ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gif ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/The alien has landed: Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise welcome baby girlhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/18/the-alien-has-landed-katie-holmes-and-tom-cruise-welcome-baby-girl/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/18/the-alien-has-landed-katie-holmes-and-tom-cruise-welcome-baby-girl/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/18/the-alien-has-landed-katie-holmes-and-tom-cruise-welcome-baby-girl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

aliensPeople magazine is reporting that Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise "have welcomed their first child together."

The couple "joyously welcomed the arrival of a baby girl, Suri, today. The child weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches in length. Both mother and daughter are doing well."

Yes, folks, little Suri shares the same birthday as Brooke Shields' kid. How's that for ironic?

Finally!  I can stop waiting by the computer for news of TomKitten's arrival. I have a life again!

[Photo credit: Amanda M. Park]

Thanks, Tipster Elizabeth.

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]]>katie holmes gives birthKatieHolmesGivesBirthsuri cruisetom cruise and katie holmes babytomkat babyStefania ButlerTue, 18 Apr 2006 19:22:00 ESTIs your family prepared for a disaster?http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/18/is-your-family-prepared-for-a-disaster/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/18/is-your-family-prepared-for-a-disaster/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/18/is-your-family-prepared-for-a-disaster/#commentsFiled under:

As San Francisco, the city in which I live, marks the 100th anniversary of the Great Earthquake of 1906 today, I've been thinking about how to prepare for a disaster. Luckily I don't have to think too hard because the city of San Francisco Office of Emergency Services has put together an excellent website telling me exactly what I need to do to prepare for an earthquake, flood, fire, power outage, or act of terrorism.

The site outlines exactly what should be in your disaster preparedness kit. Following the links on the site you can plan a kit for each member of your family including your pets. It also tailors kits for children and seniors.  Once the kit is done, the site offers guidlines on how to get involved in preparing your community and also spells out exactly what to do in case of specific disasters.

The site doesn't just benefit San Francisco residents. Check it out and see if you're prepared. We found out we really weren't. At all. Kudos San Francisco for a job well-done!

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]]>disaster kitsgreat earthquakehow to make disaster kitpreparing for disastersan franciscoSanFranciscoStefania ButlerTue, 18 Apr 2006 15:03:00 ESTWoman discouraged from nursing in Fred Meyer storehttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/18/woman-discouraged-from-nursing-in-fred-meyer-store/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/18/woman-discouraged-from-nursing-in-fred-meyer-store/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/18/woman-discouraged-from-nursing-in-fred-meyer-store/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Oregon mother Chris Musser was discouraged from nursing in her local supermarket so like any mother would do nowadays, she decided to start a blog about it.

Musser had just sat down on a bench at the Gateway Fred Meyer to nurse her three-month-old when she was approached by the store director. She says he walked up to her with a "weird look" on his face and said, "Oh, good. You're getting a blanket."

He told me there had been complaints about my nursing, not that he minded, but that some people were offended. I was so stunned I couldn't think of what to say, except to remind him that Oregon law protects a mother's right to nurse in public. I felt absolutely humiliated. His comments left me feeling like I'd been doing something lewd.

Later, when she spoke with a regional manager, "he supported the store manager's claim that I should have been more 'discreet' and that three people had complained." Musser says, "I'm outraged that Fred Meyer's corporate policy supports legitimizing the complaints of those offended by mothers who nurse in public, rather than the legally protected right of mothers who are trying to take care of their children."

So what is she doing about it? Find out after the jump.

Continue reading Woman discouraged from nursing in Fred Meyer store

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]]>chris musserfred meyer nurse inno nursing in fred meyerNoNursingInFredMeyeroregon newsthe reluctant lactivistwoman told to stop nursing in fred meyerStefania ButlerTue, 18 Apr 2006 14:02:00 ESTSan Francisco Supervisor makes history by giving birthhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/18/san-francisco-supervisor-makes-history-by-giving-birth/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/18/san-francisco-supervisor-makes-history-by-giving-birth/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/18/san-francisco-supervisor-makes-history-by-giving-birth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

San Francisco Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier made history this week, "becoming the first elected official in San Francisco to give birth while holding office."

