Generation Global

Bus for 11 Hours + Kids = Pain in the BUTT!

2009-03-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

I was very adventurous this March break.... I actually went on an 11 hour bus ride with--get this--a 7 month old and a 5 year old. Yes, I am crazy--but I was desperate. My husband was away for the break and I had to make the critical decision between being alone (cooking, cleaning, laundry, feeding, bedtime, bathtime, tantrum time...alone...) or dumping my neediness on my parents in Montreal. The only issue was the 11hour overnight bus trip that seperates us. When I say that the trip was a pain in the butt--I mean that literally. My bottom was so numb by like 30 minutes in that I thought about abandoning ship. The kids were good on the way up. The boob does wonders for plugging up a wailing 7 month old and the Nintendo DS--a lifesaver! It was hard--but I have learned some tips about travelling alone in these situations:

--A DS or other handheld game system--and the charger (don't forget!); books are also good
--Teething toys/hand held toys for baby
--Bring a wrap style carrier--they fold up small but can really help if you need to go into a store or get off the bus for the bathroom.
--Snacks...even overnight...bordome causes hunger, even at 4am
--Change--Tim Horton's might be your only option
--A bottle to pee in--this is a joke--but seriously, I never considered how I would get to the back of the bus in the event of an emergency...also, my 5 year old got stuck in the washroom...luckly there are friendly people on the bus...(you can't walk down the aisle on a moving bus with a baby!)
--Pillow-this may be the most important-you wont sleep otherwise
--Slip on shoes--you'll want to take them off

My biggest recommendation though is to stay home! I have to admit, I won't be making that trip alone again. It was too painful...seriously...

Out with the Old, in with the New

2009-02-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

Time flies doesn't it? My newest edition is now almost 7 months and has changed so much over the monthes. His skinny little body has turned into a roley-poley squishy one and his desire to always be held has developed into a desire to discover and play. He has also started solid foods--which he just LOVES. Although he only wants to feed himself and hold the spoon, which he passes back to me to re-fill with whatever mush he's eating. There is no creeping or crawling yet, but I'm sure that will come with new challenges. We have recently moved into a much much larger apartment and are no longer on the North Side. My older son now attends Connaught Street School, which is fantastic. I know he misses Nashwaaksis Memorial and his teacher, Mrs. Dane, but he is fitting in well at his new school. I also now look after one aftershooler who is only a few months older than my son. I would like to take in one or two more children from the school, but no such luck yet. I'm thinking about taking in a preschooler instead, so if anyone lives downtown and needs someone, leave me a message and we'll talk!

This new year has brought everyone extra challenges with staying on budget--well at least it has for me. Especially since I am now at home with my baby. Christmas time brought me a few money saving items that are really helping with this such as;

A food processor--for making my own organic baby food (which I love)

A large soup pot--for dollar stretching meals

An indoor Aerogarden--for growing my own herbs, tomatoes, peppers and salad greens

Cookbooks and chef's knifes--for making great meals at home instead of eating out

What kinds of products help you all save money? What kinds of things are you doing at home now to help with your budget? I would love to know your ideas!

New Birth Experiences at the DECH

2008-08-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been a while since I've written. Understandably, I've been kind of focused on other things... I did have my baby at the end of July! The last time I gave birth was 5 years ago and let me tell you, things have changed at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital.

With my older son, five years previous, I found that the way things were carried out there was very old fashioned and not very mommy or family friendly. I did create a birth plan which was blatentky ignored. My request for no episiotamy was denied since the Doctor on call gave them routinely (i.e. whether or not there is a medical need). Needless to say, recovery was more painful because of this. Also,needles containing unrequested pain medication were shot into my ass without notifying me whatsoever. My baby was delivered down by my feet in the very unproductive and unnatural position of me on my back (no other option was allowed). Even though both my mother and my husband were there, niether one got to see the baby be born since they were made to stay up by my head and "out of the doctor's way". My husband did get to cut the cord, but then the baby was whisked away to be washed up, weighed, and put under a heat lamp. I don't kno who fed him, even though I requested rooming in and breastfeeding, someone must have fed him a bottle since he was not brought to me for a few hours. Me being very young and neive, I did not know I had options, that I could ask questions, or that I deserved explanations. Luckily, this experience did not much hinder the bonding that occured later in my hospital room.

