Glorious Coconut Oil

I am back!  I left the blogging world to focus on some personal goals and I am back at a place where I can sit down and finally write up some of the posts I've been saving up!

I am starting out with a small post on coconut oil.  This stuff is awesome - it's good for you to eat and it's good for your skin too!  I have used it in some baking recipes, vegetable stir fry and as a super moisturizer for my legs and makes awesome lip gloss/chap stick replacement.

Thankfully, I live in Maine so it pretty much stays as a solid and the most "liquid" it has become is like Vaseline consistency.  I love it, I use it on me and I use it on my kid.

I bought mine at Traders Joes in a 16 oz jar for $5.99 (the same size jar at a regular grocery store was $21.95) The ONLY ingredient is "Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil" - so you know its good!  I wanted a "travel size" version so I picked up three "cosmetic cases" at target for $1.

I scooped out about 6 tablespoons of the coconut oil and heated it in a glass jar (30 seconds in the microwave) until mostly liquid.  Divided it between the three jars, put the lids on and froze overnight.  Now I can have one in my purse, one at my desk and an extra for my car.

If you are not familiar with coconut oil, check out this giant list of 101 Uses for Coconut Oil

Love,
PlusPeace

The Simple Things

Lots of things going on lately from vacation to busy work days to potty training relapse.  I will, however, find a way to post the August SillyKids Box BEFORE September.  I had upload problems for about a week and when I finally got that to work my USB drive stopped working so I can't access my design files. Lame.

We took a wonderful 3 day vacation off Port Clyde, Maine at the beginning of the month to Hupper's Island.  This was the point we decided we need to find a way to work from home so we can spend every summer on an island.  If yo haven't visited a small island, I highly recommend it!

Since then we've traveled to Rhode Island for a wedding, spent a few days camping in Freedom, New Hampshire and are now looking forward to a nice quiet weekend at home.

Yesterday while driving home there was quite a bit of traffic on the highway but no obvious cause, then as I approached the worst part of it I saw a car pulled over and chuckled.  There was a mom with her son, about Bear's age, pulled off on the side for an emergency potty break.  I know this all too well!

On other news, Bear and I met with the Orthopedic surgeon last week about his trigger thumb and his surgery is scheduled for mid September to release the tendon.  It's minor procedure that takes about 15 minutes but he'll have to be put under so, naturally, I'm really nervous.  It will go fine though!

How are things with everyone out there?

Love,
PlusPeace

Immune Boosting Smoothie

Tis Sick Season!  My facebook wall has been flooded with poor flu victims all week long and I am determined to keep me and my family healthy.  Tim is already iffy feeling a little sick for the last two days but I - after only two servings - swear by this smoothie recipe!

I got this from PinkPistachio and made it on Friday at work (I actually made 4 because they were quite popular)

I used my magic bullet and made single servings of the ingredients instead of making one large batch so I didn't use her directions and found it cold enough so I left out the ice.

This smoothie is green but does not taste leafy and is quite sweet with no added sugar.

Spinach - antioxidents and vitamins

Clementines - vitamin c/d

Orange Juice - vitamin c/d

Bananas - vitamin b6, potasium & fiber

Frozen Pineapple - vitamin c/d

Organic Plain Unsweetened Yogurt - natural antibiotic

I just threw a handful of each, blended then added more yogurt to thicken.

YUM!

Stay healthy,

PlusPeace

Mom-Ergonomics: Back Pain

Since November I have had lower back pain which I kind of figured was due to a growing toddler which often means more rolling on the floor, more hip time and lots more running around. I finally broke down and went to the chiropractor and he told me that just like at work, mom's especially, you need to have "Mom Ergonomics". After poking, pushing, cracking and some electric probing, he came to the conclusion that my back pain was from overuse and, as i thought, a growing toddler. One leg is acting shorter than the other because it is pushed up into my hip from holding Bear on one side all the time.

Mom-ergonomics:
- You should note lift or carry anything (anyone) heavier than 4x your body weight. That means for mom's on the smaller side (110-130) lifting you toddler now is pretty close to that weight.
- Keep in mind when you are lifting, always bend your knees. Although your kid is around 25lb, if you bend at the waist and lift, the weight is closer to 100lb.
- Let your kid walk or use a stroller as much as possible. When you need to console or carry hold them either on your front and bend your knees slightly (you'll get killer calves from doing this) OR hold them on your hip and sway from knee to knee to evenly distribute the weight.
- Stretch in the morning! Getting ready for the day is important, at night the majority of your blood goes to the core to help digestions and other such things. Get the blood pumping back into the rest of your body with simple stretches or exercise.
- If you do have back pain, you should really go see a professional but heat in the morning and throughout the day in 15 minute intervals and COLD in the evening before bed. I did not know this one!

