Owner: My Two Boys URL:http://adopttwoboys.blogspot.com Join Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2007 19:05:41 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: I am a SAHM wanting to be a WAHM. I am a mom of one blond angel from Arhkangelsk, Russia who lights up my life. Journey with our family as we travel to Guatemala to adopt our second child, chelate our first, and try to stay sane. Site statistics:Click here
Monday Madness...This Week on the Web 2007-07-30 08:42:00 Whew...this week is going to be a doozy...Looks like everyone is either gearing up for Back to School or still riding the waves.Huh? School, what? I'm still shopping for my bathing suit! You know, one that covers my butt? Does one exist?This Week on the WebThe bloggers at Loveshakbaby have partnered with Gymboree to get our kids ready in time for back to school. Gymboree is offering two of their readers each a $250 Gift Card to be used at the Gymboree store or Gymboree online. Their contest will run from July 27th through August 17th and just like our other giveaways we are going to randomly choose two winners from the comment section of this post!How fabulous is that?5 Minutes for Mom is GIVING AWAY, yes, GIVING AWAY an Insignia® 37″ Flat-Panel LCD HDTV!!! This incredible prize is valued at $799.99 and is courtesy of Best BuyFor all of those crunchy mamas out there like me, (okay, I just make my son be crunchy. I still live on diet coke and Snickers) the Carbon Conscious Consu Read more:Monday
, Madness
Special Needs Carnival for Kids...First Edition! 2007-07-29 19:31:00 This is my first ever Blog Carnival
and I have 5 submissions! Thanks to everyone who submitted a post and I hope to see you all back next month.Tiffany Washko presents Book Review: The No Cry Discipline Solution posted at Natural Family Living Blog.Cade Krueger presents How Disabilities Open Doors To More Abilities posted at Write To Right.medicalPetra Ioni presents Pediatric Sibling Transplants, Ethics and Futility posted at Medopdedia.Ant presents Online Gaming A New Medical Condition posted at The Beef Jerky Blog.relationshipsPenelope Trunk presents My first day of marriage counseling posted at Brazen Careerist by Penelope Trunk.Here is a follow-up post on the issue.For next month's SpecialNeeds
Carnival for Kids submit your article by August 29th at Blog Carnival. Technorati tags:special needs carnival for kids, blog carnival. Read more:First
, Edition
, First Edition
Ten Ways to Cut Grocery Bills 2007-07-28 21:44:00 Unfortunately, my grocery bill has been astronomical lately. Mostly due to Little Pickel and his, oh so fun, food intolerances. But, also due to the fact that I can't live without Diet Coke and Breyer's Reeses Ice Cream.Recently I found some great ways to cut down on the grocery bill. I hope this helps you as well.1. Eat seasonally. Right now fruits and vegetables are at a low. Stock up on these and if they can be canned or frozen do so. I froze some blueberries to use in muffins later in the summer or early fall the other day because they were much cheaper than the frozen ones. Green beans, zucchini, and squash are all 10 for $10 at my local grocer. Those can all be frozen if I were to want to eat them, right?2. Go frozen.. Most concentrated juices can run (on sale) as low as .50-.99 cents. Compare that to fresh juice at $3 and you can save $2-2.50 just on juice. My local grocer also has frozen vegetables on sale right now for 2 for @4.50...much more than the seasonal veggies. Just Read more:Grocery
, Bills
Is Your Child Mislabeled? 2007-07-28 10:45:00 I am not a doctor, nor am I any sort of medical professional, but it is my personal opinion that many children are mislabeled as ADD, ADHD, and even Autism. Yes, Autism.I have always very clearly stated that Little Pickel has never had a diagnosis of Autism but that we believe that he may be on the spectrum because of his symptoms. However, he may very well simply be a sensory seeking/avoidant child or a child affected by Institutional Autism. Or, he may be a child affected by heavy metals and environmental toxins.Every professional we have seen has been very cautious about giving us a diagnosis...perhaps because they don't know. Is it possible that Little Pickel's birth mother was malnutritioned during the time she carried Little Pickel?Very Possible. And I have NEVER ruled that out. But, its hard to grasp.There is a great new book out that will help all of us with mislabeled or undiagnosed children. Written by Brock Eide, M.D., M.A, and his wife, Fernette Eide, M.D., even Carol Kra
