BABIES CARE TIPS: January 2014

Tuesday, 28 January 2014

9 Childhood Illnesses: Get the Facts

ByCamille Peri
WebMD Feature Reviewed byHansa D. Bhargava, MD

As a parent, you've probably handled enough ear infections, colds, and stomach bugs to feel like an expert. But here are nine other illnesses you should know about.

Childhood Illnesses Every Parent Should Know

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an infection of the airways. It usually isn’t serious, but if your child is under 2, or has a heart or lung disease or a weak immune system, it can inflame the lungs and cause pneumonia.

"It's the most common viral respiratory infection that causes hospitalization in young babies," says Kathryn M. Edwards, MD, director of the Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program.

Symptoms:

Cold-like symptoms Irritability and breathing problems in infants

There is no treatment for RSV, but talk with your doctor about ways to ease your child’s symptoms.

Fifth Disease

Another viral illness, fifth disease is common in kids ages 5 to 15.

"In most children, it's benign," says James Cherry, MD, a specialist in children's infectious diseases.

A child with sickle cell anemia or a weak immune system can become very ill from fifth disease. It can also be serious in pregnant women.

Symptoms:

Low fever Cold symptoms (like runny nose) Swollen joints

A few days later

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Hand Washing, Zinc May Ward Off Colds: Review

By Kathleen Doheny

HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, Jan. 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The cold season is in full swing, with everyone swearing by their own methods for avoiding infection or treating themselves should they get sick.

Now, a new review finds that some methods seem to work better than others, namely hand washing and zinc supplements for prevention of a cold, and decongestants and pain relievers for treatment.

For preventing colds, frequent hand washing came out on top, said study leader Dr. Michael Allan, director of evidence-based medicine in family medicine at the University of Alberta, in Canada.

Besides hand washing, daily zinc supplements appeared to help kids avoid colds, some research found, and Allan said it would probably work for adults. The evidence was not strong, however.

"It wouldn't be something I'd recommend on a regular basis," he said. Zinc use can lead to nausea and has an unpleasant taste, he noted.

For the study, Allan's team reviewed hundreds of published studies looking at the best ways to prevent and treat colds. The review is published in the Jan. 27 issue of CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Some evidence also suggests that probiotics -- the "good bacteria" found in some yogurts and elsewhere -- helped prevent colds. However, the studies included various combinations of probiotics, so making comparisons about which is best was difficult, Allan said.

For the prevention of colds, the evidence wasn't clear for gargling with water (and no benefit was found from gargling with an iodine solution), ginseng, exercise, garlic, homeopathy, echinacea or vitamins C or D.

For the treatment of colds, antihistamines by themselves didn't help. But they did help somewhat when used in combination with decongestants, pain relievers or both -- but only in children over age 5 and adults. For fever in kids, he said, parents can use acetaminophen or ibuprofen, "but ibuprofen is superior to acetaminophen; it's a more potent fever reducer."

Nasal sprays with ipratropium (Atrovent) -- prescribed for allergies and other conditions -- may help runny noses but don't seem to help congestion, Allan found.

For the cough associated with cold, children over the age of 1 who get a single dose of honey at bedtime had reduced cough, Allan said. Honey should not be given to children younger than 1 due to risk of botulism poisoning.

Many other old favorite treatments fell short, Allan found. Vapor rub was linked with burning of skin, eyes and nose. No clear benefit was found for nasal irrigation, humidified air, echinacea, Chinese medicinal herbs, ginseng or vitamin C. Intranasal zinc spray should not be used, Allan said. It has no clear benefit and could lead to loss of smell.

Even without evidence of benefit, Allan said many of his patients swear by the remedies that have helped them in the past. As long as they present no harms, he tells them to go ahead.

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Baldness Cure May Have Inched a Bit Closer

By Robert Preidt

HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, Jan. 28, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists might be able to offer "hair-challenged" males a new glimmer of hope when it comes to reversing baldness.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania say they've gotten closer to being able to use stem cells to treat thinning hair -- at least in mice.

