People who know me know that I am keen on making stuff from scratch, whether it is pickles or tartlets or birthday invitations. But for some reason the idea of making homemade Play-doh just doesn’t appeal. Maybe it’s something about that distinct Play-doh smell, or the fact that my babe looked so joyful when she pointed out the colors of the cap containers at the CVS.

This long time favorite toy not only is great to help the babe learn colors, be imaginative, and work on motor skills, but Play-doh time is a great anytime activity to give you some non-chasing play time. If you are looking for malleable inspiration, check out Hasbro’s website; otherwise, even if you aren’t particularly crafty your babe likely will delight in forming a fleet of what my toddler calls “chubby worms!”

People who know me know that I am keen on making stuff from scratch, whether it is pickles or tartlets or birthday invitations. But for some reason the idea of making homemade Play-doh just doesn’t appeal. Maybe it’s something about that distinct Play-doh smell, or the fact that my babe looked so joyful when she pointed out the colors of the cap containers at the CVS.

This long time favorite toy not only is great to help the babe learn colors, be imaginative, and work on motor skills, but Play-doh time is a great anytime activity to give you some non-chasing play time. If you are looking for malleable inspiration, check out Hasbro’s website; otherwise, even if you aren’t particularly crafty your babe likely will delight in forming a fleet of what my toddler calls “chubby worms!”

A mama pal struck babysitting gold using Sittercity. Search for babysitters by zip code, view detailed profiles (including reviews, references, a personal statement, photos, contact information, and schedule availability), then interview your candidates. My mama pal interviewed five candidates (all fabulous) and happily was able to secure the most fabulous of the five.

Two sign up plans are offered. The annual plan is $7.99 per month + free registration and an included 2-year subscription to Parenting magazine. The monthly plan is $9.99 per month + a $39.99 registration fee.

A mama pal struck babysitting gold using Sittercity. Search for babysitters by zip code, view detailed profiles (including reviews, references, a personal statement, photos, contact information, and schedule availability), then interview your candidates. My mama pal interviewed five candidates (all fabulous) and happily was able to secure the most fabulous of the five.

Two sign up plans are offered. The annual plan is $7.99 per month + free registration and an included 2-year subscription to Parenting magazine. The monthly plan is $9.99 per month + a $39.99 registration fee.

I am lucky to have a toddler who generally loves to eat, but getting the babe to ingest vegetables isn’t as easy as when she depended on my steady hand to get food to mouth.

Quesadillas are an easy way to pack a lot of nutrients into a small space for both babes and adults. The permutations are endless, but for this basic recipe you will need: flour tortillas, shredded cheese, refried beans, frozen spinach, avocado, and tomatoes or salsa.

Cook spinach according to package instructions. Press into a colander to get rid of as much water as possible. In a microwavable bowl, heat up refried beans. Mix in about 1/3 - 1/2 the package of spinach. Freeze the rest of the spinach for future use.

Place a flour tortilla on a fry pan or griddle over medium heat and sprinkle entire surface lightly with cheese. As the cheese melts, spread the bean mixture on one half of the tortilla. Dice or mash 1/3 to 1/2 of an avocado and spread over the beans. Once the cheese has melted, fold the tortilla in half and press with spatula (avoid overstuffing the quesadilla so it's easy for the babe to handle). Cool slightly before serving. Top with diced tomatoes or serve with mild salsa.

I am lucky to have a toddler who generally loves to eat, but getting the babe to ingest vegetables isn’t as easy as when she depended on my steady hand to get food to mouth.

Quesadillas are an easy way to pack a lot of nutrients into a small space for both babes and adults. The permutations are endless, but for this basic recipe you will need: flour tortillas, shredded cheese, refried beans, frozen spinach, avocado, and tomatoes or salsa.

Cook spinach according to package instructions. Press into a colander to get rid of as much water as possible. In a microwavable bowl, heat up refried beans. Mix in about 1/3 - 1/2 the package of spinach. Freeze the rest of the spinach for future use.

Place a flour tortilla on a fry pan or griddle over medium heat and sprinkle entire surface lightly with cheese. As the cheese melts, spread the bean mixture on one half of the tortilla. Dice or mash 1/3 to 1/2 of an avocado and spread over the beans. Once the cheese has melted, fold the tortilla in half and press with spatula (avoid overstuffing the quesadilla so it's easy for the babe to handle). Cool slightly before serving. Top with diced tomatoes or serve with mild salsa.

Once my toddler started saying phrases like “mommy’s boobies!” it seemed like a good time to cover up after showering. Alas, laziness and summer heat prevailed. After all, it takes all of 5 steps to get from our bathroom to bedroom. How much psychological damage could result from 5 steps? Over dinner with a mama friend last week the topic came up (her husband started covering up almost immediately after their daughter was born…) and I figured I ought to investigate.

Dr. Susanne Denham, a developmental psychologist and part of the expert advice team at BabyCenter suggests that until around the 2nd birthday toddlers aren’t really aware of nudity. But shortly thereafter, the babe develops more of a sense of self that includes the existence of private parts. Signs of awareness may include resisting a diaper change in public or showing signs of embarrassment (e.g., shielding eyes, giggling) in the face of public nudity. At this point, Dr. Denham suggests it may be time to cover up.

But if you feel it’s important to be able to be nude at home, Dr. Denham suggests talking to your child and explaining that nudity is natural and nothing to be ashamed of, but that it is intended for private times. Explain that the home is a private space in which it is okay to be naked if no one else is around.

See Dr. Denham's original post and readers' comments.

Once my toddler started saying phrases like “mommy’s boobies!” it seemed like a good time to cover up after showering. Alas, laziness and summer heat prevailed. After all, it takes all of 5 steps to get from our bathroom to bedroom. How much psychological damage could result from 5 steps? Over dinner with a mama friend last week the topic came up (her husband started covering up almost immediately after their daughter was born…) and I figured I ought to investigate.

Dr. Susanne Denham, a developmental psychologist and part of the expert advice team at BabyCenter suggests that until around the 2nd birthday toddlers aren’t really aware of nudity. But shortly thereafter, the babe develops more of a sense of self that includes the existence of private parts. Signs of awareness may include resisting a diaper change in public or showing signs of embarrassment (e.g., shielding eyes, giggling) in the face of public nudity. At this point, Dr. Denham suggests it may be time to cover up.

But if you feel it’s important to be able to be nude at home, Dr. Denham suggests talking to your child and explaining that nudity is natural and nothing to be ashamed of, but that it is intended for private times. Explain that the home is a private space in which it is okay to be naked if no one else is around.

See Dr. Denham's original post and readers' comments.

Soon-to-be and new mamas in need of support will be interested in checking out the services of Birthing Gently. Established in 2002, Birthing Gently is a practice specializing in high-risk deliveries; their full range of services includes: labor and postpartum doulas, midwives, childbirth education (including hypnobirth), and lactation consultants). They serve families in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.

Birthing Gently also has developed the “Heart to Heart” Program, an online self-matching support service/support forum for expecting and new parents of children with medical conditions. Registration is required to ensure privacy, but access to the forum is free of charge.