Archive for August, 2006

Are You Being Completely Honest in Your Relationship?

Thursday, August 31st, 2006

Have any of you read The Bride Stripped Bare?

Well, I just finished this-anonymously-written novel several days ago. In the Afterword, the author revealed that she chose to write it that way because it was the only way she could write it: as a mother, a daughter, and most of all, a wife.

This novel explores a woman’s secret life. To all who know this woman, she is the Good Wife: happy, devoted, content. But then she finds out that her husband had an affair with her very best friend.

She then decides to start a “new” life and meets a Spanish-English virgin whom she teaches-practices sex lessons to. Yes, she’s having an affair as well. Many afternoon-lessons affairs.

But later she realizes the new feeling for her husband. Something she isn’t expecting. That she still wants him. She doesn’t want to lose him and desires their marriage to last.

One day, her husband asks whether she has slept with that man. She says no.

That’s because she doesn’t want to ruin their marriage. She wants their love to come back like it used to be.

…Ummm, that’s all about the book review.. I think I’m not really good at it :)

I just want to know about your opinion here. If you, happen to have an affair with someone whom you feel so contented with, but you have this once-a-beautiful-marriage, what would you do?

I know it’s hard, in a relationship, to be completely honest… just as the author says.

But would you be honest if you are this woman? Or what would you do about this situation?

Well, you may comment anonymously, too, if you wish. Hope you’re not offended with this post, my dear readers…

Thanks a lot for reading…

PS. I just checked out at the Amazon that the novel now has the P.S edition. And the author is actually Nikki Gemmell…

Reading to Your Toddler

Wednesday, August 30th, 2006

What things do you usually -actually- do before and during the reading-to-your-toddler activity?

Based on her practice, Chris (Notes from the Trenches), mom of seven, has a list of funny, helpful tips for you on how to read a book to your toddler.

She even has the tip on how you distract your kid from the book. Yeah, you need to end it somehow, right? That’s really interesting, isn’t it?

Thanks a lot for sharing those exciting, valuable tips for us here, Chris…

Things to Remember Before Sending Your Kids Off to Preschool or Daycare

Tuesday, August 29th, 2006

Are you sending your children off to preschool or daycare?

If yes, you should be familiar with things that are considered to be important in these places, especially if you’re a first-timer.

What Mothergoosemouse is telling you is a very helpful, great list of dos and don’ts of working productively with your child care provider.

Such a great idea! Thank you for sharing it, Mothergoosemouse…

Parenting News

Tuesday, August 29th, 2006

Spiderman Baby Hint: Tobey Maguire & Jennifer Meyer, It’s a Girl?
“Tobey Maguire and sweetie Jennifer Meyer are set to have their little ‘Spiderman’ baby in just two months. And now Life & Style Weekly believes they have the baby’s sex down pat.”

Eco-parenting: Clothing turn green as moms, dads embrace organic baby
“NEW YORK — Pink and blue are passe. The hot thing in the children’s market these days is green. Parents are increasingly turned on by the idea of organic products — clothing, creams and food made without chemicals that they feel are too harsh to be used on their pristine and delicate children.”

Non-Surgical Infertility Treatment Comes To Arizona
“A new infertility treatment, shown to be effective without drugs or surgery, is now available in Arizona. The therapy, known as the Wurn Technique(R), is a hands-on physical therapy treatment that feels similar to massage”

Morning After Contraceptive Pill Now Available Without Prescription
“American women over the age of 18 can now buy a controversial drug that acts as a contraceptive after unprotected sex. The drug is called “Plan B” and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its sale with without a prescription. As VOA’s Melinda Smith reports, Plan B is still the focus of strong debate.”

Giving Birth in Water

Monday, August 28th, 2006

When you are asked which birthing method you’re going to use for labor, many of you will answer a normal one.

What about giving birth in water? Have you ever heard about it? This could be your choice, too. If you haven’t got any information regarding this method, the article below provides a general knowledge about this. Have a nice reading!

Giving Birth in Water – Benefits and Methods
By Michael Russell

For many soon-to-be parents around the world, giving birth in water is still not a top choice but there is a growing interest in this birthing method because of its many mother and child-friendly benefits.

(more…)

Blog of the Week

Friday, August 25th, 2006

As it is time for Blog of the Week, the award goes to Mary (Owlhaven). She’s been married to the guy she met in math class when she was 17.