The researchers said that although using stem cells to regenerate missing or dying hair follicles is considered a potential way to reverse hair loss, it hasn't been possible to create adequate numbers of hair-follicle-generating stem cells -- specifically cells of the epithelium, the name for tissues covering the surface of the body.

But new findings indicate that this may now be achievable.

"This is the first time anyone has made scalable amounts of epithelial stem cells that are capable of generating the epithelial component of hair follicles," Dr. Xiaowei Xu, an associate professor of dermatology at Penn's Perelman School of Medicine, said in a university news release.

Those cells have many potential applications that extend to wound healing, cosmetics and hair regeneration, Xu said.

In the new study, Xu's team converted induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) -- reprogrammed adult stem cells with many of the characteristics of embryonic stem cells -- into epithelial stem cells. This is the first time this has been done in either mice or people, the researchers said.

The epithelial stem cells were mixed with certain other cells and implanted into mice. They produced the outermost layers of skin cells and follicles that are similar to human hair follicles, according to the study, which was published Jan. 28 in the journal Nature Communications. This suggests that these cells might eventually help regenerate hair in people, the researchers said.

Xu said this achievement with iPSC-derived epithelial stem cells does not mean that a treatment for baldness is around the corner. A hair follicle contains both epithelial cells and a second type of adult stem cell called dermal papillae.

"When a person loses hair, they lose both types of cells," Xu said. "We have solved one major problem -- the epithelial component of the hair follicle. We need to figure out a way to also make new dermal papillae cells, and no one has figured that part out yet."

Experts also note that studies conducted in animals often fail when tested in humans.

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FDA Panel Considers First Pill for Ragweed Allergy

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Breath Test May Detect Signs of Lung Cancer: Study

By Robert Preidt

HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, Jan. 28, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A simple breath test might reveal if a person has early-stage lung cancer, according to a new study.

Researchers tested the exhaled breath of people with suspicious lung lesions that were detected on CT scans. The breath was tested for levels of four cancer-specific substances, called "carbonyls."

The breath samples were analyzed using a special device developed at the University of Louisville.

Having elevated levels of three of the four carbonyls was predictive of lung cancer in 95 percent of patients, while having normal levels of these substances was predictive of a noncancerous growth in 80 percent of patients, the researchers found.

Elevated carbonyl levels returned to normal after lung cancer patients had surgery to remove the cancer, according to the study, which was to be presented Tuesday at the Society of Thoracic Surgeons annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.

"Instead of sending patients for invasive biopsy procedures when a suspicious lung mass is identified, our study suggests that exhaled breath could identify which patients" may be referred for immediate surgery, study author Dr. Michael Bousamra, of the University of Louisville, said in a society news release.

This approach offers something new, he said, including "the simplicity of sample collection and ease for the patient."

The data and conclusions of research presented at medical meetings should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

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Want to Stay Healthy? Try Washing Your Hands

By Serena Gordon

HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, Jan. 17 (HealthDay News) -- Like "Turn out the lights" and "Don't slam the door," being told to "Wash your hands" is one of those universal instructions children hear every day.

But it's more than that.

Hand washing has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to stay healthy.

Why the fuss? Because after you've touched something contaminated with viruses or bacteria, your hands give germs a free ride into your body through your eyes, nose or mouth, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Learn more about hand washing from the experts:

Why is it so important to wash your hands?

Simply put, washing your hands frequently and thoroughly helps keep you healthy.

"You use your hands to touch everything around you, and it's the fastest way to communicate infectious germs," said Kevin Morano, a professor in the department of microbiology and molecular genetics at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Some common illnesses that can be transmitted via the hands include the flu, the common cold and a number of diarrheal illnesses. Remember that last stomach bug you had? You probably got it from your hands.

Regular washing of hands with soap and water could reduce deaths from diarrheal illnesses by 50 percent, according to CDC estimates.

How can you catch a cold by not washing your hands?

Germs may live on inanimate objects for an extended time. If you touch contaminated surfaces, the germs get on your hands. Eventually, you touch your eyes, nose or mouth, which gives germs access to your insides.

Where are you most likely to pick up germs?

