I have a four-year-old and one on the way.  I’m big about dividing chores and helping out.  At this point, my son, Jaden, doesn’t have many chores per say, but does have to actively help around the house.  Daily he is required to pick up his toys and take them back to his room, keep his room tidy and on laundry days, he willingly gathers all the dirty laundry and takes it to the laundry room.  Considering he’s just turned four, I haven’t felt unreasonable as a parent expecting the help. ith baby on the way, he’s looking forward to taking on more responsibility with diapers and such.  I’m looking forward to those changes at year end.

I offer no incentives such as an allowance for Jaden.  At this point he gets praise and if he’s really wanting something special, I will give him a few extra things to do and will gladly get the item(s) for him.  I plan on using an allowance later in his life to help teach him financial responsibility.

What are your views on children and responsibilities/chores?  Are you offering an incentive for their assistance or just offer praise?  If you are offering an allowance, how did you derive what each child should earn versus the chores that they complete?

What’s the first think you see when speaking with a person? Among the first sights is their smile. A bright white smile says so much about a person. Could you imagine what life would entail if that smile you carry possesses decay and there was little to be done? For many the harsh reality is known. The ability to secure a position that would better themselves is a far cry from possible; in process crushing self-esteem and confidence. I know, I see it often.

It’s amazing to me the standard of living most must maintain to qualify for assistance with anything, but dental work especially. Oral health is fundamental in the overall health of an individual. It pains to me see so many suffering because, for one reason or another, they are unable to receive the care they so desire.

So what can be done? Less happening upon a million dollars to assist individuals with their dental work, not much. There are some great organizations in some states that will help out tremendously. Unfortunately, they do have residency stipulations on those that they assist. Does the world need to suffer? I don’t think so.

The actual cost of dental products is low. The mark-up on each item is huge. It is that way to cover the office, staff and educational costs of the medical professionals. So is it possible to have a dentist donate time and money? I think so. It wouldn’t take too much, I would assume. A few letters explaining the situation and why, financially, it’s been impossible to obtain care in the past/present and ask for their help. Could it be a long shot? Perhaps, but one will never know unless they try.

Dentists are people too. They don’t want to see everyone suffer extreme pain caused by decay in the mouth. There are trade-offs that could be offered. For the person who designs websites, offering to create a site in exchange for treatment is one possibility. For a writer, offering to create a newsletter or quarterly update of the business is a great place to start. Don’t think that a dentist won’t consider the possibilities. Any person who is blessed with the ability to smile for the first time in years without shame will do all that they can to help further the business of the one offering services.

Since the dental-health assistance is decaying, why not take the opportunity before you find yourself with no other options but to have dentures. Take a chance on humanity and they could very well offer the chance of a lifetime for you.

It’s officially over, at least by one count. The first trimester of my pregnancy has come and gone, leaving ahead two lengthy trimesters filled with growth, planning and excitement.

• To date, I’ve had mild morning sickness. There’s still some nausea sporadically, but not too bad considering.
• I’ve gained two pounds since my first appointment, though they expect me to gain forty!
• I’ve felt flutters on occasion.
• We’ve had one ultrasound and heard the heartbeat.
• We’ve listened to the baby on many occasions with a fetal doppler.
• I’ve gained one size in clothing, though still able to wear 1/4 of my clothing.
• I’ve walked countless miles and enjoying each day I’m able to do just that!
• I have had one major hormonal fit that ended in chocolate and a good cry.

The baby has:

• Moved from a single cell with 13 chromosomes into a baby, though still carrying an alien appearance!
• The Neurotube has formed, eventually turning into the nervous system
• The circulatory system has begun and pumps vital blood throughout baby’s tiny body.
• The brain has developed as have arms and legs.
• The majority of vital organs have developed and are beginning to function.
• Lenses of the eyes have formed as have the nostrils! Baby will keep eyelids closed but has already begun to practice breathing.
• The intestines that began forming in the umbilical cord have moved into baby’s abdomen.
• The placenta has begun to feed baby and baby is practicing digesting.
• Amniotic fluid is being produced to keep baby cushioned while growing.

At this point, baby has experienced some of the most amazing growth and development to date. Once two individual cells that met and began growing, now resemble a real life baby, though no longer than two inches and weighing less than an ounce, more like the weight of a quarter.

The life of baby is quite amazing! The journey is a true miracle in and of itself.

Various facts were collected from www.pregnancy.org

It started as a busy day, yesterday.  I was up before the sun made it’s ascent and began prepping for the day.  Clothes were set out, food began to be prepped and final tidying was done.  Upon Jaden awaking, he jumped with excitement as he knew the day would bring with it a celebration of his life, ending with the prized chocolate on chocolate cake.  (Kill me over dead now!)

He quickly dressed so we could head to the store and collect the final items necessary for fun.  Upon returning home he quickly jumped to help with the tidying.  His room found itself organized with toys in toy boxes, bedding on the bed and he even asked for the small vacuum!  (Boy I could forever live with that!)

We headed to take the garbage to the trash and midst walking, a quick trip left scraped knees and a good sized gash on his hand.  We quickly cleaned (searching for bubbles) and bandaged the bleeding hand.  He changed his clothes that had bits of blood and the day continued forward.

After a lengthy party and being the center of attention (his favorite) the days’ activities made their mark on the wearily tired boy’s body.  The night continued with heavy playing, some crying and finally came to an end as I tucked him in bed after reading some great new books and he said, “Mom, being four is hard work!”  With a quick kiss and big bear hug, he drifted off to sleep…

We are celebrating Jaden’s birthday today with a small family party and Monday we are getting together with friends for a fun evening of play and party.

