High Maintenance Mom

S took B and N to the dentist in July. B has one really deep cavity that will require a baby root canal and one cavity that needs to be filled. N has pre-cavities that require special toothpaste. We felt we had neglected our child even though I spend countless hours making sure they eat healthy whole grain food that is low in sugar. In addition to feeling like awful parents, we were also angry with our dentist. B was in for a checkup before starting kindergarten and again to try to remove his two front teeth (see Having baby teeth pulled by the dentist. Apparently the dentist didn't x-ray during the first appointment and only x-rayed the front teeth on the second...

Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) is a non profit organization that was founded in 1993 and whose main goal is to use “the power of public information to protect public health and the environment”. I found it to be a very helpful resources on environmental issues for my family. In their “for parents” section there is a guide to infant formula, a shoppers guide to pesticides in produce and a safety guide to children’s personal care products.

My son is 11 weeks old and while we just celebrated a full nights sleep, we also morned the arrival of his first cold. I was extremely annal about my toddler going near him the first few weeks and have been a hand washing fanatic since my daughter was born two years ago. Sometimes bugs just get through the barrier of hand washing, cautious sneezing and coughing and good vitamins. My son is doing so well, all things considering.

WHAT IS "PLASTIC SURGERY"?

The word “plastic” derives from the Greek word “Plastikos”, which means to mold or change form. Plastic surgery involves both reconstructive procedures and cosmetic surgery.

“Cosmetic surgery” is plastic surgery designed to improve the appearance of the body or counteract the effect of aging. It can often improve body image, self-esteem and help to restore a more youthful appearance.

Over the past month I have received several emails from friends/colleagues who have received emails regarding the safety of heating and cooling plastic and polycarbonate plastic baby bottles. One email in particular was said to come from Johns Hopkins University and said "Dioxin chemicals causes cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic...." I went onto the JHU cancer web site (www.hopkinskimmelcancercenter.org) and right there on their front page was the heading, "email hoax regarding cancer".

I have to admit that I am very interested in the whole going green trend and hope that it isn't a trend for long but turns into something we all do. In that light, I have begun researching and doing some things to make my family's lives more eco-friendly. Going green isn't cheap so I am starting small with food items as I learn what foods are best organic (soft skin fruits for example) and moving my way up to home items like sheets.

Ever since I found out I was having a baby a while back, it seems that the schedule debate has been looming as if it was a nasty four letter word. It was very clear to me that having a schedule for my new family would be a blessing and something that I would hold to come hell or high water. Let me make myself very clear, however. I do not believe that newborns should be on any schedule except for their own! I am talking about babies old enough to self soothe and those who understand the rhythm of the day. I found an interesting question and answer series on www.aplaceofourown.org in the Topics, Child Care Management, Schedules and Routines.