Raising Natural Kids

Our Christmas 2009 Family Portrait! :)

2009-12-21T13:42:00.001-05:00

Our Green Christmas

2009-12-19T01:21:00.001-05:00

Let me try to do this one more time... Last year, I was wishing for the 'greenest' Christmas ever! Unfortunately, I didn't have enough support from my husband so it was hard to accomplish a total eco-friendly Christmas. As some of you may already know, there has been a lot of controversy with toys 'made in China' or other part of the world that manufactures toys for cheap, with very low grade standards and ethics. If you Google it, you'll find that even the 'Hottest Toy of the Year' is toxic for our children and still makes it to the shelves and hands of thousands of children in America and probably in the world. Are we really that worried about all of this? Why do we continue to sell these toys regardless the toxicity found in them?

If you go to HealthyToys.org, you can probably search the toys you've bought and check out the level of toxins in them, but why are we taking ANY chances at all?

This year I have my husband FINALLY on board with the decision of buying ONLY wooden toys, handmade, made in America or Europe, IF made in China they NEED to have good standards and use ONLY safe materials in their factory. I am NOT taking chances, so I have been cleaning up my kids' room for the last year and every month I have been donating a set of toys with the permission of my own children.

Here are the things that Santa are bringing them this year:

For the Baby:

A handcrafted car bought through Etsy (love supporting artisans!)

A Wooden Tricycle

A wooden train from Ikea

A set of 24 creative blocks with wagon from Ikea

A wagon/walker from Ikea (I am still battling who is going to get a real good kick out of this toy, the baby or the girls? Not sure yet!)

A furry friend from Ikea (a ferret)

For the Girls:

A bed from Ikea for their dolls (Waldorf style) that are being handmade by a generous friend :)

Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Castle

Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Barn

Furry friends from Ikea

F.A.O. Vanity Set

Wonderworld Eco-Friendly My Portable Cooker Stove

A bookshelf found at Michael's will be used as a dollhouse! :)

And bendy dolls for the dollhouse - these were bought through Etsy (but I am hoping I will be making some of these myself, they are sooo cute!!!)

I also got them a few stocking stuffers from Michaels. They have cute wooden kits for a $1 each and I could NOT resist to buy some, crafts items are always great gifts!

For ALL of them:

2 sets of Play Clips just like these ones for creative playing, building forts and camping.

(A good talented man sells them through Etsy - the price is unbeatable compared to many places out there!)

A coral playsilk! (hoping to buy more of these and hopefully make a canopy size or 2 myself)

Wooden Puzzles

Stuff made by mama:

Got this beautiful horse pattern through an Etsy seller - GREAT intructions!!!

And lots of eco-fi felt food for the kids' kitchen:

and more kitchen items to come (working on it)

and dollhouse furniture will also be made out of felt.

Natural toys not only provide safe play for our children but also it encourages creative play and imagination!

You can find good quality toys through Magic Cabin, Bella Luna Toys, Nova Toys, Three Sisters Toys, Nico and Zoe, Blueberry Forest Toys, Plan Toys, Haba Toys, and even Etsy stores! Or even better, why don't you go Handmade this year?

Treating Fevers... or maybe not?

2009-09-12T01:57:00.003-04:00

Taken from http://www.mothering.com/health/fever-guidelines

Fever should not be regarded as a dangerous or unhealthy process in the body. If we feel uncomfortable, achy, or even delirious during the course of a fever, these sensations are due to the toxicity that the fever is working to rid us of. The fever isn't the problem: it's the solution. Giving Advil or Tylenol to lower it is akin to killing the messenger.

Many parents' dread of fevers has to do with the fear of fever convulsions or brain damage. This fear is unfounded. The great majority of fevers are perfectly benign, and the majority of children is not susceptible and won't develop fever convulsions, even with very high fevers. Children who do get convulsions naturally have low thresholds to them, and even in this small segment of the population, convulsions will occur only once or twice between six months and six years of age, and are harmless. Lowering fever with Tylenol, Advil, or baths will not prevent fever convulsions in children susceptible to them. Such measures may even increase the risk of brain damage by hindering the immune system from discharging the body's toxins. This would explain the relationship between aspirin and Reye's Syndrome.

In rare cases, encephalitis or meningitis can result from a toxic inflammation, which may settle into the nervous system and possibly lead to brain damage-with or without fever or convulsions. The guidelines in this article for bowel cleansing, diet, quiet, and warmth are designed to prevent encephalitis, meningitis, and other toxic complications. Unless high levels of retained toxins are irritating and inflaming the nervous system, fevers and fever convulsions will not cause brain damage-not even at 105° F. A fever very rarely goes over 106° F; if it does, you should call your doctor.

For further discussion of these issues, see the book Healing at Home by Sandra Greenstone and Dr. Incao's chapters in The Vaccination Dilemma, Christine Murphy, ed. (see "Bibliography").

