Blog Entries for nikkik

Working from home has its perks . . . and pitfalls

nikkik — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Most women dream of being able to somehow juggle work and family, and with technology's help, the dream is becoming a reality for many. The internet has made it possible to work from home within a variety of fields, such as medical billing, retail (think eBay and other online storefronts), journalism, photography, and the list goes on. While working from home certainly makes it possible for women and men alike to avoid daycare, commuting, and other work-related costs, there are also [...]

Stay-At-Home Survival Guide

nikkik — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Mothers who choose to leave their career to raise their children are often faced with unique and difficult challenges, including isolation, a loss of identity, and boredom. However, they're also blessed with wonderful rewards reaped by their efforts, such as valuable teaching moments with their children, and freedom from workplace stressors. A recent book I read addresses the good and the bad of the life of a SAHM. The author, a woman who left a successful magazine career to stay home wit [...]

Another baby? We disagree.

nikkik — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

My husband and I disagree on whether or not to have another baby. We've got two beautiful girls, ages 5 and 2, and I'd like to add one more to our brood. But my husband has no interest. I really do believe that if we found out we were pregnant right now that he would be very happy and excited, but he's not going to do it "on purpose." He even half-jokes about getting a vascectomy! I'm definitely not ready for that yet. Thankfully, we're not to a point wher [...]

"Being Dad" Documentary - Must See!

nikkik — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

The other night I watched a wonderful new documentary called Being Dad. The tagline, "40 Dads - 6 Experts - 9 months - 80 minutes" pretty much sums it up well. A father to be, in an attempt to learn more about the new journey upon which he will soon embark, sits down with dads all over the country and learns all about what it's like during pregnancy, delivery, and parenting. The guys talk candidly about everything from sex during pregnancy, to miscarriage, to premature labor, to [...]

Library's the Place to Be

nikkik — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

While my oldest daughter was at a preschool field trip today to the Portland Children's Museum, I took my youngest daughter, Chloe (2 1/2), to the Van Mall Library Branch Baby & Toddler Jamboree. There were toys, bubbles, music, crafts, snacks, and storytimes. So much to do, we hardly had time to do it all before it was time to go! It was really great to have some one-on-one time where I could focus only on Chloe and follow her lead as she went from one fun thing to the next.

I [...]

Baby Blues

nikkik — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

No matter how many times an expectant mother is warned about the baby blues, when they set in, it feels like you've been hit with a hormonal brick. I did not expect in my wildest nightmares that I would be suseptible to postpartum depression in any form. I had prepared thoroughly, had a supportive husband and family, and had no history of depression. Additionally, labor with my first daughter went incredibly smoothly. If I could make it through childbirth "successfully" what [...]

Nutrition Tip

nikkik — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

I was sneaky when my first daughter was a toddler. Per advice from my own mother, I secretly laced her apple juice with carrots to add a little somethin' somethin' in the nutrition department. Here's how I did it:

Cut up several carrots, add water to cover about half the carrots, and steam until very soft.Pour carrots and water into a blender and puree until liquified.Pour mixture into an ice tray and freeze to create individual-sized carrot ice cubes.Each time you serve your l [...]

Picking a partner

nikkik — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

When considering marriage, and eventually starting a family of your own, it's incredibly important to, as Dr. Laura Schlessinger says, "Choose wisely, treat kindly." I've only been married 8 years, but I have learned a thing or two about relationships and how important it is to think through the choice of marriage. In my opinion, love is simply not enough when it comes to building a life with another person. It's more like a business deal than a summer fling, although it [...]

Breastfeeding in Public

nikkik — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 01:00:00 +0100

When I was breastfeeding both my daughters, I was always frustrated that I felt somehow expected to find a private place to nurse, away from those who could be offended by the practice. It's now been 6 months since I weened my second daughter (at age 2) from the breast, and I still don't understand why anyone would be offended by breastfeeding in public.

Please understand that I'm not refering to breasts hanging out for all to see, but quietly nursing my baby, completely [...]

Different Labors, Same Prize

nikkik — Sat, 03 May 2008 01:00:00 +0100

As I prepared for the birth of my second child, my anxiety level over the upcoming and inevitable labor and delivery was certainly lower than it was when I was preparing for number one. There was a certain comfort in knowing what would happen, although there are no guarantees when it comes to the specifics (i.e. epidural, Caesarean, tearing or episiotomy, etc.). Not only had I been there before, but my first labor went rather quickly, and relatively smoothly. I' [...]

"Terrible Twos" are a myth!

nikkik — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Someone somewhere coined the catchy phrase "terrible twos," and although every 2-year-old has their moments (what age group doesn't, including twenty- and thirty-somethings?), I've decided, based on anecdotale evidence and personal experience that the terrible twos are, in my opinion, a myth. When my first daughter approached that fabled age, I braced myself for the worst, but it never happened. Although this could very well be atypical, as I have [...]

Accepting the Roles We Play

nikkik — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Work From Home Mom. Although the label describes my occupational circumstances accurately, I have to admit it makes me a bit uncomfortable. I'm absolutely proud of my paid job (editor and co-owner of Vancouver Family Magazine), but every parent "works," by nature of that sacred title, whether they're being compensated financially or not. I'm no different from any other parent, regardless of their professional situation.

I've alwa [...]