Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love this time of year.  Love love love love love. Did I mention I love it?

The holiday season really brings out the best in people.  There is a buzz in the air, everything is decorated and twinkly, and spending time with our loved ones is such a treat.

We are headed home to the great state of PA for the Christmas holiday, and I should have made a paper chain to count down the days until we leave, I'm that excited.  Christmas Eve has long been my favorite night of the year.  We all hunker down at my mom's house for a delicious dinner, wine, conversation and company. Now that there are a few kiddos in the mix, traditions are changing, and it's an exciting time in our family.  I'm starting a new jammies on Christmas Eve tradition, and am excited to read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to the wee ones this year.

What are everyone's plans for the holidays?  Do you have any traditions that you would like to share?  With the dawn of Pinterest, the Elf of the Shelf craze, and all other things holiday, there are so many ideas out there!

Share your holiday stories with us!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas,

Lori Pratt-Mother of one Christmas Lovin Kid!

First Class is Great, Can I Get a Traveling with Baby Class???

It's that time of year moms and dads!  The holiday season is upon us, and for many of us that means traveling near and far to visit those most near and dear to us.  Traveling during the holidays can feel grueling, heck, it can be downright brutal....throw a baby or a toddler or two in the mix....and you might find yourself wanting to Skype with the family and avoid the whole thing.

However, I have come to find that traveling with an infant is not as bad as it's often made out to be. There are some simple tips and tricks for a safe and smooth trip.  I also think the one of the biggest hurdles that I have come across is feeling really bad about my fellow passengers, and feeling as though I am interrupting their experience.  A few things occurred to me.....  1)  People need to travel, and people have kids...what can you do?  2)  I do my best to keep my child entertained and happy, and that's really all I CAN do.  3)  I believe that the people traveling with the kids are actually having a much harder time than the people who have to "deal with it".

For the young set (infants, babies, toddlers), preparation is the name of the game.  Pack bottles, formula/milk, plan to nurse, bring pacifiers, soft toys, books and a change of clothes.  If there ever was a time to stock that diaper bag to the max, the time is now!  Most babies don't love the change in air pressure upon take off and landing...I mean, no one does...but at least we know why it's happening.  Giving your baby something to suck on is key; bottle, pacifier, or breast will do!  Try to make sure that you feed your child at the same times you would at home.  Thirst and hunger can make even the most affable infant go gangbusters, and it can be hard to calm them once they have taken off.

For the older set (older toddlers and adolescents), preparation is the name of the game!  Yes, same rules apply, just different bag.  Make sure you fill their adorable rolling carry on with snacks, quiet games (or headphones for anything with sound), books and their favorite small doll or blanket.  If you can keep your kids entertained, you should be pretty much set.

What do I do if my baby is having a melt down?  Try to stay calm and not stress out.  I know it's tough, but it's better for the baby to take the cues from your own mood.  If you need to get up and walk the aisles, do so.  If your baby needs an extra nursing session to calm down, and you are comfortable with it, let him have it!  I have absolutely given my kid and extra snack or two during a long flight.

Most people are incredibly friendly and helpful, and many of them have been through what you are going through.  Of course, you might have a Negative Nancy here and there.  Cue the lady who loudly announced to the cabin that her dog was behaving better than my infant on our flight.....  Mind you, the babe was doing pretty well...all things considered (his dad wasn't with us, we were going solo, and the flight was five hours).  Is it wrong that I totally wished for a cocktail in that moment?  Nonetheless, she obviously had something to prove about her dog and the airplane....so there you go.

The long and short of it is.....of course, traveling with wee ones adds an extra dimension.  You have to plan, plan, and plan some more.  You have to leave from home earlier, check more bags than you ever thought possible, and lug 1000 pounds of stuff to and from the airport.  However, spending time with friends and family during this amazing time of year makes it all worth it.

If all else fails, bake cookies for your nearby travelers....that should help ease the sting of your child's cries :)

#travelingwithbaby

#airplanesandbabies

#happyholidays

Developmental Milestones and Play!!!

"For infants and toddlers learning and living are the same thing. If they feel secure, treasured, loved, their own energy and curiosity will bring them new understanding and new skills." 