Yesterday afternoon, my daughter came back from school with a mild fever that escalated throughout the evening. Honestly, I didn't notice she had a fever until bath time. Thankfully, I always keep fresh fruits and a kiddie herbal tincture that I get at Whole Foods. It's amazing but it really works, it has always worked for us. I've used this for over 5 years on my girls and they seem to react pretty fast if I act fast enough. We decided to keep her at home until the fever subsides --so glad it was Friday! So I ran to Whole Foods pretty quick and got 2 bottles of Strawberry Kefir (probiotics) which you can get in pill form as well (though I prefer Kefir for its protein - great way to get them to eat something so healthy for them). Then I mentally prepared myself for a long sleep-deprivation night!

Every four hours I administered 2 droppers of Herbs for Kids (either Echinacea with Astragalus* or Echinacea with Goldenroot*), every two hours I gave her sips of iced water and Kefir. Two room temperature baths waist down throughout the day and really cold fruits (in cubes) to munch all day, whenever she was in the mood to eat something --her favorite were some delicious orange wedges! I made sure she was hydrated with really cold-fresh water and that she had very little clothes. Wearing too many layers of clothes will agravate the temperature, undies and a shirt works fine! And of course, some cuddling is needed too :-)

It's hard to know why fevers occur. The fever is a sign of the body doing its job, so let it be just don't wait for it to pass on its own. Help the body to get the nutrition and the hydration lost during these high temperatures. You want to be able to treat the BODY not the illness. Sometimes homemade chicken broth works great also! Add a little oregano and you are good to go! Oregano is a great plant with healing properties, appropriate to treat mild fevers and other common colds, pain and even pain related to menstruation! (Though she is too little young for that - hehe!)

*Used to Treat Infections

How do you think she feels now? (Same day - different times)

TNT Training Vlog #2

2009-09-07T00:59:00.003-04:00

Don't forget to visit my fundraiser page!
http://pages.teamintraining.org/sfl/wdw10/enithhernandez
You can donate $5 or $10! Anything will be well appreciated! You will receive a receipt for you to use in your tax returns!

Please help me with this great cause!

In Honor of my Dad who beat up Cancer! Leah who is still battling with Leukemia and Gustavito who passed away last year from Childhood Leukemia...

Testing my iPhone photo uploader

2009-09-05T15:59:00.002-04:00

Robertico started playing like a real boy now! So cute to watch him playing with Serena's horses (her favorites). This reminds me that I should be sewing some felt horses I promised to her... Bad mommy! Sent from my iPhone

Family Portrait

2009-09-05T14:30:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since the last time we took a picture of the whole family. One of us has to be behind the lens but thanks to my dear long time friend Alejandra, we were able to get a nice looking family portrait at her Wedding day from a professional photographer. Boy, I love this picture and I can't believe everyone is looking at the camera! LOL Thanks my friend! :)

New Blog Design!

2009-08-31T22:52:00.002-04:00

I decided to change the layout of my blog from 2 columns to 3. SO much better! I can add information in one table without worrying about being so long for others to scroll down. Is there anything I should add? I will love to add a blogroll, so if we share the same parenting style let me know I will love to link to your blog - we could swap links! :)

Body After Baby Challenge entry

2009-08-31T01:16:00.008-04:00

It's amazing but it's true. I've worked out on and off since I was 14 years old. I joined my first aerobic gym class at that age thanks to a free week that I won on the radio. It was the hottest gym at that time. My mom used to drop me off after school throughout my school vacation then she continued to pay for the gym membership because she knew how much I enjoyed working out. I used to spend about 3 to 4 hours in there (no kidding!), doing aerobic classes back to back and some weight training. I have to admit that I have always been a bit curvy, nothing too chubby but nothing too skinny. I love to eat, but not a huge fan of junk food or sweets. I think if I have never worked out throughout my teenage years or after, I would have had a huge problem with weight because I SERIOUSLY love food and I love cooking!

Funny picture of me with Shaq (I felt the tiniest girl!)
24 Hour Fitness Shaq-Sport

Few years ago, I worked at 24 Hour Fitness as a Fitness Counselor and I learned (and makes a lot of sense) that as long as you keep yourself burning twice as much the calories your body takes, you will lose or maintain your body weight. I mean, if you think about it --it's a no brainer! Unfortunately, I haven't been able to work out as much as I want in the last few years because of my new responsibilities of being a full time mother but I tell ya... it's so worth it. Though I am finally finding a good medium between good eating habits (lots of raw foods) and working out every once in a while and still manage to loose a little weight here and there. I am not in a rush, I am still breastfeeding and that's what matters to me. The weight... it can wait. It will eventually melt down. In the meantime, I will enjoy every second of my motherhood, the womanly art of breastfeeding and getting myself into a nice work out routine that I can work around my [mothering] schedule without going insane or doing too much of it. Life is one :-)

p.s. My waistline is getting smaller

Australia: No Change in Circumcision Policy

2009-08-28T19:09:00.003-04:00

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) finally released this statement on Routine male infant circumcision:

"When considering routine infant circumcision, ethical concerns have focused on recognition of the functional role of the foreskin, the non-therapeutic nature of the operation, and the psychological distress felt by some adult males circumcised as infants. The possibility that routine circumcision contravenes human rights has been raised because circumcision is performed on a minor for non-clinical reasons, and is potentially without net clinical benefit for the child."

