Oh man, I go to the doctor on Monday. Lets hope I am not on a trend to gain too much weight. I have been trying to eat healthy, but I haven't done as well as I would like. Here's what baby center.com says about 16 weeks.
Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head.
My little avocado and I had guacamole for lunch. Mmmm.. good!
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
Saturday, March 28, 2009
4 months
Friday, March 27, 2009
Syphilis Outbreak
If you have a child in the tween/teen years, you might want to print this story off and hand it to them. You can tell them to inform their friends if you don't want to accuse them of having sex. When I was in high school, the promiscuous people were worried about Herpes and AIDS. I don't even know if I ever heard anyone say the word Syphilis. I wonder if this is a new trend? What did your high school friends worry about when it comes to STD's? On second thought, just forward them this link: NewsAnchorMom. The picture I just found is enough of a warning for most kids. Disgusting!
FROM CNN: Health officials say it's a disturbing trend. So, they are warning parents now: talk to your teens before it's too late. If Greg Hearstsill shows up at your house consider yourself forewarned. "Nobody like to see me walk up on their porch."
Heartsilll is a disease intervention specialist for the Oklahoma County Health Department. His job is to inform people that they may have contracted a sexually transmitted disease. "But there is good news and bad news about that. The bad news is you may be some contact with an STD, but the good news is at least they can do something about it."
He says this latest outbreak of syphilis among teenagers means more needs to be done to reach this population. "I don't think they get the education they need to know about or the responsibility that goes along with having sex."
The state department of health says the disease may be arising from teen group sex parties. "I think that unprotected sex is really what is the problem and what may fostering the spread of these diseases."
Heartsilll is a disease intervention specialist for the Oklahoma County Health Department. His job is to inform people that they may have contracted a sexually transmitted disease. "But there is good news and bad news about that. The bad news is you may be some contact with an STD, but the good news is at least they can do something about it."
He says this latest outbreak of syphilis among teenagers means more needs to be done to reach this population. "I don't think they get the education they need to know about or the responsibility that goes along with having sex."
The state department of health says the disease may be arising from teen group sex parties. "I think that unprotected sex is really what is the problem and what may fostering the spread of these diseases."
So tonight a warning for parents and especially their teenagers: If you are having unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, you may be at risk for other syphilis and other serious STD's.
Health officials are trying to spread that message hoping Greg Heartsill won't have to knock on your door.
-NewsAnchorMomJen
Health officials are trying to spread that message hoping Greg Heartsill won't have to knock on your door.
-NewsAnchorMomJen
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Morning After Questions
I got these questions from a NewsAnchorMom reader.
"I wonder are these pills covered by a child's parents insurance, or are they just handed out at school like free?
What ages does this begin?
What tests have been used, possibly to prevent these meds from hurting say, a teenager, with a kidney, heart, or other disease? If they are given out at school and some health matter occurred, would that teacher or school be liable?
I am interested in this subject."
Thank you.
I talked to Planned Parenthood today. They said the morning after pill is covered under some insurance companies, making the cost anywhere from $10-$70. If you are over 17, you do not need a prescription. Therefore, you cannot bill insurance. The FDA puts drugs through a serious of tests to determine whether or not they are approved to go on the market. As far as anyone at Planned Parenthood knows, schools are not handing out this pill like some have handed out condoms in the past. You can find more information by going to: PlannedParenthood.org
I hope this helps!
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Infant Massage
Did you use infant massage with your kids?
FROM CNN: The hospital can be a scary place, especially if you're a child being poked and prodded by people you don't know. But now more and more parents are turning to massage therapy to calm their children's fears.
MASSAGE THERAPIST WENDY SMITH ROAMS THE HALLS OF CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER IN DALLAS.. SHE DOESN'T WEAR A WHITE COAT OR SCRUBS FOR A GOOD REASON. "I'm back." TWO AND A HALF YEAR OLD JACOB IBARRA DOESN'T LIKE IT. HE'S UNDERGONE THREE SURGERIES TO REPAIR SPINAL LEAKAGE. HE'S BEEN POKED AND PRODDED ENOUGH TO LAST A LIFETIME.
"He had been through so much pain with the surgeries and the picking for the IV's and blood drawings, he was pretty much scared of everybody at that point." "Up your arm and down your side."
AND THAT IS WHERE MASSAGE THERAPIST WENDY HAS HAD THE MIDAS TOUCH.. SHE USES JACOB'S TOYS TO OVERCOME HIS AVERSION TO BEING TOUCHED. SHE'S ALSO INCORPORATED MUSIC PLAYED FROM JACOBS FAVORITE TEDDY BEAR. "Wild thing." THE MUSIC..THE TOUCHING AND RUBBING ALLOWS JACOB TO TRUST AGAIN..