 -Amy Laura Dombro, US Early Childhood Author and Writer

If you first time moms are anything like me, you are always asking yourself if your baby is on track?  Is he rolling, sitting up, crawling, talking, walking with the rest of the kids his age?  Is this a good pace?  What can I do to help his development along?

What I have learned so far is.....relax!  People tell us all the time, kids develop at their own pace!  They will get it, and once they do, look out!  My son was a bit of a late crawler, and even now, in the dawn of his eleven month birthday, he army crawls while dragging his right leg, seemingly useless, behind him :)  But, he is chatty as all get out!  He will chat and shriek your ear off day and night.  One of my best friend's sons, about 10 months, pulls himself up, stands on his own, and cruises around tables and chairs like nobody's business.  But, he is more the strong and silent type, and chooses his words carefully.  They are just two great examples of babies doing things on their own time, when they are ready.

Of course, there are certain milestones your pediatrician wants your child to hit by a certain age, and they can make recommendations to you if they see a need.

I started thinking about developmental milestones, big and small.  And decided to take a look into some of the most familiar, and ways that we can engage and encourage our wee ones.

Since every baby develops at his or her own pace, there are a series of guidelines used as a guide to what you might expect from your baby as they develop.  Because there is so much to cover and so much happening in those amazing brains and bodies, we will focus on birth through twelve months.

When you first bring baby home, you can expect a flurry of activity on your end:  feeding, diapers, laundry, lack of sleep, and the simple unadulterated joy of getting to know your baby.  After just a few short weeks, they will come to learn and know your face, voice and touch as well.  Some milestones for month one include:

• Fully developed hearing, and will often turn to the sound of your voice
• Lifting their head briefly during tummy time (they will still need support when upright)
• Letting you know they have had enough interaction by turning away from you or a short cry

While all babies develop at their own pace, it is recommended to call your pediatrician if you notice these red flags:

• Baby does not respond to loud sounds
• Baby does not respond to bright lights
• Baby seems especially stiff or floppy

You can encourage your baby by giving them lots of tummy time, taking walks outside, singing to them, and providing them plenty of love and attention.  Babies this young crave and need constant care!

Once a few quick months have passed, you will get into the swing of things, and enjoy your daily routine with your baby.  Of course, I use the word routine loosely, as they can always keep you guessing!  By month three, we are all amazed at how much our babies have changed and grown.  Key developments to look for in month three include:

• Baby's interaction during playtime; including smiling and cooing at you and his toys
• Social smiles
• Can hold head up for longer periods of time while on tummy, and even uses arms to push himself up
• Begins to track things with eyes, including pets, parents and siblings

Red flags at three months include:

• Baby does not smile
• Baby does not coo or make sounds
• Baby does not watch things as they move

Reading books together, pointing out familiar objects, and narrating your day are all great ways to encourage baby to understand the world around him, as well as encourage his verbal skills. Babies love repetitive games, including peek a boo.

By six months, baby is on the move!  Most babies at this age can roll over, sit up unsupported and engage with parents in play.  As baby learns new skills, keep them engaged with simple toys and books; picture books, wooden spoons and cardboard boxes are amazing to developing minds!

Other key developments around the six month mark include:

• Roll from tummy to back
• Put weight on their legs when you hold them in a standing position
• Begins to pass things from one hand to the other

Red flags at six months include:

• Baby is not affectionate with those around them
• Baby does not reach for things
• Baby cannot sit on own
• Baby seems very stiff or floppy

By nine months, your baby has a personality and mind of their own!  They are exploring, learning, and every day is a new adventure!  Some huge changes are on the horizon, if not already happening.  Remember, every baby is different, and the guidelines are just that.  Babies by nine months can be chatty chatty chatty, or totally on the move!  Some have started scooting or crawling, some have even ventured into walking! By nine months, some babies say simple sounds, mamama, or bababa.  Some are trying out words and repeating what they hear.  Some important things to look for:

• May be clingy with parents and caretakers, and may experience social anxiety
• Copies sounds and gestures of others
• Points at things with fingers
• Puts things in mouth-----Seriously....EVERY.  SINGLE.  THING.
• Stands while holding on to something
• Can get into sitting position on their own