In another paragraph, it talks about the possible health benefits (HIV or UTI), and the frequency of these conditions, the level of protection offered by circumcision and complication rate of circumcision do not warrant a recommendation of universal circumcision for newborn and infant males.

"One reasonable option is for routine circumcision to be delayed until males are old enough to make an informed choice."

---------------------------------------------

Great Job Aussies!

$3 meal - From Scratch, mostly organic.

2009-08-27T00:16:00.015-04:00

In my previous blog I talked about getting to eat healthy foods, reading labels, organic, etc... Well I have decided to post the recipe of today's dinner! I did the math, and this meal including a healthy organic leafy salad comes out just under $3 per meal (including leftovers for tomorrow daddy's lunch). Honestly I buy in bulk, is a great way to save money. I've also joined an organic co-op where I get my produce at a discount price. A huge box of baby spinach normally cost $7-8 at the supermarket, well I get it for $4.60 each box. I believe Costco and BJ's has something similar and it is ORGANIC.

I made some primavera spaghetti with whole grain pasta and organic produce.

Here are the ingredients:
1 box of spaghetti
1/2 of small sweet onions
1/2 of red peppers
1/2 bag of organic baby carrots
1/2 box of organic grape tomatoes
oregano to taste
sea salt to taste
olive oil

Follow the instructions from the spaghetti box and set aside. Cut up veggies (don't cut the carrots), place in a large baking sheet, drizzle a little olive oil, salt and oregano. Bake at 400 degrees F for about 30 minutes. When veggies are done, add them to the spaghetti and mix. Voila!

For the salad, simple add baby spinach, one (thin sliced) cucumber, and one thin sliced (cut each slice in four) tomato. Add a few cherries or cranberries for a tangy flavor to it. Make a homemade onion-vinaigrette and you are all set! You can omit the salad and it will come out less than $2 per meal. See? Fresh and Delicious! :)

Do you think they approved?

Exclusively Breastfeeding your child is not enough...

2009-08-26T14:42:00.016-04:00

One of my pet peeves is watching someone feeding their kids foods that lack nutritional value, foods that are filled with empty calories and/or toxic preservatives. I just wish I could be brave enough and reach out to them: Please Mom, READ labels before buying stuff like this! -- without offending anyone. I do care and I cringe every time I see kids eating foods that lack nutritional value.

Our children are constantly growing, they need a balanced diet for their brains and bones from the start, for healthy growth and mind. Some of us assume that because these foods are sold in our supermarkets, they are safe for our family. When I started reading labels I noticed that most of our (processed) foods are full of dangerous additives and preservatives that are essential for cheap production and preserve shelf life. If we take each of these ingredients individually, I bet you would hesitate to eat them because these are NOT food. Most of these ingredients are linked with many known diseases like Diabetes, behavioral problems (ie. ADD or ADHD), Cancer, Heart Disease, Digestive problems, Allergies, the list goes on...

Lunchables pre-packaged meals are unhealthy for both children and adults. These include sodium nitrite, artificial flavor, refined flour, partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil (trans fat) and high fructose corn syrup.

12 Dangerous Food Additives: The Dirty Dozen Food Additives You Really Need to be Aware Of
by www.SixWise.com

In the United States, more than 3,000 substances can be added to foods for the purpose of preservation, coloring, texture, increasing flavor and more. While each of these substances is legal to use (at least here in the States), whether or not they are all something you want to be consuming is another story all together.

The food colorings that make candy pretty colors have been linked to cancer and tumors of the brain, thyroid, adrenal gland and kidney in animal studies.

With any processed food you run the risk of coming across additives, and reading through ingredient labels can be like trying to decode a puzzle.

Of course, eating largely fresh, whole foods is the best way to stay away from unsavory additives, but, assuming you do include some processed foods in your diet, the following additives are ones you surely want to stay away from. Look for them on ingredient labels and if one turns up, take a pass.

Propyl Gallate

This preservative, used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling, might cause cancer. It's used in vegetable oil, meat products, potato sticks, chicken soup base and chewing gum, and is often used with BHA and BHT (see below).