"The top of the list is the restroom, and everything associated with the restroom," said Morano. Things like computer keyboards, phones and TV remotes may have some germs on them, he said, but most bacteria and viruses prefer warm, wet environments, like a hand towel in the bathroom.

What's the right way to wash your hands?

"The proper way to wash your hands is with lots of soap and warm water for as long as you have the patience for, but aim for at least 20 to 30 seconds," Morano said. "If you can sing the 'Happy Birthday' song twice, you've washed long enough."

What about the fingernails? Is it necessary to use a nail brush?

Alison Pittman, a nurse and assistant professor at the College of Nursing at Texas A&M Health Sciences Center in Bryan, said you don't need a special brush to clean under your fingernails. Just be sure to get the soap and water under your nails, she advised.

Does water temperature matter?

No, said Morano. But, if you use water that's too hot, you probably won't wash long enough. It's more important to use soap for a longer period of time.

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Blood Test Might Help Spot Pancreatic Cancer Early

By Steven Reinberg

HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, Jan. 21, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A new blood test might one day help doctors spot pancreatic cancer in its early stages, Danish scientists report.

The researchers said their testing is still too preliminary to be certain it can accurately diagnose pancreatic cancer in patients whose chances of survival are higher.

There currently is no screening test for pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. It is typically diagnosed at a late stage, making treatment problematic and the prognosis poor.

"Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease. The only chance for cure is a surgical

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Too Much Sitting May Raise Heart Failure Risk for Men

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Could Turning Down the Thermostat Help You Lose Weight?

Early research suggests slightly cooler temperatures mean more calories burned per day
WebMD News from HealthDay

By Mary Brophy Marcus

HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Could your warm and cozy home be hindering your weight-loss efforts?

Dutch researchers say keeping temperatures a little chillier at home and the office might be an additional weapon in the fight against obesity.

"What would it mean if we let our bodies work again to control body temperature?" said study author Dr. Wouter van Marken Lichtenbelt, an associate professor in the department of human biology at Maastricht University Medical Center.

In the new study, his team explored whether frequent exposure to mild cold temperatures would boost the body's energy expenditure. In other words, would peoples' metabolisms ratchet up a notch -- burning more calories -- if they lived on the cool side?

Prior studies have shown that shivering increases heat production in people, according to the study. And one Japanese study found that people experienced a drop in body fat after spending two hours a day for six weeks at a temperature of about 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

Of course, chilly temperatures can bring on the shivers. The researchers said shivering is a short-term biological response to extreme cold that protects humans from hypothermia, or dangerously low body temperatures. More recent studies show that another type of shivering, called non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) -- an animal response to fighting milder cold temperatures -- also increases heat output, but not so fast that a body can't keep up with producing heat.

"In most young and middle-aged people, NST increases by between a few percent and 30 percent in response to mild cold exposure," the researchers said in their report. "Thus, NST can have a physiologically significant effect upon energy expenditure."

Prior research from the Dutch team showed that people gradually acclimate themselves to cooler room temperatures. People who spent six hours a day at 59 degrees Fahrenheit felt more comfortable and shivered less by the end of 10 days in this environment, the researchers found.

The paper is largely based on theory, said Dr. Mitchell Lazar, chief of the division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at the University of Pennsylvania.

"But there is certainly evidence in people as well as rodents to suggest that reducing temperature makes the body burn more calories to keep up body temperature," said Lazar, who was not involved in the new study.

So how much time sitting in a chilly room would it take to burn, say, 100 calories? It's too early to know, said van Marken Lichtenbelt.

"We do have clear evidence that cold adaptation increases energy expenditure," he said. "There is no doubt in this respect. How pronounced these effects are in everyday life, especially in the long term, is not yet known."

The researchers are planning long-term experiments that involve having people live in cooler environments while tracking their weight over time. "We will vary indoor temperature and weight, and many other health parameters will be monitored," van Marken Lichtenbelt said.

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Friday, 24 January 2014

Grain Free Pecan Pie

Over the holidays, I experimented a lot with recipes for Pecan Pie. Pecan Pie is one of my dad’s favorites and since he went grain free, he had missed this on holidays.

