B Holistic

B your baby's personal chef. They're worth it!

Nothing compares to preparing your baby's first foods.  This is the best way to introduce new foods and flavors to your baby. All you need is your basic sauce pan, saute pan, and a good quality blender or food processor.  

Believe me, I don't blame moms for getting the jar food for convenience sake.  It's definitly great in a pinch.  However, boiling and blending does not take much time AND you get a lot more food for the money.  When I was feeding my little ones mashed foods, my convenient grab-and-go meal was often a banana mixed with avocado or other fruit.  With a little planning, you can introduce all your baby's first foods and easily transition them to solids.

This was my book...In fact, I should revisit for some toddler meal ideas.  

It's all about the puree... 

I liked to use ice cube trays and the colorful First years storage containers to store batches of food.  The advantage of containers is you could have a meal ready to go in the fridge for tomorrow's lunch and dinner. I liked the First years colorful containers offered an aesthetic value for my efforts.  But, if I had to do it again, I'd probably just use my glass pyrex containers for the fridge and cube trays for the freezer.  The trays are good for freezing (obviously), but this also allows you to mix and match foods when baby's ready for a little variety.

If you can splurge, go for the VIta-Mix.  This is one heck of a blender that'll work well beyond your kids first foods.  Otherwise, a regular blender or even food processor will do the job.  

I'm proud to say that making baby food was one of my greatest parenting achievements.  Charlie would tell me that Victor was such a good eater BECAUSE I made all of his baby food.  It wasn't long before Harriet destroyed that theory. 

Making your baby's food is rewarding, cost-effective, and very healthy for your little one.  Here are a few websites people have shared that offer some great food suggestions.

http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/

and  

http://weelicious.com/ 

Feel free to share your favorite recipes.

 

 

 

B Efficient and put the kids to work

Last Sunday was a cold and gray day.  So, I was happy to spend the better part of the afternoon in the kitchen preparing for Charlie's birthday dinner.  Classic Pot Roast and Boston cream cake both came from Cook's Illustrated, a love/hate relationship. I love the informative, no fuss, black and white format of the magazine. And I love how they approach cooking from every angle and test food and equipment for the best results. But, I hate that you have to pay for online access to the recipes EVEN if you have a subscription.  

I really hate that 95% of the time when I cook from Cook's Illustrated, the recipe is a production.  The Classic Pot Roast recipe was from the free 14 day trial subscription when I printed out every recipe I thought I would ever need, mostly holiday recipes.  I thought 3 hours in the oven would provide ample time for Sunday sitting.  But, it didn't.  Between the cake cooling and layering, cleaning in between, and prepping sides and a salad blah blah blah it was all day.  ANYWAY....

Charlie started feeling queasy right before dinner.  He politely had two bites.  The rest of us ate our slow cooked meal in about 5 minutes and then there was the mess.  When I want to be done with something but still have to plow through- alone - I get crabby.  So, when Victor started asking me for my phone to play angry birds, I became the angry bird.  Actually, not too angry because I decided right then and there that it was about time the kids get to work.

I was inspired by Suze Orman's latest "Money Class" on PBS where she stands firm on telling kids "NO NO NO' instead of "YES YES YES" to every whim and desire.  She hates allowance and believes in a work-pay program.  Here, the kid doesn't get $$ for everyday - should do anyway- chores like making the bed, or picking up toys.  Instead they get paid when they do work.  The value of the pay increases with more challenging tasks.  However, the kid can't choose the highest value chore for the $$$ but needs to work his/her way up to that big money item- like climbing the corporate ladder.  Orman's feeling is that children who get whatever they want as kids won't be equipped with the work ethic that will be required of them in the challenging economic future.

I can see this frightening reality already with lazy, phone-addicted teenagers working in retail stores or restaurants.  Sloppiness and rudeness is a pet peeve and sometimes I say something and become that lady. To be honest, as much as I'd like to say, "uh uh- not MY kid."  I CAN actually see some entitlement behavior brewing and tonight I knew things were going to change around here. 

So, came the quotes...one of my aunt's favorites but I can never remember and sounds something like "Mache hande make-a schnelle ende"  which means many hands together gets the work done quickly.  And, one of my Dad's constants - "NOW, look around. What else needs to be done?"

