tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90313289428518767712023-11-16T06:50:24.641-08:00Just Like Superheroes - A Parenting BlogBecause Parents are Just Like Superheroes!Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-42017548435837264512011-03-13T19:52:00.000-07:002011-03-13T19:55:13.780-07:00I Met Clark Kent… And We Talked Black History Month<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">I met Clark Kent. Well, okay, it was a “Clark Kent” moment. Replace phone booth with bus stop. “Is this the way to New York or is yours?”, she asked. I pointed to mine. A young lady grabbed her suitcase and crossed the street. She wasn’t wearing couture or jazzed up in any way. But there was more to her than met the eye… We sat next to each other on the bus.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">It took me about 2 minutes to start seeing the “S” (for Super WOMAN of course) shine through. Adrina is a performance artist. She writes and acts. But her hobby, yes, HOBBY, is teaching diversity to children. She wants to start a program in New York City about heritage month. Not just Black Heritage or Hispanic Heritage month – but every heritage. Because that’s America, and that’s what children need to understand.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">I hope she’ll write on our blog and tell you more. But in the meantime, here’s some of her written word… Welcome to my list of superheroes Adrina. It goes to show that you don’t have to be a parent to influence our children, and become a superhero to them and their parents! This piece is an excerpt (my favorite part, which was really hard to pull out).</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><a href="http://justlikesuperheroes.wordpress.com/2011/03/13/child-education-on-diversity-adrina-smith/">About “Black History Month”… </a></p></span>Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-40431486539736911862011-02-18T05:38:00.000-08:002011-02-18T05:42:38.886-08:00Why DO Moms Blog? A Guest Post at Jersey Moms Blog...JerseyMomsBlog posted a guest post from Just Like SuperHeroes. Why DO Moms Blog? We explore that <a href="http://jerseymomsblog.com/2011/02/18/why-do-mommies-blog-rtp/#more-3448">here</a>...<br /><br />THIS BLOG HAS MOVED TO <a href="http://justlikesuperheroes.wordpress.com/2010/12/21/getting-older-perspective-i-wish-you-wrinkles-a-dedication/">WORDPRESS</a>....Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-37191970826496705132011-02-10T17:45:00.000-08:002011-02-10T17:45:30.761-08:00Four Keys to Blogging Success That Never Go Out of Style<a href="http://www.momblogmagazine.com/index/2011/02/four-keys-to-blogging-success-that-never-go-out-of-style/#comment-2094">Four Keys to Blogging Success That Never Go Out of Style</a>Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-45455051461802157042010-12-21T04:46:00.000-08:002010-12-21T04:49:51.116-08:00I Wish You Wrinkles - A Dedication to my Mother-in-LawTHIS BLOG HAS MOVED TO <a href="http://justlikesuperheroes.wordpress.com/2010/12/21/getting-older-perspective-i-wish-you-wrinkles-a-dedication/">WORDPRESS</a>, BUT HERE IS A SUMMARY OF THIS ENTRY...<br /><br />I’m proud to announce that I’ve started guest blogging for <a title="Jersey Moms Blog Marcela Shine Article" href="http://jerseymomsblog.com/2010/12/21/i-wish-you-wrinkles-%E2%80%93-a-perspective-on-aging/" target="_blank">Jersey Moms Blog</a> and my first entry titled “<a title="Jersey Moms Blog Marcela Shine Blog Entry" href="http://jerseymomsblog.com/2010/12/21/i-wish-you-wrinkles-%E2%80%93-a-perspective-on-aging/" target="_blank">I Wish You Wrinkles – A Perspective on Aging</a>” published today. I hope it serves as a reminder that time, all time, is a blessing. And though she’s going to be annoyed with me for this because she hates attention, I dedicate that entry to one of my super heroines, my mother-in-law. <a href="http://justlikesuperheroes.wordpress.com/2010/12/21/getting-older-perspective-i-wish-you-wrinkles-a-dedication/">I’ll explain of course</a>…<br /><br />Follow the links above to read full entries or comment on this post.Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-88042508864583004622010-12-20T21:22:00.000-08:002010-12-20T21:23:59.958-08:00Car Seat Safety & Winter Coats WarningOur blog has moved to Wordpress, but we'll keep new article links active on blogger for our existing followers.<br /><br /><a href="http://justlikesuperheroes.wordpress.com/2010/12/18/car-seat-safety-winter-coats-warning/">http://justlikesuperheroes.wordpress.com/2010/12/18/car-seat-safety-winter-coats-warning/</a>Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-67125895585789561652010-12-01T20:41:00.001-08:002010-12-02T02:20:02.921-08:00Holiday Craft Markets in New York - Unique ShoppingReady for a big shocker? I absolutely hate clothes shopping. I consider it the mortal enemy of my superhuman existence. I make exception for one reason - to support local vendors and artisans. I super heart shopping on Etsy. And I love, love holiday craft fairs in New York City. It makes shopping special because I get to meet the people behind the products, which in turn makes me ap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMa2A_gRERxkWNN_g7g_Jr06Kvau_2HvL7WZtdLe4BZL3uvGZy9hTw1jOuiAHl_nS1VHBPiDatnCyGX5qD5D-5CsBONlE6slrBPVFNRcrWyDGsYuxau_FeH5iCapccwoVeLiv2Z52BFw8a/s1600/Martha_Stewart_Craft_Fair.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMa2A_gRERxkWNN_g7g_Jr06Kvau_2HvL7WZtdLe4BZL3uvGZy9hTw1jOuiAHl_nS1VHBPiDatnCyGX5qD5D-5CsBONlE6slrBPVFNRcrWyDGsYuxau_FeH5iCapccwoVeLiv2Z52BFw8a/s320/Martha_Stewart_Craft_Fair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545946592855078146" border="0" /></a>preciate where my hard-earned dollars are being spent. It's also eco-friendly to shop local and feels great to give a unique handmade gift.<br /><br />All of this does remind me that this time last year I discovered my 'kryptonite': Mommy guilt! I was a new mom and just couldn't bring myself to leave the baby to go shopping. I also needed my rest to recharge for the work week. As one of those people that likes to fit it all in, it was hard to admit that this new supermom had a weakness!<br /><br />Well this year the kryptonite can stay in its lead box because Lucas gets to spend Saturday hitting some of these great spots with mama!<br /><br />Following is a list of my favorite places to support local vendors and artists, starting with the Martha Stewart Craft Fair where my good friend Dani Fiori will be featuring <a href="http://www.sweetdanib.com/">SweetDaniB</a> cookies (warning: shameless unpaid plug for the best cookie designer in our local area!).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">This Weekend:</span><br /><br />Saturday, December 4th - <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/holiday-craft-sale-2009">Martha Stewart Craft Fair </a><br />BRING CASH!<br />Starrett-Lehigh Building<br /><div><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">601 West 26th Street (between Eleventh and Twelfth avenues)<br />9th Floor<br />New York, NY 10001<span><br /><br />Read more at Marthastewart.com:<br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153);" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/holiday-craft-sale-2009#ixzz16wr3bG97">Martha Stewart Holiday Craft Sale - Martha Stewart Crafts</a> </span></div></div><br /><br />Sunday, December 5th - <a href="http://www.handmadecavalcade.com/">Holiday Handmade Cavalcade</a> featuring Etsy vendors.