I also was obviously not going to use the high fructose corn syrup and regular corn syrup that are in most pecan pie recipes, so I experimented with the ingredients I had on hand until I came up with a recipe that was (very much) kid and grandpa approved.

Fortunately, (or unfortunately) the first one I made that tasted right wasn’t in a pan that would photograph well, so for the sake of the blog, I had to make another one. This worked out great since we ended up with more people than we expected, including some family members who are not grain free.

To my surprise, a few of them said it was the best pecan pie they’d ever had. They didn’t even know it was a healthy recipe. It has been years since I’ve had regular pecan pie, but from what I remember, I think the real food version tastes better!

Please note that while this recipe is refined sugar free, it does have a lot of natural sweeteners and is not meant to be an everyday treat! I looked at dozens of recipes and experimented with what I had, but I got the ideas to pre-heat the maple syrup and add gelatin to the crust from this great post from Deliciously Organic.

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Winter Babies: How to Cope

Many find a hard time staying cheerful during the dark, cold winter months. Add wonky hormones and isolation at home with a new baby? It would make anyone a little blue—joyful about the birth of the baby, of course—but a little blue.

In truth, postpartum depression is more common during the winter months…especially here in Minnesota. With ice and snow and sub-zero temps, you can’t easily pop baby in the Maya Wrap and get out for some much needed fresh air and perspective. The four walls of the nursery seem a little bit confining and the wakeful night seems endless. Dark, dark, dark.

If you are expecting a winter baby and are already prone to depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride post-birth, but don’t feel defeated. Plan ahead and take every measure necessary to keep your mood balanced. Here are some proven tricks and tips:

-Eat foods rich in DHA.

-Plan for extra help…and companionship!

-Walk the mall with baby if you can’t walk the neighborhood.

-Limit caffeine and sugar.

-Limit alcohol.

-Talk to a therapist.

-Invest in a light therapy box.

-Meditate.

-Embrace the season and see the beauty.

A winter baby and a history of depression might mean that you should be on guard, but it is not an automatic diagnosis of postpartum depression. Be proactive, take care of yourself, ask for help when you need it, and find yourself feeling positive about your sweet little blizzard babe. And take heart…there is at least one BIG blessing in a winter birth. It’s the perfect time to hunker down and take your deserved 40 day lying in period. ‘Tis the season—be prepared, be enchanted, be the great mama that you were meant to be!

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Postpartum Recipes: Simple Salmon

As Doula Jen mentioned here on the blog earlier this week, the winter months are ripe for a deeper struggle with postpartum depression, or at least a more significant bout of the baby blues. Studies show that women who take fish oil rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA in particular) during the second half of pregnancy see decreased incidents of the symptoms normally attributed to a postpartum depression diagnosis.

At home, after baby’s birth, I like to recommend putting salmon in the regular dinner rotation. This is a postpartum power food! The hormone fluctuations of a new mother can be brutal and scary, but balancing them out with good nutrition and those awesome Omega-3s can help.

My favorite way to cook a salmon fillet is to start with a totally defrosted Alaskan wild-caught salmon fillet…NOT farm-raised as they can contain high concentrates of mercury and other toxins!1. Coat a large cookie sheet or jelly roll pan with olive oil and coat the salmon as well.2. Sprinkle lightly with your favorite seasoning. We have a mixture that we like of sea salt and other seasonings, but you can create your own combination of what you like! A little lemon, garlic, pepper, and oregano can be very nice.3. Broil salmon—skin side down—for about 10-12 minutes (time varies according to the size of the fillet) watching carefully so not to burn. Salmon is done when the center if no longer dark pink and easily flakes with a fork.4. Eat up! Here’s to good postpartum health!

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Thursday, 23 January 2014

A Note From Your Doula: Good Night, Sleep RIGHT

Hey Sweet Mamas and Papas,

Needed to drop in with a LOOOOOVE note about our latest WBC Class: Good Night, Sleep Right: Understanding Infant Sleep Birth to 12 Months.

