tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602700168524362202024-03-13T03:24:12.126-04:00Mommy 2 ConnorA day in the life of a real mommy - navigating it with humor and wine.Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-19525861840707806392020-05-09T18:31:00.001-04:002020-05-09T18:33:49.532-04:00Shirudo Brand 20% off for Mother’s Day! Yay! To get you ready for summer sun, Shirudo is offering 20% off through tomorrow with code: MOM20!!<br />
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Click on the big Shirudo bottle on this blog (or the link below) to shop now and don’t forget to enter the coupon code at checkout!<br />
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<a href="https://www.shirudo.com/products/agr-e-lotion-tube-250ml?aff=4">https://www.shirudo.com/products/agr-e-lotion-tube-250ml?aff=4</a><br />
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Cheers - and Happy Mother’s Day!Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-8570267702932523692019-06-02T19:01:00.000-04:002019-06-02T19:01:42.197-04:00Sometimes Too Much is Just .... Well.... Too Much!!!!Lots and lots of things to update, so instead of trying to get them all in with one gigantic post and skim over things I'll make a list instead. My goal is to come back and fill in the gap on ALL these stories and topics over the summer.... we shall see! Ha! Baby boy #3 has knocked us on our heels a bit!<br />
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1) As of yesterday, I now have a middle schooler. I have no idea how this has happened .... where does time go?! He's the proud new owner of an iPhone. Not sure how I feel about it but it was becoming inevitable. The whole "everyone else has one" argument was becoming less and less absurd. Send me your best tips on how to keep the reigns on this as we move into the middle school years of wreckage. Ack!<br />
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2) MANY MANY of you became aware of this blog because of my LOVE of<a href="https://www.shirudo.com/" target="_blank"> Shiurdo </a>and their amazing, life-changing AGR lotion that had helped me and tons of other control their PMLE symptoms from the sun. It's now summer and you need to know they've introduced several new products including a lip balm! Can't wait to try it - you should definitely <a href="https://www.shirudo.com/products/agr-e-lotion-tube-250ml" target="_blank">check it out</a>! There's also a gigantic pic of it at the top of the blog (mostly cause I couldn't figure out how to make it smaller! lol)<br />
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3) We're headed to Hawaii with my husbands family in July - it's the furthest we've taken the kids by far and I already have anxiety about it. CBD oil anyone!? Wine?! Ugh .... we'll figure it out. A party of five all on our own, traveling becomes an issue of how many hotel rooms do we need and how many rows does the rental SUV have? We'll likely need a vacay after the vacay.<br />
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Ok, that's it for now.... I'll leave you with an adorable pic of the fam and perhaps someone can keep me accountable for actually coming back and writing updates before 2020.<br />
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PS: I know the baby needs a haircut </div>
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PPS: That's mostly directed at family members </div>
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PPPS: Yeah, I know he's not a baby anymore :( but he sure does love his bros :)</div>
<br />Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-78337114138667624812019-01-29T08:14:00.004-05:002019-06-12T11:14:57.050-04:00FREE Shirudo PMLE lotion giveaway!Contest to win FREE Shirudo lotion I love so dearly!!! Here’s the link! <br />
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<a href="https://www.shirudo.com/blogs/news/shirudo-contest-is-back?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=contest2019?aff=4">https://www.shirudo.com/blogs/news/shirudo-contest-is-back?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=contest2019<b style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">?aff=4</b></a><br />
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Enter today! Good luck!!Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-82843141374545106622016-05-08T16:51:00.000-04:002016-05-08T16:51:24.859-04:00Apple Watch vs FitBit Charge HR: A Real Life Fit Mom Review {Which Should I Buy? Which is better?}Ever since I started working out with my Polar heart rate monitor about 10 years ago, it's kinda become an addiction for me at the gym - or when running outside, etc... BUT, who likes wearing the stupid heart rate monitor chest strap? It's probably the most accurate heart rate monitor method I've found thus far, but it's annoying... and REALLY annoying when you've got a baby already crowding the space between your chest and pelvis.<br />
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Anyway, over the years I've tried a lot of things .. the <i>soft</i> Polar strap, the <i>original</i> plastic one, and even other methods / contraptions like Body Media, etc...<br />
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One thing that has evolved with heart rate and movement detection is <i>when</i> and <i>how much</i> info we want collected. Meaning - it's not just for exercising anymore. We want to see our resting daily heart rate averages, calorie burn, etc... and we don't just want to know how many steps we've taken, but how many floors we've scaled, miles we walked, and WHERE we walked, etc... ALL DAY. <br />
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But why stop there ...<br />
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With the introduction of the Apple Watch - we can now do things we never thought possible - from our wrist. {REAL TALK ALERT} I'm NOT a techy by ANY stretch, so this is not a complete and in-depth technical review of the FitBit OR the Apple Watch. BUT, as a busy, fit mom, I think my experience with each can help someone looking to choose between the two - or possibly upgrade from the FitBit to the Apple Watch, like I did a couple months ago!<br />
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<u><b>FITBIT CHARGE HR</b></u><br />
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<b>Pros</b> - <br />
~Price, under $200. <br />
~ I loved wearing it overnight to see my sleep patterns AND as a silent wakeup alarm, which I think my husband really appreciated. <br />
~I really liked having the simple and eye-pleasing app on my iPhone that would show me my daily, weekly, monthly progress and resting HR, plus interact with FitPal - but I haven't been entering calories, etc.. since I've been pregnant, so thus far, I've not missed this feature. <br />
~Caller ID is a HUGE upgrade over the previous FitBit models... though it didn't work consistently ... which isn't really a knock on the HR, it just has to be pretty close to your phone to work.<br />
~Battery lasts several days without having to be re-charged. <br />
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<b>Cons</b> - <br />
~Accuracy. I reallllyy have some questions about the heart rate accuracy on this. I'd look down midway through a workout and the HR readout would be 0 .... like, often. Annoying when I was working my ass off. The steps and such I think were pretty good, but the HR and calorie estimate I didn't fully trust.<br />
~The little screen was a bit hard to see in bright sun.<br />
~Lack of features and GPS - although FitBit does have an option with GPS and I really didn't miss features until I got the iWatch. <br />
~This is a pro AND con, but the company sent me 2 free replacements within about 15 months time because the face cracked on my first one and my second one basically just died. The customer service cannot be beat. They didn't beat me up over dates and receipts, etc... and I didn't even have to return the broken ones. MAJOR thumbs up on customer service!<br />
~Not waterproof - though I wore it in my pool accidentally for a few seconds a couple times without a problem. <br />
~Difficult to learn how to put on yourself.<br />
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<b>Best</b> - Silent alarm that you can use as a morning alarm, among other uses throughout the day as reminders!<br />
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<b>Worst</b> - Accuracy ... not collecting my hard work and peaking HRs during workouts is super annoying.<br />
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<b>Final Take</b> - Simple and easy if you want a watch that keeps up with your busy lifestyle, tracks steps, has a long battery life, and you mostly want it for tracking workouts. I'd still recommend this to someone looking for a cost effective way to get several good features.<br />
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<u><b>APPLE WATCH</b></u><br />
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<b>Pros</b> -<br />
~Custom color and size combos<br />
~Many different uses besides just tracking workouts ... my faves include having the current outdoor temperature, ability to set a quick timer, time, date, and notification alert on the home screen with a quick glance. Need a jacket this morning? Temp is right there. Remember to turn off TV after 30 minutes of screen time for the kiddos? Easy. What the hell day is it? All right there on your home screen just by looking at your wrist. LOVE.<br />
~Of course loving not having to flip through my entire bag to find my phone when it's ringing when I'm out at a store, I can silence it from my watch ... also see and respond to text messages without finding my phone. It's like the phone-watch equivalent of keyless-go in my car! Thumbs up! When we're out on a date night, or I'm out with friends, I don't feel the need to have my phone sitting out on the table to make sure the sitter or daddy is calling with issues ...<br />
~HR accuracy ... so I bought this to replace my FitBit HR so the heart rate tracker was super important to me. Why do I think this is more accurate? When I'm doing an Orange Theory class (which a chest strap and HR up on the big monitor) my Apple Watch has the same HR within 1 or 2 BBM. I trust the HR strap, therefore I think this watch is fairly accurate during workouts.<br />
~The look of the watch is a bit more refined and nice ... I even wore it to the Kentucky Derby in a nice dress and hat because I can't stand to go without it!!<br />
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<b>Cons</b> -<br />
~Price .. it's about twice the price of the FitBit HR... AND as with anything Apple, there's always going to be a better version (probably) within a year of when you purchase ... so like with the iPhone, you gotta keep up with the technology! <br />
~Still not waterproof - and I haven't dare tested how 'water-resistant' it is.<br />
~Battery life --- grrrr --- every night guys. Every night. i've gotten used to it now and have a cool nightstand charger that I love, but say goodbye to the silent alarms and sleep pattern analysis.<br />
~Doesn't check HR constantly like the FitBit does.<br />
~Glass screen ... hasn't been a problem yet, we'll see.<br />
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<b>Best</b> - Accuracy on HR when working out and all the fun extras - like the weather, texts, etc....<br />
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<b>Worst</b> - Having to charge it every night<br />
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<b>Final Take - LOVE! </b> I've had it about 2 months now and I'm sold. Just like with every other Apple device, I can't live without it and I'll be getting the next version they come out with when that finally happens. I think this is a great device for busy moms ... it kinda does it all! I can't think of a feature I wish it had, but I do miss sleeping in it and getting the silent 'vibe' alarms to wake up. <br />
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<b><u>WHO WINS? </u></b><br />
