Life Lessons That I Have Taught My Parents

No matter how prepared you think you are for the arrival of your new baby,  you will learn a few unexpected life lessons from us little bundles of fun and trouble.

If you thought you knew what unconditional love as before your little one arrives, think again!  When I was born, the first thing I can remember is the overwhelming feeling of love coming from my parents.  My little face and hands were etched on their hearts seconds after I saw the light, then their faces. If I felt and knew that when I was so little, my parents must have felt that one hundred times more.  That's mind boggling!

I don't know how patient you were before your first baby, but you have to learn it fast, as we will test it as soon as we possibly can.  When we are tiny, you have to have patience with us as you learn what our different cries mean and how to soothe us.  Sometimes there will be no particular reason that we cry and we cry for what seems like hours.  Then, we become toddlers and the word “no” becomes both ours and your most used word.  We really do test the patience of the most calmest of people.

Your toddler will help you perfect the art of bribery (I mean compromise).  When I am not getting my own way, my parents will often tell me that if I behave or stop crying I will get some bacon crisps, or go to the park, or feed ducks or one of my other favorite things and this will stop me and usually results on me banging on the front door, waiting to do said promised thing right now.  Is this bribery or compromise? I can't decide.

Before I arrived, my parents loved their lie ins and sleep.  But now they have not had a full nights sleep for more than two years and guess what - they have survived, proof that sleep is overrated. You can operate on half the amount of sleep that you have been previously used to.  What is a lie-in anyway?

I don't know how tidy you were before your baby arrives, but if you are a tidy person we will frustrate you and if you are a messy person we will frustrate you!  My Mom falls under the messy category and I drive her mad, insisting that any spillages are dealt with straight away, that every minute speck of dust is picked up from the floor (I make her pick it up as I don't like the hoover).  I also enjoy helping with the dishes and sorting out washing for the washing machine, which makes these more regular occurrences.  I also am known as the Hazel hurricane as I don't mind my toys, clothes or contents of the kitchen cupboard being all over the floor, so I am nightmare for Mom and Dad (Dad is the tidy person).

Lastly, as your little one learns about new things, you will be delighted at the simple pleasures that make them smile, whether it be tearing a piece of paper (I particularly like bills), Daddy making his foot bark, throwing stones into a stream or just being cuddled (to name a few).  It will be these times that form some of the greatest and happiest memories.

Hazel Nutt is a baby blogger who loves to share her take on the world through words and art.  She writes funny posts that should tickle the humor buds of most parents.  She particularly likes blogging her toddler opinions and advice on how to train parents, to ensure that other toddlers can also wrap their parents around their little fingers!  Find Hazel and her opinions here.  Please sit back, read and enjoy: http://www.HazelNutt.com 

Hazel Nutt also writes funny picture books.  Her first trilogy is about what squirrels do when people are looking the other way. Why not take a look at http://www.whatsquirrelsdo.com for more information on these delightful little curiosities.

Create a personalised message from Santa for your kids

I came across this fantastic site a few days ago and just had to share it with you all. At http://www.portablenorthpole.com you can create a personalised message from Santa for your kids. it only takes a minute to fill out the form and the result is awesome. When I played the video I had made to my 4 year old his face was priceless.

screenshot of website

This is a simple yet great way to add to the magic of Christmas and make it even more special for your little ones. It's completely free too and they even email you the link and have social share buttons so you can quickly and easily share your video on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. 

There are several sites on the internet that offer similar services but this is the best one I've come across so far. If you know of another site like this that is worth checking out please leave the link in the comments section.

How Parents Can Teach Children to Have a Positive Outlook on Life

Every good parent wants their child to be healthy and happy, but some kids develop a negative attitude when they fail to appreciate all they have. Parents may not realize that they are contributing to their child's negative outlook on life by being negative themselves. Parents who are critical of their child or others are likely setting a bad example without realizing it.

Developing a Positive Outlook

While children are born with certain personality traits, they are highly influenced by their parents' behavior. Children who have negative parents or caregivers may learn to focus on the bad things in life and forget to appreciate the good. Many parents notice the negativity in their child but fail to recognize that they are also negative much of the time. Parents who realize they are contributing to the problem need to learn how to improve their attitude before they can teach their child how to have a positive outlook. It is not easy to turn negative thoughts into positive ones but it is possible, and with plenty of practice, it can become a natural way of life.

