What's going on with us...

Busy times at the Kirsch home! I really hope to blog about the actual Disney part of our Disney trip, but I've been going to bed at 8pm the last couple of nights. We worked outside a good bit this weekend, and now I'm working Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. The good news is I'm off Wednesday- Saturday! The better news? Eric's parents will be here! Which means A LOT will be accomplished around our house! We had the sliding glass door replaced downstairs, and gorgeous french doors put in. They are so pretty, but still need to be painted. There is a lot of yard work to do, and I'm capable of doing most of it myself, but need someone to entertain the kiddos. Can you say Oma? (Oma is what the kids call Eric's Mom- it's German for Grandma.)

The biggest and most important thing that we are doing is having a playset built! Eric and his dad are quite handy; his dad especially. I'm so excited to finally have an outdoor playset for the boys, so we don't always have to walk to the park to swing and slide. The biggest part of their visit is that Eli's birthday party is Saturday:-) I can't wait to celebrate the first year of my sweet boys life. I love that lil' stinker with all of my heart. To be so skinny, he sure is squishable.

We have our last homestudy visit this week, with our social worker. I will give her the last of our papers required for that, and I'm hoping to get the homestudy back on next Monday. It will go straight to BAAS (our adoption agency that is FABULOUS) via overnight UPS. BAAS stands for Bay Area Adoption Services. So, how did we end up with an agency in California? Well, two of my friends at work are adopting right now, and are using this agency. I've heard great things, so we decided to use them as well.

Anyways, it takes about two weeks for our agency to review the homestudy, then we can send in something called an I800A. This goes to US Immigration (USCIS), and they approve us to bring a foreign child into the country. That part is about a two month wait right now, so I'm really hoping it speeds up. I want my girl home before Christmas, so even DAYS matter!!! So, I'm praying for a quick homestudy approval by our agency, and a quick USCIS approval! Their average is 45-60 days, and I'm hoping for 40. Nothing wrong with hoping and praying! Once our I800A is approved, we can send our dossier to China. Once that is in, it's about 4.5 months to travel.

So, this week's prayer requests related to our sweet Tessa:

1. She is safe, loved, fed, and warm.

2. The USCIS wait is closer to 30 days, than the 45-60.

3. St. Thomas quickly sends our marriage certificate.

In other news, the American Academy of Pediatrics made an announcement today that they are changing child restraint recommendations. Most importantly, they are recommending kids stay rear facing until AT LEAST two years old. I've been on that soap box a while now, but I'm hoping more people start to listen now that the AAP recommends it. Cramped legs are better than broken necks. I'm just sayin'.

Rear Facing Carseats

I've been meaning to find time to blog about this forever. Computer time is scarce here, but Drake is at the grandparents, so I have a few minutes.

The National Transportation Safety Board, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics, now recommend that children remain REAR FACING in their carseats until at LEAST two years of age. Why? Because it is safer. Watch this video, and it'll show you why.



Watch You tube video

So, now that you've seen the visual aids, maybe it makes more sense. It certainly did to me once I saw videos about remaining rear facing. I understand the arguments to face forward. For most people, it's that their kids legs are SOOOO long. Boo freakin' hoo. I know I sound like a unsympathetic bitch here, but seriously???? Would you rather have your kid's neck or leg snapped? Another frequent argument is that the child throws major fits rear facing. I'm sure Drake has you beat. He's gotten better since we moved from the Peg Perego seat to the Britax, but he is still capable of quite the fit. I'm sure that moving him to facing forward would make it better, but he is just going to have to deal.

Eli is ready to eat, so I've gotta run. But seriously- think about keeping those sweet babies rear facing!

It's not even May!

I'll keep this short and sweet. It's not even May, and yet we have already had our first pediatric trauma due to a lawnmower. KEEP YOUR KIDS AWAY FROM LAWNMOWERS. This includes letting them sit on them with dad or grandpa, even while it's off. And obviously, don't let you kid ride on their lap while cutting grass. Teach your children to ALWAYS stay away from lawnmowers. Teach them to fear the lawnmower, and avoid it at all cost. KEEP THEM INSIDE WHEN THE GRASS IS BEING CUT. We see alot of injuries from kids simply being outside at the same time the grass is being mowed, and somehow getting injured. Even though, by parents report, they were far away from the mower. Here is the solution. If grass is being mowed at your house, keep the kids inside and DEADBOLT THE DOORS. I'm heartbroken every time I see these very preventable injuries. Working at a large trauma center and children's hospital exposes me to more than I care to see. But, learn from what I do, and KEEP THE KIDS AWAY FROM THE LAWNMOWER.

I think I made it pretty clear........

What noone tells you.....