BHA and BHT

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are used similarly to propyl gallate -- to keep fats and oils from going rancid. Used commonly in cereals, chewing gum, vegetable oil and potato chips (and also in some food packaging to preserve freshness), these additives have been found by some studies to cause cancer in rats. If a brand you commonly buy uses these additives, look for a different variety, as not all manufacturers use these preservatives.

Food Additives and Your Brain:
Free e-Book

If you want to know more about the effects of food additives on your brain, check out this FREE 300+-page e-book "Neurotoxicity: Identifying and Controlling Poisons of the Nervous System."

Some food additives are neurotoxic, which means they're capable of altering the normal activity of the nervous system -- and even killing neurons. Symptoms include:

Limb weakness or numbness
Loss of memory, vision, and intellect
Headache
Cognitive and behavioral problems
Sexual dysfunction

See and Download "Neurotoxicity: Identifying and Controlling Poisons of the Nervous System." Now

Potassium Bromate

This additive is used in breads and rolls to increase the volume and produce a fine crumb structure. Although most bromate breaks down into bromide, which is harmless, the bromate that does remain causes cancer in animals. Bromate has been banned throughout the world, except for in the United States and Japan. In California, a cancer warning would likely be required if it were used, which is why it is rarely used in that state.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in many packaged foods, including soups, salad dressings, sausages, hot dogs, canned tuna, potato chips and many more. According to Dr. Russell Blaylock, an author and neurosurgeon, there is a link between sudden cardiac death, particularly in athletes, and excitotoxic damage caused by food additives like MSG and artificial sweeteners. Excitotoxins are, according to Dr. Blaylock, "A group of excitatory amino acids that can cause sensitive neurons to die."

Many consumers have also personally experienced the ill effects of MSG, which leave them with a headache, nausea or vomiting after eating MSG-containing foods. To find out more about the side effects associated with MSG, as well as a complete list of which foods contain it, see our past article MSG: If it's Safe: Why do They Disguise it on the Labels?

Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet)

This artificial sweetener is found in Equal and NutraSweet, along with products that contain them (diet sodas and other low-cal and diet foods). This sweetener has been found to cause brain tumors in rats as far back as the 1970s, however a more recent study in 2005 found that even small doses increase the incidence of lymphomas and leukemia in rats, along with brain tumors.

People who are sensitive to aspartame may also suffer from headaches, dizziness and hallucinations after consuming it.

Acesulfame-K

Acesulfame-K is an artificial sweetener that's about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It's used in baked goods, chewing gum, gelatin desserts and soft drinks. Two rat studies have found that this substance may cause cancer, and other studies to reliably prove this additive's safety have not been conducted. Acesulfame-K also breaks down into acetoacetamide, which has been found to affect the thyroid in rats, rabbits and dogs.

Olestra

Olestra is a fat substitute used in crackers and potato chips, marketed under the brand name Olean. This synthetic fat is not absorbed by the body (instead it goes right through it), so it can cause diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal cramps and flatulence, along with other effects. Further, olestra reduces the body's ability to absorb beneficial fat-soluble nutrients, including lycopene, lutein and beta-carotene.

Sodium Nitrite (Sodium Nitrate)

Like diet soda? The aspartame that's used to sweeten it increases lymphomas, leukemia and brain tumors in rats -- even in small doses.

Sodium nitrite (or sodium nitrate) is used as a preservative, coloring and flavoring in bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, corned beef, smoked fish and other processed meats. These additives can lead to the formation of cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines.

Some studies have found a link between consuming cured meats and nitrite and cancer in humans.

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

The process used to make hydrogenated vegetable oil (or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil) creates trans fats, which promote heart disease and diabetes. The Institute of Medicine has advised that consumers should eat as little trans fat as possible. You should avoid anything with these ingredients on the label, which includes some margarine, vegetable shortening, crackers, cookies, baked goods, salad dressings, bread and more. It's used because it reduces cost and increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods.

Blue 1 and Blue 2

Blue 1, used to color candy, beverages and baked goods, may cause cancer. Blue 2, found in pet food, candy and beverages, has caused brain tumors in mice.

Red 3

This food coloring is used in cherries (in fruit cocktails), baked goods and candy. It causes thyroid tumors in rats, and may cause them in humans as well.

Yellow 6

As the third most often used food coloring, yellow 6 is found in many products, including baked goods, candy, gelatin and sausages. It has been found to cause adrenal gland and kidney tumors, and contains small amounts of many carcinogens.

Here is a list of a few products that may contain one to five or more of these ingredients above:

I could go on and on...