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ongoing Fairs (usually until Dec. 24th):</span><br /><br />#1 <a href="http://www.urbanspacenyc.com/union-square/">Union Square Holiday Market</a><br /><br />#2 <a href="http://www.theholidayshopsatbryantpark.com/index.php">Bryant Park Holiday Marke</a>t<br />Plus they have ice skating!<br /><br />#3 <a href="http://www.urbanspacenyc.com/columbus-circle/">Columbus Circle Holiday Market</a><br />Plus you get to pop into Central Park for a nice walk with the kids!<br /><br />#4 <a href="http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/go/mallEvents.cfm?eventID=2145364365">Grand Central Holiday Market</a><br />I find this one has the less unique vendors because many just resell mass produced products, but there are a few gems in the mix.<br /><br />If you want to visit Brooklyn and Queens, <a href="http://mommypoppins.com/newyorkcitykids/holiday-markets-fairs-festivals-and-bazaars-in-nyc">here's a great article about local shopping</a> in those areas from the Mommy Poppins NYC blog.Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-43393975264729226232010-11-23T05:59:00.000-08:002010-11-24T07:17:14.958-08:00A Sweeter Halloween for St. Jude's HospitalI can't believe a month has almost passed since Halloween! Families everywhere are preparing for Thanksgiving. I love turkey day but I don't cook so tend to just show up for this event, which is very unlike me. Maybe I was trying to make up for this at Halloween. Actually, this post may seem a bit late, but it's an important time of year to think about giving, and how we are going to teach our children to do that. And so a bit late, but here's the story of our Halloween...<br /><br />See, we decided to host a "small" party. The idea came to me as I was over-thinking my son's costume. Was I really going to prepare for a month so that I could walk my 11 month-old down the street for 5 minutes? NAH!<br /><br />I figured my friends would want to show off their kids just as much and I was right.We had over fifteen kids under the age of 2 in an apartment! And you can multiply that by two for the rest of the guest list! It was very cute and not as hectic as you'd expect. It was a perfect age. If many of the kids had been much older it would probably have been nuts!<br /><br />To make the show<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEWqzq_wDSmRBRecYaYwbFO4-jmykuZpsHpQCIY3ykpdVnjxfOdtF5DEBJSYvp6Yydq95X77yFuvuyxH8ZHb0aJ0TYvW9k0ey_LkZWkBppe1ya3hho_H9sinsOBtl_57-JlVVkG25BmLB/s1600/IMG_0823.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEWqzq_wDSmRBRecYaYwbFO4-jmykuZpsHpQCIY3ykpdVnjxfOdtF5DEBJSYvp6Yydq95X77yFuvuyxH8ZHb0aJ0TYvW9k0ey_LkZWkBppe1ya3hho_H9sinsOBtl_57-JlVVkG25BmLB/s200/IMG_0823.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542683928633882946" border="0" /></a>ing off even better, I distributed a flier in our neighborhood and promised a very cute Little Monsters Halloween Parade! I also asked our neighbors to make Halloween even sweeter by donating $1.00 (or whatever they could) to my son''s Trick-or-Treat bag on behalf of <a href="http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f87d4c2a71fca210VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD">St. Jude's Children's Hospital.</a> We asked party attendees to do the same.<br /><br />We had a blast and raised money for a good cause. We did the same at Lucas' baptism, and will make a small personal donation in honor of his first birthday. See, I consider it our responsibility to teach Lucas to do as much as he can for others in need. I hope that makes him appreciate how lucky he is in so many ways. If we make this a normal part of his celebrations, he'll never ask "why" but hopefully wonder "why not".<br /><br />We choose St. Jude's because being a parent is the best thing I'll ever be, and having a child has been life's biggest blessing. I don't dare imagine having to fight for the life of a child. St. Jude's does amazing things for their families. We have also had our own battle with a family member's cancer (an adult), and we want Lucas to always honor that person and his bravery.Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-86388874982739235412010-11-22T03:36:00.000-08:002010-11-22T03:45:07.244-08:00The Mommy Kit - Car Accident Safety TipAs a mom, do you keep a 'mommy kit' in your trunk in case of an emergency with your vehicle?<br /><br />My corporate site, Accidents.com, posted an article called "Auto Accident Advice That Saves Pain Later", which provides a quick list for you to read BEFORE an accident. Well a fellow mom posted a great comment that I want to share with you...<br /><br />Shane said "I also keep extra baby Formula, water bottles, one extra baby bottle and non-perishable snacks for my older kids in my trunk in case we have car problems. I call it the "mommy kit"."<br /><div><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><span><br />Read more: <a style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153);" href="http://www.accidents.com/top-auto-accident-advice-tips.html#ixzz160iM0EwO">http://www.accidents.com/top-auto-accident-advice-tips.html#ixzz160iM0EwO</a><br /><br />I think that is great advice - and plan to create my own mommy kit asap. I plan to add diapers and wipes to that list.<br /><br /></span>In case you aren't aware: my company operates the site Accidents.com, which focuses on accident safety, distracted driving solutions and connects consumers with attorneys, chiropractors, and other pain management specialists.<br /></div></div>Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-55161982414400865572010-11-22T03:04:00.000-08:002010-12-17T04:31:46.069-08:00Helping the Picky Eater | Parent Earth | Videos about Food for FamiliesGreat article alert: <a href="http://www.parentearth.com/advice/helping-the-picky-eater/">Helping the Picky Eater | Parent Earth | Videos about Food for Families</a><br />From Parent Earth. What can you do to help your child enjoy and try new foods? In this video, family doctor and childhood feeding specialist, Katja Rowell MD reviews tips to help your picky eater learn to like new foods.Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-25438370953575569162010-11-17T04:20:00.000-08:002010-12-17T04:33:01.431-08:00Journal Dedication Page: Happy Birthday Lucas<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDDIw9psVXQCUg5NTFnFwJRhUmB6ZPgSrM9ioGdO3FS7YFDW4S-7qTvl60d2g3T8inHOVQCOJRfuMujg636fPSh1_Qxa5Ty-D03tleJG4lBA3PGmPmPZub1uwrPvau15AL5bIF0L_LRIO/s1600/IMG_9682.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDDIw9psVXQCUg5NTFnFwJRhUmB6ZPgSrM9ioGdO3FS7YFDW4S-7qTvl60d2g3T8inHOVQCOJRfuMujg636fPSh1_Qxa5Ty-D03tleJG4lBA3PGmPmPZub1uwrPvau15AL5bIF0L_LRIO/s320/IMG_9682.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540533718673590354" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Today is our son's First Birthday. I am sharing my dedication page to his journal because I know there are moms out there that will appreciate this. I'm not a poet and don't consider myself a strong writer... but here goes.