Yesterday was probably the scariest day of my life. Frightening, petrifying, and any other adjective I can't think of right now.........they are all adequate descriptions of yesterday. My heart was racing, bordering on straight up palpitations. Why, you ask? Well, Drake and I decided to venture out of the house. Yes, that's right. We left the house. Oh. My. God. We got into that steel cage called a car, and actually went out on the road. Why on earth must people drive so fast? Why doesn't obtaining a drivers license require a thesis and week long driving skill test? I am NOT HAPPY that they actually give TEENAGERS a license. It's absolutely absurd.

Drake and I left the house about 1:15 to run just a couple of errands. Yes, it took the entire morning of getting ready and prepared to leave by 1:15. And I still did not have on any makeup. But hey, I was showered and my teeth were brushed. I even had on a cute shirt. I'll be honest, I don't ever really wear much makeup. It's so much effort and Eric even prefers me without it. We first headed to the UPS store, to ship Aunt Lindsay some hypnobabies material. She wants to see what it's all about since I had the fastest birth ever. Then we headed to Harris Teeter for some juices and gingerale. We had plenty of food at home, but needed more drinks. Here is my handsome man on his first trip to the Teeter.

I'm not sure if you can tell, but his carseat sat all the way in the cart, NOT balanced on the upper toddler seat part. I frequently see carseats balanced like that, in order to fill the main part of the cart with groceries. IT'S NOT SAFE---DON'T DO IT! Those carts are not designed and made to balance/withstand the weight of a carseat on the upper toddler seat section. Once I need to do some real grocery shopping, Drake will go along in his Hotsling or Moby wrap.

AFter the Teeter, we ran by the invitation store really quick for some extra envelopes. Aunt Bridget's baby shower for McCall is fast approaching, so those invites are going out tomorrow.

Aunt Lindsay's baby shower for Lacy Ann is Feburary 7th, and we're really sad to miss it. I'm not comfortable taking Drake at 4 weeks old on a plane. Logistically it doesn't bother me, it's the germs that scare me. It's flu and RSV season, and an enclosed plane with recirculated air is not what the Drake-ster needs. We're going to save our Buffalo trips for during warmer weather, when Drake can play with all of his cousins at the cottage.

We're going the the lactation center today at 2pm for a checkup. They do his weight before and after feeding, and tell me how many ounces (approx) he's getting. I just want to know he's gaining! And start asking all of my questions about when to start pumping and introducing bottles. I've gotta start working on my game plan so that I've got a nice supply saved before returning to work.

It's going to be FREEZING in Charlotte this week. Thursday thru Saturday are highs in the 30's and lows in the teens. That is arctic weather for us here. Drake isn't very happy about it, because that means are daily walks will be on hold. I like going for a walk during the warmest part of the afternoon, but only if it's in the 50's or higher.

Our photos from his 5 day old photo shoot will be ready today or tomorrow, and I can't wait to share them with all of you. I've seen one preview, and can I just say AMAZING! Our friend Ryan of Fenix Fotography is one of the most talented people I know.

Well, I'm off for my daily shower. I just wanted to share some more Drake photos and stories.

PS. Keep my friend Caroline and her family in your thoughts. They are leaving Jan 29 for China, to pick up their new daughter! It's so exciting, but think about them during their travels. Best wishes and be careful!

Plastic and toys

So, over time I hope to make many blog posts that better explain why I make some of my parenting decisions. I don't necessarily feel the need to explain myself or justify my decisions, but rather would like to help our family and friends understand us bit better. Me, rather. Eric just goes along with whatever I think, for the most part. As long as I have a good rationale with research to back it up, he's usually okay with it.

Now for a few disclaimers. Just because I do research and make a decision that I feel is best, doesn't mean I expect everyone and anyone to agree. It also does not mean that I think other parents who make opposite decisions are making bad ones. Every parent makes choices that are right for them, and I am the last one that should be judging that. I also don't care to hear how your child did such and such (that is opposite from our way), and turned out just fine. That's great, but I just assume someone support us rather than question us. Disclaimers over...

Now, onto the plastic issue, the topic of tonight. There are two things in alot of plastics that I've become aware of through research, and would prefer to avoid. One is BPA(bisphenol A), the other PVC (polyvinlychloride). I've chosen bottles to use that don't have either, and silicone pacifier's as well. Another big thing with these two ingredients is toys. Considering that most babies until 18 months or so are always chewing on a toy, this is one of the big things for me. Making the attempt to keep wooden chew toys around, rather than plastic ones, is one small effort I can make. Unfortunately, they are very hard to find in regular stores like Target and the such. Thankfully, the internet is full of sites for these toys. HABA is one of the biggest name brands. The countries of the European Union made PVC illegal in their toys almost ten years ago---Why is the US always behind??? It really frustrates me. Here is some info from the net:

General tips for toy buying:
General Tips on Buying Safer Products for Kids

Buy less! The easiest way to avoid toys with toxic chemicals is to buy less! For some tips on reducing gift buying, see: "Simplify the Holidays".

