Monthly Archives: January 2012

25 things i want my son to know

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I am writing this post for my son.  He is only three years-old, but he is growing so fast.  Much of what I wrote to my daughter in the 25 Things I want My Daughter to Know post also applies to him.  I wish them both the innocence of their childhood, the ability to laugh at themselves, a spiritual connection with God, and the desire to see the world.  That being said, here goes:

1. When I look at you I see my heart.

I never imagined I had this much love to give until I had a baby.  I never thought I could possibly have any more to give until I had you. You have taught me that my heart and my capacity to love is not fixed, it grows and grows and grows.

2. It’s okay to let go of your penis.  It’s not going anywhere.

Since we finished potty training in our house, I’ve noticed that you hold your penis constantly.  I just want you to know that it will be there forever and you have your whole life ahead of you to play with it.

3. I will be happy to buy you a pink ball, a pink balloon, or a pink toothbrush if you so choose.

I understand that through your eyes the color pink is just that, a color.  It really makes no difference to you – and therefore should make no difference to me whether you want to wear a pink superhero cape or wings.

4. Your nose is NOT an appropriate place for the following items: crayons, beads, marbles, cheerios, pasta, peas, carrots, french fries, legos, q-tips, or your finger. Period.

5. Play. Draw. Paint. Create.

Creating art should be a constant in your life.  It lends great insight to an ever-moving journey and encourages individuality and expression.  If you’re doing it right – I expect to see fingerprints on walls, paint on floors, mud on the carpet and even in your hair.  Go ahead, experiment!

6. On the other hand, there are rules that need to obeyed when you are in a home.  You need to respect others and their possessions.  I know boys will be boys, but this is not at all what I have in mind when it comes to creating art or playful fun.  In fact, this is a lesson in doing it all WRONG!  I would not be happy.

I would be so pissed.

~Although, it’s kinda hard not to smile.~

7. Take your time summoning your inner genius.

There is a competitiveness that seems to have taken hold of every elementary school and playground in America.  The pressure to learn more – faster, quicker, better than your peers.  Never mind that mumbo jumbo.  Learning takes time and everyone does it differently.

8. Explore the outdoors.

Get outside as much as possible.  Breathe the fresh air.  Play tag.  Ride bikes.  Skip.  Hop.  Jump.  Run.  Climb.  NOW.

9. Accept others for who they are.

In an age where bullying has taken precedence amongst our youth, I hope I have taught you to see the value in differences.  Preps, Emo, Punk, Popular, Nerds, Drama, Jocks – bottom line: It doesn’t matter.  Power lies in friendship.

10. Always keep moving forward.

There will be times in your life when you feel stuck.  It’s up to YOU to decide where you’ll go.  Keep on trekking.  Go, go, go kid.  You’ll move mountains.

Oh the Places You’ll Go!

11. You are Superman.

To me – you really do have superhuman strength and speed, the ability to defy the laws of gravity, and immunity to almost all forms of harm.  How else would you be able to move the desk into the hallway, climb on top of it, “fly” off it – smack right into the wall and get up and walk away unscathed?  Answer: You are Superman.  Case closed.

12. Love letters are legacies.

In such a fast-paced world, we often overlook the simplest yet sweetest gestures in regards to love.  A love letter written from the heart is a welcome treasure amidst the sea of endless emails and texts that consume us daily.  They are refreshing, candid, and romantic.  Ask your father to teach you, he’s a pro.

13. It’s okay to cry.

Crying is a natural emotional response to feelings.  We all do it.  Men cry.  Women cry.  Children cry.

14. Always be proud of who YOU are.

You may not be the quarterback of the football team, the homecoming king, or the lead singer in the band – but really now, who cares? As long as you stay true to who you are, everything else will fall into place.  Checkmate.

15. No respectable girl wants to see your penis.

Since you will be growing up in the technological age of iPhone and texting, you’ll inevitably come to learn the term “sexting.”  Let me tell you now that sexting is a big, big, BIG mistake.  Never ever, ever, ever, ever send a picture of a private body part to anyone.  Ever.

