All posts by lghwell

Reflections on Pregnancy

By Amy Dienta

In my head I had the same easy pregnancy and delivery planned. From the beginning everything became complicated. I needed to be on Metformin to conceive, I had to eat more calories and keep my weight stable instead of losing weight. It took an agonizing 8 months of trying to conceive to conceive our second child.

Then comes the testing, I failed the 1 hour glucose test, then the 3 hour glucose test. Then had to test my blood sugars 4 times a day and see a dietician. Then at 33 weeks I was admitted for the remainder of my pregnancy with preeclampsia, my blood pressure was 160/115.

After what seemed like forever ( almost 3 weeks) in the hospital on bed rest my son Omar was born at 35 weeks, weighing 5 lbs 11 ounces and healthy. He is now 5 weeks and we are still working on breastfeeding (I’ve been pumping), he has special formula to supplement. But other than that he is perfectly healthy 8 lb. newborn!

Even though everything with my pregnancy was complicated I wouldn’t change anything about it.  It made me realize how lucky I am to have amazing medical care, a family that went out of their way to visit me and take me outside for my allotted 30 minutes a day, a husband who was there with me every step of the way and 2 amazing boys to be a mother to.

So to my Sons Moussa and Omar:

Before you were conceived I wanted you
Before you were born I loved you
Before you were here an hour I would die for you
This is the miracle of love.

-Maureen Hawkins

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by lghwell on October 7, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by lghwell on October 7, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/10/07/reflections-on-pregnancy/

Out of the Mouth of Babies

By Christy McCusker (Guest Blogger)

As the mother of a two-and-a-half year old daughter (and recently a new baby girl), I am quickly learning that children really do say the darndest things. I’m a stay at home mom which means I have been fortunate enough to be there for all my daughter’s milestones and to hear her first words, sentences, and now, full-blown conversations. I have laughed at her funny expressions, helped her when she was frustrated because she just couldn’t get the right words out, and sat in amazement as she “read” her own books for the first time.  The language explosion that people talk about is just that. She hit her second birthday and started saying new words every day and pronouncing them with clarity and ease. I am enjoying listening to her and I’m constantly trying to remember all the funny things she is saying so I can jot them down in her baby book so she can get a laugh when she is older.

But of course as with all kids, she has times where everything she says isn’t what I expect. Just recently we were shopping at Costco and we were in line waiting to try one of the free samples they were giving out. She had a small plastic cup of water that she was drinking.

In front of a line full of people she gulped the entire cup of water down in one breath, looked up at me with a huge grin and said “Ahhhh, that’s good beer”!

To say I was shocked is an understatement.  But I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. I have never heard her say that before and it happened to come when she had an audience a few of which heard her and also chuckled. I immediately texted my husband to thank him for what she obviously learned from him! As a non beer drinker, I realized that she had to be mimicking something he had done once. It’s not something I’ve ever heard him say but I later learned that he had done it before in front of her as a joke and she remembered and copied exactly what he did.  And of course after seeing my reaction, it became an ongoing joke with her. Every time I gave her a drink no matter what it was she would say “that’s good beer”. 

Of course this was one memorable moment that definitely recorded in her baby book and someday when she’s actually old enough to drink a “good beer”, she can read her comment and get as big of a laugh as we all did.

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by lghwell on October 4, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Christy McCusker
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Posted by lghwell on October 4, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/10/04/out-of-the-mouth-of-babies/

Children in Nature

Milo and his friend Liam love their dirt!

By Sabina Chen

When we were pregnant with Milo, Blake and I were living in a big city, surrounded by cars and concrete. There were plenty of city parks around, but nothing like the acres of woods that Blake had grown up with. Blake said he wanted his children to know dirt. Now, living in New Hampshire on 8 acres of land, Milo knows dirt; in fact, “dirt” is one of his favorite words!

I’ve been thinking about how we live in an area with wonderful opportunities to learn about the natural world. We’ve taken Milo to farms and ponds and even the forest in our backyard. He’s chased birds and bugs. Wild turkeys walk across our driveway. Last week, Daddy caught a toad and Milo was thrilled – his current bedtime reading includes The Adventures of Frog and Toad, so toads are his favorite right now.

