Parent Life

Moved

2009-04-10T23:52:00.000-05:00

Hello all,

I have officially moved everything over to my new domain and designed/set it all up.

You can find my new personal blog and 2 others at: http://andys-blogs.com

My new page.

2008-03-27T09:59:00.002-05:00

Sorry for being away so long. I have had lots of problems in my family lately and that keeps me too busy to be able to get on the computer.

I do promise to have some more posts coming up I have just finally gotten to take some time to take care of my online commitments. I'm still working on moving my blog. Working on the hosting business. And then I haven't decided if I want to move this blog or just start another and pick up where I left off...

Any Ideas? :) I'd love to feel some love.

Pacifiers; Good or bad?

2008-02-12T15:13:00.003-06:00

Pacifiers
So many rumors... So many mysteries
Heres a small compilation of information that I have read and found very informative.

Are pacifiers good or bad? You decide!

The Pros

A way to soothe- The amount of time an infant spends crying increases from birth until about 6 weeks, when a baby cries for an average of three hours a day. “That’s a lot of crying stress,” says Cynthia R. Howard, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in New York. Sucking undoubtedly helps calm a baby, she adds, which is why pacifiers are so popular. According to a 1999 study by Howard published in Pediatrics, approximately 75 percent of babies are given pacifiers to suck.

Health benefits- The only proven medical benefits linked to pacifiers have been seen in preterm babies. Preemies who suck on binkies gain weight faster, according to a 1992 study published in the Swedish journal Acta Pediatrica. Other research has found that preemies who use pacifiers shortly after birth show earlier sucking patterns and experience fewer health complications. “Sucking promotes oral-muscle function and muscle development,” says Nina L. Shapiro, M.D., assistant professor of pediatric otolaryngology at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine.

Reduced risk of SIDS- Pacifiers are associated with a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to four recent studies. But since a cause-and-effect relationship has not been proven, researchers aren’t sure how, or even if, pacifiers prevent SIDS. In the meantime, the SIDS Alliance refrains from recommending their use.

For some babies, pacifiers are the key to contentment between feedings. Consider the advantages:

A pacifier may soothe a fussy baby. Some babies are happiest when they're sucking on something.
A pacifier offers temporary distraction. When your baby's hungry, a pacifier may buy you a few minutes to find a comfortable spot to nurse or to prepare a bottle. A pacifier also may come in handy during shots, blood tests or other procedures.
A pacifier may help your baby go to sleep. If your baby has trouble settling down, a pacifier might do the trick.
Pacifiers may help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Researchers have found an association between pacifier use during sleep and a reduced risk of SIDS.
Pacifiers are disposable. When it's time to stop using pacifiers, you can throw them away. If your baby prefers to suck on his or her thumb or fingers, it may be more difficult to break the habit.

The cons

Of course, pacifiers have pitfalls as well. Consider the drawbacks:

Early pacifier use may interfere with breast-feeding. Sucking on a breast is different from sucking on a pacifier or bottle. Some babies have trouble learning how to nurse properly if they're given a pacifier too soon.
Your baby may become dependent on the pacifier. If your baby uses a pacifier to sleep, you may face frequent middle-of-the-night crying spells when the pacifier falls out of your baby's mouth.
Pacifier use may increase the risk of middle ear infections. However, rates of middle ear infections are generally lowest from birth to age 6 months — when the risk of SIDS is the highest and your baby may be most interested in a pacifier.
Prolonged pacifier use may lead to dental problems. Normal pacifier use during the first few years of life doesn't cause long-term dental problems. If your child continues to use a pacifier persistently, however, his or her top front teeth may slant out or the upper and lower jaws may be misaligned.
Pacifier do's and don'ts

If you choose to offer your baby a pacifier, keep these tips in mind.

