Overfed and Undernourished

I'm not sure why, but a girl friend of mine told me her Pediatrician didn't think it was necessary for her infant to take a multivitamin. I have since heard this a couple times. Not just in reference to parents being unsure about giving supplements to their babies (although some are a little too comfortable administering drugs, many of which haven't been tested for their long term effects on children, let alone infants.) Isn't it worth considering that if American's are sicker than ever, then something needs changing? Babies are being born sick! Children are being diagnosed with adult disorders and then medicated! Over all, people are dying way before their time. Call it hereditary. Call it a muddy gene pool. The truth is wellness is only achieved through rich nutrition. A lack of proper vitamins and minerals causes a host of health problems rooted in malnutrition. Besides, everyone knows that anything that is alive MUST consume living "things" or "organisms" to survive. If the bulk of what we take in on a daily basis is considered "dead food"....I rest my case.

Think about your children. Nieces and nephews. Maybe your grandchildren. I really get on a soapbox when it comes to little ones, because their only choice is what we put in there lunchbox, sippy cup or on their plate. As parents, we pass down our bad eating habits. This is why I am almost convinced diseases like diabetes appear as if they are hereditary, when in fact they are not. No offense to our beloved ancestors, but they just quite frankly did not have the means to access vital nutrients that we can today. Although many of them still lived longer without all out technilogical and medical advances. Hmm. So for us there is no excuse. If we love our children, friends and loved ones we will do something differently. We will make a change. I of course recommend Shaklee products because they are always safe, always work and are always green. Need proof? A peer review called the Landmark Study was conducted by Dr. Gladys Block, head of the University of California - Berkeley School of Public Health. Check it out :)

Read an overview of the Landmark Study Key findings

Click here to read the full research report on the Landmark Study from the Nutrition Journal

:: Eat something alive today...that sound really funny::

SAHMies and WAHMies: Choosing to Stay at Home with Mommy Networking

I hear it all the time. This is what I say to that. Go for it! SURE you may be giving up your social life, but NOT if you stay connected with activities around town and mommy support/playgroups. SURE if you want to split your income in half, but NOT if you turn a hobby into a business or join a well-established and growing mlm. Even watching a couple kids a few days a week and taking a few classes online are all viable options when you choose to stay at home.We are not ants. Do you remember that movie? Every task was for the good of the colony. Although some good can be drawn from this "idea", there is still a hidden sense of personal insignificance. And the truth is we as mothers play a HUGE irreplaceable role in how our children come to view themselves and their place in the world. Contrary to popular belief, climbing the corporate ladder does not make one a portrait of success. What's successful about raising children that don't know you or mind you or anyone else for that matter? After working in childcare for several years I have some strict opinions on the subject, however, I realize that what works for me very well may not work for someone else.

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development along with the Institute of Child Development of the University of Minnesota conducted a study that showed children in daycares have significantly higher stress levels and signs of aggression than children who stay at home with their parent and or caregiver. I also read (however) that kids that attend daycare are better prepared socially and even academically. I can see how both plays a part in readying a child for the real world. So with that being said, both are worth considering, especially since children's personalities and preferences vary.

Can you afford it? Probably not lol! But staying home is definitely doable. It may involve cutting-back for a season. Which may mean driving a less attractive ride, skipping the Starbucks (yikes!) and sometimes turning down dinner dates with friends. The good thing is knowing with diligence, creativity and patience this "minimal lifestyle" doesn't have to last forever. It is a temporary trade for the younger years, building a foundation of character, security and confidence in our children. The idea of "staying home" to others can make you feel guilty about choosing to be a SAHM at times. Its as if you aren't giving your best and getting to "do nothing all day" pass. I have often times been tempted to believe this lie and it is my biggest demotivator! The life of a stay at home mom is a full-time, sometimes lonely, rewarding, frustrating, amazing, stinky, fun, tiring, spontaneous and priceless job. On top of the fact that our kids grow so fast and I don't want to miss one thing, this is only in addition to the call I feel to pour my life into caring and nurturing my family. It is my great honor. 

Ya  know, plenty of moms quit their jobs to stay home with their children and are doing very well for themselves. Some people are just happier working, so its the best fit for their families. But who's to say a mommy can't chose to be a WAHMie and WORK from home? The mothers in the video clip are some of my role models. They took a risk, believed in themselves and because of it they along with their families are living a healthier, wealthier life. Some were forced into it because of a layoff or divorce, but others simply wanted something more. More time at home with their family than at the office. Honing your skills and being the best you can at your job is wonderful, but not at the expense of your home and family. Kudos to those of you who have found a happy medium and are balancing these and rockin' at it. You are also fabulous role models. Encourage a mommy to follow her dreams and choose what she thinks is best for her family today!

::Good job SAHMies and WAHMies!::

Oy Vey! Who Doesn't Like to Win?