Alioto-Pier delivered a healthy baby girl. Adding an amazing twist to the story, just minutes before the supervisor gave birth, she became acting mayor for 24 hours, subbing for Mayor Gavin Newsom (a mayor known for his bold moves) who was out of state.

Alioto-Pier is "not expected to take maternity leave...She has introduced legislation that would allow a city supervisor or commissioner to participate and vote in meetings via teleconference if the official is pregnant or has just given birth." Explaining why she introduced the measure, Alioto-Pier explained:

Women should never be in a position where they must choose between the health and safety of their unborn child or performance of the duties of their elected position...Women will never break through the glass ceiling and achieve real equality if they cannot hold office and have a child at the same time.

Right on, sistah!

[source: SFgate; thanks tipster szander!]

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]]>city official gives birthgavin newsommichaela alioto pierMichaelaAliotoPiersan francisco supervisorStefania ButlerTue, 18 Apr 2006 13:04:00 ESTKatie Holmes baby watch: she must have had it by nowhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/15/katie-holmes-baby-watch-she-must-have-had-it-by-now/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/15/katie-holmes-baby-watch-she-must-have-had-it-by-now/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/15/katie-holmes-baby-watch-she-must-have-had-it-by-now/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Is this the longest pregnancy of all time or what?

Things have been quiet on the internet. A little too quiet, don't you think? No Katie sightings in recent days... The gossip sites are strangely devoid of any TomKat stories...

I'm betting money that she's already "had" the "baby" or she'll "have it" this weekend. Why this weekend? Because it's a holiday weekend around the world and perhaps TomKat are banking that anyone who cares is off dying eggs.

Let's take bets. When will the alien be hatched? Winner gets...the satisfaction of knowing she or he was right!

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]]>katie holmeskatie holmes alien babykatie holmes gives birthkatie holmes pregnantKatieHolmesAlienBabyscientologysilent birthtom cruiseTomCruiseStefania ButlerSat, 15 Apr 2006 13:31:00 ESTGirl writes letter to Apple Computer, gets legal "smackdown"http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/girl-writes-letter-to-apple-computer-gets-legal-smackdown/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/girl-writes-letter-to-apple-computer-gets-legal-smackdown/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/girl-writes-letter-to-apple-computer-gets-legal-smackdown/#commentsFiled under: ,

O how I hate to hear these kind of stories, especially from a company that I like. Dave Caolo at our sister site, The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW), reports on Apple's seemingly harsh dealings with a young girl who had an idea and wrote a letter.

The third-grade girl in the article had a suggestion for an improvement to her iPod so she wrote Apple telling them about it. (Go, girl!) Caolo writes:

She received a reply...from Apple legal. The letter stated that Apple does not accept or appreciate unsolicited product ideas with all the warmth and humanity that you would expect from the legal department of a billion dollar company.

Caolo adds, "I don't know what this girl's teacher expected to happen, but I'm guessing it wasn't this. Apple has since apologized to the girl and is now thinking of implementing a new policy for interacting with kids."

Ya think?

[Thanks Tipster Kim!  You've been busy this morning!]

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]]>appleapple legal departmentgirl write letter to appleipodStefania ButlerFri, 14 Apr 2006 15:03:00 ESTBest new cars for teenshttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/best-new-cars-for-teens/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/best-new-cars-for-teens/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/best-new-cars-for-teens/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Joel Arellano at our sister site, Autoblog, points us to a new report on best cars for your teenaged driver. Says Joel:

Automotive websites Cars.com and DriversEd.com (a drivers education resource) have teamed up to determine the top new vehicles for teens this year. Criteria used included price, safety, size, and 'fun factor.'

The Mini-Cooper, Toyota Tacoma, and Subaru Forester all got high-praise. Click the link to the article above for the full list.

