Who here has tried an oatmeal bath?

http://bit.ly/104sickday

Autumn weather does have its pluses. The cooler temperatures make cuddling more comfortable for both of us. And Max looks adorable in a fleece sleeper. Bonus for me: As long as the sleeper is footed, I don’t have to worry about socks!

http://bit.ly/popsicletoes

by: Heidi Green

Four teeth and a mouthful of drool informed us that this day was coming—the Start of Solids.

Does it seem overly dramatic to capitalize that? Well, it might be. But this has been on my radar for months. How could it not be? “When is he going to start solids?” is often the first thing people ask when they see Max, perhaps because he has grown into such an armful.

At least raising the topic as a question seems less intrusive. We’ve also heard, “That baby needs some real food!”-type comments more than once. (Such a remark seems particularly strange given that Max is a baby who clearly has no problems growing—even thriving—on the milk he’s receiving. But some people feel compelled to chime in nonetheless.)

Although the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommends that babies receive only breast milk for the first six months, there continues to be heated debate about the appropriate time to start solid foods, and some doctors still encourage starting at four months.

Read More: http://bit.ly/maxsolid

by: Heidi Green

The White House has its kitchen garden, and this year the Green House does too!

We started strawberry plants and berry bushes several years ago, inspired by my father-in-law’s backyard full of red raspberries, black raspberries, blackberries, golden berries, and hybrid berries. In fact, some of our plants got their start in his garden, more than a hundred miles away. Ben learned to tell the ripe berries from those not-yet-ready-to-eat almost as soon as he could walk. Over the years, Ben has helped Katie and Sam learn the difference too.

Read More: http://bit.ly/gardensucc

by: Heidi Green

We all have times like this—occurrences that remind us to count ourselves lucky for each day we have, no matter what challenges we face.

Today, I find myself hugging each of my children especially tight. Last in my arms is Max. In his snuggly, laughing baby joy, he seems the embodiment of precious life itself.

Read More: http://bit.ly/hugchild

by: Heidi Green

My hands are shaking as I type “head injuries in children” into Google. A call has been made to the pediatrician, but somehow such incidents always happen after office hours. I have to wait for the on-call doctor to phone back, but I can’t sit idle while I do.

Instead, I’m pulling up relevant websites, reading about what to do and what symptoms to watch for.

I can’t help but think that I should know all about this subject already. This isn’t the first time I’ve found myself in this position. (Not even the first time with this child!) But in the heat of the moment, I feel like I’ve forgotten everything.

Read More: http://bit.ly/hdinjury

by: Heidi Green

I’m sheepish to admit this. Reading and writing are important, from an early age on. I know this. Years before the children were even a twinkle in my eye, I was earning a graduate degree in English, with a concentration in children’s literature. I’ve reviewed books for several years now. And books have always been a part of our bedtime, and often daytime, routine.

Somehow, though, reading seems to be forgotten this summer, with outdoor activities claiming the kids’ attention. But that’s a mistake that needs correcting.

Read More:  http://bit.ly/balancebooks

by Heidi Green

There’s been an exciting development in Max’s world recently—or should I say two exciting developments?

Max’s first two teeth have arrived! Like Ben, Katie, and Sam, Max got his first teeth during his fourth month. While I’m a bit sad at his leaving the adorable toothless baby grin behind, I knew his pearly whites were coming.

See tips on what to do for teething babies: http://bit.ly/teetharehere

by: Heidi Green

Now that “Shelly’s birthday disc” has become “the car disc,” I cringe every time I get behind the wheel. I try to sneak the stereo on to FM-radio before the kids notice. I keep my fingers crossed that the most vocal proponents of the CD will fall asleep while we’re driving, so I can slip in something else (anything else)!

Read More: http://bit.ly/bdaycdagain