Nursery work
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This (boring) weekend I worked on the nursery some more... and I was able to sand and paint this old rocking chair bright green. I love spray paint. |
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Are any of you handy with tools? I have my own drill (it's hot pink) and set of screwdrivers. I'm lucky that growing up, my mom taught me how to use all the tools in our garage. It makes putting ikea furniture together
Unrelated: Mr. returns from his tour with Guttermouth tomorrow night and I'm beyond excited. It's so lonely being home with just the dogs. I have my friends and family, but it's not the same. So hopefully when he gets back I'll have him do a guest post on tour life. G rated I hope :)
A little hair inspiration
Thanks to prenatal vitamins, my hair is growing like a weed. FINALLY. For years I had bleached pixie cuts and its taken over 2 years to grow past my shoulders. I cannot WAIT for my hair to be as long as these ladies'.
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| All images via weheartit.com |
Immunization
This post is my opinion, my thoughts, my research... in no way am I an expert or (obviously) a medical professional. Just sharing a little thought with the world.
My father is a pediatrician. Recently, he’s seen a large spike in patients who consider themselves informed on vaccinations and determine that they will not be immunizing their children. Some cite research found online, but many ‘heard vaccines are dangerous’. I agree that seeing your child get a shot sucks. Holding them down and inflicting pain, no matter how minor, is sad. And it’s really scary thinking that something that is supposed to help my child might hurt them in the long run. Now that I’m expecting my first, it got me curious about vaccinations in general, and I thought I’d do a little research so I can decide for myself whether or not to vaccinate my baby.
I started my research with the Center for Disease Control. They are the government entity for disease control. Even if you don’t trust pharmaceutical corps, the CDC is an independently run agency. Another resource for me was the American Academy of Pediatrics. Basically, these doctors are the experts on caring for children.
There is a lot of scary information on the internet! I found many message boards with claims that vaccines can cause autism, bad reactions are deadly, but mostly that vaccines hurt more than they help, and it’s all about pharmaceutical big money. One thing kept appearing over and over when I searched online about vaccinations. Why vaccinate a child for a disease like measles which is eradicated, or polio, which doesn't even exist anymore, or for hepatitis B, which occurs mainly among specific groups, such as IV drug users and people with AIDS?
Simply put, the reason these diseases are in fact rare and nonexistent is BECAUSE of the success of vaccines. Since the advent of the polio vaccine, there has not been a single case of natural polio in the United States since 1979. But there's no guarantee that the disease won't return.
Today, unvaccinated children are protected by what's called the "herd effect" -- the fact that most children are immunized means that highly contagious diseases like polio have few opportunities to invade. But when the number of people who choose not to vaccinate goes up, even a little bit, so do the numbers of children who get sick from vaccine-preventable illnesses
Take measles for example. In the U.S. and the world, measles infects nearly 23 million people each year. In 2005, measles killed about 345,000 people (311,000 of which were children under the age of five). The last large outbreak of measles in the U.S. occurred during 1989‐1991, with 17,000 cases of measles and 70 deaths in California. Efforts to increase immunization rates in the 1990s were successful and endemic transmission of measles in the U.S. was nearly eliminated in 2000. (Although in Orange County in June of last year, 11 cases were reported.)
In contrast, in Europe immunization rates are below the 90‐95% rate needed to interrupt transmission, and as a result, there is currently a measles outbreak in many European countries, including a large outbreak in France. Over 9,000 measles cases were reported in France between October 1, 2010 and the end of March 2011; most cases have been teenagers. In 2010, there were two deaths (one from encephalitis and one from pneumonia) and eight patients with irreversible neurological damage from Measles. (cdc.gov)
Now you might be thinking, how can this affect me? I don’t plan on taking my child to France. Well, sure, you might not travel. But if your friends travel, if the lady at the grocery store traveled, or someone walking by you on the street was in Europe… your child is at risk. Measles is highly contagious and spread by respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing). For every 1000 cases, 2 to 3 children will die. While that number might seem low, remember other complications are much more common from measles such as encephalitis, seizures and permanent irreversible neurological damage.
Simply put, vaccines save lives. Vaccines have the power to protect babies from dangerous illnesses like measles, polio and hepatitis. While vaccines may hurt and have minor side effects, the fact is, those things are treatable; the illnesses vaccines fight are not. Being a parent is a big responsibility, and the best thing you can do for your child's health is to learn the facts so that you can make the best choices.