Now, I feel that the DECH has really changed in the way it treats the birth experience. Whether that is because of a more recent trends for homebirths and midwives and calls to decrease unnecessary prodedures such as c-sections, I'm not sure. The birth of my second son was actually attended by the same nurse as my older son, so this new experience was not due to unique nursing staff. However, I did have a different physician who was open to me birthing in whatever position I felt comfortable, instead of the old laying-in-bed-pushing-against-gravity stance that only benefits the doctor himself. The only other reason I can think of for the change, besides a 'changing of the times' is that I was younger before and perhaps this created a prejudice against me whereas now I am at a more acceptable childbearing age of 23. The nurses allowed me to use aromatherapy, to labour in an upright position, even while they struggled to do routine checks on me (which they claimed was the first time they had to do it that way and they were 'lost'!) All I can say is that I am so happy with how things turned out. I could actually watch my son be born on my own, my mother and husband experienced everything along with me. The nurse was enthusiastic about following my birthplan and the nurses and doctor allowed the cord to stop pulsing before cutting it, while I held him (which my 'official' ob/gyn told me she wouldn't allow). I kept my baby for over an hour before he was taken to be wiped off and weighed and given the Vit. K shot while I took a shower. No drugs were pushed on me and only a light pain reliever was given upon my request. This experience has greatly changed the way I felt about hospital births (I had even considered unassisted homebirth briefly as I was so turned off by hospitals before).

Does anyone else have a positive or negative birth experience from the DECH? When was it? If you have two children, was there any difference between their births? What about young mothers, did you experience any prejudice? I love hearing about birth stories, so if you want, please share!

RMC

Hazardous Play? What Can Be Done?

2008-06-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

It is so frustrating lately to see and hear about all the recalls going on. You know that if this many toys and children's products are being recalled, then there are plenty that are going under the radar. Not only that, but the kinds of tests that are done only cover a fraction of the potentially dangerous chemicals and other hazards that the products we buy possess. This can be disheartening and either cause one to throw out all toys in angst or to go the other route and just ignore it all. I would not ignore the warnings in most if not all cases because it is after all, our children we are talking about here. It is our responsibility to protect them and this is all part of that duty. However, I don't think that our children should go toyless, what fun would that be?! Besides, children learn through play. Play is extrememly important for children of all ages. As I have been preparing for a new little one and in light of all the recall frenzy, I've been looking at alternative resources for toys and other products for babies and children. I've already discussed how I feel about baby products such as chemical laden creams, lotions, diapers, and wipes and I have chosen a minimilist view. I cannot affort to buy all the 'organic' baby toiletries out there and so I've chosen to either make my own, or go without (babies really don't need lotions, soaps, or creams). Check out Dr. Greene's Raising Baby Green to learn more about the potential harms in common products.

In regards to toys and blankets and such, I've found a truly amazing source for many hand-made and safe baby products from clothing and cloth diapers to toys, blankets, and slings. I'm sure many of you have heard of it--the site is called "Etsy" (http://www.etsy.com/) and one can search the site for a wealth of baby and other products all hand made. The shipping prices are low and custom orders are usually welcome. Here are a few of my favorite finds so far:

Apple and other 'fruit' knit hats for babies (these are made in Canada)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_4&listing_id=11978866

Some beautiful slings in a variety of styles for all you baby wearers:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_5&listing_id=12604880
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_2&listing_id=10934951
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_7&listing_id=12603749
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_17&listing_id=12577198

Beautiful Baby Blankets and Burp Clothes:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=12594346
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_4&listing_id=12587707
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_7&listing_id=12556478
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_15&listing_id=12386085

Stuffies and Other Toys:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_10&listing_id=12610791
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_12&listing_id=12610493
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_9&listing_id=10027840
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_21&listing_id=12607991

Sensory Blankets, Clothes, and Toys:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_2&listing_id=12605218
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_5&listing_id=12593889

There are so many beautiful things, you could spend hours looking on this site. It is a great resource for organic clothes, diapers, bedding, slings, and other items as well.

If you are interested in knowing more about recalls check these sites:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/toy.html
http://www.healthycanadians.ca/pr-rp/pr-rp_e.php

Or about toxic toys and other products for children
http://www.healthytoys.org/about.why.php
http://www.ewg.org/node/25556 (this is a write up about a study done on dangerous chemicals found in common baby products)

Keep Healthy,
Rachel

Last Months of Pregnancy: Nesting, Showers, Polite Requests...

2008-05-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I am now in the final weeks of my pregnancy! Less than 9 more to go at the maximum... I've had that 'nesting' instinct somewhat for the whole pregnancy since I am a chronic preparer/organizer when it comes to certain things in my life (if only my home reflected this!). I think it is a good idea for me to make casseroles and meals to freeze ahead of time for after the baby is born. My husband will have to return to work only a week after delivery. Although my mother is planning to stay with us, I do not want her to have to make meals everyday while caring for me and my older son. Does anyone out there have any links or recipes for freezable vegetarian meals? Lunch, dinner, and even breakfast recipes would be great!

