Medipos cell tree is offering a 15 year contract (which can be extended later on and they can transfer to a transplant doctor in your home country) for 1,3 million WON,you can choose to have a pram or 2 year+ car seat or a food dispenser as a free gift or no gift and pay 1,17 million WON. (Carseats and strollers are really expensive over here so that might be a very good deal depending on the product). They will send you an info brochure(English/Korean) and then the contract pack,they take about a month after the birth to see if they can bank the blood(test for viruses,stem cell count etc.) if it is not viable then you get a 100% refund.
There is 20% discount voucher you get with the banking contract on any Maclaren, Maxamec or Brittax product you buy from http://www.safian.co.kr
Also, if you book early (like as soon as you find out) there is a significant discount of 310,000 Won.
The number for Medipos is 080 264 9380.
There is a number for an English-speaking consultant. E-mail me if you want the #. You get an extra year if someone signs up based on your referral. I will not be banking, but my friend R will be and it would be great if you could say she referred you. I will give you her name as well when you e-mail me.
A commenter just mentioned Cha Hospital's I Cord, Cord Bank. She contacted the International Clinic in Cha Hospital - phone number is 02-34683127 and they said that basically there is no English brochure and all the forms are in Korean, but if you schedule an appointment with the International clinic they will translate for you.
The cost is about 1 million won and they can store it for 15 or 17 years.
They can transfer the cord blood to your home country (they ask where you're from) if you like.
Especially, if you are a foreigner and not planning to stay in Korea forever, you should check the prices for transferring to your home country. Keep in mind that the Korean bank and the home country bank will probably have fees involved.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Hypnobirthing Instructor Training in Seoul: February 2009
A 32-Hour Hypnobirthing Teacher Training course will be taught in Seoul in Feb 2009 by the founder of Hypnobirthing, Marie Mickey Mongan. Full announcement and contact info for registration below:
HypnoBirthing ®
The Mongan Method
The Gold Standard of Calm, Gentle Birthing
__________________________________
Teaching women the art and joy
of rediscovering their natural
birthing instinct
______________________________
A 32-hour professional workshop
For moms
nurses*
doulas
midwives*
physicians
hypnotherapists*
childbirth educators
allied health professionals
A thoroughly thought out and well-organized program.
HypnoBirthing® is a wonderful gift to all birthing women.”
-Pam Daigneault, Labor & Birthing Nurse
Worcester Memorial Hospital, MA
“The concepts are so easily understood and presented in a forthright manner. The instructor is a is a gifted educator.”
-Norma Citron, Certified Hypnotherapist Calabasas, CA
“HypnoBirthing® is the missing link that those of us in the birthing field have been seeking for years.”
-Nancy Wainer, CPM, Midwife and Author, MA
“Silent Knife” and “Open Season”
“HypnoBirthing® has changed the way I practice Obstetrics.”
Dr. Jeffrey Segil, FACOG, Dover, NH
*32 hours credit toward certification as hypnotist—NGH
*Approved for Hypnotherapy CEU*
*Nursing CEUs by ANCC
*Midwifery CEUs by ACNM & MEAC;
Enjoy the rewards that come from teaching relaxation, visualization, fear release, and guided imagery to assist pregnant couples in achieving a gentle, normal, safer, and more comfortable birthing that most mirrors nature’s way.
Join the international network of HypnoBirthing® childbirth educators, who are finding it professionally and financially exciting to teach the most remarkable technique to appear on the birthing scene in several decades.
“I want to shout it from the rooftops. This is so incredible.”
Erin Kimball, Labor & Birthing Nurse
Houston, TX
“This is the way most births should be—simple, calm, and undisturbed.”
Maria Williamson, Midwife
Lancashire, England,
“A fantastic, well developed course. Every midwife and every birthing woman should do HypnoBirthing.”
Karen Steele , midwife, United Kingdom
HypnoBirthing®
Advantages
¸ Teaches deep levels of relaxation to eliminate the fear that causes tension and, thus, pain
¸ Greatly reduces and often eliminates the need for chemical painkillers
¸ Shortens the first phase of labor
¸ Leaves mother alert, fresh, awake and with energy
¸ Helps keep oxygen supplied to baby during birthing
¸ Reduces the need for an episiotomy
¸ Reduces and often eliminates fatigue during labor
¸ Empowers parents with techniques to achieve a gentle, calm birth for themselves and their baby
¸ Gives the birthing companion in an integral role in the birthing
¸ Embraces the concept of pre-birth parenting
¸ Teaches breathing techniques that allow a woman to gently breathe her baby into the world without the violence of hard, physical pushing
About HypnoBirthing®
HypnoBirthing is as much a philosophy of birth as it is a technique for achieving a satisfying, relaxing and stress free birthing. HypnoBirthing teaches women and birthing companions the art and joy of experiencing birth in a safe, more comfortable manner for themselves and their babies. Through guided imagery and self-hypnosis women learn how to call upon their bodies’ own natural endorphins and thus eliminate or greatly reduce the need for medication. When a woman is properly prepared for childbirth and when the mind and body are in harmony, nature is free to function in the same well-designed manner that it does with women in other cultures and with all other creatures.
You will be fascinated as you view HypnoBirthing® videos showing laboring mothers, awake, alert and in good humor, as they experience safe, gentle birth – free of the Fear-Tension-Pain Syndrome. HypnoBirthing teaches a woman how to release all prior programming about birth, how to trust her body and work with it, as well as how to free herself of limiting thoughts and emotions that lead to pain-causing fear and resistant muscles.
HypnoBirthing helps women rediscover their natural birthing instinct. Moms are awake, aware, and fully in control, but profoundly relaxed as they bring their babies into the world.
“According to physiological law, all natural, normal functions of the body are achieved without peril or pain. Birth is a natural, normal physiological function for normal, healthy women and their healthy babies. It can, therefore, be inferred that healthy women, carrying healthy babies, can safely birth without peril or pain.”
Dr. Jon Dye, Easier Childbirth, Buffalo, 1891
Course Information:
A four-day workshop leading to certification as a HypnoBirthing Practitioner:
Cost: US $650. Tuition includes a manual for the introductory course, a copy of the textbook, HypnoBirthing®--The Mongan Method--; a DVD of seven HypnoBirthings; a CD with relaxation conditioning and birth affirmations; a 70-page practitioner’s teaching Syllabus with class outlines, scripts, and demonstrations; six hand posters for classroom use; a CD of forms and handouts, and other visual handouts
Certification also includes a listing on our on-line referral system, a copy of our newsletter four times a year, and regular updates.
Attendance at a HypnoBirthing Practitioner Certification Workshop does not automatically equate to Certification. Each candidate must submit a successfully completed Review of the Program following the course.
Only those persons who are certified through the HypnoBirthing Institute may use the registered trade name HypnoBirthing® and the logo in promotional and teaching materials.
Course Instructors
Instructors, named to the faculty by invitation only, are highly qualified professionals who have distinguished themselves through education, experience, motivation, and dedication to the principles and philosophy of HypnoBirthing®. Additionally, each must meet the requirements as set down by the Executive Board of the HypnoBirthing Institute. Your close attention to the course evaluation will ensure that this remains so.
I’ve been a Labor & Birthing nurse for 17 years; and after attending this program, I’ll never look at birth in the same light. It’s incredible.
Judy Richardson, RN
Traveling Nurse
Course Content--Segment 1: Prerequisite courses*
Introduction to Birthing Basics – for persons who do not have a background in birthing
• The Beautiful Female Birthing Body
• Anatomy of The Female Reproductive System
Internal & External Structures
• Conception and Early fetal development
• Characteristics of The uterus
Fundus, Body, Cervix
• The Baby’s Support System
Amniotic Sac
Placenta
Umbilical Cord
• Three Trimesters of Pregnancy
• Physical Changes during Pregnancy
• Fetal Positioning during Pregnancy
• Turning Breech Presented Babies.
