The Search for Good Books...(July 2012)

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The Search for Good Books...

Searching for good books for your baby or small child can sometimes be a challenging experience.

Once I examined some of the children's books more closely that I had purchased, I realized that I would have to return a few of them because they contained confusing or unsettling imagery.

For example, one story was about a group of farm animals that are involved in a car accident. The fact that there is an accident in the story is the reason why I decided not to introduce this book to my child for now; I do not want her going to bed thinking about car accidents at any age!


Since my baby will learn about animals, people, cars, etc. from me and her books, I want to select books that portray these subjects in a playful but pleasant manner, for now.  Once she is much older, I will introduce her to books that involve different types of subject matter.

My daughter and I wanted to share with my fellow moms the books that I have collected for her.  I bought a few books for older children in case she gets bored with her baby books and requires a more interesting read.  The more of a selection of books that I have for her, the more enthusiastic I will sound when reading these books (as opposed to reading the same books over and over and sounding bored). Hopefully, my daughter will interpret this enthusiasm as a positive message about books and that books can be just as interesting as her toys!

Below is a list of the children's books that I currently have on my baby's bookshelf.  I have indicated the books that I read in childhood and loved:



 0+ months old

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ten-little-fingers-and-ten-little-toes-lap-board-book-mem-fox/1100692338

Moo, Baa, La La La by Sandra Boynton

http://www.amazon.com/Moo-Baa-La/dp/0689870272

The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

http://www.amazon.com/The-Going-To-Bed-Book-Sandra-Boynton/dp/0671449028

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/365388wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=&wl3=21486607510&wl4=&wl5=pla&veh=sem

 6 months old +

The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/The-Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-by-Eric-Carle-Board-Book/66236/product.html

One Fish, Two Fish by Dr. Seuss (from my childhood)

http://www.seussland.com/drseussonetwothreefourfivefish.html

Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt (from my childhood)

http://www.walmart.com/ip/483591adid=22222222227001156469&wmlspartner=wlpa&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=&wl3=14072349670&wl4=&wl5=pla&veh=sem

1 year old +

Hugs by iBaby
This iBaby board book can be purchased for @ $9.00. 
As you can see from this picture to the right, this book has baby animal characters attached with different colored ribbon and fit into little sleeves on each page.
This is how I used this book:

I placed each baby animal into the proper sleeve with the Mama animal character and when I read each page, I pulled out each baby animal and said the name of that animal. Since it is all about hugs between mothers and babies, it is a very pleasant and loving story.  I love it! ;) This book can be purchased at any Walmart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ibaby-Hugs-Tuck-Each-Baby-Into-a-Loving-Hug/13255645 

If for some reason this book is sold out at Walmart.com,  here it is with FREE SHIPPING!:
http://www.bookdepository.com/Ibaby-Hugs-Tuck-Each-Baby-Into-Loving-Hug-Ikids/9781601690203

Colors by bright baby

For @ $5.00 you can enjoy this picture book. Colors has accurate terms that define each picture. My daughter has had fun enjoying all of the bright colors! It is so beautiful and she loves this book!  This book can be purchased at any Walmart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/2673943
If for some reason this book is sold out at Walmart.com, here it is for @$5.00 with FREE SHIPPING!: http://www.bookdepository.com/Colors-Priddy-Books/9780312492472

 The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats (from my childhood)

http://www.bookworm.com/p/the-snowy-day-board-book-77737

There is a Keats website at http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/

ABC by Dr. Seuss (from my childhood)

 http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Seusss-ABC-Amazing-Alphabet/dp/0679882812
For more fun Dr. Seuss gifts, products and supplies, go to
http://www.seussland.com/

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (from my childhood)
http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Tale-Peter-Rabbit-Story-Board/Beatrix-Potter/9780723244325





2 years old +

Where's Spot by Eric Hill
http://www.biblio.com/books/283251396.html

The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper (from my childhood) 

http://www.target.com/p/the-little-engine-that-could-an-abridged-edition-board-book/-/A-14523490#prodSlot=medium_1_8&term=the+little+engine+that+could

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss (from my childhood)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Cat-Hat-Dr-Seuss/dp/039480001X/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0

For more fun Dr. Seuss gifts, products and supplies, go to
http://www.seussland.com/

 Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss (from my childhood)  

My parents didn't care for 'repetitive' books. However, 'repetitive' books can help children form sentences and, therefore, the repetition is good for them.

http://www.amazon.com/Green-Eggs-Ham-Dr-Seuss/dp/0394800168

For more fun Dr. Seuss gifts, products and supplies, go to
http://www.seussland.com/


3 years old and 4 years old + 

John Henry by Ezra Jack Keats (from my childhood)
http://www.amazon.com/John-Henry-Ezra-Jack-Keats/dp/0394890523