But what should we do? Should we just stop eating? How about making a change? My mom always cooked for us, we rarely ate out - I mean, it was a real treat to go out to McDonald's or eat those prepackaged foods once in a while, but my mom (or grandma) always made sure to give us a nice homemade cooked meal everyday (made from scratch!). And what happened to fruits for dessert? Why do we have to cave in, and eat all this processed - sugar coated or artificially colored baked goods instead of munching on a nice red juicy apple or watermelon? What happened to us? Do we care enough about our children or family to make a change in our diets so we can live longer and healthier? So we can live happier? Eating this stuff doesn't make us happy. We are so addicted to this junk, when our bodies crave it we are crabby, depressed and as soon as we indulge ourselves in it - we are happy again (so we think). This is a well known reaction called: Addiction.

First, you need to become familiar with the unwanted additives or preservatives and start reading labels. Food manufacturers are known to use "clean labels," in which they hide ingredients they know consumers would rather not have in their foods under names they won't recognize.

For instance, if you're trying to avoid MSG, you need to look for all of the following terms, as they all contain MSG:

Autolyzed yeast
Calcium caseinate
Gelatin
Glutamate
Glutamic acid
Hydrolyzed protein
Monopotassium glutamate

Monosodium glutamate
Sodium caseinate
Textured protein
Yeast extract
Yeast food
Yeast Nutrient

Sometimes, foods that claim to include healthy ingredients actually don't contain them, or only contain them in miniscule amounts. Common offenders are blueberry waffles with no blueberries and strawberry yogurt with no strawberries. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) recently asked the FDA to "immediately stop misleading food labels," including:

Kellogg's Eggo Nutri-Grain Pancakes: The label says they're made with whole wheat and whole grain, but they're made primarily of white flour and contain more high-fructose corn syrup than whole wheat or whole grain.
Betty Crocker Super Moist Carrot Cake Mix: Contains only carrot powder as the 19th ingredient on the label.
Gerber Graduates for Toddlers Fruit Juice Snacks: The primary ingredients are corn syrup and sugar.

"Food manufacturers are shamelessly tricking consumers who are trying to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains," said CSPI director of legal affairs Bruce Silverglade. "Too many processed foods contain only token amounts of the healthful ingredients highlighted on labels and are typically loaded with fats, refined sugars, refined flour, and salt, in various combinations."

It's funny because I've heard many moms telling me they have no time to cook a homemade meal, they work or they go to school, or they just don't know how to cook. Well, let me tell you that I didn't know how to cook until I started cooking. If you know how to follow instructions you can easily find free healthy recipes throughout the internet, some websites even have ratings in it just to give you an idea how good the dish was. Keep it simple, that's all I want to say. Whole Foods came out with a great iPhone app for healthy recipes, it's one of my favorite apps so far, get it!

Leftovers are GREAT! Get a Crock Pot.

Before I got pregnant with my boy, I worked. I worked hard and my two girls always took their own lunchboxes with homemade meals everyday to school. It is so easy to make extra batches to pack these for their lunchboxes, VERY EASY. Another great idea is to utilize a Crock Pot. You can leave your Crock Pot on before leaving to work in the mornings, so you can have a nice hot homemade meal when you get back for dinner time.

I will have to admit, there is only one day of the week that I let my kids eat from the school menu which is Pizza day. The rest of the week, they have a nice variety of meals in their lunchboxes, like cold sandwiches, cold or warm pasta lunches, boiled eggs, cheese sticks, organic yogurts, whole wheat bread, raw veggies like baby carrots or grape tomatoes, a fruit (everyday they get a piece of fruit of any kind, whatever we have available) with every meal, most of the meals are left overs from the night before and we only do Spring water. Juices are very rare in our household, they only add sugar to their diets which leads to hyperactivity and lack of attention in class.

Don't pack too much food.

If you are packing healthy foods and snacks, your children won't need to be fed so much since they are getting enough nutrients from those food you are giving them. The less food you pack the more chances their lunchbox will come back empty. You can also apply this at home. We eat to live not live to eat.

Set an example.

YOU need to make a change in your diet as well, the more likely your kids will want to do the same. It works for us, and they always want to make us proud by eating the same things we eat. Eat salads for dinner, they are very cheap and easy to make. Learn how to make your own dressings, and one of my favorite dressings is a homemade vinaigrette I make every night we have leafy salads:

Thin sliced sweet onions (half onion)

Lemon juice (one lemon)

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 sea salt

1 oz cold pressed olive oil

1 oz white distilled vinegar (optional)

Mix all in a crystal bowl and let it sit until dinner is served. You can also squirt some Bragg for added flavor, the kids LOVE this stuff! We use it on everything: Potatoes, rice, soups, beans, pasta, salads, anything you can imagine!

