes to go pop in a load of laundry, or fold and put away laundry. 

Pre plan meals/dinners and prep and cook when you have downtime.  While baby is asleep and you are up is a perfect time to catch up on those daily household chores that tend to get pushed back.  Cooking ahead is also a good idea, freeze meals for the future, and let hubby or friends take out and warm up while you are resting.

2.  Know your physical limitations- Immediate recovery is unlikely, particularly when mom has had a c-section.  If you push yourself too quickly in the beginning, you can jeopardize the healing process.  So know your limitations, and prepare to not have to lift anything for several weeks after the baby arrives.  Lining up help for lifting heavy items, carrying laundry baskets up and down stairs, and for lifting older/toddler siblings is very important.

3. Go easy on yourself.  Accepting that your norm is not the norm anymore, will allow you to take the changes in stride, and enjoy the thrill of having your precious bundle home.  Accept that your daily routines have to change, and keep in mind that there is always take out and home delivery for dinners/meals!  Utilize those services that are there to help you when most needed.

4.  Accept help graciously.  We want to be the end all be all. That really isn’t the attitude to take right after childbirth.  This is a special time where you should be pampered and relaxed.  Accept the help from mother, mother in law, family and friends graciously as they are offering with your best interest in mind, to help with your recovery.  If your family and friends can’t stay in town as long as you need, or can’t come at all, it’s perfectly alright to seek outside help.  For decades women have relied and entrusted one another with the care of their children, so pick up the phone and call a trusted agency when help is needed.

5.- Finally, Take a walk.   Getting fresh air is good for you and baby.  Don’t be afraid to go outside even when it’s cold.  Bundle both yourself and baby up, and take a short stroll.  A walk in the stroller may just be the trick needed to lull your little one to sleep, allowing mom to steal a few moments of “me” time for yourself!

This information is taken not only from life experiences, but also from the Winter 2012 Edition of the Virginia Hospital Center’s Health Reach magazine.  There are also Breastfeeding Support Groups and Postpartum Support Groups available at the Hospital and in your communities, for specific support and services.

Super sensitive subject, I know believe me. 

We all sometimes battle  with the Mommy Guilt syndrome.  This past week, I had a conversation with a fellow mom, who is just starting back to work.  My job not just professionally, but personally was to comfort and uplift her by telling her what is so very true in that, she is doing the right thing for not only herself, but for her family as well.  That the baby does know who she is now, and will know her whether she’s a stay at home mom, or continues on with her career.  That she will someday look back on the emotional roller coaster that she is riding now, and laugh. 

However, I could not help but to feel the same compassion and sympathy for her that I feel about myself from time to time.  You have days where you are just not sure if you are doing the right thing by working full time.  So, I went online and found some very helpful tips that can help ease the transition from maternity leave to returning to work.  It’s also a refreshing read for mom’s who have been back to work for quite a while, but still have those “guilty” days.

Before you return back to work do the following:

Set a return-to-work date.  If you are able to arrange it, choose a day late in the week, this will give you a couple of days to get “back in the groove” of things, prior to starting a full week. 

Talk to your boss- Clarify your job duties and schedule so that you will know exactly what is expected of you.  You might want to ask for a flexible work schedule where you can have a day or two for telecommuting, or if you have the luxury, work part time.

If you are breast feeding- Continue to do so after you return to work, but ask your employer about a clean, private room for pumping.  Consider buying an electric pump that will allow you to pump both breasts at one.  About two weeks prior to returning to work start to introduce the bottle to baby if you haven’t done so.  See my previous blog on Breast to Bottle for helpful tips in making the transition.

Find dependable childcare-  This is a MUST for busy, working moms.  In order to be productive, and effective at work, you have to feel secure in knowing that baby is receiving the best care possible.  Take your time in interviewing, and getting to know the person if you don’t already, that is going to care for your baby while away at work.  Going through an agency has it’s pros as most agencies will have conducted background checks, reference checks, provided training, etc. to ensure that the person you have is qualified and trustworthy.

