Coexisting with a baby and a kitty cat

Want to harness physical, social, emotional and cognitive development from your child? It can all be found by encouraging interaction with the family pet. It doesn't matter if it is a dog, cat, horse or goldfish, the main ingredient is a sense of companionship that is offered by animals. Having a pet is sometimes what everyone had as a child as they get interaction with warm fuzzy entertainment given by the animal. My 'pet of choice' was always a feline. As long as I can remember, I have always had a cat by my side. In bad times and good, my feline friends were always there for me when I felt like I was alone. We have a feline, as you know. His name is Shaddow. I have always loved all my cats in my past. But this cat has a very special place in my heart. I originally adopted/rescued him from the local Humane society in Palm Beach county along with my mother and daughter down in South Florida. Shaddow was originally rescued for my daughter but chose me as his favorite. We got him at six months although by the looks of body which dealt with malnutrition, he looked four months old. By the time he was nine months old, he had already learned how to fetch. We had taught him with cloth kitty toy balls as we threw them up the stairs, he would catch them and bring them downstairs to us. Now he is just a Tomcat, and old man. He has had his day. During the 6 of the 9 months, we made sure that we left blankets out for Shaddow to smell. Now, Victoria's scent wasn't on the items at this time but the smell of baby items were around so he would get used to knowing that our scents were different than the scent that was on the items. I wasn't expecting him to rub his face on these items but to understand that something or someone is arriving soon and to understand that our family is expanding, not excluding him. I really want him to learn this. While my daughter would work on the computer working on her college classes, she would invite Shaddow to sleep next to her. Her touch and scent obviously comforted him because he would sit by her constantly. Seeing them both sit on the couch made me think back to when she was a little girl and he was a kitten. My daughter played violin and cello. She went to a performing arts school during that time. Every time..and I mean every time she practiced her craft, Shaddow would come running from any place in the house just to sit in her empty case to sit and listen to her play. There are times when he would meow with the music as she ran the strings with the bow. We have wonderful memories with this feline. Finally the day to return home with our new bundle of joy, Shaddow was hanging around the house (probably sleeping in his

makeshift bed I prepared for him in my bedroom closet). After the family and friends have left us alone with our little entity, Shaddow came out of his secluded lair and came up to sniff Victoria's foot. Then he walked away uninterested. And that is what we wanted to happen. Still, even now the bedroom room is closed during sleep, including naps. Because even though we love him with all our hearts, he is still a feline. On a positive note, Shaddow is going to give her so many responsibilities. True, I did rescue Shaddow for my daughter to learn responsibilities but that was a moot point. Shaddow decided that I am going to be his alpha female or maybe he just views me as another cat. Whatever the case, he is going to do his part to help her grow. Emotionally, physically and mentally he will be there. All she has to do is grow.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: A success story

It has been identified that about one in 88 children have been born with autism spectrum disorder according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Statistics show that over 2 million people in the United States alone are affected by this. This proportion of people with autism spectrum disorder in expected to increase from 10 to 17 percent annually due to the fact of wider awareness and proper screening although there is still a mystery why the continued increase still haunts us. It is not fully known how this horrible disorder manifests but with current research showing that it is likely due to a complex combination of genetic predispositions and environmental factors that have influenced early brain development. Either advanced ages of either parents at the moment of conception, maternal illness during the pregnancy, extreme prematurity or very low birth weight. Fortunately not every child develops these types of neuro-developmental disorders. The effects of maternal immune activation involves the strength of fighting infection and genetic predisposition. 

My sister had given birth to a child with autism spectrum disorder in 2000. We were so happy to welcome a beautiful little boy in our family. All ten fingers and ten toes were all we needed. As he grew, things were different...like that angel was battling something inside of him that we could not figure out. My sister went to doctor after doctor, administering him medicine that I couldn't even pronounce. It seemed that my sister was going stir-crazy trying to find what was the matter with her son. But my sister *did* find out what was wrong with her son. Like so many other loving parents, my sister did not give up on finding out what was affecting her son. I am so proud of her for that. After so many trials that family has been through, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the both of them.

