v4 issue 29: Get Accessorized

Dress up your every day gear and clothing with these products that add a little extra. We review accessories for your little ones in this week's issue.


Cover by Robin Long








1 Gorgeous knitted hats, adorned with a blooming flower and a long, color coordinating ribbon, can be transformed into a purse for 2-in-1 function. Versatile and chic accessorizing from Lollitops!

2 According to Cambodian folklore, the delicate sounds of this jingle bell ankle bracelet ward off unwanted spirits. Pass along an ancient tradition of baby welcoming with the sounds of dainty bells and the beauty of sterling silver. Available at baby emi. Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off your total purchase

3 Function meets high style in the Lucas bag from hedvig bourbon. The unique strap design allows the diaper bag to clip over any stroller handles. Yet, it just as easily transforms into a handbag or shoulder strap bag.

4 Fashionable eye protection for winter fun. Protect eyes from sun and snowballs with Ski Banz child ski goggles. 100% UVA/UVB protection in pink, black, or blue at babybanz.com Enter code: TTW09 for 10% off your total purchase. Exp: 3/15/09

5 Bellaziza's carries an assortment of itty bitty bows for creating the perfect teeny tiny hairdo. Adjustments can be made so these adorable clips can easily expand to fit thicker hair too. Brilliant! Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 30% off orders of 6 or more barrettes

6 Royalty rules the land of accessories @ Babycakes of Scottsdale. A furry pink case is just right for storing travel wipes or trinkets when topped off with a crown of jewels.

7 Fabulously hip headbands from Bugalug come in a multitude of colors and trendy patterns. A unique toggle adjustment keeps headbands in place without slipping and allows a headband to fit any head from infant to adult! Talk about a bargain. Enter code: TREND10 to save 10% off total purchase. Exp: 3/31/09

8 Creating a bouquet of accessories is a cinch with customclippies.com. With an endless assortment of flower hair clips made of organza, silk, and everything in between...the selection can't be beat. Enter code: Trendsweekrdr15 for 15% off your total purchase. Exp: 4/30/09


This weeks Mom tip:
Vinegar - an earth friendly alternative to many chemicals

The active component of vinegar that makes it so useful is acetic acid; which is a byproduct of a bacteria called acetobacter. White vinegar is incredibly cheap, particularly when bought in bulk (under a dollar per litre or quart) and has a long shelf life.

• Some commercial air fresheners use chemicals that can be harmful to a baby's development. Instead, lightly spritz the place with vinegar.
• Vinegar will clean out deposits clogging a steam iron or coffeemaker.
• A cup of vinegar will clean a washing machine. Run it through a regular cycle - but not with clothes.
• If using vinegar as a cleaning agent, pick the white variety. Brown will stain porous surfaces.
• To create a tub-scum cleaner, mix baking soda and a "green" liquid soap to a honey-thick consistency. Apply it with a little elbow grease and perhaps a splash of white vinegar.
• Use full strength vinegar to polish chrome and stainless steel.
• Vinegar can also be used as a glass cleaner either mixed with water or used neat in a spray bottle.
• Vinegar can be used as a fabric softener by adding half the amount of vinegar as you would of your usual softening agent.
• Use it as a broad leaf weed killer - spray it neat onto the leaves of weeds, being careful to avoid plants you wish to keep. A mix of vinegar and salt can be used to keep weeks and grass out of driveway cement joins.
• Old, stiff paintbrushes can be revived by dipping them into heated white vinegar for a couple of hours, followed by a rinse in soapy water. Beats using turpentine!
• For a DIY dusting formula, add a few drops of olive oil to 1/4 cup vinegar. Dampen your dust cloth with the solution.


Get Kids Involved in Food Preparation
Storybooks with cooking involved are a good place to start building an interest in helping in the kitchen for younger kids.

Ask questions and talk about what will happen when you do certain things, like chop something up, or put something in the oven ... this gets their interest even if they aren't doing the action themselves yet.

The simplest tasks can get even a toddler involved in food prep, stirring the macaroni, pouring the milk, etc.

Clean up is a time when everyone can help as well.