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For me, it's the Apple Watch. Honestly, it's kinda comparing apples to oranges (no pun intended) but I'm sure there are some people out there looking to choose or upgrade and hopefully this will help!<br />
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Happy Mother's Day! :)Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-76089797387425321162016-05-01T10:33:00.000-04:002016-05-01T10:41:37.314-04:00Why the Gym Locker Room is Basically a Spa Day for a New MomFor years after having the kiddos ( you know, those years spent getting your groove / body back to were it once was .... which, let's face it, it's not .... but that's another post ...) I became a gym rat. It was my place of refuge - it's "what we did" during the day in addition to the typical new-mom circuit of Target and Panera Bread. <br />
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Two-three hours of babysitting with the YMCA employees who grew to be more like family than anything else ... that was something I looked forward to daily. They would feed, change, soothe.... hell yes. And I was only - at max - 100 feet away in the building somewhere. Needless to say, I was counting down the 6 week "off" period with each baby waiting for my small, but meaningful reprieve from baby duty .... even if it meant sweating my ass off on the treadmill.<br />
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As a former employee of Starbucks (I still to this day consider that the absolute best job I ever had ... like I was actually the lucky one to have been able to work there .... again, another post! ;) we received some of the best training available - in my opinion. In my 4 years of employment, we received training on customer service that I've carried with me to this day - including creating what we called the "Third Place" within the store. The third place is not your home or work, but it's that "other" place you feel comfortable and look forward to coming to. It should be easy and nice and enjoyable .... your "third place" .... In the 12-24 months following a new child, the YMCA gym was most certainly my "third place". <br />
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Hell, sometimes I was tired! Like, "no one slept last night and we can't find shoes so we wear our Crocs in the middle of winter" kind of tired. <br />
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We still headed to the gym. Why? Well, there's this magical place where no children are allowed. Where the showers are cleaned by someone else and there's no little fist knocking at the door asking for Goldfish and milk while you're trying to rinse shampoo from your hair for the first time in 6 days. Where there are other adults, dressing themselves without asking for help, and the mirrors are clear of grimy handprints and the floor free from baby toys and markers without lids. Ah... the magical heavenly haven known as the "Women's Locker Room".<br />
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On tired, non-workout days, I'd literally pack a lunch - like a grade school field trip - and a shower bag- drop the kiddos off at the playroom, and make a bee-line to the women's locker room. <br />
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Here I would enjoy a luxurious 2 hour spa day including:<br />
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~ Shower for one (20-25 minute treatment) includes shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap on washcloth exfoliating and cleansing, underarm shave, leg shave (above the knee is extra), and towel dry.<br />
~ Blowout (10-15 minute treatment) includes quick dry with low-power-motor dryer and one try-to-do-it-all hair product application.<br />
~ Lunch (30 minutes) a delightful blend of last nights' dinner and children snacks deemed healthy but yummy enough to serve as a 'lunch' type food<br />
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So yes, some days the gym was about the physical well-being .. other days, about the mental. Both equally important - some more enjoyable than others. And the kiddos? Um, super happy! Other children and non-parental figures stimulating their little minds... invoking discovery, independence and socialization. Boom - like free pre-preschool! I'd pick them up feeling like a new mommy ... ready to take on the rest of our day (yeah, probably Target - maybe Starbucks ... you know the drill) and all the while being extremely happy to pay that monthly gym membership - which for our family was so much MORE than just that!<br />
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PS: Be sure to follow my blog ... I'm back! All kinds of fun stuff coming like FitBit Charge HR vs Apple Watch, why your butt gets fat when you're pregnant (and why it's a good thing) and how yoga pants changed everything. ;-)<br />
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<br />Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-90462420395627979792016-04-22T10:28:00.000-04:002016-04-25T21:34:28.957-04:00Baby #3 - Back At It With Attitude and Maternity Jeans Back into the world of maternity jeans and picking out baby strollers. After an almost 6-year hiatus, we are pregnant with our third baby boy. And I'm realizing how much has changed since my youngest was born almost 6 years ago. Not only our lives, our home, jobs, careers, friends, etc... but the world of fashion and baby gear.<br />
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My head is literally spinning, but I'm going to start here: since my youngest was born, there has been the introduction of many maternity lines including J.Crew, H&M, and some higher end designers sprinkled in there along the way. I've been contemplating having a third ever since J.Crew started making maternity (ok not really, I joked about it, but here we are, so now I get to give it a try!).<br />
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First of all, maternity jeans are amazing. When my younger, single, and kid free sister asked if I was "already wearing maternity jeans?" my response was automatic and, if I do say so, correct. "Hell yeah, they're amazing! YOU might want to try them some time!" The reality is, they do make you question everything. Like, why do I even wear jeans that don't have a stretchy waist? Why NOT eat seconds at the dinner table? So this is what I look like without denim-induced love handles?! Etc... you get the picture. (all of this loveliness is of course countered by the trying-to-fit-back-into-my-regular-jeans routine that begins about 6 weeks postpartum... but we'll save that for the Fall ... {eye roll}).<br />
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Anyhow, I do plan on getting back to the blog, and hashing out the next 6 months. Already the difference in mindset and philosophy is huge .... much different than with the first two, although I don't think there's any bigger difference than after your first pregnancy/child. <br />
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Here's the thing, with my oldest (Connor- and of course in true first-born-supremecy style the blog IS named after him lol) I was old 23/24 years old ... sheesh! Basically a baby myself. Got pregnant on the first swing (never appreciated that, by the way) and was learning and doing the best I could....with a husband that was learning right along with me. That was pre-iPhone fever where there is most certainly "an app for that" and before I had my momfidence (mom confidence) about me.<br />
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Fast forward to 2016 ..... over 30 ... things are looking a bit different. I mean EVERYTHING. The body is different (duh), mindset (i.e.: you know, our moms all drank and smoked and ate GMO and I'm damn near perfect, right!?), goals are loftier (i.e.: beyond just not puking up breakfast) and the baby gear improvements ..... OH MY ... everything can operate using a cell phone app? Sign me up!<br />
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Be sure to follow this blog for more to come ... probably most of it in a sarcastic, tired-mom, I-just-want-a-giant-glass-of-wine tone... you've been warned...<br />
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xo<br />
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PS: Obligatory tummy pic - cause you need something to look at and keep your attention I'm sure.<br />
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<br />Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com0Prospect, KY 40059, USA38.349793000000012 -85.592078738.150620000000011 -85.9148022 38.548966000000014 -85.2693552tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-57593582790525396892015-11-17T14:26:00.003-05:002016-04-21T16:48:32.377-04:00New Journey to Healthier Skin and Body - A PMLE Sufferer's Best Friend! (Updated 4/16)Hi guys! Just checking back in on all the comments and visitors over the last few months! Thank you so much for stopping by - in so humbled and elated by some of the stories I've heard. Those who have been suffering for so long, desperately looking for relief! I read every comment, I assure you!<br />
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This past Spring Break I will admit I got lazy... I didn't use the Shirudo lotion like I have been the past few years ... I think I literally forgot how bad the PMLE symptoms can be.... and I got a little reminder! So .... I'm back on the Shirudo Lotion train ... not that I ever hopped off of it, but I do think I had forgotten just how much my life in the sun was dampened without lotion containing AGR!!<br />
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<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0161/8850/products/SH1-250_face_2048x2048.jpg?v=1454885303" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0161/8850/products/SH1-250_face_2048x2048.jpg?v=1454885303" width="220" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shirudo.com/collections/all/products/agr-e-lotion-tube-250ml">https://www.shirudo.com/collections/all/products/agr-e-lotion-tube-250ml</a> (USA)</div>
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<a href="https://www.shirudo.com/collections/all/products/antioxidant-body-lotion">https://www.shirudo.com/collections/all/products/antioxidant-body-lotion</a> (non- USA)</div>
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I've not stopped my journey to find more and more solutions to PMLE for myself, and all the others who suffer the same annoying and sometimes painful symptoms. Much of what I've found (and shared here) put much importance on the use of sunscreens. Through personal investigating, as well as others contacting me regarding the chemicals and low-level toxins used as ingredients in these sunscreens. These toxins reach your bloodstream and every major organ within 26 seconds of hitting your skin. Yikes. I set out on a mission to find a safer option.<br />
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I've been using Arbonne products, both skin and body products, as well as the nutritional line off and on for years. It never really occurred to me how important the pure, vegan products (especially the skin lotions and sunscreens) were for my already struggling skin.<br />
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That said, I am committing myself for the next year to using sunscreens without the Avobenzone in the them. Yep, that's right. I absolutely believe that ingredient was helping me in the Banana Boat products, without question. But I am slathering a TON of chemicals on my face and body all year long!! I'd like to cut that out!<br />
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Arbonne, a brand I had used for years, and honestly trust to provide Pure, Safe and Beneficial products decided to remove Avobenzone from most of its sunscreen products. The ingredient remains in some of the RE9 Anti-Aging skincare line, which I do use, so I'm going to look more into the whole situation. There has been some questions regarding the safety of Avobenzone... which I haven't looked into at all but 100% plan on doing! More on that later.<br />