Go organic! (when possible)

When I mean to go organic, doesn't mean that you are going to buy every single bottled/canned item labeled organic. The idea is to buy (probably join an organic co-op) organic produce and make everything from scratch! Learn how to make your own tomato sauce, dressings with herbs, buy dry beans instead of canned, make your own soups from scratch with simple water and fresh produce. The ideas are endless! If you skip the junk isle, including all the processed stuff, you can save a ton of money this way. Find coupons online for your dairy items, shop at your Farmers Market instead and bring with you the top 15 non-organic foods to eat and avoid list! This way, you won't feel the need to buy everything organic and save money.

Eat less:

When we eat organic (or from scratch), we tend to eat less everyday. This is because our bodies are receiving the nutrients the body needs for survival. Remember, quality is better than quantity. Recent studies indicate cutting your diet by 30 percent of what you're supposed to eat can extend your life, but you need to make sure that what you are eating is high in quality.

Breastfeeding is not enough

It seems that a lot of people know how beneficial Breastfeeding is for our children and mothers, but if we don't practice healthy habits in general; these benefits will be thrown out the window. Why are we taking any chances? In the old days, both parents worked hard to support their families, they were still able to make homecooking for the whole family each day when convenience-foods was pretty much non-existent! Why do we keep making excuses about how difficult our lives are, and we are not creating time to cook for our loved ones? We take the time to find the best car seats for our children to protect them from car accidents, or child-proofing our homes or making sure they don't get sunburned by applying sun block right before a nice day at the beach yet we forget about the food that it is feeding our family, going inside our bodies and it is making us sick.

Please, mama, take charge of your family's dinner... read every label!

Great resources:

Great Advice on how to read Ingredients Labels <--click to watch video

Eating Well for Optimum Health - DVD
(You can watch online through Netflix) Watch Clip

King Corn - DVD
(You can watch online through Netflix) Watch Trailer

Super Size Me - DVD
(You can watch online through Netflix) Watch Trailer

Food, Inc. - DVD
(coming soon to stores) Watch Trailer

Body After Baby Challenge

2009-08-25T01:23:00.008-04:00

I haven't been paying attention to my diet lately, but I am not really worrying about it too much since I am still breastfeeding and going strong! Though I do know that I have lost 2 lbs already. I honestly don't want to compromise my milk supply just yet, because Robertico still breastfeeds and it is his main source of food so far. I am very happy to be able to be the one giving him all the necessary nutrition for a great start and that he will benefit from it later in life! :)

However, I did start my Team in Training sessions and my first run went pretty well! We met at at 6:45 am this past Saturday for a 40 minute run and so far so good. My body responds very well to the heat and the humidity of South Florida and I made it through without any problems. I didn't slow down a bit! yay! Here are some pictures of my training day:

I have to say that I do see a huge difference in my jeans or any other pants. My waist has gone down immensely and the 'muffin top' is melting. This means that I am not going to be focusing in weight or pounds I should be losing but in how my clothes are fitting, specially because I have been training really hard lately. Running 3/4 times a week and Swimming once a week.

Here is another picture of the beautiful Leah, the girl I am honoring this marathon. Please don't forget to visit my Fundraiser Page and help me reach my goal.

I have also added Gustavito Alexis, born the same year of my oldest daughter. He battled with Leukemia for several years and passed away days before my son was born last year 2008. Gustavito was part of our family and a special boy we will never forget. He will always be in our hearts:

November 2002 (3 months old)

December 2007 (5 years old)

Your name will automatically appear in the page indicating that you have collaborated and helped me with this great cause, and also, you will receive a receipt for your tax return. I will make sure to update you about my trainings and all the details of this journey! Thank You so much!!! http://pages.teamintraining.org/sfl/wdw10/enithhernandez

Getting the good bugs!

2009-08-25T00:15:00.004-04:00

I've been wanting to blog about the good bugs for a long time, and finally I am able to sit down and make a nice post about it... One of the tricks to get my kids stay healthy throughout the year is to get them to digest probiotics year round. There are so many brands now, flavors and forms - that it is very easy to get your kids to eat them without any problems. They do not only come in a pill form anymore, but in smoothies, yogurts, cheese, ice creams and even bars!

Non-Fat / Low Fat Kefir

Coconut Milk (Vegan) Kefir

Organic Probiotic Fat Free yogurt
Probiotic SoyMilk (Vegan) Low-Fat

Probiotics Cheese

Kefir Probiotic Bars

The balance of probiotics in the body is disrupted by antibiotics, poor nutrition, stress, alcohol, smoking, pollution, surgery, and aging. Replenishment is necessary to maintain the balance. Having a healthy gastrointestinal tract helps prevent the onslaught of pathogenic bacteria that can make us sick including urinary tract infections! (UTI)

Even though, some yogurts may contain live bacteria or many cultures, they are not sufficient to meet the needs of live bacteria found in the gut. Make sure the product says: Probiotic. This will ensure that you are getting enough beneficial bacteria if that is your concern.

