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Making Bed-Time Easy

Georgene — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 19:27:43 +0000

Implementing a nightly regime for your toddler so bedtime is something they look forward to rather than dread and battle against may be easier than your think. When my two children were toddlers we had a sweet nightly ritual before bed-time. After dinner we’d start to wind down and take part in what I called “softer play.” We’d do activities like reading a favorite book together or listening to soothing lullaby music. I’d even dim the lights in the house down a notch to create less stimulation for their eyes. Small changes like these would aim them into the direction of becoming mellow and sleepy and subliminally signal that bed-time was nearing.

One of the most helpful activities was a nice warm bath before bed. I would let them soak and play in the tub for a half hour until their little fingers and toes were all wrinkled & puckered from the water. Then, after getting their nightly massage with natural oils and a dusting of corn starch, into their one-piece pj’s they’d go. I’d let them choose a favorite stuffed toy (or two) to take to bed with them. We’d say a children’s prayer and God Bless everyone in the family including the dog, cat, bird and fish. Lastly, I’d tuck them in and sing them their lullaby. As I was leaving their room they were already almost fast asleep in dreamland.

Some children prefer a small night light left on, it’s also a wise safety measure to leave a soft light on. We had small glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling, my kids often made a wish on one of them from their beds, I also left a soft nightlight on. The environment machines with soothing sounds of the ocean and wind chimes might prove helpful for some children too.

Keeping close to the same regime night after night is why I believe we rarely had difficulties with bed-time. When bed-time comes too fast it causes some children to battle, when bed-time comes in slow over a period of an hour or so it’s easier to accept it. Making bed-time a pleasant experience makes children not mind going to bed. This is not to say you’ll never have some times when they want a second story read, or they just want to stay up a little longer, but those times can be special memories too. The trick is to not let those times become too often and keep them “special” times. Making your own unique bed-time regime with your toddlers will be a very sweet memory to you someday when they’re all grown up.

If you have any little special ways you put your kids to bed please feel free to share them! Just click on “Leave A Comment” above!

Guest Blog: Mommy Mojo…and how to get it back!

Georgene — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:55:53 +0000

It happens to the best of us Mommies, one day you are on fire ready to take on the world….kids, cleaning, cooking, homework, sports and laundry and the next day you have completely lost it (your Mommy Mojo that is)! If you are anything like me your mind races quicker than your feet and hands can fold the bathroom towels, your mommy agenda planner neatly placed on the kitchen island serving as a constant reminder of what’s on your growing list today. School snacks-check!, karate uniform washed-check!, back to school night-check! Some days I conquer it all and some days I simply “dread” my agenda planner…… Why are some days easier than others? If you look just deep enough you may come to the same conclusion as I have….. In my personal Mommy opinion, I feel my Mommy Mojo lacks most when I haven’t taken the time out for myself I so desperately need. Now I’m not saying lets round up the girls and fly to Vegas for the weekend but what I do want to emphasize is taking time out for the little “itty bitty” things that make “you” happy and if it means letting hubby stay home with the kids for 2 hours than so be it! It’s ok to be a little selfish sometimes. When Mommy is happy EVERYONE is happy and I truly stand by the phrase, so much so I wish I could have it printed on a T-Shirt.

The little things for me are just that “little” but they add up and give me a sense of peacefulness:

For starters: Monday mornings I treat myself to a Starbucks coffee (by myself, no kids), I don’t know how Starbucks does it but I always manage to leave ($4.00 short in my wallet of course) a little more content upon my departure of the coffee bean palace. I don’t cheat and go through the drive thru as this defeats the purpose, park your car, burn an extra 15 calories and walk in to experience the Starbucks culture. That $4.00 was worth every penny in my opinion and contributed to a small portion of my sanity for the day.
A walk through Michaels Crafts (insert your favorite store here), I find the leisurely stroll through each and every isle helps my brain decompress. No, I do not mean go in with your purchase list handy, no agenda, simply walk around. Sounds weird but it works for me, it really does. I find my crafty mommy coming out within as I take mental notes of what my next holiday craft will be and maybe I buy the materials right then and there and maybe I just let my brain settle on the idea for a few days….I think doing this releases some form of endorphins in your body, I usually feel a bit renewed after I leave plus walk away with some great ideas!
Painting….Who has the time right? Well I’ll tell you when I find just one small area of my house, lets say a small wall or that one little spot in the bathroom that needs touching up, the mindless activity of painting something is unbelievable! It is a thoughtless project, it instantly clears my mind and well being the minute I dip the brush in the paint. My husband, dislikes painting (must be a guy thing) I secretly find it very therapeutic. Don’t care what it is, I’ll even go out and touch up the fence….my husband thinks I am working so hard painting (take a break honey, he says) when really it takes a calming effect on me and I couldn’t be happier in my own little world….just me and my paintbrush being a little selfish.
A good ol’ fashioned girls get together (especially if they are Mommies). I have 2 best friends since elementary school and when we actually “do” find the time to arrange a get together it’s like we didn’t skip a beat, remising about our adventures from our single days when the only responsibility we had was to make sure our hair looked good before we stepped out of the house and had our drivers license on us…… I find these far and few between get together’s so calming, so reassuring. Not only are these gals my closest friends and know every intimate detailed characteristic trait about me they are also moms and can relate to all of my diaper duty daily struggles with running the house, husband and kids. One girlfriend in particular doesn’t have an opportunity to get out as often as the rest of us do (even though we plan ahead and coordinate like we are training for the Olympics) she still manages to struggle in this arena. Because of this, I have noticed on repeated occasions that this very special friend of mine (and I love her just the same) is just a tad bit more wound up around her children, it seems her tolerance level runs border line trigger thin (now we ALL have been there, I get it, I have had these moments surely I am not perfect ) but, my point is we HAVE to make time for ourselves. IF MOMMY AINT HAPPY, NO ONE IS HAPPY….famous words to live by.

When I take just a few minutes (or even a few hours) to find time for me “Kelli”, Yes, I think I remember that curly haired girl! I am a better mom, a better wife, I have more patience, more time, more energy for my family and they deserve to have the best me there is! Suddenly my Mommy Mojo is back and in full force. YOU pick and choose what works for you, what gives you inner peace, calms you, what makes you a happier you and make the time each week, just a little bit of time for yourself. A 20 minute long shower? TAKE IT!, Eating your lunch in a park for 15 minutes before you pick the kids up from school? DO IT! You deserve it….after all, you are still YOU!

When you find time, please head on over and check out my blog site for more inspirational ideas, thoughts and must have baby and children’s items. Make sure to “like” us on Facebook, we love our fans!

Written by Kelli Girsch of http://www.lifeonplanetmommy.com

Please feel free to share the special little ways you add peace to your life so you don’t lose “YOU”… Just click on “Leave A Comment” above!

Guest Blog: Undercover Vegetables

Georgene — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 21:55:59 +0000

So every little kids loves to eat their vegetables right ? I have a little secret to share with you about how to get your kids to eat vegetables without them ever knowing. Many recipes have a base in them which you can substitute for pureed vegetables. Your kids will never know you have hidden some extra nutrients in their favorite meal. Don’t worry we won’t tell them! The trick to adding pureed vegetables into the meal is to puree them very well so they are virtually undetectable in the meal. We are going to share a couple of our fave puree to help you sneak some veggies into you carb loving kiddo’s diet.

Add cauliflower to your macaroni and cheese ; this is totally undetectable and add some nutrition to a fast side dish
Butternut squash puree added to your pancakes or waffles
Any vegetables added to your meatballs for spaghetti night
Add carrot or sweet potato puree to your soup or chili
Mix zucchini into your favorite bread recipe

These are just a few of our favorites ; remember this can be done with nearly every recipe. By adding some pureed vegetables to your meals they will healthier and more filling. Your kids will never know and you can rest easy knowing they received the best nutrition possible.