For me, it boiled down to this: The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects. I’d rather my child get a couple shots in early childhood, than risk illness or even death.
Feel free to leave comments and/or questions below. Again, this is just MY opinion, what I feel like is right for me. So no hate mail! Thanks for stopping by.
Want to learn more? I found a lot of great information at the following sites:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/ed-resources/downloads/f_provider-qa-color.pdf
http://www2.aap.org/immunization/families/safety.html
http://www2.aap.org/immunization/families/autismfacts.html
PPS: Feel like giving a little vote for moi? I'll love you forever!
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| Me, pondering big questions... like what to have for dinner. |
My father is a pediatrician. Recently, he’s seen a large spike in patients who consider themselves informed on vaccinations and determine that they will not be immunizing their children. Some cite research found online, but many ‘heard vaccines are dangerous’. I agree that seeing your child get a shot sucks. Holding them down and inflicting pain, no matter how minor, is sad. And it’s really scary thinking that something that is supposed to help my child might hurt them in the long run. Now that I’m expecting my first, it got me curious about vaccinations in general, and I thought I’d do a little research so I can decide for myself whether or not to vaccinate my baby.
I started my research with the Center for Disease Control. They are the government entity for disease control. Even if you don’t trust pharmaceutical corps, the CDC is an independently run agency. Another resource for me was the American Academy of Pediatrics. Basically, these doctors are the experts on caring for children.
There is a lot of scary information on the internet! I found many message boards with claims that vaccines can cause autism, bad reactions are deadly, but mostly that vaccines hurt more than they help, and it’s all about pharmaceutical big money. One thing kept appearing over and over when I searched online about vaccinations. Why vaccinate a child for a disease like measles which is eradicated, or polio, which doesn't even exist anymore, or for hepatitis B, which occurs mainly among specific groups, such as IV drug users and people with AIDS?
Simply put, the reason these diseases are in fact rare and nonexistent is BECAUSE of the success of vaccines. Since the advent of the polio vaccine, there has not been a single case of natural polio in the United States since 1979. But there's no guarantee that the disease won't return.
Today, unvaccinated children are protected by what's called the "herd effect" -- the fact that most children are immunized means that highly contagious diseases like polio have few opportunities to invade. But when the number of people who choose not to vaccinate goes up, even a little bit, so do the numbers of children who get sick from vaccine-preventable illnesses
Take measles for example. In the U.S. and the world, measles infects nearly 23 million people each year. In 2005, measles killed about 345,000 people (311,000 of which were children under the age of five). The last large outbreak of measles in the U.S. occurred during 1989‐1991, with 17,000 cases of measles and 70 deaths in California. Efforts to increase immunization rates in the 1990s were successful and endemic transmission of measles in the U.S. was nearly eliminated in 2000. (Although in Orange County in June of last year, 11 cases were reported.)
In contrast, in Europe immunization rates are below the 90‐95% rate needed to interrupt transmission, and as a result, there is currently a measles outbreak in many European countries, including a large outbreak in France. Over 9,000 measles cases were reported in France between October 1, 2010 and the end of March 2011; most cases have been teenagers. In 2010, there were two deaths (one from encephalitis and one from pneumonia) and eight patients with irreversible neurological damage from Measles. (cdc.gov)
Now you might be thinking, how can this affect me? I don’t plan on taking my child to France. Well, sure, you might not travel. But if your friends travel, if the lady at the grocery store traveled, or someone walking by you on the street was in Europe… your child is at risk. Measles is highly contagious and spread by respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing). For every 1000 cases, 2 to 3 children will die. While that number might seem low, remember other complications are much more common from measles such as encephalitis, seizures and permanent irreversible neurological damage.
Simply put, vaccines save lives. Vaccines have the power to protect babies from dangerous illnesses like measles, polio and hepatitis. While vaccines may hurt and have minor side effects, the fact is, those things are treatable; the illnesses vaccines fight are not. Being a parent is a big responsibility, and the best thing you can do for your child's health is to learn the facts so that you can make the best choices.
For me, it boiled down to this: The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects. I’d rather my child get a couple shots in early childhood, than risk illness or even death.
Feel free to leave comments and/or questions below. Again, this is just MY opinion, what I feel like is right for me. So no hate mail! Thanks for stopping by.
Want to learn more? I found a lot of great information at the following sites:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/ed-resources/downloads/f_provider-qa-color.pdf
http://www2.aap.org/immunization/families/safety.html
http://www2.aap.org/immunization/families/autismfacts.html
PPS: Feel like giving a little vote for moi? I'll love you forever!
a few things for the baby's room...