Critics Rant, a Review 2007-08-02 10:50:00 Yesterday, as Little Pickel and I trudged our way through Blockbuster I had absolutely no idea which movie to chose. I was lost. Is there really nothing out there? Even on the Blockbuster.com site I am clueless because I want to get in and out.So when we got home I went online to find a good review site of what is new...and good, as I am getting a little nauseous seeing Elmo all the time.I found Critics Rant, a site that I will actually use to give me true DVD, Movie, and TV reviews. The best part about this site is not only do the writers give you the summary of the site but they also tell you like it is...in plain language.The site includes current DVD reviews, reviews of movies that are currently in the theaters, and reviews of television shows. You also have a chance everyday to win DVD's just by commenting on the site and subscribing to the newsletter.Critics Rant is always looking for writers.So, what will I rent next time? I am heading straight for the Shooter. This movie gets
Fisher Price Toy Recall 2007-08-02 10:02:00 This is cross-posted from Discussing Autism.We all know the dangers of lead poisoning by now. Tommy and his infamous RC2 gang taught us that just a few weeks ago. Too bad Mattel didn’t learn from this. Fisher
Price is officially scheduled to announce today, August 2, 2007 that it will recall over 1 million of its toys, more than 83 types of its Sesame Street line and Dora and Diego Characters due to excessive levels of lead. The official press release states, “Surface paints on the toys could contain excessive levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.” To solve this problem with Fisher Price: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price. Consumers will need to return the product and will receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the consumer’s choice (up to the value of the returned product). Customer Contact: For additional information visit the firm’s Web site at
Is it Just a Tee Shirt? 2007-08-02 09:59:00 Today on the View the ladies were talking about having an accident baby. Last week I found this shirt on Cool Mom Picks...What do you think about it?The first reaction is from Cool Mom Picks:Answering a Pregnant Woman's Favorite Question: "Was It Planned?" My reaction to finding this tee:Ha!Haha!Hahahaahaaaaa! Ha (snicker, snort) haha!Awesome.If you agree, even a little, you'll find the (oops) tee at mom-run Jestations along with a huge variety of clever materni-tees, some nearly as funny as this one. -LizMy reaction? Yuck.No child should ever be advertised, or known, as an oops, or accident. Imagine 12 years from now when your child sees a picture of you in this shirt and she is in your tummy.Child: Mama, was I an ooops?You: Well, I guess so.Child: So, you didn't want me?What is your opinion?Tags: Materni-tees, Jestations, Cool Mom Picks, Oops Read more:Shirt
Today, on Oprah 2007-08-02 09:58:00 Today's episode on Oprah
...try to catch it! The Faces of AutismTags: Oprah, Autism Read more:Today
The "in" Thing 2007-08-01 09:15:00 It seems that everywhere I turn there are giveaways, not that I am complaining...I love free stuff and I love winning.My new friend Stephanie at Adventures in Babywearing (yes, I actually know her!) is giving away a $75 gift certificate to Chittypulga this week. According to her they are "the finest children's boutique and magazine on the web today."Check out their New Luna Tokyo Dress, the Alphabet Flashcards,, and my personal favorite, The Big Brother Tee, which Little Pickel is sure to enjoy.Here's how to enter:1. Leave a comment on Adventures in Babywearing saying you'd like to win!2. Sign the Mr. Linky by this Friday August 3rd, no later than 9 PM (CST.)3. Link to this contest and also to Chittypulga in a post on your blog and/or put the button in your blog's sidebar by Friday August 3rd, no later than 9 PM (CST.)451 Press is also having another contest and this one is worth lots of cash! All you have to do is head to any 451 Press site (start at my site, Discussing Autism) Read more:Thing
Go Gluten and Casein Free 2007-07-31 09:22:00 For some children going gluten and casein free is one of the best things for their bodies and their behaviors.According to Stephen Edelson, Ph.D at the Center for the Study of Autism, "Many autistic individuals have permeable intestinal tracts, and this is often referred to as ‘leaky gut.’ There appears to be many reasons for the problem of ‘leaky gut’ in autistic individuals, such as a viral infection (e.g., measles), yeast infection (i.e., an overgrowth of candida albicans), and a reduction in phenol sulfur transferase (PST; which lines the intestinal tract and protects it from leakiness). There is also some speculation that heavy metals in the intestinal tract can weaken membranes; and this, in turn, can cause ‘leaky gut.’"It can be very difficult to initially go Gluten
and Casein free because Gluten and Casein are everywhere. Gluten is a protein and is contained in foods, such as wheat, barley, rye and oats. Casein is also a protein and is found in dairy products such