16. I hope I teach you well enough from a young age how to properly put on pants. One leg in, then the other, pull ’em up at least to your hips, zip, button, buckle. Done.

17. Think before you ink.

Tattoos are permanent. I can personally name two of your male relatives who wake up every single day with the pink panther and the tasmanian devil following them wherever they go. Little secret – mommy has a damn turtle she can’t seem to shake.

18. Be an apprentice.

Before you leave for college, you must acquire some skill at performing the following tasks: laundry (separating, washing, drying, folding), making the beds, dusting, washing the floor, cooking, cleaning the toilets, grocery shopping for the week, vacuuming, emptying the dishwasher, sweeping the floor, cleaning the bedroom, watering the plants, feeding the pet.  Your future wife will thank me.

19. Be a responsible traveler.

I have no problem with you hitting the open road and taking the old Volvo on a cross country adventure.  In fact, I will applaud your independence and desire to see the country from sea to shining sea – but please don’t make me have to book a 3:00am flight to God knows where to visit you in the hospital.

20. Find your passion.

Keep looking and searching.  Never stop.

21. You will be my son forever.

There is an old adage that starts, “A son is a son till he takes a wife…” As you grow, I pray our bond stays strong enough to break any truth this saying might hold.

22. Love your Mother Earth.

Recycle, reduce, reuse.  Going green isn’t just a trend, it’s a way of life we should all be adopting.  You need to be aware of how you live, shop, and consume.  An eco-friendly lifestyle will positively impact your health, your community, and your world.  Got that?  Now go hug a tree.

23. Be a brother.  Be a friend.  Be a protector.

24. Take the road less traveled.

May you always try to make the right choices, not the easiest ones.  Have the courage to lead, not follow.  And to dream bigger than most others think is possible.

25. Wherever you are in life, you can come home.  I will be here – always.

♥ mommy

Thanks for reading.  Please be sure to LIKE Mommy Om on Facebook and join our parenting community.

Click here to read the list for my daughter.

***New*** Check out the wall print of the list here.

lisa

a mommy’s [not-so-dirty] porn

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I came across this blog called Pregnant Chicken and nearly peed my pants laughing at the latest post on porn for pregnant ladies. I started brainstorming on what would get me excited since it feels like I’m stuck in mommy mode 24-7. This is what I came up with. Holla back if you agree and feel free to add. Heck, even Mommy Om mommies need a lil sumthin sumthin~

What a way to manage stress.

Phew. That was good.

lisa

25 things i want my daughter to know

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I love my kids so much.  There isn’t one thing in this world I will not do for them.  I will kiss their boo boo’s and wipe their tears.  I will help them get dressed, teach them to do their chores, and feed them healthy foods.  Lay with them at night, read to them, and sing silly songs.  I will protect them and fight for them and give up my life for them.  As they grow, I know it will only get harder to keep them inside my cozy little rainbow-filled bubble of happiness.  Since Ella started kindergarten this year and I can already feel her slipping outside my bubble, I’ve devised a list of things I want her to know as she begins her journey to independence:

1. Enjoy the innocence of your childhood.

In a world full of superficial values, peer pressure, and bullying, as well as a pop culture that pushes materialism and consumerism – you are being leapfrogged through your childhood.  There is a constant pressure for you to grow up way too fast. I mean, when did 5 become the new 10, anyway?

Grow slowly.

2. Smart is the new cool.

Never be ashamed of being smart or nerdy, having freckles or glasses, or loving science and math.  Smart never goes out of style, it stays with you as you grow, and it will lead you down the most successful paths.

3. No matter how many times you hear it, “Diamonds are NOT a girl’s best friend.”

Friends are invaluable.  They are trusting and loyal.  They stick with you through good times and bad, happy or sad.  Some will come and go, but your true friends will be with you always.

Friends forever, through whatever.

4. Go for it, get dirty! It’s good for you.

Besides the fact that getting dirty actually does help support your immunity, it’s also a great way to express creativity!  Sculpt, draw, and stomp.  Better yet, go “classic” and make some mud pies.