Gathering of ingredients is an important step and one that most kids can handle, "please bring me 3 carrots, and 2 sticks of celery" and a good beginning to helping out in the kitchen area.

Teach them to make something that they can make with little help from you, a scrambled egg, a grilled cheese sandwich, a bowl of soup, a fruit salad, etc.

Look for kids sized kitchen gear and alternate tools for little fingers, for example kids could use a rolling pizza cutter to cut up veggies instead of a big sharp knife.

Get kids their own cookbook and let them choose a recipe, there are a variety of kids geared cookbooks on the market today to choose from.

Let them experiment with different foods, textures, ingredients, combinations, sauces, dips etc.... even if you think something sounds gross and they want to try combining it let them try a small amount, it's the best way to learn about foods.

Don't take over, as adults and parents we tend to want to do things for them when we see a little bit of a struggle or when we think they might not succeed, try to take a different approach, stand back and be observant but don't help unless they ask you too or if it's with something sharp or extremely hot.

v4 issue 28: Problem Solvers

From bathing supplies to nose bleeds, this issue is packed with tips and tricks for problem solving with your child.


Cover by Kelly Smith









1 The Puj tub can be used in any standard sized sink. Use it in the bathroom, the kitchen, at Grandma's, or on vacation! This soft tub dries quickly and conforms to baby for ultimate cradling during a tubby.
Enter code: TotTrends for 20% off total purchase

2 By putting a zipper on the back of sleepwear, Mookimoo solved a common problem. Now, kiddos who love to take off their sleepwear just don't know what to do. However, they are safe and warm!
Free USPS First Class Shipping within the US for our readers 2/15/09 - 2/21/09. No code needed for this.

3 When swaddling babies, arms and kicking legs can be a problem. The solution? The Miracle Blanket. Extra pockets for wrapping arms and legs keep even the squirmiest of Houdinis comforted and content.

4 Crying eyes need not fear rinsing. The Lil Rinser scoops up over the forehead and diverts soapy water from entering eyes. Happy children...clean hair.

5 Soothing sounds to relax the senses. Prenatal Peace & Calming is an audio CD for stress reduction and deep respite. Created by Jill Woodnick with proceeds supporting EarthBirth-a project to make childbirth peace & secure in war torn regions. Click here to listen to a sample.
Enter code: TTW10 for 10% off your order

6 Stroller Suspenders are a unique solution to keeping baby's blanket on the stroller and off the ground. The baby safe clips are attached to pretty prints and won't tear blankets!

7 If losing pacifiers and pacifier clips is your problem, a Bink Tee just might do the trick. Lift up the designer patch to expose two velcro fasteners, then fasten your ribbon pacifier holder and you're all done. Simple.

8 Messy eater? No problem. Oopsy Daisy makes a fabulous rinse-free shampoo. It's all natural "high chair hair care". Just lather it up and towel dry for an instant clean.

9 NoseBudd is a fantastic invention to stop nose bleeds. Keeps the cold right where you need it, so capillaries shrink and bleeding stops.
Enter code: TTREND09 to receive 2 for $10 (plus S&H)


This weeks Mom tip:
Stamp out junk mail once and for all the Green way.

There is now a solution for reducing your carbon footprint while freeing your mailbox from those irritating direct mailings that leave it overflowing.

Each year, 100 million trees are cut down to create the approximately 4 million tons of unwanted junk mail in the U.S. This unwanted junk mail ends up in landfills.

GreenDimes offers a giftable Junk Mail Reduction Kit. You can buy GreenDimes eGifts for friends in various denominations of value, and GreenDimes will send your recipients an email with a code to redeem their gift. The kit includes automatic removal from major direct marketing lists, plus 10 trees planted with one of GreenDimes's nonprofit tree-planting partners.

For a $20 annual fee Green Dimes pledges to reduce your junk mail 90% within 90 days. They do this by pulling your name off a broad range of lists and follow up monthly to make sure you stay off those lists.

Visit Green Dimes for more details.