The Urban Outfitters catalog came and I got a few little things for the little one's room...
I'm going for the colorful effect... could you tell??? Since we are keeping the walls white, I hope to make everything else as colorful as possible. I'll post some photos as soon as I get everything set up this weekend!
1. Owl Pillow $29 / 2. Elephant bank $12 / 3. Wall Art $34 / 4. Curtains $39
All at urbanoutfitters.com
I'm going for the colorful effect... could you tell??? Since we are keeping the walls white, I hope to make everything else as colorful as possible. I'll post some photos as soon as I get everything set up this weekend!
1. Owl Pillow $29 / 2. Elephant bank $12 / 3. Wall Art $34 / 4. Curtains $39
All at urbanoutfitters.com
11 Things (via Sometimessweet)
I saw this post on Danielle's blog and thought I'd bite the bullet and do it. I usually don't participate in these, but some fun ladies are, so hey, I'm in.
There are five rules:
1. Post these rules.
2. Post a photo of yourself and 11 random things.
3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post.
4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.
5. Go to their blog/twitter and tell them you've tagged them.
11 Random Things:
1. I have a major sour tooth and love sour candy. I can gobble atomic warheads and not flinch. My dad taught me to eat lemons as a kid, but had to stop once my dentist caught on!
Questions from Danielle:
1. If money, schooling or time was no obstacle, what career would you choose?
I'd love to own my own graphics firm, but if there was NO obstacles? Probably journalist for a travel magazine...
2. What's the one thing you look forward to every day?
Creating something- whether its at work or as simple as making dinner.
3. What is your number one, all-time, favorite blog?
That's like picking your favorite child! I would probably say ohdeardrea. Always a pleasure to read and visit. Never any ulterior motive other than to share her story.
4. Biggest online pet peeve?
When people aren't real. I hate posts that seem like they were just written because there was nothing else to say. And giveaways kind of annoy me too. Although I understand the concept.
5. What is your all-time favorite book?
Flowers for Algernon. I am such a dork about this book. The mouse, the guy, the love story, the sad ending. Gahhh.
6. What would your "last meal" be?
An artisan cheese plate! D'affinois, some aged gouda and cheddar, maybe a little Saint Andre. Hi, cheese snob here.
7. Do you believe in love at first site?
No. I believe in lust at first sight, but love takes a while. At least for me.
8. What would your ideal Sunday morning consist of?
Sleeping in, watching some tv with my Mr. in bed, having Eggs Benedict, going for a walk. Pretty much what we do anyway!!!!
9. Why do you blog?
To share my story with (1) my daughter someday and (2) with friends around the country... and online!
10. If you had to choose one color to wear forever, what would you pick?
Green. Done.
11. What's your all time favorite band?
The Beatles probably. I don't really ever get tired of listening to them, their later stuff mostly.
My questions for you!
1. Coffee or Tea?
2. If you could live during any time period when would it be and why?
3. What is your favorite movie?
1. Post these rules.
2. Post a photo of yourself and 11 random things.
3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post.
4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.
5. Go to their blog/twitter and tell them you've tagged them.
 |
| moi! |
11 Random Things:
1. I have a major sour tooth and love sour candy. I can gobble atomic warheads and not flinch. My dad taught me to eat lemons as a kid, but had to stop once my dentist caught on!
2. I have Adie's pupil, as does my sister. It's a hereditary eye thing in which your pupils are unusually large and it takes a lot longer to constrict. I have to wear sunglasses outside or I literally, can't see.
3. I love the show COPS. I love anything related to law enforcement. I would LOVE to be a cop for a day!
4. My dad is a pediatrician, and I never really saw any other doctor until I was about 14... the upside was easy access to medical care, the downside was I had to be practically dying or bleeding to get any sympathy... and faking sick to stay home from school did not exist!
5. My grandfather is an inventor. A couple of the more successful things he has invented include a type of synthetic marbled plastic used on the base of trophies and a fishing lure.
6. If I could live anywhere in the United States I would probably pick the bay area. I love California too much to leave, but I really like colder weather. Plus San Francisco has the best architecture, nature and food! My loves!
7. I minored in ceramics in college. I LOVED it but it sort of was impractical to continue. I did make tons of awesome art and dish sets.