"And what happens with massage, as soon as we touch the skin, that sends a signal to our brain and our brain has to go, hmm, do I like this? Do I not like this?" AFTER A SLOW START, JACOB NOW LOVES IT, AND RETURNS THE FAVOR.
"I do you chin, you do my chin." "He's more trusting, especially with Wendy, because of the type of play that she incorporated with the massaging, he's having a lot of fun pretty much." BUT IT WASN'T ALWAYS THAT WAY..AFTER HIS SURGERIES HE WAS STIFF AND SORE.
"You know, he had been on his back for so long and you know she just pretty much slipped her hands behind his back and just kind of did a gentle rub and it wasn't very painful at all." JACOB IS NOW MORE COMFORTABLE IN A ROOM FULL OF DOCTORS AND NURSES..ESPECIALLY WHEN WENDY IS THERE, HE KNOWS HE'S IN GOOD HANDS. "And the nurse said to Jacob, so who is this? And Jacob looked at me and said nice!" I love you, big kiss, muwah.
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
I'm having a baby!
There are lots of changes happening in the Christensen household. We are going to have a third baby! I think I have lost my mind! I will be four months along on Friday!
Here is a picture from 3 months. I will post a four month picture this weekend. They say you get bigger faster the more kids you have. I believe it! I have two boys so I am going to buy a bunch of pink stuff this time. That's how the gender of the baby is determined, right? It just depends on what color you buy...
I love the close-up picture because you can see a little hand print on the wall just behind my belly. That's my life!
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Do U agree with the morning after pill?
FROM CNN: A judge in New York has cleared the way for 17-year-olds to use and buy what's known as "the morning-after pill" without a prescription.
The age had been set at 18, but the F-D-A has 30 days to change that.
The birth-control drug is also known as "Plan B" and contains two pills that can prevent pregnancy--if taken less than three days after sexual intercourse.
Women's health advocates applaud the decision... while conservatives say they are worried it could lead young girls to promiscuity.
Imagine your daughter is in high school, what do you think about the morning after pill? Are you glad she has the option without telling you about her mistake or would you rather her take the chances of getting pregnant?
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
Monday, March 23, 2009
12 Best Toys
You know when you have a kid's birthday party to attend and you want to get something special, but you don't want to spend all day searching the Internet for the best rated toys? I am talking about the ones kids like the most, but are still an educational experience. This is the blog post you need to save for those occasions!
MSN has a list of the 12 best toys according to Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. We have number 10 at our house and it has been a great experience for my five-year-old! The only advice I have: Make sure you put it somewhere out of reach until the next time he plays with it. We have Lego pieces all over the house and it's impossible to figure out which Lego toy they go to!
1. Follow Me Fred and Crawl Along Leo
(Tiny Love; $19.95) This is a fun toy for active floor play with a sitting-up or crawling baby. Turn on the fabric-headed dog (Fred) or lion (Leo) and it will slowly roll a few feet and stop. Touch the accordion center of the body and it rolls some more. These bodies are made of bright-colored plastic; the tails are fabric. This "magical" motion toy invites little crawlers to follow them or use them like a roly-poly ball. Motivating your child to crawl is a lot easier with these easily touch-activated toys. These little animals do not move too quickly, so they're easier to play with than wind-up toys. To play a game of "Got It!" put the toy within easy reach and activate it with a touch. When it reaches your child, encourage him or her to send the pup back to you.
Age: Infants.
(Tiny Love; $19.95) This is a fun toy for active floor play with a sitting-up or crawling baby. Turn on the fabric-headed dog (Fred) or lion (Leo) and it will slowly roll a few feet and stop. Touch the accordion center of the body and it rolls some more. These bodies are made of bright-colored plastic; the tails are fabric. This "magical" motion toy invites little crawlers to follow them or use them like a roly-poly ball. Motivating your child to crawl is a lot easier with these easily touch-activated toys. These little animals do not move too quickly, so they're easier to play with than wind-up toys. To play a game of "Got It!" put the toy within easy reach and activate it with a touch. When it reaches your child, encourage him or her to send the pup back to you.
Age: Infants.
2. Lamaze Fun Mirror Crawl Toy
(Learning Curve International; $29.99) We've seen rolling mirrors before, but this is the best one we've seen yet. Two fat wheels hold a prism-shaped toy that spins as it rolls. The three-sided fun-house mirror has a see-through window and two mirrors. It has no electronic sounds—just the rattle of beads as they drop. It's a good rolling toy for crawling babies and it's also fun to stand it upright on one wheel and spin. Designed to invite beginners to crawl, this toy is good fun for roly-poly games that involve repetitive actions. Send this toy back and forth between you and your child, or stand it up on end and spin the triangular toy. This is no small feat for kids with physical delays.