Anyone else having lower back pain from overuse? Any more tips are appreciated!

Love,
PlusPeace

A Spoonful of Sugar

I saw these on a blog I frequest (http://www.swiss-miss.com/2011/12/medicine-ice-lollipop.html) and had to share!

I am SURE no kid loves taking tylenol, or any other icky sticky medicine, not to mention it's almost impossible to get the entire dose out of the little cup.

Pour the dose of medicine and 1 drop food coloring into a small cup (the plastic dosage cup would work great but there are also lolipop molds on amazon) put a stick in the center (the dull end of a skewer or a lolipop stick) and anchor it down with tape. Then freeze until frozen and offer up the lolipop when a dose is needed!

Enjoy,
PlusPeace

We Survived Teething

After THREE weeks of no sleep, temper tantrums, sore gums and snot, the teeth are finally broken through (for now). So to any mom thinking they will never make it through toddler teething - you will! There will be a time when you get a semi-decent nights sleep not long from now.

More fun things to come!

Love,

PlusPeace

How to Handle a Teething Toddler

Bear has been a TERROR since he started teething again. Maybe this will all sound familiar, he is short tempered because he's in pain and doesn't understand why, then he's frustrated because it hurts to eat and he can't tell me, then he throws a tantrum while I try to figure out what he wants, then he bites me. Which logically would be a good way to show someone that your mouth hurts.

Step Number 1: Stay calm. The angrier I get, the shorter my temper is and the less helpful I will be. If you stay composed, while trying to figure everything out it goes way smoother. I know it's not easy having a little 2.5' person hanging off your leg by his teeth but trust me, as much as you want to flip out, you'll only feel guilty for doing it.

Number 2: Figure out exactly what he needs. If it's some kind of food, let him explore the kitchen and find what he wants - within reason. Keep in mind hard foods may hurt, yogurt, peanut butter, canned fruit and vegetables, spaghettios, etc are all nice soft foods.

Number 3: Tylenol, Orajel Night & a redbull for you (you wont be getting much sleep).

Some great things Bear likes is me keeping him distracted (like playing and being silly), brushing his teeth (he loves how this feels) & that vibtrating corn teether that he liked when he was 6 months is now a favorite again.

Best of luck,

PlusPeace

Heat rash or diaper rash?

I had been treating what I thought was a diaper rash with Buttpaste, Aquaphor and pretty much every cream out there and then I figured out how to tell whether it's diaper rash or a rash from a moist, hot diaper - pleasant right?

Diaper Rash - looks similar to a burn and may scale - if it's really bad it will pimple or blister. At that point I'd give the pediatrician a call. Careful it's not a yeast infection as they are often taken for a diaper rash and can get worse if treated as a rash. Both will definitely be uncomfortable for baby!

Treatment? If it's not too bad I use Buttpaste - Arbonne (only online or through a seller) has an herbal one that is supposedly fantastic!

Heat Rash - Bumpy, red, moise to touch and may or may not bug baby.

Treatment - CORNSTARCH! Cheap and safe. Sprinkle it on dry skin after bath and after changings. This cleared it up in less than a week!

Love,

PlusPeace

Icky Sicky

Bear has spent the last week being sick...poor boy! Just a cold, 99.9 temp and some vomiting. Here's how we got through it...

-I determined that the vomiting was caused by the milk based formula so we switched to pedialyte and juice.

-Kept the humidifier on high during the night with Vics oil in the little spot for Vics oil.

-Used VICs baby rub on his back and chest.

-He slept in a t shirt and diaper only - that one was his choice...his newest thing is he likes being naked.

-I don't really like using Tylenol but in this case it was a lifesaver at night/naptime.

-I babied him to no end (he is a baby after all) I held him while he fell asleep, let him nap on me and pretty much sacrificed all sleep.

-I let him eat anything he wanted (recommended by the pediatrician) she advised that as long as his diapers were wet regularly that I shouldn't be too concerned about his eating.

-Warm baths with no bubbles.

It felt long and painful but we got through it! Now I'm sick =[ but I'll survive.

Here are a few good meal suggestions if your little one does end up with a bit of a cold/minor sickness:

Breakfast:

Cherrios - for a few days that's all he would eat

Mango Pure - I get the kind in the squishy pouches so he can suck it out himself.

Pedialyte - if your baby is congested I find it's better to stay away from milk based products (but I'm no doctor) If your baby is like most and wont drink the pedialyte, try mixing it with a naturally sweet juice like apple or purple grape.

