Michelle Money

Who does Michelle, from The Bachelor, look like?  I can't place it.  Is it Elizabeth Hurley or Lauren Conrad?

Michelle Money

Elizabeth Hurley

Lauren Conrad

Etsy Sunday

This week's Etsy Sunday is all about Valentine's Day, baby themed Valentine's Day items.
Pillowcase Dress
Pink Beanie with Earflaps
Polka Dot Onesie
Cupcake Shoes
Sweetheart Bloomers
Bib and Onesie Tie Set
Hugs and Kisses Onesies for Twins
Olive You Shirt

Constipated Baby

I've become that woman...the woman that discusses her childrens' bowel movements.  Although slightly disgusting, this post is meant as a helpful tip for new mommies.
Today's tip:  a little Karo Syrup in your baby's bottle helps to relieve constipation.  Start with just a little (maybe 1/2 teaspoon) and adjust as needed.
With two babies on soy formula (soy is gentler on the stomach but has an awful side effect......) we use a lot of syrup.  We have found that 1/2 cup of Karo Syrup added to our 3 pint pitcher of formula does the job.  Light or dark syrup work fine, but remember the dark will turn the formula an odd shade of brown. 
I hope that all of my "mommy posts" can be used by someone like me, who might not know all the tricks and shortcuts to babying.  Always remember to consult your pediatrician for your baby's needs.   

Ketchup

I haven't been around much lately (two babies keep a woman pretty darn busy).  So here's what's happened in the last few months.

Sisters:  Heather, Rhonda, and Carlene

On December 2 my aunt, Rhonda, passed away of ovarian cancer.  After suffering severe abdominal pain, she went to the emergency room and was admitted to the hospital.  They found a mass in her abdomen and two months later she passed away.
Most women that die from ovarian and uterine cancer have a similar story.  You usually don't have symptoms until the cancer is full blown and it's too late for treatment.  There is, however, a blood test you can get now to predict your risk for ovarian and breast cancer.  Please read this website for more information.

Alex and Ayden, aka The Babies, turned two months old December 16th. 

Christmas.  Can you find The Babies?

And to end our year, we bought a new car....a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder.  We were lucky to find a great deal on this vehicle and drove all the way to Sandy Springs GA (just north of Atlanta) to pick it up.  Now I will have no trouble driving the babies around town! 

My dreams came true this year and I am eager to see what 2011 has instore for our family.

Quilted Cupcake Sewing Machine

Etsy posted this photo on Facebook.  Isn't it just amazing?!  Everything looks better with a little colorful bling.

Etsy Sunday

CHRISTMAS!!!
Skull and Crossbones Kitchen Towel
Wood Snowflake Ornaments
Rustic Wood Burned Christmas Tree 
Log Cabin Throw/Quilt
"Hell yeah I've been naughty" Ornament
Coffee Bean Burlap Stocking

Pregnancy Lingo

Epidural- anesthesia produced by the injection of an anesthetic into the lumbar area of the spine in the space between the spinal cord and the dura, which eliminates sensation from the point of insertion downward
Spinal Block- interruption of conduction of nerve impulses by the injection of an anesthetic into thespinal canal that reduces sensitivity to pain

Episiotomy- an incision into the perineum and vagina to allow sufficient clearance for birth

Perineum- the area in front of the anus extending to the fourchette of the vulva
Perinatologist- an obstetrical subspecialist concerned with the care of the mother and fetus at higher-than-normal risk for complications

Preeclampsia- a serious condition developing in late pregnancy that is characterized by a sudden rise in blood pressure, excessive weight gain, generalized edema, proteinuria, severe headache, and visual disturbances
Breech- the delivery of an infant with the feet or buttocks appearing first
Vertex- the delivery of an infant with the head-first
Station- the descent of the baby into the pelvis
Dialated- the process of the cervix opening in preparation for childbirth
Effacement- refers to the thickness or thinness of the cervix
Mucus Plug- a plug that is located in the cervical canal that protects the fetus from bacteria during pregnancy, and is expelled some time before labor
Braxton Hicks-  called “practice contractions” because they will prepare you for the real thing
Gestational Diabetes- high blood sugar that starts or is first diagnosed during pregnancy
Jaundice- the yellow color of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by excess bilirubin in the blood
Bilirubin-  a brownish yellow substance found in bile produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells
Non-stress Test (NST)- non-invasive test that measures fetal heart rate and contractions
Group B Strep (GBS)- a type of bacterial infection that can be found in a pregnant woman’s vagina or rectum
Monoamniotic-Monochorionic (mono mono)- twins that share both their amnions, chorions and placenta
Monochorionic-Diamniotic (mono di)- twins that share the same placenta
Dichorionic-Diamniotic (di di)- twins that have separate chorions and amniotic sacs


Here's a helpful link for signs of labor.