Fletcher and Zenobia by Edward Gorey and Victoria Chess (from my childhood) Fletcher, a cat, is stuck in a tree and meets a doll, Zenobia. They become friends and throw a party. I loved this story!

http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=2360542

Use the code THRONES to save $1 off every order until 5/31/14.
For additional coupons, here is the link: http://www.alibris.com/

Make way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey (from my childhood)

 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/make-way-for-ducklings-robert-mccloskey/1100475585?ean=9780670451494







5 years old + 

Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats  (from my childhood)

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Whistle-Willie-Board-Book/Ezra-Jack-Keats/9780670880461

Buttons by Tom Robinson (from my childhood)
Buttons is a cat that grows up in an alley and has to survive on very little. He eventually meets a caring little girl. Her father allows her to adopt Buttons and bring him home. Buttons eventually grows up to be a great companion for the little girl. I loved this book because it is about having friendships that are positive. Here is the link: http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=869119
Use the code THRONES to save $1 off every order until 5/31/14.
For additional coupons, here is the link: http://www.alibris.com/

In a Garden by Ann Kirn (from my childhood) 
The tiny creatures of the garden were planning a circus and practicing for the show. All except tiny Lady Bug, who could not think of a single trick to perform. She became the heroine of the circus by providing what no one else had thought to bring. You can purchase the book at alibris.com:  http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=3160641&matches=11&cm_sp=works*listing*title

Use the code THRONES to save $1 off every order until 5/31/14.

Also, if you are interested in receiving the latest Alibris.com bookmark, e-mail your name/address to Alibris at bookmarks@alibris.com with your request. For additional coupons, here is the link: http://www.alibris.com/

I hope my fellow moms found this list useful. I know my parents had examined most of these books carefully years ago and made sure that I read them at appropriate ages.  I remember enjoying these books and am confident that my daughter will enjoy them too and have similar pleasant memories of these stories.

Happy book searching everyone!

Joy E.
Posted July 2, 2012
JoyE@NetworkforMoms.org

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Lost the Weight, But Not the Waistline? (June 2012)

Lost the Weight, But Not the Waistline?

"I don't care about your waistline Mommy, you're beautiful! Hee-hee!" 

Everyone is telling you how cute your baby looks and how great you look, yet, you are still not quite back to where you want to be.  Why?  Well, due to your pregnancy, your waistline muscles have been stretched so far that they are not able to get back to their original form for now.

According to Isis Parenting.com's website, "During pregnancy the two halves of the outermost abdominal layer, the rectus abdominis, can become separated. This separation is called diastasis recti, and the separation happens because the growing baby and uterus put a forceful pressure on the connective tissue that holds the two halves of the muscles together, causing the connective tissue to stretch apart and become weak."

Unfortunately, left uncorrected this condition can cause long term back pain. There are ways to reduce the stretched muscles and connective tissue in order to correct the diastasis. I know of three:  Yoga, Pilates and crunches at home using a split.

Yoga: Yoga is a low impact work-out that includes a series of "poses", or postures, that give specific benefits like increasing stamina or creating heat in the body through movement. Yoga classes may include breathing techniques and meditation depending on the style in which your yoga teacher was trained. Below is a video of a few yoga exercises that can be used to help strengthen your stomach and regain your waistline.
**Always consult with your doctor first before beginning any exercise routine**

 Pilates: This is a form of exercise, developed by Joseph Pilates, that involves strengthening the core muscles and increasing flexibility. Pilates is now used in various forms of rehabilitation and those of us recovering from pregnancy can benefit from these exercises.  Pilates also involves certain principles to compliment the exercises, which makes Pilates different from other forms of exercise.  Pilates is typically performed using a mat on the floor, however, it can involve the use of specific exercise equipment as well.
Below is a video of some typical Pilates exercises, if you have not begun any core strengthening, maybe take 10 minutes and try these: **Always consult with your doctor first before beginning any exercise routine**

Crunches at home: This is a suggestion from the Isis Parenting website. They suggest using a splint, also known as an abdominal compression binder, while performing your crunches or core exercises.  The Belly Bandit is a popular splint used by women who are trying to get their stomach back in shape. **Always consult with your doctor first before beginning any exercise routine**

The Belly Bandit can be found here: http://www.target.com/p/maternity-bamboo-belly-bandit-beige-belly-bandit/-/A-17054213#prodSlot=large_1_18


For further information, check out the Isis Parenting article below at the end of this post.

Sometimes it is difficult for me to get to a Yoga or Pilates class, so I find these videos helpful and educational.  I hope this information helps my fellow new moms in their body rebuilding plan - should you have one - or at least get you thinking about getting yourself in the best shape for you.

Remember everyone is different, so I encourage my fellow new moms to follow a plan that is manageable for you and does not increase your stress level.

Good luck and happy tummy strengthening!