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Further, its not just the avo in the sunscreens I've been using and (Gasp) recommending on this blog that I'm concerned about. Mineral oil is a terrible ingredient for your skin - and I've had a difficult time finding ANY other sunscreens on the shelves that don't contain it, or a disgusting animal byproduct.<br />
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So I'm jumping in with two feet. As of last month, I officially started my business with Arbonne - because if I'm switching over to these safer products, I want my entire family to follow and the discount and tax benefit were too great for me not to become a consultant. And while the income opportunity was not my reason to join, it may soon be my reason to continue this journey. It seems almost everyone I speak to about the products wants to know more.<br />
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Oh wait - you do too? ;) <a href="http://lindseybrodsky.arbonne.com/">lindseybrodsky.arbonne.com</a> is where you can find over 400 pure, safe and beneficial products.<br />
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I plan to post more here about my new journey, both into more safe and pure sunscreen and body products, while continuing my support and belief in the amazing Shirudo Antioxidant Lotion with AGR! </div>
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xoLindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-38005502868953499862014-07-24T11:11:00.000-04:002016-04-21T16:43:09.680-04:00Summer Update!! Spring 2015 Further Update! **2016 LINKS to Shirudo Purchase** Updated for 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">****Spring 2015 update: life is good and I'm still loving on my Shirudo lotion! It's gotten me through a JANUARY trip to Mexico..... No symptoms and great tan! And spring break .... Same result! Thanks for reading guys! Loving all the comments and success stories! :-) ***** </span></b></div>
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So we are right in the thick of summer and I wanted to update you on my PMLE symptoms and the<b> Shirudo Antioxidant Lotion + AGR</b> that has accompanied me on our recent beach vacations!<br />
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<a href="http://www.shirudo.com/products/antioxidant-body-lotion">https://www.shirudo.com/collections/all/products/antioxidant-body-lotion</a> (NON USA)<br />
<a href="https://www.shirudo.com/collections/all/products/agr-e-lotion-tube-250ml">https://www.shirudo.com/collections/all/products/agr-e-lotion-tube-250ml</a> (USA buyers)</div>
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We headed to the beach just after my last post ... so early in the spring for the sun to be hitting my body! lol I have happy to report, again, NO PMLE symptoms! We were in the sun every single day for 7 days and there was not a problem! :)) This was in Florida, however, and the sun wasn't at it's strongest (March), so it's not the best example of when I need the protection/prevention the most, but since it was early in the spring/summer season my skin was definitely NOT used to being in the sun which is usually when I have the most trouble!<br />
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Our recent travels took us to the beaches of Orange County, California... where the sun is much stronger... plus it was July! Again, no symptoms... just so exciting! I'm so happy to be able to enjoy the beach again without fearing the sand was causing/increasing my allergic reaction to the sun. I would think maybe it was detergent used at the hotel we were staying at... maybe I was allergic to something in the sand?! Anyway, that's all over now! And with the disappearance of the<b> Eucerin Sun Defense Lotion</b> a few years ago I am SOO thankful the people at Shirudo came out with the lotion containing the magic prevention ingredient... alpha glucosylrutin.... AGR! YAY!<br />
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Guys, listen, I know the shipping to certain areas like the UK can be steep, but this bottle will last you a LONG time, especially if you only need it on the more sensitive parts of your body... AND if you are only using it while on vacation or in the sun for extended times! I can't say enough! Is "life-changing" saying enough?!Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-62126300632044932012014-03-02T10:55:00.000-05:002016-04-21T16:41:23.635-04:00Updated for 2014: PMLE Prevention and Information! **UPDATED 2016 Links for USA/ Non-USA Shirudo Purchase**Hello readers! It's been a while since my last post ... undoubtedly it's easy for me to forget all about my sun-time whoa-is-me condition when we've had one of the worst winters the midwest and southeast has seen in years! I'm well aware, however, that I have readers from every corner of the world who have stopped by to gather information and check for updates!<br />
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Let's start here: I spoke to a representative with Shirudo, maker of the 'miracle' Antioxidant Lotion that many of us PMLE sufferers have bought, used, and loved the results.... and she assures me the lotion is on it's way back online! They haven't stopped making it or forgotten about us!! No judgement! I, too, sort of freaked out at the '<strike>UNAVAILABLE' status on the website! So keep checking back for it to be re-stocked, and I will, of course, post on this blog when it's available again!</strike><br />
As of 2016 it's back in stock and ready to ship!!<br />
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<a href="https://www.shirudo.com/collections/all/products/agr-e-lotion-tube-250ml" target="_blank">USA LINK TO BUY HERE</a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.shirudo.com/collections/all/products/antioxidant-body-lotion" target="_blank">NON-USA LINK TO BUY HERE</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I received MANY emails over the fall and winter asking if I have found any other lotion or remedy for PMLE ... specifically if there has been anything else, to my knowledge, created with the 'magic' AGR ingredient. In short, NO! And truthfully, I'm to a pretty content point in my research on this condition and how to prevent it! With the mix of using this AGR lotion, sunscreen containing avobenzone (Parasol) and the occasional wide-brimmed hat for long days in the sun... I've hit a sweet spot with prevention! And I'm soooo happy to have helped many of you, too! I know many of us share the .... "If I hear, 'Oh, you must have sun poisoning' one more time I'm going to SCREAM" mentality... it's nice to know there are many of us out there, sun lovers or not, that suffer from this condition that even many doctors aren't knowledgeable about!</div>
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So that brings me to the current time. We are leaving for a Spring Break the first week in April. And while it's not super-south (think Florida Panhandle area) it is definitely the time of year that, in the past, I would suffer from the PMLE symptoms the most. Why? Being super-pale from the winter, having no base tan or natural protection from the sun's rays... that's the best I can guess. Because we have gone on tropical vacations in late summer or early fall and the PMLE rash barely showed up, if at all, even before the Shirudo lotion! I will certainly come back here with an update from that vacation.... just to share my most current experience. </div>
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All this talk of sun and vacation has me yearning for it ... but, we are about to get pounded yet again with ice and snow... so..... until next time! Sending everyone happy, sunny thoughts!<br />
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See the sidebar to the right for previous, popular posts where you fill find all the info and reviews related to PMLE you could ever want! And don't forget to read the comments!<br />
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Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-45043000651651581322013-06-03T10:01:00.000-04:002016-04-21T16:39:02.747-04:00Shirudo Anti-Oxidant Lotion Follow-Up Review: 2013 (PMLE Prevention/Relief) **UPDATED 2016 LINKS**I'm excited to share with you a very quick update on my use of the Shirudo Anti Oxidant Lotion for the prevention on Polymorphic Light Eruption symptoms! <br />
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Now that the it's been bright and sunny here in the midwest and we've spent many days in a row by the pool, I'm even more convinced! Just by simply applying this Shirudo lotion, as you would any other lotion, my skin feels nice and silky - and 'calm' I guess you would say. I never thought of myself as having sensitive skin (except for this sun allergy!) but I still find this lotion to be soothing. <br />
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I've been applying it right before putting on my bathingsuit (it's just easier not to miss any small areas that way) and then spraying on my favorite Banana Boat Dry Oil SPF once I'm outside. IF I spend more than an hour or two in the sun, or if I get wet in the pool, I go ahead and apply more of the Shirudo to my especially sensitive areas (neck, stomach, upper arms) and re-apply the sunscreen.<br />
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So far, not even a hint of the itchiness or red bumps. My chest and stomach were a little red after last Wednesday's pool time (typically a little sunburn would speed up the process of the PMLE developing) and still no symptoms! <br />
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I will point out we are spending 2 weeks at the beach in Southern California in July, and I will certainly be reporting back after that. I consider that the 'big challenge' as beach conditions typically aggravate and speed up the PMLE for me personally!<br />
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Please check back for that review and click on the giant Shirudo Lotion bottle to buy and to learn more about the product!<br />
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<a href="http://www.shirudo.com/products/antioxidant-body-lotion" target="_blank"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.shirudo.com/collections/all/products/antioxidant-body-lotion" target="_blank">NON-USA LINK TO BUY</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shirudo.com/collections/all/products/agr-e-lotion-tube-250ml" target="_blank">USA LINK TO BUY</a> </div>
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**But first, if you are new to this blog or in your search for answers regarding this itchy, annoying condition, check these out....<br />
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<em>See my original Shirudo lotion review</em> by clicking <a href="http://mommy2connor.blogspot.com/2012/09/new-must-read-review-antioxidant-lotion.html" target="_blank">{HERE}.</a> You can also <em>follow all my PMLE related posts and read the amazingly helpful comments from readers</em> by clicking through links I've created below...<br />
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<a href="http://mommy2connor.blogspot.com/2009/09/polymorphic-light-eruption-finally-some.html" target="_blank">PMLE Original Post</a> (2010)<br />
<a href="http://mommy2connor.blogspot.com/2012/07/pmle-polymorphic-light-eruption.html" target="_blank">PMLE Updated Post #2</a> (2012)<br />
<br />Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-80278086199667462082012-09-25T16:54:00.002-04:002019-06-12T11:17:03.213-04:00**NEW** Must Read Review!!! "AntiOxidant Lotion for PMLE Relief / Prevention " ***Updated links and Photots***I am thrilled and oh-so-excited to review a new product that is the answer to the prayers of so many
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE)</b></span></span> sufferers! The developer of this new product knew exactly what we would be looking for since she herself is a PMLE sufferer!<br />
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As many of you know, the ingredient <b><i>alpha-glucosylrutin (AGR)</i></b> has been shown in studies to prevent or lessen the symptoms of PMLE outbreak in many sufferers. Unfortunately, that ingredient was no longer offered in products in the US and was very difficult to find - and if you find it online, price and international shipping is a huge factor!<br />
