Today's Headlines

Dear Ciara,

I can not believe that it was four years ago today. I remember it just like yesterday. I remember the long ride to the hospital. You were eager to enter the world and arrived just two hours after I got there.

Weighing exactly 6lbs you were my tiny little cuddle bug. Your sister was so excited when she found out you were a girl.



Your first year flew by way too fast. I watched you grow, roll all over the floor, learn to crawl, pull yourself up and circle around the coffee table.














Before you turned two you became a big sister. You loved your little brother from the beginning and learned how to share and play nicely with him.






You are so smart and learned all your letters and numbers by the time you turned three.





I love watching you dance and sing all the songs you learn at preschool. You are my little entertainer and bring so much joy to my life.










I hope you have the best birthday. You will always be my little girl and my pretty pretty Princess. I love you!




Mommy


Discuss this in our forum

Everyone knows about February 14. It is a time to buy red roses and chocolates, special cards and funny balloons. But what about the rest of the year. What happens then ?

Remembering our loved ones on non-anniversaries is an important way of demonstrating that a relationship matters and is really special to us. We can communicate this in a myriad of ways and build up a strong connection and a close bond purely by regularly demonstrating that we care and are investing time and consideration into our special relationship.

Certainly in the early days of a loving relationship many people will regularly think of their new boyfriend or girlfriend and remember to buy a CD that they said they liked, or pick up tickets for a film that they wanted to see, or buy that thoughtful little gift as a treat. We think nothing of going the extra distance for them. In fact it is our pleasure to demonstrate that we care. Continuing with that initial thoughtfulness is the key to an ongoing, exciting, loving relationship. People respond well to positive treatment and their appreciation becomes a loving reward.

Showing that a person is loved and valued does not have to be expensive. In fact, often the best, most appreciated gifts are the ones that required thought and planning, rather than a lot of money being spent. They are the most valued because they were chosen with that particular person in mind.

Here are a few of my ideas for letting someone know that they matter. Feel free to add any extras of your own. Note that these are not expensive ideas , but will require some effort and time.
- The best investment in a special relationship is the quality of communications. Each person being respected, whatever they say, and not judged for it, but accepted for their point of view. Communicate openly and say how you feel. Do not expect your partner to be psychic.
- Listen to what your partner says and demonstrate that you have listened by remembering what you have been told and following it up on future occasions by asking questions, checking on what happened next.
- Run a scented bath for them. Light candles, warm the towels.
- Cook their favourite meal, from scratch, and clear up afterwards .
- Give them a massage.
- Make a collage of special pictures, times, events that you have shared.
- Compile a compact disc of 'our' songs and tunes
- Plan a day out, go to the beach with a picnic, or spend time visiting galleries, book shops, markets together.
- Hire some bicycles and go out for a ride.
- Enjoy a country walk. Have a drink or lunch in a quaint pub.
- Remember a film, book, show that was mentioned and organise it.
- Telephone or text just to say, 'Hello, I love you'.
- Paint them a picture or frame a special photograph.
- Buy flowers, but not just once a year or to say 'sorry'. Remember, men like flowers too.

All these are the special extras that can add sparkle to a loving relationship. But do not forget the day-to-day thoughtfulnesses, like collecting the dry cleaning, or helping with the school run, or the first person home in the evening starts preparing the meal. Pulling together in a relationship reinforces the closeness of the bond and helps it to grow and flourish, every day of the year.
Susan Leigh, Counsellor and Hypnotherapist
http://www.lifestyletherapy.net/


Discuss this in our forum

With the start of the New Year come the traditional resolutions to be active, healthier and stay fit. Often the beginning of the year means overcrowded gyms, a long wait for equipment and the realization that it’s harder to reach your fitness goals than expected.

Thanks to BJ’s you can avoid the crowds at the gym and ensure you keep your resolutions. BJ’s has workout equipment, apparel and healthy eating alternatives all under one roof. BJ’s can save you time and money while maintaining the healthy lifestyle you promised yourself in 2010. I thought this would be a great fit for the many moms who read Healthy Moms and are constantly on-the-go. Items to get you off to the right start include:

-Tone your body, reduce fat and increase your stamina with our Mary Recumbent Mag Bike for $159.99 ($20 Instant Rebate until January 31, 2010 or while supplies last)

- Stretch and rejuvenate tired muscles with Weslo Inversion Flex System. $149.99 with shipping and handling included.