Avoid toys that list vinyl or PVC as an ingredient (#3 plastic). Soft plastic toys like bath toys, squeeze toys, and dolls are commonly made of vinyl. If you're not sure if a toy contains vinyl or PVC try looking it up in our database. If you see high levels of chlorine, it is likely that the product contains PVC. If the product you are curious about is not in our database, ask the manufacturer or consider an alternative product.
Steer clear of vinyl lunch boxes; choose cloth lunch bags instead.
Choose uncoated cotton bibs instead of vinyl bibs, or choose bibs made of non-PVC plastic.
Avoid diaper covers, rain gear, and backpacks made of vinyl (PVC).
Choose mattresses made of wool, cotton, or natural latex that don't have vinyl covers.
Choose wool changing pads or portable fabric changing pads that do not have vinyl linings.
For a guide to safer plastics, see: http://www.iatp.org/ foodandhealth/
When possible choose plastic-free toys such as fabric teethers, unpainted wooden toys or cloth and plush toys. Polycarbonate plastic (#7 plastic) should also be avoided. For a guide to safer plastics, see: http://www.iatp.org/ foodandhealth/

Avoid children's metal jewelry and toys with small pieces, particularly magnetic pieces. For more information, see CDC's website on lead in jewelry

Check recall lists regularly, and if a toy has been recalled, send it back to the manufacturer. To receive email recall alerts from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Take action! We can't just purchase our way out of this problem. We need Government and industry to make our products safer!

And some info on PVC/BPA specifically:
From IV tubing to baby bottles, though, plastics are under attack.

The truth is that some plastics are better than others, both for the environment and for our health. For those interested, look at the bottom of most household items made of plastic. There's a number in a triangular shape, usually 1 through 7. According to The Green Guide, avoid #3, 6 and 7; #1 and 2 are considered safer. Why? Well, not all plastics are created equally. We are learning more and more each day about the health detriments of plastic exposure.

The dangers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) have been known for some time. Phthalates, the "plasticizer" in PVC, has been linked to asthma and other allergic disorders as well as endocrine disruption; PVC's are suspected carcinogens, too. Fortunately, Health Care Without Harm, the environmental supergroup, has been working with the health care industry to remove harmful PVC's from products like IV tubing.

Bisphenol-A (BPA), a component of #7 plastics, is the subject of most recent concern for environmental health advocates. Found in most baby bottles and canned formula, BPA has been linked to several health disorders. A Federal investigative panel concluded recently that exposure to BPA has effects on neurobehavioral and endocrine development both in utero and after birth, in infants and children. The panel's report has been widely criticized as being not harsh enough, using terms like "some concern" or "minimal concern" for the above health effects. To me, again, it comes down to whether or not you believe in the precautionary principle. If you can't assure safety within a reasonable degree, avoid use. But alas, the plastics industries do not embrace the principle, and our federal government seems more interested in the bottom line than in our children's health.

Because of all the above info and research I've read, I decided to make what small choices I can to protect Shim from this stuff. First thing was registering for Born Free bottles. I may also register for some Dr. Browns, I've heard they have a safe version. I am most obviously not the only mother on this bandwagon, and discovered that at Babies R Us (BRU). When I asked a question at the help/registry desk about a particular pacifier and PVC number, they pulled out a sheet from under the desk. It contained every product in the store considered to be BPA/ PVC "safe". I was shocked and quite impressed. Now, I do just want to say that I am realistic. I know that babies put anything and everything in their mouths. Yes, I know that Shim will chew on his fair share of plastic toys. But if I have wooden rattles/chew toys laying around to substitute for the plastic ones, it will make me feel better. As I see it, every little bit helps.

Here are some websites for wooden toys for anyone interested in how cute they can be:
www.childtrek.com
www.planethappytoys.com
www.oompa.com

So now I've blogged about midwives, doulas, and the whole plastic/wooden toy thing. I still want to blog about hypnobabies, breastfeeding, cloth diapers, organic products, vaccinations, and quite a few more I can't think of right this second. If you haven't figured it out yet, I've become quite granola and crunchy. I haven't always been this way. It kinda started when I moved to Charlotte, which is funny b/c this isn't generally a granola city. I mean, it's not Asheville by any means. But I sure do think I'd fit in just fine there. Or Seattle. (Hi Carmie!) Being pregnant has really amped up my crunchiness. Eric isn't by any means, other than recycling. He just mostly goes along with whatever I choose, within reason. Since he is also in the medical field, supplying him with research goes a long way. Okay, that's quite enough of my random ramblings for tonight. Hope your Sunday is a great one!