<br /><br /><br />Dear Lucas,<br /><br />Happy first birthday 'mi vida' (my life). This journal started as a part of my own when I was just starting to dream about you. I’ve been trying to write this opening birthday entry for months, but finally realized that nothing I put down here will be able to express what your life means to us. Your first heart beat answered years of prayers, and your first breath defined who I would become - your mom above all else - for the rest of my life. You may not understand what I am about to say until you have your own family – but from the very moment you existed as a little life inside me, your life became my own, and the reason for everything daddy and I do. On that day we started to share in our life's journey together as a family, and all of our hopes and dreams for you began...<br /><br />If there is one thing that parenthood has made me realize more than ever Lucas, is that life passes us by way too fast. I can’t believe you are already a year old! Life, and the people that make it wonderful and sometimes difficult (and these are mostly all the same people by the way!), is hard to appreciate as you are living it. One of my hopes is that these pages always remind you that everything you’ve done, big and small, makes us proud and fills us with wonder. That's something that will hold true to papa and me no matter how old you might be!<br /><br />I also hope we can teach you that loving honestly and deeply makes you a happier person, because you’ll get so much of that in return. And that it all starts with family, because we don't get through life alone. As you read this you’ll see that you have been blessed with love from a diverse ‘family’. Your great-grandparents and many, many grandparents have already loved you so much! Your tias, tios and cousins from the US and Colombia are also a big part of who you'll become. And it’s not just blood relatives either. The friends we choose to call family over time can sometimes turn into the most special people in our lives – that’s how your dad and I came to be after all! So this journal may seemingly be about your individual life, but we are bound together by blood, love, marriage, friendships and the memories of all those things combined.<br /><br />As time passes I know you will teach us many things. You already have. The hardest lesson will come when you are ready to live independently from us. A tough day, and a proud day, for any mom I am sure. But remember that a child and his parents are tied by this life's journey together; no matter how far you may go, we are and will always be a part of you.<br /><br />Until then, I hope we can find precious time to keep filling these pages together. It's our proud job, gift and privilege to guide you through it. It is your job, gift and privilege to go live it fully. Remember to look back and cherish your past. Learn from it. Most importantly though, remember to smile each night because you are about to be blessed with a new tomorrow. New chances to live, learn, love yourself, give back to others and start fresh. Remember that every second you have is a gift dad and I wanted more than anything else. Our favorite gift to love in our entire world. Love that gift and take really, really good care if it.<br /><br />Happy 1st Birthday 'mi vida'. Love, MamaMarcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-66801460157351554202010-11-17T03:55:00.000-08:002010-11-17T06:15:05.416-08:00Journals: The Gift of Memories and Stories<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQ264jE3Xl4fnooA5M0St9V0hhWOqKbQwtkYjzFf7XjjrvkS0Aw-Icl5Ez7qO5tbJrRKwr33LICSuhEpCCdGvSYeB7YyftYVGX9ZLZGiYPuesDD0mxKyuNFGyGG5yev2NvAmGZEQVYM4J/s1600/Lucas+Journal+Collage.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQ264jE3Xl4fnooA5M0St9V0hhWOqKbQwtkYjzFf7XjjrvkS0Aw-Icl5Ez7qO5tbJrRKwr33LICSuhEpCCdGvSYeB7YyftYVGX9ZLZGiYPuesDD0mxKyuNFGyGG5yev2NvAmGZEQVYM4J/s400/Lucas+Journal+Collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540491936349640930" border="0" /></a><br />I finished the dedication page in my son's first journal last night. I wanted to "give" it to him today, for his first birthday.<br /><br />I have always kept a journal. When I was a teenager it was a diary full of drama, and if life was accurately chronicled, a very sad, tortured young life. That of course isn't true, and I laugh about it now. If I wrote something I didn't want mom to know about, I would staple the pages shut and circle the staples with red ink so that I could tell if mom or brother tampered with the evidence! As I grew up I wrote here and there, but not consistently. So there are gaps that memories and pictures help fill. I started to write again after September 11th, and as life would have it I met my husband about a year later.<br /><br />When we couldn't get pregnant writing was a necessity. I carried around a little red notebook and chronicled every doctor's appointment, new medical terms I had to repeat, every phone call, every disappointing result, dates and more appointments. Side notes mentioned how I felt. If I didn't have the notebook I would email myself with the subject line "Journal", and kept a folder. I have five sentence emails from myself in the recovery room after our IVF transfer, I called that entry "Maybe Baby".<br /><br />So when we got pregnant, I decided that our "Maybe Baby" would continue to get the same type of attention that I sporadically gave myself, and that I obsessively gave our infertility treatments. I made it a habit to write notes about our pregnancy on my commute, and continued to email them to myself as our "maybe baby" became our baby with his first heart beat. I kept copies of my emails in Google docs to make sure I had back-ups.<br /><br />When Lucas was 3 months I ordered a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BindMe">handmade leather journal from Etsy</a>. I transcribed our pregnancy stories from my electronic journal and have been writing for Lucas during my commute ever since. I use a combination of Evernote, <a href="http://www.lilgrams.com/">LilGrams </a>and email to accomplish this. I transcribe the longer stories once a week (most of the time), in my handwriting, into his journal. All the milestones and emails from family are automatically and easily kept using LilGrams (more on that in another post). Last week Lucas started to "color" in his journal. Amazing. I hope we learns to write his name in this same journal.<br /><br />My husband says he feels a little bad because if we had a girl, she might appreciate all of this much more later in life than a boy. I like to think he'll appreciate it just enough, and I like to dream that his wife children will love it.<br /><br />Happy 1st Birthday my little man!<br /><br />Journal pictures kindly taken by Daniel Fiori of <a href="http://www.sweetdanib.com/">SweetDanib</a>. Thanks Dani!Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-89142474361311568792010-11-16T10:38:00.000-08:002010-11-16T10:45:31.413-08:00Holy Super Deal Batman! Borders CouponsHere is a quick suggestion on how to use these great deals from Borders. I think this will provide great savings, especially if there are a lot of kids or book worms in your family. I love giving books and music as gifts to kids!<br /><br />* You can buy yourself a <a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/BGIView_giftcards?cmpid=SL_20101116">$50 gift card from Borders and you get a $10 bonus coupon or $5 Gift Card</a>. I don't plan to give them away, but instead use them myself to get more out of my money by using more coupons!