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ALAS, I was contacted by the creator of this new lotion made by Shirudo...<br />
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<a href="https://www.shirudo.com/?aff=4" target="_blank">The "Shirudo" Antioxidant Moisturizing Lotion (LINK TO WEBSITE TO BUY)</a>****<br />
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This lotion contains even more of the 'magic' AGR ingredient than my beloved Eucerin Sun Defense Lotion!! As we know, this is such a hard thing to find! There are not a lot of choices out there for those of us suffering from PMLE.... typically the most recommended solution is staying out of the sun!! That is not an option for those of us who love the beach, enjoying an active outdoor lifestyle, playing with our kids at the park, going to the zoo, the pool, etc... Staying inside is not a practical solution! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I truly believe this lotion will finally be able to provide hope and help to PMLE sufferers who don't want to avoid the sun completely! </b></span></div>
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<b><u>My First Experience:</u></b></div>
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I received this lotion in late July... just before leaving for a California beach vacation. It was the first thing I packed.... so excited to test out this lotion containing ARG and Vitamin E.... the ingredients I've raved so much about for the past few years! I discontinued all other 'prevention' methods I have discussed in previous posts (pills, other lotions, etc...), other than continuing to use SPF (<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=mommy2connor-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B001DKOVO2%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">Banana Boat dry oil spray</a>) . </div>
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I used the lotion as recommended: Before sun exposure and then reapplying every 2 hours while in the sun. I also used it on my most PMLE-prone areas a few days before heading to the beach ... the idea there was to build it up in my system a bit.... not sure if it was necessary, but that's what I did.</div>
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I used SPF 4, 8, and 15 (so nothing above 15) while in the sun, over top of the <a href="https://www.shirudo.com/products/agr-e-lotion-tube-250ml" target="_blank">Shirudo lotion</a>. I did not develop ANY PMLE symptoms while on my vacation and came back with an amazing tan! I even experienced a slight sunburn on my chest are {oops!},which is typically the most prone to reaction, and there was no outbreak at all!</div>
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<b><u>PROS:</u></b></div>
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Applies smoothly with no stickiness - feels like a regular body lotion </div>
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Scent-free and soothing to the skin</div>
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SPF-free... allowing you to use your own favorite brand and preferred SPF </div>
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About the same cost as any other high-quality lotion</div>
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NO PMLE symptoms while in the sun during my first trial use!!!</div>
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Moisturizing and nearly 100% natural and beneficial ingredients!</div>
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The only negative I could come up with was the slight yellow tinge to the lotion .... it should be noted that the key ingredient AGR is yellow, therefore a yellow coloring of the lotion is likely unavoidable! It was not an issue while using it at all. If I noticed a light yellowing on the edges of my swimsuit or clothing, it wasn't bad at all AND completely washed away in the laundry without any special stain treatment. I only note the color because I don't want you to think it's going to be completely white - but I also don't want there to be a staining concern ... I did not experience any issues whatsoever ... even with white suits and clothing.</div>
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The lotion is available only online right now by clicking {<a href="https://www.shirudo.com/products/agr-e-lotion-tube-250ml" target="_blank">HERE</a>}. </div>
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<b><u>In conclusion:</u></b></div>
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I am so happy to have been made aware of this product and I was even more excited to share it with my readers and fellow sufferers! I cannot wait to test it out even more in February when we go to Jamaica... that will REALLY be a good test!! Winter/ Spring vacations is when my skin is the most prone to PMLE symptoms since I do not have a good base tan and my skin isn't used to the sun's harsh rays. </div>
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I will of course continue to update my blog with how the lotion is performing during different 'sun experiences'.... but I have to admit I am totally sold already! I love that I can choose my own SPF level (unlike with Eucerin) to apply over it and that the AGR ingredient is more concentrated in this product than the Eucerin Sun Defense (I'm basing that on the color and speaking with the developer of the product). </div>
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Thank you for stopping by and I really hope to hear from readers who try this product! I would love to know if it works as well for you as it did for me!! :-)<br />
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Previous PMLE posts:<br />
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Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-30814558560092251192012-07-09T23:33:00.001-04:002012-09-25T17:03:44.536-04:00PMLE (Polymorphic Light Eruption) Disorder Help - Updated for JULY 2012!!First off, thank you to the 1000's of people from all over the WORLD who have stopped by in the last few years and left amazingly helpful comments for other PMLE sufferers! I LOVE that we are all so supportive and helpful to each other! So, thank you again for all the helpful comments and dialogue from all our readers!<br />
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My next goal is to separate my PMLE posts from my 'mommy', fashion, and other posts so I can continue to operate both - more on that when I figure out what exactly I'm going to do!<br />
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Many comments have asked for specific dosages and other details regarding the treatment options I've discussed in previous posts. For myself, I use (and will discuss in further detail) the following items:<br />
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**<a href="http://mommy2connor.blogspot.com/2012/09/new-must-read-review-antioxidant-lotion.html" target="_blank">NEW PRODUCT!! SHIRUDO ANTIOXIDANT LOTION!</a> (click to see post/review)<br />
* Heliocare/ Solaricare Pills<br />
* Claritin/allergy meds<br />
* Beta Carotene (and any anti-oxidants both topical and orally in general) / lycopene<br />
* Vitamin E oil (topical) / Bio-Oil<br />
* Parasol (avobenzone) - found in sunscreens... Banana Boat specifically<br />
** Alphaglucosylrutin (AGR) ** if anyone knows of ANY product containing this, or anything about this elusive ingredient, PLEASE let us know! It was in the<b> Eucerin Daily Sun Defense Lotion</b>, which is no longer available in the US and nearly impossible to find internationally!) I did find a website to order it through .... see below<br />
**Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat / Covering up!<br />
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For reference, I spent the entire month of June in south Florida. Clearly, this was a great way to challenge the above mentioned items. After I discuss them, I will review my results!<br />
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I finally caved and purchased my <b>Heliocare pills</b> ('sun pill') on Amazon a few weeks ago. As per the label (and other readers' experiences) I started taking one per day about a month before my vacation to the beach, and bumped it up to two-per-day the week before and during the entire time we are at the beach. This ended up costing me about $100... was it worth it?! I'm not going to say either way. The ingredients in the pill are generally positive, so I don't think there was a bad side for me. I should note that I replaced my typical beta-carotene pill and my lycopene pill with the Heliocare pill.<br />
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I ALWAYS take a Zyrtec at night before bed because I suffer year-around indoor and outdoor allergies. I buy a bottle of 300+ from Costco in their own off-brand for about $15 ... well worth it on so many levels for myself. I would also imagine Benedryl would be helpful for any itching or swelling that occurs.<br />
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Beta Carotene / Lycopene / Anti-oxidant pills are bascially in the same scope as the Heliocare pills. However, I have more experience with taking the beta carotene (BC) and lycopene pills from the previous few years. I always take the highest concentration I can find in the morning before hitting the beach. This year, as I mentioned, I did NOT take these pills in conjunction with the sun pill.<br />
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***BIG NEWS HERE*** I found a place to order Eucerin Sun Defense lotion WITH the AGR that is proven to lessen and even prevent our symptoms!!! The insert with the lotion even discusses and illustrates HOW this lotion prevents the rash by blocking free radicals .... so cool! <br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.paulsmarteurope.com/">www.paulsmarteurope.com</a> </i></b><span style="background-color: white;">has the Eucerin in SPF 25. It ships from Germany and must go through customs, so it took about a week and a half to receive. I was totally fine with that! The product was fresh, unopened, and just as described! For around $36 including shipping, I could NOT be happier! Weeee!</span><br />
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***MORE BIG NEWS HERE + 1*** I STILL broke out in my rash after three weeks in Florida. The funny thing is, it was on a cloudy day when I got lazy! It was the one day I didn't put any sunscreen at all on my stomach as I had started the day in a tee shirt, but then undressed down to just the bikini. I used a lot of the Eucerin to sooth and help prevent more rash from appearing and it worked quite well!<br />
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So, in conclusion, I still think that, besides building a tolerance to the sun each spring (which I've tried to do in both my backyard and a tanning bed) or simply covering yourself from the sun totally, the best prevention is topical - AGR and Avobenzone specifically! Not that the pills and other things don't work, but my personal experience is that if I can keep either one of those two substances on my skin while being exposed to the sun AND avoid becoming sun BURNED, I do not develop the rash.<br />
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The stronger the sun, earlier in the summer, and the more days in a row I am exposed to sun, the more likely I am to have an outbreak. AKA.... A Spring Break vacation to southern Florida almost always results in a rash faster than a weekend trip to Lake Michigan in August no matter what precautions I take!<br />