Simply a Boy 2007-07-31 08:41:00 I'm still smiling right now remember how this morning just after I got up my son sang to me. What was so remarkable about this morning is that I have never heard him sing this particular song and I have never heard him use some of the words he used.I was in the middle of my morning ritual when he got down on the floor and started playing with my toes."This little piggy go market, this little piggy wants beef, this little piggy go market, this little piggy want beef, this little piggy stay home."I think he deserves a reward!So, I commented on Design Mom's random giveaway of this fantastic car by Simply a Boy. If you comment by midnight tonight (on her post) you could win this car for your son instead of me.Go on, I dare you!Tags: Design Mom, Simply a Boy, Giveaway
Adoption Family Tree 2007-08-03 17:45:00 When I taught Middle School we did a year-long writing project called "My Autobiography". It included one writing assignment once every week to every other week. It also included projects like collages, art, and family trees.I remember one specific young girl who came to me in tears one day because she did not know how to create her family tree, as her father was not in her life at all. Her mother had remarried but she also did not consider her new father's family as her own yet.I told her to talk with her mother about it that night and to do the best she could with the project, that she would come up with something. In retrospect I did not do anything to help her or console her. I basically told her to figure it out on her own and that is NOT my job as a teacher.A few years later while we were in the process of adopting I approached a few of the teachers still using this writing project and asked them to incorporate some alternative family trees. They had the same approach I used to Read more:Adoption
, Family
Carnival! 2007-08-03 09:29:00 Special Needs Carnival
for Kids Edition Two!Check out Edition One.Tags: Special Needs Carnival
Jolie-Pitt Arrive in Chicago 2007-08-07 21:29:00 The Angelina Jolie
and Brad Pitt clan arrived in Chicago
Tuesday to film the final scenes of her upcoming film with Morgan Freeman and James McAvoy, the crime action thriller "Wanted." Anyone else getting tired of their publicity?Tags: Jolie Pitt, adoption, Chicago
Russia Re-accredidation 2007-08-07 20:43:00 From Adoptive Families Magazine...the most updated list of Agencies re-accredited in Russia
. Adoption Associates, Little Pickel's agency, and the Cradle of Hope, our agency for Guatemala are both now re-accredited!Russia Expands List of Agencies AccreditedRussia's Ministry of Education and Science announced it has accredited additional adoption agencies to resume intercountry services. The newly licensed agencies are: 1. Adopt-A-Child, Inc.2. Adoption Associates, Inc.3. Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina, Inc.4. Children's Home Society and Family Services5. Cradle of Hope Adoption Center6. Cradle Society7. European Adoption Consultants8. Family and Children's Agency9. Frank Adoption Center10. Gift of Life Adoption Services11. International Assistance Group12. Wyoming Children's SocietyOther agencies expect to be accredited in the near future. For more information on Russia adoption, visit http://moscow.usembassy.gov/consular/consular.php?record_id
My Savings.com, a Review 2007-08-06 17:31:00 Last week my post on how to save money on groceries was a big hit so I thought I would bring you more from a favorite site of mine. My Savings
is an incredible site for tons of free http://www.mysavings.com/samples, .asp?lsid=1&aun=jjf&acid=1409 for moms, kids, and household items.Tonight I checked the site for recent updates and signed up for a one year FREE subscription for Babytalk magazine. The site also has coupons for Similac ($5 printables), free diapers (that I also ordered), Grocery, Restaurant, and Online Coupons, as well as a forum for Hot Deals.I actually took the trouble this time I visited to print out the coupons (because I plan to use some of them...the ones that Little Pickel can actually eat, that is) and there were a ton! Bisquick, Pillsbury, Dove, Simple Green, Cherrios, Tidy Cats, and even Weight Watchers. They even had Tofutti and Dream Rice Ice Cream for Little Pickel! NO ONE has those!Make sure you check the site out. That is, if you want some freebies and w
Top Momma 2007-08-06 10:38:00 I am finally on Top Momma
!Check me out! Little Pickel is hanging out with Cole Dog.Tags: Top Momma
Miralax, the Mighty Mover 2007-08-06 05:44:00 Its an uncomfortable conversation, especially if we are talking about ourselves. But when we are talking about our children it should never be something that is ignored or shoved under the rug because you're scared to talk about it.Constipation. There...I said it.We dealt with it for so long and had such issues with it that we have been "forced" to use Miralax on a daily basis for a year and a half. There is much controversy over this we know that Little Pickel's initial experience with potty training, his diet in the orphanage, and his GI issues are the cause of his constipation and we physically needs the medication.LP drank soy formula instead of milk formula, which is typically fine but children who are nursed are typically more regular. He was fed solid foods of oatmeal, bananas, low fiber breads, regular milk, kefir (yogurt), stews, and cookies. He is allergic to oats and bananas and is lactose intolerant due to an insufficient lactate enzyme.He was also potty trained when he w Read more:Mighty