Age: Infants.
(Learning Curve International; $29.99) We've seen rolling mirrors before, but this is the best one we've seen yet. Two fat wheels hold a prism-shaped toy that spins as it rolls. The three-sided fun-house mirror has a see-through window and two mirrors. It has no electronic sounds—just the rattle of beads as they drop. It's a good rolling toy for crawling babies and it's also fun to stand it upright on one wheel and spin. Designed to invite beginners to crawl, this toy is good fun for roly-poly games that involve repetitive actions. Send this toy back and forth between you and your child, or stand it up on end and spin the triangular toy. This is no small feat for kids with physical delays.
Age: Infants.
3. Infantino Monkeys Jungle Retreat Activity Gym
(Infantino; $59.99) We like the textured and clear graphics on this new 36-inch by 28.5- inch play mat with a warm orange, teal, brown and green palate. Patterned cross bars allow for dangly toys that baby can gaze at and eventually reach out for and touch. It has a polka-dotted tummy time pillow and peek-a-boo surprises. We can do without some of the electronic sounds and lights on the Tiki Hut, but since baby can't turn them on, you don't need to, either. The safety mirror on this hut is somewhat distorted, but that said, this is a more attractive mat than most.
Age: Infants (newborn and up).
(Infantino; $59.99) We like the textured and clear graphics on this new 36-inch by 28.5- inch play mat with a warm orange, teal, brown and green palate. Patterned cross bars allow for dangly toys that baby can gaze at and eventually reach out for and touch. It has a polka-dotted tummy time pillow and peek-a-boo surprises. We can do without some of the electronic sounds and lights on the Tiki Hut, but since baby can't turn them on, you don't need to, either. The safety mirror on this hut is somewhat distorted, but that said, this is a more attractive mat than most.
Age: Infants (newborn and up).
4. Corolle Naima Calin
(Corolle; $29.99) We're always on the lookout for dolls that reflect our diversity. Among the most adorable African-American dolls this season is the huggable, soft-bodied 12-inch baby doll named Naima, from the Calin collection. Her beanbag body makes her easy to pose. Dressed in a red-and-white cotton knit outfit with a red headband, she's a bald-headed baby with big brown eyes that open and close. She does not come with the usual extras such as a pacifier, bottle or toy that would be risky with toddlers who tend to mouth their toys. This one is an adorable armful for beginning pretend play.
Age: Toddlers, preschool.
(Corolle; $29.99) We're always on the lookout for dolls that reflect our diversity. Among the most adorable African-American dolls this season is the huggable, soft-bodied 12-inch baby doll named Naima, from the Calin collection. Her beanbag body makes her easy to pose. Dressed in a red-and-white cotton knit outfit with a red headband, she's a bald-headed baby with big brown eyes that open and close. She does not come with the usual extras such as a pacifier, bottle or toy that would be risky with toddlers who tend to mouth their toys. This one is an adorable armful for beginning pretend play.
Age: Toddlers, preschool.
5. Mega Bloks Smart Builders Piano
(Mega Bloks; $34.99) We are always on the lookout for a beginning musical toy. Most are over-the-top with frenetic lights and motion, or the sound quality is poor. So we were delighted with this new piano. There is a keyboard that you can set to play note for note, or you can use the music blocks that sit on top on the piano to add layers of music, sounds or beats. Our testers noted that the blocks stay on well. Other comments included: "This is a fantastic toy" and "Interesting and fun and will grow with him for quite a while I suspect." The piano comes with pre-programmed songs and can also be played with color-coding, but it's the non-coded format that is most child-friendly and empowering.
Age: Toddler.
(Mega Bloks; $34.99) We are always on the lookout for a beginning musical toy. Most are over-the-top with frenetic lights and motion, or the sound quality is poor. So we were delighted with this new piano. There is a keyboard that you can set to play note for note, or you can use the music blocks that sit on top on the piano to add layers of music, sounds or beats. Our testers noted that the blocks stay on well. Other comments included: "This is a fantastic toy" and "Interesting and fun and will grow with him for quite a while I suspect." The piano comes with pre-programmed songs and can also be played with color-coding, but it's the non-coded format that is most child-friendly and empowering.
Age: Toddler.