LET GO OF THE GUILT- Going back to work after maternity leave for a new mother can invoke a tremendous amount of emotional struggles.  Working outside of the home does not make you a bad mother- and it’s ok to look forward to the adult interactions and challenges, goals, accomplishments at your job.  The key is to constantly remind yourself that you are doing what’s best for you and your family.

Once you are back to work, keep in mind the following:

Get and stay organized.  Make daily to do list.  You may want to do what I do, by having a work and home notebook for tasks and appointments.  You can also assign tasks to your partner, and know when to say No to avoid stressing yourself out.

Stay Connected- Plan at least one daily phone call to your baby’s caregiver to find out how your baby is doing daily.  Place a photo of baby on your desk to glance at from time to time, as a gentle reminder that you are doing it not only for yourself, but for your family.  Also Set aside time after work to reconnect with your baby.

Make back up plans-  Nanny’s, neighbors, dad, grandparents, someone should be your back up, just in case there’s an important meeting that i just can’t miss, person.  This eleviates the stress of relying on one sole person as your childcare provider.  However, the benefit of using childcare centers include not having to have a back up person in line.

Nurture your own well being- One of the things that I said to my fellow mom last week was something that you sometimes feel guilty about saying, but is a very true statement.  Although you are a mom, you are also a human being.  You must nuture yourself even if it’s something small like taking a hot bath once baby is asleep, or cuddling up to a good book, or going to get a pedi/mani every couple of weeks.  You must rewared yourself for the hard work, and give yourself a chance to renew.

I hope the above tips can assist other moms who are either transitioning back to work, or are currently working outside of the home, and have to battle Mommy Guilt from time to time.  Remember the above tips, they can help get you through the rough period.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES/RECREATION

Jumpin’ Jack Sports  –  Moon Bounces, Rock Wall, Obstacle Course, Virtual Reality Arcade and Indoor activities.  Open gym at various times.  Check website for details www.jumpingjacksports.com/

Ice Skating

• Reston Town Center – www.restontowncenter.com/
• Reston Skate Quest  www.skatequest.com/
• Ashburn Ice House www.ashburnice.com/

Spring Hill Rec Center (Indoor swimming, Racquet ball courts, etc…)

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/shillrec.htm

Claude Moore Rec Center – Indoor Waterpark, Rock Climbing Walls, Indoor Gym www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=3252

Sport Rock (Alexandria and Sterling) – Professional indoor and outdoor rock climbing lessons with qualified instructors offering levels for beginners to professionals.  www.sportrock.com

Bowling

• BOWL AMERICA

140 South Maple Avenue
Falls Church, VA 22046
(703) 534 – 1370

• BOWL AMERICA

46940 Woodson Drive
Sterling, VA 20164
(703) 430 – 1350

LIVE THEATER

Imagination Stage, Bethesda, MD – Tickets $10-$22

www.imaginationstage.org/

Adventure Theater, Glen Echo, MD – Tickets $15.00

www.adventuretheatre.org/

INEXPENSIVE MOVIE THEATER

University Mall Theaters – usually has children’s movie matinees.  ALL seats only $4.00.  www.universitymalltheatres.com

MAKE YOUR OWN PIZZA

Generous George’s in Herndon

www.generousgeorge.com/index.html

NATURE ACTIVITIES

Great Falls National Park and Nature Center – www.nps.gov/grfa/index.html/

Riverbend Park and Nature Center – www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/

MUSEUMS

Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Baltimore –

www.portdiscovery.org/

Baltimore Aquarium – www.aqua.org/

National Aquarium, DC – http://www.nationalaquarium.org/

Dulles Air and Space Museum – Check out the IMAX shows or a flight simulator.  Parking at this museum $15.00.  www.si.edu/Museums/air-and-space-museum-udvar-hazy-center/

Smithsonian Museums – Air and Space and Natural History are my favorites.  Both have IMAX shows and interactive exhibits.  Check out the Insect Exhibit at Natural History with live Tarantula feedings!

http://www.si.edu/museums/

For older kids and teens:

Spy Museum (for older kids and teens) – www.spymuseum.org/

Newseum – http://www.newseum.org/

PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY

Color Me Mine

Ashburn – http://www.ashburn.colormemine.com/

Fairfax – http://fairfax.colormemine.com/

LIBRARY EVENTS – Most activities are free, but please check for fees and availability.  Visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/

PUPPET SHOWS

The Puppet Company @ Glen Echo – www.thepuppetco.org/

CHILDREN’S MUSIC

Jammin’ Java

227 Maple Ave. E
Vienna VA 703-255-1566

http://jamminjava.com/home/kids-events/list/

SPORTING EVENTS

Washington Capitols Hockey Practice – Open to the Public and FREE!  http://capitals.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42973

George Mason Basketball at Patriot Center –http://georgemasonbasketball.blogspot.com/

HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOWS

Zoo Lights

www.fonz.org/zoolights.htm/

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park

http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/winterlights/11_main.html/

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/garden_lights.shtm/

Bull Run Festival of Lights http://www.nvrpa.org/park/bull_run_festival_of_lights/

This brings me to wanting to write about mom.  The either expecting, or new mom who is experiencing a whole new world at Christmas time this year!  With those wonderful moms in mind, I pulled together a small list of great gift ideas that will be useful for the expectant mom, and help to ease some of the stress, sleep deprivation, and other anxieties that motherhood can tend to bring on. See below.

1.- Dinner Out- Take mom to her favorite restaurant and allow her to indulge in a great holiday meal away from home, and where she isn’t responsible for the clean up.

2.- Spa Gift Card- Whether it’s a Red Door, Toka Salon, or your favorite local boutique spa, – moms or moms to be enjoy being pampered.  Get a package that will include the pregnancy massage if the spa offers one, and don’t forget to have the spa focus on moms feet, especially moms to be need to have a little extra attention to tired, possibly swollen ankles, and a little gift pack of a variety of nail colors can help brighten her day too!

3.- Leacho- Snoogle Total Body Pillow- Moms to be love body pillows!  These extra large pillows provide added support to the growing tummy, she can prop her head up to help ease heartburn, she can also fold the pillow in between her legs to provide the extra comfort and relieve pressure.

4.- Belli Skin Care- Elasticity Belly Oil- All moms to be should indulge in oils with healing benefits to the skin.  When pregnant the skin is prone to stretch, so keep on hand the body lotions and oils made by Belli Skin Care to help.  These oils ingredients have all been tested to be safe so no worries of pregnancy related problems, or birth defects from it’s use.  Also the oils are all allergen and dye free.

5.- Belly Buds- Pregnancy Bellyphones- Have some fun with it!  Give your mom to be a method of bonding while relaxing baby.  You can pre-record voices and allow soothing musical sounds to flow from belly to baby.

I hope these easy gift ideas come in handy and put a huge smile on your mom or mom to be’s face during the holidays!

Is your child suffering from either Ipad or Iphone Envy, wanting to have one of their very own?  My 2 year old, yes 2 year old insists on having my Iphone at times and playing the cute little game that I’ve downloaded for her called Lunchbox.  She amazes me how captivated she becomes when playing this game on my phone, and more importantly how she actually knows all of the answers to the questions regarding shapes, colors, puzzle pieces, etc.  She just picks up my phone and fixes her little pointer finger, scrolling as if she were an adult using the iphone for years through the apps until she identifies the correct app for the Lunchbox game, and settles into play.

With that being said, I am considering getting her either the Leap Pad, or the Vtech Innopad for Christmas.  In conducting my own research, I have learned that in my opinion the Leap Pad has more features to offer, and the price isn’t bad either.  With the Leap Pad being right around $ 99.00 and the Vtech Innopad being right around $ 79.00 bucks, there really isn’t too much of a price difference.  However, the Leap Pad has a built in camera, a built in voice recorder, interactive flashcards, and the largest launch library of games and apps available.  For me, this means not only will my daughter give back my iphone now, but she will have endless access to her own educational hi-tech library!  Although, I really haven’t decided on which to choose, I am leaning more towards the Leap Pad. 

