Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/components/com_jevents/router.php on line 62

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/components/com_jevents/router.php on line 63

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/components/com_jevents/router.php on line 64

Kim's Daily Blogs

 My name is Kim Dreiling and these are my two beautiful children Evie and Bradey.  I started blogging a few weeks after my daughter was born in 2008.  I wanted to help teach other moms "how to raise healthy children."  My main goal is to spread the word of health.  There are many different alternatives and healthy ways to raise our children.  It's my privilege to help you through this process.  I provide you with the tools that you need to enhance your child/family's nutrition plan, daily activities, home life, exercise, living toxin free, getting organized, inspiration and most of all having fun raising your children.  I receive emails from mom's all over the world asking questions or thanking me for blogging.  Please feel free to email me, kim@absolutelife.com

kim@absolutelife.com


Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 56

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 198

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 198

Warning: mktime() [function.mktime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 117

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 247

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: mktime() [function.mktime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 117

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 247

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: mktime() [function.mktime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 117

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 247

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: mktime() [function.mktime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 117

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 247

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: mktime() [function.mktime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 117

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 247

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: mktime() [function.mktime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 117

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 247

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: mktime() [function.mktime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 117

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 247

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: mktime() [function.mktime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 117

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 247

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: mktime() [function.mktime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 117

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 247

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: mktime() [function.mktime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 117

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 247

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250

Warning: strftime() [function.strftime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CST/-6.0/no DST' instead in /home/p24to01j/public_html/absolutelifemoms.com/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 250
Tags >> Bonding

Bonding Time

Posted by: Kim Dreiling on Jun 3, 2010

Tagged in: Vacations , Stories , Memories , Bonding









Recently we took a trip to the beach.  It was a great oppurtunity to enjoy bonding time.  Not only was it a beautiful weekend, we created some lasting memories together.  Enjoy your little ones every chance you get.  They are true miracles.

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Enjoying The Moment

Posted by: Kim Dreiling on May 6, 2010

Tagged in: Parenting , Interaction , Bonding

 So often I'm running around in a hurry and not truly enjoying the moments.  On the rare moments when I can relax while my daughter takes a nap,  the quietness allows me to reflect and appreciate all the wonderful ways my life has been blessed.  One of those special blessings is my wonderful daughter.  For example today, while she was snoozing, I realized that the day got away from me with errands and all the responsibilities that take you away from the real important things in life, like bonding with your child.    My message in this blog is  this:  no matter how busy we get during our daily grind,  remember to connect with your children and enjoy these wonderful moments.  They are passing by so quickly every day.  I don't want to look back and say "Well I got everything done all the time, but I didn't enjoy it or my family."  Our kids won't remember if there was a clean house everyday, laundry always done and put away, dinner prepared on time, groceries fully stocked, etc.  They will remember the wonderful times we had together.   They will remember mommy reading to them and mommies kisses.  That's what we want to be to our children, not stressed out crazy moms who are running around all the time.  Next time you feel overwhelmed and too busy, make yourself sit down for 5 minutes or more and love on your child.  You will feel empowered afterwards and they will feel the love. 

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Spring Is Coming

Posted by: Kim Dreiling on Feb 3, 2010

Tagged in: Interaction , Bonding , Activities

Spring is such a rejuvenating and beautiful time of year.  To see the sun beaming down from the sky and the flowers blooming are such fabulous sights.  Listening to the birds chirp is music to any one's ears.   It's a refreshing time of year and the start of new beginnings.  Also, it is an excellent time to teach your children about the outdoors.   I will bundled up my daughter and out we go to search for signs of spring.  Maybe we'll find some of those flowers that bless our Pacific Northwest landscape  each spring - Daffodils, Amaryllis, Cherry Blossoms.  My girl, as most children, loves to smell the  aromatic scents of  flowers.     No doubt we'll see other signs of spring; butterflies, birds, frogs, and maybe even a snake or two.  When you are out with your children, walk around with them and see if they can spot signs of spring.  Brainstorm with them to see what they can do in spring that they can't do in winter. 

After a long, dark winter, people are usually quite anxious to get outdoors and play and our family is no different.  We are at the ready with anticipation of springtime sports like walking, hiking, biking and trips to the beach.  Sometimes it may be chilly, but it's so refreshing and good for your soul.  And if the sun is shining, our skin will drink in a little Vitamin D too!

Another perk of spring is the fresh  fruit and vegetables.  Sugar snap peas, avocados, and all of the seasonal berries are a welcomed addition to my refrigerator!   Embrace and celebrate the coming of Spring.

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Nature Walks

Posted by: Kim Dreiling on Jan 28, 2010

Tagged in: Exercise , Development , Bonding , Activities

The other day, I took my dog and daughter  for a brisk walk.  The air was cool and invigorating.  The sun was creeping through the massive clouds.  I had forgotten how refreshing it is to go for a walk on a cloudy day.  All three of us were bundled up and eager to take in the scenery. .  I took the time to enjoy the  peacefulness  of the hour.  My mind was at ease;  thinking,  regrouping and relaxing.  After a while,  I thought it would be a good idea to take advantage of this opportunity and teach my daughter things of nature.  That day she learned several  new words.  It was a wonderful experience for both of us.  When we arrived home,  I felt so energized.  I'm now going to make it a point to go on a nature walk with my daughter weekly. 

The next day we were riding in the car heading down our road and my daughter said the word "waterfall" out of nowhere.  My husband was surprised to hear her utter that word, frankly so was I.  She remembered the word and where we had seen it.  Now every time we go down our road,  she says "waterfall" and looks at me with a smile.  It's so delightful to hear her little voice speak new words.