I wasn't crabby and didn't feel overwhelmed anymore.  It's about time these kids do more than the minimum around here.  It will take a little training, but that goes with any new work program.  Dusting, vacuuming, sorting, folding, mopping, washing, what else, what else???  It's about time these kids realized household chores were for the household and not just for those/me who can't tolerate living in a pig sty.

When everything was cleaned up we lit the candles and sang happy birthday.  Poor Charlie was too sick for his own cake.  And if you know Charlie, than you know he was feeling BAD.  We indulged anyway - we worked for it - and the cake was Cook's Illustrated saving grace.  WoW!  They also have the best chocolate chip cookie recipe ever!  I'd provide the link but you'd have to pay for the recipe.  Instead, put this book on your wish list or a buy it for the sweet tooth in your life.

To be continued... 

B in the Moment: A Reflection on 11:52

The rules were simple.  Set your cell-phone alarm for 11:52 and snap a picture in that moment- wherever you are- for one year.  It sounded like a good self-discipline building project.  I needed to complete this!  I thought I would learn a lot.  But, I had no idea how much.  

This project allowed me to capture the ordinary - everyday moments.  Who knew lunch time could be photo worthy?  I have enough to last for awhile.  I think it's these ordinary moments that people speak about when they say "time goes by so fast, enjoy these moments", or these are the "BEST" years.  I'm hoping that if I enjoy these days to their fullest I can continue to enjoy the better years to come.

It became very clear that inspiration is everywhere-anytime.  If you can connect with that moment the inspiration is right in front of you.  Not that all of these photos are super inspired moments or anything, but it was enough to realize there are NO excuses. 

Most interesting to me were the repetitive numbers.  I found myself glancing at the clock at 3:52, 8:52, etc.  It happened enough (and still does, but not as often) that I began to repeat an affirmation (I am loved, I am innocent, I am free) when I saw these times.  It's a little cheezy, but I like it.  

The photography aspect was new for me.  I look forward to learning and improving my photography skills.  As Mark encouraged me, I would encourage anyone to embark on their own reflection of time. Our cousin Noreen is going strong with 7:07.  Make your own rules to suit yourself.  For instance,  I only took a shot if I was near my phone to hear the alarm. 

Originally, I liked the song "After Hours" by We Are Scientists.  At 3:52 seconds, I thought the song was a good fit.  But, the law kept me from using it here.  Interestingly enough, it was only after watching the slideshow with music that I realized 2010 was a turning point in my life.   But, I'll save that for another time.     

Until the next project or the occasional 11:52...enjoy!

How many times can you see this guy? 

   

B Organized: Colorful baskets

These are perfect for Easter baskets and even better for everyday clean up...

B Crafty: A back to school project

Craft projects are a great way to engage with the kids and express creative energy.  These whimsical pens/pencils are fun, simple, and actually useful.  They make great gifts and are the perfect back to school project.  

Simply, dab hot glue onto a writing utensil and wrap the pipe cleaner around it.  When you get to the top, dab some more glue and tuck the feathers into the pipe cleaner for a secure fit.  Wrap the pipe cleaner around tightly and voila...a writing wand.

The possibilities are endless with this project.  Artificial or Tissue paper flowers could be used instead of flowers.  Or substitute florist tape for the pipe cleaners.  

Thanks to one of my most creative friends for this crafty project!

B Expandable and switch to cotton diapers

    The time has come when we all need to start expanding the way we do things.  It's important for us to take the steps when we can to eliminate waste, while cutting costs on our family budgets.  Switching to cotton diapers is one way to do just that.  Cotton diapers have come a long way since rags with pins.  These diapers are not only adorable, but healthy for the baby.  These are great for sensitive skin and help to eliminate diaper rash. 

    A friend found the Fuzzibunz diaper to be the best cloth option. They have a pocket insert for a bio-degradable absorbent pad. The snap buttons allow for growth so that you get the most out of each diaper.  Resale of these diapers is a viable option at 75% of total value.  They are so colorful and fun, they would make great gifts. You can buy a set and give individuals away to friends, neighbors, and coworkers. 

 

B Safe: check out your kids toys

This holiday season, refer to this website (www.healthytoys.org) to check for toxic elements in your kids toys.  It's a sad and disturbing fact that toxic and harmful chemicals are used in the manufacturing of these toys.  It's my feeling that things will change, but for now we must sift through toys like we sift through halloween candy.