• Labor Signals
Normal
Unanticipated
• Characteristics of Managed Labor
• Characteristics of HypnoBirthing Labor
• Onset of Labor
· Spontaneous
· Induction techniques
• Fetal Positioning during Birth
• Labor Stages As Defined in Typical Birthing
• Labor Phases as Defined in HypnoBirthing
• Mother Directed Birthing
Introduction to Hypnosis for Birthing—for persons who do not have certification in hypnosis
• Applications of hypnosis
• Attitudes about hypnosis
• Basics of Brainwave activity
• Laws of the mind
• Rationale for Hypnosis in Birthing
• Understanding Clients’ Learning Styles
• Direct and Permissive Hypnosis Approaches
• Steps to Achieving Hypnosis
• Dangers of Unqualified Therapy • Mind/Body Association and Application
• Judging Trance Depth
• Guidelines for Achieving change
• Eye Fixation/Closure
• Elman – Ericksonian – Shanti Leads
• Eye-lift Conversion Lead
• Deepening Techniques
• Posthypnotic Suggestions
• Alerting Techniques
Course Content - Segment II—
HypnoBirthing Practitioner Certification Program
• HypnoBirthing Philosophy and Beginnings
• How The Uterus Works in Birthing
• What’s wrong with Labor
• How Fear Affects Labor
• Origin of Fear and Pain in Labor
• Pre-Birth Parenting and Fetology
• Selecting the Care Provider
• Preparing The Mind and Body for Birth
• Hypnosis Deepening and Visualization
• Releasing Fear and Limiting Thoughts
• Building a Partnership with Care Providers
• Looking at The “Due Date”
• Avoiding Artificial Induction
• Preparing the Birth Preferences Sheets
• How The Body and Baby work together
• The onset of Labor
• Breathing Through Labor
• The Hallmarks of Labor
• Perinatal Bonding
• Breathing Through Labor
• Breathing with Birth
• Bonding with Baby
* Registrants needing both prerequisite courses may take the Introduction to Birthing Basics as an At-home Study
Registration Information:
Patricia Cumming 749 1752 / 010 6820 0701 / patriciacumming@hotmail.com
HypnoBirthing® The Mongan Method
Taking the
Birthing World
by Calm!
Four-day Seminar and Certification Program
About the Founder
Marie Mickey Mongan, founder of HypnoBirthing®, is an award-winning therapist with over 30 years’ experience in counseling and teaching on the college level and in the private sector. She is a licensed counselor and a certified hypnotherapist, who holds several awards in hypnotherapy, including the National Guild of Hypnotists President’s Award, the coveted Charles Tebbetts Award, and in 2005, she became the first woman ever to receive the Guild’s highest honor, the Rexford L. North Award.
Early in her career, she was named one of five outstanding educational leaders in New Hampshire. And in 1992, she taught in Moscow as a diplomat for the Bridges for Peace Foundation.
She is the mother of four adult children, born in the mid-50s and early 60s, using the theories of Grantly Dick-Read, on whose work HypnoBirthing is based.
Her book, HypnoBirthing – The Mongan Method, is the textbook used in HypnoBirthing® classes.
Visit our website at www. HypnoBirthing.com
The HypnoBirthing® Premise
For most of their lives, women have been inundated with the negative stories of other women’s birth experiences. Everyone, from their mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, friends, and even strangers, wants to tell them the horrors of giving birth. They have been conditioned to believe that excruciating pain is associated with birth; and because of this, women today hold an unprecedented fear of giving birth. This extreme fear causes their bodies to become tense, and that tension prohibits their bodies from easily performing a normal physiological function. The result?--exactly what they feared most--long, painful birthings.
People who are drawn to this method of childbirth have long been searching for a way to help women give birth as calmly, safely, and gently as possible. Until HypnoBirthing, it almost seemed unattainable.
Through a very simple program of self-hypnosis and education, women learn to work through fear-based stories and misinformation, and they are helped to see birth as normal. They learn to trust that their bodies know how to bring their babies into the world in the calm and gentle way that Nature intended.
HypnoBirthing ®
The Mongan Method
The Gold Standard of Calm, Gentle Birthing
__________________________________
Teaching women the art and joy
of rediscovering their natural
birthing instinct
______________________________
A 32-hour professional workshop
For moms
nurses*
doulas
midwives*
physicians
hypnotherapists*
childbirth educators
allied health professionals
A thoroughly thought out and well-organized program.
HypnoBirthing® is a wonderful gift to all birthing women.”
-Pam Daigneault, Labor & Birthing Nurse
Worcester Memorial Hospital, MA
“The concepts are so easily understood and presented in a forthright manner. The instructor is a is a gifted educator.”
-Norma Citron, Certified Hypnotherapist Calabasas, CA
“HypnoBirthing® is the missing link that those of us in the birthing field have been seeking for years.”
-Nancy Wainer, CPM, Midwife and Author, MA
“Silent Knife” and “Open Season”
“HypnoBirthing® has changed the way I practice Obstetrics.”
Dr. Jeffrey Segil, FACOG, Dover, NH
*32 hours credit toward certification as hypnotist—NGH
*Approved for Hypnotherapy CEU*
*Nursing CEUs by ANCC
*Midwifery CEUs by ACNM & MEAC;
Enjoy the rewards that come from teaching relaxation, visualization, fear release, and guided imagery to assist pregnant couples in achieving a gentle, normal, safer, and more comfortable birthing that most mirrors nature’s way.
Join the international network of HypnoBirthing® childbirth educators, who are finding it professionally and financially exciting to teach the most remarkable technique to appear on the birthing scene in several decades.
“I want to shout it from the rooftops. This is so incredible.”
Erin Kimball, Labor & Birthing Nurse
Houston, TX
“This is the way most births should be—simple, calm, and undisturbed.”
Maria Williamson, Midwife
Lancashire, England,
“A fantastic, well developed course. Every midwife and every birthing woman should do HypnoBirthing.”
Karen Steele , midwife, United Kingdom
HypnoBirthing®
Advantages
¸ Teaches deep levels of relaxation to eliminate the fear that causes tension and, thus, pain
¸ Greatly reduces and often eliminates the need for chemical painkillers
¸ Shortens the first phase of labor
¸ Leaves mother alert, fresh, awake and with energy
¸ Helps keep oxygen supplied to baby during birthing
¸ Reduces the need for an episiotomy
¸ Reduces and often eliminates fatigue during labor
¸ Empowers parents with techniques to achieve a gentle, calm birth for themselves and their baby
¸ Gives the birthing companion in an integral role in the birthing
¸ Embraces the concept of pre-birth parenting
¸ Teaches breathing techniques that allow a woman to gently breathe her baby into the world without the violence of hard, physical pushing
About HypnoBirthing®
HypnoBirthing is as much a philosophy of birth as it is a technique for achieving a satisfying, relaxing and stress free birthing. HypnoBirthing teaches women and birthing companions the art and joy of experiencing birth in a safe, more comfortable manner for themselves and their babies. Through guided imagery and self-hypnosis women learn how to call upon their bodies’ own natural endorphins and thus eliminate or greatly reduce the need for medication. When a woman is properly prepared for childbirth and when the mind and body are in harmony, nature is free to function in the same well-designed manner that it does with women in other cultures and with all other creatures.
You will be fascinated as you view HypnoBirthing® videos showing laboring mothers, awake, alert and in good humor, as they experience safe, gentle birth – free of the Fear-Tension-Pain Syndrome. HypnoBirthing teaches a woman how to release all prior programming about birth, how to trust her body and work with it, as well as how to free herself of limiting thoughts and emotions that lead to pain-causing fear and resistant muscles.