Attachment and Academic Achievement
The lead article in the December 2008 issue of the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics caught my attention. The article reported a study (Keller 2008) in which the investigators looked at the sleep behavior of 166 third graders as this related to the quality of their attachment to parents and their math achievement. They found that children who were insecurely attached to parents had significantly lower quantity and less efficient sleep patterns than did children who were securely attached. The insecurely attached children also had significantly lower math scores than did the securely attached. To the investigators, these findings suggested that poor attachment affected math achievement indirectly through its impact upon children’s sleep patterns.

I found these results particularly interesting given the current onslaught of programs to teach infants everything from math to computers. What bothers me most about these programs is its effect upon the attachment to parents. In all of these programs there are right and wrong answers. Parents reward, or withhold rewards, depending upon the infant’s response. Infants have little understanding of right and wrong. What they do understand is that parental love is conditional on doing something or other. Yet to be securely attached infants need unconditional love and attention. In their desire to give their infants an intellectual head start these “early advantage” parents may in fact be doing just the opposite. What the study suggests is that secure attachment is probably more beneficial to academic achievement than is attempting to teach infants and young children tool skills.

This study underscores the point that we are trying to make with Just Ask Baby. Our emphasis is on providing infants and young children with the kind of parenting that ensures secure attachment and a sense of trust that the world is a safe and welcoming place. In the long run, that appears to be the best way to prepare infants and children for later academic achievement.
___________________________________________

Written By David Elkind Ph.D., Chief Scientific Advisor-justaskbaby.com

References: Keller, P. S. El. Sheikh., Mona; Buckhalt, Joseph A. (2008). "Children's Attachment to Parents and Their Academic Functioning: Sleep Patterns as Moderators of Effects." Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 29(6): 441-449.

Disclaimer - The content in our articles are submitted by various authors, worldwide and are provided for informational purposes only. Tot Trends Weekly does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy and is not responsible for the content of the article.

v4 issue 27: Retro Revival

This weeks issue is packed with retro style that is urban and hip. We think these products emphasize the beauty of yesterday's styles. Loaded with exclusive discounts!


Cover by Rae Mati









1 The adorably sophisticated presentation of the Bambini spa gift Valise makes it the ultimate newborn gift. Signature towels, washcloths, a wooden brush & comb set, and a cuddly teddy bear come tucked inside a vintage case definitely worth keeping!
Enter code: TTWBam for 10% off your total purchase

2 A vibrant flower print covers the panels of this funky flower play clothes cover. Quickly slips over heads and stays securely in place with ties on both sides. Keep them clean & swanky! My Retro Baby
Enter code: shopretro2 for 20% off orders over $100. Exp: 3/15/09

3 Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry perch themselves on a banana yellow tee for a super sweet ice cream treat. Drizzled with chocolate and smiles, kids can't wait to dive into this retro shirt from heavytees.com

4 Knobs turn, faucets swivel, and everything opens in this pink retro kitchen from Ashley Taylor Home. This set easily satisfies a 21st century girl with its pink color, vintage style, and sturdy construction.
Enter code: tottrends to receive 20% off your order

5 Get-a-long little doggy and rustle up some bedding over at Stylish Kids Rooms. The sheets are covered with the colors of brown cattle and the bumper is plastered with cowboys from days gone by. Truly fabulous style with a retro flair.
Enter code: TTWMAG to receive 10% off orders over $99

6 Get all you'll need to deck out a crib in mod prints with the Geo Aqua crib bedding set. Made of a combination of 100% cotton and minky fabric, each set includes a bumper pad, fitted minky crib sheet, blanket, and tailored crib skirt. icribbedding.com
Enter code: TREND for 10% off your total order

7 Everybody mambo on over to the funkie baby for a be bop bib. A soak proof lining is stitched inside two layers of cotton fabric. Keeps droolers and messy eaters of 3 months to 3 years dry, dry, dry!

8 Reptillia stomps onto the scene of wildly good crib rock tees. Straight from Japan, this giant lizard is just one of the new tees from the LEGENDS line...the new monster rockin' collection from Crib Rock.


This weeks Mom tips:
Dried Fruit and Health Advantages

Part of the food pyramid says that we need to eat fruit on a daily basis. Much of our vitamin C comes from fruits and fruit juices. Dried varieties of fruits are both good and marginal for our bodies.