 

B Self-Motivated: The key to learning

I love the philosophy behind the Kumon learning centers and workbooks.  Start with appropriate exercises in reading and math than gradually build upon the level of difficulty, promoting confidence in the child.  As a parent I worry about my kids not liking school.  Mostly because the thought of listening to them whine every morning terrifies me.  Being self-motivated and enjoying the process of learning is the key to a bright future.

Below are some of the workbooks and crafts that help build reading, math, motor, and spatial skills.  These books are so cool and fun for parents, too.

B Imaginative and keep your sanity

One of the most interesting aspects of parenting is the process.  As the kids grow up, the process changes!  There is also more self-evaluation than I sometimes care to practice.  Having kids has brought out some traits that I didn't know existed.  But my propensity to frustration is not what this entry is about. 

Charlie and I strategically planned an addition to the family so Victor would be mature enough to adjust.  In the beginning, he was barely showing any signs of jealousy or regression.  However, after about four months he started acting out, sassing (me and his teachers), and exploding with more fits of anger, I knew something had to change.   I had to ask myself, What was I doing or not doing that is contributing to this change in behavior?  As much as I wanted to blame him for the behavior I knew it was more about me and what I needed to do as a parent. 

Finally, after a few prayers, it occurred to me I needed to play more!  Fifteen minutes here and there wasn't working anymore.  He'd always been able to play well by himself.  But as Victor gets older he's getting more and more creative; thriving on pretending and imaginative play.  I had to devote the morning (dishes, laundry, email aside) to play.  He is a superhero devotee and although sometimes challenging I often play the hero's caretaker like "Aunt May" or "Alfred".  Below is a duck taped box equipped with a door and tinfoil cupcake cups on the inside that act as a computer where Alfred notices Problems in Gotham. 



When I was growing up, my cousin and I loved to play restaurant, school, and wallpaper store.  I just assumed that pretend play was a given, but apparently there are crusaders out there trying to revive this old school idea.  Recently, at a seminar, a Chinese medicine scholar noted that kids were "over-stimulated" these days between TV, video games, computer games, and in my opinion toys with voices, and contributed to the overwhelming increase in behavioral and developmental issues. 

For me, making this adjustment in my parenting style allowed for a lot less guilt and deeper understanding of my child's needs.  Using our imagination and playing for a small part of our day helps us to be in the moment, a natural gift of childhood. 

B Gone Phlegm! Acupressure for babies

There's nothing like a trip to the hospital because of respiratory distress to inspire a little acupressure treatment on my kids.  I took Harriet to the hospital last Sunday morning because her breathing was labored.  After several tests, RSV, influenza, and Pneumonia were ruled out.  One Albuterol treatment relieved the distress and we were on our way home.  She was fine, thank goodness.  All last week her breathing was normal but I could hear phlegm rattling around.  This is where the acupressure comes in.  Phlegm congestion is probably the #1 reason behind most ear infections, and I like to think that my treatments can help prevent them.  It's been one week since this episode and so far we've avoided a worsening condition

Here's what I do...

• I always steam pears for congestion, their great for phlegm in the chest.  Bosc pears (brown peal) are usually best, but any will do.  Of course, I try and refrain from any dairy products with phlegm conditions.

• I press on this area of the chest.  This is the first point on the Lung meridian and is good for tonifying the Lung Qi.  This one always gets a laugh.  The trick for any of these techniques is duration.  Pressing these points for 5 seconds doesn't cut it.  I usually count to 100.

• I roll the skin on the back of the spine.  On both sides of the spine there are points that represent all major organs.  This technique helps to strengthen them.  This is great for development in children.

• This is a classic point for phlegm.  It's located in the middle of the leg on the lateral side of the calf.  Don't worry about the exact location.  Children's points are not clearly defined yet, rubbing the general area will reap the benefits.

•  Of course, there are almost always a few tears shed.  Oh well, this doesn't hurt.  This point is located in the middle of the chest between the nipples.  This point is called "sea of Qi", whenever there are breathing issues this point is used to open the airways.

So that's basically it.  Other at-home tips include steam in the bathroom, humidifiers, and elevation when sleeping.