Allie's Mooma

Midsummer Nights Dream Tutu Tutorial!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:43:00 +0000

Midsummer Nights Dream Tutu Tutorial!!!!

Homeschool Your Baby for Free

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:53:00 +0000

There is nothing more fascinating than watching the progress of a young child. From the time they are born, until the age of six, they are little geniuses that will flourish under the proper instruction. But, once you become a mom, it is difficult to sift through all of the information available. So, I want to share with other moms the resources that I have been using to help my daughter learn and have fun.

First, I can't say enough about Signing Time. We started with Baby Signing Time, and my daughter has loved the videos from the start. They have helped to improve her vocabulary while teaching her a second language. Each word also shows the spelling of the word, in sans serif. Most importantly, she loves trying to sing the songs learns. For her to learn how to communicate before being able to speak has been a gift to us both.

Next, I must mention that I am extremely impressed by the results of a couple of institutes which concentrate on teaching babies how to read. I am currently reading a book called Teach Your Child to Read in Just Ten Minutes a Day. This book is written by the founder of the Sidney Ledson Institute for Intellectual Advancement. He explains that no teaching experience is necessary, nor is it required that you spend money to give an education to your baby. I believe that it is entirely possible, and in my opinion absolutely necessary to teach a child to read as early as you both are ready. It will give your child the most incredible advantage in life, if you can make the effort to help them while they are young. If a child learns no other discipline at a young age, early reading in itself can increase their intelligence exponentially. Even older children can learn the proper skills needed to increase their reading abilities remarkably. One roadblock that we may face is, Allie has already learned her alphabet. Apparently, this is a disadvantage in that it will be confusing when attempting to teach her correct pronunciation or phonics. Though her knowledge of the names of the letters will help her later, when she is learning to spell. I just began reading the book, so I'll give an update in a couple of months on our progress.

The other educator that caught my attention was Glenn Doman, who founded The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential. He began his research exploring why young children learn faster than older children. His books include titles which enable you to teach your baby reading, swimming, mathematics, and the acquisition of encyclopedic knowledge; all through the use of a flashcard method. Each card is shown for only one second, and no longer. Only about 10 cards each session, 3 times a day. Materials are changed at the end of the week. This method has had the most extraordinary results. Though after reading the Ledson book, I tend to believe that it is not the method, so much as the actual teaching of the materials that proves successful.
One of the nicest blogs I have come across to offer some these learning materials online is TheClassicalMommy.

Even though I was supposed to teach phonics before teaching the names of the letters, the website that facilitated her learning is highly recommended... and free. Starfall. I began showing it to her for about ten minutes a day when she was 17 months old, and she would always beg to learn more. Though, I would suggest teaching phonics as Sidney Ledson advocates, first. Starfall is easy to use and a lot of fun for little ones. This is the perfect place to start once your child is ready to learn spelling.

Though teaching is not just about instruction. Little ones mimic our behavior almost immediately. It only takes watching one act, to instill a difficult to break habit. And so, I am compelled to say that I have done my best to show my baby love through attachment parenting. Going back to my pregnancy, the two most valuable books that I read were Maria Montessori's Absorbent Mind and Katie Granju's Attachement Parenting. Montessori teaches that children must have consistency and order in their lives, so that they may make sense of the world they live in. It is imperative that they be shown how to do things for themselves, that they may become independent during the most crucial learning period of their lives. A biologist turned educator, Montessori was precise in her observations of child behavior. Most importantly, I believe that it was Katie Granju's book, that caused me to have an overpowering aspiration to connect to the idea of the type of person I would like for my child to become. I want to give her the very best of everything that I can offer. Mostly, that means slowing down, and doing my best to understand what life is like from my child's point of view. Then, taking the time to explain step by step how to do tasks which I find mundane, in a slow, deliberate, often dramatic way. One book that I am currently reading, which I find incorporates both of these women's ideals is The Mommy Manual. It is written by a mother of twelve who is a former Montessori teacher. She wrote this book to enable parents to use the ingenious Montessori method at home with their own children.

I use You Tube to find children's music and sign language video clips that she loves. Though I don't have the greatest voice in the world, I have always sung to my daughter. As a result, she loves to sing. She often recites the correct last word of the lyrics before I do. One of the best ways that I have read, to teach children music is through folk songs. And to teach perfect pitch, play one note daily on a piano or keyboard for a couple of weeks, until you and your child can recognize the note on its own. This practice helps to learn the actual notes instead of associating them with one another. Play classical music as often as possible, until you and your child can name the composers of songs played.