Wait until breast-feeding is well established. Be patient. It may take a few weeks or more to settle into a regular nursing routine. If you're breast-feeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to introduce a pacifier until your baby is 1 month old.
Let your baby set the pace. If your baby's not interested in the pacifier, try again later — or skip it entirely. Don't force the issue.
Choose the one-piece, dishwasher-safe variety. Pacifiers made of two pieces pose a choking hazard if they break. The shape and firmness is up to you — or your baby.
Buy extras. Once you've settled on a favorite pacifier, keep a few identical backups on hand. Many babies refuse a substitute pacifier.
Keep it clean. Before you use a new pacifier, wash it with soap and water. To keep fungus at bay, soak your baby's pacifier in equal parts white vinegar and water for a few minutes a day. Allow the pacifier to air dry thoroughly before returning it to your baby. Resist the temptation to "rinse" the pacifier in your own mouth. You'll only spread more germs to your baby.
Watch for signs of deterioration. Replace pacifiers often. A worn or cracked nipple can tear off and pose a choking hazard.
Use caution with pacifier clips. Never use a string or strap long enough to get caught around your baby's neck.
Let sleeping babies lie. If the pacifier falls out of your baby's mouth while he or she is sleeping, don't pop it back in.
Try other ways to calm your baby. Don't use a pacifier as a first line of defense. Sometimes a change of position or a rocking session may be all that's needed. If your baby is hungry, offer the breast or a bottle.
Know when to pull the plug. Most kids stop using pacifiers on their own between ages 2 and 4. If you're concerned about your child's pacifier use, consult his or her doctor for suggestions.
Just Saying No
When it comes to diminishing a child's pacifier attachment, Dr. Black says providing encouragement and a sense of independence for children is most effective. "Let's give children the decision to stop using a pacifier, just like you may give them the choice to wear the blue shirt, green shirt or yellow shirt when they are learning to dress themselves," he says. "You always want to use positive language to help build a child's self-esteem, and you don't want to have a negative effect by saying things like, 'You don't want to be a little baby with a pacifier do you?' This gives children the wrong connotation and they may think that when they were babies, you loved them more. If we want them to feel confident about growing up, we need to teach them the decision-making process. We must help them grow up by themselves."
For many parents, helping their children realize they no longer need the comfort of a pacifier can be the most difficult stage of the weaning process. Although Dr. Black does not pinpoint a certain age at which a child should stop using a pacifier, he does warn of the sociological issues that are often involved. "If a child is over the age of 1 1/2 to 2 years, using a pacifier in public can carry with it a negative impact," he says. "We don't know why people have such negative feelings about older children with pacifiers, but it is an issue that can be brought up by other family members or even complete strangers. In that case, it's never good to negatively confront an individual who has reacted in some way in front of your child. You can approach the situation with your child by saying, 'Some people won't like you using your pacifier in public, so maybe we can try to go out without it.' This allows the child to stop using a pacifier by method of trial and error. It's not always scientific; it's about decisions."

Sources:
http://www.toddlerstoday.com/resources/articles/pacify.htm
http://www.ohiohealth.com/bodybirth.cfm?id=2950
http://www.fitpregnancy.com/yourbaby/216
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pacifiers/PR00067

I have a lot more stuff I wanted to share but, I figured I'd cut it short.
I'm goin g to put together a post of the most popular pacifier brands.

Ethan update!

Well, we haven't had a good detailed Ethan update in awhile so, I figured it was a good time.

Two teeth on the top on coming in. So very close to breaking the skin.
He has another ear infection(3rd)
He is on Anti-biotics for it.
He still has a sinusy type infection.

Shout out to Entrecard

Entrecard is a Blog Networking site that I am pretty active in. My entrecard profile.
Recently the site has been going through some tough times with their servers and the load times. I have been baring with them and the guys [Phirate] and [Graham] have been doing a tremendous job at being admins and fixing the problems. I can honestly say this is the first site I have EVER been on where the admins openly and publicly explain what the problem is, how their going to fix it, what they had to go through to fix it and how real they are. They actually comment on the forums and give their opinions to such topics as duplicate web sites and competition. I love the atmosphere and great place Entrecard is.

Also this is my twentieth post!! :D

Day at the park; First Tattoo!!

2008-02-08T23:25:00.000-06:00

As you know wednesday was my birthday. I turned 18. I know I know I haven't updated my stuff but, thats all on my list of things to do.

So, late late wednesday night I followed through with my plans of getting a tattoo.
We had Ethans footprints from when he was in the hospital printed in a baby book so, I decided (from Nikki's original idea) to get his footprint, name, and birth date. I originally wanted it on my chest but, I'm so tiny there wouldn't be enough room for the 2897987 kids were going to have :D ("Oh whatever andy" [Nikki]) Heres a pic of it being done:

And this is the finished product:

The tattoo artist's reply to my question of how bad is this going to hurt was...
"Depends on your pain tolerance. I see people with smaller tattoos that run crying and some people with bigger tattoos think it tickles."
Not to be a hard~~ass~~ But, I was expecting excruciating pain seeing as I am a total wimp but, it felt a lot like someone was writing on my back with a ball point pen really hard.

The cute stuff

Yesterday Nikki, Brittany, Ethan and Brieanne all went to the park. Unfortunately I was at work so, I missed out on all the fun.
Heres a couple of really cute pictures from their fun-day.

I did however on my way home catch Ethan sleeping from exhaustion in the stroller. :)

My Birthday

2008-02-04T13:47:00.000-06:00

February 6th is my birthday and I will be 18. :) So much for my url =/
I will now be an 18 year old parent. Which is highly common. :)

Sorry for such a short post. Not much time lately with Ethan being sick and work and home being dramatic and its almost my birthday. :)

How much does it cost to raise a child?

2008-01-25T20:00:00.000-06:00

Some people wonder if they make enough money a year to support themselves and a child. For those expecting... heres more to expect. Keep in mind the information below is based on surveys and averages. Your child may require more or less or you may make more or less a year.

Recommended read.

Dual-Parent Family

Age of Child	Housing	Food	Transportation	Clothing	Health	Child care/ Education	Miscellaneous	Total
Before-tax income: up to $39,100
0 to 2	2,500	910	780	370	460	840	630	6490
3 to 5	2,470	1,010	750	360	440	820	680	6,630
6 to 8	2,380	1,300	880	400	510	560	680	6,710
9 to 11	2,150	1,560	950	450	560	340	720	6,730
12 to 14	2,400	1,640	1,070	750	560	240	900	7,560
15 to 17	1,940	1,780	1,440	660	600	400	660	7,480
Total	41,520	24,600	17,610	8,970	9,390	9,990	12,720	124,800

We are planning on having a total of 4 kids. I am going to be a pharmacist and she is going to be a certified nurse specializing in obgyn. Our average total income per year is going to be $150k-$180k. So, I was searching around and trying to add up house notes and car notes and expenses plus children and decided to post some info about it.