Certain fruits can be dried for prolonged storage. We buy fresh fruits from the grocery store and the farmer’s market as a part of a healthy diet. But, fresh doesn’t stay fresh for as long as we like. One way to save that fruit is to dry it.

The drying process can be as easy for you as sticking some fruit directly on the oven rack and letting it shrivel up. A piece of fruit is mostly water. The drying process concentrates the natural sugars and can feed our sweet tooth better than candy and other sweet foods. Also the vitamins and nutrients contained in the fruit are still present. Depending on the fruit, it contains folate, antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Dried fruit benefits our bodies with natural sugar instead of added sugar. Eating some fruit is much better than eating artificially flavored sweets. But, there is one drawback to dried varieties of fruit. Like everything else, dried fruit is eaten in moderation to avoid eating too much. While it is okay to eat a lot of real fruit, dried fruit contains more calories than regular fruit. Why is that, you may ask? Because more fruit fits in a serving, the calories add up. Be careful to eat the serving size of dried fruit to avoid ingesting too much sugar or calories. It only takes a couple of handfuls of raisins to get most of the daily allowance for vitamin C and A. As long as you don’t eat too much dried fruits on a daily basis they are good for your health. It is just like anything else. Eating all things in moderation keeps them as healthy additions to your diet. Besides, dried fruits are easy to transport anywhere for a simple snack.


Keeping Your Children Safe from Indoor Toxins
Children are rambunctious and as a parent you do everything in your power to protect them. You make sure they wear bicycle helmets, you tell them to wash their hands and to look both ways before crossing the street, but have you ever thought about protecting them from poor indoor air quality? While poor indoor air quality (IAQ) poses health risks it can be positively impacted.

Poor IAQ is caused by a build-up of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air. VOCs are emitted from the very materials used to furnish and maintain homes including furniture, bedding, paint and cleaning products. This build-up, along with poor ventilation, causes indoor air to be anywhere from two to five times more polluted than outside air. And, at elevated levels, VOCs pose short- and long-term health consequences. Short-term health effects include triggering asthma and allergy attacks, respiratory irritation, headaches and flu-like symptoms. Long-term issues include respiratory and neurological diseases and cancer.

Good IAQ is important for everyone, but especially for children. Children’s organs and respiratory, immune and neurological systems are still developing. And since they breathe at a faster rate than adults they breathe in a relatively greater volume of air, putting them at a higher risk for inhaling potentially harmful chemicals.

There is some good news. By knowing what causes poor IAQ, you can make the necessary changes to provide your family with good indoor air. One of the most significant ways to limit exposure to toxic air is through source control. Take the paint in a child’s room for example. As paint dries it releases VOCs into the air, causing indoor VOC levels to be as much as 1000 times higher than outdoor air. Additionally, VOC emissions can continue even six months after application.

Right now many paints are labeled VOC-free or Low-VOC which refers to the VOC content in the paint. This label does not give you any information about chemical emissions being released into the air where they are easily inhaled. Selecting a low-emitting paint is the best way to ensure that the fewest possible VOCs are being emitted into the air.

In addition, make sure low-emitting paints, and other products, are certified by a reputable third-party, independent source like GREENGUARD Environmental Institute. GREENGUARD Certification ensures products have been tested and emit the fewest possible chemicals. Many of these low-emitting, non-toxic products are in the marketplace now including personal computers, printers, mattresses, flooring, kitchen and bathroom counters, architectural paints, insulations, wall coverings and window treatments. A complete list can be found at greenguard.org

Other key tips to limiting your exposure to VOCs include:
•Using water-based cleaners that are odor-free and biodegradable; avoid ones that say danger, caution or flammable. Use non-fragranced cleaners and polishes you rub on rather than spray. Often cloths damp from water work well to control dust.

•Use microfiber dusting cloths and mops that can be easily replaced and washed. Avoid the rag mop and sponges that can easily become contaminated with bacteria and particles.

•Take off the plastic bags and air out dry-cleaned clothes before bringing them into the home.