Today he is a marvelous student, awesome musician (he plays the clarinet in his school marching band) and is a wonderful individual that will prosper as he goes into his teenaged years. This is a success story.

http://blogs.kqed.org/science/2013/10/14/infections-during-pregnancy-may-increase-autism-risk/

Now the fun begins.....

Funny how time seems to heal...even for the scenarios that you can't see a light at the end of the tunnel. Learning to accept the way things are is easier for me now. The baby is now 5.12 inches resting comfortably (and healthy from what I know so far) in her mommy's belly. We are now ready to learn about the gender although we will find out later in the month of October. After that, it will be time to start shopping for that certain gender.

As of today, she is now 16 weeks pregnant and starting her 2nd trimester. Her baby is at the size of an avocado. That little angel can hear her mommy's voice echoing through her body. Tiny bones have formed in her ears. She is growing hair and has lashes with eyebrows. And she is also forming taste buds. :) The baby is moving around my daughter's belly and this is the time that she will start actually feeling it. Reality is finally going to set in for my daughter. The nausea days have passed and we are now looking forward to her little belly getting even bigger with love.

School is going splendidly for my daughter as she is getting the straight As in each class. The saying in this house is 'maintain those As!' every morning that she walks out the door. With an on-going habit of studying, she will hopefully fulfill this semester with flying colors. I am thankful that she is concentrating on going to school. I can remember when I graduated with my G.E.D. at 30 years old. I have pictures of how proud she was for me. I was proud she was able to actually see me graduate and continue on with college. I remember telling her that "not even two strokes can keep me from furthering my education." With 'community', a pregnancy will not hinder her as well. I can honestly say I am proud of her.

http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/16-weeks-pregnant.aspx?MsdVisit=1

Be wise! Protect the eyes! (Especially while pregnant!)

Pregnant women have to deal with a lot of things with the change of their bodies. They have to worry about having morning sickness to back pain....and everything in between. Attach vision problems to that long list of things to 'look out for'. Hormones (boy, I know how bad it is in the receiving end!), the changes in the metabolism, fluid retention and blood circulation are all the changes that affect the eyes during pregnancy. These changes can affect the thickness of the cornea by increasing slightly even though the changes are very small. This change can affect how you wear your glasses or contacts on a daily basis.

My daughter had an eye doctor appointment last week. The doctor explained to us that during pregnancy, these changes can affect your prescription. He told us on how more pregnant women report that they feel a bit more nearsighted now than they were before they became pregnant. Although this wasn't a very good time to get a new prescription, the rule of thumb is that these changes are going to be temporary and typically reverse themselves within a month to several month after the delivery. After being asked, he advised that getting laser surgery while pregnant isn't a very good idea; rather, they do not allow it with most insurance companies.There are many different irritants that can happen to a pregnant woman during this time of her life. It

also can happen during breastfeeding. The eyes can become drier along with other subtle changes in the shape and thickness of the cornea. For better or for worse, this can also bring about other changes during pregnancy. If one has diabetes, one should get screened for damage within the blood vessels in the retina. As this might worsen during pregnancy, there is a name for it. It is called Diabetic Retinopathy. Frequent eye exams before and during each pregnancy would be a real good idea to keep tabs on the damage, (if it were to occur).

Some women that have to deal with Glaucoma usually find that their eyesight improves during pregnancy which is a real good thing. Keep in mind that the medication needs to be adjusted as soon as possible. Lessening the baby's exposure to the medications is a good thing for Glaucoma patients who would like to plan a pregnancy.

http://www.babycenter.com/0_vision-changes-during-pregnancy_1456567.bc

Week 10-11 of my grand baby's growth

As I sit here watching the new "Star Trek", I think about James T. Kirk not having his parents together. His father was on the Starship Enterprise and was attacked by enemies while his wife was on a pod leaving the ship, giving birth to their only child, never to see her husband again.