HypnoBirthing helps women rediscover their natural birthing instinct. Moms are awake, aware, and fully in control, but profoundly relaxed as they bring their babies into the world.
“According to physiological law, all natural, normal functions of the body are achieved without peril or pain. Birth is a natural, normal physiological function for normal, healthy women and their healthy babies. It can, therefore, be inferred that healthy women, carrying healthy babies, can safely birth without peril or pain.”
Dr. Jon Dye, Easier Childbirth, Buffalo, 1891
Course Information:
A four-day workshop leading to certification as a HypnoBirthing Practitioner:
Cost: US $650. Tuition includes a manual for the introductory course, a copy of the textbook, HypnoBirthing®--The Mongan Method--; a DVD of seven HypnoBirthings; a CD with relaxation conditioning and birth affirmations; a 70-page practitioner’s teaching Syllabus with class outlines, scripts, and demonstrations; six hand posters for classroom use; a CD of forms and handouts, and other visual handouts
Certification also includes a listing on our on-line referral system, a copy of our newsletter four times a year, and regular updates.
Attendance at a HypnoBirthing Practitioner Certification Workshop does not automatically equate to Certification. Each candidate must submit a successfully completed Review of the Program following the course.
Only those persons who are certified through the HypnoBirthing Institute may use the registered trade name HypnoBirthing® and the logo in promotional and teaching materials.
Course Instructors
Instructors, named to the faculty by invitation only, are highly qualified professionals who have distinguished themselves through education, experience, motivation, and dedication to the principles and philosophy of HypnoBirthing®. Additionally, each must meet the requirements as set down by the Executive Board of the HypnoBirthing Institute. Your close attention to the course evaluation will ensure that this remains so.
I’ve been a Labor & Birthing nurse for 17 years; and after attending this program, I’ll never look at birth in the same light. It’s incredible.
Judy Richardson, RN
Traveling Nurse
Course Content--Segment 1: Prerequisite courses*
Introduction to Birthing Basics – for persons who do not have a background in birthing
• The Beautiful Female Birthing Body
• Anatomy of The Female Reproductive System
Internal & External Structures
• Conception and Early fetal development
• Characteristics of The uterus
Fundus, Body, Cervix
• The Baby’s Support System
Amniotic Sac
Placenta
Umbilical Cord
• Three Trimesters of Pregnancy
• Physical Changes during Pregnancy
• Fetal Positioning during Pregnancy
• Turning Breech Presented Babies.
• Labor Signals
Normal
Unanticipated
• Characteristics of Managed Labor
• Characteristics of HypnoBirthing Labor
• Onset of Labor
· Spontaneous
· Induction techniques
• Fetal Positioning during Birth
• Labor Stages As Defined in Typical Birthing
• Labor Phases as Defined in HypnoBirthing
• Mother Directed Birthing
Introduction to Hypnosis for Birthing—for persons who do not have certification in hypnosis
• Applications of hypnosis
• Attitudes about hypnosis
• Basics of Brainwave activity
• Laws of the mind
• Rationale for Hypnosis in Birthing
• Understanding Clients’ Learning Styles
• Direct and Permissive Hypnosis Approaches
• Steps to Achieving Hypnosis
• Dangers of Unqualified Therapy • Mind/Body Association and Application
• Judging Trance Depth
• Guidelines for Achieving change
• Eye Fixation/Closure
• Elman – Ericksonian – Shanti Leads
• Eye-lift Conversion Lead
• Deepening Techniques
• Posthypnotic Suggestions
• Alerting Techniques
Course Content - Segment II—
HypnoBirthing Practitioner Certification Program
• HypnoBirthing Philosophy and Beginnings
• How The Uterus Works in Birthing
• What’s wrong with Labor
• How Fear Affects Labor
• Origin of Fear and Pain in Labor
• Pre-Birth Parenting and Fetology
• Selecting the Care Provider
• Preparing The Mind and Body for Birth
• Hypnosis Deepening and Visualization
• Releasing Fear and Limiting Thoughts
• Building a Partnership with Care Providers
• Looking at The “Due Date”
• Avoiding Artificial Induction
• Preparing the Birth Preferences Sheets
• How The Body and Baby work together
• The onset of Labor
• Breathing Through Labor
• The Hallmarks of Labor
• Perinatal Bonding
• Breathing Through Labor
• Breathing with Birth
• Bonding with Baby
* Registrants needing both prerequisite courses may take the Introduction to Birthing Basics as an At-home Study
Registration Information:
Patricia Cumming 749 1752 / 010 6820 0701 / patriciacumming@hotmail.com
HypnoBirthing® The Mongan Method
Taking the
Birthing World
by Calm!
Four-day Seminar and Certification Program
About the Founder
Marie Mickey Mongan, founder of HypnoBirthing®, is an award-winning therapist with over 30 years’ experience in counseling and teaching on the college level and in the private sector. She is a licensed counselor and a certified hypnotherapist, who holds several awards in hypnotherapy, including the National Guild of Hypnotists President’s Award, the coveted Charles Tebbetts Award, and in 2005, she became the first woman ever to receive the Guild’s highest honor, the Rexford L. North Award.
Early in her career, she was named one of five outstanding educational leaders in New Hampshire. And in 1992, she taught in Moscow as a diplomat for the Bridges for Peace Foundation.
She is the mother of four adult children, born in the mid-50s and early 60s, using the theories of Grantly Dick-Read, on whose work HypnoBirthing is based.
Her book, HypnoBirthing – The Mongan Method, is the textbook used in HypnoBirthing® classes.
Visit our website at www. HypnoBirthing.com
The HypnoBirthing® Premise
For most of their lives, women have been inundated with the negative stories of other women’s birth experiences. Everyone, from their mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, friends, and even strangers, wants to tell them the horrors of giving birth. They have been conditioned to believe that excruciating pain is associated with birth; and because of this, women today hold an unprecedented fear of giving birth. This extreme fear causes their bodies to become tense, and that tension prohibits their bodies from easily performing a normal physiological function. The result?--exactly what they feared most--long, painful birthings.
People who are drawn to this method of childbirth have long been searching for a way to help women give birth as calmly, safely, and gently as possible. Until HypnoBirthing, it almost seemed unattainable.
Through a very simple program of self-hypnosis and education, women learn to work through fear-based stories and misinformation, and they are helped to see birth as normal. They learn to trust that their bodies know how to bring their babies into the world in the calm and gentle way that Nature intended.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
More Potty Progress
Since his first poop on the potty, Ian has pooped a couple times. It has always been a very small amount with lots of encouragement. Today, though, he said he wanted to pee on the potty. I took his diaper off and he went to sit. After awhile I lost interest and asked him if he was finished.
"No. I gonna poop on the potty."
I went to go to an online SuDoKu puzzle and left him to sit. (His potty is in the livingroom room). Next thing I know, he says,"I needa dump dis poop". I check it out and he has made a big poop and peed in the potty. We cheered, dumped and flushed. The hope for major potty progress at Montessori is growing. He starts in January. That would be awesome if he would start going regularly.
"No. I gonna poop on the potty."
I went to go to an online SuDoKu puzzle and left him to sit. (His potty is in the livingroom room). Next thing I know, he says,"I needa dump dis poop". I check it out and he has made a big poop and peed in the potty. We cheered, dumped and flushed. The hope for major potty progress at Montessori is growing. He starts in January. That would be awesome if he would start going regularly.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving
Curt cooked Thanksgiving dinner and we had two of his unaccompanied coworkers over. I made pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin pie.
The turkey:
Ian going for the camera,"No, MY do it!"
Ian,"doing it" takes Curt's picture:
I went into a turkey coma. Then, I had turkey for breakfast the next day right before a 10am yoga class, big mistake. We also had a get together with Curt's coworkers that night. We didn't last long. Thanksgiving can really wear you out!