While every baby is different, pay attention to these red flags:

• Does not sit without help
• Does not respond to own name
• Does not bear weight on legs with support
• Does not play any back and forth games

ONE YEAR OLD!!!  Way to go mamas and babies!  What a crazy, amazing, sleep deprived, awesome, jaw dropping year it's been!  You've survived countless diapers, middle of the night feedings, comforts and sicknesses.  You've enjoyed laughter, smiles, adoration, affection and love.  And of course, crying, late nights, food flung in every corner of the house, and one or eighteen blow outs!  I look back at the last year and cannot believe that such a short time ago, this little boy could not do anything but poop without me....and he sometimes needed help with that too!

By one year, things have gotten exciting!  Some milestones your baby might have hit include:

• Cries when mom or dad leaves
• Has favorite things and people
• Uses simple gestures, like shaking head or waving bye bye
• Tries to say words you say
• Looks at the right picture or thing when it's named
• Follows simple directions, such as, find the ball
• Pulls up to stand
• May take a few steps while cruising

Red flags by year one include:

• Does not crawl
• Does not say single words like mama or dada
• Does not point to things
• Loses skills he once had

There are a variety of websites to choose from, and certainly everyone has their favorites.  Information for this article was gleaned from two that I find most easily accessible, straightforward, and comprehensive.

http://www.babycenter.com/baby-milestones

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html

I am also a huge fan of the book, The Wonder Weeks, http://www.thewonderweeks.com/, where discussion centers on baby's mental leaps forward, and is a great insight into baby's first 2 years!

What developmental milestones surprised you the most?  Was baby ahead of the game?  Or did they take their time to master their skill?  Were you ever nervous, excited, anxious?   Please share your experience with us, as we all learn from each other.  We love to hear from other mamas, because we know we are all in this together!

Lori Pratt
Mom of one Chatty as all get out 11 month old

Fall Harvest Baby Food Bonanza!!!

Fall is just around the corner, and with it, a delicious bounty of fall fruits and vegetables!  Squash, apples and pears, oh my!  

Do you make or have you considered making your own baby food?  With the rise of GMOs and pesticide use, more and more parents are turning to homemade food to nourish their wee ones.  Making delicious baby food from scratch is so easy, thanks to many new and innovative products on the market today.  

As I spent yesterday morning making my son a batch of organic spinach, carrot and turkey mish mash, I found myself thinking....this is so easy, and took no time at all!  When I feed my son, I am confident that I chose fresh and organic ingredients, and rest easy knowing that I know what I am putting in his mouth.  

Some experts and parents agree that when making baby food from scratch, organic is best.  Limiting the amount of chemicals in your baby's food is absolutely something to think about.  Of course, buying organic fruits and vegetables can be cost prohibitive for many of us.  If you are trying to find a balance between cost/value/nutritional value, check out the website, http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/Dirty-Dozen-Foods#slide-1, to learn which foods contain the highest levels of pesticides.  This way, you can pick and choose which items you will stick with organic only!

My personal recommendation is to use a microwave steamer to steam your fruits and veggies, as it cuts down your prep time immensely!  If using a silicon or plastic based steamer is not your thing, go the old fashioned route and steam or boil your food on the stove top.  Once your food is cooked and soft, blend away!  We love the Beaba baby food maker, http://www.beaba.com/en/categorie/3.  In just a few minutes, you can have a blend of delicious pureed fruits and veggies!  

Get wild and create your own blends, or feel free to use any online organic baby cook book to help you along the way!  We love mixing whatever is fresh and in season!  Up next this week; sweet potato, kale and chicken!  Looking for a delicious fall morning staple?  Try mixing oatmeal, apples and cinnamon.  This is especially great for little ones with tummy troubles!

What about spices you ask?  Spice away!  In our culture, we are so afraid of giving our children spices at an early age.  But you will find that in other cultures around the world, babies are introduced to commonly used spices right from the get go.  Imagine, helping mold your child's palate from the beginning!  The sooner your baby is introduced to varying flavors, colors, and textures, the better your chances of a well rounded eater down the road.  