5. Beat the boys at their own games.

Football, baseball, hockey or golf, never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you’re a girl.  So go ahead, build the tallest tower of legos, kick butt on Xbox, and bust out your light saber.

Awesome.

6. Be spiritual.

Find the desire to understand the universe and your place in it.  Take the time to notice the earth and all of its beauty.  Give thanks to God.

7.  See the world.

Experience new cultures, religions, people, and places.  Open your heart and mind to the tremendous benefits of studying and visiting domestic and foreign lands.

Bon Voyage

8. A strong hand shake leaves a lasting impression.

It represents self-confidence and ambition.  A strong hand shake and eye contact exemplifies a mutual respect for one another and is a sign that you are friendly, trustworthy, and honest.

9. Choose your role models carefully.

Even though you are only 5, I am so glad that right now you have absolutely no idea who Hannah Montanna is.

10. Read something every single day.

From the Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss to Junie B Jones, reading is exercise for your brain.  It expands knowledge and vocabulary- and lets your imagination run wild.

11. When it comes to wearing make-up, there’s a general rule of thumb that applies – LESS is MORE.

12. When it comes to fashion, shorter does not always equal better.  Fashion trends come and go and not all of it is fabulous.  Half tops and mini skirts are great for an 85 degree day at the beach or if you’re a Miami Dolphins cheerleader, but not for your high school yearbook photo.

13. Please, please, please do not allow yourself to become someone else’s property.  Why this is trendy, I will never figure out.  If you want to make a statement about yourself on clothing, at least let it describe an aspect of who YOU are.

I just don’t get it.

14. Speaking of trends, I hope that by the time you are allowed to date, guys don’t wear their pants hanging half way down their ass like they do now.  I really feel like this has been pretty popular for quite some time and I am praying that it finally goes away by 2022.  Also, I will flip my lid if you become this guy’s property! (see #13)

15. Being an angel should not and does not mean wearing only your bra, underwear, and a set of wings for everyone to see.

16. Since you’re growing up in the technological age of iPad, iPod, iPhone, and texting, I have to address the horrendous lack of writing skills being used by today’s youth.  This phenomenon of truant letters may very well be the Death of English (LOL).  Bottom line, don’t use text lingo in your thesis.

What does this even say?

17. Speaking of text lingo, verbal slang is just as unprofessional.  Reminds me of Alicia Silverstone from Clueless.  OMG, ROFL, BFF, TMI, FYI, IDK….As If.

18. Don’t let pop culture define you.

I don’t know why, but today we let pop culture manipulate our youth and it’s killing them emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually.  From the early on fascination with princesses, to the ‘need’ for a boyfriend and big boobs, popularity, teen moms, and all the other garbage being thrown in their face – be confident going against the grain.

19. Accept yourself for who you are.

You’re one-of-a-kind and that’s what makes you beautiful.  Tall, short, big, small, blonde, brunette, redhead, white, brown, blue, pink, yellow – we are all DIFFERENT.

20. Mainstream your health.

It’s life’s greatest asset.  A positive approach to health encompasses physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well being.  Healthy lifestyle choices in your youth will help lay a strong foundation for continued wellness throughout your adult life.  Diet, exercise, stress management, chiropractic, self motivation, positiveness, and meditation, as well as a number of other approaches are guaranteed to make a huge impact on your quality of life, health, and happiness.

21. Have confidence in yourself.

A positive self-image assures power, strength, ability, and value.  It will enable you to conquer your goals and allow you to fearlessly pursue your biggest dreams.

22. Be a sister. Be a friend. Be a protector.

23. Love with all your heart.

For where there is love there is life.  Love is universal and felt by all living things.  So strong is the feeling of love that it is said it makes the world go round.

24. Never be afraid to laugh at yourself.

Laughter is humbling.  It inspires and motivates.

25. Wherever you are in life, you can come home.  I will be here – always.

♥ mommy

 Thanks for reading.  Please be sure to LIKE Mommy Om on Facebook and join our community.