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Some have asked about birth control pills and I plan on looking more into this topic and the relation to PMLE. I know that my symptoms began about the time I went on the pill and have continued since. I also DID still have an outbreak when pregnant, but again, there are a lot of the same hormones floating around during pregnancy.... I may be willing to try going off the pill next summer to see if there is any positive effect. That seems like such an easy fix - maybe the pill only worsens the condition? It certainly is not the only culprit as there are men and children who also suffer .... but maybe there is a specific ingredient that aggravates the condition? I will look more into this. <br />
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Lastly, I have seen studies that suggest as we age the PMLE symptoms ease ... let's hope!<br />
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THANK YOU for stopping by and I look forward to hearing from those of you who are experimenting with these solutions this summer!<br />
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-1294039902594687362011-07-24T10:04:00.001-04:002011-07-24T10:05:10.927-04:00Lesson Learned... Mommy WisdomI think we when we become parents, there are a lot of lessons we have to just learn on our own. Not that a 'helpful' friend, parent (stranger... passer-by) hadn't mentioned these things to us along the way. But the only way to truly learn and embrace new and sometimes hard-to-swallow ideas, is to live them. This goes double for parenting. Before having Connor, there was an endless list (ok, mental list) of things I was never going to do... or things that I was hell-bent on doing. Funny how when you're tired, sleep deprived, yearning for adult social interaction, and pretty much spent emotionally, psychologically, and physically, what we might or might not do as parents ... especially in the beginning.<br />
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Lately, these thing have been standing out more and more. Things that I thought were interesting or funny, contradictory or affirming to what I *thought* were my beliefs about parenting, or otherwise interesting observations I've made as I round out my first full year of staying-at-home with two. <br />
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1.) <strong>Poop</strong>: The idea of changing poopy diapers or wiping a butt is something that some parents really struggle with... especially in the beginning. <strong><u>Lesson Learned</u></strong>: It's ALWAYS better out than in. You think a poopy diaper is bad? Wait till you hear what you have to do if the baby CAN'T get it out. Believe me, you want at least one or two per day... or it gets really ugly...er...<br />
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2.) <strong>Need a Sitter? Call Dora!:</strong> I honestly thought I would let my kids watch a small amount of TV and that's it. I'm not one of those who swore I wasn't going to let my kids know a TV existed until they are teenagers. However, I did not realize Baby Einstein videos would be the only thing to put my boys into a trance-like when colicky or over-tired. And I didn't realize Connor's first best-friend would be Diego, and his first girlfriend would be Dora. <strong><u>Lesson Learned:</u></strong> Do what works. If Dora, Diego, Sesame Street, Baby Einstein, etc... gets you a moment's peace, it's TOTALLY worth it. And for those of your friends who don't let their kids watch TV.... I bet they aren't home with them all day... and if they are, well, good for them... but I bet they don't shower! <br />
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3.)<strong> The Great Boob Debate: </strong>Oh boy did I ever plan on nursing each boy for six months. Let's see ... I made it about 3 months with Connor and 4 with Logan. Some people are willing to give up every waking (and non-waking) second to their child - living like they are pregnant for an additional 12 months or more after birth. To those people, I say "Way to go!" Me, I give my kids ALL of me for about 12 hours during the day. After that, I'm going to have a couple glasses of wine, have my husband give the baby a bottle before bed, and get 8 hours of consecutive sleep. <strong><u>Lesson Learned</u></strong>: You have to do what works for your own sanity and family. My kids are not always sick, they are perfectly chubby, hitting all their milestones, smart, handsome, and do not have 2 heads. Formula is not the evil twin of breast milk. Seriously. Relax. It's fine.<br />
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4.) <strong>Doesn't He Look Adorable:</strong> I love to shop. And having kids is just one more category of shopping bliss I get to dabble in! Clothing being the #1 for me. And because I LOVE to shop and get a deal, my focus has always been high-quality clothing for the kiddos - especially Connor, now that I know we'll be able to hand it down to Logan. Now, I'm not saying we don't have undershirts and underwear, and other cute items from Target, but the majority of the boys' clothing is from nicer retailers - I wait for an extra % off sale items and pounce - usually on things for next season. The boys pull off the madras-shorts-with-polo shirt look very nicely. <strong><u>Lesson Learned</u></strong>: Present your child as a 'pretty package' when going out in public. It's not fair, but pretty and nicely dressed people get paid more at their job, date better looking people, live longer, etc... and I feel it's helpful to them (and us) to give the boys this advantage early. We've found that society extends a lot more patience and understanding to a fussy child in restaurant dressed nicely rather than a diaper and ratty onsie.<br />
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5.) <strong>Oh, Your Fancy, Huh?:</strong> I read recipes and home -decorating ideas, and ways to make your holidays sparkle, and other BS articles in magazines all the time. It makes me feel a little guilty that the fanciest dinner I make for the fam comes off the grill. Recently in one of these mags, I saw how you could make a super-cute 4th of July themed picnic table with little citronella candles, tablecloth, etc... that would be great for dinner and then all the way through fireworks activities! I brought the supplies to re-create this look on our weekend trip to the lake. Let's just say, the neighbors ended up having to run over with a fire extinguisher. The entire table was engulfed in flames with the tail of the table cloth was blown onto the candle's flame by the wind. Oops. So much for a cute themed table. That's what I get for trying too hard. <strong><u> Lesson Learned:</u></strong> (and actually there were a few lessons learned here, but I'm going to stick to the topic) We are all good at some things and struggle with others. I can grill corn to sweet perfection, create gorgeous chocolate covered strawberries with white chocolate drizzle, create silk flower pins that are nearly identical to ones selling for $50 in stores, and I can color-coordinate and organize a closet till the cows come home (and actually enjoy it). But I'm not Martha Stewart - and not many of us are. Trying too hard generally leads to major frustration, which doesn't make for a happy family! So stick to what you're good at, and leave life-sized homemade gingerbread houses with working electricity and running water to Martha.<br />
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6.) <strong>Nicknames Make Me Feel Better:</strong> The first cute baby nicknames I became aware of were 'Buggy' and 'Monkey' - from watching one of the countless Tori Spelling reality shows. I never understood why you would call your kid something other than the name you just got the privilege of choosing for them! Turns out, it's not really a choice. I've found that the term Monkey has stuck with Connor because he used to climb on things so much - I started calling him that and never really stopped, though I also use his actual name, Buddy, etc... as well. With Logan, being the lug that he is, we started calling him Turkey or Bubba. There are also many times throughout my dad when I call them 'Little Monsters', 'Stinker Butt', or something of the like. <strong><u>Lesson Learned:</u></strong> Sometimes those cute little names are so mommy and daddy don't use BAD names. When I catch Logan doing something naughty, jokingly calling him a 'Little Monster' as I re-direct him makes me feel better... it just does.<br />
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7.) <strong>Anything in Yellow Packaging:</strong> Gerber, this one's for you. My kids' faces literally light-up when we stroll through the 'snack' section in the baby aisle at Target. If it comes in a bright yellow package, we love it. <strong><u>Lesson Learned:</u></strong> Learn your child's currency and then STOCK UP! We don't leave home without a stash of rice rusks, juicy treats, crunchies, and puffs. If you aren't sure what these things are, you don't have a one-year-old!<br />
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8.)<strong> 1, 2, 3...</strong> We have ALL heard the mother at the pool, mall, strore, etc... with the 1.... 2.... 2 and a half.... threat. I used to think, 'Ugh - so annoying!" <strong><u>Lesson Learned:</u></strong> I'm not sure if somehow this is part of the new preschool curriculum, but there is something completely frightening to a toddler about this phrase. Because 9 times out of ten, it does get them at least moving in the right direction! And while I still find it annoying, believe me there are much louder and worse things I could be saying after trying to get my kid out of the baby pool for the last 10 minutes.<br />
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9.)<strong> Putting it on Display:</strong> I'm a bit OCD, and for all the things I cannot change in my life, I like to keep those things I *can* change as streamlined as possible. Yes, there is a lot of clutter in our house, but there are some sacred areas I felt like I could always keep as mine. The laundry room was no problem.... I always said I could hide anything I wanted in there because the rest of the family doesn't even know it exists. Not sure how their underwear gets clean... must be magic! The other area is my kitchen. As a singleton, cluttered displays on a refrigerator were almost offensive.... why take that beautiful, blank, clean space and crap it up. <u><strong>Lesson Learned:</strong></u> Everything my sons create happens to be a work of unabated masterpiece. Genius, if I may be so bold. ;) And yours will be too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtX9WNbiM5o_okpT4wAHBTIdhUWuCJ2MGCPnAdTrLKENsLmJ6GDxn1cNxHBI8BvfEDxMScJH9L6AHiew0K_m-eUvKqqDkcV2wrPjPs-szEsfin_2EoJb8QjJ66mHDoOLmawbKV8bJpWB0/s1600/Fridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtX9WNbiM5o_okpT4wAHBTIdhUWuCJ2MGCPnAdTrLKENsLmJ6GDxn1cNxHBI8BvfEDxMScJH9L6AHiew0K_m-eUvKqqDkcV2wrPjPs-szEsfin_2EoJb8QjJ66mHDoOLmawbKV8bJpWB0/s320/Fridge.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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10.) <strong>Do Not Disturb</strong>: I know I'm not the only stay-at-home mom who had visions of a clean, organized home, once they were able to quit their job and be home with the kiddos. I honestly thought I would perfectly fold laundry, cook nice meals every night, keep up-to-date on scrapbooking, and have the storage area in the basement looking like a dream. HA! <strong><u> Lesson Learned:</u></strong> ANYTIME I get during the day, without being pestered to 'watch me', feeding or washing bottles, making mac-n-cheese and apple juice sippys, changing diapers, watching and talking about the Cars movie, etc... is a precious moment. Dont' get me wrong, I love doing those things for my children. But forgive me for not wanting to immediately jump up and finish the laundry, dishes, vacuuming, cleaning, etc... as soon as I manage to get them both down for a nap at the same time! So there is no surprise that our house reflects this attitude. It's pretty bad. My biggest fear is an unexpected visitor.... unless it's someone who wants to come clean and organize my house, of course!<br />
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Undoubtedly, there will be additional lessons learned in the coming years.... ahh, I can't wait for that!! :)<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-7998963765544238212011-03-06T09:25:00.000-05:002011-03-06T09:25:31.673-05:00A New Pair of Shoes Each Month!I just discovered a new website (well, it's new and exciting to me, anyway!) and I posted about it over on my other blog! It's definitely worth checking out!<br />