, Mover
Gluten Free and Casein Free School Supplies 2007-08-05 17:14:00 Now that we are all purchasing school supplies there are some of us who need to be especially careful when it comes to ingredients. There are many brands of school supplies that contain gluten, casein, and corn, dietary ingredients that I work very diligently to keep out of Little Pickel's diet.But, even touching those products can be cause for a dietary infraction because it does get on and into the skin. We have even had issues arise when Little Pickel has eaten Play dough but no one noticed because he simply let it sit on the roof of his mouth. They finally realized when he went to baby yoga and his tongue was blue.There are several sites that have this information so I will compile it for you and list the sites.From TACA Now Paints -- six colors (Crayola, Palmer, or Lakeshore brand) Crayola Washable Markers (large and small sizes) Crayola First Crayons or regular crayons (two pkg.) Crayola Model Magic in several colors (Do not use Playdough or Crayola Dough or any substitutes un Read more:Gluten
, School
, Gluten Free
Is it Okay to BRAG? 2007-08-10 09:23:00 Seriously...is it okay to BRAG?Because if you don't think its okay...don't read on BECAUSE I AM GOING TO BRAG!My writing over at The Chicago Moms Blog caught the attention of a Chicago Tribune journalist this past week. I almost could not contain my excitement when I opened an email that explained how she had read MY articles on the Fisher Price Toys and lead and that she wanted to talk to ME about the parents perspective on the Lead issue.I spoke to her (Mary Ellen Podmolik) for quite a while yesterday morning...explaining to her that Little Pickel loves his Thomas but obviously not his lead.Check out the story...and get your Trib to see the pics!Tags: Chicago Tribune, Lead, toys, Fisher Price, Thomas the Train, Chicago Moms Blog, Little Pickel
How Did Lead Get in Paint (in the first place)? 2007-08-09 15:02:00 With all of the horrific news lately of lead paint in toys...our favorite toys like Fisher Price and Thomas the Train I wanted to know why we use lead in paint in the first place. Paint
is paint, right?Apparently white lead is added to paint to increase durability, retain a fresh look, and resist moisture that causes corrosion. Lead was also used as a pigment, or colorant, for white, yellow, and red.For decades families painted the interior and exterior walls, cribs, toys, and furniture with lead paint because it was durable. IN 1917 medical authorities first established lead poisoning as a common problem. Why is it still a problem? Because legislation did not start to happen until the 1970's and the legislation, in my opinion, is still not adequate. Our legislation certainly does not match China's and if we import more than we produce...our children are getting more lead today than they possibly were in the '70's.Yank the Tank, Thomas the Toxic Train RecallDoes Your Child Have Le
Gluten and Casein Free Body Care 2007-08-08 20:22:00 Didn't think about that did you? If you are eating Gluten
and Casein Free then you should ALSO be a Gluten and Casein free body. Why? It has not been proven but it has been said that gluten and casein can be absorbed through the skin. We all know that children certainly eat products like Play Doh. If you have a kid like mine...they also eat things like soap. I suppose I am lucky he does not eat lead, right? What kinds of soaps are out there? Plenty, but you have to find the right ones. Pure Prairie Soap from Dakota Free, an internet shop that offers Gluten, Casein, Latex, Fragrance Free, and Vegetarian Products. I have talked with them in the past and they were very helpful in providing specific ingredients in all of their products. Just email Customer Service for Questions. Personally, we use Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Bar because I can find it at Whole Foods. Its perfect for Little Pickel because it is low in salicylates, is Gluten and Casein Free, and is Pure. You can also order
Reflection 2007-08-08 11:22:00 Tags: Wordless Wednesday, Thomas the Train