<br /><br />* <a href="http://www.bordersmedia.com/coup/33main20101116.html?cmpid=SL_20101116">33% Off Borders Coupon</a><br /><br />* <a href="http://www.bordersmedia.com/coup/40cd20101116.html?cmpid=SL_20101116">40% off CD's</a><br /><br />If you used these and it worked out, tell us about it! More coupon tips coming soon!Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-79982417099330162282010-11-14T03:53:00.000-08:002010-11-14T03:57:46.201-08:001st Birthday Cake Drama - Did You Just Ask Me That?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zSqkKAlk-6HWHzPHZmNYCHSS8FWo4aiXqOBQeo-KgzI3-4V2OmoFiUDFN5s46jVkbB1njqYFSNuAJBj60dLjhWyvSWTvUvkg-SbosqVh6lNMV6zSAn4VnMAJiCY6aIeFSG25BW__266G/s1600/cake-IMG_0809.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zSqkKAlk-6HWHzPHZmNYCHSS8FWo4aiXqOBQeo-KgzI3-4V2OmoFiUDFN5s46jVkbB1njqYFSNuAJBj60dLjhWyvSWTvUvkg-SbosqVh6lNMV6zSAn4VnMAJiCY6aIeFSG25BW__266G/s320/cake-IMG_0809.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539371686676179618" border="0" /></a><br />That's Right. My husband went to pick up our son's FIRST BIRTHDAY CAKE and the bakery simply said it 'aint here'. Here is a quick transcript of one of those moments that you know is going to be funny <span style="font-style: italic;">LATER</span>. Thirty minutes before the official start time of our meticulously planned party? Not so funny. I spent HOURS making lists, creating slide shows, movies and wall collages... and THIS is what I ended up having to deal with?! Of course!<br /><br />Husband: Mar, they can't find our cake. Are you sure you ordered it here?<br /><br />Wife: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Did you JUST ASK ME THAT?</span> Did I order our son's first birthday cake from the same place we've been getting cakes for years? #$%&% YES.<br /><br />Wife: Are you at the right place; Or is this your hangover at work?<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >.....Insiders note: husband decided late night (very late night) at Dave Matthew's Concert the night before our party was 'just fine'. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br />Husband: Well don't freak, but well, they said they 'aint got it'. Now what?<br /><br />Wife: I will call.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">After 6 minutes and 42 seconds on hold and then being 'accidentally' disconnected, twice!:</span><br /></span>Wife: Hi, my son's first birthday party starts in 45 minutes and.... (told them story)<br /><br />Baker: Are you trying to order a cake or pick up a cake?<br /><br />Wife: Okay, I will repeat the story (slower).<br /><br />Baker: So if you already know we can't find your cake, why are you calling?<br /><br />Wife<span style="font-style: italic;"> (trying not to yell, knowing that if situation got nasty, there would be no cake at all)</span>:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Did you just ask me that?</span> Look, I am trying to stay calm, but you need to understand that my baby's first birthday party starts shortly and I need a cake. I ordered a plain, white cake - whipped cream, strawberries. Nothing written on it, no decorations. I just need any cake (mentally, I said %#%&$ cake... but you knew that already).<br /><br />Baker: oh, so you want us to make you another one? Not sure we can, let me check.<br /><br />Wife: I don't care if you have to take a shoebox and put whipped cream on it - I need a white, plain sheet cake for my son's first birthday. I am having it decorated at the house, and I need it here very soon.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">....... Insiders Note: Fact is that I am lucky enough to have an expert stylist that lives in my building. Sweet Dani B can make dirt look like art work. So I figured that worst case scenario, she could take her design idea for the cake and put it on a shoebox. Not kidding. That was my back up plan. I had already called her to warn her about our 'situation'. </span><br />Baker: Looks like we have a cake available. Send your husband back in 10 minutes. We are so sorry we misplaced your order, we won't charge you for it.<br /><br />Wife: You can charge me what you want, or not charge me at all. Just get me something that looks like a cake, soon.<br /><br />Baker: What would you like written on it?<br /><br />Wife: (Deeeep breath) I need a PLAIN, WHITE CAKE. Now. Pretty please (clenched teeth).<br /><br />Long story short - the cake was practically still frozen when it arrived, but they came through. We had no idea what it was made of, but as you can see from our amazing picture, our dear friend and amazing designer Dani B (www.sweetdanib.com) did her magic as planned, and Lucas had an amazing first birthday cake. Husband did a great job of talking me off the ledge.<br /><br />Lesson: make sure the cake is the FIRST thing you pick up just in case a shoebox with whipped cream is the only cake your baby's going to get! Would I really have done that? Really - did you just ask me that? ;-) More about the party soon!Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-20649829092383789952010-11-10T10:11:00.000-08:002010-11-10T10:11:53.796-08:00Amazing Photography Print Deal - 20x30 Prints for $9.99!Folks: don't pass this up. Adorama prints the most beautiful pictures. I am an avid hobbyist and my prints always get printed there. I can't wait to see how they do with my baby's pictures! <br /><br /><a href="http://pages.e.adorama.com/Share.aspx?i=5c5f2f0053327855abc1bafcae78a6d7453ec9cf92cce8ed">20x30 Prints for $9.99!</a>Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-49463840525661440902010-10-05T05:07:00.000-07:002010-10-05T05:09:10.866-07:00Children's Place 20% Coupon Link<a href="http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/EmailJump?langId=-1&catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&jumpId=H1TY-092910-27">Children's Place 20% Coupon, Expires November 15, 2010</a>Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-66189084123178290892010-10-04T07:46:00.000-07:002010-10-04T09:11:26.359-07:00Pioneer of In Vitro Fertilization Wins Nobel Prize<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqt_cZ6WlIwqb9_pTEVbajTDrcjiM69jq9OyjJKBIajNEELJNhhka5c48w7EL7lvd2CSzV5adEnumwgquUjeH859JLYEFbKzw8opdm_hdm_dX7-K8JciONIk_O5tGSwK7-BfU5uOPQIO8/s1600/IMG_9897-2.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqt_cZ6WlIwqb9_pTEVbajTDrcjiM69jq9OyjJKBIajNEELJNhhka5c48w7EL7lvd2CSzV5adEnumwgquUjeH859JLYEFbKzw8opdm_hdm_dX7-K8JciONIk_O5tGSwK7-BfU5uOPQIO8/s320/IMG_9897-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524207376274344706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">THANK YOU</span> to Robert G. Edwards, Nobel Prize Winner for developing in vitro fertilization. Thank you for giving us, and millions of parents, our baby's first cry, those amazing eyes to admire every morning, and that laugh which echoes through our hearts every time we hear it.<br /><br />Dr. Edwards will never hear these millions of thank you's, but if you believe in karma, or God, or anything bigger than 'us' - and I do - then I believe that Mr. Edwards is on a list much bigger than that of Nobel Prize winners! But that one is pretty cool too!