I recently took the class with my fellow doulas and WOW. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow. Lisa Erbes, who I have worked beside for many years now, absolutely blew me away with this one. She is an amazing teacher—approachable, funny, thorough, balanced.

I have worked with dozens of Twin Cities families and I have even helped parents with sleep shaping. I have two kids of my own who I have seen through many years of bedtimes. I would consider myself an expert on babies and sleep and night-time parenting…and yet, I still learned SO MUCH.

This class is different from the usual infant sleep dogma because it places an emphasis on the BABY’S needs rather than the parent’s wishes. That said, it also takes into consideration the unique dynamics of the particular family and even the ways in which the child’s temperament changes the rules of the game.

Lisa focuses on the biology of sleep so that parents understand where Baby is developmentally, where they are headed next, and how to help make those transitions more peaceful. It helps to know that the sleepless nights pass! It helps to understand the REASONS behind the infant sleep madness. Thinking of it all in terms of the child’s biological needs sheds a different light on the burdensome question, “Are they sleeping through the night yet?”

Knowledge becomes power; power becomes confidence; confidence becomes peace; peace becomes—inevitably—a deeper night of sleep for the entire family.

This is not some old-school teary, weary “baby-fixing” method. This is fascinating knowledge that will help you better understand your baby and go with the flow of your human family bio-rhythms.

I know this seems like a big shameless plug but honestly, I wish I had this class when I was in that first year…not because I had huge sleep woes, but because that first year is exhausting for everyone and this perspective would have soothed me immensely!

If you can, check it out!

With love and lullabies,

Doula Jen

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Smiles, Giggles, and Coos

There is nothing on earth more delicious than making your baby smile. The little eyes light up, the feet start kicking, the pink gums appear, and that sweet gurgling sound—pure joy and pleasure—makes you laugh in return.

Ages 3 – 9 months are ripe for baby laughter and we encourage parents to brush up on their own version of the standard “Just for Baby” stand-up routine. Here are some of the hits:

Peek-a-Boo: Of course! A classic! Hands over the face, from behind a teddy bear, around the corner of the couch. The surprise is what initially delights Baby, but as she starts to become familiar with the game, she will giggle in anticipation of the pay-off.

This Little Piggy: If it’s kind of silly and makes Mom or Dad smile, it’s sure to be a hit with Baby. Again, as the rhyme becomes more familiar, Baby will become more excited to play! They LOVE repetition.

Bubbles: All sizes and shapes. Baby-safe bubble bath, bubble wands. Colorful bubbles. This is one of the great things about being a parent…getting to play like a kid again!

Sweet Smells: A freshly sliced orange, vanilla on a cotton ball, evergreen branches, flowers…be creative and allow Baby to explore the sense of smell.

Music: Silly songs that you make up at the changing table, good old “Twinkle Twinkle.” Watch Baby coo and kick and actually try to sing along!

Those are the standards…what’s in your “Just for Baby” stand up routine? A funny voice? Dorky sunglasses and an even dorkier rap? Please share!

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WBC Resolutions

With the New Year just days away we thought it time to RENEW our commitment to the Metro’s new babies, new parents, growing families, evolving households, and expectant moms and pops blissfully waiting—without a clue as to what is actually in store.

In the New Year we look forward to new classes, services, and packages; new doulas, new ideas, and (coming soon) a new website! But first, as we close the door to a FANTASTIC 2013, we offer our company resolutions…and open the window to 2014.

We will always do everything possible to cover every desired shift. There is nothing worse than leaving a tired new mama hanging!We will fill our own tanks first—be it through coffee, yoga, Emergen-C, or reality TV—so that we may come to your home full of energy.We will continue to put Mama first. Happy Mama, Healthy Baby, Relieved Family.We will remind you, as often as is needed, that you are doing a GREAT job.We will keep up-to-date on our certifications, as well as the latest mom-baby protocol.We will ask you how to better serve you and we will find a way to do it.We will add healthy recipes to our collection, to feed you as you recover.We will continue to keep in touch in every possible way—Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, the blog, email, snail mail, events and social gatherings—so that you feel certain that we are always thinking of you, always available for advice, and always a part of your family.Whatever it is, we will do it for you…if it means you’ll take a nap.We will help you solve the mystery of your Moby wrap.We will take vitamins and wash our hands thoroughly to keep your family healthy!We will bring laughter and fresh air to your darker days.We will celebrate your everyday accomplishments and milestones with abundant zeal and enthusiasm.We will not rest until we help you find a feeding solution—be it breast, bottle, or both—that completely suits your family’s needs.We will let you blame us when you don’t feel like visitors.We will teach your visitors how to behave and still manage to make them love us.We will find a way to love your family without interfering with the love that already exists in your home.We will bring you your water.We will keep your secrets.We will help you find your footing, trust your own instincts, and feel confident in your ability to care for your baby.

