Don\’t Go Into Debt for Baby\’s Layette!

By: Susan Hawkins

Here’s a message for first-time moms. Any seasoned mother will tell you - the newborn stage flies by like a cheetah on caffeine, so remember these two things: Cherish those precious, middle-of-the-night moments when it’s just you and your baby, and resist the temptation to go hog wild on your infant’s initial wardrobe.

During their first month, most newborns continue to gain weight at a rate of at least 5 ounces (141 grams) a week. They generally grow in height about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.54 to 3.81 centimeters) during the first month. Many newborns go through a period of rapid growth when they are 7 to 10 days old and again at 3 and 6 weeks.

Infants grow so quickly that many experienced mothers suggest starting out with the layette items you receive for baby shower gifts, supplemented if necessary by some items of your own choice and a few hand-me-downs. Save your money (and your urge to have the world’s best-dressed baby) until the rapid growth process takes a breather.

You won’t have to wait long. Physical growth slows down during the second half of the first year, yet by that first birthday cake, your baby will probably have almost tripled his or her birth weight and will have grown about 10 inches (25 centimeters).

Perhaps the definition of a layette will help you focus on your needs. A layette is quite simply a complete assortment of clothing and accessories for a new baby. And keep in mind, many newborn babies hardly spend a month in the 0-3 month sizes, so concentrate on size 0-6 months. To help you prepare the nursery with the essentials in infant finery without breaking the piggy bank, follow this checklist and you’ll be all set with the perfect layette:

Clothing:

1 “Take Me Home” Outfit

8 Bodysuits

3 Shirt and Pants Sets

4 Coveralls (one-piece footed outfits)

1 Sweater

6 Pairs of Socks

8 Sleep Gowns with Elastic Bottom

2 Sleep Sacks

Lots of Burp Cloths

4-6 Drool Bibs

Bath Accessories:

2 Large Hooded Towels

4-6 Receiving Blankets

6-9 Washcloths

1-2 Washcloth Mittens

1-2 After-Bath Cover-Ups

3-6 Crib Blankets

Accessories:

1-2 Caps and Booties

1-2 Mittens

Depending on where you live:

Coat, Hat and Snowsuit

Swimsuit and Brimmed Sun Hat

Last, but not least, you’ll need a good supply of cloth or disposable diapers, whichever you prefer. How many will you need? Well, if you’re breastfeeding, and your baby is eating regularly around the clock, expect to use about eight to 10 diapers a day. That’s 70 a week, so stay well-stocked!

Don’t forget - your baby shower will probably yield lots of wonderful surprises in any of the above categories, including personalized baby gifts that will start your baby out in style. And count on a couple of baby gift baskets in the mix, too. It’s no sweat - you’ll be all set and not in debt from your layette!

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_2670.shtml

Insights Into Establishing A Harmonious Blended Family

By: Sharon Vaz

Many adults are getting married with children already in the wings. The result – blended families – can be greatly rewarding, although not without conflict. This article highlights some areas of concern for blended families and how to deal with them.

It is not uncommon these days for couples to pursue remarriage with children already in tow. Blended family statistics show that at least one in three Americans is now a stepchild, stepparent, a stepsibling, or some part of a blended family.

Blended families are usually the result of remarriage after divorce, where both bride and groom have kids under their wings. Or perhaps it’s a first time wedding for two single parents. Whatever the reason, families that are united by virtue of marriage and not blood are on the rise, bringing hope and stability to many people’s lives.

Blended Family Remarriage Conflicts

It’s not much of a surprise, however, that kids who suddenly have to deal with a “stepmother” or “stepfather” tend to shy away, become closed off, or openly rebel towards change. It’s a normal blended family issue that can be dealt with successfully; one must be prepared for resistance though.

Another blended family problem that often crops up is experienced by adults who can’t deal with children that are not their own. This usually stems from the idea that because a child is not one’s own flesh and blood, one has no real right to get involved in that child’s life. Like every other blended family conflict, it can be dealt with positively and effectively.