Written by Amber Scollick of Beanababy.com

If you have any little hidden ways you get healthy foods into your kids please feel free to share them! Just click on “Leave A Comment” above!

Invitation to GUEST BLOG !!!

Georgene — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 17:17:38 +0000

Heartbeat Designs is now featuring Guest Bloggers! Topics must be about baby, mother, father, pregnancy, adoption, parenting tips, baby health, mothers health, easy recipes, jewelry, or any topic that is compatible with Heartbeat Designs overall web site theme. Of course, all articles MUST be Family Friendly. This is a great way to gain exposure and link popularity, as contributor’s will have their web sites link accompany articles. If interested in being a Guest Blogger on this page please drop an email to georgene@heartbeatdesigns.com. Be sure to put “Guest Blogger Info” in the subject line. *We reserve the right to decline articles that don’t meet our criteria listed above* THANK YOU!!!

Mother’s Day Gifts

Georgene — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:42:26 +0000

There is one day in May that serves as a symbolic holiday when we can show our appreciation to the woman we call “Mom.” A mother will sacrifice everything for her child/children. She will love unconditionally and will always be there for her children. A mother is someone we can share everything happening in our lives with. We instinctively know that in times of happiness or sadness or when we just need someone to talk to we can always talk to mom. Mothers aren’t just there during the special times in our life, they are there for the little “everyday things.” Mothers don’t just nurture our bodies, they nurture our spirits. Mothers come in all shapes and sizes and colors, and they come with all different personalities, so we shouldn’t judge all mothers by the standards written above. Every mother is individual and each relationship is as different and unique as the people in them. Some mothers may have sacrificed more than others due to their unique life circumstances. Mothers are only capable of doing the best they can according to what is available to them. Being a mother is about nurturing, protecting, loving and doing the best they can do to raise their children. Every parent’s idea of parenting is different. The times and places we live in also plays a huge role in our parenting skills, as does one’s education and how we as mothers were parented. Motherhood should be measured by how loved and cared for we felt as children and how we are respected and loved as adults. That love and care a mother provided throughout all the stages of our life is why we have one day a year to express our heartfelt “thanks.” So, don’t forget to at the very least pick up a card or the phone on that day in May when we have the opportunity to say “Thank You” to our mothers. If your mother has passed away then light a safe candle in your home or at your place of worship to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day in heaven.

If you have any ideas for unique and/or meaningful surprises for Mother’s Day don’t be shy! I’d also love to hear about something special that was done for YOU for Mother’s Day. Please share! Just click on “Comment” above!

Miscarriage and Baby Angels

Georgene — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:38:50 +0000

Losing a baby is one of the saddest experiences for a woman to endure at a time that is supposed to be so happy. Having gone through all the tests and being told that all the reproductive organs are working perfect; having a pregnancy end in miscarriage can be quite an emotional shock. That is exactly what happened when I suffered a miscarriage at 16 weeks. We couldn’t imagine what went wrong, but later learned just how common miscarriages happen. We were lucky to later be blessed with two beautiful and healthy babies, but we’ll never forget the little angel that awaits us in heaven. Just know that you’re not alone if you have a miscarriage; so many parents have a baby angel or angels waiting for them in heaven. Miscarriage in early pregnancy is common. Studies show between 10% and 20% of women experience miscarriages some time before 20 weeks of pregnancy. The actual rate of miscarriage is even higher since many women have very early miscarriages without even knowing they were pregnant. One study that followed women’s hormone levels daily to detect very early pregnancy found a total miscarriage rate of 31%. There is also research indicating that 70% of fertilized eggs may never go on to become a full-term pregnancy. It’s not as grim as it sounds though, if you already know you’re pregnant, your risk of miscarrying before 20 weeks is probably somewhere between 10% and 20%, which is not high at all. The rates of miscarriage are highest in the first 12 weeks (the first trimester). Of course age must also be factored into the equation with risk increasing after the age of 35 and so on. A miscarriage is usually nature’s way of terminating a fetus that is not healthy. Rather than worry about what could happen think positive, eat healthy, take your prenatal supplements and be sure to see your OB/GYN regularly – a better way to think about it is to remember that there is close to a 90% chance that everything will be just fine!