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<a href="http://objectsofmyclosetsaffection.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-pair-of-shoes-each-month.html">http://objectsofmyclosetsaffection.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-pair-of-shoes-each-month.html</a>Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-38181019799639214292011-01-30T22:42:00.000-05:002011-01-30T22:42:41.039-05:00A Little Update - Top 1010. Logan is now 6 months. That's a big deal considering my goal for nursing (at least 50/50) was 6 months. Did that happen? Not quite. Today marks about 6 weeks since I nursed for the last time. What happened? I can't point to one single thing, it was a mixture of low supply, selfishness, and laziness. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not throwing a pitty-party for myself, or even beating myself up about not continuing. I'm really proud of the 4+ months I put into it and I really believe transitioning to formula was the best choice for our family. Easier? Yes! More expensive? Yes! I feel less guilty about stopping with Logan than I did with Connor because Logan doesn't have the tummy problems that Connor did... although we started Logan on the Enfamil Gentlease right away instead of farting around (literally) with the regular stuff - just to be safe! BUT - it was much harder for me to pull the final plug on nursing Logan because he is our last baby. I kept saying, "This is the last morning I'm nursing", "Today is the last day"...... and then I'd wake up the next morning and nurse him again .... and then give a bottle... it was silly really. Anyway, moral of this rambling is ... I made it through a vacation, the holidays, and many social events without stopping - and I did make it 4 months, so I have decided to let myself be proud of that fact and move on...<br />
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9. Connor is a little man now. Seriously. He says words (in both English and Spanish) that shock us daily. His reasoning and metal awareness is just amazing! He is definitely in the "What's that", "Why", and "How come" stage.... which is exhausting... but I am so thankful to have a thriving, wonderful, smart toddler.<br />
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8. Connor is also a liar.... sometimes! ;) Being so smart has also allowed him to figure out how to manipulate and toy with us parents. I asked him, "Connor, did you take a nap at school today?" And Connor, knowing that I will make him nap at home if he didn't nap at school says, "Yes I did take a nap. Twice, five times." (exact verbage) So I say, "If I call Ms. Roseanne, will she say that you took a nap?" And he says, "Yes she will." I proceed to take out his daily report and it says he didn't nap that day. Busted.... but so cute! ;)<br />
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7. Logan may out-weigh and tower over Connor by the end of this year. It IS a possibility! Connor is now in the 20th percentile and Logan in the 70-90th range. It's crazy. The great thing about this is I may be able to eventually move clothes from one closet to the other without having to store a couple of size ranges in between.... they say big babies don't always end up 'big' in the end - but Logan is on track to being a pretty big boy!<br />
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6. Connor has played both 3-year-old soccer and basketball in the past few months through our local YMCA. What a ..... treat?! Nightmare?! I don't know. We spend more time getting dressed (shin guards, tee-shirt, tennis shoes, etc....) for the game than playing in it - but Connor REALLY enjoys himself and it's a new role for me to be a proud side-line mommy. It's a great learning experience for both parents and the kids. I'm not sure we have a professional athlete on our hands, but Connor feels like the star in every game, which is really all that matters!<br />
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5. We JUST moved Logan from his Rock and Play Sleeper to his actual crib. He's been in his own room now for about 3 months, but still in this little sleeper thingy (which, BTW, is the best thing ever!) Connor slept in his carseat in his crib until he was 9 months, so I really wasn't stressing about Logan still being in his sleeper - but the transition was pretty easy. One more thing to check off my to-do list. (which is only like a mile long)<br />
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4. At six months post-baby, I can finally say that I feel like most of my clothes finally are back to fitting (at least close to the way I actually want them to) and I'm back to more of a maintenance gym routine. Though a specific and limited calorie menu and 4-6 days a week in the gym weren't exactly FUN, I am proud of what I accomplished (especially through Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, etc...) and I'm a much happier person now that I am more content with my new post-baby-#2 bod! Not everything goes back into place, but there is a comfort and confidence that comes with knowing you did everything possible to at least TRY an get it back there!<br />
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3. I am still loving my Swagger Wagon. I was a always a nay-sayer in regards to mini-vans, but after 6 months as a mother of two, I can honestly say, without a doubt, that my van is pretty much the only thing that makes my life easier on a daily basis. Plus, in the world I roll in, I do drive just about the coolest car there is. It's no Porsche or Jaguar, but honestly, I'd rather have automatic sliding doors than a rag-top any day of the week... at least for the next few years! ;)<br />
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2. I have not gotten a pedicure or painted my fingernails in over 6 months. Not cool. Just sayin...<br />
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1. What did we do with all out time before we had two? I used to think that same thing when we first had Connor.... and now I think, if we just had Connor, our life would be cake! But I wouldn't change anything about our life now. I feel like we finally have our complete little family!<br />
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So I leave you with a few recent pics...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwy14NTdDbVghHf9OX3puIZeQKc2lsaXDbrzZzlwwv1QIOGclhnsyd56-6s0J1QajNB6GK6XJfv4DOi4vhVlJn8utMXLXjS5hHafRZsYKFky8irTIoc4lVrcgJsa8mHJnIlsJUPHqx9nA/s1600/IMG00289-20110119-2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwy14NTdDbVghHf9OX3puIZeQKc2lsaXDbrzZzlwwv1QIOGclhnsyd56-6s0J1QajNB6GK6XJfv4DOi4vhVlJn8utMXLXjS5hHafRZsYKFky8irTIoc4lVrcgJsa8mHJnIlsJUPHqx9nA/s320/IMG00289-20110119-2022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New York City - Jan 2011</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJHd0iDgZ0V0TICM781UO9jiV8jFS2q2P3Tu0hqbM-lipgmPx8oB2IApovhjBPqE3kKbuNmd8u8jrqwRrYjC-OsHIfy_tf3LQ1CQ7QBc4QLvUpaabqSsEU4iMVSE5PG98Ejz1V6i1NxU/s1600/CIMG8112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJHd0iDgZ0V0TICM781UO9jiV8jFS2q2P3Tu0hqbM-lipgmPx8oB2IApovhjBPqE3kKbuNmd8u8jrqwRrYjC-OsHIfy_tf3LQ1CQ7QBc4QLvUpaabqSsEU4iMVSE5PG98Ejz1V6i1NxU/s320/CIMG8112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My boys in their UK gear!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaB11Gdu85U7F-5wWoW5dkmrX3h5_xbR4I7KlN_tJUVMKmcVy9Tl1RiqB15ESA6tNG8-gPMNZY14zT0Gha_fO_c53hXfwn0_W5CNYh8iCow7pHadZlIayhQz6BBUf_R8FR0PAU8ufmGe0/s1600/CIMG8113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaB11Gdu85U7F-5wWoW5dkmrX3h5_xbR4I7KlN_tJUVMKmcVy9Tl1RiqB15ESA6tNG8-gPMNZY14zT0Gha_fO_c53hXfwn0_W5CNYh8iCow7pHadZlIayhQz6BBUf_R8FR0PAU8ufmGe0/s320/CIMG8113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My cuties - Jan 2011</div>Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-4014789809146351852011-01-28T09:02:00.000-05:002011-01-28T09:02:28.045-05:00MIA? Well, Not Exactly!Whoa! I cannot believe it's been since Sept that I posted on this blog! I made a tough decision a few months ago to drop a few things in my life until we got a little more settled in with our growing family. Blogging, unfortunately, was one of the first things I had to let go. Not only this blog, but my clothing blog, AND blog reading.<br />
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But things are settling in nicely around here - finally! Now that the holidays are over, I think I'm ready to tackle my goal of getting this (and my other) blog going again! I'm also toying with the idea of combining my two blogs in order to make blogging a simpler process for me. Although a 'mommy' blog and a 'fashion' blog are like polar opposites in terms of topics, I feel like there might be a lot of similar readers - or at least readers have the choice of just skipping certain posts if they do not pertain to their interests. And I'm not sure which blog name I would actually keep.... Anyway - just a thought - haven't decided yet.<br />
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So I wanted to say "I'm back" at least once a week at this point and hopefully more! I can't wait to update you on everything that's been going on with the boys - and of course have more post-pregnancy discussions regarding various topics!<br />
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Thank you to all who commented in the following two "Let's Talk" posts - I assure you there will be more! And welcome all new followers!<br />
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Happy Friday!Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-2735037030642010812010-09-05T13:11:00.000-04:002010-09-05T13:11:13.813-04:00Let's Talk: Post Pregnancy Issue #2 - Post-Partum Depression & Baby BluesThis is something that a lot of women have trouble talking about. The funny thing is, once you mention it in a group of moms, all of a sudden the ice is broken and the truth comes out. Post-partum despression (PPD), or at least the "baby blues" is soooo common and a lot of women suffer from some it to some degree after the birth of their baby. <br />
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*Ahhh.... what a relief it is to hear real women talk about real personal issues - letting their guard down and really communicating and learning from their friends - creating close bonds and friendships with other moms... friendships like you've been trying develop since middle school (more on friendships after mommy-hood in a later post)*<br />
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Back on point: Why is this such a "personal" and "hush-hush" post-pregnancy (PP) issue? Obviously, mental health issues are nothing that most of us wish to divulge openly - if at all - but since PPD is so common after pregnancy, it seems like something that would be more widely discussed... at least among women... or at LEAST between you and your doctor!!<br />
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Alas, it is not.<br />
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With my first son, the crying started about a week post-partum (PP). I wasn't sure what I was crying about, all I knew was that I couldn't stop it once it started coming. It would happen about twice a day and would only last about 5 minutes... but it was everyday... and worrisome. <br />
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(On a side-note, from my research on baby blues, this pattern is very common - not crying and feeling sad ALL day, but for short periods during the day...)<br />
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By the time my 6-week PP check-up rolled around, it had stopped (thank God) and there was really nothing to discuss with the doctor. Which is a good thing because, wouldn't you know it, they never even asked me how I was doing emotionally. No one did. And I can tell you that if I had still been feeling depressed and sad at that point, I doubt I would have just come right out with that information on my own without being asked.<br />