I'm also considering requesting that one of my baby showers be a 'casserole' shower where guests bring casseroles instead of gifts (or maybe some of them could--it could be a suggested option). It would be easy to tell my mother and grandmother that this is what I would prefer, but is this request etiquette-friendly if I must request vegetarian options only? Vegetarian meals are much cheaper (beans instead of meat, etc.) but sometimes people think that a different-than-norm diet means something extra fancy or unattainable. Should I leave recipe suggestions with the shower organizers? What do you guys think?

Secondly, I wanted to discuss something else that's been on my mind about showers and gift giving. I have chosen to breastfeed, but I will most likely need a few bottles for times when I go out and pump milk. I only want to use glass bottles due to the BPA/Phalates information that has been increasingly surfacing in the scientific communtity and the news. Also, I have made my own baby cream out of herbs, grapeseed oil and organic bees wax (see my recipe at the bottom of this blog) and plan to make my own baby shampoo and wash. I am also making my own baby wipes and using cloth diapers. My problem is this: how do I notify and request that my showers be "Baby Product/Disposable Diaper/Plastic Bottle & Toy" free? This is a tough one for me because my in-laws family is especially unaware and unconcerned with any of the health issues involved with these products. They are dollarstore and Wal-Mart shoppers to the core! I have done a registry at Wal-Mart requesting glass bottles, specific toys, organic cotton clothing, and other items as well as one at Sears with cloth diapers on it. I can dole out this Registry information, but not everyone will want to look at the registry I'm sure. How should I make my choices known? Should I just accept all of the gifts without any 'conditions' and then return them to Wal-Mart for store credit? What would YOU do?

Thanks for letting me vent and I hope to hear some feedback soon! ;)

My Natural HomeMade Healing Baby Cream

One of Grapeseed oil/organic cold pressed Olive Oil/Vitamin E oil

Glass sealable bottle, such as one with a cork and lid

Dried Chamomile

Dried Calendula

Organic beeswax (can be found at natural food stores, including 'Aura')

Step One: Make an herbal oil out of your preferred oil and herbs. Leave this oil in a sunny window for one month, shake daily.

Step Two: Boil a pot of water and place a glass bowl over top. Strain the herbs from the oil. Poor the herbal oil into the bowl.

Step Three: Shave in slabs of beeswax (amount depends on your amount of oil--use trial and error) and remove from heat once melted. Let Cool.

Step Four: Move the creamed mixture to an airtight container, let cool completely, and refridgerate. Will last up to a year, check often for mould and use sterile equipment only to remove the cream (not your fingers) to reduce bacteria that will mould the cream sooner.

If you have any questions, respond to this post.

Sprouting with Kids

2008-05-02T12:17:00.001-07:00

Hi all! A fun idea to try with your kids that I have been attempting with my five year old, Kaden, is to grow SPROUTS. This is a great activity for Spring, although sprouts can be grown any time of year. Kids will love watching the little sprouts start to grow and then be able to eat them. This also may encourage fussy eaters to try a very nutritious treat.

You can sprout many many things from nuts to beans (dried), just make sure that they are not too old or they wont sprout. This can be done inside using very simple materials and only requires you to rinse twice a day. Also, since kids can be impatient, sprouting is great for them because you will yield results in a couple of days and the sprouts should be ready in 3-4 days or longer, depending on the kind of sprouts.

The steps for sprouting can be found at these websites:

http://www.cityfarmer.org/sprout86.html

http://www.littleakiko.com/recipes/Sprouts.php

I realize that sprouts may not entice your children since they have a funny texture and acquired taste, but maybe, just maybe, they will try them if they helped grow them. Even if they don't eat them, this project can help teach children about plant growth and beginning to garden, as well as the responsibility of remembering to water them.

Try these recipes for sprouts once you have your harvest:

http://www.canadianliving.com/food/menus_and_collections/12_tasty_sprout_recipes.php

Good Luck Sprouting!

Composting with Kids

2008-04-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

I have had some talk and requests about composting so I decided that today, I would talk about fun and helpful ways to start composting in your own home.

Composting can be done on a large or small scale, for whatever your needs are. You can use composts for indoor gardening/plants, plants on your deck, or a larger garden in your yard. There are many things you can add to your compost to help reduce waste and also to help your crops grow better. Kids will love to help you throw 'garbage' onto your plants such as banana peels and egg shells--things they are used to seeing being tossed out with no further use for them. This is an excellent way to teach your child about reducing waste and about plants/gardening.