Learning To Appreciate the Small Things

A great way to begin thinking positively about life is to begin a gratitude journal. Families can do this activity together. Each day parents and children should write down a list of 10-20 things that they are grateful for experiencing. People can place absolutely anything on their gratitude list including pets that make them smile, pretty flowers, friends, activities, places they see, a funny TV show or tasty treat.

The idea of the gratitude journal is to train the brain to notice the good things in life rather than continually focusing on the bad. By learning how to appreciate life, a person begins to develop a positive attitude. Once a week parents can hold a family meeting where each member shares some of the items on their gratitude list. This will bring the whole family together and remind everyone to appreciate the small things.

Attitude Adjustment for Self-Centered Kids

When a child is so negative that they refuse to participate in family activities, they may need to have an attitude adjustment. Parents can teach a child to appreciate what they have by taking them to volunteer in a soup kitchen. Children who have a sense of entitlement may change their attitude when they realize that there are less fortunate people in the world.

When Negativity Is a Sign of a Deeper Issues

Some children become negative after they have a bad experience. They may feel depressed after losing a loved one or special pet. They me be miserable because their parents are going through a divorce or because they have moved to a new location where they must attend a different school and make new friends. Many kids become negative because they are bullied at school or online. They may be upset because they do not like their appearance or because they are having academic difficulties in school.

How Family Therapy Can Help 

It is essential for parents to find out if there is something bothering their child so they can work to improve the situation. If a child refuses to open up to a parent it is a good idea to find an understanding counselor that can encourage the child to share their feelings.  A counselor can help children who are depressed, angry or stressed. They can also help children with undiagnosed anxiety disorders or learning disabilities to get the help they need. Parents can find out about the benefits of family therapy sessions online at thefamilycompass.com - boarding school advice and counseling website.

Helping Your Baby Sleep

Image via Public Domain Pictures

If you've recently given birth, you've probably already experienced a few sleepless nights. Some babies just don't sleep as well as other babies. Fortunately, getting your newborn to sleep peacefully doesn't require magic. Use this guide to learn some ways to help your child develop good sleeping habits.

1. Establish a Routine – Establishing a bedtime routine can help your child sleep better through both the baby and toddler phase. At first, this routine won't include much more than putting her in pyjamas and placing her in the cot. Over time, your baby will gradually learn to associate sleep with this bedtime routine. You can even start other bedtime habits early on, including reading to your child and giving her a bath.

2. Avoid Stimulation – During the evening and nighttime feedings, avoid too much noise or visual stimulation. Although your child always appreciates hearing you talk to him, it's better to avoid it or at least talk very quietly. Keeping a quiet atmosphere will help your baby calm down and relax. If possible, keep the lights dim during any nighttime feedings.

3. Don't Wait – Some new parents think they can help their child sleep through the night if they keep the baby awake when she's obviously already tired. In many cases, this can backfire and cause your baby to feel unhappy and irritable. You may end up with a baby that refuses to fall asleep at all. Let your baby tell you when she's tired through her body language. If you learn her cues, you'll learn how to respond more quickly to her needs.

4. Settle Down – Help your baby settle down if he's fussy at bedtime. You can hold your baby and sooth him with gentle motions. If your baby frequently falls asleep in your arms, you'll need to learn how to carefully transfer him to his cot. This is easier to do if he's only partially asleep. If he wakes up during the process, gently rub his back and sooth him to sleep. 

5. Know the Averages – It's not uncommon for a baby to sleep over 16 hours a day. However, most babies only sleep in small stretches for a couple of hours at a time. After a few months, your baby won't need many feedings during the night and will probably sleep for five hours at a time. It will take a few more months before your baby can potentially sleep through the night, however.

As a new mother, your child's sleeping habits will be one of the biggest challenges you face through the newborn phase. However, this is a normal part of life with a newborn. With proper encouragement and a good routine, your baby can develop excellent sleeping habits.

Guest post by Ken Myers, an Expert Advisor on multiple household help issues to many Organizations and groups, and is a mentor for other “Mom-preneurs” seeking guidance.  He is a regular contributor of “www.gonannies.com/”.  You can get in touch with him at kmyers.ceo@gmail.com.

Baby's 1st Birthday

Your little bundle of joy has changed so much over the past 12 months and accomplished so many new skills. Where has the time gone? 

Whilst most birthdays are just for the child the first birthday is also a celebration for the parents for having made it through the year!