Welome New Year!!!

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Wednesday, 22 January 2014

25 Weeks

Sunday, January 19, 2014

How far along: Gender: Girl Weight gain: 15 lbs. at my 25 week appointment, so still right around the same weight as I was at 21 weeksMaternity clothes: Yes, and a round up of all of my maternity favorites can be found here!Stretch marks: NoBelly button in or out: OutSleep: Sleep is not so good this week, after catching another cold. Best moment this week: Another doctor's appointment confirming baby girl is doing well.Worst moment this week: Missing out on most of our weekend in bed with a migrane & a cold. Harper has also had a cold again for the last few days after going back to preschool/mother's morning out. Kids germs are the worst & I am so ready for cold/flu season to be over.Miss anything: My immune system.Movement: Baby is a mover & a shaker! And a future chalkboard maker? Cravings: Strawberry cupcakes, Nutella & milk. Together or separate, I wouldn't mind either! ;)Queasy or sick: Another week with just a little heartburn, but overall feeling good. Looking forward to: I can't say this enough, looking forward to SPRING! We need to open the windows & get some fresh air! Plus Spring puts us just a little bit closer to meeting baby girl!
Also, this story. Just too good not to share. In the midst of Harper & I both being sick this week, we made a little couch bed & snuggled for a while the other morning. I must have gotten sucked in to the entertaining episode of mickey because I totally forgot that I had set my full iced coffee on the ground next to us. When Harper finally decided she wanted to get down, she climbed off the couch & immediately punted my coffee across the living room. Before I could even sit up, she yells "oh no, sweetie! i got it!!" (she now calls Brandon & I "sweetie" because we call her that all the time), she takes off running to the kitchen & comes back with a single Boogie Wipe to clean it up. I couldn't stop laughing, I had to grab a bath towel since there was an ocean of coffee soaking into the carpet, but Harper just kept dabbing away. She surprises me every day with the new things she says & does, but this one totally takes the cake.

55 Comments »

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froggie08January 19, 2014 at 1:12 PMAwwwwww what a sweet moment, thanks for sharing.

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Emily WelchJanuary 19, 2014 at 1:28 PMOh my goodness, that is too sweet! Such a big helper :) She is going to be the best big sister ever! I hope you feel better soon!

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BrookeJanuary 19, 2014 at 1:30 PMLove that story! The things that come out of little kids mouths are my favorite.

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Heather BJanuary 19, 2014 at 1:39 PMThat story was hilarious! My 4 year old daughter also calls me "Sweetie" and "Honey Bun"- it totally cracks me up every time!

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Morgan M.January 19, 2014 at 1:43 PMI have to say, you have NEVER looked better! You are just simply glowing - beautiful skin, shiny hair - and you look so happy!! Have a great week :) I loved the coffee story!!

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GinaJanuary 19, 2014 at 1:48 PMSuch a sweet girl, amazing how much kids soak up what we say without even knowing it. Plus, I love that you can see her painted toes in this picture. You look great Jessica.

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Amanda @ Marry MintJanuary 19, 2014 at 2:03 PM"Sweetie" haha! So sweet :) I look forward to my Mallory being this age.

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Lisa-MarieJanuary 19, 2014 at 2:07 PMShe's so cute. You're really blessed having a daughter like her. She seems to be very intelligent and helpful :) Will you do a Organized Friday post too? Can't wait.