Please feel free to share your “baby angel” experiences. If you found something that helped you and you think it could help someone else cope a little easier we’d love to post it here. Just click on “Comment” above.

Diaper Rash

Georgene — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 22:37:34 +0000

Diaper rash can be a parent’s worst nightmare. It makes us cringe to see our baby’s little bottom so sore and uncomfortable, and it hurts baby even more. Unsightly diaper rash is caused by a mixture of bacteria that thrives in a warm and dark environment, namely a moist wet diaper. Some cases may also be caused by urine that is too acidic, giving baby a bit more water to drink and less acid producing juice can help his or her urine reach the proper pH and become alkalized. By keeping baby’s bottom dry with frequent diaper changes we can avoid most cases of diaper rash. Rashes can range from mild to severe, with some becoming a real challenge. For mild cases merely changing baby more often and dusting his/her bottom with an ample amount of corn starch may be enough to keep the fierce sting of rashes away. Products containing zinc oxide or petroleum also protect baby’s bottom. I personally like organic coconut oil used as a barrier between diaper changes for baby’s bum, it has anti-viral, anti-fungal (kills yeast too) and antibacterial properties – and it smells so nice. Avoid using scented baby wipes, especially when a rash is present as they can make rashes worse. Letting air at baby’s bottom regularly is a good measure to take. Letting baby play naked for an hour or so a day can be helpful. Diaper rashes can get scary sometimes. If the rash is severe it can look blistered, welted and may even bleed, you’ll need the help of your pediatrician. Prevention is key with diaper rash, as most bacteria cannot grow in dry & airy places, so keep baby’s bottom dry and you and baby will be much happier for it!

If you know of a great diaper rash remedy or just want to share your experience please do! Just click on “Leave A Comment” above!

Teach Your Children Well

Georgene — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:13:22 +0000

Relationships in life such as friendships can be positive or negative; they can enhance our life or poison it. It’s important that we teach our children not only how to make friends, but how to be “a good friend” which comes about by instilling our children with good values. If we show our children respect we will teach them how to respect others. Children often learn by watching their parent’s actions and behavior, so we need to be careful of what we may be inadvertently teaching our children. Teach children to be caring and compassionate to others. Boys can be taught more compassion without making them overly emotional. Teach girls not to compare and assume that if another girl is thought to be prettier that means she is therefore in some way “superior.” It’s not that boys are immune to developing inferiority complex’s, it’s just easier for girls to because of the way society, namely the media and Hollywood, portray women. From very young ages girls are often pitted against each other to compete in very unhealthy ways. To counteract this we must teach children solid self-worth and focus on what their strong points are to help them develop resilient self-esteem. Too much importance should not be placed upon outer appearances or material possessions to keep unhealthy comparisons at bay. Being competitive is a good thing that can build strong self-confidence, but there is a thin line when it can cross over to becoming unhealthy. It’s always more fun to win, but children must also learn how to lose. If they never experience losing they will never fully appreciate the wins in life. Friendship needs to be a two-way street, a pleasurable journey with both parties having the same destination in mind. We can’t just pick a person and wave a magic wand overhead saying “poof we’re friends.” Friendships are usually cultivated on commonalities we share with each other. Friends should make us feel good, even in the worst of times. A true friend will be there through the storms in life and not just be a fair-weather friend. A genuine friend is supportive, and should possess traits such as loyalty, honesty, trust and always be happy for us in our successes. If a friend shows signs of envy, resentment, jealousy, disloyalty, distrust and is not happy for us – this is not a friend at all. It’s preferable to not have such people in our lives. Loving relationships are filled with mutual respect and often start off as friendships, so in order to be fortunate in love we need to first be blessed in friendship. If as parents we teach our children to be respectful and have the positive traits mentioned above, then healthy interactions will come naturally and lead our children to form healthy relationships all through life.