•Avoid any products with long-lasting odors, even if they claim to have natural scents.

•Do not use any air cleaners that release or use ozone in the process - buy cleaners that meet California’s new rule on ozone and are verified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for ozone compliance.

•Use high efficiency (HEPA) vacuum cleaners only and vacuum all carpet frequently - at least every other day.

•Consider removing your shoes when entering the home from the outside.

So while you are busy protecting your children from bumps, bruises and illnesses, don’t forget about poor indoor air quality.

If you would like to read more about IAQ and its impact on children’s health visit:
Air Quality Sciences
www.greenguard.org
www.epa.gov
www.americanlung.org

Source: Mandi Joyner, Communications Manager, GREENGUARD Environmental Institute.

v4 issue 26: Hearts Galore

We have found gifts and more that will help you celebrate the holiday of love. Inspire smiles with these lovely products adorned in hearts and sentiments of love.


Cover by Brittany Stover








1 The oobi baby betsy sweater dress, with its stripes, hearts, and pom-poms, comes with the cupid seal of approval. Looks adorable paired with leggings or Oobi's snow bunny pants. A comfy, knitted dress special enough for any date! Purl mama.com

2 A waffled visor beanie is topped off with embroidered hearts and wings for a look you'll love. Made in sizes to fit 6 months to 7 years. The pink hat from Born to Love is one of many treats spotted at the Polkadot Platypus.
Enter TTW15 for 15% off at checkout

3 Pick up some Valentine's goodies at Cuckoo Boo! The colors of love, hearts, and I LOVE YOU's make these ID bands and hair clips utterly fantastic. Something for baby and Mom to love.

4 Steal the hearts of cutie pies of all ages with one of the fabulous finds from Pink Taffy Designs. A bling onesie is just one many products available for the big holiday. Adorned with rhinestone crystals in heart shaped designs for candy inspired fashion.

5 Little feet will feel the love with shoes and socks from Robeez baby shoes. Pink and fuchsia hearts and swirls decorate these shoes and socks made with a comfortable, secure, Podiatric-approved fit.

6 Kenarie's is the place to find a precious heart shaped sterling silver baby bracelet for your pint-sized sweetheart. Monogrammed with an initial or a name, this adorable bracelet is a quality piece for keepsake Valentine's giving.
Enter TTW for 10% off at checkout

7 Who knows how to share the love better than the purple dinosaur? Barney's "I Love You Gift Set" DVD is a 3 disc set. Practice ABCs, sing-a-long with 24 songs, or visit all kinds of animals at the zoo.

8 Leg warmers: for warmth, protection, or function. These rainbow heart legwarmers are made of 100% bamboo fibers. A colorful, stylish Valentine's Day accessory that's easy on the eyes and the wallet @ only $10.00 a pair! agoo4u.com

9 Em Tanner Designs has done it again. We adore her new festive Valentine's Day Tees. One of our favorites is the red X’s and O’s shirt. Nothing says love like hugs and kisses.
Enter XOXO for 20% off orders of $100 or more.



Share the love...
Valentine's Day is a day for sending cards, gifts and sharing sweets with those you love.

Looking for a fantastic place to find Valentines Day cards for your love as well as for your children to share. We adore the selection of cards at Tiny Prints.

Oodles and oodles of Valentine's Day cards to choose from as low as $0.69 each. Personalizing available which is real smart for the kiddo that have not yet mastered how to write their name.

Spread the love with these Dandy Candy greeting cards...sweets without the sugar!

Enter code: TPLOVE for 10% off orders $49 or more. Hurry...Exp: 2/2/09


And a Valentines Day favorite...



Accessorize your cupcakes for home or for the whole class with these operational handheld Pinwhirls from pinwhirls.com

What a great take home favor for the little ones. Handheld pinwheels with coordinating heart center $3.35 each.