Pretty fancy cars for a 16-year-old.

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]]>autoblogbest cars for teensBestCarsForTeenssafe cars for teensStefania ButlerFri, 14 Apr 2006 14:03:00 ESTCar seats and planes: what are the rules?http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/car-seats-and-planes-what-are-the-rules/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/car-seats-and-planes-what-are-the-rules/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/car-seats-and-planes-what-are-the-rules/#commentsFiled under: ,

Thank to tipster Kim who points out that since travel season is quickly upon us, it's a great time to talk about carseats and airplanes.  She's about to buy a new carseat and wants to make sure it will fit on the airplane.

When purchasing a new carseat, make sure that it is labelled as FAA-approved. Somewhere on the seat a label should read, "This restraint certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." To fit into a typical coach seat, the car seat should be no wider than 16 inches. If you'd like to know more, Babycenter has an excellent article which explains everything from how to choose a seat to how to install it properly.

I do know that our Britax Roundabout has fit on United, American, and Alaska Airlines seats. We use it with our toddler. (Our preschooler sits in a regular seat and has since she was about two.) If you are a seasoned family traveller, please chime in with the kind of seat you have and if it fits on planes. If you'd like to share any problems you've had with carseats on planes, please share that as well.

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]]>airtravel with kidscar seats on planesCarSeatsOnPlanesfaa approved car seatkids on planesKidsOnPlanesStefania ButlerFri, 14 Apr 2006 13:01:00 ESTNude photo called "child porn"http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/nude-photo-called-child-porn/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/nude-photo-called-child-porn/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/nude-photo-called-child-porn/#commentsFiled under: ,

Paramjit Singh, a Fremont, California man trying to cross the border to join his wife and children who live in Canada, has been detained, denied entry into the country, and cited for " attempting to smuggle child pornography" across the border on his cell phone.  The photo in question? A picture of "his own unclothed baby son, snapped a couple of years ago."

Upon investingating further Canadian authorities also found a naked photo of his baby, then three- months-old, "unclothed in his father's arms," and "another taken a couple of years later showing the boy naked after a shower."

Hear that? That's the sound of me smacking my head.

The man's wife, trying to interject some humor into the situation said, they had the photos so that she and her husband could "tease him at his wedding one day."

I'm glad she has a sense of humor all this. I would be pissed.

Read the full story here. Photo credit: Richard Lautens/Toronto Star.

[Thanks, Thordora!]

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]]>baby photo called pornBabyPhotoCalledPorncanada deny entry child pornCanadaDenyEntryChildPornStefania ButlerFri, 14 Apr 2006 12:02:00 ESTUrban Baby Runway rates "big fashions for small people"http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/13/urban-baby-runway-rates-big-fashions-for-small-people/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/13/urban-baby-runway-rates-big-fashions-for-small-people/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/13/urban-baby-runway-rates-big-fashions-for-small-people/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

urban baby runwayI love this idea for a website. Urban Baby Runway is a product review site that is like Baby Chic 101 meets Baby Bargains with a little sass thrown in for good measure.

Mama C-ta, one of my favorite bloggers, started the site which taps into her obsession for finding "the coolest baby gear on a very limited budget." She says, "Everywhere we went we were complimented on (my baby's) style so I began to think we may actually have something going. I started to share some of my finds on my 'Mommy Blog,' Mama C-ta."

People enjoyed hearing about her finds so much that creating the Urban Baby Runway site seemed like a natural evolution. Mama C-ta tracks down the hippest clothes and the coolest gear, and thoroughly reviews each and every product. She rates each item on as five-star system based on different criteria such a price, quality, fit, and durability, and then gives each product her overall rating.

Looking for hip baby gear? Check out Urban Baby Runway!