Hopefully, my list of resources will help someone who is curious enough to check them out. Everything that I've listed should be available through your local library. Not to mention, these materials are more valuable and efficient than any electronic educational toy that you can buy (LeapFrog is a marketing rip-off.) And any one of these things can be done in just 10 minutes a day. I'd say it's worth it to help your little genius!

Adjusting To Tantrums

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:37:00 +0000

I was recently asked by a friend whose baby is now about 18 months old, if my daughter ever had tantrums. And I had to think back to the time when she actually didn't have tantrums to remember how I felt then. I recall thinking that maybe not all babies went through the "Terrible Two's." Or, maybe my daughter was calmer because we tried to communicate using sign language. Thinking back, I pat my old self on the head and breathe in a gush of air, because I simply was not prepared for what would come next.

Like my friend's daughter, I believe Allie's first tantrum was over her carseat. She too thrust her body about, screamed and cried. At first I would take her out, and feed her, or talk to her for a few minutes. But, inevitably she had to be buckled in. And it would start all over again. Though I have discovered recently, at 25months, if I put in her favorite CDs, it soothes her. Playing Elizabeth Mitchell, I can hear her singing through her little sobs "bird," "window," "candy." Or If it's her Choo-Choo Soul CD..."train," "1,2,3," "night." Usually I will sing the songs with her, but if she is upset, she usually doesn't want me to talk to her until she calms down.

Most recently she has not wanted us to put her clothes on. But, since she usually won't try to do it herself, we end up struggling to get them on. Daddy often has better luck, as he pretends to eat her hands and feet. Or he'll wear her pants on his head to make her laugh and ask her, "Do these belong on my head?" She says, "No. Silly Daddy." Then he'll ask her where they go, and she will sometimes stick her foot out for him to dress her. He continues to play in that way until she is finally dressed. He has learned that simply asking her questions in a playful way can help tone down her battle mode.

Regardless of what she does when she's angry, the best thing that I can do for her is to let her emotions play out. Many of her tantrums only last a minute or two. And for those that last longer, there is usually a reason; sometimes teething, sleepy, hungry, bored, needing a diaper change or attention. The most significant reason for tantrums is her need to do something by herself. Which is why in place of holding her and telling her everything is ok, I sometimes have to let her go. Once the crying has stopped, either she will come to me, or I will go to her. Mind you, this is completely the opposite of everything I've done before this point. I have always been one to jump at the slightest wimper from our baby. However, as a toddler, who is trying to become independent, she occasionally needs me to give her space. She makes it abundantly clear when she pushes, kicks, or aims to hit. I just take cues from her and try to change accordingly.

Walking Baby!

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 08:03:00 +0000

Allie started walking this past Wednesday! She gets so tickled about it, that she squeals with excitement when she takes those four or five baby steps. Sometimes, I can't tell who is more ecstatic, Allie, or me and Jai!

What's To Eat, Mom?

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:13:00 +0000

Comfort Foods
I can almost smell Momma's cooking, when I really think about it. The warmth of freshly buttered cornbread; the salt and pepper of fried pork chops; and the tang of black-eyed peas and tomatoes on top of white rice, all made me crave second helpings before I began the first. Not a day went by that I didn't drink three or more glasses of the best sweet iced tea in the world. I never questioned what was good for my health, because the four major food groups were always covered for dinner. My mornings always started with cereal, usually sweet. My lunches consisted of school pizza, stews, spaghetti, fries or whatever else was deemed edible by the school.

When I was 26, I went to a doctor to find out about the terrible knee pain that I'd been experiencing for about eight years. I was told that I had osteoarthritis, and that there was nothing that I could do about it. Pain medicine was the only option that was given to me. In my heart I knew that there had to be something that I could change. So, I began to research. The one thing that began to resonate with me, was the need to change my diet. And while, I hadn't eaten my mom's home-cooked meals in over 5 years, my eating habits left much to be desired.

I had been juicing for a couple of months when my daughter was conceived. My skin was starting to turn a lovely carrot orange, when my juicer finally broke. Though very quickly into my pregnancy, I had to forfeit all fruits and vegetables. I could barely look at food if it wasn't some kind of bread or cracker. Once my appetite finally decided to kick in, I could only eat meat and bean burritos from Taco Bell. Through all of that, my daughter was born a healthy 6 pounds and 2 ounces.