While I realize this is just a movie, I wonder how my grandchild will deal with (her) parents not living together. My daughter will not keep the child away from the other family. That was not how she was brought up. I am just hoping the other family will hold their end of the bargain. A child should not have to go through a situation without their other parent being absent..in any case. 

There are many positives in this week. My daughter has regained some energy back that she didn't have from the weeks before. Her appetite has somewhat returned and things are looking better for her. She is now at week 10-11..and my grand baby is no bigger than a fig. This is wonderful news! The risk of congenital birth defects are now lessened which makes me (almost) breathe a sigh of relief. (Her) fingernails have slightly formed with the look of a 'human fetus' connected to the placenta, (which is now functioning.) My daughter found a really good app for her iPhone that describes what is happening to your body while you are making this transition to motherhood. The pregnancy app is on iPhone, iPod touch and android. It is free and it tracks your day-to-day growth.  

App reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board

The BabyCenter My Pregnancy Today app is everything that millions of women love about BabyCenter right in their purse." – Linda Murray, BabyCenter editor-in-chief

BabyCenter My Pregnancy Today is the most comprehensive daily pregnancy app from the world's most trusted pregnancy and parenting resource. Simply enter your baby's due date, and BabyCenter My Pregnancy Today turns your phone into an expert guide for each day of your pregnancy. Feel more prepared for your baby's birth and get the answers you need, whenever you need them.   Here’s what you’ll get:

• My pregnancy day by day: BabyCenter's renowned weekly guide to pregnancy is now optimized for your smart phone with daily information and advice.
• Fetal development images: See your baby grow with our one-of-kind images developed by expert medical illustrators.
• Pregnancy checklist:  This interactive to-do list is filled with activities and reminders to keep you on track with decisions, doctor appointments, and more.
• Award-winning videos: Watch what’s happening inside the womb with breathtaking 3-D animations, or, get informed (and inspired) about your own delivery day with live-action birth videos.
• Birth clubs: Meet other moms-to-be who are due at the same time as you and get instant advice and support.
• Due date calculator: Figure out your due date and count down to the big day.
• Nutrition guide: These tips and recipes will help you eat well and manage cravings.

Here is the address: http://www.babycenter.com/my-pregnancy-today-app or you can find it in the app store

First experience from a grandmother's point of view

We are now in our 6th week of pregnancy....tee-hee I mean (she) is in (her) 6th week. Exciting as it is, I am watching her sleep more and eat things she never would have eaten when she was a teenager. She never liked fried chicken, but at least once a week, the father of her baby Jeremy buys her favorite food. Of course there are things she can not stand smelling. I am a smoker.....and she can't stand smelling that. Good..She can't stand the smell of hamburgers or fast food except Taco Bell or Subway.

I do, however worry that she is sleeping too much. When I had to make the dreadful choice I, too slept a lot but I couldn't maneuver my body the way I wanted to, the way normal people function. I realize I don't talk about it a lot. It saddens me to even think about that scenario. Fortunately she has her appetite. She surprises me and wakes up only to run into the kitchen fridge and devour as much as she can stand. I was warned by many not to let her gain too much weight so we are going to start doing exercises like arm curls and leg lifts. Unfortunately I don't know when this is going to happen..

I am happy that she has always been a homebody. Now she is even more a homebody. She has a friend that comes over after work. Her friend has a child and my daughter welcomes her advice. She's a good kid too and I am very happy my daughter has a good friend. Thank goodness she will start off on the right foot.

Last night was a very scary night for me (and her). She experienced her first time with 'morning sickness'. She had felt nauseated all night and crawled into my bed like she used to do as a child. As I was rubbing her forehead, she asked me to take this sickness away from her so she can sleep. Well...you know the answer to that.

As she ran to the bathroom to have a "session", I told her that it is too bad that she is having 'morning sickness'. I couldn't hold in a smile when she retorted (in a serious voice), "This can't possibly be morning sickness. It's only 2 A.M." Ok.....(snicker).

I can see now that I am going to have a little fun with this..in due time.