An easy way to start composting is to put all of your grass clippings in a compost pile, but make sure to add "brown" material because otherwise the grass will start to stink. However, if there are pesticides on your lawn, you should not use weeds or grass from it. Do not put in fats, animal droppings, or animal products such as meat because this will make scavengers come to your compost. You can compost newspaper, plain computer paper, etc. but shred it first for faster decomposition. You can also add all of your coffee grouds which is great for attracting worms who will help your compost become richer. Put any vegetable or fruit waste such as peels, cores, etc, in your compost.

Okay, now that you know what to compost, I'll tell you a bit about how. You can start to compost in your kitchen by just keeping a special container, like a leftover yogurt or margarine container on your counter and adding in the day's waste that can be composted. This is what I do, and it does not stink. If you don't want it on your counter, you can put it under the sink. Take this compost out to a larger compost heap in your yard for it to decompose. When you have what looks like soil, dark and rich, then you have useable compost.

Please read further on how to compost from a website such as:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8100.html

http://www.marquisproject.com/composting101/howcomp.html

Also, you can read up on how composting is good for you and the environment:
http://www.region.peel.on.ca/pw/waste/compost/using/

Now for some ideas about composting with kids! Most kids will really enjoy getting there hands dirty helping with the compost and also watching it turn from garbage into useable soil that will help grow the plants that you may use in your home cooking. If your children are old enough to read, here is a link for a slideshow for children about composting:
http://sustainable.tamu.edu/slidesets/kidscompost/cover.html

Get your children involved by having them help you pick out a composter at your local hardware store. Then, you can explain how any of there garbage that was once alive (apart from meat), can put into the composter. If you want to make your own composter outdoors, take a metal garbage can and put holes around the bottom of the can. Then bury the can into the groud about a foot or more, to keep animals away. Your kids can help you if they are old enough, otherwise, let them watch and have them dump the compost into the can for you. Your compost should not stick if you have enough air flow and if it is mixed up enough. Check this kid friendly website for more advice for kids composting:
http://www.copper-tree.ca/garden/compost.html

For more information on gardening and composting with children check this website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/gardening_with_children/homegrownprojects_compost.shtml

Also, for information on composting in New Brunswick, see this information put out by the government of NB:
http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0372/0003/0001-e.asp

Good Luck with your composts! Let me know how they turn out or if there are any other topics you would like to discuss.

Rachel

About Me

2008-04-28T17:07:00.001-07:00

Hello again,

Someone (Anonymous) requested that I reveal a little about myself. While I definintely plan to relate material to my own thoughts and life, etc. I hadn't said anything in my first post, so as requested I will now.

I am a full-time student in the BA/BEd program at UNB, however I am taking this spring/summer and next school year off since I am pregnant for my second son, due July 24th. I have a 5 year old son as well who will be starting Kindergarten in September. I look forward to talking about my experiences with becomming a mother of a school-aged child as well as parenting two boys. I will also hopefully be taking part in parent activities in the school, and bringing my two cents to meetings regarding Green initiatives, nutrition, exercise, mental health and well being in the school (Nashwaaksis Memorial). I live on the North Side and I am married (two years this July).

Some of the issues I would like to talk about will deal with pregnancy, infancy, and babyhood since I am getting ready for a new baby. This means that I will be sharing about breastfeeding, my decision to try cloth diapering, and my attempts to create a healthy environment for my new little one.

Thank you!

Mothering Generation Global

2008-04-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

In today's society, we are seeing an increased awareness of the Earth and our impact upon it. It seems that everywhere we turn, we are being informed of the Green movement. Whether it be Green cleaning supplies, toiletries, makeup, or organic foods, clothing, and mattresses--more and more products within this Green lifestyle trend are emerging. It can be very difficult for parents to comprehend and make decisions through all this new information. While we want our children to be healthy, does it really have to cost so much? Do we really have to give up plastic bottles, Windex, and McDonald's?

I believe that life is about balance. I think that parents of today need to be more conscious of their impact on the earth and impart this message to their children--but I do not believe we have to buy a whole inventory of new products to reach this goal. In this Blog, I hope to discuss what it is like parenting children in a society where they are growing up with an increasingly small world; one which is newly being advertised as 'endangered' (even though this has been going on for decades). What are our options? How do we decide? What do we teach our children about these issues? How do we find balance? These are some issues that I hope to talk about with you.

Let me know of any thoughts you have on parenting children of this generation, or any topics that you would like to see covered or discussed on this Blog.

Thank you!