Photo: Theresa Thompson (Creative Commons):

jizochronicles.com

Here's a collection of useful websites to help you plan your child's first birthday party: 

• http://www.birthdayinabox.com/party-ideas/1st-birthday.html
• http://www.parents.com/fun/birthdays/first/
• http://www.babycenter.com/0_celebrating-your-babys-first-birthday_1493204.bc 
• http://www.parenting.com/gallery/fun-ideas-for-babys-first-birthday-party
• http://www.babyzone.com/showers-and-parties/babys-first-birthday/

Children with special talents

Does your child have some special talents? Is he/she a born entertainer?

My 4 year old always draws the attention at his playschool shows and delights in the applause of the audience. It spurs him on even more. He sings, dances and pulls a wide variety of facial expressions to make people laugh. It's something that comes naturally to him. When I ask him what he'd like to be when he grows up the answer is nearly always something creative. 

At times I'm really amazed at how good he is. I often find video's on the internet of talented children and think it's amazing what they are capable of at such a young age. Often they do a better job than I could ever imagine doing myself now let alone before reaching the age of 5!

Here's just a few talented little one's I came across whilst surfing the net:

This baby rocks out some great moves to Waka Waka by Shakira

Baby singing

Child drummer

Toddler Hip Hop dancer

Do you encourage your child to develop his/her creative talents? To get a 'Great' when they're adults, how soon does a child need to start?

Book feature: 10 Powerful Tips for Training Unstoppable Children

Today I'm featuring the book '10 Powerful Tips for Training Unstoppable Children' by Patti Gibble as part of the virtual tour organized by fierce reading virtual book tours. 

Book Synopsis: 10 Powerful Tips for Training Unstoppable Children is a must have book for parents, teachers, grandparents and anybody who is involved in training children. Unstoppable children are children who will not be stopped by the enemy, but by the power of God will push through and obtain the victorious life. Use these ten powerful tips to help give children the opportunity to live the life God has planned for them. Powerful tips like love, honor, and salvation are so essential for kids to succeed in this world. Buy this book today – for yourself, your children and other people that you love. You will not regret it!

Watch the Book Trailer

About the author: Patti Gibble has a Master of Education degree and Bachelor of Arts in Education. She is a trained ministry worker who has directed Children’s worship and Kids’ church programs at a mega church. Patti grew up in Orlando, Florida where she worked at Disney World. She now writes books and spends time with the Holy Spirit in Tucson, Arizona.

Connect with the author:                                      

Twitter: http://twitter.com/pattigaz

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000578334739

Buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/Powerful-Tips-Training-Unstoppable-Children/dp/0615564437/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332171459&sr=8-1

• Paperback: 100 pages
• Publisher: Gibble Publishing (November 14, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615564437
• ISBN-13: 978-0615564432
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.2 inches
• 
  

A review:

5.0 out of 5 stars MUST-HAVE FOR PARENTS WITH KIDS OF ANY AGE

By 

MizBanks 

"There are only a few books I've read more than once in my lifetime and this is one of them. I want the best for my son, and I'm willing to do any amount of research necessary to be a great mother. If you want the same for your children, then Patti Gibble's book is a must-have for your family library. You may even want to get two copies, because you'll always come across someone who could use some direction in child rearing and this is an unobtrusive way to do that. Just hand them a copy of 10 Tips and say: I know this'll bless you 'cause it sure blessed me!

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!"

Tot to teen in 2 minutes

When you're pregnant it sometimes feels as if time has stood still and that baby will never get here. Then, before you know it, baby is here and walking and talking. Where did the time go?!


One Dad decided to capture his daughters growth in this 2 minute video. It really is amazing to see her go from baby to teen like this.





Have you thought of doing a similar project for your own child?


How about doing a photo a month for the first year. Take the photo in the same place on the same date every month and at the end of the year turn them into a video. You'd be surprised at how much baby will change over that time.

FREE 2 year subscription to LEGO Club

What little kid doesn't like Lego? It's one of those toys that has lasted generations and is sure to be around for many generations to follow. Lego has a great freebie subscription offer to take advantage of.

Order your child a free 2 year subscription to LEGO Club or LEGO Club Jr. Magazine! 

Sign up now

Free Valentine's Day Printable for kids

I found this great free printable at http://overthebigmoon.blogspot.com/2012/01/valentines-day-pre-k-pack.html that you can use for a fun way to teach your child this Valentine's Day.

Included in this Pre-K Pack is:

Prewriting Practice Sheets - Cutting Practice - Which one is different?