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AnonymousJanuary 19, 2014 at 2:08 PMYou totally need to capture her saying that on video!

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AmberJanuary 19, 2014 at 2:18 PMWhat's your recipie for iced coffee? Wanting to make some once the weather gets a little warmer.

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Marissa SaundersJanuary 19, 2014 at 2:32 PMYou look beautiful mama. And that story about Harper and the coffee is hilarious. ;)

XOXO

Marissa
thesimpleswan.blogspot.com
A Fashion, Beauty, & Mommy Blog

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[darci @ the good life]January 19, 2014 at 2:34 PMHi, my name is Jessica and I'm the cutest preggo in AMERICA.

Seriously, girl --- you make pregnancy look good!!!!! And I cannot handle the "oh no, sweetie - I got it!" Can she just marry Jackson already? I know she's a little bit younger than him, but really, what does age matter?!?!

Hope you girls are both feeling much better.... and hopefully you'll get some much needed sleep this week! :)

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SchnelleJanuary 19, 2014 at 2:54 PMThat is SO funny and SO adorable. What a sweetheart. She's going to be such a great little helper to you with the little one.

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Brittany WillifordJanuary 19, 2014 at 2:57 PMCould she be any sweeter?? Omg...that story is so precious! P.S. Everyone should be jealous of how great you look at !! Have a great week!

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Crumbs and CurlsJanuary 19, 2014 at 3:02 PMLove the chalkboard art! That story is great, I love the funny things little kids say!

Kristin
crumbsandcurls.blogspot.com

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MeghanJanuary 19, 2014 at 3:08 PMThat is so adorable she tried the help clean up! It's amazing how they repeat everything we say!

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MelissaJanuary 19, 2014 at 3:45 PMThat is adorable!! Can't wait for my baby boy to start actually saying more than just a few words. Kids say the most adorable things. And you look absolutely amazing. Seriously pregnancy suits you so well. Hope you feel better soon!

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NoodleJanuary 19, 2014 at 4:08 PMJust stunning my friend. I hope you get to feeling better soon.

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NoodleJanuary 19, 2014 at 4:09 PMJust stunning my friend. I hope you get to feeling better soon.

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Emily GodseyJanuary 19, 2014 at 4:20 PMYou are GLOWING my dear!!!!!!!

XO!
ww.everythingemilyblog.com

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LeslieJanuary 19, 2014 at 4:35 PMRight there with you on being sick!! Today both me and my husband are sick with colds! Coughing, headache, sore throat, fever! SUCKS!!!!!!! And as you know being pregnant with a cold you can't take anything that helps you!!! :( :(. It's NOT fun!!!!!
I hope you and Harper are feeling better!! You look cute as always!! I am SO ready for Spring too!!! Harper is at that tough age where kids here age are little germs!! Lol. I remember hating preschool and kindergarten!!!! It's the worst!!!!! Lol

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ElizabethJanuary 19, 2014 at 4:45 PMThat story is seriously the SWEETEST! Oh my gosh. I'm in love. She's going to be such a great big sister!

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BrittanyJanuary 19, 2014 at 4:55 PMomygosh that story!! She is so sweet and funny.

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Sprinkles and GlitterJanuary 19, 2014 at 5:22 PMShe is too cute!!

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JoAnn McJanuary 19, 2014 at 5:28 PMThat was one of the sweetest things I've heard all day. My baby making days are over, but I love reliving them by reading about your Harper. Thanks for keeping me entertained.

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ArleyJanuary 19, 2014 at 5:54 PMColds are the worst when pregnant. I feel for you! Hope the two of you feel better soon. Harper is just too cute!!!!

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Courtney TeubnerJanuary 19, 2014 at 7:40 PMSuch a cute story!!

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Liz WJanuary 19, 2014 at 7:45 PMYou look beautiful! Great color on you!

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pretty little thingsJanuary 19, 2014 at 7:45 PMomg she is just too precious trying to clean up --bless her little heart!! xo

http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com

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Christine HafeleJanuary 19, 2014 at 7:46 PMYou look so gorgeous! And that story about Harper is one of the cutest things ever!