Joy E.
Posted June 3, 2012

The article below appeared on the old IsisParenting.com's blog (they now use Facebook) and was written by Isis fitness Instructor, Sara Knight, February 15, 2012.

"The Post-Baby Belly: Identifying and treating diastasis recti

Written on February 15, 2012 by Isis Parenting in Postpartum Fitness, Postpartum Issues and Concerns, Time for You

"   The infamous "muffin top".

After pregnancy, many women notice an unwelcome belly bulge; sometimes called the “mummy tummy”, the “muffin top” or the “baby bulge”. Even if you were a fitness enthusiast before, during, and after pregnancy you may notice you just can’t seem to banish the bump! We often think that this new belly is from fat, but it’s actually due to changes in our abdominal muscle structure.

During pregnancy the two halves of the outermost abdominal layer, the rectus abdominis, can become separated. This separation is called diastasis recti, and is the cause of the dreaded belly bulge. The separation happens because the growing baby and uterus put a forceful pressure on the connective tissue that holds the two halves of the muscles together, causing the connective tissue to stretch apart and become weak. Although not all women get diastasis recti when pregnant, it is extremely common. Also, the more pregnancies you experience, the worse it may get.

How can you tell if you have diastasis?
To find out if you have diastasis, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Place a hand over your belly button with your fingers pointing towards your toes. Relax your abdominal muscles and lift your head like you are doing a crunch, bringing your ribcage towards your pelvis. Press with gentle pressure and move your fingers from side to side to feel the right and left edges of the rectus abdominis. You have diastasis if the gap between the muscle is 2  fingers wide or more. You may even see a bulge or mound protruding. You can also move your fingers above and below the navel to see how long the separation is.

Can you prevent or reduce the separation?
The good news is, you can help reduce the separation of these muscles by avoiding the following movements:

1. Sitting straight up from a lying position. Instead, roll over to one side then use your arms to push you up without the help of your abdominal muscles.
2. Abdominal exercises that work the exterior abdominal muscles, like crunches and oblique crossovers. These will put additional strain on your rectus abdominis.
3. Lifting and carrying heavy objects or any other movements that cause the belly to protrude out upon exertion.

Can I improve the situation?
Yes. Wearing a splint over your post partum belly will help physically bring the two sides of the rectus abdominis together. Splinting while performing core strengthening exercises can help to heal the separation and strengthen the connective tissue. In addition, be aware of your core muscles. By engaging your core during movements such as climbing stairs or carrying a baby, you can prevent further rectus stretching and maybe even help shorten the gap.
For most women, diastasis recti resulting from pregnancy is unavoidable. However, knowing is half the battle, and once you know that you have diastasis, you can be more thoughtful of your exercises and habits to help get rid of that “mummy tummy”!

Sara Knight

Isis Fitness Instructor  "

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P.A.M! (May 2012)

 

    May is Pregnancy Awareness Month

I wanted to make this post to highlight two organizations that NetworkforMoms.org supports and are good sources of baby safety information.

Pregnancy Awareness Month (P.A.M), according to their website, is an 'organization dedicated to inspiring women during pregnancy with educational initiatives spotlighting nutrition, wellness and all around nurturing'.

During the month of May, P.A.M. has a conference-style event in Los Angeles, CA that features a variety of products, specialists and experts in the field of pregnancy, motherhood and children. This year the event will take place on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at the Skirball Center from 12pm - 4pm.  For those moms that may live in the Los Angeles area, or if you know someone who is pregnant or has small children and live in that area, feel free to pass this information along to them. New moms and moms-to-be will be thankful to you for making them aware of this event! Don't forget to mention NetworkforMoms.org!

The Healthy Child Healthy World organization was created by Nancy and Jim Chuda who, after the passing of their daughter, Colette, to cancer, decided that the only way to educate people about the harmful effects of certain chemicals in the environment and in food was to provide pregnant women and parents of small children with current information regarding the reduction of the amount of toxins that are used in agriculture and everyday products.

One of the reasons that I created NetworkforMoms.org was to provide information to new moms about child and baby safety and helpful child hints in regard to caring for an infant.  That is why I provide the Baby Safety tab with information that I have pulled together from around the internet that new moms will, hopefully, find helpful.  In addition, all of the news feeds that you see on this website, come directly from news organizations from around the country that have an article referencing baby safety products and toy safety.  It is important that new moms stay on top of infant and child safety related issues. It is my hope that my site will help new moms get connected to this information.

"Remember, sharing information is important. This is what my Mommy does all the time! Hee-hee!"

I hope this post has been helpful to my mom friends out there and I will continue to update this site, so please check back often and feel free to link this post to your Facebook page or join the site with Google Friend Connect by using the gadgets in the right panel of this site.

Happy Mother's Day and happy parenting!

Joy E.
Posted May 4, 2012

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Watch Healthy Child Healthy World video