Do you know the dangers of car seat placement/positioning?

2008-01-23T21:34:00.000-06:00

Have you ever noticed newborns in car seats with their heads all the way over to one side? Have you ever wondered what it was doing to their necks? An important study in the September 2001 issue of Pediatrics measured how well newborns breathe in car seats. The researchers compared 50 healthy, slightly preterm babies (born at 35-36 weeks) to 50 healthy term newborns. Surprisingly, the amount of oxygen in the blood (and getting to the brain) declined in all of the babies in both groups as they rode in their car seats. The lowered oxygen levels were significant but not dangerous for most children. Among the premature babies, 12% had periods of apnea (absent breathing) or bradycardia (depressed heart rate), accompanied with significantly decreased oxygen levels (this would about 20,000 near-term babies in the US each year). Conclusions? This study supports the American Academy of Pediatrics’ too-seldom-followed recommendation that all preterm babies be observed in a car seat for fit and for breathing stability before discharge from the hospital. The findings also suggest that car travel be minimized for all (and especially preterm babies) before they are able to support their heads. Car seats and baby swings have become convenient spots for babies between car trips. Likewise, extended non-travel use of these seats should be discouraged until the babies are able to support their heads.

There are many dangers involving car seats and babies. From the time your new baby comes home from the hospital, until they are driving with their own driver’s license, parents need to learn how to maximize their kids’ safety in the car. Most parents don’t know how to use their child’s car seat correctly. Too many school-aged kids are in danger because they don’t use a booster seat. Some kids are in danger from air bags because they ride in the front seat before they are big enough to do so safety. Inexperienced teenage drivers are often overtired, driving under the influence, overly confident in their abilities, or aren’t paying attention because they’re distracted by their friends. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of accidental death for all young people from one-year-old babies through teens. Too many motor vehicle deaths and injuries could have been prevented. Here you’ll find the information and tools you need to keep your child safer on the road—whatever their age.

A lot of the dangers involve breathing. As we all know its vital to breathe.

Even though winter is now passing...

As the coldest part of winter approaches, parents everywhere bring out their babies' winter coats or snowsuits to keep baby warm during travel. However, thick winter coats or snowsuits can compromise your child's car seat safety. In order for a baby car seat or toddler booster seat to function properly, the straps need to remain tight against the child's chest. Winter coats and snowsuits make car seat safety difficult because they change the way a child fits into the car seat. When the car seat straps don't fit the child properly, there is a chance the child could be ejected from the car seat. Site.

When do you need to use a forward facing car seat. The regulations are as follows.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently revised their recommendations to say that children should ride in rear-facing child safety seats as long as possible. They also maintain that children should be a MINIMUM of 12 months old AND weigh at least 20 pounds before they face the front of the vehicle. Until that time, their bones and ligaments are not developed enough to withstand forward-facing crash forces. The rear-facing position reduces the risk of spinal cord injury in a frontal collision, since the safety seat's shell supports the neck and spreads crash forces across the entire back. Most infant-only seats have a limit of 20 or 22 pounds, but most current convertible safety seats have rear-facing limits of 30 pounds or more. These seats provide better protection for children, even beyond their first birthdays.

Smoking, and the effects on children.

2008-01-21T07:04:00.000-06:00

Smoking kills. We all know that. I'm not going to sit here and tell everyone that smoking is bad and you shouldn't do it. I'm just going to point out the effects it has on people, Children especially.I would just like to put it out there that I do smoke. I do not under any circumstances smoke around any child or do I agree with smoking near or around any child. (Especially not in the car.)

If I would sit here and say that you shouldn't smoke it would make me a huge hypocrite. I know it's bad but, I just like doing it. I'm sorry if this is post is a little borderline of "too long" but, I did a lot of research and I really think parents should know about this.

Smoking While Pregnant

Here are some interesting facts of smoking while pregnant.
See: This link for source

Smoking During Pregnancy: Complications
Smoking has been associated with a number of pregnancy complications. One is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo becomes implanted in a fallopian tube or other abnormal site instead of the uterus. With the rarest of exceptions, these pregnancies do not result in the birth of a baby, and must be removed surgically or with drug treatment to protect a woman's life.

Cigarette smoking also appears to double a woman's risk of developing placental complications (which occur in about 1 percent of pregnancies). These include placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta is attached too low in the uterus and covers part or all of the cervix; and placental abruption, in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. Both can result in a delivery that jeopardizes the life of mother and baby.

Smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and severe vaginal bleeding.
Smoking During Pregnancy: Risks to Your Baby
Smoking during pregnancy, which can seriously slow fetal growth, nearly doubles a woman's risk of having a baby with low birth weight. In 1998, 12 percent of babies born to smokers in the U.S. were of low birth weight, compared to 7.2 percent of babies of nonsmokers.
Studies by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also suggest that smoking increases the risk of preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of gestation) by about 30 percent. It also increases the likelihood of certain birth defects, including a cleft lip and/or cleft palate (an opening in the roof of the mouth or the soft tissue in the back of the mouth).

Babies who weigh less than 5 1/2 pounds at birth face an increased risk of serious health problems during the newborn period, chronic disabilities (such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and learning problems), and even death.

Babies of mothers who smoke are twice as likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as babies of nonsmokers. Children who are exposed to cigarette smoke before birth also may be at increased risk of lasting problems, including asthma, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.
Smoking During Pregnancy: After Baby Is Born
It's also important to stay smoke-free after you bring your baby home. Both mother and father should refrain from smoking in the house, and insist that visitors to do the same.

Babies who are exposed to cigarette smoke after birth face an increased risk of SIDS. They also suffer from more respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and tonsillitis than other babies. According to the AAP, an estimated 1.67 million physician visits each year in the United States are to treat coughing due to involuntary smoking. Infants whose mothers smoke are 38 percent more likely to be hospitalized for pneumonia during their first year of life than babies of nonsmoking mothers.

Smoking in the home during the first few years of a child's life also increases his risk of developing asthma. Continual smoking can lead to more frequent and severe asthma attacks in children who already have the disease.

Nursing mothers who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day will likely pass along harmful chemicals from cigarettes to their babies in breast milk. Heavy smoking can reduce a mother's milk supply, and on rare occasions has caused symptoms in the breastfeeding baby such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

What is second hand smoke?

Brief explanation of second hand smoke.
See: This link for source

Secondhand smoke is a combination of the smoke from a burning cigarette and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. Also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), it can be recognized easily by its distinctive odor. ETS contaminates the air and is retained in clothing, curtains and furniture. Many people find ETS unpleasant, annoying, and irritating to the eyes and nose. More importantly, it represents a dangerous health hazard. Over 4,000 different chemicals have been identified in ETS, and at least 43 of these chemicals cause cancer.

Second hand sm

oke: Effects on children

A few of the effects of second hand smoke on children.
See: This link for source

Children's lungs and respiratory tracts: Exposure to ETS decreases lung efficiency and impairs lung function in children of all ages. It increases both the frequency and severity of childhood asthma. Secondhand smoke can aggravate sinusitis, rhinitis, cystic fibrosis, and chronic respiratory problems such as cough and postnasal drip. It also increases the number of children's colds and sore throats. In children under two years of age, ETS exposure increases the likelihood of bronchitis and pneumonia. In fact, a 1992 study by the Environmental Protection Agency says ETS causes 150,000 to 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections each year in infants and children under 18 months of age. These illnesses result in as many as 15,000 hospitalizations. Children of parents who smoke half a pack a day or more are at nearly double the risk of hospitalization for a respiratory illness.

The Ears: Exposure to ETS increases both the number of ear infections a child will experience, and the duration of the illness. Inhaled smoke irritates the eustachian tube, which connects the back of the nose with the middle ear. This causes swelling and obstruction which interferes with pressure equalization in the middle ear, leading to pain, fluid and infection. Ear infections are the most common cause of children's hearing loss. When they do not respond to medical treatment, the surgical insertion of tubes into the ears is often required.

The Brain: Children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy are more likely to suffer behaviora l problems such as hyperactivity than children of non-smoking mothers. Modest impairment in school performance and intellectual achievement have also been demonstrated.

See: This link for more source.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke because they are still developing physically, have higher breathing rates than adults, and have little control over their indoor environments. Children exposed to high doses of secondhand smoke, such as those whose mothers smoke, run the greatest relative risk of experiencing damaging health effects.
bar chart on health effects

* Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause asthma in children who have not previously exhibited symptoms.
* Exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
* Infants and children younger than 6 who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk of lower respiratory track infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
* Children who regularly breathe secondhand smoke are at increased risk for middle ear infections.

Health Risks to Children with Asthma

* Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease affecting 1 in 13 school aged children on average.
* Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause new cases of asthma in children who have not previously shown symptoms.
* Exposure to secondhand smoke can trigger asthma attacks and make asthma symptoms more severe.

Update on Ethan!

Ethan is currently sick with what the doctor says...

RSV
Upper Respiratory Infection
Cloudy Fluid behind the eardrum

Thats a lot for a 7 month old(will be 7 months on the 22nd of January). Luckily he is fighting like a champ. Eating well, sleeping good, and taking his medicine great. My mom took some really cute pictures of him today. I am working on getting a good slideshow widget to show off all of my cute pictures. :D If you know of any or can help me out just post your info in a comment or if anyone wants to contact me about anything just feel free to email me.
(atynefield@gmail.com)

Abortion vs. Adoption

2008-01-18T08:35:00.001-06:00

I am going to attempt to make this post as unbiased as possible. However I am incredibly and utterly completely against abortion in any way shape or form.