- Track and weigh your daily food intake to help you stay in line with your goals. The Biggest Loser Electronic Glass Nutritional Scale displays all of your foods nutritional value. $39.99

These products and many more can help you stay fit from the comfort of your home.

Discuss this in our forum

I tried a local boot camp class today. My kids were asking, "what the heck is that?" I think they envisioned me going to a special camp where I can get boots. Tee hee! Seriously though, it was nice to step away from my DVD player for a day and get out in the world.

Discuss this in our forum

This blog is meant for mothers to find answers to their health questions and parenting questions. I've tried my best for the past two years to research, add the best experts to my blogging team and provide the information moms seek. Now it is my turn.

I am turning to my readers to find answers to a parenting problem that my husband and I have been dealing with for the past three years. I have decided today that it can not continue. This problem is harming my marriage and my health as well as the health of my husband. We need help.

Our beautiful baby girl was born four years ago (she turns four on Sunday). We had a difficult time transitioning her from the bassinet in our bedroom to the crib in her own room. Finally when she was seven months old she started sleeping through the night in her crib. Shortly after that I found out I was pregnant with child number three. Our son was born in the summer of 2007. I nursed him and he did not sleep through the night until he was a year and half. Currently we have three small children ages 4, 2 1/2 and 6 months. We are struggling with sleep issues with all three.

Ciara is our soon to be four year old. She is full of energy and spunk and refuses to take naps during the day at home. Her preschool teachers told me that she does nap at school. Eight o' clock has been her bedtime for a couple of years now. We have a routine down. She gets her PJ's on or takes a bath on bath nights, brushes her teeth and Dad reads her and her brother a story. After that they say their prayers and it is off to bed. Instead of staying in her room like most kids should do she constently leaves her room and makes up excuses as to why she isn't in bed. Does this sound familiar? "I'm not tired," "I'm thirsty," her favorite excuse has been, "I'm scared of my bedroom." She shares a room with her twelve year old sister and our house is old so the few outlets in the room are hidden. We don't have a good place to set up a night light. I tried using a lamp but Ciara is very distructive and she broke the lamp.

My husband usually stays up with her and some nights get so late that he doesn't make it to bed until midnight. Ciara sees a behavioral specialist on Fridays and we discussed this problem with her. She suggested that we stay in her room with her every night until she settles down. My husband has tried this and so have I. This doesn't work out well during school nights because sometimes she still isn't asleep when her sister comes to bed. If we leave the room she will just keep our older child up. We need another solution. Sometimes Ciara sleeps on the couch in our living room. But we would prefer that she sleep in her own bed. Do any of you have suggestions for us?



Conan is our sweet, sensitive and gifted two and a half year old. He was a high needs baby and we struggled with sleep issues for most of his life. Conan is used to our bedtime routine and we don't have problems with him going to bed at 8 o'clock. He requires a lot of stimulus so some nights he keeps himself busy and plays quietly in his bedroom until he tires himself out. Unlike his sister he does not have distructive behavior nor does he make a big mess so we are able to leave him alone in his room at night. For the past few months Conan has been waking up in the middle of the night. After he wakes up he'll cry out for either myself or my husband. When we go to his room to find out what is wrong it may be hours before we are able to leave. Chris was up with him for about three hours last night and I was up with him for another two. If we try to leave the room Conan starts screaming. I don't know what to do about this.

Christopher John "CJ," is our darling little six month old. I am nursing him so he still wakes up at night and wants to nurse. By the time your child reaches six months he doesn't need the extra night time feedings. So I know he is just looking for the comfort of breastfeeding. I get up with him a couple of times a night. Along with waking up at night he also has a tough time falling asleep on his own. Whenever I place him in his crib weather or not he is awake or already asleep, he screams bluddy murder. Lately I've been setting the kitchen timer for 20 minutes and let him scream the whole time but he hasn't fallen asleep within those first 20 minutes. I'm contemplating changing it to a half an hour. CJ prefers to sleep in our bed at night, but I can not continue having him in bed with us. This has to stop! The boys share a room so I am also worried that he will keep Conan up if we place him in his crib when Conan is in bed. Should I just let him keep his brother up until he gets used to staying in the crib? Have any of you had similar problems?