We are very thankful to be expecting baby #2 among other things!
The turkey:
Ian going for the camera,"No, MY do it!"
Ian,"doing it" takes Curt's picture:
I went into a turkey coma. Then, I had turkey for breakfast the next day right before a 10am yoga class, big mistake. We also had a get together with Curt's coworkers that night. We didn't last long. Thanksgiving can really wear you out!
We are very thankful to be expecting baby #2 among other things!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Double Digits Til My Guess Date
I was reminded to check my baby counter by JJ's recent post about going from triple to double digits left in the "days to go". We have almost the same guess date, so I was happy to see that I am now in double digits as well: 99 days to go until my guess date. It is 20 days until my departure for the US.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Pretty and Supportive Nursing Bras
There are two New Zealand companies that are making non-underwire, pretty nursing bras: Womama and Hot Milk. Even if you were an underwire fan in your pre-baby life, it is best to go with non-underwire for your nursing bras. Underwire can cause block ducts which lead to mastitis. Even if you are big busted, you can still find support without the wire. (Another note on underwire, I put on an underwire bra this summer when I was back to my normal size, but still nursing and my boobs reacted immediately and got engorged.) They are in shops in New Zealand, Australia and the UK and available online to US customers (and other places) through Zodee. You get a 5% discount if you become a member (it is free) and the shipping cost is reasonable to the US.
The cost of these bras is listed in Australian dollars with an estimated US dollar value. They are on the pricey side, but your nursing bras need to be work horses, especially the first 6 months when your breasts are at their fullest and your baby is nursing the most. I bought some Medela bras (great one hand closure) and they were very supportive and comfortable. They look o.k. but aren't that exciting or pretty or fun. I wore my Medela bras day and night for over a year and they held up nicely. After my breasts had returned to normal, pre-baby size, I bought some Target nursing bras. Within a month, they were looking as worn as my Medelas. It is worth investing in at least 2 (I recommend 3) nice bras and then as you nurse less and your boobs get smaller, you can get some cheaper bras. Some people like to get a nursing sleep bra as well. I just wore my Medelas, but it is about your comfort and how things fit you best.
Of course, if you are very small busted, you might be able to get away without a nursing bra or with a cheaper one, but I do think nursing bras make things more convenient no matter what your size.
The Zodee website suggests going down a band size in Womama and if you are really big busted, up a cup size in Hot Milk. So I ordered 10C (Australian size) in Womama and 12C (Australian size) in Hot Milk. I was a 34C in Medela nursing bras and am probably a 34 B in non-nursing size. Many people have to go up a band size and a cup size. It is good to get measured towards the end of your pregnancy for a more accurate guess. I tried on various sizes and 34 C is what fit me best. I am hoping these bras fit because I hate returning, but I will have plenty of time to exchange if I need to. I will also report back on the accuracy of fit suggestions once I get them and try them on.
E from Blacktating reminded me about the Condessa line of bras as well. The other thing is the Veronica line has underwire. The Cassandra line does not have underwire and that is what I would recommend if you want to try this line.
Elin brought my attention to nursing bra compatible shapewear called Slimpressions. It is designed to smooth out back fat and tummies.
The cost of these bras is listed in Australian dollars with an estimated US dollar value. They are on the pricey side, but your nursing bras need to be work horses, especially the first 6 months when your breasts are at their fullest and your baby is nursing the most. I bought some Medela bras (great one hand closure) and they were very supportive and comfortable. They look o.k. but aren't that exciting or pretty or fun. I wore my Medela bras day and night for over a year and they held up nicely. After my breasts had returned to normal, pre-baby size, I bought some Target nursing bras. Within a month, they were looking as worn as my Medelas. It is worth investing in at least 2 (I recommend 3) nice bras and then as you nurse less and your boobs get smaller, you can get some cheaper bras. Some people like to get a nursing sleep bra as well. I just wore my Medelas, but it is about your comfort and how things fit you best.
Of course, if you are very small busted, you might be able to get away without a nursing bra or with a cheaper one, but I do think nursing bras make things more convenient no matter what your size.
The Zodee website suggests going down a band size in Womama and if you are really big busted, up a cup size in Hot Milk. So I ordered 10C (Australian size) in Womama and 12C (Australian size) in Hot Milk. I was a 34C in Medela nursing bras and am probably a 34 B in non-nursing size. Many people have to go up a band size and a cup size. It is good to get measured towards the end of your pregnancy for a more accurate guess. I tried on various sizes and 34 C is what fit me best. I am hoping these bras fit because I hate returning, but I will have plenty of time to exchange if I need to. I will also report back on the accuracy of fit suggestions once I get them and try them on.
E from Blacktating reminded me about the Condessa line of bras as well. The other thing is the Veronica line has underwire. The Cassandra line does not have underwire and that is what I would recommend if you want to try this line.
Elin brought my attention to nursing bra compatible shapewear called Slimpressions. It is designed to smooth out back fat and tummies.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
No, Daddy Do It!
Ever since Curt got back from his last trip, Ian has been obsessed with Daddy. If Daddy is home, he refuses to let me change his diaper (oh, yeah, I'm real broken up over that one), help him with his dinner, etc. He wakes up asking for Daddy. This is going to be tough when we go back to the States because that boy loves his daddy.
Curt and Ian have spent a lot of quality time together this weekend. I've made it is yoga on both Saturday and Sunday. Ian has been pooping unnatural amounts and Curt has handled all of it. He even swished a dirty cloth diaper in the toilet (I am out of liners so swishing is required). It was my idea to use to cloth so I don't expect him to handle the mess, but he rose to the challenge.
On top of all that, Curt made cornish game hens and duck in the past few days. He also started prepping Thanksgiving dinner. So we have been hanging out and eating well. Life is good.
Curt and Ian have spent a lot of quality time together this weekend. I've made it is yoga on both Saturday and Sunday. Ian has been pooping unnatural amounts and Curt has handled all of it. He even swished a dirty cloth diaper in the toilet (I am out of liners so swishing is required). It was my idea to use to cloth so I don't expect him to handle the mess, but he rose to the challenge.
On top of all that, Curt made cornish game hens and duck in the past few days. He also started prepping Thanksgiving dinner. So we have been hanging out and eating well. Life is good.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Getting a Toddler to Drink Milk
Ian was a huge fan breastmilk. He drank a lot of it until my milk ran out a few months ago. He still nurses at least once a day even though he isn't getting anything. Ever since he started eating solid foods, he has been a very adventurous eater, but in drinking he only wanted breastmilk and water. He didn't even like juice until a few months ago. In order to get him to drink milk, I have employed the following strategies:
1. Trying different kinds of milk and calling them by their specific kind: soy milk and cow's milk.
2. Drinking milk myself in front of him and clinking glasses with him and saying,"Cheers".
3. Giving him small amounts of milk to drink with lunch and dinner and slowly increasing the amount. A small amount is easier to negotiate over. It doesn't seem overwhelming so it is easier to get him to choose to drink it in order to get something else.
4. I give him milk in a special glass that he recognizes is for drinking milk.
5. I don't ask him if he wants to drink milk or give him a choice when it comes to lunch and dinner, I simply present a small amount for him to drink. If a child doesn't have a choice or you aren't sure if they will give you the answer you are looking for, don't ask. The choice I give him is to drink his milk or go without dessert (usually 1 square of dark chocolate). If he decides not to drink his milk, I put it back in the fridge and he does not get his dessert. Usually, he will drink the milk. Again, if he doesn't, I don't get hysterical, I just eat my chocolate in front of him.
I don't worry about the amount he drinks or try to force him to drink the recommended amount. The reason is that it just doesn't work. If you force feed, you will have limited success at a very high price. He prefers to drink orange juice and water, so I give him calcium fortified orange juice and he eats a lot of cheese and yogurt.