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]]>baby chicbaby product reviewsbaby styleBabyProductReviewscool baby gearhip baby gearmama c-taurban baby runwayUrbanBabyRunwayStefania ButlerThu, 13 Apr 2006 09:02:00 ESTAngelina and Brad to have their baby in Africa?http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/13/angelina-and-brad-to-have-their-baby-in-africa/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/13/angelina-and-brad-to-have-their-baby-in-africa/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/13/angelina-and-brad-to-have-their-baby-in-africa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

According to People, BAMZ (Brad, Angie, Mad, and Zahara) "arrived in the African country of Namibia on April 4" to hunker down in a private resort and await the birth of their child. They have rented out the entire facility and are under tight security.

A local source reveals that Angelina Jolie "fell in love with the country" when she filmed Beyond Borders there in 2002 and confirmed that Angelina wants to have the baby there. Daughter Zahara, 15-months-old, was also born in Africa, in Ethopia.

The article goes on to say that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have a plane on stand-by should they change their minds.

[Credit: Ramey]

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]]>africaangelina and brad babyangelina jolieangelina jolie africaangelina jolie pregnancyangelina jolie pregnantAngelinaJolieAngelinaJoliePregnantBAMZbrad pittnamibiaStefania ButlerThu, 13 Apr 2006 08:33:00 ESTBritney says baby Sean is "doing fine" after being dropped on his headhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/13/britney-says-baby-sean-is-doing-fine-after-being-dropped-on-his-head/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/13/britney-says-baby-sean-is-doing-fine-after-being-dropped-on-his-head/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/13/britney-says-baby-sean-is-doing-fine-after-being-dropped-on-his-head/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Earlier this week J.D. Griffioen told us about child welfare authorities and a sheriff paying a visit to Britney Spears' home, and really, were we surprised? So let's break down what actually happened.

According to People, a source revealed that on April 1, while the nanny was "lifting (seven-month-old Sean) from his high chair, something snapped in the chair and (he) slipped from her arms and fell to the floor, bruising his head." I'm sure it was a horrifying situation. (Quick aside: I would like to know what "snapped" in the chair, and what kind of high chair Britney has. If there is a defect, let's talk about it, right?)

The People article goes on to say that "a doctor came to the house that day and examined the child; he seemed fine."  However, six days later, "Spears and Federline became concerned and took Sean Preston to Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center to have him checked out."  The source adds that "no serious problems were found" despite persistent rumors that Sean fractured his skull.

A second source (so many sources...) chimes in to say "Spears, Federline and their son are back home and doing fine now."  Well, thank goodness for that. No, really.

The hospital filed a report with the DCFS and following protocol, a sheriff's deputy accompanied the DCFS authorities to the Spears-Federline home. They stayed a half hour and no report was filed.

So let's review. In the first seven months of your child's life:

  1. You get busted from having your kid in a car (in a dangerous situation) without a carseat
  2. You are photographed looking absent while your nanny feeds your child on an escalator at a mall
  3. You have child welfare authorities and law enforcement called on you. For the second time. (see number 1).
Gosh, I never thought havin' a kid would be so hard, y'all!!!!

Seriously. What is up with Britney and Kevin? Are they the worst parents in the whole world or are they just "having trouble adjusting" and they'll figure it out soon?

[Photo credit: Rhea-Madison-MWD/X17]

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]]>britney DCFSbritney spearsBritneySpearskevin federlinesean preston federlinesean skull fractureStefania ButlerThu, 13 Apr 2006 07:31:00 ESTEwan McGregor adopts a daughter from Mongoliahttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/12/ewan-mcgregor-adopts-a-daughter-from-mongolia/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/12/ewan-mcgregor-adopts-a-daughter-from-mongolia/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/12/ewan-mcgregor-adopts-a-daughter-from-mongolia/#commentsFiled under:

Ewan McGregor and his wife, Eve Mavrakis, have adopted a four-year-old girl from Mongolia. Their new daughter joins sisters Esther, 4, and Clara, 1.

People Magazine reports that in 2004, "McGregor and best friend Charley Boorman spent three months on a globe-spanning 20,000-mile motorcycle odyssey for the Bravo TV series Long Way Round. Mongolia was one of the stops on their journey."

