Hi-Ho the Readeo!

Here’s an interesting business idea: reading to children via the internet. My partner and I already use Skype to visit with relatives on the west coast and in Denver. Using similar technology, readeo.com has come up with a way for far-flung relations to read to the youngsters in the family. The website includes a demo video. What do you think? Would you pay $50 a year for the opportunity to let the granparents in Kansas read to your kid at storytime every now and then? Let us know and become eligible to win a free children’s book.

Sleep, or lack of same

After taking our 3 month old out to the west coast to meet his 3 cousins and assorted aunts, uncles, and grandparents, we now have a little guy who is exhibiting different sleep patterns than before the trip. Whether this was caused in some way by the time zone shift or is simply another changing pattern, we’re struggling with it right now. My partner and I have different views on how to handle this development, which entails waking up more frequently, with more crying episodes.

She is favoring The No Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley, while I’m leaning toward a more cut and dried approach, which she distainingly refers to as “Ferberization,” as in “I will not Ferberize my baby.” But Richard Ferber is not quite as heartless as those who haven’t fully read up on his method might suppose.

Win a free Parent Guide book!
Do you have a story about your child’s sleep situation that is interesting or horrifying or hysterical or helpful? Post it in a comment. The staff here at Hudson Valley Parent will pick the comment that stands out most, and we’ll send you a copy of The Smart Parent’s Guide to Getting Your Kids Through Checkups, Illnesses, Accidents: Expert Answers to the Questions Parents Ask Most. Whew. That’s a long title! The rules are simple. Post your comment before 4pm Monday, March 8th. Facebook users, please click to our wordpress blog and comment there. The winner will be announced Tuesday morning, with instructions on how to contact us to claim your prize.

Who couldn’t use a day of pampering?

When I was a younger, I was a “latch-key” kid. Both my parents worked full-time and worked extremely hard at raising me and my three brothers. I remember that it was especially hard for my mom to find time for herself just to relax. That’s why if I knew about our current “Spring Makeover” contest when I was a little girl, I would have definitely encourage my mom to enter. With today’s fast paced life style, who wouldn’t want  a fun day at the spa? Hudson Valley women need a break from reality- which could be working full-time at home or away (sometimes both) and everything in between. Tell us why you want a makeover and I promise we will listen.

Endless Goodies

UPS guy Orlando arrives at our Newburgh headquarters bearing gifts every day–books, dvds, toys, baby slings, home decor, and more. Last night I took home an Ocean Wonders Jumperoo  from Fisher-Price. It qualifies as Mack’s second review assignment. (The first was the Spa Baby Eco Tub. It’s not much more than an oversized plastic bucket, but unlike his regular reclining baby tub, it did bring a big smile to his face. One tip–beware water displacement. When baby decides to sit, he can end up under water!)

Drool-worthy configuration of plastic and metal
Assembly was easy enough, and required no tools until the batteries were installed. All baby products with batteries have the compartment screwed shut, in case some of you didn’t know. The Jumperoo was a big hit, with my partner reporting high drool levels and much focussed attention on the various doodads.

Plastic Footprint
Although I love seeing him happy, I do get discouraged about so much plastic and metal being used for just a short time–once baby is 25 pounds or can climb out or touch the ground, he’s no longer eligible. At the rate Mack is going, he could be out of this thing in a month. Coincidentally, I came across an interesting site yesterday, Swap Mommas, that proposes to help with this problem. I know there is also the free section of craigslist but does anyone know of a similar local exchange just for baby stuff?

Mack’s Daddy, Reporting for Duty

Hi, I’m the new editor here at Hudson Valley Parent. I’m also the dad of a 3.5 month old baby boy. I’ll be blogging about my experiences, and also commenting on whatever might be of interest to parents here in the Hudson Valley. I hope you’ll jump in with your own thoughts!

Chipn’etzels, More Please!

These cookies did not last long in my house.

“Give us more!” That is what I heard after bringing home the sample box of Chipn’etzels that had come into our office that day. We opened the box and were pleasantly surprised to find about 18 cookies with yummy icing on them just for us. They got a big thumbs up in the office and the rest headed home with me. I get home about 5:10 and by 8pm that night, all of the cookies were gone and my kids were asking me to get more. They are sweet and pleasantly salty all at once. They are very buttery and melt in your mouth with the sweet icing. The little pretzel and chip chunks add a little excitement to the cookie to boot. They are so good, I cannot do them justice here. Order some and see for yourself. You will be hooked just like my family. Order these online.