Finish the Pattern Sheet - Size Sequencing Sheet -Valentine Strip Puzzle

4-piece Puzzles - Sorting Practice - Counting Practice Cards

Color the Heart -  Letter and Sound Finding Cards

2-Part Vocabulary Cards - Shadow Matching

Letter Vv Identification - Valentine Matching

 Valentine Magnet Sheet - Letter Vv Sorting Page

10 Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained in Waiting Rooms

It’s a common problem for all parents. You’re in a waiting room or quiet area and your children are fidgeting, making noise and being a distraction for those around you. It’s not uncommon because children area eager to learn and are constantly seeking stimulation. With this in mind, there are several ways to keep your children entertained. From older techniques to relying on new technology, your children will be well-behaved as they learn and stay focused on anything except for how bored they are!

Here are 10 techniques to help you entertain your active children:

1. Read. It may sound crazy but when you find the right book—especially for children who can read on their own—the power of a story can keep children entertained for hours. If they aren’t of reading age, consider book on tape that you can purchase and transfer to an inexpensive mp3 player. Children love to feel ownership, so having their very own media player may be just the trick to keep them entertained and excited.
2. Card games. Bring along card games or other simple travel games for the waiting room. Many children’s games are very simple and portable. For example, you may find a simple game of matching cards to be just enough to keep your children entertained.
3. Other games. Have you ever played “20 questions” or “I spy” with your young child? Not only will these games keep them entertained, they can be a great learning tool for your young child. Ask your children to talk and engage with you.
4. Drawing and/or coloring. You’d be amazed with a plain piece of paper and a pen and/or crayons will do for a creative child. Children are naturally creative and giving them the opportunity to create their own masterpiece can keep them entertained for quite some time. Remember, it’s important to reward their creativity by admiring their work and displaying it proudly. The more you encourage this type of creativity, the more likely they will be to want to engage this this activity in the future.
5. Applications and games. Today, smart phones allow us to connect at rates that are astonishing. Although we think of these phones as ways for adults to communicate, there are many games and applications that are designed to keep children of all ages entertained. From Fruit Ninja to Angry Birds, children love to have something to interact with. Download these inexpensive games and keep your children entertained for hours.
6. Stuffed animals and action figures. Children have unbelievable creative minds. Allow their imaginations to run wild with simple toys. The trick is to really engage with your children and ask them questions. Make them know that you are interested and they will stay excited about nearly any activity.
7. Online television. Whether you have a portable television or a smartphone application, try streaming children’s television shows via your smartphone. Services like Comcast allow you to stream movies instantly, for example.
8. Ask your children to tell you a story. You’d be amazed how entertained your children will be making up a story of their own.
9. Homework. Yes, we had to throw this one in there. Children of school-going ages likely have a lot of work to do. The waiting room is a perfect, quiet place for them to get a leg up and ask you questions on homework assignments.
10. Learning. Yes, you’d be surprised what you can teach your children when you have designated alone time. Whether it is at home or in the waiting room, try to capitalize on these moments when you can connect with your child and ask them engaging questions.

Do you have any of your own ideas to share on how to keep the little ones entertained while waiting?

Guest post: Kara Taylor is a freelance writer and a big fan of internet on the go

Disney Christmas video

I found this video on you tube and thought it was perfect for getting the kids in the festive mood. A fun way to teach them some classic Christmas songs too. 


Disney Christmas Song from the movie "Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas"

Product Review: Fluirespira aerosol

I have two small children. One is nearly four and the other is three months. Both have a cold and cough (the trouble with two children is that the older one no doubt brings home all the viruses from school). Anyway, the eldest, like many children his age, isn't a big fan of medicine or aerosol.

Aerosol is one of the best ways for clearing the mucus and helping him breathe more easily so I've been on the look out for a system that would get the job done without causing him to get upset. Today I found the perfect solution. The aerosol with computer by Fluirespira is fantastic! The aerosol works brilliantly and the built in computer has a wide variety of games in both Italian and English to keep kids busy whilst they sit with the mask on. A great idea that makes life a lot easier for us mums.

The link to the product on the Fluirespira website is: http://www.fluirespira.it/fluirespira/opencms/it/prodotti/computer.html

I tried it out with my son this afternoon and when the aerosol was finished (took 10 minutes- there is a timer on it too so you can keep track), he asked if he could do some more. I had to fight him to even get the mask on with the old one!

It comes with two sizes of mask; one for kids, one for babies. I'll be trying in out on the little one too.