This may be "gross" to some but, unfortunately this is something you need to see. This is a 22 week abortion. ~~Which is illegal but, still possible.~~ I stand corrected. It is not illegal to get an abortion and any age of the fetus. So, yes technically you could have your baby aborted while in labor.

http://abortiontv.com/images/jh9.jpg (I removed the actual image because its very sad and no one should -have to- see it.)

That was the only picture I found that did not turn my stomach. It makes me very sad.

Here are some effects of abortion:

Effects on Future Pregnancies

If you have an abortion:

(1) You will be more likely to bleed in the first three months of future pregnancies.

(2) You will be less likely to have a normal delivery in future pregnancies.

(3) You will need more manual removal of placenta more often and there will be more complications with expelling the baby and its placenta.

(4) Your next baby will be twice as likely to die in the first few months of life.

(5) Your next baby will be three to four times as likely to die in the last months of his first year of life.

(6) Your next baby may have a low birth weight.

(7) Your next baby is more likely to be born prematurely with all the dangerous and costly problems that entails.

Those are only the ones regarding future pregnancies.
If you are thinking about abortion. Please check out these links.

I'm sorry I am not covering on abortion that much. It's just a VERY controversial topic with me and its just better if I don't keep going. :) I think once people have a baby... They will totally understand.
Adoption:

So, most people get an abortion because?

"They don't want to bring a baby into the world that it would suffer in."(IE: lack of money, disease, or violence.
We can't handle having a baby right now.
Our parents would be angry or disappointed; we might get kicked out of the house.
Having a baby might screw up finishing high school, going to college, or having a career.
The father is not going to help.
We don't have the money to take care of a baby.
Having a baby isn't healthy for us or the baby.
We may have gotten pregnant by rape or incest.

Some of the above reasons may actually be viable circumstances. However, adoption is the answer. If you are lucky enough to be able to produce a healthy(even not so healthy) child then, if you can't take care of it, Why not give it to someone who cannot have children?

Here is where I might go a little over the line. But, I really want to voice this.
IF YOU ARE "MATURE ENOUGH" TO GO OFF AND HAVE SEX THEN YOU NEED TO STEP UP AND BE A "MATURE" ADULT AND FACE THE FACTS.
Thats all I really need to say for that.

I can't tell you how many times I have seen kids when I was in highschool talking about how their going to "abort that little s**t"(talking about the baby inside them). I think that is total bull.

Anyways, here are some good links on adoption:
http://costs.adoption.com/
http://adoptionnetwork.com/adoption-texas/texas.shtml?gcid=S13083x703&gclid=CMvMso6TgJECFQdEFQodolFOGA

I hope that I will not get any discrimination from this post. I am sorry if I offended you. This is merely my opinion. If you don't mind leaving yours as a comment. I'd be very glad to see different perspectives.

Television; Do you let your kids watch television?

2008-01-17T10:00:00.000-06:00

I was listening to the radio on my way to work and they were talking about people who shelter their kids from the media.(Television) Below are some articles from kidshealth.com.

Personally I don't mind Ethan watching some TV. It keeps him content so, we can sometimes get the necessities done. My favorites are Go-Diego-Go and The Backyardigans. A new backyardigans episode came on three nights ago. It was all about them being Knights. It was so funny and cute. Nikki and I tivo'd it and watched it after Ethan went to bed. It was like an hour or so in length and it had me chuckling the whole time. "We're knights thats right!!" :D Its so cool because they talk using the old english names. For example: Lord, Lady, King, Land, Castle, Dragon... So, your children will have vivid imaginations and good background of history before they can even write.

I really like Diego for the animals. You get to learn each animals scientific/common name and what it eats and does and you learn songs about them. I still learn stuff and I'm 17. I love it.
After reading these articles I really feel bad about letting him watch TV =/ But, I guess theres always a fall back to being a "Good" sheltering parent. When your -baby- turns 18 and moves out and gets married they will be in shock about these things for so long.

This subject reminds me of the American Idol episode where Simon asks the girl something interesting about herself. She replied, "I have never seen an "R" rated movie and neither has my husband of 3 years." I just about crapped myself when I heard that. :P

Heres the articles:

Of course, television, in moderation, can be a good thing: Preschoolers can get help learning the alphabet on public television, grade schoolers can learn about wildlife on nature shows, and parents can keep up with current events on the evening news. No doubt about it - TV can be an excellent educator and entertainer.

But despite its advantages, too much television can be detrimental:

Research has shown that children who consistently spend more than 4 hours per day watching TV are more likely to be overweight.
Kids who view violent events, such as a kidnapping or murder, are also more likely to believe that the world is scary and that something bad will happen to them.
Research also indicates that TV consistently reinforces gender-role and racial stereotypes.

TV Time

Limit the number of TV-watching hours:
Stock the room in which you have your TV with plenty of other non-screen entertainment (books, kids' magazines, toys, puzzles, board games, etc.) to encourage kids to do something other than watch the tube.
Keep TVs out of kids' bedrooms.
Turn off the TV during meals.
Don't allow your child to watch TV while doing homework.
Treat TV as a privilege that kids need to earn — not a right that they're entitled to. Tell them that TV viewing is allowed only after chores and homework are completed.