I am looking forward to reading your responses.

Sleepless in Sacramento


Discuss this in our forum

I know Christmas was over a month away but I finally got the chance to download my photos from our trip. Here is a cute one of CJ with my mom.



Discuss this in our forum

According to Wikipedia Motivation is "the activation or energizing of goal-oriented behavior." Ever since I was a little kid I have always set goals for myself and tried to keep a positive attitude while attempting to reach those goals. You can say that I was extremely motivated.

Now that I am in my thirties and have four very active children I am finding it harder and harder to stay motivated. A typical day flies by and I feel like I did not accomplish anything.

Setting goals for yourself whether they are personal related, family related or if you are a work at home mom like myself, business related can help you stay motivated and feel good about yourself. When I don't accomplish my goals it causes me to spiral into a depression. This is the last thing I want to put myself and my family through. How do I prevent this?

Sleep deprivation is also taking over my body. I constantly wake up to tend to the needs of my infant and my preschooler refuses to go to bed at a decent hour. If you find yourself in a similar situation how do you stay motivated and reduce the stress in your life?

As busy moms and wives sometimes we put our children and husbands ahead of ourselves. If you are feeling exhausted and stressed out try putting yourself first. Think about your needs for a change. Sounds difficult, doesn't it?

How much sleep do you get at night? Sixty-five percent of Americans lose sleep due to stress. Twenty-six percent of women report trouble sleeping at least once a week compared to only 16% of men. Nineteen percent of individuals ages 45-64 admit to losing sleep due to stress a few nights per week. Why are we so stressed out?

Most moms worry about family issues or finances. If these two issues are keeping you up at night try finding something else to occupy your mind or these stress relievers might help as well.

• Carve out an hour a day for solitude.
• Begin and end the day with prayer, meditation, reflection.
• Keep your house picked up.
• Don't over schedule.
• Strive for realistic deadlines.
• Never make a promise you can not keep.
• Allow an extra half an hour for everything you do.
• Create quiet surroundings at home and at work.
• Go to bed at 9pm twice a week.
• Always carry something interesting to read.
• Breathe...deeply and often.
• Move...walk, dance, run, find a sport you enjoy.
• Drink lots of water.
• Eat only when you are hungry.
• Set aside one day a week for rest and renewal.
• Laugh more often.
• If you don't love it, live without it.
• Don't answer the telephone during dinner.
• Stop trying to please everybody.
• Start pleasing yourself.
• Stay away from negative people.
• Don't be afraid of your passion.
• Set achievable goals.
• Remember, happiness is a living emotion.
• Care for your soul.
• Cherish your dreams.
• Express love every day.
• Search for your authentic self until you find her.

Remember we need to learn how to take care of ourselves before we can care for others. You are your children's best role model. If they see that you are stressed out and tired it will reflect on their behavior making matters worse. Take time out for YOU. Even if it is only a half an hour a day; you deserve it. I think I am due for some ME time.



Discuss this in our forum

It's time again to celebrate giveaways! List yours here or if you want to enter one they are just a click away.

Giveaways at Healthy Moms

Triaminic Giveaway
Triaminic and the Healthy Moms are giving away 4 boxes of Triaminic Thin strips to 3 lucky readers. All you need to do in order to enter is leave a comment. All entries must have a valid e mail address, be 18 years or older and United States residents. ends 2/21

Eco Store Giveaway
Prize: $25 gift certificate to the Eco Store

HOT Giveaways across the web

America's Wellness Challenge Sweepstakes
Prize: $15,000 ends 2/28

HGTV - 2010 Dream Home Sweepstakes
Prize: Custom-built furnished home in Sandia Park, NM; includes $500,000 cash, 2010 GMC Terrain SUV, high-end appliances, and HGTV Dream play home (ARV $2,038,375).