8. I learned to surf at around 8 years old. Before they made wetsuits or any surf related apparel marketed to girls. I was definitely an anomaly. Got called Gidget a lot.
9. I adopted my dog and bff, Dagwood, while volunteering at our local animal shelter. He was my favorite shelter resident, and it was his time to be put down, so I had to do what I had to do... I took him home! It was originally supposed to be temporary, but I've had him over 7 years! Best impulsive decision I ever made.
10. I went to school originally for fashion design, but got really burnt on the 'who you know' aspect of the industry (this was about 12 years ago, before etsy or anything). Luckily, I happened to take a course in graphic design as well, and fell in love. I continued on to get my BA and am working on my MFA.
11. I don't like cats. They are weird and give me the creeps. I just feel like they would eat me the second I fell asleep.
Questions from Danielle:
1. If money, schooling or time was no obstacle, what career would you choose?
I'd love to own my own graphics firm, but if there was NO obstacles? Probably journalist for a travel magazine...
2. What's the one thing you look forward to every day?
Creating something- whether its at work or as simple as making dinner.
3. What is your number one, all-time, favorite blog?
That's like picking your favorite child! I would probably say ohdeardrea. Always a pleasure to read and visit. Never any ulterior motive other than to share her story.
4. Biggest online pet peeve?
When people aren't real. I hate posts that seem like they were just written because there was nothing else to say. And giveaways kind of annoy me too. Although I understand the concept.
5. What is your all-time favorite book?
Flowers for Algernon. I am such a dork about this book. The mouse, the guy, the love story, the sad ending. Gahhh.
6. What would your "last meal" be?
An artisan cheese plate! D'affinois, some aged gouda and cheddar, maybe a little Saint Andre. Hi, cheese snob here.
7. Do you believe in love at first site?
No. I believe in lust at first sight, but love takes a while. At least for me.
8. What would your ideal Sunday morning consist of?
Sleeping in, watching some tv with my Mr. in bed, having Eggs Benedict, going for a walk. Pretty much what we do anyway!!!!
9. Why do you blog?
To share my story with (1) my daughter someday and (2) with friends around the country... and online!
10. If you had to choose one color to wear forever, what would you pick?
Green. Done.
11. What's your all time favorite band?
The Beatles probably. I don't really ever get tired of listening to them, their later stuff mostly.
My questions for you!
1. Coffee or Tea?
2. If you could live during any time period when would it be and why?
3. What is your favorite movie?
4. Your earliest memory?
5. What do you love to see on blogs?
6. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
7. What is your favorite food?
8. Who is your favorite celebrity and why?
9. Are you a morning or evening person?
10. Do you still read magazines? If so which ones?
11. New York or LA? Why?
I'm going to open this up to anyone who wants to play! Just link in the comments, so I can read yours! But I AM going to tag Nova and Erica.
5. What do you love to see on blogs?
6. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
7. What is your favorite food?
8. Who is your favorite celebrity and why?
9. Are you a morning or evening person?
10. Do you still read magazines? If so which ones?
11. New York or LA? Why?
I'm going to open this up to anyone who wants to play! Just link in the comments, so I can read yours! But I AM going to tag Nova and Erica.
Field Trip: Birch Aquarium/La Jolla
Mr. is about to leave for tour, so Sunday we decided to go for a little road trip south to La Jolla to visit Birch Aquarium. It was packed, but worth it! I LOVED the seahorses and the Jellyfish/Nettles. It was kind of sad to see some giant Seabass stuck in a small tank, but I guess its better than being eaten by a shark or something.
After the aquarium we headed down to La Jolla and checked out Sunny Jim Cave- a man made stairway carved into a cliff that leads down into a sea-cave. Over 150 steps- a workout! The sea lions there were great, but man did it stink. Reminded me of the movie Goonies!
Enjoy the photos below!
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| Someone didn't enjoy having their photo taken while driving so this is the best I got of Mr. |
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| Seahorses! |
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| Outside the aquarium overlooking La Jolla. |
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| Somewhere in the middle of 140ish steps, trying not to slip. |
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| Sealions |
Thanks again for voting for this blog on TBB. If you feel like voting to help us move up, you can here! Very much appreciated! Sidenote: If you would like to linkup, let me know in the comments, and if you have a button, I'd love to put it on the sidebar. ---->
Thanks for stopping by and happy Monday!
22 Weeks
22 weeks! Finally getting around to doing photos. I can't wait until it starts staying light out later... indoor photos are blah.
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