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Importance of moms bonding

Posted by: Kim Dreiling on Dec 15, 2009

Tagged in: Bonding

We bond with our family members, but what about bonding with women who are moms.  On the few occasions I have spent time with other mothers, it has been very enlightening and refreshing.  I learn a lot from other moms and it's always a great time to exchange ideas on child-rearing, food and other matters that are near and dear to our hearts.   When we do find time to schedule a time together, usually while watching our children play together,  we all acknowledge that we should do it more often.  Well, why don't we meet more often?  I am going to make it a point to put it on my schedule.  We all have so much in common when we socialize.  It feels reassuring that we are all going through similar experiences.  Sometimes I feel like I am the only one, but when I meet with other moms,  I know that's not true. 

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Swimming with baby

Posted by: Kim Dreiling on Nov 19, 2009

Tagged in: Interaction , Bonding

 We enrolled our daughter in swim lessons when she was 9 months old. We found that not only was it a wonderful experience for my husband and me, but she loved it too.  She got so excited the minute we opened the door into the pool area.  There was lots of splashing, laughing and more splashing.

Water is a healing place to bond with your babies.  It has a caressing and soothing effect on children while it is also stimulating.  Researchers have documented that there is potential to increase intelligence, concentration and alertness for babies.  Early swim lessons set a positive foundation towards a lifetime of participation and enjoyment in the water, not to mention the self-esteem and independence it builds.  And, In what other medium are you able to bond face to face, skin to skin and share the joy of learning together than in a body of water with your child. 

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Physical Touch

Posted by: Kim Dreiling on Nov 16, 2009

Tagged in: Parenting , Bonding

 This is an email that I received from Lou Tice.  It is amazing.  So true!  It is a great reminder of how much we all need physical touch.  Hug the next person you see.

 

Have you hugged your kids today? This isn't just "bumper sticker" philosophy. Today, let's talk about the importance of affectionate touch to "kids" of every age.

A child's experience with touch is crucial to his or her ability to relate affectionately later in life. Now, it's certainly true that no one would expect a mother, for example, to indulge in as much physical behavior with an adolescent as she would with an infant. Our needs for affection change in degree and kind at different times in our lives.

However, demonstrated love and affection is important to our mental and physical health at every age. Did you know that our actual body chemistry changes when we are physically close to another? It is true. Many studies have now conclusively demonstrated that touch, especially caring touch, can boost the strength of our immune system, increase the oxygen carrying hemoglobin in our blood, and in general, make us happier and healthier human beings.

If you've never felt comfortable affectionately touching those you love, maybe you'd like to think about how you might go about gradually changing things and the benefits that might accrue.

Keep in mind that physical closeness is only one way of expressing love, but it is a vital element in most caring relationships.

Lou Tice

The Pacific Institute

www.thepacificinstitute.com

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Dancing with your baby

Posted by: Kim Dreiling on Nov 12, 2009

Tagged in: Interaction , Exercise , Development , Bonding

My daughter loves music.  She gets so excited when I walk up to her CD player in her room.  She knows that I'm going to play some  music for her.  She actually starts to flare her arms and do a little dance in her crib.  Then I lift her up and dance with her in my arms.  She loves to listen to the music and move with the tunes.  This a great way to get your baby to develop his or her  natural talents.  Also, sing to your baby even if you don't carry a tune.  Who knows, they may grow up belting out songs that are completely out of tune, but they will enjoy it.  You'll bond with your baby and make them smile.  And who knows, you may even catch yourself having fun!

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Tyler

Posted by: Kim Dreiling on Nov 10, 2009

Tagged in: Development , Bonding

There are a lot of amazing people named Tyler.  One of them is my nephew who is 9 years old.   My daughter hasn't had much of an opportunity to socialize with older children, so it was enjoyable to watch her interact with Tyler who came to visit this weekend from Grants Pass.  For the past two days she was saying his name so clearly and SO many times.  She doesn't say anyone's name like that.  It was amazing to listen to her call out Tyler's name all day long.   Her darling voice brought a sweet smile to my face.
It is quite interesting to observe her demeanor with her cousins versus those children of her own age.  All children go through several phases of social development.  The  more exposure to children of differing ages, the greater the chance of developing attitudes towards the idea of sharing, taking turns and getting along.  Eventually, all children learn these things, but sometimes if there is an older child in the household, these skill sets will accelerate and that's a good thing.  Observation of children at play can be most amusing and you may even have to become a referee too!

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Bath Time

Posted by: Kim Dreiling on Oct 31, 2009

Tagged in: Bonding

Typically when we think of bath time we think "finally the day is over."  Most of us moms are at our tiredest state of the day when it comes to bath time.  It's one of the last processes before your child goes down for the night.  You want to get the bath done so you can relax.  This story is about a different kind of bath time. 
Last weekend my husband offered to watch our baby while I took a relaxing bath.  This never happens!  I don't take the time for myself to enjoy baths.  I always joke saying "the last time I was in the tub is when I gave birth over a year ago."  I really have only taken a few since then. 
So my husband initiated the process by pouring the water for me.  He even went the extra step to light candles, put relaxing music on and suds up the water.  I was very impressed.  As I put my foot into the steaming hot water I began to relax.  I instantly felt at ease.  I actually had a smile on my face.  It sort of felt like I was doing something wrong, taking the time for me.  It was fabulous.  As I soaked in my lavender smelling water, I drifted away into deep relaxation. 
As mothers,  we all need to take some time for ourselves when we can.  We deserve it!
After I was done with my bath,  my husband brought my daughter in.  She joined me in the tub.  Relaxation time was over!  I was excited to play in the tub with her though.  She isn't used to having the bath tub full of water.  It was cute to watch her react different. 
So, not only did I get some "me time", I got to bond with my baby in the bath tub.  Something I rarely ever do.  The skin to skin contact was so sweet.  I felt very close to her. 

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