<br /><br />And of course, a big ol' shout out to <a href="http://www.njurology.com/_physicians/seaman.php">Dr. Seaman</a> and the entire crew at <a href="http://www.sbivf.com/index.html">The Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science at Saint Barnabas</a> for mastering the science that Dr. Edwards brought to their very capable and caring hands.<br /><br /><br />Sourced:<br /><div id="section" class="bylineRegion"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/05/health/research/05nobel.html">Health, NY Times</a><br /></div> <div id="nyt_headline" class="nyt_headline">Pioneer of In Vitro Fertilization Wins Nobel Prize</div> <div id="byline" class="byline">By <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/w/nicholas_wade/index.html?inline=nyt-per" title="More Articles by Nicholas Wade" class="meta-per">NICHOLAS WADE</a></div> <div id="pubdate" class="timestamp">Published: October 4, 2010</div> <div id="summary" class="story">Robert G. Edwards of Britain won the prize in medicine for a breakthrough that has helped millions to have children.</div>Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-8988271922084618482010-09-28T08:45:00.000-07:002010-09-28T08:45:57.356-07:002010/2011 Flu Vaccines Ingredients - Advice from Dr. Bob SearsIf you are going to go with the flu vaccine, this is a great article by Dr. Bob Sears. He's the doc that believes in a more conservative approach to infant/children's vaccinations. We started with his schedule and split our vaccines even further, but I like his thinking. Anyway, this article also includes the INGREDIENTS that go into different brands of vaccines.<br /><br />THIS WAS SOURCED FROM http://mindfullivingnj.com/2010/09/27/dr-bob-sears-on-the-20102011-flu-vaccines/<br /><a href="http://mindfullivingnj.com/2010/09/27/dr-bob-sears-on-the-20102011-flu-vaccines/?sms_ss=blogger">Dr. Bob Sears on the 2010/2011 Flu Vaccines</a><br /><p>By Dr. Bob Sears</p> <p><strong>How to make sure your flu shot is mercury-free</strong><br /><br />In my opinion it is very important for infants, young children, and pregnant women to make sure their flu vaccine is mercury-free. I know that the majority of published researched has failed to demonstrate that this mercury causes any harm, but I don’t think that anyone should take this chance with the susceptible brain of a developing infant. Although the information I provide above makes it very clear which brands and formulations contain mercury, it isn’t so easy to guard your child against this in the busy chaos of a doctor’s office. You can ask the nurse to make sure your child (or yourself) is getting a mercury-free dose, but when the nurse prepares the vaccine out of your site at the nurse’s station, then brings it into the room, how can you really be sure?</p> <p>Here is how:<br />• You can get the nasal spray vaccine (approved for anyone two years and older). This has never had, and never will have, mercury.</p> <p>• If getting the injected vaccine (which is most often the case), ask the nurse to allow you to see the labeled vial and watch her prepare it, either in your exam room or the nurse’s station. After rolling her eyes at you, most nurses will comply.</p> <p>• If your dose is being drawn out of a little plastic or glass bottle that looks like it would hold many doses, then this is guaranteed to contain the full dose of mercury.</p> <p>• If your dose is already pre-packaged in a single-dose syringe with a manufacturer’s label on it, then you are guaranteed that this is mercury-free. The one exception to this is the Fluvirin brand (see below); its pre-filled syringes have a trace amount of mercury, which I think is harmless.</p> <p>• If your dose is drawn out of a very small plastic vial with a manufacturer’s label on it that only contained your single dose, then this is mercury-free.</p> <p>• If you are getting the Fluarix or Agriflu brand, these are all mercury free.</p> <p>• If you are getting the FluLaval brand, then you are getting the full mercury dose along with it.</p> <p>• With the other brands (Fluzone, Fluvirin, and Afluria) it depends on the formulation. The single-dose syringes and vials do not have mercury (see the Fluvirin exception above); the large ten-dose vials do.</p> <p>The bottom line on flu vaccine mercury is to stand up for yourself and for your child and be sure what you are getting is safe. You have this right. No nurse or doctor would purposely deceive you and give you mercury when you asked him or her not to. But people make mistakes. I get such emails all the time from angry parents who tell me their doctor’s office or a flu vaccine clinic gave them the wrong formulation. Until mercury is taken out of all flu shots (if ever), you need to exercise this vigilance. I would even go so far as to suggest that if your only option is a mercury-containing flu vaccine because your doctor or clinic doesn’t have any mercury-free doses, skip it for that year (if you are okay with the disease risk).</p> <p>Note: These details apply to the most current flu vaccines for the 2010/2011 flu season:</p> <p><strong>The Fluarix brand (killed injected vaccine),</strong> made by GlaxoSmithKline, is approved<br />for anyone three years and older. It contains:</p> <p>Killed and split virus particles<br />Saline solution<br />Octoxynol-10<br />Alpha-tocopheryl hydrogen succinate<br />Polysorbate 80<br />Hydrocortisone<br />Gentamicin (an antibiotic)<br />Formaldehyde (<> <p><strong>The Fluzone brand (killed injected vaccine),</strong> made by Sanofi Pasteur, is approved for anyone six months and older. It contains:</p> <p>The killed and split virus particles<br />Saline solution<br />Gelatin<br />Egg proteins (not mentioned in the PI, but residual amount is likely there as in other brands)<br />Formaldehyde (<50> <p>All four Fluzone pre-filled syringes or single-dose vials are mercury-free. It’s important to make sure infants and toddlers under age three are getting the proper dose, which is either the 0.25 ml pre-filled syringe labeled for infant use or a half-dose (0.25 ml) drawn out of the large multidose vial. An infant could technically be given half of one of the 0.5 ml pre-filled syringes or 0.5<br />ml vials; the leftover half would simply be discarded.</p>Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-59512704657103903812010-09-24T09:29:00.000-07:002010-09-24T09:57:21.068-07:00Child Safety Week Passes and Concerns Get BiggerSo for those of you that don't know, I am the CEO of a start-up media agency that owns the site Accidents.com. We've been crazy busy following distracted driving laws and more importantly, building our Distracted Driving Education and Resolution section, which launches soon. <br /><br /><strong>We are looking for any technical and non-technical solutions to the distracted driving problem, particularly texting while driving. Also looking for any bloggers or writers that are already writing about child safety and accident prevention on the road, in parks, etc.</strong> Anyone in this category can get featured on the site at no cost, so please use the "Bat Phone" form on the top right to get in touch with me personally. <br /><br />My own personal eye opening day.....