Feel free to chime in and add your own thoughts, beliefs or views! The more experience we can share with each other, the more we help each other! Just click on “Comment” above.

Happiness Is Contagious

Georgene — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:45:44 +0000

Is happiness something we’re born with or something we learn? Do we acquire happiness from our life experiences and the people and things around us – or do we create and control our own happiness? I believe it’s a little bit of all of the above, but mostly I believe we create and are responsible for our own happiness. Parents want their children to be happy. The best way to ensure this is to let them see us being happy. There’s no doubt that people and things around us can affect our level of happiness, but the bottom line is that WE have the option to not allow anything to affect our happiness. Our personal happiness is within our control. We might wonder how our happiness is in our control if we have something in our life determined to make our life miserable, but that can only happen if WE allow it to happen. Of course there are times in life when it’s perfectly natural to be sad, we can’t be happy all the time, but if there is something in our life making us sad all the time, then we need to change it. If we can’t change it then we can counter it by doing things we enjoy often, like listening to music or playing an instrument, dancing, swimming, watching uplifting “feel good” movies, taking a walk and most of all laugh. Laughing is one of the best ways to counter sadness. Find what makes you happy and DO IT often. The more the better! We want to balance the negative experiences in life with positive experiences so unhappy things don’t overtake us. The more joy we can bring into our lives the less sadness can hurt us. Children raised by parents who are often sad and depressed may learn the same behavior, but the opposite is also true. So laugh and have fun with your children daily. One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is to teach them how to have fun and be happy. Happiness involves a lot more than smiling – it’s about a whole physical process of good things happening in the body. Happiness is not just a state of mind, being happy emits healthy hormones throughout the body. It’s a powerful and potent immune booster that can add years to our life. On the flip side of the coin being sad or unhappy releases bad chemicals into the body that can cause illness and take years off our lives, so take control of your happiness and create your own happy haven for you and your family – don’t depend on others to do it for you!

Do you agree that happiness is contagious or do you think we’re born with it? Share some ways you create happiness! Just click on “Leave A Comment” above!

The Green-Eyed Monster

Georgene — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:10:19 +0000

Satisfied children are content children. Teaching our children to be content is one of the special gifts we can give them. Children who are never content or satisfied may struggle their entire lives trying to capture things that could be unattainable. This isn’t to imply that children shouldn’t be encouraged to aspire to greater things; it’s just wise to let them know that some things in life may not be attainable or healthy for them to attain. Teach children that it’s wonderful to chase after their dreams, but also teach them to be grateful and satisfied with what they have. Jealousy is one of the most damaging traits to be saddled with - and sadly it’s quite common in today’s material world. Envy comes from within and can make a person appear quite unattractive. Jealousy can fester and not only make a person unhealthy, but very ugly on the inside. Nothing is sadder than witnessing someone harboring deep envy for years; it can cause people to become physically sick and even age faster while making their life and everyone else’s life around them miserable. Feeling envious and resentful of others can be avoided if children are taught from a young age not to compare and place too much importance on what others have. Parents can teach children to be satisfied and content with what they have by setting good examples, putting in place a proper value system and keeping priorities in the right order. Parents need to teach children the difference between healthy competition and unhealthy competition. Winning is wonderful, but children also need to learn how to lose. If a child is not taught how to graciously accept losing they will never be able to truly appreciate winning. People become jealous natured for many different reasons, it could be about appearances, possessions, how another person is revered, a job or career, but two common denominator’s are always at the root of the problem; low self-esteem and low self-confidence. Never demean or belittle a child; it can mar a child’s self-assurance for life. Always squash the Green-Eyed Monsters as quickly as they appear while children are growing up - make sure to build a child’s confidence and self-esteem by praising and complimenting them frequently so they go on to have productive careers, good friendships, happy marriages and live content lives when they grow up!

Feel free to add your own thoughts – do you struggle with jealousy or do you know someone who does? Don’t be shy! Just click on “Comment” above!