Hey there! Ya know, I'm not sure if I've seen this much enthusiasm in a while. When I hear the words GIVEAWAY or CONTEST or WIN....it gets my attention, because its fun to win. Good clean competition is equally as fun. Here's the thing. More than anything I am starting to realize how much I (the writer) need you (the readers). Even though I am a big dreamer and a world changer at my core, if no one is passing on the info, than I will get to my goals, only a bit slower than I anticipate. Right now the largest task on my brain is my Greenest of Green Mama Giveaway. I shared my three top reasons for doing the giveaway in my previous entry, but the underlying reason is TRUTH. It is the exact meaning of my name- "truthful one". My very name compels me and fuels me passion. Paired with my love for people, I can't help but want to expose the lies and raise awareness about toxins causing harm to our families and safer alternatives. It matters to me because people matter. Those that don't care unfortunately don't know what they and their families are not only missing out on, but fail to understand what's at risk. I mean there are some no-brainer concepts like parents who smoke and have a child with asthma and ear infections...really? Well now, I wasn't meaning to have such a tone in this post or to offend anyone, but just wanted to mention some things. I don't expect for everyone to like what I say or even believe me though I do research what many refuse to search out, I just feel responsible for sharing. Anyway. Do you know you know how many compliments I receive on my blog...plenty! But how many of those "fans" actually "follow" my page? The answer is few. The truth is, if one child is spared or one family made healthier because of anything I've ever said or posted, that's good enough for me, but the reality is NO competition is NO fun! LOL!! Sooo please enter to win the Greenest of Green Mama Basket this January and share with your mommy friends, because every mom deserves a chance to win. Details in last post. No strings attached. As soon as I organize the basket and make it look super pretty, I will be doing mini reviews on everything included and why you want what you'll see!! Stay tuned ;))

::its almost that time!::

The Greenest-of-Green Mama Goodie Basket Giveaway!

Wowzer! That was a mouthful! I toyed around with the name idea for a while. Names are important, ya know? The simple reason for the big name is for the big idea. The purpose of my giveaway is to:

1. Celebrate the New Year!
2. Showcase some of my favorite natural and green things!
3. Share the gift of GREEN with one special Mama that wants a healthy head start for her family in 2012

Like I'm sure I've said in a previous post, how I LOVE giving gifts! Only this gift is different because although I am submitting something of my own, this is a collective effort to connect my friends and followers with not only safe, green products, but family-centered businesses and local shops that help me make healthier choices for my family! Better options are all around us! I've got a hand full of sponsors for this event and I'm still gathering items to make the biggest basket possible!! And although I've never done a giveaway, I sure am excited about it! So please share this and tweet this January giveaway to your friends and feel free to also message me if you feel you have something nice to add to the basket ;) To enter, you have to be a mom or mom2be (sorry this time my giveaway is just-for-moms) and you have to be a member of my site. One or two goodies will be baby-specific, but just let me know what age kiddos you have. And if you would kindly put the link to my blog in a status or tweet.  Remember to leave your first name and your email (example: doodledoo AT yahoo  DOT com) so I can inform you of your win! That's all folks! Include your info in a comment below and good luck! Deadline TBA


::May the best MAMA win!!::

Fist Pump for Moms that Nurse

Ya know, I have nursed my son right up until a month ago. I never imagined I would go this long. I really owe it to my hubby who allowed me to stay home and do what I believe every mother should do for at least the first year (strictly my opinion, and you're entitled to yours). But yeah, getting started wasn't super easy for me.  We did great the first night but eventually I was confused about how often, which side and how many times to burp him, and how many times to pump. Then my pump broke!! Seriously, it can be so overwhelming. I even began supplementing with organic formula because I was so convinced I wouldn't be able to keep up. Truth is, I was afraid of what I heard from other mothers who's milk supply either was weak or just totally dried up. After using formula for a couple months, I became more comfy with the idea of breastfeeding in public and switched back to nursing exclusively. The rest is history. I decided early on to nurse on demand. As I read ahead, I found out that baby-led weaning can carry on for two years or more (which I wasn't interested in...That's a LONG TIME!) All power to the mamas who can rock n' roll like that, it just was not for me. Anyway, after he was over a year, I began to experiment and let him go as long as he could without nursing. Night time nursing slowed down as I realized just because he woke up didn't mean he wanted milk. Now I pat his back and go back to my room :) During the day I may nurse him once near nap time, but pretty soon I'll be cutting it out all together.

I'm an advocate for breastfeeding not just because its been proven to be better for the baby, but because its the natural means of nourishing the baby. Human milk is for human babies, and cows milk is for calves. Goatmilk on the other hand is more similar to human milk and easier for baby to digest. We did that for a while too lol. But mamas milk is the best! It is so good for their immune system and if you are supplementing yourself and eating well- baby gets it too! I'm also a big fan of the perfect the mother-baby bonding that happens. There's nothing like it. My son enjoys twirling my hair between his fingers while nursing. What about your baby? Next time around I plan on having a few mommy necklaces, which are safe for the baby to play with or put in their little mouths...and what's  really great are all the color combinations they come in! I'm also going to get a Medela Backpack! Anway...I think that's all. OH YES-One more thing! New moms need support! People, playgroups and good advice. Ever wonder why some people are so quick to share information that unmotivates or inspires anxiety?? I had one go-to-mommy, my cousin actually, and she was and still is there if I ever need answers or just a laugh. So if you know someone having a baby, encourage them to breastfeed :)

:: i heart breastfeeding ::

My Biracial Baby's Hair: and how I thought I'd have the upper hand.