Now that my Alexandria is a little over a year old, I am responsible for providing a healthy foundation for her. Every week that passes, I notice her eating more solid food, and less breastmilk. Now, here comes my state of perpetual confusion. What do I feed my child? I have adapted a mostly vegetarian lifestyle again, while Jaison is a meat 'n' potatoes guy. Though reflecting on Momma's cooking makes me hungry for more, I couldn't possibly feed the same foods to my own child. I don't want my baby girl to have the same sugar addiction, disdain for water, or craving for fried chicken that I do. More than anything, I don't want her to suffer from diabetes, heart problems, arthritis or any number of other illnesses which could possibly be prevented. In turning to books, I find myself even more confused. Vegetarian diets mean less pesticides, and hormones. Raw Food diets (vegetarian) mean more direct energy from vitamins and minerals. However, meals shouldn't be completely raw because some foods only release nutrients from being heated. To top it off, my daughter is a meat eater. So, I have to find a way to make meals mostly vegetarian, while still offering a little meat here and there to satisfy baby and daddy.

All of my research has lead me to look for Superfoods that would nourish and satisfy all of our needs. And here is what I've found:

Super Foods as recommended by Steven Pratt, MD (from WebMD.com):
1. Beans: A great low-fat, low-calorie source of protein and an easy way to help control your weight and your blood sugar.
2. Blueberries: The best food on the planet to preserve a young brain as we mature.
3. Broccoli: The best food on the planet to prevent cancer.
4. Oats: A sure-fire way to lower your cholesterol.
5. Oranges: The most readily available source of vitamin C, which in turn lowers the rate of most causes of death in this country, for example, heart disease and cancer.
6. Pumpkin: Loaded with phytonutrients, which keep our skin young and help prevent damage from sunlight.
7. Wild salmon: A guaranteed way to lower your risk for cardiac-related death.
8. Soy: The only complete vegetarian source of protein.
9. Spinach: The best food on the planet to prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, thus ensuring a lifetime of good vision.
10. Tea -- green or black: The easiest and cheapest no-calorie way to avoid heart disease and cancer.
11. Tomatoes: One of the easiest ways for men to avoid prostate cancer is the consumption of tomatoes and tomato-based products.
12. Skinless turkey breast: The leanest meat source of protein on the planet.
13. Walnuts: Consuming walnuts is an easy, tasty way to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
14. Yogurt: A tasty, easy way to boost your immune system.

Dr. Perricone's 10 Superfoods (I found this list on Oprah.com):
Açaí
The Allium Family
Barley
Beans and Lentils
Buckwheat
Green Foods
Hot Peppers
Nuts and Seeds
Sprouts
Yogurt and Kefir

Superfoods for Writers
The list that follows is from my current favorite website freelancewritinggigs.com. In her 1/18/08 post, the author discussed Superfoods for the brain:
1. Blueberries - Blueberries are filled with rich anti-oxidants. A diet rich in blueberries leads to a better memory and better motor skills and coordination.
2. Omega-3 Rich foods such as salmon and sardines - I don’t like fish or sea food and getting me to eat these is like pulling teeth. I should though because the Omega-3 foods stimulate the brain and help keep a positive outlook. Studies show a diet rich in Omega-3’s helps to ward off Alzheimer’s.
3. Spinach - Great for the central nervous system and good all around brain food.
4. Nuts - A daily handful of nuts is a not only a great protein booster but also a great brain booster. Take some when you feel yourself struggling and see what I mean.
5. Citrus fruits - Not only do fruits give you the right kind of sugar for energy and fuel but colorful fruits are excellent sources of antioxidants and powerful brain food.
6. Dark chocolate - Yes. I’m giving you permission…in moderation. Dark chocolate also is an antioxidant. Plus it increases focus and stimulation. Dark chocolate also helps to fight age related brain symptoms.
7. Water - Your brain won’t function properly if it’s dehydrated. 8 to 10 glasses a day, at least.
8. Avocado - Avocados stimulate blood flow to the brain. They do have fat in them, but it’s not the bad kind of fat.
9. Whole grains - Promote good heart and blood health. Your grains keep the heart pumping and keep you going. Plus they stimulate the blood flow to the brain.
10. Eggs - Help with the production of memory stem cells…and every writer needs a sharp memory.