Needless to say I'm very happy with the result and highly recommend this product.

Free Personalized Velcro Bib

I love freebies and whilst searching the web came across this fantastic free sample at http://egiftsite.com/free-personalized-velcro-bib/ for a free personalized velcro bib.

All you have to do is fill out the short survey online and then wait for your personalized bib to arrive in the post.


I requested one 2 days ago but as they ship from the US it could take a while to arrive. There doesn't seem to be a restriction on country so it's worth a try.


Good luck and please let us know if you receive yours.

Guest post : 10 Fun Summer Physical Activities to Do with Your Kid

To kids, summer means utter freedom. Liberated from the dull classroom and the chains of physical education programs, summer is every child’s haven. However, just because they are away from the PE equipment doesn’t mean that the kids have to rot away their summer without being active.

Here are some fun summer activities you can enjoy with your kids.

1. After School Sports (without the after school)

If the kids have been participating in after school play during the school year, summer is a great time for them to keep up with their after school activities, except now, they won’t have to worry about school. Not having school means less worries and more fun on the field or court.

As a parent, you can enjoy it with your kids by going to ballgames or practicing with them.

Summer sports are also a great way to keep them social and meeting new friends. Make sure you give them the choice of what sport they would like to play.

2. Going for a Swim

Summer can definitely heat up, especially if you stay in your stuffy home all day. Take a dip in your pool. If you don’t have your own pool, visit a friend or take advantage of community swimming pools.

3. Hiking

Take your kids on a hike. You will work up a sweat and get some fresh air in your lungs. Make sure to go on cooler days or earlier in the morning when the sun is not as intense. Remember to bring water.

4. Biking

It’s time to dust off that bike that’s been sitting in your garage. An early morning bike ride is a great way to start your day before settling in for a delicious brunch. Just remember your helmet.

5. Camping

Sometimes, it’s nice to get away from the house and enter into the wilderness, if only for a few days. Camping is full of all sorts of fun and physical activities that the whole family can enjoy.

6. Summer Programs

Summer is a great time for group camps and community programs. Some programs allow you to participate with your kids; though don’t expect it as most summer programs limit attendance to just kids.

7. Surfing

If you’ve wanted to take surf lessons, summer just might be your time to learn. There are plenty of surf schools near beaches and surf board rentals are very affordable. Learn with your kids and tear up the waves.

8. At the Beach

The beach is one of the most popular destinations during the summer, and there are tons of fun activities your kids can do at the beach. At the beach, your kids can swim, snorkel, play beach volleyball, and so much more.

9. Aerobics

Aerobics are important to building strength and flexibility. Yoga has become very popular with the youth. You might be able to find children’s yoga classes at your local gym or community center.

10. Take a Walk

After dinner, instead of sitting down and watching TV, go out for a walk with your kids. You’ll digest your meal while enjoying the beauty of the summer evening.

Guest post by Tim via MyBlogGuest.com

Pregnancy Diet

What and what not to eat during pregnancy.

Guest post: Wood vs. Metal Swing Sets by Kara Taylor

Wood vs. Metal Swing Sets: Pros and Cons

Planning to build or buy a swing set? There are many decisions you will need to make, and the first one that typically comes to mind is whether you want your swing set made out of wood or metal.

It's hard to say that one is better than the other, but there are many pros and cons for both wood and metal swing sets. Here are some things to consider when choosing between them.

Wood Swing Sets

Wood swing sets have strong wooden frames, and often a wooden playhouse, tire swing, and/or climbing wall as well. Deluxe swing sets, the large ones with lots of options, tend to be made of wood.

Pros:

• Wooden swing sets tend to be sturdier, so you don't have to worry about the structure tipping if you haven't anchored the legs well enough to withstand lots of high swinging.
• Wood swing sets are stronger, so they can hold more weight for their size, not to mention heavier duty swings such as tire swings.
• Wood swing sets last longer, because they aren't as susceptible to weather: For instance, rust is not generally a problem, and when it is, it's usually smaller parts that can be replaced.

Cons:

• The biggest downside to wood swing sets is that they can be more expensive. They cost more for their size when compared to their metal counterparts.
• Splinters are a minor concern in the grand scheme of things, but it is something to keep in mind with wooden swing sets. However, buying properly treated wood will make splinters less likely.

Metal Swing Sets

Metal swing sets are typically made with metal pipe for their frames. Slides and other components of these swing sets are often metal as well.

