a year ago

I was sick of seeing Shaun White's picture at the top of the page, so I dug this up from last year. My cute baby on St. Patty's day 2009. He has grown up so much! But he's still making silly faces.

shaun white hair disaster

Last night I dreamed that I went to a salon in the middle of the night to get a hair cut. When I walked in the only person there was Shaun White. You know--olympic gold medalist snow boarder Shaun White. We admired each other's red hair which in the dream was styled very similarly. I told him I need a haircut. He took me into the salon and we walked through a very fancy main floor and then went downstairs where it was kind of shabby. He started my haircut and decided that I need some color and highlights. I was like, um, no I don't. But he proceeded anyway. He turned huge sections of my hair light blond. I was horrified. And then the dream was over.

Pregnancy makes for some very strange dreams, no?

[image]

pure joy and silliness

During our windy walk home the other day...
Asher being goofy.

sling and carrier manufactorers speak out about CPSC warning

Press release in its entirety found here.

Not All Slings Are Created Equally: Baby Sling & Carrier Manufacturers Speak Out On Baby Sling Safety Warning

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) March 11, 2010 -- With the publication of an Associated Press article regarding the CPSC government warning on baby slings and the Consumers Union’s concerns about “bag-style” slings, the companies co-sponsoring this release are taking a stand to help educate the public on the differences between safe vs. unsafe baby slings and carriers as detailed below.

The ancient practice of babywearing made its way into western culture in the 1960s and its popularity with American consumers has grown because of its vast benefits. Unfortunately, this has led to the creation of several potentially unsafe baby slings and carriers. Slings and carriers of concern are popularly categorized under the token term “bag-style” slings. In “bag-style” slings, the deep pouch where baby sits puts the baby in a potentially suffocating curved or “C” like position. Also, excessive fabric with an elasticized edge may cover baby’s face inhibiting breathing. Furthermore, the design may cause the baby’s face to turn in toward a caregiver’s body, potentially smothering the baby.

In contrast, shallow pouch-style slings, ring slings, mei tais and wraps hold baby in proper alignment and they fit snugly by design and instruction. They have been engineered, developed and tested by parents, often the manufacturers themselves with their own children. These carriers are often simple and without gimmicks. Dedicated and concerned manufacturers of these types of safe slings and carriers have sponsored this release.

...

In well-designed products, babywearing is not only safe, but is actually very beneficial when done properly. Studies have shown that quality baby slings and carriers have been shown to save lives, improve health, decrease crying, increase IQ, and facilitate breastfeeding and bonding. For examples of these cases and further reading see “Increased Carrying Reduces Infant Crying: A Randomized Controlled Trial” an article written by Urs A. Hunziker MD and Ronald G. Barr MDCM, FRCP(C), “Saving My Baby” a blog post written on Fierce Mama’s Blog by Sarah Kaganovsky and Dr. Maria Blois’s book Babywearing.

Studies have also shown that worn babies are happier and spend more time in the quiet alert phase. In this phase they benefit more than their non-worn peers in language development and knowledge acquisition. Babywearing also helps babies sleep better, and physical needs, including breastfeeding, are met more quickly by a close, responsive parent. Millions of babies over time have been worn to their benefit making baby slings and carriers more of a necessity than the often-publicized fashion accessory. (Source La Leche League International)

The vast benefits of babywearing should not be disregarded with the report of incidents from “bag-style” slings. The sponsors of this release make safer baby slings and carriers and have been active in the standard writing process and are dedicated to safety through engineering. “We see this as an opportunity to reach out and educate American consumers. We hope to provide valuable information allowing parents and caregivers to not only make informed buying decisions, but also to increase the awareness of how to properly wear children, especially babies, in baby slings and carriers,” says Kristen DeRocha, ASTM Subcommittee Chair. The Associated Press article regarding the CPSC warning gives proof to the growing popularity of baby slings and carriers and validates the need for education.

Several trusted websites exist to aid in the education of babywearing for caregivers and new parents. To name a few: TheBabywearer.com, the Facebook fan page for Babywearing Safety, Mothering.com and LaLecheLeague.org.

This press release was sponsored by:
Hotslings, Maya Wrap, Moby Wrap, Wrapsody, Gypsymama, Together Be, Kangaroo Korner, Taylormade Slings, Scootababy, Bellala Baby, Catbird Baby, SlingEZee, ZoloWear, HAVA, SlingRings and Sakura Bloom

warnings about baby slings...but keep wearing your baby!