6. Tonka Wheel Drivers Scoot 'N Scoop 3-in-1 Ride-On
(Hasbro; $39.99) Here's a "convertible" that switches from a push toy for the littlest ones to a first ride-on for toddlers. It has a magic picker-upper that scoops up plastic blocks which also fit in a shape-sorter seat. Our young tester really enjoyed this aspect of the toy—he could make the blocks "disappear." This toy also has a "revving wheel" with a horn, direction signals and child-pleasing motor sounds. Best of all, toddlers can remove the wheel and play with it away from the truck. Our tester loves taking the wheel off and bringing it into his parents' car so he can "help" drive. He also takes his cat and stuffed animals for rides. Our parent tester also loved this toy's new companion Tonka Li'l Gas Pump (sold separately for $19.99).
Age: Toddler.
(Hasbro; $39.99) Here's a "convertible" that switches from a push toy for the littlest ones to a first ride-on for toddlers. It has a magic picker-upper that scoops up plastic blocks which also fit in a shape-sorter seat. Our young tester really enjoyed this aspect of the toy—he could make the blocks "disappear." This toy also has a "revving wheel" with a horn, direction signals and child-pleasing motor sounds. Best of all, toddlers can remove the wheel and play with it away from the truck. Our tester loves taking the wheel off and bringing it into his parents' car so he can "help" drive. He also takes his cat and stuffed animals for rides. Our parent tester also loved this toy's new companion Tonka Li'l Gas Pump (sold separately for $19.99).
Age: Toddler.
7. Gotz Aquini Drink-and-Wet Dolls
(International Playthings; $29.99) Finding an anatomically correct doll is not easy—finding one that can go in the tub is even harder. Select either the boy or girl; each 13-inch doll has painted features. Both come with potty seat, a bottle, a snap-off-and-on romper and towel for drying off. New outfits are slightly different than in this photo. This doll is the perfect choice for the potty-training set.
Age: Preschool.
(International Playthings; $29.99) Finding an anatomically correct doll is not easy—finding one that can go in the tub is even harder. Select either the boy or girl; each 13-inch doll has painted features. Both come with potty seat, a bottle, a snap-off-and-on romper and towel for drying off. New outfits are slightly different than in this photo. This doll is the perfect choice for the potty-training set.
Age: Preschool.
8. Step2 50s Diner
(Step2; $149.99) Kudos to Step2 for coming up with a really fun, gender-free play setting. Our preschool and toddler siblings enjoyed playing diner (the older sister was running the place, of course!). On one side you have all the kitchen equipment of a traditional toy kitchen (sink, refrigerator and oven) with the bonus of a grill top. The other side has a place where two customers can sit—the "booth"—complete with a tabletop jukebox that plays a few tunes from the era, and a bell for service (our testers thought the bell could be louder). The diner also comes with a coffee pot, dishes, silverware and play food; our testers were big fans of the ice cream cones.
Age: Toddlers, preschool, early school years.
(Step2; $149.99) Kudos to Step2 for coming up with a really fun, gender-free play setting. Our preschool and toddler siblings enjoyed playing diner (the older sister was running the place, of course!). On one side you have all the kitchen equipment of a traditional toy kitchen (sink, refrigerator and oven) with the bonus of a grill top. The other side has a place where two customers can sit—the "booth"—complete with a tabletop jukebox that plays a few tunes from the era, and a bell for service (our testers thought the bell could be louder). The diner also comes with a coffee pot, dishes, silverware and play food; our testers were big fans of the ice cream cones.
Age: Toddlers, preschool, early school years.
9. Cheekeyes Wooden Dinosaur Animal Set
(Cheekeyes; $29.99) We're big on wooden blocks as basic gear for the preschool set. Adding props to blocks can spark new directions for dramatic play. We love this new line of handsomely crafted wooden dinosaurs. (The company also offers a set of farm animals, trees, a cave and a mountain.) The dinosaurs and the animals are outstanding in this category. They are very smooth—as all wooden toys should be—and are painted just on the sides. This toy set is available online only, at Oompa Toys.
Age: Preschool, early school years.
(Cheekeyes; $29.99) We're big on wooden blocks as basic gear for the preschool set. Adding props to blocks can spark new directions for dramatic play. We love this new line of handsomely crafted wooden dinosaurs. (The company also offers a set of farm animals, trees, a cave and a mountain.) The dinosaurs and the animals are outstanding in this category. They are very smooth—as all wooden toys should be—and are painted just on the sides. This toy set is available online only, at Oompa Toys.
Age: Preschool, early school years.