Baby Sign Language. It really does help.

2008-01-16T08:28:00.000-06:00

I became really really interested in Baby Sign Language when one day I was playing with Brie and I asked her to say please and she took her hand and rubbed it in a circle on her chest. And I asked her again to say please... Nikki said, "That is how she signs please. Its sign language." I was amazed. So, I pulled up youtube and typed in baby sign language. It is so cool. I went to some sites and looked at some books and I actually learned all of the basic signs that you would teach your baby.

Heres some links.

I decided to put this amazing kid and her mom on here. Shes 15 months old and can almost completely clearly sign all of the basics. Its freaking cool!(Note: Thought she was 9 months. Thats a different video.)

Update on ethan:
Very cranky. He didn't get a good nap in yesterday. Hopefully he will today.
Update on Nikki:
She's tried chloraseptic spray, all different kinds of cough drops and nasty junk. But, her throat pain just will not go away. Her doctor has no idea what it is.

Well, I hope one day I'll be able to post my video of me and Ethan signing on youtube. :) I'd be so proud.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus); Do you or your children have it?

2008-01-15T08:04:00.000-06:00

(note: great link: kids health.org

At home, the basic premise for managing
mild to moderate RSV infection is to control the symptoms and make the patient comfortable.^{1, 29}

(RSV Info)

Ethan has had a cold and a rather bad cough for awhile now. We held off taking him to the doctor. Which was a huge mistake and yesterday we went in and it turns out. He has RSV. He was prescribed Albuteral in the form of an Inhaler. He has to take it 4 times a day. This time of year is very popular for many people having this virus. Heres some more info on it.

RSV

It's the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children worldwide.
Virtually all children contract it by the age of three.
It's the leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants.
It may play a major role in the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
It causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunodeficient patients. ^1,2
It spreads easily from person to person through contact with respiratory secretions.

Sorry for the lack of posts. Kind of a difficult time. Ethan has this so his crankyness is around a 9.7(1-10) and then Nikki has an Ear infection or something of the sort. Her doctor is about as retarded as dirt. She gave nikki upper respiratory medication for Ear and Throat problems. So, Nikki's crankyness is around 8.6(1-10) and I'm just not able to sit down and put some stuff together for a post. I'll try to use what time I can though.

Please bare with me.
-Andy

Have you ever had lice?

2008-01-12T09:41:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we found out that Brieanne (Nikki's brother's baby girl(2.8 yrs)) has contracted lice from the YMCA day care center where her parent's go to work out. Which made us immediately check each other and Ethan and all the other little kids in the house. We ordered a lice medication online and it took care of it.

Lice is commonly believed to be more prone to breed in "Dirty" hair. However it is on the contrary. Lice would much rather a clean head of hair than, a dirty head. They are actual insects that feed off of skin and blood. So, if you trap them like, say in a trash bag... for a couple days. They will die off.

I would totally recommend this service and Licex. We all treated ourselves and washed all of our bedding and dirty clothes with the Linen Washing Product it came with.

Today is going as well as planned. Nikki, her mom and my mom are already headed to the hair salon. Ethan has already eaten and is happily walking around in is walker.

1-6 Month Wrap-up; Feeding your baby.

2008-01-11T10:17:00.000-06:00

A little history.

Ethan was diagnosed with Acid Reflux when he was a month old. He was put on Zantac and still to this day takes it. We started him on rice cereal when he was around 2-3 months which helped settle his stomach amazingly. It also seemed to fill him up and help him sleep for increased time at night. He was breastfed until about 5 months. Nikki wasn't consuming near enough calories therefor, neither was ethan.So, we switched him to formula due to him being underweight. We chose the "Gentlease" formula because of the AR and Colic-ness of him.

He has been eating solids for a couple months now. We started him out on fruits and veggies. He didn't like pears or applesauce, which he later developed a like for.

He started stage 2 foods when he was 5 Months and especially loved the banana granola.

Our newest issue is starting him on meats.

The first meat we tried him on was chicken and chicken broth. Very big failure. I definitely stand by trying things before you give them to your baby. We didn't try it before we let him try it and we paid for it. He didn't like the taste or texture and that led to immediate gagging. If you know anything about choking then you should know your supposed to use your index finger and swipe the food out of the back of their throat. We had juice nearby so, we didn't have to do that to him. We tried one more bite only to find the same result. We waited a couple weeks frightened by the things we were seeing. So, we decided we'd take another venture. Chicken with apples. We tried it and it tasted great! (Basically tasted like applesauce but, slightly thicker[couldn't really taste the chicken])

He absolutely loved it. And he loved the Turkey and gravy. That's all we have tried him with.

Feeding them baby food with either a rubber coated spoon or a soft plastic spoon is a very smart idea when their teething. He much rathers chewing on food that drinking from a bottle. And it also decreases the amount of time it takes for them to get their teeth in. I would also reccomend not getting organic or "special" baby food for babies with colic or acid reflux especially.

A small touch on teething: In the early stages the softer squishier rings/teething toys are much better. But, you have to be cautious because as soon as their teeth start to poke out it can be a hazard of punching a hole in the toy and leaking that liquid into your baby's body.