It is my belief that we don't have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition. I have already started a great habit of incorporating delicious smoothies into our morning breakfast routine. Whole wheat cereal or oatmeal makes breakfast complete. In the future, I hope to add green smoothies to the menu, and eliminate cow's milk. The great thing is, that I now have a list of interesting foods that I can plan my grocery shopping around. Most of the foods are very affordable, and flavorful. My biggest challenge now, is to find or create mouthwatering recipes that my own daughter will find nostalgic in years to come.

The Sound of Mom's Voice

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:26:00 +0000

The Sound of Mom's Voice

A baby's mind is nothing short of phenomenal. Before being born, they start learning. Repetitive stimulation is key to hard wiring connections in the brain, but it is also important to keep lessons and playtime full of stimulating new activities. Most importantly, babies need one-on-one time. It is essential that everything be explained to them. Remember, they are learning everything for the first time. What is just a banana to you, is a new shape, size, texture, temperature, color, smell, taste, and weight to a baby. Does it make a sound when it falls? Is it mushy, or does it crinkle? Will it bounce off of Mommy's head?
Instead of just going about your daily routine, make it a point to engage your child in conversation. Even if it feels as though they aren't paying attention to you, they are learning. They will listen to the cadence of your voice, to learn from your actions and reactions.

Pin-Up Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 05:17:00 +0000

What's In A Picture?

When I was a child, I found a black and white photograph of my mother. It was probably taken in the 50's or 60's. All I can remember thinking about, was how beautiful and independent she looked. Her hair was dark and curled. Her lipstick was red. She seemed to be working as a bank teller at the time. More than anything, I dreamed of being like her when I became a woman. Perhaps that is why I am so drawn to vintage photos and crimson colored lipstick. Perhaps it brings me closer to the memories of my mom, her strength and loveliness. Photographs have the ability to capture thoughts, and emotions. They freeze our expressions in time and show us how others see us.

Best Smoothie Ever

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 03:55:00 +0000

With Avocado?!
I never guessed that I would try avocado, partially because I'm not fond of guacamole. However, this the best smoothie I have ever eaten! Cardamom and cinnamon add a soft flavor to tart blueberries. But it is the avocado that makes this drink so delectable and smooth.
(Recipe from www.avocado.org)

Avocado-Blueberry Smoothie

Ingredients

½ Cup ice cubes or crushed ice
1 (11.5-oz) can peach nectar (I substitute about 3 Tablespoons of applesauce and a splash of milk.)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ large, ripe California Avocado, peeled, seeded, cut in small chunks
1 (6-oz.) carton non-fat vanilla or peach yogurt
1 Cup fresh blueberries, rinsed, picked over, well-drained
A dash of cardamom.

Instructions

Place all ingredients in blender with lid.
Blend on high speed for two minutes or until smooth and creamy.
Pour into two tall glasses to serve.

This is a wonderful way to get your lil ones to eat both avocado and blueberries!

Pregnant Haiku for You

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 03:21:00 +0000

1.
Thump. Your body moves.
I can feel your stirring limbs
Moving as ripples.

2.
Fluttering, soft air.
My skin stretches from within.
Can't help but giggle.

3.
Two unique heartbeats
Beating to their own rhythms.
For now, we are one.

4.
Dreams of your heartbeat
Pumping twice as fast as mine
Sharing the same blood

A Loving Life

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 07:46:00 +0000

A Loving Life
I feel fortunate to know what it is to love someone, and to be loved in return. Jaison surprises me more everyday, with his patience and understanding. We do our best to solve problems as they come up, and to avoid drama from the outside. The greatest thing about being us, is we are still young at heart. Not a day will go by that we don't play, tease one another, or make silly bets based on our respective pinions. We give ourselves time together, and away from each other. And we always try to make the day as sunny as it can be for our beautiful daughter. Even if he won't drink a green smoothie, and I won't touch processed meat, we move on and fight over which movie to watch. Life is just too delicate to worry about disagreeing.

Just wanna let you know, that I love you baby. You are too sexy!

Still Attached

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 06:26:00 +0000

The following excerpts are from a journal that I kept from the time Allie was born, to about five months old.

I believe in attachment parenting because it is my obligation to give a voice to the voiceless.

March '07
Entry I
Imagining daily that I am my child...
How does it feel to be a newborn?
Everything too massive, nothing familiar,
Except one voice, one heartbeat.
She cries only with purpose.
"I am cold, wet, hungry, uncomfortable."
Her cry is her only way of saying
"Please, help me."

