special spaces

I love these ideas for creating spaces for your child at home, and am trying to figure out how I could make a space like these for baby boy.  Too cute!

Work spaces

Learning spaces

Respecting

This year I have been thinking about what goals I have and where I would like to improve. And with images all over the tv of so much stuff being ruined and thrown out with floods and cyclones I got to thinking about all those people who have now lost so much, and wondered what they are really missing.

So this year I want to treat my 'stuff' with respect, treating it with the value it deserves. I have started by sorting out all the clothes in my closet, hanging them properly and in order so I can always find them. When you think about it, there is a lot of money in there and I need to respect that and enjoy wearing all of those clothes. My other project has been to sort all baby boys toys, making sure no pieces are missing and that all the 'sets' are kept together. Anyone spent a morning sticking all the flaps back on the 'Spot' books?  It was really satisfying!
I hope to folllow this pattern though all the rooms of my house, and enjoy a greater appreciation for what I do have.

Got teeth?

If you read my family blog you may notice photo's of my beautiful baby boy with his amber teething necklace on (much to many of my relatives dismay ;0) I purchased it when he was about 15 months old and thought that I have now tested it out enough to give my opinion on it.
They work!
Baby boy didn't start getting teeth til he was around 12 months, and after a few nights of paracetamol and excessive drooling I thought they couldn't hurt. I had also had a recommendation from a midwife in my ABA group who uses them with all her children. Man of the house thought I was crazy...but he usually does anyway...He married me :0)

The biggest difference noticed after putting it on is the drastic reduction in dribbling and irritability. From soaking through tshirts one minute to literally dry the next, it has really been that noticable for me. If you have never seen one used, they are short and sit against the skin of the child under their clothing. The theory is supposed to be that the amber warms against the skin and releases an anti-inflammitory oil. After a few minutes baby boy doesn't even notice it is on. They are not to be chewed and should have a clasp that will release when pulled on to reduce any risk of choking. Read this warning.

So that's my opinion, I do think that medication definately plays a vital role, but if I can avoid giving it to my child (hence not reducing the effect of their growing immune system) I will.

I bought my necklace from here:http://www.thedappyshop.com.au/
If you are interested :0)

Growing

"The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer to God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth"
~Dorothy Frances Gurney~