Lunch:

Green Bean, Rice and Corn - 3rd foods by Beech Nut

Cottage Cheese - I found this didn't make him more snotty/congested for some reason

Pedilyte/juice mix or water

Dinner:

Rice and Chicken Mush - I have the 'better than bullion" that comes in a jar (boullion paste with less sodium) I mixed one baby spoonful of that with 3 tbs warm water and then mixed with rice cereal - Bear loves it!

Carrot and Barley - 3rd foods by Beech Nut

Water mixed with juice

Graham Cracker for desert

In between meals keep baby hydrated and snacking is always good =]

Love,

PlusPeace

Oh, Poop!

Constipation-eek! It was terrifying and heartbreaking to see my son so unhappy this past Sunday. I think the number one thing when dealing with constipation is to see what's changed in your baby's diet in the past 3-4 days (depending on how long it's been since the last...you know...stinky) If there has been a recent diet change then that is most likely the cause of constipation (no, I am no doctor but I am basing this on what little experience I have) If it's not too bad here are some steps to try:

-Warm Apple-Prune juice - Gerber makes a small 4oz bottle sold in most grocery stores, so you don't have to buy a giant thing of prune juice. I know warm juice just sounds nasty but it seems to have helped. A tip: Don't overdue the prune juice or you'll have a baby with a tummy-ache and poop everywhere!

-When he cries hold him to your chest upright (gravity can only help at this point) or lay him on his back and rub his tummy counter-clockwise. Trust me the screams and pushes are really sad but there is not too too much you can do.

-Keep your baby in loose clothing - jeans and tight waisted pants are a bad idea. A onesie or romper work best. Also give your baby room to wiggle. Lay a blanket on the floor for tummy rubbing for example.

-If you know what is causing the block, STOP feeding it to your baby. In my case it was a new kind of formula, I immediately went out and got the old kind.

-If the problem doesn't seem to go away in 12hrs or there is something that should not be in the diaper when the time finally comes, it's time to call the pediatrician and they may tell you to use a laxative. But don't use one without your pediatrician's recommendation (Children's Laxatives are recommended for children 2+)

I hope none of you have to experience this, but if you do, I hope this helps!

Love,

PlusPeace

teeth, Teeth, TEETH!!

For many of us it's teeth time! It's hard for momma to get sleep when baby is cuttin' teeth! I haven't mastered teething pain relief at night yet (besides Tylenol) but during the day I've come up with a few things that seem to help!

-Brushing teeth! Before any teeth are showing they make a "gum brush" it's made of silicone and slides onto your finger. That works great for before teeth have actually poked through. If you attempt this after teeth have come through there is a 105% chance you will be bit. Once teeth come through try using an infant tooth brush. They have soft bristles and Bear loves it!

-Slice up pear, apple, mango, starfruit, etc pretty much any fruit that is not citrus works great. Put them in freezer baggies labelled by what they are and freeze. When baby is cranky because of hurting teeth pt one in a mesh teething ring. If you don't have a mesh teething ring wrap one or two in a gerber cloth diaper and make a rubberband tight so no pieces get through. Helps numb the gums and tastes yummy!

-I don't know what companies make these but I have a John Deere Baby brand teether. It looks like an ear of corn. The yellow corn is silicone and vibrates when he bites it. It makes him drool up a storm but he loves that thing!

Avoid letting your baby gnaw on furniture, painted toys and paper of any kind. The finishes, paints and inks may contain toxins linked to autism.

As soon as I find the miracle cure for teething at night I will let you know ASAP! If any of you know...please comment, message or facebook me!

GiveAway will be in MARCH-I'll announce official prize March 1st, in order to qualify please click the "follow this blog" on the side!

Love,

PlusPeace

Baby it's cold outside!

A fellow June mommy, daisy00117, from WTE posted an excellent idea! Using a rice bag to keep baby warm in his car seat or stroller! If you don't have one here's how to make one-a rice bag not a baby...silly...

You will need:

8"x16" Scrap Fabric

9"x20" Flannel Fabric

3 Plastic Buttons

Thread

Freezer bag-sandwich size

Whole Kernel Corn-better than rice-can be found at bird food stores or hunting stores

How-to:

Fold 8x16 fabric in half to make 8x8 sew two and a half sides leaving an opening big enough to add corn. Sift through corn and pick out any twigs or the occasional bug. Turn right side out and fill bag loosely with corn-too full wont work as well you should be able to shake it. Sew up last hole.

Place bag on top of paper towel and microwave for 2 minutes and let cool for 2 hours. This helps sterilize and dry out the corn.

Place bag in a plastic ziploc freezer bag.