Pros:

• The biggest advantage, and the reason why metal swing sets continue to be popular is the difference in price. Metal swing sets are considerably cheaper than comparable wooden swing sets, meaning families can afford more swing set for their money than they could if they bought a wooden play structure.
• The best metal swing sets will be made of galvanized steel, making rust less of a problem than those made of cheaper metals. You also won't have to worry about splinters and rotting wood.

Cons:

• Metal swing sets just aren't as heavy as wooden ones, which mean they are more susceptible to tipping with enthusiastic swinging. In order to stop this from happening and protect your kids, you will need to anchor the swing set in some fashion, usually by planting the legs in poured concrete in the ground. Bolting used tires to the bottom of the legs can also provide some weight to keep the swing set anchored.
• Metal swing sets also aren't as strong as their wooden counterparts, which is why anchoring the legs is such a crucial part of putting up a metal set. If you don't, the repeated rocking or tipping of the play set can actually cause the metal to bend or twist over time, compromising the structural integrity and making it unsafe for continued play.
• Rust is a huge problem for metal swing sets, since they are out in the elements year after year. Some sets are made of galvanized steel, but this only slows the progression of rust down, rather than stopping it entirely.
• Metal swing sets don't tend to last as long, since they are more economically made and less sturdy than wooden ones.

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when choosing a swing set. Think carefully about the ramifications before making a final decision. Your circumstances dictate which one is the best decision for you. If you want to save money and don't necessarily care if the swing set is there long term, a metal one is clearly the right decision. However, if you want it to last a long time, and be sturdy enough that your kids can swing on it even when they are bigger, you are probably best off springing for a wooden set.


Freelance writer Kara Taylor is passionate about helping new moms with all of their questions through blog posts, like this one about Swing Set Hardware.

First trimester scan

One of the most exciting moments of pregnancy is when you go and have your first ultrasound scan. No doubt as your appointment with the Doctor approaches you will feel a mixture of both negative and positive emotions as this is when you find out if everythng is progressing as it should be.

I had my first scan this morning and although this is my second child the emotions were none the less. After having lost my first pregnancy I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. You see, with the one I lost I found out things weren't right when the first scan showed no baby in the uterus. I was nervous when I had the first scan for my son too. Scared I might be told something wasn't quite right. Luckily as with my son, this mornings scan went just fine.

My hormones got the better of me when the Doctor turned on the volume so we could hear the heart beat and a few tears leaked. It's amazing seeing that little blob on the screen and already being able to make out it's head and see the flick of it's heart beating but when you hear it beating away the pregnancy suddenly becomes real. It's no longer just a positive line on a test and nausea. You have a real, living being inside of you.

You can see some good examples of scans here. As the first scan is done early on in pregnancy you may need the Doctor to explain what each part of the 'blob' is. Don't be afraid to ask if you're not sure. It's all part of the Doctors job.

Baby Gaga: useful pregnancy site

http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/ is a site I came across thanks to their facebook application. Yes that's right you can share your 'what's happening this week' of your prgenancy directly to your facebook profile page so all your friends can be up to date on how things are progressing too.

The site itself offers a range of useful tools like a pregnancy calendar but it also has fun gadgets that you might want to check out too. http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/pregnancy.php has a few to choose from including this one (set up for my own pregnancy):

A great resource for mums to be

Birth and motherhood survey

I recently received an email request from Samantha Reisz, a graduate student at Mills College in Oakland, CA, in Infant Mental Health. As part of her program, she is working on a research thesis project and is currently recruiting participants and collecting data. Her study explores the maternal psychological experience of birth and feelings about relationships and motherhood. It is an internet survey that takes 20-30 minutes to complete, and is anonymous (unless a participant chooses to give us identifying information, which is entirely voluntary and does not impact the results). They are recruiting mothers who have a baby under 12 months to whom they gave birth. The link is www.surveymonkey.com/s/birthandmotherhood.

Though birth is has become a more discussed issue in the past year or so, there is a serious dearth of methodologically sound research in the area of mothers' psychological experiences of childbirth, particularly in regard to how it may or may not be related to things such as personality, relationship with her partner, her feelings about being the mother of this child, feelings about motherhood in general, and maternal self-esteem, to name a few. With the ever increasing rates of cesarean deliveries,understanding the relationship between childbirth and later maternal functioning is very important--even if there is no relationship, which would be a relief and comfort to women who were not able to have the birthing experience that they wanted.