In our wired world, kids are spending more and more time indoors, in front of the computer or television and losing touch with the great outdoors. Many people believe this lack of connection with the natural world is taking its toll on society. In fact, author Richard Louv wrote a book in 2005, Last Child in the Woods, in which he coined the term “Nature-Deficit Disorder.” Louv writes that our society’s limited exposure to nature leads to a condition that may contribute to a wide variety of behavioral problems in children. He argues that human beings are instinctively bonded with nature and, therefore, kids need good doses of unstructured time outdoors for growth and development.

I lived in the big city for many years and I loved it, but I can see the logic behind Louv’s argument, particularly for children. I often feel like we suffer from too much information, too much stimulus, flashing signs and 24/7 news cycles, and I am definitely guilty of spending too much time in front of my computer and connected to my smart phone. For Milo, this flat screen with the funny lines and pictures must be a baffling representation of reality. He needs to feel things, smell them, and stick them in his mouth. Getting him out in nature will ground him in a world that is true.

There is an upcoming conference on October 5th that seeks to address the problem of Nature-Deficit Disorder: The New Hampshire Children in Nature Conference. The conference centers on ways of incorporating more outdoor education in young children’s lives. 

I was also glad to discover a resource in the Children and Nature Network, an organization that promotes and facilitates bringing communities together around children’s outdoor education.  The Children and Nature Network has a downloadable tool kit to start a nature club for families.  I’m considering starting one.  Who’s with me?

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by lghwell on October 3, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Sabina Chen, Uncategorized
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Posted by lghwell on October 3, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/10/03/children-in-nature/

Diary of Starting Preschool

Written by Mommy (Meredith McKay)

August 25:
Mia, today was your last day Debbie’s home daycare. You’ve been going there since you were 6 months old. Mommy took it very hard, and as we drove out of Debbie’s driveway you asked me why I was crying. I didn’t want to upset you and tell you that on Monday you would no longer be spending 5 days a week at Debbie’s comfy and familiar home. You would be going to Preschool, a building full of adults and other children that you don’t know yet; to play, learn, eat, and nap with. So I quickly responded, “Mommy is sad because summer is over.”  You said, “But Mama, it will be back.”

Mommy cried off and on for the next couple of days. I don’t do well with change, and this is a big one.

August 29:
Today was your first day of school, and you were so excited that I could barely get you to pose for a picture. Mommy and Daddy brought you to school. We helped you put your new backpack, lunch bag, and nap mat in your cubby. You didn’t cry, but let me know, “I’m gonna miss you”. I reassured you that I would be back.

Mia on her first day of preschool

Day 2:
You had a great day at school. At dinner you showed me how you raise your hand and say“Here” when your teacher takes attendance.

Day 3:
Rough morning…Mommy brought you to school. All the kids were playing outside. When I left and walked by the play area, you tried to climb the chain link fence. I saw your tears but I promised you that I would be back later. Mommy made it out of the school parking lot before breaking down in tears.

Labor Day weekend, a long weekend away from school, and I’m all ready dreading how your Tuesday morning drop off will be.

Day 6:
You started crying at home when I enthusiastically announced, “Mia, you’re going to school today!!!”  Through the tears you wailed, “I’m gonna miss you.” Mommy brought you in to school and as I was leaving, you ran ahead of me and tried to leave the building. Your teacher reassured you that I would come back later.

Days 7 and 8:
Daddy drove you to school without Mommy. Everything went so smoothly. I think this is the answer to the morning drop offs, and now Mommy feels silly for even second guessing my decision to send you fulltime.

Day 9 [September 12]:
You are 3 today! You lead the whole school for the Pledge of Allegiance and proudly waved the American flag. Mommy, Daddy, Grammy, and Grampy arrived at snack time with cupcakes for your class. Your classmates sang “Happy Birthday” and enjoyed the cupcakes. After the celebration you were not going to let any of us leave the preschool without you, so Grammy brought you to her house for your special day.

Leading the Pledge of Allegiance on Your 3rd Birthday

Days 10-15:
Daddy has been dropping you off every morning and Mommy picks you up after work.