McGregor and his wife have been married since 1995.


[Photo Credit: Richard Young/Rex]

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]]>ewan mcgregorewan mcgregor adoptsewan mcgregor adopts mongolianEwanMcgregorEwanMcgregorAdoptsmongoliaStefania ButlerWed, 12 Apr 2006 19:02:00 ESTOver-the-top Easter gift: diamond-encrusted chocolate egghttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/12/over-the-top-easter-gift-diamond-encrusted-chocolate-egg/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/12/over-the-top-easter-gift-diamond-encrusted-chocolate-egg/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/12/over-the-top-easter-gift-diamond-encrusted-chocolate-egg/#commentsFiled under: ,

Still looking for that special item to include in your child's Easter basket? Why not consider the Diamond Stella Egg currently on display at La Maison du Chocolat in London. Yes, you'll have to travel to London to pick it up, but what's a little last minute airfare expense when you're spending $82,025 on a chocolate egg?

The Diamond Stella Egg is embellished with 100 half-carat diamonds and is about as tall as your toddler. According to our sister site, Luxist, "the chocolate egg came from Paris and once in London a chef melted small parts of the egg in order to attach the diamonds. The inside of the egg includes peach and apricot chocolate and pralines."

Hey, Kimora Lee Simmons!  I'm sure your kids will love this! Talk about fabulosity!

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]]>chocolate eggdiamond easter eggdiamond stella eggDiamondEasterEggeastereaster basket ideasfabulositykimora lee simmonsStefania ButlerWed, 12 Apr 2006 16:59:00 ESTPrincess Aiko of Japan's first day of schoolhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/12/princess-aiko-of-japans-first-day-of-school/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/12/princess-aiko-of-japans-first-day-of-school/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/12/princess-aiko-of-japans-first-day-of-school/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Princess AikoHere's she is, little Princess Aiko about to start her first day of school at Gakushuin Kindergarten in Tokyo. In a word: kawaii. The four-year-old is accompanied by her parents Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako. I have to admit, I am in love with the adorable school uniform.

When my husband and I visited Tokyo a few years ago, we stayed in a hotel across the street from Ueno Park which contains, among other things, the zoo. I could not get enough of seeing preschoolers and kindergartners in their school uniforms, holding hands, walking through the park to the zoo. Japanese school uniforms are much more formal than any school uniform I had to wear. These were full on ensembles consisting of blazers, skirts, slacks, ties, hats...

I wonder if little Aiko-chan will come home covered with sand and finger paint like my preschooler? Do they have OxyClean in Japan?

Photo: (C) AFP

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]]>crown prince naruhitocrown princess masakojapanese royal familyprincess aiko first day of schoolprincess aiko of japanPrincessAikoFirstDayOfSchoolStefania ButlerWed, 12 Apr 2006 07:01:00 ESTThere's a new dance craze sweeping the nation and it's called The Apachehttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/11/theres-a-new-dance-craze-sweeping-the-nation-and-its-called-th/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/11/theres-a-new-dance-craze-sweeping-the-nation-and-its-called-th/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/11/theres-a-new-dance-craze-sweeping-the-nation-and-its-called-th/#commentsFiled under: ,

If YouTube is to be believed, the kids? They love dancing to "Apache." What is "Apache?" It's a song by the Sugarhill Gang (of "Rapper's Delight" fame) that apparently is irresistible to kids. Especially skinny kids with bad mullets and no chest hair.

The YouTube site has no less than 24 videos uploaded by (mostly) kids all dancing to "Apache." The dances are all variations on a theme and feature wiggling hips, some Saturday Night Fever-style pointing, and turning around in a circle while making a lassoing motion.

I'm a 36-year-old mother of two who obviously doesn't have her pulse on what's hot these days. I'm scratching my head.  Why Apache? Why so funny? Why is everyone doing the same dance? Is it from a TV show or movie? Can anyone fill me in on where this dance craze started?