The reason I am writing about this again is to show that slow and steady really does win the race in many parenting situations. Today, he came home from "school" (the childcare center where he goes occasionally for hourly care and where they serve milk for lunch) and he asked for cow's milk! I didn't make a big deal out of it, I just gave it to him. He drank it and requested milk over his Cheerios. He ate the Cherrios and drank the leftover milk and requested more milk! I'm not so bold to think that this will be an everyday occurrence, but it does show progress.
Food issues can be extremely frustrating to deal with and can't always be prevented, but there are a few things you can do:
1. Child-led introduction to solids. In the the US, the recommended age for introducing solids is 6 months due to the maturing of the intestines and the tongue control that is usually present at the this age. However, if your child does not like solids and cries or is uninterested, then don't force the issue. Ian didn't eat solids until he was almost 8 months old. He went from crying at one bite, to downing an entire jar of sweet potatoes out of the blue. I just kept trying every few weeks. I thought this might mean that he would be a picky eater, but I didn't stress about it and now he is one of the best eaters around.
2. Don't over react to an eating strike or phase. If a child isn't hungry or is not feeling well, they may not want to eat. It may be just a day, it may be longer, but if you don't react and don't force food, you will be better off. In most cases, they will get over in in a few days if you ignore it. There are cases of previously good eaters suddenly refusing to eat a lot of things or getting really picky. Seems that most people who experience this say it happens between age 2 and 4 from what I've read if it comes out of the blue. Dr. Sears has some good tips on what to do if you have a picky eater.
3. Don't compensate with junk food. In most cases the child will not starve or suffer extreme nutritional consequences and if he/she does, it indicates bigger problems that need medical intervention.
Good luck and stay strong!
1. Trying different kinds of milk and calling them by their specific kind: soy milk and cow's milk.
2. Drinking milk myself in front of him and clinking glasses with him and saying,"Cheers".
3. Giving him small amounts of milk to drink with lunch and dinner and slowly increasing the amount. A small amount is easier to negotiate over. It doesn't seem overwhelming so it is easier to get him to choose to drink it in order to get something else.
4. I give him milk in a special glass that he recognizes is for drinking milk.
5. I don't ask him if he wants to drink milk or give him a choice when it comes to lunch and dinner, I simply present a small amount for him to drink. If a child doesn't have a choice or you aren't sure if they will give you the answer you are looking for, don't ask. The choice I give him is to drink his milk or go without dessert (usually 1 square of dark chocolate). If he decides not to drink his milk, I put it back in the fridge and he does not get his dessert. Usually, he will drink the milk. Again, if he doesn't, I don't get hysterical, I just eat my chocolate in front of him.
I don't worry about the amount he drinks or try to force him to drink the recommended amount. The reason is that it just doesn't work. If you force feed, you will have limited success at a very high price. He prefers to drink orange juice and water, so I give him calcium fortified orange juice and he eats a lot of cheese and yogurt.
The reason I am writing about this again is to show that slow and steady really does win the race in many parenting situations. Today, he came home from "school" (the childcare center where he goes occasionally for hourly care and where they serve milk for lunch) and he asked for cow's milk! I didn't make a big deal out of it, I just gave it to him. He drank it and requested milk over his Cheerios. He ate the Cherrios and drank the leftover milk and requested more milk! I'm not so bold to think that this will be an everyday occurrence, but it does show progress.
Food issues can be extremely frustrating to deal with and can't always be prevented, but there are a few things you can do:
1. Child-led introduction to solids. In the the US, the recommended age for introducing solids is 6 months due to the maturing of the intestines and the tongue control that is usually present at the this age. However, if your child does not like solids and cries or is uninterested, then don't force the issue. Ian didn't eat solids until he was almost 8 months old. He went from crying at one bite, to downing an entire jar of sweet potatoes out of the blue. I just kept trying every few weeks. I thought this might mean that he would be a picky eater, but I didn't stress about it and now he is one of the best eaters around.
2. Don't over react to an eating strike or phase. If a child isn't hungry or is not feeling well, they may not want to eat. It may be just a day, it may be longer, but if you don't react and don't force food, you will be better off. In most cases, they will get over in in a few days if you ignore it. There are cases of previously good eaters suddenly refusing to eat a lot of things or getting really picky. Seems that most people who experience this say it happens between age 2 and 4 from what I've read if it comes out of the blue. Dr. Sears has some good tips on what to do if you have a picky eater.
3. Don't compensate with junk food. In most cases the child will not starve or suffer extreme nutritional consequences and if he/she does, it indicates bigger problems that need medical intervention.
Good luck and stay strong!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Whittling Down
As our departure date nears, I am trying to whittle down our supplies and my classes. Here is my progress:
1. Annie's Organic Cheddar Bunnies and Bunny Grahams: My sister sent me a case (12 boxes) or each in May and we are down to our last boxes. Ian loves them and they are a bit healthier than the conventional versions. I will run out before we leave, but I glad not to have snacks sitting around for months.
2. Chiropractic Care: I used my 10 classes that you buy as a package and now with about four weeks to go, Dr. Yoo has recommended we go to every two weeks so I will get in 1-2 more treatments before .
3. Yoga Classes: I am down to 8 classes left on my package. I should be able to get those done before I go as well.
4. Dog Stuff: Dog vitamins are gone. Down to one box of dog treats. Using the small bags of dog food so we won't end up with a lot left over. Roxxy is going with us and most likely not coming back until we move again into a house with a yard so I don't want lots of dog stuff left here.
5. Food: My husband loves to buy meat. Right now we have two cornish game hens, a duck, some tilapia, some ground beef and some chicken in the fridge. That is a low amount of meat. We still have to buy a turkey for Thanksgiving, but otherwise, I am trying to whittle down our freezer stash.
1. Annie's Organic Cheddar Bunnies and Bunny Grahams: My sister sent me a case (12 boxes) or each in May and we are down to our last boxes. Ian loves them and they are a bit healthier than the conventional versions. I will run out before we leave, but I glad not to have snacks sitting around for months.
2. Chiropractic Care: I used my 10 classes that you buy as a package and now with about four weeks to go, Dr. Yoo has recommended we go to every two weeks so I will get in 1-2 more treatments before .
3. Yoga Classes: I am down to 8 classes left on my package. I should be able to get those done before I go as well.
4. Dog Stuff: Dog vitamins are gone. Down to one box of dog treats. Using the small bags of dog food so we won't end up with a lot left over. Roxxy is going with us and most likely not coming back until we move again into a house with a yard so I don't want lots of dog stuff left here.
5. Food: My husband loves to buy meat. Right now we have two cornish game hens, a duck, some tilapia, some ground beef and some chicken in the fridge. That is a low amount of meat. We still have to buy a turkey for Thanksgiving, but otherwise, I am trying to whittle down our freezer stash.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Korean Translations for Some Baby Items
Important translation for new expat Mums
속싸개 (swaddling cloth)
애기 이불(blanket for the baby)
젖병(bottle)
분유(formula)
손싸개(mittens)
유모차(stroller)
유모차 커버(stroller cover against the wind & yellow dusts)
황사(yellow dusts)
유기농 물티슈 or 아토피 물티슈 (Organic baby wiper)
기저귀(diapers)
큐티 기저귀 (cuttie diaper)-it’s a Korean name for “pampers “ diapers.)
유아용 세탁세제(detergent for baby’s clothes)
젖병세제(detergent for washing the bottle or toys)
워터 스프레이(water mist)
제일평화시장 2F-3F (jae-il pyoung hwa market in Dongdaemun) –where you can buy baby body suits for reasonable price (Don’t go to department stores to buy baby clothes unless you have a lot of money!)