You can also make your own yogurts or kefir. There are many websites out there with easy-to-follow instructions and equipment to buy if you really want to get serious about getting your whole family to get the good bugs. Heck, I am even thinking about getting my own yogurt maker machine since we eat this stuff everyday. They rarely get sick, and if they do, it will only be for one day and quickly they recover without the need of over-the-counter drugs or crazy medications, as many of you know that we only do herbal tinctures and whole-raw-organic foods!

Remember, you are what you eat!

Visit this website if you want to know more about Probiotics, how to make your own, equipment and many health tips! http://www.probiotics-lovethatbug.com/index.html

Back to School Day!

2009-08-24T22:40:00.007-04:00

A new school year started today and the girls couldn't be happier! It is very nice to see my girls motivated to go to school as I am fortunate to have them in the same school Robert works. My initial plans were to homeschool my kids but after many debates with my husband (the educator) I gave in and we decided to place them in the same school he works and I cannot tell you how happy I am for that decision. This time around, Robert, you were right! ugh! LOL ;-)

I woke up early to find the biggest challenge: Their long hair! I refuse to cut my daughters hair and I rather spend 45 minutes between them two by making braids and get their hair looking all pretty than chopping it off. I just think long hair in little girls give them the opportunity to be more lady-like specially during these growing years of learning and finding out who they really are as a person, as an individual.

The sun was amazing and the girls were giggling throughout the whole ride to school. It is Sabrina's first year in Annunciation School and Serena's 2nd grade! WOW, where did the time go? :(

I know... Serena is not even supposed to be in that booster seat, neither Sabrina! The correct car seats are usually in Robert's car but he needed to get there early so we couldn't transfer the seats. It is a MUST to have Sabrina riding in a 5 point harness car seat and normally Serena rides on that red w/back booster seat. After that accident 3 years ago, we must take any possible precaution - Safety first! (can't you see the baby in the mirror looking at his sisters? - too sweet)

We enter Serena's class and there was a good amount of kids already sitting down and parents coming in and out, greeting other parents and the teacher and her assistant. Serena got a seat right in front of the board (good!) and she was just excited to finally meet her classmates once again after a long hot summer!

We said goodbye with a kiss, to drop off Sabrina's at the Pre-K classroom!

She met new friends and was able to interact right away without any problems. What a proud mama I am! :-)

What was for lunch? Spring Water, 12 Grain Bread Chic-n-cheese Sandwich with a cheese stick and grapes for dessert. No left overs!

What a beautiful day in Annunciation School!

Finally!

2009-08-17T01:58:00.006-04:00

So I finally finished the video in response of the radio interview I had a few days ago regarding a guy who was horrified by a breastfeeding woman! This guy happened to be the host who also brought up the subject on his show and defending himself why he was against it. He called her "crazy" and "rude" through Twitter because she was not breastfeeding in "private" as if breastfeeding is a sexual act?

http://www.youtube.com/v/OD1b9kqt-oE&hl

Breastfeeding is love, why hide it?

2009-08-12T01:06:00.010-04:00

Remember the complaint I filed against The Block FM and the host's remarks about Breastfeeding in public is rude and should be done in private? Well, in today's show they had co-host Cassie and she was 'somewhat' FOR breastfeeding in public BUT she said that women need to cover up when breastfeeding a child. Seriously? Are we still dealing with the mentality that breasts are sexual objects and breastfeeding a child in public should be hidden because is obscene? I mean, we are mammals - we have breasts - we make milk. It's what breasts are for!

Some women may feel comfortable wearing a cover while breastfeeding, but to be honest, I have worn covers and they are uncomfortable not only for me but also for my baby. Covers are hot, they are inconvenient, they make the breastfeeding experience very difficult, not to mention that it attracts even MORE attention to the breastfeeding mother. Babies are annoyed by blankets over their heads when they are feeding from their mothers, sometimes they scream because they feel suffocated, I mean mine does! We are sending a wrong message when we tell a breastfeeding mother to cover up. We are telling them that breastfeeding is shameful therefore should be covered. Wait a minute? I thought breastfeeding is the most beautiful thing...?

Breastfeeding can be a challenging experience, so why adding another way to make breastfeeding a difficult task when it is supposed to be care free, natural and convenient? Many mothers give up so early because they feel pressured by society that breastfeeding in public is obscene or needs to be hidden, many cannot afford breastmilk pumps - they are expensive and time consuming, specially if you have several other children. How do we expect to continue to breastfeed our children and enjoy the benefits longer enough when we are put down by society because 'breastfeeding in public' is shameful and should be done in bathrooms stalls? Isn't that unhygienic anyways?