Lead Free Toys List 2007-08-12 21:37:00 Exactly What Toys out there are supposed to be Lead Free? Here is my List. Remember that this is a list that I researched...there may be mistakes in here. Please let me know if there are and let me know if I missed some! Brio Everyone loves a Train, right? These just are not toxic.K'Nex Roy Toy Wooden Cabins and Building SetsU.S. Made Toys Great selection of Classic Toys, Fun Games, and Specialized Products all made in the USALittle Tykes Check to see the Made in the USA tag on the product. Crayola Oompa Toys I just found this site and I am in LOVE!IKEA Toys We have many things from IKEA because of their sensory attributes. Check out the tunnel, the spin-a-round, the tents, the train supplies (compatible with Brio and Thomas), the construction set, and the dining pieces for the kitchen set. They have much more in the stores...like a retro rocker that Little Pickel uses all the time, and a swing that looks like an ice cream cone that he is begging us to put up. Vermont Teddy Bear Ahhh,
Are there Lead Free Toys in the US? 2007-08-12 19:39:00 According to the Chicago Tribune there are. Currently, the reports that the Consumer Product Safety Commission is receiving state that suppliers in China are actually using non-toxic materials to obtain contracts with toy makers and then substituting substandard materials later to cut costs. Its your basic bait and switch.Ironically, though, the US toy makers are not specifying in those contracts that toys be lead free or comply with lead laws in the U.S. so the China suppliers don't really have to comply.But, they will have to start. Mattel issued a statement August 7 stating that "...senior executives are in China meeting with each and every vendor that we do business with to reiterate the 'rules of the road' for doing business with Mattel moving forward. Each and every vendor will be required to verify their commitment to our safety and quality standards, in writing, in order to continue doing business with us." For the time being, most toy stores and toy companies which have to
Back to School in Style 2007-08-12 19:15:00 At Craftsbury Kids I found some uber stylin' frilly spring lunch totes and lion backpacks. They also had some vintage Japanese hair clips for your princess preschooler.Madallie.com has the best selection on Blabla backbacks, including my favorite...the ladybug!Find some great Books at The Land of Nod including Bus Stops by Taro Gomi. I know, who knew...books at Land of Nod?This one is fabulous! Need to get organized? The Mom's Plan-it Calendars from Calendars.comare absolutely Fabulous to help an entire family stay on target. It has a storage pocket, stickers, a grid, and the calendar. So easy no one will get lost.You can also find great deals with the sale at Kids Direct. Get up to 75% off during the Semi-Annual Sale at Your Kids Direct! Shop Now!Save on kids desks, clothing, and even pools!Finally, JourneysKids is offering Free Shipping on orders over $50. Read more:School
, Style
Lead, Magnets, Hazardous Parts, Sweatshops, Suicide...Has the Toy Industry Really Come to This? 2007-08-15 21:45:00 Its particularly harrowing when I pick up my Chicago Tribune in the morning (yes, I actually am one of the few who still has a subscription) and see yet another article about toys. But by now I expect it to happen. I am actually anticipating the next wave of recalls to come and I am starting to think we should take a vote on it. Will it be Mattel, Fisher Price, RC2, or Walmart's very own brand?Whatever it may be we have only scratched the surface of this issue and China has a lot riding on this. With quoted figures of over 80 percent of all American toys made in China what will happen if we pull out?A complete financial disaster? Perhaps.Think about how many different components feed one toy factory; materials (plastics, paints, etc) product lines, maintenance, human resources, transportation, marketing, advertising, customer relations, financing, etc. Obviously, billions of dollars.Kim from Chicago Moms Blog tipped me on to an incredible book by Eric Clark. The Real Toy Story: Inside Read more:Magnets
, Hazardous
, Parts
, Suicide
Papa "Signs" Time Out 2007-08-15 11:33:00 He "Signs"Don't forget to sign up to win Signing Time products!Tags: Wordless Wednesday, Time-out
Mattel Recalls Die Cast Cars...Yes, Its TRUE! 2007-08-14 07:46:00 But not as bad as I was thinking. I was envisioning a mass recall of Hot Wheels.The recall involves only one car at this point, Cars Pixar Sarge Military Jeep. The cars marked with "Made in Philippines" are not included in the recall.As with all other recalls, parents are asked to immediately take the toys away and to contact Mattel. Mattel Chairman Bob Eckert told CNN that his company has rigorous testing procedures in place and that it is reviewing its testing plans."Nobody likes recalls, and I apologize for the situation we're all facing," Eckert said."I'm disappointed, I'm upset, but I can assure your viewers that we're doing everything we can about the situation," he added. I am encouraged that Mattel is proactive about the recalls and is open and honest about where they are getting their products. My only hope is that other companies are testing their products as well. Other Products Recalled:# Barbie and Tanner - hazardous magnet# Batman - hazardous magnet# Polly Pockets -
Recommend Site To A Friend