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]]>apacheapache danceapache dance crazeapache videosugarhill gangyoutubeStefania ButlerTue, 11 Apr 2006 15:04:00 ESTLelli Kelly shoes for girls: cute, stylish, and, yes, practicalhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/11/lelli-kelly-shoes-for-girls-cute-stylish-and-yes-practical/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/11/lelli-kelly-shoes-for-girls-cute-stylish-and-yes-practical/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/11/lelli-kelly-shoes-for-girls-cute-stylish-and-yes-practical/#commentsFiled under:

Confession time: There is a little bit of a label whore that lives inside of me. Now, in my defense, I do have a practical side and I hate shopping, so these two qualities work in tandem to keep me from going totally nuts. But I'm not ashamed to admit that I don't mind spending money on quality products that last. This is the reason why I try to avoid buying kids' clothes at big box stores. Even if the clothes are appealing, my experience has been that they will shrink, fall apart, or fade apart after just a few washings. I'd rather have hand-me-down Hanna Andersson or Zutano clothing any day. I have two girls so I feel justified in spending a little more on their clothes knowing that everything will get two wearings.

Case-in-point: Lelli Kelly shoes for girls. These shoes are whimsical and fun, and have that girly-girl appeal that my preschooler is all about right now. They retail for around USD $55. I love the unique styles. I also like the fact that they are multi-purpose: they're perfect for the playground and for parties. No need for two pairs of shoes, when one will do the trick. Most of the shoes are athletic styles with rubberized soles and padded in-steps. Even though they seem fancy (with the sequins and beading), they are practical. We've been through several pairs and I can say that they hold up well. They are my daughter's favorite shoes and she wears them everyday.

If you are looking for cute shoes that hold up, I highly recommend Lelli Kelly.

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]]>baby chicgirls shoeship girls shoeslelli kelly shoesLelliKellyShoesStefania ButlerTue, 11 Apr 2006 14:09:00 ESTWeird toddler behavior: Why do they hit themselves?http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/11/weird-toddler-behavior-why-do-they-hit-themselves/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/11/weird-toddler-behavior-why-do-they-hit-themselves/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/11/weird-toddler-behavior-why-do-they-hit-themselves/#commentsFiled under: , ,

My toddler has entered the phase of development where she hits herself when she gets frustrated. I say it's a phase because my preschooler did the same thing when she was younger, and I found it both odd and disturbing. Odd because it's such a strange behavior, and disturbing because, well, it can't feel good. It's not like my husband and I are walking around hitting ourselves so I can only assume it's something kids learn to do on their own. (Please tell me I'm not alone.)

When Wallie can't get her toy stroller going the right way, she'll throw it aside in frustration, try to kick it, and then hit herself on the top of the head. (Her older sister did a similar thing.) I gently take her in my arms and tell her that it's okay to be mad, but that hitting makes owies and hurts our bodies. I reassure her by telling her that I will help her if she needs it.

My older daughter is almost four and she's pretty much outgrown the behavior. (She did it once recently when she didn't want to share a toy.) I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but still. It's so weird to see your child hit herself.

Did your toddlers do this? We're you equally shocked the first time you saw it happen?

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]]>Stefania ButlerTue, 11 Apr 2006 13:03:00 ESTBlogging Baby Size Six: Helpful tips when the whole family is sickhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/11/blogging-baby-size-six-helpful-tips-when-the-whole-family-is-si/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/11/blogging-baby-size-six-helpful-tips-when-the-whole-family-is-si/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/11/blogging-baby-size-six-helpful-tips-when-the-whole-family-is-si/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

sick childMy family is now entering week two of a horrible cough-slash-snotstravaganza that has taken San Francisco by storm. According to our pediatrician, his office has seen a constant stream of patients with the same symptoms for the past three weeks.