아기 욕조(Baby bath tub)
아기 비누(baby soap)
온습도계(thermometer for the temperature & humidity)
수유쿠션(breast feeding cushion)
기저귀 교환대 (changing table)
회음부 방석(cushion for the woman who had episiotomies)
귀체온계(ear thermometer)
수유패드(breastfeeding pads)
산모용 패드(Postpartum sanitary pads)
배넷 저고리(kimono style baby clothes for newborn)
아기 손톱가위(baby scissors for nail cutting)
유축기(breast pump)
모유저장팩(disposable breast milk storage bag)
기저귀 발진 크림(nappy rash cream)
유기농, 친환경(organic, bio items)
모기장(mosquito net)
복합식 가습기 ( Humidifier with cold steam and hot steam)
공기정화기 (air ventilator)
속싸개 (swaddling cloth)
애기 이불(blanket for the baby)
젖병(bottle)
분유(formula)
손싸개(mittens)
유모차(stroller)
유모차 커버(stroller cover against the wind & yellow dusts)
황사(yellow dusts)
유기농 물티슈 or 아토피 물티슈 (Organic baby wiper)
기저귀(diapers)
큐티 기저귀 (cuttie diaper)-it’s a Korean name for “pampers “ diapers.)
유아용 세탁세제(detergent for baby’s clothes)
젖병세제(detergent for washing the bottle or toys)
워터 스프레이(water mist)
제일평화시장 2F-3F (jae-il pyoung hwa market in Dongdaemun) –where you can buy baby body suits for reasonable price (Don’t go to department stores to buy baby clothes unless you have a lot of money!)
아기 욕조(Baby bath tub)
아기 비누(baby soap)
온습도계(thermometer for the temperature & humidity)
수유쿠션(breast feeding cushion)
기저귀 교환대 (changing table)
회음부 방석(cushion for the woman who had episiotomies)
귀체온계(ear thermometer)
수유패드(breastfeeding pads)
산모용 패드(Postpartum sanitary pads)
배넷 저고리(kimono style baby clothes for newborn)
아기 손톱가위(baby scissors for nail cutting)
유축기(breast pump)
모유저장팩(disposable breast milk storage bag)
기저귀 발진 크림(nappy rash cream)
유기농, 친환경(organic, bio items)
모기장(mosquito net)
복합식 가습기 ( Humidifier with cold steam and hot steam)
공기정화기 (air ventilator)
Affordable Classes for Children and Adults at iPark Culture Center
Classes: Cooking, Sewing, Prenatal Yoga, Yoga, Pilates Mat, Lectures, Music, Art, Children's
Classes (Including Julie's English Ballet for ages 2+)
Cost for the child's ballet is 3 months of classes, one class per week for 100,000 KW.
Where: The iPark Culture Center is located on the 4th floor of the iPark Mall, next to EMart,
close to the base. Take the elevators up and find the Sweet Story Candy Store. There is a
circular seating area in front of it. Face the candy store and make a right. The entrance to the
Culture Center is on the left. You can pick up a course catalog and register for classes there.
The catalog is in Korean. The people there today spoke a bit of English but you might need to
take the catalog and have a friend translate for you.
I haven't taken any classes and won't be able to until next spring since I am leaving for the
States for a few months shortly, but several people in Yongsan Playgroups have kids that
take classes there.
Classes (Including Julie's English Ballet for ages 2+)
Cost for the child's ballet is 3 months of classes, one class per week for 100,000 KW.
Where: The iPark Culture Center is located on the 4th floor of the iPark Mall, next to EMart,
close to the base. Take the elevators up and find the Sweet Story Candy Store. There is a
circular seating area in front of it. Face the candy store and make a right. The entrance to the
Culture Center is on the left. You can pick up a course catalog and register for classes there.
The catalog is in Korean. The people there today spoke a bit of English but you might need to
take the catalog and have a friend translate for you.
I haven't taken any classes and won't be able to until next spring since I am leaving for the
States for a few months shortly, but several people in Yongsan Playgroups have kids that
take classes there.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Expat Pregnancy Club Meets!
6 of us foreign pregnant/recent moms from 5 different countries met up for lunch on Sunday. We all met through the blog or through someone else that found the blog, though, subsequently, other common connections have been found.
The information exchange was awesome, hence the rash of posts yesterday and there is more to come. If you have good info on maternity/baby related things, please leave a comment or send me an e-mail. We are particularly interested in affordable products and classes, support, playgroups, doctors, etc. Your hospital/doctor experience including the cost and type of insurance you have would be helpful for people to have an idea about cost. If you have foreign insurance, how was the reimbursement process? Is there anything you need to be sure to request from the hospital for documentation to make that easier? More importantly, how were you treated? Would you recommend your doctor/hospital to others?
********This small group has transformed into a Expat Parents Club Forum.
Go here to join:
http://expatparents.50.forumer.com/index.php
Childbirth Classes in Seoul for English Speakers
I've already posted about the Hypnobirthing Class taught by Patricia Cumming. Click the link for contact information. Patricia knows Keunhae, Lisa and Dr. Sung as well and is familiar with the birth culture in Korea so she can cover that as well.
Another option is taking a course taught by Lactation Consultants and Doulas, Keunhae Park and Lisa Fincaryk in conjunction with Dr. Sung. You pay Keunhae and Lisa separately from Dr. Sung. It is 350,000 KW for K & L and 200,000 KW for Dr. Sung. I think you can choose to do one or the other or both, but I need to verify that with my friends R and G who are taking the classes. Here is the outline:
Session Outline
1st Session 15.October(Wed.)
20:00 - 22:30 pm Keunhae’s
House
(In the UN village) Keunhae Park
&
Lisa Fincaryk
• Birthing culture in Korea
• Hospital Proceedures
• Labour Support and Birth Plans
• Things to bring to the hospital
• Relaxation (The effects of fear on labour)
2nd Session 22 Oct.(Wed.)
20:00 – 22:30pm Keunhae’s
House Keunhae Park
&
Lisa Fincaryk
• Breastfeeding
-- What's in it for the baby
-- What's in it for the mother, father
-- Tips to succeed
• Maternal Postpartum Care
• Ways to sooth a newborn
3rd Session 29.Oct.(Wed.)
20:00 - 22:30 pm Keunhae’s house) Keunhae Park
&
Lisa Fincaryk
• Anatomy or pregnancy and labour
• Signs of labour
• Phases and Stages of labour
• Breathing techniques
• Knowing when to go to the hospital (Emergency situations)
• Intervention Discussion
• Intervention Role-Play
4th Session 5.Nov.(Wed.)
20:00 - 22:30 pm Keunhae’s house Keunhae Park
&
Lisa Fincaryk
• The portrait of a newborn
• Vaccinations
• The FAQ’s of newborn care
• Relaxation & Partner Yoga
• Birthing Positons
• Birthing Scenario-Role Play
5th Session 9 Nov. (Thurs.)
19:00 - 22:30 pm Dr.Sung's Clinic
(Hannam-dong) Dr. Sung 3rd trimester prenatal care
Gentle birth, tailored birth
Delivery in Korea
6th
Session 27 Nov(Thurs.)
19:00-22:30 Dr.Sung's Clinic
(Hannam-dong Dr. Sung
Labor pain & self pain control
Fetal monitoring
Birthing position, episiotomy
CPD, Failure to progress
C/section, overdue, neonatal care
Contact info:
Keun Hae Park
010-5416-5155 and 796-7174
Dr. Sung
3F Hyundai Liberty House, 258 Hannam-dong,
Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 140-211, Korea
TEL: (02)790-0802~3
FAX: (02)790-5678
Mobile: 017-210-5284
If you speak Korean, there are other hospital-based classes, but if you don't, it is nice to have these alternatives.
Maternity/Babywearing Coats
Ack! I waited too long to order the maternity winter coat from Old Navy. I wanted it to go on sale, when it finally did, they were out of my size. Old Navy tends to run a little large so I don't want to order a bigger size, especially since I won't get to see it for a month. I am going to have it sent to PA because the ship times to the APO are unpredictable.
