In Our Babies, Ourselves, Small writes not just as an anthropologist, wanting to observe and record human behavior and how it relates to our biological and evolutionary roots as mammals, but also from an ethnopediatrics perspective, which seeks to advise us as parents how to integrate babies' innate needs with our culture in an infant-appropriate way. It's one of Lauren's favorite books for giving scientific justification for the benefits and longstanding history and cross-cultural popularity of attachment parenting.
Mother Nature, also by an anthropologist, shares experiences of motherhood as witnessed across the world and various cultures, across history and a variety of time periods, and even across species. The text is often dark and disturbing — an unflinching look at how mothers don't always live up to what we've decided (as modern Western humans) is their "nature." While we might aspire to be self-sacrificing and perfectly nurturing, we have to acknowledge this salient truth: What babies need and what mothers need or want can be in conflict. Mothers don't always live up to the ideals of "maternal nature" — and, Lauren would argue in this review, that can be perfectly acceptable.
Julia at A Little Bit of All of It shares her review of The Hour That Matters Most, a book that explains why the family dinner around the table is so important. She loves this book for providing families with the tools they need to get family dinners on the table and get to know your family on a deeper level as well. The book is available from Amazon. You can also find A Little Bit of All of It on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+
Julia also shares her review of The Other Baby Book, her absolute favorite baby book. She loves this book for presenting information on how to parent your baby outside of the mainstream and for the gentle, sometimes humorous way it is written. The book is available from Amazon.
Joella at Fine and Fair shares her review of I Love Me!, a children's book of Affirmations filled with simple but powerful phrases that help children build self-confidence and shape a positive world view. She loves this book for its simplicity and uplifting messages; it quickly became a favorite both in her home and to give as a gift!
Joella also shares her review of Mama, Talk About Our New Baby, an attachment parenting friendly way to introduce to older siblings-to-be what it will be like to have a new baby in the house. She appreciates the inclusion of breast feeding, baby wearing, and co-sleeping, which she found absent from mainstream "big sister" books. This book was instrumental in preparing her daughter to welcome to her new baby brother into their family and home! Be sure to follow Joella on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and tumblr.
Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children shares her review on Sometimes I Like to Curl Up in a Ball, a picture book by Vicki Churchill and Charles Fuge. The book has been a favorite with all of her children and is one she often gives to other families. While it works for families of all styles, it particularly appeals to attachment parenting families and those exploring the joys of toddlerhood. You can purchase the book from Amazon. Be sure to follow Mandy on her blog, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Mandy also shares her review on Parent Effectiveness Training P.E.T. by r. Thomas Gordon. Styled on non-violent communication, the book is a wonderful guide with effective techniques for communicating with your children and others. It is one of Mandy's favorite, and most recommended, parenting books. You can purchase the book from Amazon.
testinal flora issues, such as Candida. Donna Gates has been researching on the topic of Candida for years, and I would call her the ultimate expert. The Body Ecology Diet, which is not a diet, but a lifestyle WILL correct your intestinal flora imbalances leaving you symptom free! You can purchase the book from Amazon.
Beyond The Rainbow Bridge, Nurturing Our Children From Birth to Age Seven is a beautiful book by Barbara Patterson and Pamela Bradley. First, it is a very concise book compared to a lot of parenting books. The authors cut right to the chase and get to what really matters without a lot of fluff and fancy philosophical BS. Although their approach to parenting is heavily influenced by the work of Rudolph Steiner, the way that they share information on development, discipline, play, and health is palatable for any parent whether interested in Waldorf or not. There is so much more that I adore about this book and it really has inspired me to retool my mothering ever so slightly. I think that it is a worthwhile read for any mama who wants to create a more harmonious and gentle environment for her child(ren). By implementing many of the techniques offered by the author as well as gaining a better understanding of development and play, an opportunity to better connect with and mindfully engage your child opens up.
In the post Books About Poop, for Children and The Adults in Their Lives, Jennifer shares her top 10 books about poop! Come on! You know you are curious. And trust her, these books are all great reads and lots of fun! Who doesn't love poop?
I was asked to review Kelle Hampton's book, Bloom, about her life experiences leading up to the birth of her daughter with Down syndrome, the diagnosis and, later, the celebration of life and relationships. Make no mistake, though, his is Kelle's memoir.
This month, my affiliate partner Mindful Nurturing has teamed up with the Nourished Living Network to bring you the Mindful Holidays eBook Bundle Sale, a collection of 7 inspiring eProducts for the winter season with a total retail value of almost $70! It's on sale now for only $9.97. This bundle is available only until November 4.
In Pioneering Today-A Homemade Christmas, author Melissa K. Norris, shares how to get back to the true meaning of Christmas, tips for homemade baked goods when you’re stretched for time, homemade affordable gifts people will use and like, and how to give the gift of yourself to your loved ones with special planned activities. With over 36 recipes, homemade gift ideas and decor, you’ll experience a simple Christmas with the joy the season was intended.
Bliss Balls for Beginners includes 21 Fabulous recipes that can be made into gifts, lunch box snacks, or treats for guests. They are dairy free, gluten free, and mostly sugar free too, and are easy for adults and children to make using common, healthy, lovely ingredients.
This virtual yoga series, Work Hard, Rest Deeply, from Stay-at-Home Yoga has five, full-length classes accessible whenever and wherever you roll out your mat. You will get three months of unlimited access to this series, designed to help you release tension, increase strength and cultivate joy this Holiday Season. (BONUS: Mindful Holiday Bundle Purchasers can also save $20 off an Annual Stay-at-Home Yoga Premium Membership!)
Natural Herbal Living is the perfect step in the right direction for anyone considering using herbs, essential oils, or flower essences in their own life for health and wellness. It discusses how to approach a personal herbal practice with joy and gratitude, the basics of herbalism, and important safety considerations.
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The Buddy Walk is behind us. This is my last Friday post for Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I hope you've learned something and enjoyed peeking into our lives.
When I was first offered a Ghost-a-House kit for review, I thought it sounded fun... sure! Then it arrived and looked exactly as shown online. (That is always a good sign, right?) But then I worried... how in the heck do I do a review of a product that I have to pass along to other people?! I worried whether the person I "ghosted" would follow through and about having enough friends in common to do this thing. I finally decided to "ghost" friends from one of my mom groups. (I won't say which one, so they will still be surprised. If the photo below doesn't give it away, that is.)
You get:Disclosure: I received Ghost-a-House for review, free of charge.
I only seek out products that I believe will be of interest to my readers.
If I don't like a product, I won't be recommending it to you.
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. We're revving up for this year's Buddy Walk. This will be our 3rd year to participate and we're hoping to raise $1,000 for the organization this year. Please support Spencer's Sidewinders with a donation and/or come walk with us!
 Sasha & Krystal on Inflatable Slide @ Buddy Walk 2011 |
 Spencer's Spiders (immediately after the 2011 walk) |
 Spencer's Spiders(immediately after the 2011 walk) |
Have you ever participated in a walk (or run) for a cause?