Napping has also gotten much easier to accomplish because if hes tired and hungry if we rock him whilst he drinks a bottle and hug him tight he falls right to sleep. He's been in a crib in his own room for about a month or two.

This should be a good start to my new outlook on how to write this blog.

This year doesn't look so good...

2008-01-10T20:14:00.000-06:00

The day started out not so pleasant... and continued.

Was an hour late to work due to miscommunication. Dad rushed me out and I got agravated which immediately led to the trailer falling off of the back of the truck whilst driving. Luckily no-one got hurt...

It never got better. Work was not easy. Constantly unnecessary obstacles when trying to do a simple task. I have also had a sinus headache just about all day. I was very upset when I wasn't able to leave Houston until 5:45... Didn't get back to the office until 6:50 and didn't get home until 7:30. I have court tomorrow at 1:00 pm so, that means I'll only be working in the office from 8-11...

It was a complete day turner when I got home and Ethan looked over at me and smiled and then started to chuckle. I made him laugh for like 10 minutes then he took a bath and we ate dinner very shortly before he went to bed. Nikki is supposed to do her thing on saturday. I am supposed to go to court Friday, and then also take the whole day on Monday to watch Ethan while her parents are out of town.

I hope tomorrow is a MUCH better day.

Figured the pic would ad some humor to this oh-so-boring post.

What a good day it was :)

2008-01-09T21:57:00.000-06:00

Today was fun day.

This morning wasn't as early as it usually is. My routine went exactly perfect and I was on time as hoped. Not too much work in the office today. We're just getting everything ready to go for the installations tommorow. Did some financing work and the day was over in a flash.

Nikki and her mom went to ulta to set up a hair appt. Saturday is boys and girls day. Ethan and I are staying home, sleeping in, and watching t.v. all day and the girls are getting their hair and nails done. But, ofcourse that will take much longer than needed but, it is okay because they deserve a break sometime.

I met up with Nikki, Ethan and her mom as they were finishing up with their errands for today. Nikki, Ethan and I went to my mom's house to take care of the dogs. We went home after that and when Ethan woke up from his nap we played for a little bit, at dinner and then put him to bed.

He fell right to sleep thank goodness.

After he was all tucked in and ready to sleep... Nikki, her Dad and I all went on short walk to the mailbox. Mind you this is at 8:45 PM so, it's well after dark which is always a fun time to scare Nikki. Her Dad got her good.

Tommorow will be a lot of work. Which is good and bad so, we'll see what happens.

Goodnight :]

Is your baby teething? Mine is.; Danger in the bath.

2008-01-08T08:57:00.000-06:00

Last night was a trip.

I'd say for a week solid he hasn't acted negatively whatsoever. Last night was a completely different story. Awhile back when his teeth were bothering him he would wake up in the night SCREAMING. That has made a return. He got up every 2 1/2 hours last night and his pacifier would not suffice his agony. So, everytime he woke up he would need a bottle. That is horribly aggravating for people who have to wake up early in the morning. I sure hope today is better and maybe it will end somewhat tonight before bed. Its really depressing to hear him scream like that.

Today was much better.

I was running late today but, I still managed to meet mom at starbucks for our morning routine. The weather was rainy but, it was an easy day at the office. Ran a couple errands and worked on some databasing. We went over to my mom's house tonight because it's been awhile since we have and Nikki had some homework to do so, we decided it would be a good idea. Mom took some pictures of Ethan in the bath... We use a plastic ring with suction cups on the bottom to sit him in and that way he sits up more and he can play with his toys. Well, we were looking at the camera where you preview pics already taken and he leaned so far that the seat came up off of the bottom of the tub and he went face first in the water. I think that was the scariest paternal moment I have ever succumb. I leaned in and snatched him up out of that bath so quick. Phew. He was scared ofcourse but, I'm pretty sure his fear of water on his face helped him to not breath in water. He was fine after that. Mom finished his bath and he didn't lean over not once after that frightful experience.

We went home and it was my turn to put him to sleep tonight and he fell right to sleep without one peep before his bottle was gone. I love nights like these. :)

Going to try to go to bed kind of early tonight... the extra rest can't possibly hurt.

Weekend

2008-01-07T08:58:00.000-06:00

I'm already getting a little behind on this so, lets update a little.

This weekend was very nice. Nikki and I stayed at my mom's house Friday & Saturday night. We had a great time being free of stress and my mom's house is always spotless and super quiet. So, the atmosphere is easy to chill and be calm in. Since neither of us were under pressure or stress we both realized we weren't fighting hardly at all. Which made it even better.

Ethan ate a lot of baby food and was a happy little boy this weekend. He was very easy all weekend.

We went to wal-mart last night to pick up some stuff for my mom and nikki's mom. And I think that was the first time all month we have gone to the store and come back all in a good mood. We really can't wait until we move out and get our own place.

Today is going to be an easy day. Just working in the office getting all of the ebay stuff out of the way. Nikki is back in school until the 17th so, won't really be talking to her during the day much. Which will be good for my phone bill. :) Mom and I are going to lunch together which we haven't done in awhile so, that will be nice.