If you are part of a stepfamily, you’re probably familiar with these and other situations. The good news is, these are all perfectly normal and each situation can be resolved given sufficient time, love, and understanding.

The following are some common stepfamily conflicts and how you can handle them positively, solidifying your family’s unity and strength.

The Blended Family – Start Off With A Statement

It’s a good idea to make a commitment from the very beginning of your relationship. Couples have found that engaging in a unity family ceremony during the wedding is a great way to encourage family members to accept and love each other.

Basically, a unity family ceremony is when the bride, groom, and children all take turns pouring different colored sand into a glass jar or vase, creating a unique symbol of their unity. Families can also recite a blended family vow for the wedding to verbally signify their commitment to unity and harmony. It’s a great step towards getting along with each other and is very conducive to the growth of familial relationships.

The Blended Family – Decide On Where to Live

A big factor in establishing harmony in a family is your place of residence after getting married. Obviously, there’s no place like home and some children resent the idea of having to move into a step-siblings house (while the original resident stepsibling doesn’t have to endure the same sacrifice). A new home for everyone means the entire family has to start over and everyone is equal. It can be refreshing and exciting to move into a new home together.

The Blended Family – Face and Bury Old Conflicts

If a family is formed after a remarriage, children and parents are liable to carry over hurts and resentments from the previous marriage that can affect the harmony of the new family. For example, anger towards ex-husbands or wives, disappointment in children that their biological parents won’t ever work things out – these things can be deeply painful to deal with.

It’s best to handle these issues in a loving, non-judgmental manner, with everyone agreeing to support each other until the emotional wounds have healed. Constant verbal support and affirmation, hugs and kisses, and other forms of affection can all have massive impact on individual feelings.

Being negative and standoffish will only perpetuate ill-feelings and disharmony. Start your remarriage by being positive and strong for others in all situations.

How to Build Blended Family Relationships

The overall secret to building a strong blended family is to pay attention to the feelings of everyone involved and to build good faith between each other as a result.

Regarding the issue of discipline: a parent can start exerting authority and instating rules once he or she has earned the trust of the children. You can do this by listening, empathizing, and taking a genuine liking to a child’s interests. Once you have proved you are for real and you truly care, they will trust you even when you discipline. It’s all about building caring relationships above anything else.

We wish all parents and children good luck as you strive to build a strong blended family. To quote the Beatles, “All you need is love.” That, in a nutshell, is what makes both natural and blended families work out.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_2545.shtml

Personalized Photo Mugs The Perfect Gift

By: Elizabeth Ellis

A sturdy types of cup used for drinking hot bevaerages are called mugs. They are bigger and can be filled with more water. It is usually made of ceramic but you can also find some that are made from high quality glass. Mugs have earned its place in record such as the Holy Grail.

Latest technologies in photo transfers have made it achievable to print photos on to mugs. It could also be produced in large quantity with low cost although it was quite expensive before. A good thing about this recent development is that these photo mugs make great souvenirs for organizations and personal use. Mugs are made out of earthenware, stainless steal, plastic and many other types of materials.

People use mugs on a daily basis. Therefore it is a great way of reminding someone you love of how important they are and what they mean to you. It is delightful to use mugs with your favorite images and words of motivation especially at work. A photo mug will also be a great way to promote your company and its product.

Mugs make great advertising means. The mugs are of personal use so there are no better ways to get potential customers to think about your company. The latest design employs the usage of disappearing ink that is sensitive to heat. The sensitive color is applied after the normal earthenware imprint colors have been printed and baked on. The photos will only appear after hot water is poured them mysteriously vanish when heat expires. The mugs with these fantastic effects make great photo gifts as well. Companies can make use of these mugs to boost company’s repute.

When you want to give someone something with a personal touch, consider personalized photo mugs. Just pick out any photos that are special for both you and the receiver. This way you can let them know you are thinking of them every time they have their coffee. For someone living on a budget, these mugs are cost efficient yet effective.

Mugs have always been around to serve us. We use it everyday but most of us do not realize the ability of these simple everyday utensils that can serve as great gifts for those we cherish.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_2592.shtml