Day 16:
After Daddy brought you to school, he sent Mommy a text that said, “Wow! The saddest thing ever. Mia chased me down the hall crying real tears. Made me tear up a little.” Now you know how I feel Daddy… 

We are now going on the fourth week of preschool and it has gotten easier for you, and easier for Mommy and Daddy. You are getting used to the routine and have made many friends. The teachers have told me that sometimes during the day you miss me, but it quickly passes and you have a great day. Mommy wants you to know that, “I will be back,” just like the summer!

5 Comments
by lghwell on September 26, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Meredith McKay, Uncategorized
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Posted by lghwell on September 26, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/09/26/diary-of-starting-preschool/

Car Seat Safety – It Can Save Lives!

Did you know that September is Baby Safety Month? In addition to worrying about what your baby can get into once he or she starts crawling, it is also important to take this time to make sure you are using your car seat correctly and a recent article on Parenthood.com provides you with the resources you need to make sure your child is safe. In April of 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued new guidelines on care seat safety that can be found by clicking here. Some of the guidelines include having your child ride rear-facing until they are at least two years old and to have them use a booster seat until they are at least eight. 

According to the NHTSA, almost 90% of all car seats are installed incorrectly, which reduces their effectiveness.

One of the most common errors in installing a car seat is that the safety belt of the car does not hold the seat in place tight enough. In order to ensure that children are protected, the NHTSA has made the following recommendations:

  • Regardless of how long you will be in the car, or how fast you will be driving, always make sure to restrain your child properly
  • Use only federally approved car seats and make sure it is appropriate for the age, size, and weight of your child
  • When anchoring the car seat in place, make sure you are using the lap seat belt in the car or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system which comes on newer models of cars
  • If the car seat is involved in a crash, do not re-use it
  • Make sure any caregivers for your child also use a car seat properly
  • Always make sure to position your baby in an infant car seat facing the rear of the car
  • Keep yourself informed of product recalls

Car seats should always be the right seat, the right size, and the right use. If you are ever concerned that you are not properly using a car seat, visit the child car seat inspection station nearest you. At these stations, certified technicians inspect the seat and show you how to correctly install and use it. The closet station in Lowell is at the Lowell Police Department (50 Arcand Drive) and the technician is 978-937-3200 through Paul Corcoran. If you would like to locate other local inspection stations, please click here.

For access to the full article on Parenthood.com, including additional links to recommendations and guidelines, please click here.

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by lghwell on September 22, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Child Safety, Healthcare, Mom Tips
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Posted by lghwell on September 22, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/09/22/car-seat-safety-%e2%80%93-it-can-save-lives/

Getting Ready for Surgery

The thought of surgery can be scary for anyone. The Preparing for Surgery program at Lowell General Hospital helps young patients (and their parents) to feel comfortable and confident about their upcoming elective procedure. Before the surgery date, kids are invited to a dress rehearsal with a child-size “patient” Surgi-Sam, a stuffed monkey. Led by pediatric surgical nurses, children dress up as surgeons and preview the steps they will take – including pre-op, the operating room (OR) and the recovery room – experiencing the sights and sounds along the way. 

“The program really helps with the jitters that everyone tends to feel,” says general surgeon Michael Jiser, MD, of Lowell Surgical Associates. “Parents know what their child will see and do, and they are better able to provide reassurance before and after surgery. We find that the kids who participate in this program are more comfortable coming in and tend to do better afterward as well.” 

“Surgi-Sam [is] a crucial tool for small children undergoing surgery for the first time,” comments the mother of three-year-old Victoria who went through the Preparing for Surgery program. “It provides a secure and safe foundation for children that lasts a lifetime – what a smart and fun program!”

On the day of surgery, at both the main hospital and the surgery center, a hand-in-hand approach to care is used to begin and end things with a familiar face. A pediatric nurse welcomes the parent and child and brings them to the surgical area. A parent may accompany their child into the OR until surgery begins so that mom or dad’s face is the last they see before “going to sleep.” Then parents can be together with their child in the recovery room after surgery. Click here to watch a short video on Surgi-Sam and see him in action!