This has got to be the most exciting topic I have ever written about! Being that I am in an interracial marriage I get a lot of different questions from a lot of different angles. Some are from well meaning (but ignorant on the subject) people and others are flat out hilarious! I for one have always seen myself marrying a white man. It sounds funny, I know, but when you're raised in primarily white circles the way I was (I mean, it makes since to me). So yeah, I have secretly coveted a mixed baby for my entire life. I think the blend of two vastly different ethnicity is a beautiful thing, no matter the mix. Black and White, Vietnamese and White, Native American and Black, Puerto Rican..I mean, these kids are living doll babies!! However, if its one thing I thought I'd never have a problem with, it's styling my mixed baby's hair.  Honestly. I assumed it couldn't be anymore unruly than my (black) hair, and figured it would probably be similar to my husband's texture of hair. Straight and W-H-I-T-E! LOL! Well needless to say, my child had NO hair when he was born and little did I know that not only would it be curly, but it would also have a HUGE characteristic of my hair: dryness.

In my son's 1st year I have learned so much. Now, a lot of what I've learned about mixed hair, was spawned in the beginning of my natural hair journey. If you don't know, black people don't wash their hair everyday the way many white people do. Our hair is much dryer and naturally more fragile. This is why we use oils, creams and other hair dressers daily. The "black nature" of mixed hair is that it craves moisture. I learned quickly that although I assumed I would be able to simply dampen my little boys "white hair" with water to style it, I couldn't have been more wrong. That's just it! It isn't white hair or black hair at all! But like mine, it needs a lot more than water to be kept soft, manageable and looking neat. The only thing characteristically "white" about my son's hair is that it does need to be washed a little more frequently than mine but some how, still not as much as his daddy's. Another important note about mixed hair is, although it needs moisture, too much will leave it weighed down and greasy looking.

I've never been a fan of No More Tears but I eventually realized that that even the baby shampoo I had chosen to use wasn't cuttin' it for my mixed baby :) It left his hair stripped of its natural oils (which it needs). So I set off on a journey to find something that would clean his hair (naturally!) but not leave it "too clean"...or so clean that it was dry and lifeless. I tried using a bar of African Black Soap (which I was VERY nervous about) but it has shea butter and ash in it. And ya know what? The woolly patch in the back of my sons head softened and curled up perfectly. It worked wonderfully, but when I ran out, I would have to go back to using our Baby Bee from Burt's Bees. So was still on the search for something better. Along the way I learned how perfect leave-in conditioners are for mixed hair. I tried a squirt of my Tresseme Natural Conditioner with a Tbsp of rosewater (great for hair) just to give it a try. It worked! The key I've found is using a really good natural conditioner and just misting his entire head after a bath or whenever I'm ready to style it. My signature regimen for him is doing this and combing it through after I wash it with Basalisa Soap. It seems to have the balance of essential oils that leave our baby's hair soft, detangled and moisturized. Plus, it smells amazing!! It is by far mine and the Hubby's favorite to bathe in, so we run out quickly. We also love the White Tea Ginger (goat milk) lotion, featured in my Choosing Safer Products video post. It has done wonders for our skin and mixed baby's hair!! I welcome all questions and comments ;))

::Lovin' my mixed baby's hair!::

What's on Your List?

Ok- there are several things I have need of, but really besides the ipad2, this on a shirt is like all I want for Christmas. Literally. It would be even more amazing on a hoody! Why, you ask? Simple. Because I love the idea of trading goods and services. Something about it just makes me smile. All the more reason that I NEED to have this in my wardrobe :) What are the top items on your list this year? Will you be disappointed if they don't appear under the tree on Christmas day? Ya know, its funny, I kinda just expect to "get what I get and don't throw a fit"...my preschool class used to say this at the table as a reminder to receive whatever was being served with grace; minus a whine, huff, or another impulsive gesture. Teaching kids good manners is really something.

Anyway, so...  I've been out of the habit of even making out a list. Sad, I know. But I'm changing that this year. I'm believing that what I make happen for others, God will make happen for me. So I'm gonna go right on and start my list and focus on being a blessing to people and all my needs will be met <3 Oh and just fyi, I am planning to do a big giveaway sometime in January so please stay tuned on how you can enter and win - everyone likes winning things, right? I certainly do!!! And its gonna be B-I-G! Please tweet and share my blog with your friends. I really want to beef-up the competition lol. Thanks for visiting! Well then, until tomorrow.

:: <3 <3 <3 ::