If you have had the opportunity to try out both systems and have an opinion on either, please reply to let us know.

1- Keep in mind that age has everything to do with a child’s ability to learn the concept of being grateful.  A preschooler has pretty much more of a self centered personality, but a gentle reminder like “let’s both say, Thank you to aunt Janice” is helpful in changing that behavior.

2- Show your child that you are grateful.  By exhibiting and modeling the expected behavior we are more likely to get our point across.  So don’t be afraid to express gratitude when your child is around.

3- When your toddler has impulses that are empathetic, such as picking up a rattle that a baby has dropped on the floor and handing it back.  Another example is hugging another child that may be upset, are all ways that show your teachings are working.  When you witness these behaviors/acts of kindness, you want to embrace such behavior by saying Thank You for picking up the rattle, you helped the baby stop crying, or Thank you for giving your friend a hug, you have made her happy again.

4- Most important, say things to your child like ” I am so happy and thankful to have such a well behaved little girl like you in my life”, to express how thankful you are to have your child in your life.  Also, kids seek our approval, and recognition so by recognizing such behavior we are encouraging it to continue.

These random teachings and actions should be exercised often to help in raising more appreciative and grateful children.  Having a child that understands and respects his or her belongings, and most importantly other people is part of the accomplishment of raising a well rounded child.

The site covers topics such as shopping first so that you can stock up on essentials needed for the tasty yet healthy recipes.  Ideas such as stocking up on fresh veggies, fresh and freezable fruits, whole grain food ideas, canned beans which can add additional nutritional value to any meal, and more.  Once you get the food home, the website suggest that you wash, chop and freeze the vegetables and fruit.  This helps to not only preserve the food but it also elimates future meal prep work.

There are ideas for boosting your breakfast meals including dinner ideas.  Simple steps like including fiber rich beans, or using crushed cereal made with whole grain or rolled oats when preparing bread, poultry, and/or fish are all small tips that you don’t really tend to think of daily/weekly, but can add a great deal of nutritional value to our everyday meals.

I hope that you decide to sign up for the free information, and that the ideas are as interesting and helpful to you as for me.

www.eatbetteramerica.com

I say maybe I’ve missed something here because when one of our wonderful Mommy Reliever’s brought this to my attention last week, I was totally thrown aback.  Sure my daughter’s are almost 11 years apart, and I get that things change, but really, a crib mattress with both a firm side, and a softer side has been invented?????

With that said, I decided to do my own research just as soon as she left my office.  I could not believe it so I had to see for myself.  Here’s what I have found.  I hope that this information is as educational for you as it is for me, and I really hope that it helps in the important process of choosing the best crib mattress for your little one.

Purchasing a crib mattress for your new baby is one of the most important investments/purchases that a new parent – parent to be has to make.  There are many different variables to consider when shopping for a crib mattress.   Learning that there are two sides to some mattresses, gives us parents one additional safety point to consider.  Some parents and parents to be may think that it’s a silly idea to consider getting a mattress with both the firm side for infants and the pillow, more cushiony side for toddlers, not to mention the extra costs.  However, some babies, especially once they become toddlers notice the difference in their mattress, and prefer to sleep on a softer cuddlier surface.   By the time your child reaches toddler years, SIDS is generally one less worry.  However, keep in mind while traveling for the holidays and other times that for nap and bedtime at family and friends homes if there is a dual mattress it should be on the right side for the appropriate age of your baby.

Whichever you choose the traditional or the dual sided you have to consider the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) please  keep in mind the potential safety hazard of not using the correct side for newborns and infants if you decide to go with the dual sided mattresses.  SIDS is serious, and we must keep in mind that placing an infant down to sleep on a soft sleep surface increases the risk of SIDS.

Following are a list of brands that do carry the dual sided mattresses. Check them out and compare to your standard mattresses to determine which works best for your baby.  Some of the top brands that carry these dual sided mattresses include, Colgate, Nook Sleep System, Costco, and DaVinvi Systems.

Additional information can be found on  http://www.cribmattressguide.net/tag/crib-safety/

Mommy Relief