Unusual Baby Names: Not Just for Celebrities Anymore…

How many Arlowe’s do you know? I know one.  Luckily, the Arlowe I know is adorable and she happens to be my niece. I still remember when my brother started reading off the list of potential names for their little girl. There was not an “Ashley” or “Melissa” in sight. Instead, it was “Revkah” and “Harlow” which eventually evolved into Arlowe. I gasped and balked at the names, “Aren’t you afraid she will be teased?” I asked. My name is unique as well. I’ve heard plenty of “Bridget is a gidget” in my day. (What does that even mean?) However, my brother pressed on. “No, not really. I want my daughter to be proud of her name and if some punk kid wants to make fun of her, I want her to be able to stick up for herself.” Touché, big brother.

Well according this article, my brother is not alone. The article states that “parents are choosing less common names for kids, which could suggest an emphasis on uniqueness and individualism, according to new research. Essentially, today’s kids (and later adults) will stand out from classmates. For instance, in the 1950s, the average first-grade class of 30 children would have had at least one boy named James (top name in 1950), while in 2013, six classes will be necessary to find only one Jacob, even though that was the most common boys’ name in 2007.” It’s a pretty interesting read that also gives a little history of baby naming. So, let’s discuss. Would you want your child to have a unique name or would you wander down the more traditional path? How about your own name? I’ve learned to love mine and I’m actually proud of the fact I don’t know many Bridget’s. I couldn’t imagine myself with any other name.

Study shows that mom’s diet may alter infant’s allergies

Check out this new information just released today:

“Eating lots of vegetables and fruits during pregnancy may lower the chance of having a baby with certain allergies, hint study findings from Japan.

Greater intake of green and yellow vegetables, citrus fruit, and veggies and fruits high in beta carotene (generally those colored red and orange) may lessen the risk of having a baby with eczema (itchy, dry, red patched skin), Dr. Yoshihiro Miyake at Fukuoka University and colleagues found.

Foods high in vitamin E, found in some green vegetables, similarly may lessen the risk of having a wheezy infant, they report in the journal Allergy.”

Read more of the article here. We all know how important eating healthy is for your growing baby, but this new study raises some good points. What was your eating like when you were pregnant? If you are newly pregnant would you pay more attention to the study? Share your opinion!

Creative Crafts From Our Creative Readers

One of our Hudson Valley Parent readers provided us with some more great Valentine craft ideas after reading our post this week. Jo Brielyn wrote to us via Facebook with this feedback:

“Instead of simply making a traditional Valentine’s Day card, why not switch things up and help them make a creative and unique project sure to please any lucky valentine? Check out two of our favorite Valentine’s Day craft ideas. http://bit.ly/djalF8.”

Thanks for the ideas Jo! If you have any other ideas for fun Valentine’s Day crafts leave a comment below.

Snow Day Fun

Snow days can sometimes be busier than others. The kids may be off from school, you may have work to do at home and don’t forget the joys of constant shoveling! If you need an activity to keep your mind off of the snow we found an activity you can share with your family and friends.

With Valentine’s day fast approaching, teach your children to show their appreciation for their family and friends by making a gift from the heart. Try making homemade Valentine’s Day cards with them when the appeal of creating another snowman has worn off (We found this craft and more at Kaboose.com). I remember making cards for everyone in my family when I was younger and it was always a fun and easy activity I loved to do. The best part is the cards are simple to make and your children can show off their creativity. Enjoy the snow day with the ones you love!

My homemade cards never looked this good...

Instructions:

• For ages 3 and up.
  

Materials:

• 8.5 x 11 construction paper or card stock in various colors and/or patterns
• Valentine and/or heart stickers
• Scissors
• Pinking shears (optional)
• Glue stick or white craft or school glue
• Glitter (pink, red, white)

How to make them:

1. Begin by cutting a piece of construction paper or card stock into four equal pieces.
2. Fold quartered paper in half to make a card.
3. For the easiest version, appropriate for preschoolers, use stickers to decorate or cut out hearts from a different color of construction paper or card stock to glue on your cards. Experiment with different patterns, florals look great contrasted with stripes on a solid background.
4. Try glitter! Use a bottle of glue to “draw” on a heart or phrase (such as “I Love You”). Sprinkle glue generously with pink, red or white glitter and let dry over night. Tap off excess glitter when completely dry.
5. For the older set, let them use pinking sheers to cut out heart shapes and glue onto cards. Again, use contrasting patterns and colors to create a charming design.
6. Once glue is dry, cards may curl up a little. Place cards between the pages of a heavy cookbook or phone book and leave over night.

How did your cards come out? Share with us if you tried the craft!