Click here to read the list for my son.

***NEW*** Check out the print of the list here.

 lisa

impressed with the breast

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What’s in your breast milk? (downloadable pdf)

BREAST MILK*

Water
Carbohydrates (energy source)
Lactose
Oligosaccharides (see below)
Carboxylic acid
Alpha hydroxy acid
Lactic acid
Proteins (building muscles and bones)
Whey protein
Alpha-lactalbumin
HAMLET (Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made Lethal to Tumour cells)
Lactoferrin
Many antimicrobial factors (see below)
Casein
Serum albumin
Non-protein nitrogens
Creatine
Creatinine
Urea
Uric acid
Peptides (see below)
Amino Acids (the building blocks of proteins)
Alanine
Arginine
Aspartate
Clycine
Cystine
Glutamate
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lycine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Proline
Serine
Taurine
Theronine
Tryptophan
Tyrosine
Valine
Carnitine (amino acid compound necessary to make use of fatty acids as an energy source)
Nucleotides (chemical compounds that are the structural units of RNA and DNA)
5’-Adenosine monophosphate (5”-AMP)
3’:5’-Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (3’:5’-cyclic AMP)
5’-Cytidine monophosphate (5’-CMP)
Cytidine diphosphate choline (CDP choline)
Guanosine diphosphate (UDP)
Guanosine diphosphate – mannose
3’- Uridine monophosphate (3’-UMP)
5’-Uridine monophosphate (5’-UMP)
Uridine diphosphate (UDP)
Uridine diphosphate hexose (UDPH)
Uridine diphosphate-N-acetyl-hexosamine (UDPAH)
Uridine diphosphoglucuronic acid (UDPGA)
Several more novel nucleotides of the UDP type
Fats
Triglycerides
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (important for brain development)
Arachidonic acid (AHA) (important for brain development)
Linoleic acid
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Conjugated linoleic acid (Rumenic acid)
Free Fatty Acids
Monounsaturated fatty acids
Oleic acid
Palmitoleic acid
Heptadecenoic acid
Saturated fatty acids
Stearic
Palmitic acid
Lauric acid
Myristic acid
Phospholipids
Phosphatidylcholine
Phosphatidylethanolamine
Phosphatidylinositol
Lysophosphatidylcholine
Lysophosphatidylethanolamine
Plasmalogens
Sphingolipids
Sphingomyelin
Gangliosides
GM1
GM2
GM3
Glucosylceramide
Glycosphingolipids
Galactosylceramide
Lactosylceramide
Globotriaosylceramide (GB3)
Globoside (GB4)
Sterols
Squalene
Lanosterol
Dimethylsterol
Methosterol
Lathosterol
Desmosterol
Triacylglycerol
Cholesterol
7-dehydrocholesterol
Stigma-and campesterol
7-ketocholesterol
Sitosterol
β-lathosterol
Vitamin D metabolites
Steroid hormones
Vitamins
Vitamin A
Beta carotene
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B8 (Inositol)
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
a-Tocopherol
Vitamin K
Thiamine
Riboflavin
Niacin
Folic acid
Pantothenic acid
Biotin
Minerals
Calcium
Sodium
Potassium
Iron
Zinc
Chloride
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Copper
Manganese
Iodine
Selenium
Choline
Sulpher
Chromium
Cobalt
Fluorine
Nickel
Metal
Molybdenum (essential element in many enzymes)