Entry II
Even now, at five months old, she does not cry because she is trying to control me. That is such a selfish thought. Children are not understanding of such a concept. They are innocent, in need of comfort, and hugs and kisses. It is my obligation to be her voice until she has one of her own. I must remove my ego in order to understand. I must not need anything...food, sleep, rest, personal time, to shower... all of my needs fade into the back of my mind. It is my child's needs that become my own, as I listen to my own intuition. There is no room for opinions, or criticism from others... only the silent voice.

Entry III
When I was pregnant, I could not lay down to sleep, because I suffered form the worst acid reflux and indigestion of my life. Propping pillows behind my back, trying to fall asleep sitting up, all failed. One night I was in so much pain, trying to lay down until I sat up, and leaned forward. EUREEKA! To my surprise my pain disappeared with a single BURP! I have never felt so wonderful about belching. As the pain began to dissipate, I realized that nature purposely gave pregnant women acid reflux. God intentionally put us through discomfort so that we would think about what our newborns go through when they are laying down and crying. It was then that I made a promise to myself and my daughter. I would never allow my child to "cry it out." Knowing how unbearable the pain can be when twisting and turning bring no relief, I will always pick her up if she begins to cry. Even if sleep doesn't come easily for me tonight, I will dance with her and pat her back. I will wait, for the chance to say, "Good Burp."
Because her calm quietness is better than a thousand nights of my quiet sleep.

Latching ON!

noreply@blogger.com (Melody) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 21:42:00 +0000

Breastfeeding your Newborn Baby

Breasts Are For Babies
Are you struggling in your attempts to give your baby breast milk? As it turns out, my baby wasn't ready to nurse for nearly three months! But with a little patience, and a quality breast pump, I believe anyone discover the incredible job of boobs!

There's No MILK!
Don't panic, your milk WILL come. I used to cry in desperation over my milk flow.
If you can't pump, try to squeeze the milk from your breasts with your hands.
Always offer breast, whether baby shows an interest or not. Even if the baby is not getting any milk, this will teach the baby what to do. Remember that this is a learning experience for you both. I always tried to offer breastfeeding before and after giving her a bottle. Pump both breasts at one time. This will fool your body into thinking that you are nursing twins, which will increase the amount of milk that you produce. There is a setting for speed and a setting for pressure. Start out slow with light pressure, as milk begins to come out, gradually increase speed. The pump that I used was Medela's Lactina Select. Though it may be pricey (kits are about $250 new), it is one of the best machines, and will be a more valuable investment than formula.

Liquid Gold (aka Colostrum)
Sadly, I was told by the lactation nurse that I may have to give my baby formula so that she wouldn't go hungry. Only after lots of tears, would I later learn that a tiny drop of colostrum is enough to nourish a baby for an entire day. So, for the first two to three days after my baby was born, even though there was no milk, I was producing the most valuable food that a human could consume. Colostrum is rich in antibodies, essential for your newborn child.

Becoming Engorged
Should you notice that your breasts have swollen and feel hard, you have become engorged. This occurs if you go too long without expressing your milk or nursing. Being engorged for too long becomes incredibly painful and could lead to mastitis. You'll recognize mastitis by the fever, aches and chills that it causes. The only way to get better, is to express!
As much as I didn't want to touch my breasts, when I was engorged, I had to get the milk out. What I would do, is step into a hot shower, and let the water run over me. After a few minutes, I would try to hand express the milk while in the shower. It took a few minutes before the milk would start to flow, but this action helped me to get the milk going. I would then express the milk using the pump, or I would nurse.

Encouraging Suckling
It wasn't until my baby was three months old that she finally began to nurse. We were taking a bath in the tub, and I drew her close to me. Babies have a very keen since of smell for their mother's milk. And much to my surprise, and great relief, it worked! No more pumping and cleaning bottles! So even if it takes time, just know that your baby wants to and eventually will begin nursing. My daughter took a pacifier her second day in the hospital. This however,
did not cause what people refer to as "nipple confusion." She drank breastmilk from a bottle until she learned how to nurse. And it honestly does not matter what shape or size your nipples are. They are made for your baby to nurse. As long as you keep offering your baby the opportunity, both of you will eventually succeed.

Feeding Schedule
When my daughter was a newborn I tried to make sure that she had an ounce of milk for every hour. DrGreene.com offers a more thorough answer here:
http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?id=21&action=detail&ref=857

Pain and lack of encouragement made breastfeeding one of the biggest challenges of my life!
Still it is the most precious gift anyone can give their baby, be it for 2 weeks, 2 months or 2 years.