It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly four years since Jaden was born, relieving me of the miserable pregnancy that preceded his birth. The last four years have been filled with learning and adventure. He holds conversation so well, capable of speaking for hours while engaged. Jaden stands 41″ tall and weighs about 40 pounds.

Jaden is absolutely amazing in his discoveries about life and learning. He knows his alphabet, understands/comprehends spelling and counts well into his 20’s and is aching to count to 100! We play many number and letter games and are working hard on learning how to read and write.

Happy Birthday to my Big Boy!

Pictures follow… (more…)

It never fails, we go through the ebb and flow of life and while we focus a great deal of our time on manners, it seems to slip the mind of the almost-four-year-old residing under roof.  The past week has been a challenge.  Jaden has believed it necessary to direct everyone in what they should or should not be doing.  Today, again, my foot stomped harshly on the behavior, which sends chills up my spine and force blood to flow to the head, causing a bit of turbulence.

Jaden awoke shortly after Rob came home from working a twelve hour grave shift and promptly decided that *HE* was in control.  It began with my being told that I was not allowed to watch the news because *he* doesn’t like it.  From there, life progressed to bringing dishes into the living room, a big no-no.  Then it was off to the bathroom to begin singing at the top of his lungs into a toothbrush, while Rob attempts to sleep.  Wonderful.  Not.

So I ask him if he is ready for breakfast, to which Jaden states, “You have to get me Apple Jacks in my red bowl now.”  I looked at him and said when you find manner and your listening ears, come talk to me.  Until then, sit. Even now, he’s sitting in his spot at the table, making little noise… and not speaking to me.

Children - “Gotta love ‘em as it’s against the law to beat ‘em.”  To quote a friend…

It seems that with the exciting news in my world that we are expecting, pregnancy is going to be a hot topic to cross from mind to fingers…

I’m almost twelve weeks!  The end of the first trimester is quickly approaching and I look forward to a bit more energy.  Tiredness has been a challenge for me topped with various projects and attempting to work full-time too.  Can we scream sleepy?  Yep!

One fun and exciting event to occur in the past few weeks is the capability to hear the heart-beat of baby while at home.  We have a doppler and even at 10 weeks, were capable of listening to baby.  It’s great for everyone and an amazing bonding experience for Jaden.  He loves being able to listen intently at his brother or sister within my belly.

Speaking of Jaden, he turns four on Monday.  I’ve been too tired to think about planning a party so this year will entail a cake and ice cream thing with some family that’s available on short notice.  Nothing spectacular, though we’ll probably give him choice of meals for the day…  you know, make it super special. 

We’ve been working with Jaden on kindness, hoping that by year end, with baby’s arrival, he will be prepped and ready to help.  He gets quite excited about little things being picked up and as he says, “I get to give it to baby!”  I’m okay with that and hope it continues to be a positive experience for him.  He will get to go with me to my next doctors appointment and will be able to hear the heartbeat there too.  That seems to be the biggest issue on my mind as the days go by; how will Jaden take to a sibling?

With that, I think it’s high-time for a nap.  My work day is over, thankfully, but five arrived way too early this morning.  Dinner this evening consists of home made barbecue meatballs and sides, I’m unsure. 

Until next time…

Chocolate soothes the soul, at least this soul.  I’m ten weeks pregnant and some days an emotional basket case.  Yep, me!  I’ve been hit with the surging hormones, a desperate need to feel much better and nesting.  The closets have found themselves organized once again.

I’ve still one box needing organized, a few items in need of purging and yes, chocolate.  The smooth creamy texture satisfies the taste buds as it quickly melts.  Chocolate, definitely, key to my sanity this pregnancy.

I have posted on several occasions about Reiley and the impact his death made upon my life.  I have wanted to help parents for a long time and derived the means to do so through a book and what will soon become a non-profit organization, Reiley’s Angels.

The groundwork has been started with each step bringing what is currently listed as a for profit organization nearer to the goal of Not-For-Profit.  The biggest part of that is completing “the book” the IRS requires as part of the application for exempt status.  That, I’m happy to say, is well underway.

Gifts are accepted with instructions at www.reileysangels.org.  The site is simple at the moment with the bulk of the site design almost completed, hoping to go live within the coming week.  It’s been a great undertaking, though a bit emotional.  I look forward to helping as many people as possible through Reiley’s Angels.

If you have a few dollars you don’t need, know that gifting them to Reiley’s Angels will help many families during their darkest moments.  Those dollars will be joining all that I’ve placed to begin this organization and your efforts will not go unnoticed.  Each person who offers anything to Reiley’s Angels will be mentioned in a gifting portion of the site and once our Angel Pins are complete, you will receive one of those as well if you have provided an address with your gift.

Thank you and may love encompass your heart, over flowing to all around you.

We discovered that we are expecting in the middle of March.  We are eight weeks pregnant now with our due date November 16.  It’s an excitingly reserved time.

The pregnancy hasn’t been too bad thus far.  I’ve suffered very little morning sickness, but have had my bad days.  The one thing that is bothering me more than anything is the pain I’m experiencing in my lower back and hips.  If I could move as needed and walk when feeling up for it, I’m sure the pain would be less intense, but until the schedule changes at work, I’m pretty sure I’m stuck in this boat.  It’s going to be a long few more weeks until I hopefully feel relief with the settling of my hormones.

Family and friends are excited and most are hoping for a girl.  I can’t even come close to making a guess at the sex of this child, but hope for a healthy little one that is born on time.

That’s about it for now.  I’m headed to lounge out and catch American Idol and relax with my family.  Tomorrow marks a day off work for me, and oh so necessary.  Perhaps bubble bath’s and yummy cakes are in order…