Growth Factors (aid in the maturation of the intestinal lining)
Cytokines
interleukin-1β (IL-1β)
IL-2
IL-4
IL-6
IL-8
IL-10
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)
Macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF)
Platelet derived growth factors (PDGF)
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
Hepatocyte growth factor -α (HGF-α)
HGF-β
Tumor necrosis factor-α
Interferon-γ
Epithelial growth factor (EGF)
Transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α)
TGF β1
TGF-β2
Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) (also known as somatomedin C)
Insulin-like growth factor- II
Nerve growth factor (NGF)
Erythropoietin
Peptides (combinations of amino acids)
HMGF I (Human growth factor)
HMGF II
HMGF III
Cholecystokinin (CCK)
β-endorphins
Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP)
β-defensin-1
Calcitonin
Gastrin
Motilin
Bombesin (gastric releasing peptide, also known as neuromedin B)
Neurotensin
Somatostatin
Hormones (chemical messengers that carry signals from one cell, or group of cells, to another via the blood)
Cortisol
Triiodothyronine (T3)
Thyroxine (T4)
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (also known as thyrotropin)
Thyroid releasing hormone (TRH)
Prolactin
Oxytocin
Insulin
Corticosterone
Thrombopoietin
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
GRH
Leptin (aids in regulation of food intake)
Ghrelin (aids in regulation of food intake)
Adiponectin
Feedback inhibitor of lactation (FIL)
Eicosanoids
Prostaglandins (enzymatically derived from fatty acids)
PG-E1
PG-E2
PG-F2
Leukotrienes
Thromboxanes
Prostacyclins
Enzymes (catalysts that support chemical reactions in the body)
Amylase
Arysulfatase
Catalase
Histaminase
Lipase
Lysozyme
PAF-acetylhydrolase
Phosphatase
Xanthine oxidase
Antiproteases (thought to bind themselves to macromolecules such as enzymes and as a result prevent allergic and anaphylactic reactions)
a-1-antitrypsin
a-1-antichymotrypsin
Antimicrobial factors (are used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects, such as bacteria and viruses.
Leukocytes (white blood cells)
Phagocytes
Basophils
Neutrophils
Eoisinophils
Macrophages
Lymphocytes
B lymphocytes (also known as B cells)
T lymphocytes (also known as C cells)
sIgA (Secretory immunoglobulin A) (the most important antiinfective factor)
IgA2
IgG
IgD
IgM
IgE
Complement C1
Complement C2
Complement C3
Complement C4
Complement C5
Complement C6
Complement C7
Complement C8
Complement C9
Glycoproteins
Mucins (attaches to bacteria and viruses to prevent them from clinging to mucousal tissues)
Lactadherin
Alpha-lactoglobulin
Alpha-2 macroglobulin
Lewis antigens
Ribonuclease
Haemagglutinin inhibitors
Bifidus Factor (increases growth of Lactobacillus bifidus – which is a good bacteria)
Lactoferrin (binds to iron which prevents harmful bacteria from using the iron to grow)
Lactoperoxidase
B12 binding protein (deprives microorganisms of vitamin B12)
Fibronectin (makes phagocytes more aggressive, minimizes inflammation, and repairs damage caused by inflammation)
Oligosaccharides (more than 200 different kinds!)