10. Lego City Coast Guard Patrol Boat and Tower
(Lego Systems Inc. $59.99) Young builders will be thrilled to have a 17-inch floating patrol boat that they assemble themselves. It has a crane that turns and moves up and down to put rafts into the water and to lower the anchor. This kit includes a 12-inch tall control station tower and a 10-inch long dock. This 444-piece set also includes four mini figures, a shark, surfboard, small boat and other accessories for dramatic play. Our testers noted that five-year-olds will need help, while older, more experienced builders will find this set too easy. Lego has also started putting all the pieces for a particular item in one bag, to make assembly easier. Most of us remember those 'Where-is-that-one-piece?' moments when confronted with a box with hundreds of pieces.
Age: Early school years (ages 5 and up).
(Lego Systems Inc. $59.99) Young builders will be thrilled to have a 17-inch floating patrol boat that they assemble themselves. It has a crane that turns and moves up and down to put rafts into the water and to lower the anchor. This kit includes a 12-inch tall control station tower and a 10-inch long dock. This 444-piece set also includes four mini figures, a shark, surfboard, small boat and other accessories for dramatic play. Our testers noted that five-year-olds will need help, while older, more experienced builders will find this set too easy. Lego has also started putting all the pieces for a particular item in one bag, to make assembly easier. Most of us remember those 'Where-is-that-one-piece?' moments when confronted with a box with hundreds of pieces.
Age: Early school years (ages 5 and up).
11. Karito Kids Travel Charmers
(KidsGive $19.99 each) This is a welcome new collection of funky multi-cultural dolls with international stories and attitude! Each doll is a soft and huggable 16 inches tall and comes with an outfit that will appeal to the five-and-up crowd. Each also has a travel story of her own. For example, there's Zoe from North America; Wan Ling, who travels from China to Japan; and Pita who goes to Brazil, and more. A portion of the profits fund various children's humanitarian projects. Each doll comes with a code that takes you to the Karito Kids Web site (which includes games and covers the concept of giving). Our testers really liked how portable the dolls were. We love the commitment to diversity.
Age: Early school years.
(KidsGive $19.99 each) This is a welcome new collection of funky multi-cultural dolls with international stories and attitude! Each doll is a soft and huggable 16 inches tall and comes with an outfit that will appeal to the five-and-up crowd. Each also has a travel story of her own. For example, there's Zoe from North America; Wan Ling, who travels from China to Japan; and Pita who goes to Brazil, and more. A portion of the profits fund various children's humanitarian projects. Each doll comes with a code that takes you to the Karito Kids Web site (which includes games and covers the concept of giving). Our testers really liked how portable the dolls were. We love the commitment to diversity.
Age: Early school years.
12. Crayola Digital Camcorder
(Sakar; $59.99) This little camcorder is pretty remarkable for what it is. It has a built-in microphone and includes a 1.5-inch preview screen and a memory expansion slot. It also comes with a lot of engaging activity centers that kids will love exploring: a story maker, puppet show, jigsaw puzzles and a photo-editing center. The hardware is compatible on an Apple Mac—but the included software can only be used on PCs. Kids can record their shows and watch them on the TV screen. For the youngest video maker, this is a magical tool that will save wear-and-tear on your regular equipment.
Age: Early school years; late school years.
(Sakar; $59.99) This little camcorder is pretty remarkable for what it is. It has a built-in microphone and includes a 1.5-inch preview screen and a memory expansion slot. It also comes with a lot of engaging activity centers that kids will love exploring: a story maker, puppet show, jigsaw puzzles and a photo-editing center. The hardware is compatible on an Apple Mac—but the included software can only be used on PCs. Kids can record their shows and watch them on the TV screen. For the youngest video maker, this is a magical tool that will save wear-and-tear on your regular equipment.
Age: Early school years; late school years.
Do you have any of these toys? If so, how would you rate them?
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
Don't miss this opportunity!
I am setting up times in the afternoon to tape interview segments that will air on the news. If you have a topic you would like to see me cover, let me know! We have mainly been talking about health issues and upcoming not-for-profit events. I am scheduling through next fall, so give me a call at WEEK/WHOI (309) 698-3737. You will need to be at the station in person as opposed to over the phone or via satellite. If you have a passion for a certain topic, this is your chance! You can also reach me at newsanchormom {at} gmail.com.
Thanks!
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
Sunday, March 22, 2009
No sun exposure for kids
I haven't done a survey or anything, but I would venture to guess the majority of parents are not giving their kids a Vitamin D supplement each day even though it's recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. I keep thinking about it and not making it a priority. Then I end up talking to a physician who doesn't think a supplement is necessary and I never go buy any. I certainly don't think a Vitamin D supplement would hurt, so I should really just get with the program here.
Have you started giving your kids a daily Vitamin D supplement?
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
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