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Belinda SabelleJanuary 19, 2014 at 7:52 PMYou look gorgeous!!! Just have to tell you that you have now reached the total amount of pregnancy that I managed with my wee girl Hallie. She was born at so from here on out I have no idea what pregnancy is like for you! Although I could show you pictures of what your baby looks like as each week passes!! ;) 1lb 8oz around now! Lol!!!

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Ashley @ Words About WaverlyJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:16 PMLove that she calls you sweetie!!! Too funny!

wordsaboutwaverly.blogspot.com

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Leslie KerriganJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:32 PMYou look great! Hope you are all feeling better!!

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LisaJanuary 20, 2014 at 9:35 AMAdorable. My husband and I always say "Hi Baby" to our daughter so now she says that to everyone, including strangers. Lol!! Kids are amazing!

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Samantha HeckJanuary 20, 2014 at 9:52 AMWhat a great story! And you look great!

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Chrissy HarrisJanuary 20, 2014 at 10:12 AMYou look so truly Happy and At Peace. Cannot wait to see the next Garvin Girl!

Chrissy

http://littleharrisladies.blogspot.com/

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Alice S.January 20, 2014 at 10:30 AMThat is the cutest thing!!!! You look great! Love reading your updates! :)

www.lovemyevie.blogspot.com

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Sia CooperJanuary 20, 2014 at 10:47 AMLooking fab lady! :) I am due in two weeks!!

~Diary of a Fit Mommy
www.fitmommydiaries.blogspot.com
www.Facebook.com/fitmommydiaries

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Shannon LauerJanuary 20, 2014 at 10:49 AMYou are glowing!!! and look absolutely great! And seriously one of the cutest pregnant gals EVER.

I think I need that shirt.......... and baby fever is here!

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AnonymousJanuary 20, 2014 at 10:50 AMAwww, what a sweetheart! That is the most adorable story. :)

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MelissaJanuary 20, 2014 at 11:02 AMSO cute!

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CecilouJanuary 20, 2014 at 12:41 PMJust started to follow your blog and loving it!!! This story is so sweet!!!

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Brianne BraccoJanuary 20, 2014 at 12:47 PMHahaha! Sweetie...love it! What a great little helper. So cute if she starts calling baby sister that when she needs something :)

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SaraJanuary 20, 2014 at 1:06 PMLove the story :) Miss Harper is going to be a big help when #2 arrives. What a sweetheart.

Happy Monday

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Emily BeckwithJanuary 20, 2014 at 1:52 PMYou seriously look great! And Harper calling you guys sweetie? Seriously the cutest thing.

raisingaverymae.blogspot.com

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CarolynJanuary 20, 2014 at 2:35 PMThat is SO CUTE! :)

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Miss JennyPennyJanuary 20, 2014 at 3:03 PMOMG Harper is the cutest! Love the story!!! <3

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Nicole@mamashiptipsJanuary 20, 2014 at 4:41 PMyou look so pretty..

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Taylor WintleJanuary 20, 2014 at 8:11 PMCutest story ever!!!! Such a good helper!!! :)

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Linzi ScarsellaJanuary 20, 2014 at 8:20 PMShe is such a sweetie! You guys make great babies!

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Shadia BrownJanuary 21, 2014 at 9:49 AMShe is so sweet! Imagine what her and baby girl will be like together!! Such great memories that they'll make for you guys. And for all of us ;)

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CaseyJanuary 21, 2014 at 12:11 PMOh my goodness that is so adorable!

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Saved MommyJanuary 21, 2014 at 1:49 PMHey, little DJ, play some tunes for me!

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Saved MommyJanuary 21, 2014 at 1:49 PMHey, little DJ, play some tunes for me!

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BrittanyJanuary 21, 2014 at 4:50 PMFirst of all, your soooo cute pregnant! You really always have a way of giving me baby fever!!
Second, that story about Harper is just too precious! Love it! :)

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Wife to Brandon. Mama to Harper. Blogger, Baker & Chalkboard Maker. Love entertaining, design, fashion, cocktails, decorating & eves of holidays. Welcome to our world!

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