Any child who is scheduled for a procedure at the Surgery Center at Lowell General Chelmsford or the main hospital may attend this free Preparing for Surgery program. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 978-275-1300 to sign up as soon as your child is scheduled for surgery.

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by lghwell on September 20, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Community Events, Healthcare
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Posted by lghwell on September 20, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/09/20/getting-ready-for-surgery/

Another Addition to the Merrimack Valley Moms Family!

A hearty welcome to the newest family members of the Merrimack Valley Moms Blog! In addition to Tiffany’s new baby, Amy Dienta also welcome a baby boy on August 17th! We hope you’re both getting some rest.  When you catch your breath, we’d love to hear your insights on motherhood the second time around!

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by lghwell on September 14, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Amy Dienta, Tiffany MacKay
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Posted by lghwell on September 14, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/09/14/another-addition-to-the-merrimack-valley-moms-family/

New Tricks to Jazz up School Lunches

  • Be proactive! Don’t let yourself get caught in a boring routine this school year when you pack lunches each morning. To break the habit, and learn how to jazz up those school lunches with foods kids will want to eat, check out these tips by Liz Weiss, co-author of The Meal Makeover Moms and Gina Rau, who writes for the Feed Our Families Blog:
  • Expand your bread choices
  • Experiment with different spreads on sandwiches
  • Realize that pasta salad travels well
  • Use thermos in cooler weather
  • Create lunch kabobs
  • Use great snacks like grapes, celery sticks, snap peas, or clementines
  • Send in a snack container with food that are more difficult to eat and include a toothpick to use for eating
  • Make a snack lunch

To access the full article on the Boston Parents Paper, including more tips to jazz up school lunches, or even healthy recipes, please click here.

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by lghwell on September 8, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by lghwell on September 8, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/09/08/new-tricks-to-jazz-up-school-lunches/

Backpacks: Pack Them Light, Wear Them Right

With Labor Day upon us, many parents (and children) are thinking about backpacks for school. The following is an article submitted by Dr. Elliot Suarez, a pediatrician with Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates on how to pack backpacks light and wear them right this school year:

With school back in full swing, backpacks are a practical way for children and teens to carry books and supplies back and forth to school. They are designed to distribute the weight of the load among some of the body’s strongest muscles, and when used correctly, backpacks can be useful equipment.

Unfortunately, many parents and children are unaware of the potential dangers of improperly worn backpacks.  Backpacks can be a leading cause of back and shoulder pain for millions of children and adolescents.   Studies show that young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of heavy backpacks is a major factor. 

Doctors and physical therapists recommend that kids carry no more than 10% – 15% of their body weight in their backpacks. For example, a child weighing 50 lbs should carry no more than 7.5 lbs in their backpack, and a child weighing 130 lbs should carry no more than 19.5 lbs. However, studies show that over half of all students carry considerably more than these recommendations each day.

Parents may need to adjust their child’s backpack and/or reduce how much the child is carrying if they see their child struggling to get the backpack on and off or they lean forward to carry the backpack. Most importantly, parents should never ignore any complaints of back pain from their child.

Here are some additional tips for proper selection and wear of backpacks:

  • Use backpacks with two wide, padded shoulder straps. Backpacks with one strap that runs across the body cannot distribute the weight evenly
  • Shoulder straps should also be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. The backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child’s back
  • School backpacks come in different sizes for different ages. Choose the right size pack for your child’s back as well as one with enough room for necessary school items
  • Size is important. The backpack should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline
  • Children should use all possible compartments to distribute weight. Heaviest items should go closest to children’s backs
  • If possible, encourage your child to make frequent trips to his or her locker between classes to reduce the number of books in the backpack at one time

To see the full article on the Chelmsford Patch, please click here.

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by lghwell on September 4, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Healthcare, Mom Tips
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Posted by lghwell on September 4, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/09/04/backpacks-pack-them-light-wear-them-right/

New Addition to the MV Mom Family!

Congratulations to Tiffany MacKay and her family on their new addition, a baby boy born on August 30, 2011!

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by lghwell on September 1, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by lghwell on September 1, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/09/01/new-addition-to-the-mv-mom-family/

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