I choose her as the Blog of the Week because… Yesterday was their 20th Wedding Anniversary! That is amazing! Happy Anniversary, Mary!

It always brings a pleasant feeling when reading about wedding anniversary. So will you when you read her beautiful post, especially in the part when she says that they once lived in their bunnyhole: a tiny basement apartment only minutes from the college their daughter is now attending. Time flies…

Speaking of wedding anniversary, MochaMomma also had their 12th about two months ago.

And talking about marriage, I remember that I wrote about Save Your Marriage last month, relating to Stephanie’s post. She and her hubby have done wonderful efforts to preserve their marriage. How awesome!

So, I’d like to say it again… It’s lovely to read about how a marriage works…

And Happy Anniversary, Mary!

Teaching Through a Song

Thursday, August 24th, 2006

What would you do to teach your little kiddos when they’re not able to utter a word correctly?

MochaMomma has a very interesting, definitely creative way to teach her daughter Mallory to say her own name.

Though it caused one problem, it really worked with her little girl.

What about you moms, or dads? Do you have special techniques to teach your children anything? Share your stories here!

And thanks a lot for sharing, MochaMomma.

The Controversy of IVF Contest

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2006

If you are couples who’ve been struggling for a baby, would you compete with other couples in an essay contest to win a free IVF procedure?

Here’s the story. I read about this fertility issue today. Three local couples have won a contest held by an Albany clinic to get free IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) procedures.

However, this contest, according to a specialist in bio-ethics, is unethical and unfair.

The procedure itself is very pricey, which costs $10,000 per attempt.

It’s the second time Albany IVF has done this essay contest. The first couple in 2003 now has twins. You can read it more here.

So, still with the same question above… Would you join the contest instead of the controversy?

Leaving Your Baby While You’re at Work or School?

Tuesday, August 22nd, 2006

Are you a stay-at-home-mom who plans to return to work or school? If you do, be prepared that it’s going to be a quite tough transition, just like what Nikkie feels about the idea of leaving her 1-year-old Boo.

You’ve been staying at home with your dearly-loved baby or funny children for some time, and this time you need to do something you really want – or something you really MUST do.

Of course it’s not going to be easy to leave your children, especially your baby. You may not realize that you can become so attached to him lately, particularly if this is the first time you would leave him.

You should realize that you may feel guilty about this, but this shouldn’t be there for too long. When you already make a decision, it’s best if you move forward confidently.

Below are some things to consider when you have to leave your baby. Don’t worry… You can absolutely overcome it.

1. Prepare yourself by looking for somebody to take care of the house while you’re away. You’re going to spend some time and energy outside and get back home to your children, hubby, and the house. You should also get some rest and good food.

2. Find a babysitter or a nanny for your baby and or other children. Take the time to find trusted and nurturing professionals. This will give a sense of security for you while being away from home. Having relatives is a better option than if you hire people you’ve never known before.

3. Adjust the transition by letting your baby spend some time with his sitter about a week prior to your leave. This will ensure you that she will do what you prefer according to the schedule you’ve provided. This will also allow your baby to get to know about the person who’s going to take care of him for a while.

4. Don’t be too worry about your baby. He’ll soon adjust to the new situation.

Good luck with your task!

News

Tuesday, August 22nd, 2006

UPDATE 2-US FDA calls for new warnings on ADHD drugs
“WASHINGTON, Aug 21 (Reuters) – Several drugs to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder must include new warning information about the risk of heart problems and psychotic behavior, U.S. health officials said on Monday.”

Sleep Apnea in Children Linked to Lower IQ Scores, Learning Impairment
“Children with untreated sleep apnea perform significantly worse on IQ tests and may have some brain impairment that could hinder their ability to learn new tasks, according to new research from Johns Hopkins University.”

Lack of outdoor play is health time bomb for children
“Unless more suitable outdoor play opportunities are provided for children and young people, a physical and mental illness time bomb is likely to explode, an international conference in Bristol was told.”

Watching TV Has Painkilling Effect On Children
“Children can experience a soothing, painkilling effect by watching TV, say scientists from the University of Siena, Italy. 69 children, aged 7-12 had to give blood samples. They were divided into three groups. One group watched cartoons on TV, another group were distracted by their mothers, while the third group had no distractions at all.”