I want a dressier coat in black or grey so I can wear it for all occasions. Target has a red coat for $59.99 which is a good price, but I don't want red.
Gap and Destination Maternity have coats for $148 and $100+.
Bump Couture Fleece Trench for $177. It is available on various sites in limited sizes and varying prices.
Olian Maternity Wool Winter Coat for $336.80
Isabella Oliver for $336 and up.
I really don't want to spend more than $150, but would rather spend about half that. I started looking a babywearing coats, but they are REALLY expensive.
Peekaru Original Babywearing Vest for $80
Peekaru Soft Shell for $199
M Coat for $384 CAD (about $310 US)
Babywearing Down Coat for $345
Suse's Kinder Deluxe Coat for $175
Suse's Kinder Divine Ride Jacket for $107
Suse's Kinder Babywearing Vest for $64.99
Aiska Poncho for $160 (on sale at Cottonbabies.com for $99.99)
Mama Jacket Babywearing Wool Coat for $219 (and up depends on the site)
I am going to wait until I get back to the States to get something so I can either try on in person or receive it and return it quickly if it doesn't work out. Worst case scenario is I buy a regular coat in a bigger size which I would rather not do because I will be REALLY pregnant when it is REALLY cold out. My entire third trimester will be in very cold weather. I like the Peekaru vest for price and I could wear it under my regular jacket to cover my belly before the baby is born and then wear it over the baby after it is born. I also like the Aiska Poncho for the sale price, though, in my size, the only color is navy and I'd rather have grey. Additional searching might find other options.
If anyone has any other good sources for maternity or babywearing coats, please leave a comment.
I want a dressier coat in black or grey so I can wear it for all occasions. Target has a red coat for $59.99 which is a good price, but I don't want red.
Gap and Destination Maternity have coats for $148 and $100+.
Bump Couture Fleece Trench for $177. It is available on various sites in limited sizes and varying prices.
Olian Maternity Wool Winter Coat for $336.80
Isabella Oliver for $336 and up.
I really don't want to spend more than $150, but would rather spend about half that. I started looking a babywearing coats, but they are REALLY expensive.
Peekaru Original Babywearing Vest for $80
Peekaru Soft Shell for $199
M Coat for $384 CAD (about $310 US)
Babywearing Down Coat for $345
Suse's Kinder Deluxe Coat for $175
Suse's Kinder Divine Ride Jacket for $107
Suse's Kinder Babywearing Vest for $64.99
Aiska Poncho for $160 (on sale at Cottonbabies.com for $99.99)
Mama Jacket Babywearing Wool Coat for $219 (and up depends on the site)
I am going to wait until I get back to the States to get something so I can either try on in person or receive it and return it quickly if it doesn't work out. Worst case scenario is I buy a regular coat in a bigger size which I would rather not do because I will be REALLY pregnant when it is REALLY cold out. My entire third trimester will be in very cold weather. I like the Peekaru vest for price and I could wear it under my regular jacket to cover my belly before the baby is born and then wear it over the baby after it is born. I also like the Aiska Poncho for the sale price, though, in my size, the only color is navy and I'd rather have grey. Additional searching might find other options.
If anyone has any other good sources for maternity or babywearing coats, please leave a comment.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Partying at the Dragon
Ian had a birthday party today at Dragon Hill Lodge. There was a balloon maker and a face painter for the kids. I got Ian a balloon dog, but all the other boys got swords so he looked a little pathetic trying to sword fight with a small poodle so he got a sword as well. The line was long for the face painting. They did a really nice job, but Ian was having fun with the balloon sword so we skipped it. He was the only boy who was dressed up. Most of the girls were in party dresses but the boys were casual. He wore his thrift store suit and looked snazzy. It was a little big, but we have Thanksgiving, Christmas and possibly family pictures in March after the baby is born to try to get use out if it, so hopefully it will last through those events.
Here is Ian, sword-fighting with the birthday girl.
Here is Ian, sword-fighting with the birthday girl.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Business of the Day
After a visit to Dr. Phil, the chiropractor (or firopractor* as Ian calls him), we hit Curt's office to pick up the mail and my reimbursement check for my Korea prenatal appointments was in there. It was pricey with the labs so I am glad we got reimbursed. They even reimbursed for the two sonograms which I am impressed with because the protocol here in Korea (and Egypt as well) is a sonogram at every appointment, but in the US, they do not do that. They must know that is how it is in Korea, though and they paid for it. That gives me comfort if that I would have decided to stay here that we would get reimbursed, but I am still glad to be going home. I could never get an answer from people about insurance because the foreigners that go off-post for medical care are with businesses and they are making so much money they don't seem to care or bother with reimbursement. Other friends, like Sarah, have the Korean medical plan so they don't deal with the cost. We have the Federal Employee Blue Cross Blue Shield Overseas Plan if anyone is reading this and wondering.
Then we went to the Four Seasons store on post which has various things including toys, to pick out a present for a birthday party that Ian is going to on Saturday. The child's dad is a pediatrician on post and the mom is very involved in on post organizations so they know a lot of people. Being that the child is an only child and has everything she needs, the parents have asked guests to bring gifts for the orphanage instead of for their daughter. I went to E Mart to pick out a doll because I figured that Korean kids should play with Korean dolls, but they didn't have any. All the dolls had light eyes (mostly light brown) and light hair (ranging from light brown to red to blonde) and they were expensive so I decided to get a doll at the Four Seasons instead. The doll I got comes with an outfit change and a stroller and was only $10. It is in a big package, too, so it should be fun to open. I also picked up two new Hot Wheels for Ian. I love picking out Hot Wheels. He doesn't care, particularly, so I pick them out by colors and shapes that interest me or I tell him to choose one that is a particular color that he doesn't have a lot of in his collection. The best part is that they are under a dollar a piece!
A short stop at the commissary because I forgot eggs when I went the other day and now we are home and ready for lunch.
Then we went to the Four Seasons store on post which has various things including toys, to pick out a present for a birthday party that Ian is going to on Saturday. The child's dad is a pediatrician on post and the mom is very involved in on post organizations so they know a lot of people. Being that the child is an only child and has everything she needs, the parents have asked guests to bring gifts for the orphanage instead of for their daughter. I went to E Mart to pick out a doll because I figured that Korean kids should play with Korean dolls, but they didn't have any. All the dolls had light eyes (mostly light brown) and light hair (ranging from light brown to red to blonde) and they were expensive so I decided to get a doll at the Four Seasons instead. The doll I got comes with an outfit change and a stroller and was only $10. It is in a big package, too, so it should be fun to open. I also picked up two new Hot Wheels for Ian. I love picking out Hot Wheels. He doesn't care, particularly, so I pick them out by colors and shapes that interest me or I tell him to choose one that is a particular color that he doesn't have a lot of in his collection. The best part is that they are under a dollar a piece!
A short stop at the commissary because I forgot eggs when I went the other day and now we are home and ready for lunch.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Bad Parent: My Two Year Old Has Road Rage
It is easy to have road rage in Korea. Imagine a place where everyone drives like a big (US) city cab driver, except the cab drivers because they are even worse and don't know the city as well as US cab drivers. Drivers are very selfish. Zippering is an unknown concept here, people drive up against the flow of traffic and push their way in. If there is plenty of room and you signal that you want to move over, they will speed up so you can't. People will cut you off inly to drive slowly so you miss the light. They don't miss the light because they will just run the light. Cabs will drive around traffic, going the wrong way to run a red light. They don't move out of the way for ambulances, though they managed to create a clear path during the fireworks so people could stop and watch them. After all that, they teach small children that they can just walk into traffic and hold up their hands and cars will stop for them. They also don't use carseats or seatbelts, much. One nice thing about Seoul is that they don't honk the horn. In Cairo, they honk constantly. It is much quieter.