Mom and Dad went on a Motorcycle ride early on Sunday Morning. Mom rode with Bill so she could take some pics of Dad on his bike. This one turned out nice.

I'm going to try to stay at work until exactly 5:00 so, I get the extra hours. Once I get some extra spending money, I want to start buying another set of everything we have to keep at my mom's house because its such a drag having to pack up all this crap just to go down the street for 2 days. It takes about 1.2 minutes to drive from our driveway to their driveway. So, theres my first new years goal. During my lunch break I went and got links removed from my watch so it fits better.

Well, I guess thats good for today.

2008-01-02T08:35:00.000-06:00

Well, late last night mom sent me a couple pics of ethan and asked if i could make his hat and eyes stay color and the rest of him be black and white.

After about 30 seconds of messing around on fireworks I came out with this. Not too shabby for a rough draft. I think its fun when you can take a picture emphasized on something and then rearrange a couple details and change the photo entirely.

See my photo tips blog to gain this effect.

He really wasn't that tired last night around bed time so, he didn't fall asleep before finishing his bottle as he usually does. We just numbed his gums and layed him down. He talked for a little bit and then passed out. :) I love having him sleep in his own room and bed.

Today when I got home he was extremely happy to see me :) He's actually back to his normal self. When he's acting normal you can get him to laugh so easy and its the cutest thing in the world. He didn't want his carrots tonight so, we gave him fruit... Which he can never turn down :) He was laying down on the bed watching TV and we were about to go get the bath ready before he went to bed and he fell asleep by himself on the bed. So, there he lays as I finish up my blogging for the night. We installed a noise making thing in his room so, hopefully he starts sleeping better at night.

Goodnight

Happy New Years

2008-01-01T19:58:00.000-06:00

明けましておめでとうございます。に健康で長生き！

Happy New Years!

Well, I sure hope this year is great finally out of high school and starting out in the real world for real.

Today ethan was still cranky but, theres these little bursts of happiness right after he takes a hour+ nap. :) My mom, nikki, ethan, and I all went out for lunch today. We went to chilis. Ethan wanted every drink on the table and was trying with all his might to throw his body hard enough to snag something. He still continued with the random out-bursts of fussing. And all he really wants is baby food. Unfortunately he is too young to only eat baby food, he still has to have his regular milk(formula) supply.

Other than that is was a great day, we dressed him up all spiffy and pimp-like as you can see in the picture. He had a blow out so, we had to change his outfit.

Nikki and my dad bonded a little bit tonight. He brought out his guitars and showed off a little. She was interested and my dad eats that up, like every other person who is proud of their belongings would be. :) Its so cute how he cares about everything she has to say or every facial expression and giggle she creates. My dad and I have never been very close. And thats a huge regret of his, nonetheless he tries everyday. To a normal 17 year old it could be viewed as prying or being nosy but, to me I just see it as him trying to get to know me. Which he unfortunately has been rather out of date on. He loves Nikki and he loves Ethan so, I put aside our issues. My mom actually referred to me as Ethan's dad today which is a big jump. She hasn't really faced the facts and realized that her little "baby" has his own baby and is growing up. But, like my dad she is really trying.

Well, work early in the morning tomorrow so, until then!
:)

2007-12-31T08:32:00.000-06:00

This will be my day by day diary of being a parent. Keep in mind my spouse and I are both 17 years old. Thanks to both of our parents we can still lead a healthy and regular life. I work for my dad at his company and she is just finishing school. Time is something we don't get a lot of in this life and it is really hard to cope with that. Our son's name is Ethan Joseph.

He could easily be the happiest baby I know. I love him with all my heart. So, when nikki isn't in school she is taking care of him during the day. His bed time is at 8:00 PM sharp. Once he's asleep we occasionally go out. When your 17 and you have a kid there is no such thing as 'party'-ing. Which sucks in a way but, it isn't so bad once you get the hang of it.

So, were starting this on 12/31/07 Ethan is 6 Months and 9 Days old.

I am really interested in teaching babies sign language.

Almost everytime I talk I try to sign to him like dad, mom, bath, love, cat, dog, bird, water, bottle, help, please, milk, baby, boy, girl, etc. Just the basic signs. But, he seems to be catching on, and its even cooler to watch brieanne my almost 2 year old neice sign to you. Even though no one in our close family is deaf, its still a GREAT language to learn and when you speak english to them while signing it really helps.

Theres videos on youtube of 9 month olds who can't even talk but they can sign and kind of make the word shape with their mouth. I want Ethan to be like them! :)

So he's teething, anything and everything in reach is in his mouth like a little puppy. Your face, finger, arm, shirt... Doesn't matter he'll find a way to chew on it. And the whole teething bit is giving him some bad fevers, which cause MUCH higher levels in the cranky-ness department. This weekend was pretty exausting due to that. He usually wakes up talking and happy but, with the fever and pain he wakes up screaming and angry. But, there is an upside to all this bad stuff.. He wants to nap allll the time and I am the king of getting him to sleep. No doubt. I really just want him to get his chompers in and be my happy ball of sunshine like he used to be.

Well, I guess its that time.

- Andy :]