The human body is amazing!!
*This post was created for the sole purpose of listing the ingredients of breast milk. I want all my Mommy Om readers to know that I fully support all women and their choices when it comes to feeding their new baby. As natural as breast feeding is, it doesn’t work for everyone. There are mothers out there who have medical conditions or lack the ability to produce enough breast milk for their baby – and every mom needs all the support she can get to feel confident in her parenting choices.
~dr. lisa~

brought to you by Lunesta, Viagra, Celexa, Celebrex, Lyrica, Cymbalta…

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I just finished watching the Nightly News with Brian Williams on NBC and I am feeling quite annoyed. Why? Well besides the fact that there is not one news media source viewers can turn to for unbiased reporting-not only are we not being provided proper information, we are overwhelmingly bombarded with prescription drug ads. Put into perspective: NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, FOX, etc., etc. are really just legal drug pushers. I mean seriously, have you noticed the ever-increasing number of prescription drug ads making their way into your home? It’s pretty nauseating. The way the ad manipulates you into believing taking their pill will fix your eczema, asthma, cholesterol, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, psoriasis, penile dysfunction, and so on and so forth. One thing we need to remember is that drugs target the symptom not the cause.

Cue good looking, in-shape actor or actress running down the beach along side their mate, faces aglow with the happiness that has been bestowed upon them from their prescription medication. Uh. Puke. Now don’t get me wrong, I do realize that prescription medication is warranted in society and I have no doubt that it has helped millions of people with their conditions, ailments, and diseases whatever they may be. What I don’t get is the purpose of selling the medication over the television. Seriously, shouldn’t your doctor be the one who discusses and prescribes the medications indicative of your condition? It’s obvious that prescription drug ads are a way for pharmaceutical companies to expand their market and increase their profits. Making up new conditions, such as LowT (low testosterone) or not-so-lush lashes (Latisse). It’s called ‘disease mongering’ and it’s used to widen their client base by getting you to ask your doctor if you have this particular condition and then having him/her prescribe the drug. Walla! Sold!

To date, the United States and New Zealand are the only TWO nations in the ENTIRE WORLD that permits Direct to Consumer (DTC) advertising for prescription drugs. Big Pharma spends over 4 billion dollars in DTC advertising and it is well worth it. As Americans, we consume over 40% of the world’s prescription drugs! Advertising has helped fuel sales. Last year, the top 15 prescription products topped $58 billion in sales, IMS Health says. The industry’s biggest seller was Lipitor, with $7.8 billion in sales. Nexium is the second-best at $5.9 billion.

Besides the corrupt government revolving door between the FDA, Big Pharma, and the drug lobby, one of the biggest irks for me when it comes to pushing prescription drugs on people is the use of celebrities. Celebrities pushing prescription drugs in TV ads, “It’s perfectly legal; it’s just completely immoral,” said Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of the Public Citizen Health Research Group. Wolfe worries that patients will ask for a drug or prescription cream because the celebrity appeal outweighs the side effects or risks.

Hello, Brooke Shields. How many of you out there want her eyelashes after seeing her in the Latisse commercials? Come on gals. “Grow longer, grow fuller and darker lashes with Latisse.” Vomit.

Add in the likes of Sally Field (Boniva), Antonio Banderas (Nasonex), Michael Welch (Aczone), Jessica Simpson (Proactiv), Phil Mickelson (Enbrel), Bob Dole (Viagra), Virginia Madsen (Botox), Nick Jonas (Lantus, Metformin), and the list goes on and on.

Needless to say, drug commercials drive me insane. The beautiful outdoor scenery, palm trees, a light breeze, birds singing, smiling faces. Ugh! The worst part is when they happily rattle off all of the side effects that take up half the commercial. How do they make the following sound so good? Like it’s no big deal.

[Serious allergic reactions Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat Difficulty breathing Difficulty swallowing Anemia Decreased levels of potassium Decreased levels of sodium Dizziness Excessive bleeding (sometimes fatal) Facial flushing Fainting (syncope) Fast heartbeat (tachycardia) Heart attack High blood pressure (hypertension) Increased levels of potassium Low blood pressure (hypotension) Low blood cell counts Palpitations Perpetual erection (priapism) Postural hypotension Slow heartbeat (bradycardia) Thrombosis (clotting) Amnesia Dizziness (vertigo) Seizures Speech disorder Stroke Transient ischemic atychosis Worsening of epilepsy Abdominal pain Colitis Constipation Diarrhea Dry mouth Dyspepsia Intestinal bleeding Nausea Rectal bleeding Stomach bleeding Stomach pain Upset Stomach (indigestion) Vomiting Acute kidney failure Chronic kidney failure Hepatitus Jaundice Liver damage Cold symptoms Cough Flu-like symptoms Lower respiratory infection Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) Pulmonary thrombosis Shortness of breath (dyspnea) Sore throat Upper respiratory infection Aggression Agitation Anxiety Confusion Depression Hallucinations Hostile Hyperactive Impulsive Irritable Panicky Personality disorder Overly excited Severely restless (akathisia) Sleeplessness (insomnia) Suicide Weakness (asthenia)….]

“Ask your doctor if (insert any medication here) is right for you and get back to the things that matter.”

I obviously try and mute the commercial or DVR the program to avoid subjecting myself to such grandiloquence.

I’m afraid if I don’t my HEAD will EXPLODE.

How’s that for a side effect?

dr. lisa