<br /><br />When we started to focus on this, my husband and I both became more aware of how much we were putting ourselves in jeopardy over such a stupid decision. We would never drink and drive, but we both admitted to glancing at our phones for "a quick second" when something popped up on the screen. This made us change that habit: when traveling at 55 MPH, a driver texting for 6 seconds actually looks away from the road for 4.6 seconds of it. The car can travel the LENGTH OF A FOOTBALL field in that time! <a href="http://www.accidents.com/resources/distracted-driving-now-amongst-deadliest-road-hazards/">You can read the details on that here.</a><br /><br />So moms and dads, I hope that convinces you to stay off your handhelds while you are driving! Our kids need us to be role models in this. Please forward this to anyone you know that might be interested in partnering with us to fight this growing problem.Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-4258796432263694682010-09-11T07:44:00.000-07:002010-09-11T11:08:51.129-07:00A Chance Encounter with a Sept. 11th Superhero<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS7xb0q919h5VtjPPEHgUSyMSzKFLHhUN9DMeAPFpJZAJqprwcPO3pUfceb8hwxp-LodbYyadqzjvesyyI36-iDBwzpXuioG_kt-gIfYVMCZivOLItvGK3vztr-8mTt3MqnbdOKD9PWo_/s1600/NYPD_trafficcontroldivision.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS7xb0q919h5VtjPPEHgUSyMSzKFLHhUN9DMeAPFpJZAJqprwcPO3pUfceb8hwxp-LodbYyadqzjvesyyI36-iDBwzpXuioG_kt-gIfYVMCZivOLItvGK3vztr-8mTt3MqnbdOKD9PWo_/s400/NYPD_trafficcontroldivision.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515683560868750610" border="0" /></a><br />I make it a point to walk down different streets in NYC when I'm heading home. Two days ago, a friend and I walked west on 30th street, and ran into the amazing building of New York Police Department's Traffic Control Division, 23rd Precinct (between 6/7th Ave). As I snapped this quick i-phone picture, a police officer walked over to us.<br /><br />The officer knew the building's history and told us that it has been a NYPD property since it was built in 1907. He mentioned that he was standing outside because the interior was hard to keep cool and he was uncomfortable from the heat. He had just returned back to work after a battle with colon cancer, which doctors believe was caused by September 11th. <span style="font-style: italic;">And there it was, a chance encounter with a real-life superhero of 9/11. What an amazing coincidence just two days away from the anniversary.</span><br /><br />This officer was a chatterbox and had such great spirit! He was funny, sarcastic (of course!) and above all else, grateful. He told us how blessed he was that he's been able to see his children grow up. He has good medical coverage which allows him to battle through his illness. He loves his job and was so glad to be back. After about a 10 minute chat, we moved on. Before doing so, we thanked him for his sacrifice on 9/11, wished him the best with his battle and continued on.<br /><br />The officer mentioned that he is 30 years old, which means he was just a rookie at the time of the attacks. In his young life he has already survived 9/11 and (hopefully) his battle against cancer. Moments like that, people like that, become a part of me and I am so grateful for them...<br /><br />... they make me close my eyes and whisper 'thank you' for all I have.<br /><br />... they remind me that America is full of superheroes that survived 9/11. Some of their battles continue but they feel blessed that they can keep on fighting. Amazing.<br /><br />... I take a moment to remember and pray for the friends or friend's family members that passed on that day. I say thank you again, for the fact that I stayed home from work that day, and that all my neighbors came home.<br /><br />... <span style="font-weight: bold;">and above all else I know that these are the superheroes that I want my son to meet someday and thank for keeping New York and America safe. </span>Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-90953646737446985152010-09-08T20:57:00.000-07:002010-09-08T21:59:42.488-07:00Road to our Baby's Round Head - DOC Band Decorating<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZx5rHPD-6p5HEjhNPeTzXRaG7-bRsSeHizlBwA54R-rBBWsokE31TeGqwZLQ9o3Jyf6wnur_-tkhsauXDa7EqdNYaR-D58u3eN7olL58C_Z5Mmcp4VFJGqqxzpSKn1NykAIBNIba7rZI/s1600/doc-band-decorate-collage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZx5rHPD-6p5HEjhNPeTzXRaG7-bRsSeHizlBwA54R-rBBWsokE31TeGqwZLQ9o3Jyf6wnur_-tkhsauXDa7EqdNYaR-D58u3eN7olL58C_Z5Mmcp4VFJGqqxzpSKn1NykAIBNIba7rZI/s400/doc-band-decorate-collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514759752769179298" border="0" /></a>While some parents find it absolutely adorable to keep the DOC Band Helmet a blank canvas, I knew I was going to have fun decorating it. We waited until his second appointment (3 weeks) to make sure that there would be no major changes. While I waited I recruited the help of my brilliant neighbor/graphic designer to help me think of some ideas.<br /><br />I decided I didn't want to go too 'baby'. Our little guy is a bit on the rough side, and we wanted something that fit his personality. I remembered that his papa told me that he was nicknamed "Shine-a-saurus" in high school because of his size, and that gave me an idea. We would create a "Lucas-a-saurus" helmet. I also decided on black and white because I was afraid too many colors would be difficult to match with outfits. Yes, I know - I'm nuts. I was also afraid to paint the helmet because (a) what if I got sick of the color and (b) I'm not crafty and would mess it up. <br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Shorter Route to Decorating your DOC Helmet</span></span><br /><br />Before you read all this and think that you just don't have the time, let me give you the quick option. Go to Michael's or similar and find any rub-on transfers. They have amazing pre-fabricated designs that you can play with. One baby at Cranial Tech <a href="http://momenta.com/shop/?pid=504&cat=176">had these on his helmet </a>and they looked amazing! It will save you A LOT OF WORK. I just didn't find anything that I loved, and decided to go with a custom design. I would still recommend the mod podge final steps below if you go this way.<br /><br />Not including the ink, I spent about $20 on the supplies. We bought all of our supplies at <a href="http://www.pearlpaint.com/">Pearl Art Center </a>near the Cranial Technologies offices in Paramus so that I didn't have to pay for shipping. These links are meant to show you the exact products we used. We used (1) Inkjet printer (2) <a href="http://www.createforless.com/Grafix+Rub+Onz+Film+Sheet+Ink+Jet/Laser+8.5x+11+4+pc/pid129826.aspx">Grafix Rub-onz Film & Adhesive Film print </a>at home transfer paper (3) Scissors (4) <a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/modpodge.html">Mod podge</a> (4) <a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/foambrusbrbo.html">Foam paint-brushes</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Decorating the DOC Band Helmet:</span></span><br /><br />1. Search Google Images for ideas. We searched for 'cute dinosaurs' and 'cute dinosaur stickers'. Finally found images I wanted on a paid site, but had access through my designer friend. There are tons of free resources out there, including free coloring pages that you download, crop and save.<br /><br />2. Download and save the images to your computer at the highest resolution possible (sometimes you don't have a choice on the resolution, but most download in a very acceptable size). Recommend you create one folder to save all the pictures in. It will make it easier for printing later.