Valentine Cupcakes

Ingredients- Makes 12 jumbo cupcakes
* 3 cups cake flour (not self-rising)

* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
* 2 cups sugar
* 5 large eggs

* 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
* 1 cup buttermilk
* Swiss Meringue Buttercream for Valentine Cupcakes (below)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.with rack in center. Line jumbo muffin pans with baking cups; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. With mixer running, add eggs, one at a time, beating to combine after each addition. Beat in vanilla.
3. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
4. Divide batter evenly between baking cups (2/3 cup batter per cup). Bake until light golden brown and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, rotating pans halfway through baking, 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer pans to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan to wire rack to cool completely.
5. To decorate, use the handle of a wooden spoon to create a deep hole in the center of each cupcake. Using a pastry bag fitted with a 1/3-inch round tip, fill cupcakes with buttercream. Frost each cupcake with about 2 tablespoons buttercream.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream for Valentine Cupcakes
Ingredients -Makes 4 cups
* 5 large egg whites
* 1 1/4 cups sugar
* 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Directions
1. Combine egg whites and sugar in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer. Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water. Whisk constantly until sugar has dissolved and whites are hot to the touch, about 5 minutes.
2. Transfer the bowl to the electric mixer. Using the whisk attachment, beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 10 minutes.
3. At low speed, add butter, one piece at a time, to egg whites, and beat until smooth. Add vanilla and salt, and beat to combine.

Source: Martha Stewart


Our favorite...
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 bag chocolate "kisses", unwrapped

In a large mixing bowl, beat the margarine and peanut butter with electric mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds until blended. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and beat for several minutes until fluffy. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat well.

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to peanut butter mixture. Beat well but do not over mix.

For easier handling cover and chill about one hour.

Preheat oven to 375° F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in additional granulated sugar. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake about 10-12 minutes, or until edges are firm. Immediately press a chocolate "kiss" on top of each cookie. With a spatula, place cookies onto cooling rack. When cool, store in an air tight container.

Source: familytime.com


One reader's birth story
We asked our readers to submit their birth stories, this was one of our favorites. Do you have an interesting story to tell about the birth of your child? Please write in and share!

A home water birth isn’t for everyone, but a healthy pregnancy and good support was the winning formula for me. Like many moms, expectations for the first pregnancy and birth are laced with anxieties and the fear of the unknown. I was no different. But, I was healthy and strong, and being in a hospital just didn’t feel right for me. I wanted the birth to be intimate, relaxing and natural. And, while we had a birth plan that primarily outlined a home birth experience, we were flexible in our expectations.

As my labor started, the contractions were surprisingly manageable. The doula came immediately and set up a birthing pool in the nursery. We placed lavender in the water, lit some candles, lowered the lights and listened to calm ocean sounds – it was my own birthing spa! When the contractions started to become stronger, getting into the heated birthing pool made all the difference. It allowed me enough space to stretch out easily and get into a number of supportive poses as the water took the weight of the baby. My husband was also able to join me and helped to massage my low back and assist in getting me through some big contractions. It was amazing for him to be a participant in the experience. When it came time to push, things moved quickly. But didn’t it hurt you ask? No epidural? Really? Sure, it was no walk in the park, but after five robust pushes, the midwife jumped into the water to catch our little girl. She was perfect and so was I - less the usual exhaustion. After she was weighed and assessed, we retired to our own bed to curl up and enjoy some chocolate birthday cake. It was cozy and wonderful.
So, when it came time to have our son 3 years later, we took a similar approach and loosely planned for another home water birth. But, as with Murphy ’s Law things never quite go as planned. I went into labor four weeks early, and our doula ended up in the hospital with stomach pains after setting up the birthing pool. My labor progressed so quickly the pool didn’t have time to heat up. So my husband was boiling pots of water on the stove hoping to get it ready in time! Thankfully, the midwife arrived within a couple of hours and stayed with us through the 8-hour labor, and much like our daughter’s birth, I found the greatest comfort in the warmth of the birthing pool. With a few good pushes our son was born into the water. And like an old hand; I scooped him up and into my arms. Our 3-year old slept through the whole thing, but she came up to our room early that morning. It was magical to introduce her to her new baby brother and watch her eyes light up with love and amazement as we snuggled together.

Submitted by TTW Reader Melanie of Ottawa, Ontario

What a beautiful story of LOVE!