Better Homes and Gardens - Take a Load Off Sweepstakes
Prize: $10,000 check.

Woman's Day - Waters at Horseshoe Bay Giveaway
Prize: 4-day/3-night stay for four at The Waters at Horseshoe Bay in the Texas Hill Country, and a $500 flight voucher (ARV $2,200).

Good Housekeeping - Aruba Vacation Sweepstakes
Prize: 5-night trip for two to the Aruba Marriot Resort & Stellaris Casino in the exclusive Tradewinds Club; includes two $800 gift cards for airfare, all meals, two massages at the Mandara Spa, and choice of two-hour windsurf experience along with one-hour windsurfing lesson OR one-hour intro to kiteboarding with land-trainer lesson (ARV $3,696.84).

Ladies' Home Journal - Spa Giveaway Sweepstakes
Grand Prize: Gift certificate good for a 3-night weekend trip for two to Canyon Ranch Spa in Lenox, MA, or Tucson, AZ; includes three daily gourmet meals, $390 per person allowance toward spa, sports and integrative wellness services, complimentary fitness classes, use of fully equipped spa complex, guided hikes and biking excursions, daily selection of educational lectures and cooking demonstrations, personal program advisor to custom-design the stay, health and fitness assessment and Canyon Ranch beauty products (ARV $7,055).
First Prizes:
(1): $500 Bliss spas gift certificate and Bliss beauty products (ARV $1,000).
(1): $500 Elizabeth Arden Red Door spas gift certificate and Elizabeth Arden beauty products (ARV $1,000).
(1): $1,000 Spa Finder gift certificate.
(1): Aveda spa beauty products (ARV $1,000).

If You're Happy and You Know It! Book and Singalong CD Great Books 4 Children
Beautiful children's book and singalong CD for kids 1-7. end 2/1

Umbra Partridge Jewelry Tree The Happy Little Wren
The Happy Little Wren is pleased to announce that we have an Umbra Partridge Jewelry Tree to give away to one lucky reader! ends 1/27

EvoraPlus Teeth Whitener Dimes 2 Vines
30 day supply of EvoraPlus Teeth Whtitener ends 1/30

Prime-Time Health 2 copies Dimes 2 Vines
2 copies (2 winners) of Prime-Time Health book. ends 2/6

$20 Worth Surprise Hair Accessories and Coverings All Things Bloggy
The winner of $20 Worth Surprise Hair Accessories and Coverings will be chosen RANDOMLY from all the valid and verified entries and will be notified by email. If the winner fails to reply to the notification email within 48 hours after it has been sent, the entrant with the highest points will be the alternate winner. The winner's name will be posted only after the winner's confirmation. Also, aside from being the alternate winner, the entrant with the highest points will be awarded a 125x125 Ads Space for 1-month in this site as my very own 'All Things Bloggy' Giveaway Enthusiast Awardee. Enter Daily until February 8, 2010

Lunar Antics: Comics Book Cakeblast
Lunar Antics Presents: Boy I'd Hate To Be Made Out Of That Stuff! This book of comic strips is hilarious and suitable for all ages. ends February 8, 2010 11:59pm CST






Other Places to List Your Giveaway

MONDAY:



TUESDAY:


Mom Advice

WEDNESDAY:


Frugal Freebies and Deals
Busy Mommy



Whimsy *couture* Boutique





THURSDAY:





FRIDAY:



The Mud Bug

SATURDAY:


SUNDAY:





Moomette's Magnificents
The Freebie Blogger

ONGOING:


Other Great Giveaway Sites

Mom Bloggers Club
Cafe Mom
Mom Fuse
Sweeps4Bloggers
Contest for Moms
SweepsAdvantage.com
Online-sweepstakes.com

Would you like your giveaway to be featured under our HOT giveaways across the web? Please fill out this form and we will feature your giveaway next Monday.

Website Name
Your Email Address
Prize
Deadline to enter
Live Link to Your Contest
Discription
Image Verification Please enter the text from the image: [ Refresh Image ] [ What's This? ]

Discuss this in our forum