UPDATE: Dou-la-la just posted about this. As I suspected, the warnings are due to deaths occurring in bag-style slings. These are not very popular with most parents. Check out her post for more details.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission came out with a warning today against sling-style baby carriers for newborns. You can read the entire press release below. Apparently, in the past 20 years, 14 infants have died while in slings, 3 in 2009.

Although my heart aches for the parents who lost their babies, I really do not want to see this warning discourage parents from wearing their babies. Babywearing is a great way to bond and keep baby close, while still allowing mom and dad the freedom to go about their day--cooking, playing with older kids, shopping, etc. Asher was always much happier as a little one being worn than in the stroller. Plus, popping your baby in the sling is so much easier than lugging around the infant carseat!

Of course you must wear your baby safely. I think for small infants, the best way to be carried is upright. You obviously want to make sure their face isn't blocked by your body or the carrier. Here is Asher when he was about 2 months old in a sling.

Although we didn't have one when he was a newborn, another great option for tiny babes is wrap style carriers like this one, which I plan on using a lot with the next baby.

The CPSC put together this graphic to show the proper placement of infants in slings (click on it if you can't see it all):

Please keep wearing your babies! Do it safely and smartly, but keep doing it!

The New York Times just did an article on babywearing too. Check it out!



Here is the entire CPSC press release:

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age. In researching incident reports from the past 20 years, CPSC identified and is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, including three in 2009. Twelve of the deaths involved babies younger than four months of age.

Slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies. In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The sling's fabric can press against an infant's nose and mouth, blocking the baby's breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate.

Many of the babies who died in slings were either a low birth weight twin, were born prematurely, or had breathing issues such as a cold. Therefore, CPSC urges parents of preemies, twins, babies in fragile health and those with low weight to use extra care and consult their pediatricians about using slings.

Two months ago, the Commission added slings to the list of durable infant products that require a mandatory standard. Additionally, CPSC staff is actively investigating these products to determine what additional action may be appropriate. Until a mandatory standard is developed, CPSC is working with ASTM International to quickly complete an effective voluntary standard for infant sling carriers.

CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers make sure the infant's face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling's wearer. If nursing the baby in a sling, change the baby's position after feeding so the baby's head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother's body. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about frequently checking their baby in a sling.

the tomato monster

My child loves tomatoes. Like really, really loves them. Want proof?




And in case that wasn't enough proof that this child thinks tomatoes are the best thing in our kitchen, here's what happened earlier this week. I had just made a trip to Costco and the goods were all on the kitchen table. Jared was starting dinner and I was putting things away when we saw this:

Asher climbed up on the table and was trying his darnedest to pull a tomato off the vine.

Success!!!

We have one happy tomato monster, that's for sure.

first of march

March is definitely reminding us that Spring is on it's way. The first day of March found Asher and I sitting on the porch enjoying the late afternoon sun. But sitting wasn't enough for him. He had to run! Up and down the walk he went as fast as his little bare feet could carry him. And yes, he and I both spent this entire day in our pjs. Something everyone needs to do sometimes I think.





The next day, Jared and I decided to take advantage of the mid-fifties temps and took our lunch to the park. Asher has pretty much insisted on going outside every day since, even on the day is snowed.

24 weeks

3 years married

Today I am celebrating three years of marriage to my wonderful, kind, giving, funny, brilliant husband Jared. Happy Anniversary, love!

We will be doing a little something fun today but we actually already celebrated over the weekend. My mom came to town with my brother for a few days and we decided last minute to get away for a night. I had never spent a night away from Asher but I knew he'd be ok with my mom. Jared booked a night at the Anniversary Inn. We got a sweet deal on a beautiful room.

How funny is that angel in the bath? It wouldn't be Anniversary Inn if there wasn't something a little wacky.

It was so luxurious to spend a whole evening and night just the two of us. We got Thai food takeout, took a bath in the jacuzi tub, watched a movie. It was so relaxing.

The funny thing was that Asher didn't even act that excited to see us when we picked him up. (My mom had taken Asher with her to the U. My brother was attending a preview day.) When we got home, he wanted to nurse and boy was he excited then! He literally clapped and laughed.

And now a note to my husband:

It has been a wonderful, eventful three years. I love the life we are creating together. I love the people we are becoming together. I love the family we are nurturing together. I love you more, Jared. Here's to many, many more years.

your Katrina

late afternoon sun

Spring has been teasing us the past couple of weeks, despite a snow storm last Thursday. Yesterday afternoon all four kids enjoyed the sun on the front porch while reading. Jared snapped this pic of them basking in the rays.