In Cairo, lights are meaningless. People don't stop at all. It is worse there except that they don't get bent out of shape over minor accidents. Here, people will stop traffic and not move over for hours over an accident where you can't even see any damage. Also, in Cairo we had diplomatic immunity which we don't here. Here, you always pay, especially if you are a foreigner.
Anyway, it can be very annoying to drive here and Curt and I often yell at the other cars. Ian has started yelling at the cars too,"Car, get outta da way!" "Car, what are you doin?" He even did it (not in the car) in line at the check out counter, he yelled,"Dat lady's in da way!"
But, no swearing so we have made progress! Curt is much worse than me on the road rage issue and Ian has now started yelling at him,"Curt, calm down!"
They do listen to everything you say. Yes they do.
In Cairo, lights are meaningless. People don't stop at all. It is worse there except that they don't get bent out of shape over minor accidents. Here, people will stop traffic and not move over for hours over an accident where you can't even see any damage. Also, in Cairo we had diplomatic immunity which we don't here. Here, you always pay, especially if you are a foreigner.
Anyway, it can be very annoying to drive here and Curt and I often yell at the other cars. Ian has started yelling at the cars too,"Car, get outta da way!" "Car, what are you doin?" He even did it (not in the car) in line at the check out counter, he yelled,"Dat lady's in da way!"
But, no swearing so we have made progress! Curt is much worse than me on the road rage issue and Ian has now started yelling at him,"Curt, calm down!"
They do listen to everything you say. Yes they do.
Glass Lock, Tupperware Alternative
I've been trying to cook more and then portion leftovers immediately for lunches. It makes me more likely to come home to eat and more likely for Curt to take his lunch if it is ready to go. I only had Ziplock and Glad plastic storage containers and I don't think Curt should be microwaving the food in there. I needed more food storage containers anyway, so I headed to E Mart and picked up 6 Glass Lock containers. The lid has a seal and snaps on in 4 pieces. Just put my first batch of leftovers in them and I like them so far. I am hoping the lids hold up, though.
Mosquitos in Korea
1. They don't die.
2. They love Ian.
He has bites all over his face including his eyelid and ears. Annoying! He has bites on the his face on the Christmas card as well. It didn't show much on screen, but it does when it is printed. Oh well. It represents our time here I guess.
2. They love Ian.
He has bites all over his face including his eyelid and ears. Annoying! He has bites on the his face on the Christmas card as well. It didn't show much on screen, but it does when it is printed. Oh well. It represents our time here I guess.
Monday, November 10, 2008
International Babywearing Week November 12-18
To celebrate International Babywearing Week, Stephanie from Adventures in Babywearing is having a contest where everyone posts their favorite babywearing photos. Check it out if you want to enter the contest. Link up your post in the Mr. Linky below and you will be entered to win a Pop Nest Sling or a Sparrow Hatchling Sling from Nonny & Boo! These aren't my favorite baywearing photos, but due to a computer issue, they are the only ones on my computer.
Just a word on babywearing: It makes life so much easier. Babies can't do anything for themselves when they are first born. They get bored, they want to be with you. You still need to get things done. So don't fight it, wear your baby. Some people will tell you that if you wear your baby all the time they will walk late or that they are manipulating you. This is so untrue! My son was walking holding onto things at 7 months. He was running at 10 months. I wore him a lot. I hiked up a mountain in the desert in Egypt, I visited the Pyramids, I made many international plane trips with him in it. I didn't use a stroller until he was 18 months old and we came to Seoul. The carrier was easier. It is one of the essential pieces of baby gear. It keeps baby comfortable, promotes bonding and gives you freedom.
Ian in the Baby Bjorn meeting President Mubarak of Egypt:
Ian meeting a women's college tour:
Ian, resting at Luxor:
Here is a link to an older post that reviews my favorite carriers, the Beco and the Ergo. The Bjorn was my first carrier, but it is not as attractive or comfortable as the other two. Save your money for something better and skip the Bjorn! There are tons of options out there.
Just a word on babywearing: It makes life so much easier. Babies can't do anything for themselves when they are first born. They get bored, they want to be with you. You still need to get things done. So don't fight it, wear your baby. Some people will tell you that if you wear your baby all the time they will walk late or that they are manipulating you. This is so untrue! My son was walking holding onto things at 7 months. He was running at 10 months. I wore him a lot. I hiked up a mountain in the desert in Egypt, I visited the Pyramids, I made many international plane trips with him in it. I didn't use a stroller until he was 18 months old and we came to Seoul. The carrier was easier. It is one of the essential pieces of baby gear. It keeps baby comfortable, promotes bonding and gives you freedom.
Ian in the Baby Bjorn meeting President Mubarak of Egypt:
Ian meeting a women's college tour:
Ian, resting at Luxor:
Here is a link to an older post that reviews my favorite carriers, the Beco and the Ergo. The Bjorn was my first carrier, but it is not as attractive or comfortable as the other two. Save your money for something better and skip the Bjorn! There are tons of options out there.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Haircut
Ian got a haircut on Sunday. He looks thinner afterwards.
Some funny things that he has said lately:
He said,"I hab a headache. I need ice."
I was hugging Curt and he said,"Get off! Do your e-mail!"
I said,"Obama is the new president."
He said,"No! He's MY president."
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Yes We Can! We Won!
Congratulations to the United States of America for electing Barack Obama the next President of the United States! He possesses reason, dignity, intelligence and compassion. He understands law, history and culture. He will restore our image both at home and abroad. It is amazing and wonderful!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Baby Names
I haven't thought about names too much because I was waiting to find out the sex. Since the baby didn't cooperate, I still don't know. There are lots of baby name websites:
Baby Names
Baby Name Wizard
Nameberry
Nymbler
and much more.
I also have several good baby name books thanks to a chance meeting with my friend's boss. She gave me a bunch of baby books and a prenatal yoga dvd.
The Baby Name Wizard by Laura Wattenberg
Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana: What to Name Your Baby Now
But, I still cannot decide. There are a few things I know:
1. I don't want a name that has a pronunciation that is completely different than the spelling. Examples of cool names like this are Aoife (pronouced E-fa), Niamh (pronounced Neve), Seoirse (pronounced Sorsha). They look pretty and/or sound pretty but seems like a pain to remember how to say them. I have an Irish friend named Aoife and she said it was even a pain for her in Ireland. Of course, that name is much more popular today than when she was born, but still.
2. I don't want a plain name with a fancy spelling like S'ra for Sarah or Karynne for Karen.
3. I want something that is easy to yell. A name like Aurora is pretty, but I don't want to trip over myself when I have to get the child's attention quickly.
That's not much to go on, but if anyone has any ideas, please leave a comment.
Baby Names
Baby Name Wizard
Nameberry
Nymbler
and much more.
I also have several good baby name books thanks to a chance meeting with my friend's boss. She gave me a bunch of baby books and a prenatal yoga dvd.
The Baby Name Wizard by Laura Wattenberg
Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana: What to Name Your Baby Now
But, I still cannot decide. There are a few things I know:
1. I don't want a name that has a pronunciation that is completely different than the spelling. Examples of cool names like this are Aoife (pronouced E-fa), Niamh (pronounced Neve), Seoirse (pronounced Sorsha). They look pretty and/or sound pretty but seems like a pain to remember how to say them. I have an Irish friend named Aoife and she said it was even a pain for her in Ireland. Of course, that name is much more popular today than when she was born, but still.
2. I don't want a plain name with a fancy spelling like S'ra for Sarah or Karynne for Karen.
3. I want something that is easy to yell. A name like Aurora is pretty, but I don't want to trip over myself when I have to get the child's attention quickly.
That's not much to go on, but if anyone has any ideas, please leave a comment.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)