My experience the second time around was different. I think I was so <em>afraid</em> of getting PPD that I sat around the first few hours after getting home from the hospital crying and <em>worrying</em> about getting it. Thankfully, short of some crazy mood swings (sorry Jamie :) and a couple short crying fits, there has been no daily crying or sadness. In all honesty, I feel like I just don't even have the time to sit around and be sad and depressed this time. Whew! I'm relieved!! And again, no mention of baby blues or PPD at my PP check-up.<br />
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Strike two.<br />
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For me, the first few weeks are so tiring and hard - and such a huge adjustment for the entire family. And I think that's why they are the hardest for me.... and probably most families. However, the risk for PPD exists ANYTIME after pregnancy - so it's always something to consider and watch when you are a new mom!<br />
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So, what is the deal with me writing this? Mostly to point out how the current medical system (at least what I've been exposed to in having two babies) really lacks in resources for following up with new moms in regards to PPD and baby blues. Being handed a sheet of paper when leaving the hospital with a checklist of symptoms, telling you to "call your healthcare provider" does NOT cut it. I've always felt like a quick phone call from either your OB or the hospital during the first week or two would be a very worthy follow-up. Time and money well-spent in my opinion.<br />
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I feel like the medical system has really let women down in regards to mental well being - "dropped the ball" so to speak. I've got 10 different numbers and resources to contact if I have trouble breastfeeding, but no certain number to call if I have trouble just getting through my day? Of course I could call my OB, or the hospital, or Google it to find some help in my area ... I know that. But when you aren't feeling like yourself and barely have the motivation to get out of the bed in the morning, is it realistic to expect a women to look up a phone number, call, leave a message, be called back, does my insurance cover this, etc... ? Seriously. Not going to happen. <br />
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I know there are advocates out there to help women emotionally after giving birth, but where are they? Why don't THEY have fliers in my "Going Home" hospital packet along with all the other formula and nipple butter samples?<br />
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I thank my lucky stars that this hasn't been a huge issue for me. And I wish I had the resources, time, and energy to do more about helping women who are silently suffering with post-pregnancy sadness, blues, or depression. But, if nothing else, I leave you with this:<br />
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<strong>If you know a new mom, call her and ask how SHE is doing. In all likelihood, the baby is great.... and she gets asked about the baby 10 times a day... Ask how SHE is doing. Stop by.... offer to bring some coffee or a snack. Share you experiences and knowledge of life right after having a baby. Just opening up the dialogue could make a huge difference!!</strong><br />
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<em>*On a side note: Something to consider when speaking with a new mom - If one more person had told me to "get some rest" or "sleep when the baby sleeps" etc... when I was first coming home from the hospital, I seriously think I might have exploded. My personal suggestion, DO NOT say these things to new parents. It actually stressed us out MORE to hear people say this all the time!! OF COURSE I AM TIRED - I HAVE A NEWBORN. DUH! It doesn't help for you to tell me I SHOULD be sleeping! ahhhh! - OK, I feel better now! :)*</em>Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-42826666954219772442010-08-28T10:09:00.000-04:002010-08-28T10:09:02.941-04:00Sometimes Bigger IS BetterLogan's 1-month appointment was Thursday and boy was I surprised at his weight! 11 pounds 11 ounces! Wow-ee! I was looking back through Connor's baby book and he didn't weigh that much until his 2-month check-up!<br />
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We are amazed that Logan is in the 90th percentile in both length (22.5") and weight when Connor started out as only 50 percentile and has slowly worked his way down to about the 20th! I guess Logan will be beating up on Connor sooner than we thought!<br />
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What does this all mean? A few things: We had to buy some summer clothes for Logan because he already grew out of the things I had for him AND he is sleeping better than Connor was at his age! Yea!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvf4xBgvXNZhj6L5L4NLY4RZn92j_nlg5o1flOoluIhAELP4n7FB0lfFSr7z2ScZoRQL4JX0Tlf6YAfHsENKnBtWgUf1PDzO89u2_B7ArXvr9J6xt0l36NnEw5D4xmUfk8rqlQT_AptI/s1600/DSCN1612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvf4xBgvXNZhj6L5L4NLY4RZn92j_nlg5o1flOoluIhAELP4n7FB0lfFSr7z2ScZoRQL4JX0Tlf6YAfHsENKnBtWgUf1PDzO89u2_B7ArXvr9J6xt0l36NnEw5D4xmUfk8rqlQT_AptI/s320/DSCN1612.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>All of us out to dinner at Stoney River for my mom's birthday and Jamie's parents anniversary!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Thanks for stopping by!Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-70033839870129249092010-08-24T14:43:00.000-04:002010-08-24T14:43:09.361-04:00Let's Talk: Post-Pregnancy Issue 1 - Breast AND Bottle FeedingThere are a lot of women out there with strong feelings one way or another on breastfeeding. I'd like to think I am not one of those women. Honestly, I think other people's opinions and judgements about breastfeeding are better left unsaid, because more often than not, they end up stressing a new mom out more than actually helping!<br />
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I do, however, feel strongly that there doesn't have to be a right or wrong, all-or-nothing answer when it comes to feeding your newborn. The "right" answer is whatever works best for both you and baby... and the rest of the family... and maybe even your social life because, let's face it, an unhappy mom = unhappy household.<br />
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I am certainly not the most cuddly, sit-around-all-day-and-look-at-the-baby type moms.... but I do enjoy the special closeness that comes with nursing. The hubby and I tried to keep our lives as similar to pre-baby as possible when we had Connor, and with our second baby, things haven't been any different... and that makes nursing a pain (pun intended a little bit ;) Slipping off to a quiet room, alone, for 30 or more minutes, to nurse, isn't exactly my idea of a great time. Again, love the bonding with baby, but it sucks when you feel like you are missing out on other things because of it.<br />
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So am I nursing? Yes. Do I love it? Yes ... and No. Let me explain.<br />
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I would not trade the nursing experience for anything. The first time he latches, the little milk mustache, the bonding, the coy eye-contact while feeding, and the sense of providing for your own baby. Wow - that's cool. What else is cool? I love not having to wear a padded bra in order to have boobs right now ... plus I can still eat like I'm preggers because nursing burns so many calories. There are so many other benefits for you and baby - I think most of us are aware... these are just my personal faves!<br />
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HOWEVER (and this is important), breastfeeding is not like a lot of lactation-pushers would suggest. Does it hurt at first? Yes. Your nipples will feel as if you took a wad of sandpaper and went to town on them.... for a short time, that is. I honestly don't think anything can prepare you for that, but it does get better - quickly if the latch is correct. To be completely honest, for me, the pain of nursing is really a non-issue. Uh, I just gave birth. this is nothing!<br />
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Now for THE 2 BIGGIES!!<br />
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1.) Daddy (or other helpers you might have enlisted) CANNOT nurse for you. Nope, he can't. And, having him give a breast milk bottle once a night so you can sleep doesn't really work either because you still have to get up and pump. Bummer. By the second night home from the hospital, this reality sets in hard-core!<br />
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2.) No matter what any lactation-pusher tells you, it has been my experience, the experience of my friends, and confirmed by hospital nurses, that babies tend to go longer between feedings when they are on formula. Yes. That's right. 4 hours instead of 2 hours at night? That's a big freakin' deal!<br />
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Nursing? Easier? I wouldn't say easier. Cheaper - sure. Are there benefits - of course... but formula is also great... and not evil!<br />
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So here is what I have worked out that makes sense for me and our family. Feel free to steal this idea! In fact, I recommend it!<br />
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My little punkin' gets to nurse anytime between 7AM and 7 PM. Between 7 PM and 7 AM, he is hittin' the bottle. He gets anywhere from 2-4 bottles right now, which are half breast milk and half Enfamil Gentlease formula. That is just until his little system gets more developed and used to the formula, then it's going to be all formula at night and I'll use my stored-up pumped breast milk for day-time bottle feedings when I'm not home, etc...<br />
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Right now, I still pump a couple of times between the dinner time breastfeeding and going to bed ... that's just to keep up my supply, which is crucial when cutting out several feedings and supplementing with bottles/ formula. (Now, this is where I screwed up with my first son - you MUST keep pumping or feeding regularly in the beginning and not get lazy!!!) I think at about 6-8 weeks, my milk supply will be established enough where I'm not having to pump anymore unless I miss a day-time feeding. I also happen to enjoy the Mother's Milk tea, so I have a cup or two of that a day... not sure it helps, but I figure what the hell?<br />
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I'm certainly no expert, but I'm hoping that other moms out there who are looking for a little insight and support on breastfeeding and supplementing will find my experience helpful and comforting. It doesn't have to be all or nothing! It's whatever you want it to be! The more enjoyable and flexible nursing is for you, the longer you will keep it up! It's a win-win... Bonus!<br />
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Lot's more hot mommy topics coming soon! Thanks for stopping by!Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-55228691410174709962010-08-15T10:28:00.001-04:002010-08-15T10:30:11.527-04:00Pictures and Update!A quick update: We are all doing just fine! A little tired, but fine! Connor is adjusting well and has been very proud to announce his new big brother status to anyone and everyone! At Logan's 1 week appointment, he had already gained almost a pound from when we left the hospital, weighing in at over 8.5 pounds!<br />