Check out http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/tipspices.htm#.UizKCdK-qpc, for tips on adding spice to your baby's meals.  I typically make my food in batches, and add my spices for each particular meal, which gives my baby a new experience each time.  Some of his favorites include cinnamon, cumin, parsley, and basil.

Ok, I have my food ready, now what?  You can make large batches of food to freeze and store for months at a time.  There are so many options for food storage, and you can pick and choose based on the amount of space your freezer will allow.  We love Beaba's line of food storage containers, which you can also check out at the website listed above.  If you are on the go, and still want to feed your child your wholesome homemade delights, check out the Sili Brand, http://thesilico.com/, which created the "original reusable squeeze pouch".

If you find yourself with even an hour to spare one upcoming fall Saturday or Sunday, give making homemade baby food a try.  You will love the results, and more importantly, so will your kids!!!!

Lori A Pratt

Mother to one 10 Month Old Adventurous Eater

It's Back to School Time, but My Kid Has Allergies.....What do I do?

It's that time of year again!  Back to school is always an exciting time of year, and for so many parents, a time we look forward to.  Back to schedules, stability, new friends, new lessons, and so much more!  But with children's food allergies on the rise, back to school can also be a time where we are fraught with worry.  How do I keep my child safe?  How do I let other parents and teachers know what my child is allergic to?  How can I make sure my child understands how important it is to know what they are eating?

While the list of questions seems endless, take a deep breath and know you are not alone!  Children's allergies are common, and with so much information readily available, it is easier than ever to keep your children safe.  Packing school lunch is a healthy and easy way to make sure your children eat well, try different foods, and steer clear of those foods that they have to avoid.

Check out www.kidswithfoodallergies.com and www.foodallergy.com for education and resources!

Your best bet is to make sure that your child is involved in learning about their own food allergies, and being respectful of friends and peers that might have them as well.  My friend's 6 year old son has allergies to just about every food out there, and always asks if anything has peanuts before he goes near it.  He even noticed a picture of a fish on a bottle of vitamins, and sighing, told his mom...."Oh, I can't have these, they have fish oil"!  I was pretty impressed at this food savvy six year old!

There are many day care centers and schools that employ a peanut free school zone; no peanut butter, peanuts, no treats with peanuts for birthday parties, etc.  If your child's allergy is severe, this is definitely a route worth looking into it.  I have also heard about schools that offer a "peanut allergy" table in the lunchroom.  But, in fairness, that idea makes me hesitant.  There is no guarantee that there won't be cross contamination.  More importantly, no child with an allergy should have to sit away from their friends at lunch, allergies are hard enough for the wee ones to deal with...I personally don't believe segregation is the answer!  And while peanuts certainly top the list of common allergens, they aren't the only ones out there.  I don't believe the solution can be to remove every potential allergen from our schools.

 I do believe that our teachers and caregivers play a very active role in keeping our kiddos safe.  If your child needs Benadryl or an EpiPen on hand, make sure there is an adult in the classroom that knows how and when to administer both.  Bring a printed list of instructions for the teacher and the school nurse, and make sure they know what those allergies are.  Trust me, they want to know, as their job is to keep our children safe and happy.  And if you can provide them with the tools to get the job done, fantastic!

There are a variety of lunch boxes and containers on the market, providing clear notice that your child has an allergy.  This is an easy, no fuss way to get the word out.  We love the stickers from Goodbyn, check them out at http://store.goodbyn.com/Dishwasher_safe_Sticker_Set_The_Original_p/20041.htm.  Cute, creative, and useful....it's the dream!

And if it's any consolation, my allergist told us that while food allergies are common, there has not been a food allergy related death in Colorado in more than 40 years!  While we still need to remain vigilant and aware, surely, this can give us a tiny bit of peace of mind.

The new school year should be fun and exciting!  Food allergies, while a big issue right now, should not take away all of that excitement.  A little bit of education goes a long way, and remember, allergies are common, and you are not alone!

Enjoy Back to School Time!!!

Lori A Pratt
Mother of One Dairy Sensitive and Potentially Egg Allergic Little Munchkin