Baby Blog Month in Review: August 2008

Isn’t it crazy the way babies grow so quickly? It seems that you just get used to one stage and boom they are already into another. Tonight, were busy getting the household all set for my eldest child’s first day of second grade. My two younger ones are excited and want to start school, too. It will be a busy month. Don’t worry about the missing last week of blogs. I’ve gotten quite a few questions about where I have been. The Baby Blog tends to go on hiatus the last week of the month. That may change in the … Continue reading

Baby Blog Week in Review: July 28th Through August 3rd

Safety and summer fun have been two themes occurring in the Baby Blog for last week. From tougher toy standards and new information about you baby and second-hand smoke, to fun in the baby pool and enjoyment through volunteering, you’ll find a variety of information and opinion. Some of it might even be controversial. Add your comment! Here, now, is the week in review. July 28th Baby Blog Week in Review: July 21st Through July 27th What types of activities do you like to do with your baby? Is it playing on the floor, reading or taking walks? How about … Continue reading

Baby Blog Month in Review: July 2008

Two of my three children are summer babies. That is, they were born in the summer and had their first months surrounded by sunshine streaming in the windows, the sound of birds chirping, and days spent wearing nothing but a diaper and a “onsie.” I made sure that they had Fourth of July outfits ready, even though one of them arrived a week after the holiday. I guess he just wasn’t interested in the parade. Do you have a summer baby, too? We had a lot of new information to share this past month, such as recall notices and new … Continue reading

Killer Cats on the Loose

One of the most popular news stories to break last week was a new estimation of the deaths attributed to domesticated house cats.  We’re not talking people deaths, but the deaths of small birds and mammals; that might seem insignificant, but the number is in the billions.  Researchers from the Smithsonian and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that although the worst offenders are feral and stray cats, one in three domesticated cats also kills animals in its neighborhood.  Those cats average two kills a week. When it’s well-fed, domesticated cats doing the killing, they’re not usually keeping these … Continue reading

Holiday Jollies

  The best part of the holiday season is getting together with family and friends to share a few laughs.  Or, in some case, huge belly busters that have you rolling on the floor gasping for air. One of the simplest ways to share a seasonal smile is to tell a Christmas joke.  Kids and adults alike appreciate a good holiday riddle.  What’s more, clean, seasonal funnies can be added to Christmas cards, family newsletters or used as an ice breaker at a company party or family get-together.  If you are entertaining kids this month, consider printing out the following … Continue reading

Turkey Preparation Trepidation

You don’t know how challenging it is to cook a Thanksgiving feast until you attempt to do it all by yourself… without a double oven… or Chinese take-out. How did my mom pull it off year after year? Turkey Day is just a few hours away and if you haven’t already formulated your game plan for the all-you-can-eat holiday buffet taking place on your dining room table, then I wish you luck. Goodness knows I am going to need it. This year, I decided to make like my mom and spearhead our Thanksgiving Day dinner. And by dinner I don’t … Continue reading

Should You Get Your Dog A Flu Shot?

Today in “vaccines I didn’t know existed for dogs” (last time it was for Lyme disease): canine influenza. That’s right, you can get a flu shot for your dog. Pet website ZooToo takes a look at it. Apparently, dog flu is a thing. I have to say I’ve never heard of it, not the way I’ve heard about bird or even pig flus. The difference is that while those strains can pass to humans, canine influenza doesn’t. It’s basically just dogs getting the flu, in a particular strain that won’t infect us. So while we might have to worry about … Continue reading

RootsTech 2013 is Coming Up!

RootsTech is one of the biggest genealogy conferences that genealogists can attend. It is hosted by FamilySearch, and both genealogists and those interested in genealogy related technology should check it out. If you register now, you can get the “Early Bird” discount. FamilySearch hosts the RootsTech conference every year. The one held in 2013 will be the third annual RootsTech. It will take place at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. This conference involves information about genealogy and the technology that genealogists can use to do their research. It is definitely a “Big Deal” in terms … Continue reading

What You Need to Know about West Nile Virus

The United States is currently experiencing one of the biggest outbreaks off West Nile Virus with almost 1,200 confirmed cases reported as of Tuesday this week. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are concerned that the rate of infection will continue to grow. The CDC estimates that many more cases, about 98 percent have not even been reported. What is West Nile and how dangerous can it be to us? West Nile Virus is spread by the bit of a mosquito that carries the disease. There are two forms of it. A milder form, referred to West Nile Fever results … Continue reading

Do You Dare to Compare?

Have you seen this tooth-achingly sweet note a 10-year-old boy penned to his hard working mom and attached to an even sweeter homemade gift? The photo has gone crazy viral since the boy’s sibling innocently posted it on Reddit. The youngster’s touching note reads: “Dear Mom, This is for you, I understand how hard you work, and I know you love strawberry milk, so I made this for you. :)” Sniff. Sniff. Right? I mean, c’mon moms, admit it; that tear in your eye, the tingle in your gut, your melted heart-—pure jealously. Okay, maybe, not 100% pure, but pretty … Continue reading