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More to come when I've got more time, but I leave you with some pictures!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlvNhTKyW9t6SK0yWPskx8cpEqY9p7Pt0_0xdfH3Sz1NuQjfCQmMxkxmEozBilrEBS9iSEMWzu-bWhaItJ6OJE9YimujhHGOOrtQXnBTdvKhFhP9Fq-aVDVKmNvkp1wlP0Z9exhXofMA/s1600/DSCN1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlvNhTKyW9t6SK0yWPskx8cpEqY9p7Pt0_0xdfH3Sz1NuQjfCQmMxkxmEozBilrEBS9iSEMWzu-bWhaItJ6OJE9YimujhHGOOrtQXnBTdvKhFhP9Fq-aVDVKmNvkp1wlP0Z9exhXofMA/s320/DSCN1302.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Heading into our bathroom to put on some fashionable hospital duds! Notice the clock .... 6:15AM - yucky!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tGp0zkrNEyt8MXFiskQeJj5sHWlQbyNnbvJkoZSzeiWxehvxIQpJNWte7nr11KSP2XNEyzGTDB-hcbMESTF3MGxkkzXTMpeEl4vidKNoR2am3hRv9i1AGmC9AddGMq97hulPyrTi_h8/s1600/DSCN1318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tGp0zkrNEyt8MXFiskQeJj5sHWlQbyNnbvJkoZSzeiWxehvxIQpJNWte7nr11KSP2XNEyzGTDB-hcbMESTF3MGxkkzXTMpeEl4vidKNoR2am3hRv9i1AGmC9AddGMq97hulPyrTi_h8/s320/DSCN1318.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>8 pounds 5.4 ounces. Wow! Big boy!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtvVmO2ioz_7LkJuuHGl3q0VUrv-i3RrrwEEhkBjHh_hCbE2DFO7L654NpicP4Qo5TTkWHsikAVgOL2GQRHgHlwwT8nBOro4rr8qpxs6oJPn722PSxlq-SjJLOENhwA27Z1LJef7Rnto/s1600/DSCN1412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtvVmO2ioz_7LkJuuHGl3q0VUrv-i3RrrwEEhkBjHh_hCbE2DFO7L654NpicP4Qo5TTkWHsikAVgOL2GQRHgHlwwT8nBOro4rr8qpxs6oJPn722PSxlq-SjJLOENhwA27Z1LJef7Rnto/s320/DSCN1412.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>You forget how hard it is to put a tiny little thing into a giant carseat! I finally just had to plop down on the ground to figure it out!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBANklqGIGp8lf1G-9EgLxaoQa_EUkdh9BqkWI25x1d16Sko28ID-DDdR9p-tF8zSSiJ6qqHCp_IH3eRO5zHszTuXhCvwL-PX0sea-AwhHVhUmeUMFW7xbCPGVeac4Bn_H7DtLjZo-RCo/s1600/CIMG7735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBANklqGIGp8lf1G-9EgLxaoQa_EUkdh9BqkWI25x1d16Sko28ID-DDdR9p-tF8zSSiJ6qqHCp_IH3eRO5zHszTuXhCvwL-PX0sea-AwhHVhUmeUMFW7xbCPGVeac4Bn_H7DtLjZo-RCo/s320/CIMG7735.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>So serious!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIvPnTy5wEY-q1Lhd6UoDoN3bf_33zbVApt0hZ5hlNExZ5xOARVYIbMTTV8FnZmg_8iNa-1iIhpuFOGVrErBErJpoLSV44uu7f8QD8ZilCWgpKjLeW6t38yNUuowqfxYANIMEgSIv60Y/s1600/CIMG7721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIvPnTy5wEY-q1Lhd6UoDoN3bf_33zbVApt0hZ5hlNExZ5xOARVYIbMTTV8FnZmg_8iNa-1iIhpuFOGVrErBErJpoLSV44uu7f8QD8ZilCWgpKjLeW6t38yNUuowqfxYANIMEgSIv60Y/s320/CIMG7721.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>We had a great time playing in the baby pool in the backyard! We wanted to make sure Connor still got to have some fun.... even though we were exhausted!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M26CcG2KKV1xJS3dDD0Ez4KrhSQRqnfmgFne9wnd15b0Sqk6CPbqYfYiiHHSiMaBqreaxllWEY3iI2MVzA7pZPDGa7vz4uMm51n6b6v-n7S7CloP4YshZjPUWVx9iNDIK-Sh13rAFYE/s1600/DSCN1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M26CcG2KKV1xJS3dDD0Ez4KrhSQRqnfmgFne9wnd15b0Sqk6CPbqYfYiiHHSiMaBqreaxllWEY3iI2MVzA7pZPDGa7vz4uMm51n6b6v-n7S7CloP4YshZjPUWVx9iNDIK-Sh13rAFYE/s320/DSCN1479.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Last weekend at Jamie's firm picnic in Shelbyville.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy_eBNTQoai4lrlCjyhyP2X-_fdYXAZ2pDWkqJQgKDGUj3l80FXOF3Cd9gnyXCLAGP0VQUrkTkaoym5It-zP7MRRp2CouamJLSyy5Rqk7Idb0nvTD7Q23mKNOjIa1cYI8Ga0uM175wZw/s1600/DSCN1452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy_eBNTQoai4lrlCjyhyP2X-_fdYXAZ2pDWkqJQgKDGUj3l80FXOF3Cd9gnyXCLAGP0VQUrkTkaoym5It-zP7MRRp2CouamJLSyy5Rqk7Idb0nvTD7Q23mKNOjIa1cYI8Ga0uM175wZw/s200/DSCN1452.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Our first outdoor walk all together!</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-67077021863599700262010-07-27T21:38:00.000-04:002010-07-27T21:38:42.335-04:00Logan Dean Brodsky<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Proud to announce:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Logan Dean </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Born July 27th at 12:57 PM.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">8 pounds 5 ounces and 21 inches</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-58227732514892574502010-07-25T09:57:00.000-04:002010-07-25T09:57:30.537-04:00Tuesday is the Day! And We Are 39 Weeks!Thursday, at my last doctor's appointment, I was 4 CM .... but unfortunately not 'in labor' like I was hoping! I had even packed up my makeup and everything to put in my hospital bag that morning, just in case they sent me across the street to have a baby. But no.<br />
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I'm still measuring perfect to a little small and the baby's heart rate is still in the upper 130's/lower 140's. It's funny because, just like for the last few months, the baby moves wildly when they put the little hear rate monitor on my stomach so they have to fish around to find him! What a stinker!!<br />
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SO, bottom line, we are scheduled for an induction on Tuesday morning at 6 AM!! YAY!<br />
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I am bummed that they could not fit me in on Monday like we had initially discussed, but at least we now have a confirmed timeline of events .... unless he decides to come sooner! In my head I keep thinking that Monday I'll probably just go into labor since that was the day we had decided to initially induce. Who knows, maybe the the baby is an A-Type planner like me and had already made plans to come on tomorrow! :) We'll see!<br />
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Anyway, just wanted to give an update!Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-71211419288766289802010-07-20T23:27:00.000-04:002010-07-20T23:27:14.995-04:00My Little CrewCuts Model!Because I just haven't talked about my little Connor enough lately, I decided to make him feel super special by breaking out a new outfit from his "back-to-school" stash and take him shopping for new pool toys! He also got a haircut this morning, which he seemed genuinely excited about!<br />
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Anyway, we had a good little day together (which I'm trying to cherish as much as possible while he is my only munchkin, even though I'm quite miserable right now!) and I wanted to share these pics of just how cute my little cheese-ball is!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MaH5wUgJ7FhynpZpb142Oeg_N8gs7Wu2NVaWdKul_ZwhovYryvn9puAn9HgZsfufWGtWbpxodv9pUiw7_LKufocsHoyU9wSXVJ2JVR8lxBmjE6nSmNOzDagt9aN9gbly2cCHW5TImnM/s1600/DSCN1275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MaH5wUgJ7FhynpZpb142Oeg_N8gs7Wu2NVaWdKul_ZwhovYryvn9puAn9HgZsfufWGtWbpxodv9pUiw7_LKufocsHoyU9wSXVJ2JVR8lxBmjE6nSmNOzDagt9aN9gbly2cCHW5TImnM/s320/DSCN1275.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Wow- he really cheesed it up for this one!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr16X96USyYZlmYMrqZNbLsvjVmoJE1ExdcxzXa-N_meU_fkCuzSzLogJcjHXmpZx4E4g0ph9xKMAYQi9VW1LekRrkF9WiuJWtRJEsr5jBx2Hh2FKKAbztMQV8KDpNPu3K4e4Ldy6A_hw/s1600/DSCN1276(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr16X96USyYZlmYMrqZNbLsvjVmoJE1ExdcxzXa-N_meU_fkCuzSzLogJcjHXmpZx4E4g0ph9xKMAYQi9VW1LekRrkF9WiuJWtRJEsr5jBx2Hh2FKKAbztMQV8KDpNPu3K4e4Ldy6A_hw/s320/DSCN1276(1).jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>I told him to keep his eyes open for this one and he did! Gotta love the nap-bed-head!</em></div>Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-36437790102350091892010-07-20T15:52:00.000-04:002010-07-20T15:52:23.386-04:0038 Weeks: It's Getting to Be "That Time"Oh lordy, the nights have gotten to be bad news bears. Everything hurts more at night, and that's not just when you are pregnant. I spent from 2 AM to 5:30 AM last night up and laying on the couch, using a stopwatch to monitor contractions .... and dealing with nausea... working up a sweat trying to determine if I should wake up Jamie and have us jump in the car. Unfortunately<span style="background-color: yellow;">,</span> the end result was just a loss of sleep (which is the last thing I need!) and no baby! <br />
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Now, had I not been so tired and if it hadn't been storming, I might have insisted we head to the hospital since I know they would keep me and eventually get this baby out. If tonight goes the same as last night, that might just be the case!<br />
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I know (believe me!) that's it is much easier to take care of this little bugger while he is in my tummy, but between the night-time contractions and bathroom trips, I am just ready to get this party started, because I'm already not sleeping well! Why not at least have a cute baby to show for it! Grrr!<br />
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Sunday night, I got so desperate to get something started, I had Jamie buy me a Volcano Taco from Taco Bell and then I went for a walk/jog around the block - at 11 PM!! Still nothing. Hmmmm....<br />
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I'll keep you posted! If nothing happens naturally before next week, Monday is the big day! Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyLJqqudUtV7qS0RWiWD_ZlJpZfbigY5Re27nwsSrqw2q2VKusZpDqLGAXF8TTEK2dP8RNi81xAt7ec8Ottg1xaeg2RU5d4Q9_BC0iEk5p7OjMu_uxvUgSTbfD8KOLWT7R5C7KWHH_vk/s1600/DSCN1270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyLJqqudUtV7qS0RWiWD_ZlJpZfbigY5Re27nwsSrqw2q2VKusZpDqLGAXF8TTEK2dP8RNi81xAt7ec8Ottg1xaeg2RU5d4Q9_BC0iEk5p7OjMu_uxvUgSTbfD8KOLWT7R5C7KWHH_vk/s320/DSCN1270.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>38 Weeks (T-Minus 7 Days!)</strong></div>Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560270016852436220.post-36053637673322252922010-07-16T00:00:00.000-04:002010-07-16T00:00:37.438-04:00Ready for Launch... Quick Doctor's Appointment UpdateWent to the doctor today and here's the deal...<br />
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I've now progressed to about 3cm .... which I kind of thought would be the case because I was at least 4cm at this point (37-38 weeks) with Connor AND I've been having contractions at night that are keeping me awake! At least it hasn't been for nothing!<br />
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Still 60-70% effaced... so that hasn't changed much... thank goodness, because the doctor alluded to the fact that the thinner and softer the cervix, the faster you can dilate... which is not in my best interest as far as getting to the hospital and getting an epidural!<br />
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Head is still down and the heartbeat is strong. My belly is measuring perfect for 37.5 weeks (maybe a touch small, which I think is a good thing!) and blood pressure was very good! Still no swelling.... which is amazing in this heat! Yay!<br />
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I'm in the "it could happen at any moment" phase of this pregnancy at this point. For me, that means not going any further from the hospital than my house (which is already 20-25 minutes as it is!) and not going many places (like malls, etc...) by myself as I'm scared of what might happen. The doctor informed me that, based on how quickly I had Connor - where I basically broke all the rules of first-time-labor, I should not even call the office first when I go into labor.... just head straight to the hospital and call them on the way! Sounds like a plan.<br />
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As I lay here writing this, I feel like it really could happen at any moment. What does that really mean? Probably nothing. I'm playing mind games with myself at this point... which is pretty normal!<br />
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IF I can make it to 39 weeks without going on my own, I confirmed today that we will be scheduling an induction the last week in July. Now that I am 3cm and having my second baby, there really is no question that I should be a great candidate for an induction in 10 days! Whaaa hoooo! (but honestly, I'd be shocked if I can make it to July 26th!)<br />
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I'll keep ya posted! Thanks for stopping by!Lindsey Brodskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06319802403228845874noreply@blogger.com2