To make the cover take your flannel and fold a little less than half so you'll have 9x9 with 2" flap. sew sides (inside out) and turn right side out-so now you have a little pillow case looking thing with a flap. Sew buttons on pocket and make button holes on flap. If you are not a pro at sewing buttons securely use velcro instead. You do NOT want loose buttons that your baby can pull off.

To use:

Put corn bag in microwave for two minutes. Put inside flannel cover and button close. Place on baby's lap. Make sure it's not too hot. If you are worried you might burn baby then add a temperature strip they sell at babiesrus for bath tubs and stick on outside.

Enjoy!

Love

PlusPeace

Crusty Baby

I was totally grossed out by the thick flaky ew on top of my son's head. I know there are way more disgusting things ahead but this is worse than thin flaky dandruff-Cradle Cap. There is nothing wrong with cradle cap other than it's unattractive and looks dirty (kinda like your baby's head is covered in bumpy yellow wax) So it's a common thing and I researched a few ways to make it go away. The trusted google says to rub petroleum jelly or mineral oil on it-I disagree.

I used baby oil (I guess kinda like mineral oil, but smells like babies) I put a generous amount of baby oil on my hands and massaged it into Bear's hair (use your nails-the stuff is thick) I pulled his onesie up over his head and twisted it (like a 'nun' hat...I did that when I was little) then I put a changing pad or towel underneath him in his crib and let him sleep for his nap (about 30 mins) then I stuck him in the tub, washed his hair thoroughly twice and dried him off.

Just a warning your baby's hair will be greasy until after the next bath time when it will be super-soft! If the 'nun hat' irritates your little one try an infant hat that is washable instead. 15-30 minutes should be fine for letting it sit in his hair and you should do this once a week or until it stops coming back.

Love

PlusPeace

Counting Sheep

Everyone says that finding a routine makes bedtime easier...yes easIER not easy...keep that in mind. I was driving myself mad trying to come up with a way to get Bear to sleep (in his crib not my arms) when I needed him to, so that in the evening I could get things done-AKA sit here and blog. I avoided making a routine because, well let's face it, I didn't want to add more things to my daily to-do.

Here is my 'Sure-to-get-some-Zs' night time routine:

7:15-7:30pm Tummy-Time. Or whatever type of play time you do with your little one, just make sure it's interaction between the two of you.

7:30-7:45pm Bath Time! I bathe him with soap every other day and on the off days I just hold him and let him float in the water and wash his neck with a washcloth (nobody likes neck-cheese)

7:45-8:15pm Snack. I breast feed near his crib and leave only the night light on.

8:15-8:30pm Cuddle Time. I hold him until he's drowsy, if he's having trouble getting drowsy I read or sing to him. Key is leaving the lights dim. I usually play some kind of soft music as well.

8:30-I place him in the crib but stay in the room and slowly walk out so I am sure he's asleep.

On days when he's fussy but not screaming I'll let him fuss in his crib for a moment before going back and holding him. He'll usually just go to sleep since he's dressed in his sleeper and he has a full tummy.

Some babies don't like baths so try listening to soft music together. Bear really loves Native flute music-I don't know why but it makes him sleep almost instantly. Once the lights are out only whisper and keep your voice soft.

If all goes well I can leave the room and get some stuff done! Yippee! Pile of bills, here I come!

Love,

PlusPeace

Snore followed by Fart followed by Wahhhh

I had this problem and sometimes still do. Bear will eat, burp, settle and fall asleep. I start to do my daily chores and then hear **pffft!** and then screams of pain coming from my little mans crib. Before you run to the store and buy a wedge to keep your baby elevated, sleep positioners so he doesn't roll off the wedge and a bottle of asprin to keep your head from exploding try this out. Under your baby's mattress put a 3" 3-hole binder...voila! you've created a wedge for about $3.00 as opposed to $20-70 (yes...$70!) This keeps baby elevated just enough so the bubbles rise to the top instead of cramping up his poor little belly. If your baby likes to slide down the wedge or does better sleeping on his side, take a regular sized bath towel fold in half length wise and roll either end toward the middle. Stop once there is a 6" gap between the two rolls. Place baby in the middle so the rolls are from his armpits down (this way he doesn't sleep with his face in the towel-not safe) if you're near a Wallmart or Target a bath towel is about $5-7.00 no need to be fancy, any towel will do. The thing I don't like about store bought sleep positioners is when your little one (god forbit) pukes or poops on it, it's almost impossible to get it out. A towel you just un-roll it and stick it in the wash with the rest of the dirties!

Now for just about $10 you've helped your baby get a good nights rest...well...a good two hours at least!

Love,

PlusPeace

If anyone has thoughts suggestions or questions feel free to comment or e-mail me at hmpeterson@maine.rr.com