My Top 3 Ways to Sanitize Toys

          ( For smaller plastic toys. )

1. I throw them in the dishwasher for a nice clean steam to finish the kill-the-germs deal.
   
    or
2. Place them into boiling water just like I would with a dirty pacifier for at least 5 mins.
   
   ( For battery operated or fabric toys. )
   
   
3. I do a 360 LYSOL anti-bacterial spray two feet away from the toy then wipe it down with a baby wipe. 

 Places Where I Sanitize: 

• car seat handle & fabric 
• crib railings
• smaller toys with potential ‘put-in-your-mouth’ attraction for baby
• any table top (i.e., high chair, rocker, walker)
• my cell phone & keys —-> predominantly due to the fact that I am constantly in contact with those items and then with my baby

Glass vs. Plastic Bottles

I will be reviewing Dr. Brown's glass baby bottles versus Medela's baby bottles based on the following three criteria: Ergonomics, Price & Durability.

Ergonomics:
I noticed a drastic difference of feeding when I switched from plastic to glass bottles. My main goal was to control my babys's fussiness by using a bottle especially designed to treat colic. To my surprise, Dr. Brown's failed to deliver the comfort and gentle flow of Medela's that keeps my baby eating.

Price:
2-8 oz. glass bottles are $12.99
12-2.5 oz. plastic Bottles are 15.99
In terms of quality, paying too much is never an issue for me. I found that both were relatively the same price point, but liked the versatility of Medela bottles. There are bottles for breastmilk storage and regular feedings.

Durability:
There is no doubt glass withstands plastic, but after using Medela's bottles for 3 months now, they are still like new. Both BPA-free. However, Medela's is less likely to shatter and easier to transport.

There is no surprise to which I prefer, but don't just take my word for it, try it for yourselves!

All reviews are written from first hand use and experience of the products. Keeping it real to make motherhood simpler.

Recipe of the Week - NJOY!

Click here to NJOY BBQ Chicken Strips at home.

Click here to NJOY Homemade Bread at home.

M.D. vs. M.D.

The Mommy Doctor vs. the Medical Doctor

My daughter Seele and I just returned from her two month doctor's visit. A routine physical consisting of height, weight, head circumference, heartrate and reflex check ups. I declined all shots and when I say all, I mean ALL:

Hepatitis B
Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
Haemophilus influenzae type b
Pneumococcal conjugate
Inactiviated Poliovirus
Rotavirus

Temporary refusal to authorize these vaccines, as her parent, got me thinking... am I harming my daughter by declining a series of several vaccines given to babies for decades now?

My answer. No.

And, I write that with conviction. Be it, my Biochemistry background. Be it, my fear of adverse reactions to these vaccines. Be it, the ongoing list of potential side effects like fever, seizures and vomiting. As a first time mom, not only do I want to do things right but I want avoid any mishaps. So, what is considered right?

In my mommy handbook-in-progress, being right consists of the following:

*Staying well-informed with current vaccinations (To my surprise, schools may mandate certain immunizations but by law, you as a parent, can sign a waiver)
*Being stern and vocal with your child's pediatrician about any medical concerns (If he or she gives you bad vibes and by that, I mean disregards your questions with everything is okay, then take action and switch doctors)
*Keeping a balance of an anti-drugs mentality (I am an advocate of non-medicinal interventions unless it is a life threatening illness but mothers, keep in mind, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. From a scientific standpoint, bacterial cells are capable of mutating in which vaccines are designed to ward off these invading microorganisms. Protective entities called antibodies may not be able to fight the fight in the Bacteria Battle quickly enough. So be open to what the medical community has to offer which is something I have to work at too)

Stay educated. Stay strong. Stay open-minded. After all, peace of mind is priceless.

Recipe of the Week - NJOY!

Click here to NJOY at home.

6 Ultimate Confessions of a First Time Father

1. I turn dirty diapers into a basketball game.
2. I can't take your mommy seriously with her boobs hanging out.
3. I use the car like an expensive rocker when all else fails.
4. I have fed you in a football like position, tucked underneath my arm to the side.
5. I lessen my baby chores by leaving the same bib on you, day in and day out.
6. I will go as far as agreeing with the phrase 'women are always right' just to avoid the graveyard shift.

Recipe of the Week - NJOY!

Click here for Recipe.

5 Confessions of an Asian Grandmother

1. My granddaughter is perfect in every way imaginable.
2. I love my granddaughter more than my own daughter.
3. I will wake my granddaughter up just to hold her even though she is sound asleep.
4. I will impart my baby knowledge unto my own daughter whether she likes it or not. She has no choice but to listen to me.
5. So you thought being your mother was bad; now that I am a grandmother, expect ten times the criticism, nagging and unrealistic expectations I set for you!

10 Confessions of a Twenty-Something New Mom

1. I could look at baby pics of you all day long because you are so cute. Plus, the pics don’t cry relentlessly and need feeding
2. I burp when I am burping you
3. My pinkie and index finger are reserved for your boogers and eye poo, respectively
4. I have always loved baby food… as an adult too 5. Omg, I want to cry everytime I look at your birth pics cause I want you to stay small forever
6. I drive the car back ‘n forth to soothe you like a rocker, a very expensive rocker
7. I take a second look when I hear a baby crying even though you’re in daycare
8. I pinch your nose as I reach towards the backseat just to make sure you’re still breathing
9. I kiss you all the time even with my stinky morning breath
10. I have yet to sneak breastmilk into your fathers bowl of cereal… Muwahahaha

The Good, The Bad & The Pretty Ugly Days

I am talking about those days where you could really just kill somebody.

I don't mean to get all Casey Anthony on you (yeah, yeah i know... she wasn't found guilty), but motherhood can bring out the monster in you.

Those moments of complete and utter frustration. Those moments where you become brutally honest with how you're feeling, cave in and finally break down. Those moments where nothing helps but a good, long cry.

I had one of those days today. Out of nowhere, my eyes were infested with tears. It was like they were all bottled up for a party and invited themselves to trickle down my exhausted face. And guess what... it's O-K!

Two reasons. One: Tears actually release toxins. Two: What do you expect?! You're trying to do it all!

Sorry boys, if you're not a female who has just given birth then you wouldn't understand. The closest person I can think of who has undergone the equivalence of a birth plus all it's fun postpartum festivities is Aron Ralston, adrenaline seeking junkie who amputated his own arm while stranded at Utah's Bluejohn Canyon. Yow'zers!

So instead of yelling at your significant other or trying to juggle a gazillion things, try these alternatives for starters:

Breath. Take 5 minutes to just inhale & exhale. It's easy and free!
Exercise. Go for a run or a nice walk to release those happy-go-lucky endorphins.
Forgive. It is important to forgive yourself for feeling or thinking a certain way. It's normal, trust me. If you don't trust me, go ask your mom and trust her. Then you'll realize you should have trusted me all along cause your mom can impound a lot more stress on you which is another can of worms for another day.
Love. Yes, you love your baby but always remember to love yourself first.

Happy Mommy = Happy Baby & Happy Baby = Happy Mommy
It's a beautiful symbiotic relationship. And mommies, if all else fails... in the words of Scarlett O'Hara, "Tomorrow is another day."