<br /><br />3. Open the pictures using Microsoft Office Picture Manager. I find this has the best printing options for me, but Picasa or similar programs may work for you.<br /><br />***Make sure that you select 'mirror' printing in your print options so that letters and "humps" go in the direction that you planned out. I made that mistake - - cost me a sheet of the Grafix paper.***<br /><br />***First print on plain paper, cut the images and plan your layout.***<br /><br />4. Select the images that you want to print the same size. To get the size effect we got for the dinosaurs, print in "wallet size".<br /><br />5. Select the smaller sized images that you want to print. To get the size effect that we got for the dino prints, select "contact sheet". You can select the number of times that you want the image to print. I printed 15 prints.<br /><br />6. To print your baby's name, find a font treatment that you like. Search for free fonts online. Download and install the fonts you like, and 'write' the name in MS Word (or similar). Print the name in different font sizes. Our "Lucas-a-saurus" was about a 14 point font.<br /><br />7. Once you are ready to print on the Grafix paper, cut the images but NOT TOO CLOSE to the edge. Those are the instructions that come with the Grafix paper. I made that mistake and had to reprint a bunch of them. That was lost sheet #2!<br /><br />8. Follow the instructions carefully for how transfering the images. Remember step 6! Don't go to step 9 for at least two hours.<br /><br />***warning: I am NOT crafty and it took me two dumb tried to get the transfer to work. If you haven't done this before, test it on something else. I used ruined sheet #2 to test this process!<br /><br />9. Once you are finished, lightly brush on the mod podge. It may look like it isn't going to be clear, but it really does dry clear. I put the helmet in front of a fan, and let it dry for an hour. I repeated this process again the next day, and did two coats.<br /><br />***I should do another coat. I can see that the mod podge is starting to wear down, but I plan to replace the design at some point for Halloween, so I'm not going to bother.***<br /><br />CT would probably yell at me, but I did end up keeping the helmet off for more than an hour, probably closer to 2 1/2, the night I decorated it. I wanted to make sure everything was SUPER dry before Lucas got his little hands on it. Though none of these items are toxic, better safe than sorry. Besides, this was a lot of work.<br /><br />So I hope this was helpful. Though I'm not crafty, I am pretty good with printing, cropping, etc. so if you need any help at all, follow the blog and leave me a comment. I will gladly help out a fellow "helmet head'!Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-81739697105547807032010-09-03T03:49:00.000-07:002010-09-03T04:24:15.390-07:00Road to our Baby's Round Head - First Sore<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqeUcQyyIVvuk8uVu4cn1BD3ZzlyzkIkioAAuolRektisW7r7rpnZSZl_QRGBCz-SScHpp-EFTS3glwgfIFcY6ZsuChgqMmp13Y6hw5UooPsK7orC0aDS-hPcJbHCsk8utzsg3fCVUsD7/s1600/measurement-week6-CB.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqeUcQyyIVvuk8uVu4cn1BD3ZzlyzkIkioAAuolRektisW7r7rpnZSZl_QRGBCz-SScHpp-EFTS3glwgfIFcY6ZsuChgqMmp13Y6hw5UooPsK7orC0aDS-hPcJbHCsk8utzsg3fCVUsD7/s320/measurement-week6-CB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512639553340194466" border="0" /></a><br />First let me say that I absolutely think the stocking used over the baby's head when they take measurements is hysterical. Lucas looks like he's ready to go break into someone's house and steal the latest Baby Einstein video or something.<br /><br />So, we thought our visit last week went well. As usual Cranial Technologies (CT) took us on time and we were in and out. They couldn't find Lucas' head mold but promised to get to the bottom of that before the next visit. We were in and out in about 15 minutes. Good news for mommy.... until the next morning.<br /><br />Lucas woke up with his first bad sore from the DOC helmet. I was mortified - it was pretty bad. He's been a little red here and there, but it has always passed. The sore was about the size of a quarter and bright red. As instructed in the past, we took off the helmet and waited one hour to see if it would fade. We also applied hydrocortisone and rubbed it in really well to make sure Lucas wouldn't get it on his hands. I was hoping he had slept on it wrong.<br /><br />Three hours passed and it was still there. When I looked inside the helmet I noticed a pretty bumpy ridge in one of the areas they adjusted over the left ear temple. I called CT and they squeezed me in at the end of the day. Instructed me to keep the helmet off. There really was no choice in the matter. As soon as I had put it back on him earlier, the sore came back immediately.<br /><br />When we arrived the technician was surprised to see us and apologized for the inconvenience. They really are super nice at the Paramus office! Problem fixed, except now it seems like the helmet is a bit too loose. That will have to wait until next week.<br /><br />So, lessons learned last week:<br />1. Take a close look at the helmet and feel around with your own hands before you leave. It will give you a chance to address any doubts. Look for any ridges that might feel a little too much like a speed bump!<br /><br />2. Check baby's head first thing in the morning, especially day first few days after a new adjustment, to make sure that that he doesn't have red spots from sleeping on it the wrong way.<br /><br />3. Keep that hydrocortisone cream handy. It cools the sore spot and stops them from making it worse by scratching at it.<br /><br />More soon!Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-87075854460884409692010-09-02T15:04:00.000-07:002010-09-03T03:17:27.120-07:00Distracted Driving Now Deadliest Road Hazard - Accidents.com<a href="http://www.accidents.com/resources/distracted-driving-now-deadliest-road-hazard/"></a>Here is the article that I promised I'd share when it was completed.<br /><br />Eye opening: According to a 2009 study by Virgina Tech Transportation Institute, when traveling at 55 mph, <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">a driver texting for 6 seconds is looking at the phone for 4.6 seconds </span></span>of that time and travels the distance of a football field without their eyes on the road.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.accidents.com/distracted-driving.html">http://www.accidents.com/distracted-driving.html</a>Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-28110298922282199222010-08-30T08:37:00.000-07:002010-08-30T08:38:22.219-07:00Australia bans flu vaccines in children after vomiting, fevers, seizures<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/029586_Australia_vaccines.html">Australia bans flu vaccines in children after vomiting, fevers, seizures</a><br /><br />The flu vaccine argument continues. I'm really broken up about what to do about this for my 9 month old. Any views would be appreciated!Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-63297255563595790422010-08-26T17:56:00.000-07:002010-08-27T17:30:50.761-07:00Child Safety & Technology - Cell Phone Texting and Driving Can Now Be Stopped<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj-I9tnSME_XR3PXp7-yjd1GU0OQuwd_N1jotgOk9coiOYIYJSQbBikFPqA-joHlZEav2-34_-5dJaKzpjFk2rR5aM7DJbzlkxC80i49EnSRHoq6RQ-7m2yQ6dJPqYwPEzVSz5uq3nNC7/s1600/wowsers2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj-I9tnSME_XR3PXp7-yjd1GU0OQuwd_N1jotgOk9coiOYIYJSQbBikFPqA-joHlZEav2-34_-5dJaKzpjFk2rR5aM7DJbzlkxC80i49EnSRHoq6RQ-7m2yQ6dJPqYwPEzVSz5uq3nNC7/s200/wowsers2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510251661216052482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Where do you draw the line between protecting your child and giving them privacy and freedom? How do you control the use of your child's cell phone? </span><br /><br /></span>This blog entry is being driven by a new article I am researching for a work website. I've known that this cell phone tracking/managing technology was coming for a while, and I have been drooling to hear which side of the privacy issue people will sit on. Me?<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;">FACT: Every year texting and driving injures 2X more teens<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">THAN DRUNK DRIVING<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">FACT: 25% of fatal car accidents involve a cell phone<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:100%;" >FACT: 20% of teens admit to texting nude pictures of themselves</span><br /></div></div><br /><br />Folks, let me start by saying that I would probably chip my kid - <span style="font-style: italic;">that's right</span>, like you can chip a dog - if they'd let me. I know, I know that sounds terrible. I'd let him turn it off when he was 18 or 30, or something. Nobody wants the villains to know (which of course <span style="font-style: italic;">they would</span>) that your kid is traceable and try to carve out the chip and cause them harm... you can see I've thought about this. It's would be a tough choice. But we can't do that - well, now we kinda can. Read on.<br /><br />Here's the deal - for $10 per month, <span style="font-weight: bold;">parents can now STOP TEENS from TEXTING and DRIVING. </span>This <a href="http://www.valtrk.com/url/track.aspx?adid=2828&affid=6149&lpuid=-1&subid=blogs">CellSafety</a>* technology apparently SHUTS OFF the phone if it senses movement while your teenager is driving (or in a moving vehicle). It has a SPEED ALERT (and you are notified immediately).<br /><br />There's more. Using keyword technology (same as other web safety services that are in the marketplace), it can tell if teens are texting about nudity, cyber bullying, guns, suicide, porn. You can block texting in certain areas (like the classroom). Last but certainly not least (and here's where there might be more on that 'chipping' debate), it uses GPS technology to tell you where your kids are, and where they have been.<br /><br />Thing is fellow superheroes, there are sick bastards/villains in this world that want to harm my child and I know how easy it will be for them to find him. Particularly now that kids are plugged in all the time. Imagine what the future will look like? Nobody likes to hear about those Amber alerts. So if you could buy some extra time, find them faster - would you? What if you could teach teens that what they are doing is putting them in harm's way in real-time?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spousal Disagreement!</span><br />My husband and I completely disagree on this issue. He hates when I mention the "chipping" idea. Probably because (shut your eyes mama-in-law) his parents would have locked him up if they knew half the things he got away with. Yes, I know that we have to let our kids learn a lot on their own. He believes that sometimes you just have to 'let them fall'. And so do I to a certain extent (see <a href="http://justlikesuperheroes.blogspot.com/2010/08/its-difference-between-superman-and.html">last blog entry). </a>My husband survived all the craziness, and so did my brother. But I think they GOT LUCKY. Don't get me wrong, that GPS technology would have probably kept me out of by high school bo's house many a nights!!!! Or not? ;-)<br /><br />So, how DO YOU manage your teenager's cell phone (and internet) use and will you start taking advantage of child safety technology as it enters the marketplace? I am very curious about your points of view on this. Please comment!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">*NOTE: TBrightgeist Media (company I run) WILL BE PAID if you sign up for this offer. That's how I found out this product was coming into the marketplace. This isn't a pitch for the product. I am writing about this because I think its important,. I just like to be transparent when there is any financial gain (even when it's not directly to me) on product links or offers. They also offer a very good<a href="http://www.valtrk.com/url/track.aspx?adid=2829&affid=6149&lpuid=-1&subid=BLOGS"> WEB SAFETY</a> product that provides similar controls. Ditto on the financial gain thing.</span><br /><br />I'll publish the www.Accidents.com when we finish it. Follow <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#%21/pages/Accidentscom/253253779120?ref=ts">Accidents.com on Facebook</a> for other accident safety articles. Yep, THAT was a shameless plug!Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031328942851876771.post-23192553675260495212010-08-24T21:42:00.000-07:002010-08-26T17:45:40.845-07:00It's the difference between superman and superparent...<div>We LOVE t<a href="http://www.getbliss.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=192&Itemid=17">his article by Parenting Bliss</a>. Here is an excerpt:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">All kids get sick, all kids get hurt and all kids receive insults and disappointments. They are better served when we try to teach them how to live in a world that has many challenges, than pretend life is all cushions and pillows. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">The ultimate point here is that for sure we should try to protect our children, but they also need personal challenges in order to grow. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">It’s the difference between superman and superparent</span>. As much as we would like to remake the world with no rough edges or nasty people – it just isn’t so, nor remotely possible. However, some parents don’t want to believe it -- they think they have figured out how to make it so no one gets sick or says a mean word, so they play superman sweeping in to save the day. </span><br /><br />*******<br /><br />My mom called this the "fishing line" effect. She would cast out the fishing line and let us pull it out (testing the waters) but when she thought she needed to reel it in, she would, but very slowly. Her hope was that we would learn a little through that process.<br /><br />I don't know how I'll react when Lucas starts to test more dangerous waters. I hope I can use that fishing line effect, but right now I feel like I have to play superman and over-protect. I know my husband tends to disagree. But if I can avoid some extra scrapes and bruises... well then, I will!<br /></div>Marcelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512834647330548435noreply@blogger.com0