All of us are sick: me, my husband, my preschooler, and my toddler. It has been challenging trying to care for my family while feeling so sick myself. Every morning I wake up from a restless, cough-riddled sleep wondering if I'll feel better. I still feel pretty crappy, but I do feel better than I did a few days ago.  Here are some tips that have been helpful:

  1. If you can, enlist help: ask your partner to stay home from work (or work from home) at least one of the days. Beg a friend or family member to give you a break. It is our Spring Break week here in San Francisco, so I asked the teenage daughter of a friend to be a Mama's Helper for a couple of days. (We're not contagious.)
  2. Get some SudaCare Shower Soothers: You pop one of these effervescent tablets in the bottom of a hot shower and breathe in the eucalyptus and menthol vapors. Helps to clear your nasal passages. (Adults only.)
  3. If you have a TV, turn it on and don't feel guilty about it: There is no way either myself or my husband could have entertained our children for the 13 hours they are awake each day for the past two weeks. You can be anti-TV, but once you are so debilitated that you can't play with your children, the TV suddenly becomes a friend. We aren't anti-TV, but we control what our kids watch. And this week, they've snuggled up with blankets and honey tea watched a lot more than usual. (We're fine with it.)
  4. Get groceries delivered: We happen to live in a big city where we have two supermarkets that deliver. But even when I didn't, our tiny corner grocery had a home delivery service for people in the neighborhood. Check with your local market. You don't want to have to drag yourself out of bed for more orange juice, waffles, or cough syrup if you don't have to.
  5. If you are a two-parent family, and you are both miserably sick, you need to tag-team: Agree to who gets to rest and who is on duty and suffer through while the other person rests.  Then, when it's your turn to rest, jump into bed, pop in the ear plugs, and sleep. Don't try to deal with sickies together if you don't have to.
  6. Avoid germy public places: Even if you are sick of being at home, don't go to parks or playgrounds where you (all) might pick up more germs. On nice days we've been going out for walks to get some fresh air, but my kids haven't seen another child for almost two weeks.  (Except for a visit to the germ-infested pediatrician's office.)

And finally, if you are sick? Feel better.

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]]>sick childrensick parentstips when the entire family is sickTipsWhenTheEntireFamilyIsSickwhole family is sickStefania ButlerTue, 11 Apr 2006 12:02:00 ESTBlogging Baby Diner: Orange-glazed chicken breasts for Passover (Pesach)http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/10/blogging-baby-diner-orange-glazed-chicken-breasts-for-passover/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/10/blogging-baby-diner-orange-glazed-chicken-breasts-for-passover/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/10/blogging-baby-diner-orange-glazed-chicken-breasts-for-passover/#commentsFiled under:

This recipe is taken from the New Jewish Holiday Cookbook by Gloria Kaufer Greene. You don't have to be Jewish to appreciate the delicious recipes in this book. It's a wonderful addition to my cookbook collection.

I chose this recipe for its "kid-appeal." Breaded chicken breasts with a sweet-sour orange-y sauce might go over well if you tell your children they're eating a big chicken nugget. (wink!)

Green says one of the best things about this recipce is that "it makes a lot of servings in a minimum of space." It can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen. It is one of Greene's favorite Seder dishes. But even for those not celebrating Jewish traditions, this dish can be made anytime.

Orange-Glazed Chicken Breasts

Greene's note: Orange marmalade is generally available kosher.

1 1/2 cups matzah meal
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
3/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 to 4 extra-large egg whiles or 2 large eggs or 1/2 cup pareve egg substitute
3-4 pounds boned and skinned chicken breast halves (about 12)
1 12 ounce jar orange marmalade
1 cup white table wine (the type is your choice)
3 tablespoons canola or safflower oil


Continue reading Blogging Baby Diner: Orange-glazed chicken breasts for Passover (Pesach)

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]]>gloria kaufer greenenew jewish holiday cookbookorange glazed chicken breastspassover mealpassover recipesPassoverMealpesach mealpesach recipesStefania ButlerMon, 10 Apr 2006 07:02:00 EST