They also commented on how much breast the lady at the game exposed while she was breastfeeding. Tim said it was about 5 seconds before the baby latched back to the nipple which is VERY common in active babies or babies that are distracted by other activities while feeding, in this case = a ball game! Babies, ALL babies, are mobile - I believe there is no such a thing as discreet breastfeeding. It's hard to keep a baby in the breast the whole time. Just like another human, they take breaks after each mouthful, they breathe in between, they get distracted by other people around them and go back to their business, back and forth. It was not like this woman was topless showing off her package, she was just doing what nature intended us to do.

A discrimination like this should not be tolerated, even though they insisted that they did not "discriminate". Really? Let's change the scenario... How about if someone who feels uncomfortable of having a Latino man next to them and tweets that this man should go somewhere else because they don't like Latino men and they feel they should have their own place?

See?

SIGHS! Anyways... I was able to get a hold of Cassie and I was asked to be in their show 8:40 AM. PST 12:40 EST (my time!). I really think someone should defend our right to breastfeed in public, with a cover or not - it's not about the mother's rights to breastfeed, it's all about the child's rights to be breastfed! ANYWHERE!

Body After Baby Challenge with a twist?

2009-08-11T03:22:00.006-04:00

Well, well, well... I haven't done much with this Body After Baby Challenge thing lately, but things have turned a different path and now I will be getting fit for a good cause - so that's a real motivation for me there! :-)

I recently joined Team in Training for a half Marathon that will be held in Disney World and couldn't resist to Vlog about my first day of training:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6zHgycRJQg

For the record: Team in Training is a charity sport training program supported by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Here is the 2009 Team In Training Information Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuaCvKhOtJA

Will love to help? Visit my TNT Fundraiser Page and help me out to reach my goal! ;-)

Just filed a complaint...

2009-08-11T02:32:00.005-04:00

..to manager@1490wwpr.com and info@925kyhy.com after one of their radio hosts used Twitter to bash a breastfeeding woman at a Dodgers game.

------------------------------------

I just wanted to file a complaint about Tim Mihalsky co-host of the show The Block FM about Breastfeeding discrimination comments he made in his show and also Twitter.

According to http://www.firstright.org
"Public disapproval undermines a mother’s confidence in her ability to breastfeed, which the medical community affirms is the best way to feed a baby."

also,
"It is discrimination. Breastfeeding children and mothers are singled out when they are
approached to cover, move, or be more discreet and can be made to feel that they are
doing something shameful or inappropriate." Which he made real clear that breastfeeding in public is rude and should be done in private.

And...
"Soundbites:

Breastfeeding mothers have nothing to hide.
Breastfeeding is a normal, natural, healthy part of parenting.
Breastfeeding is nothing to be ashamed of, and need not be covered up.
The only definition of “discreet” that should matter is that of the mother herself.
Mothers shouldn’t feel they need to hide themselves or their babies while the baby eats nature’s perfect baby food.
I don't eat under a blanket, and I don't expect my children to do so either.
Medical professionals all tell us breastfeeding is best for babies, but mothers still encounter significant cultural resistance to nursing in public.
Breastfeeding is what breasts are for.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least the first year and the World Health Organization recommends at least two years.
We’re working towards peaceful, respectful treatment of mothers and babies.
It's not about my right to breastfeed. It's about my child's right to eat."

I feel like this should be addressed appropriately. I am currently a breastfeeding mother of a boy and had breastfed my other 2 kids during infancy and his comments are totally inappropriate and shows discrimination to all breastfeeding mothers.

------------------------------------

Please read The Feminist Breeder blog, who was personally attacked by this man today during his radio show and who has no right to make such discriminative comments against a Breastfeeding mother. You can also read Eco Baby Steps blog, with details on some of this guy's tweets.

oh Sushi!!!!!!

2009-08-08T00:13:00.002-04:00

Mom of 2 Boys, Wife of 1 is doing an awesome giveaway, and you know me... I LOVE SUSHI!!!! Look at the prize :-)

The Asian Food Grocer has offered one of my readers their very own Silver Sushi Combo Set. This set includes: a Sushi Cookbook, Gourmet Roasted Sushi Nori, Calrose Rice, Wasabi, Sushi Powder, Ginger and a Bamboo Mat for rolling your own sushi. I LOVE SUSHI!

Every year, hubs takes me to eat Sushi to celebrate our Anniversary, but with prices of today, it's hard to frequent Sushi restaurants more often. I mean prices are insane!!! Though, I've always dreamt about creating my own Sushi, with my own ingredients. This way, I will know for sure the quality of the sushi I am eating. And get this! Asian Food Grocer has an organic section, beautiful!!! :-)

Just about a year ago...

2009-08-05T03:42:00.009-04:00

I gave birth to a beautiful human being... at home!

I can only describe the joy I felt just about a year ago when my son was born. I have always dreamt about having a boy - I had his name picked out since I learned that I was pregnant the first time, but obviously, she was a girl. Then of course, my second was also a girl so I gave up the idea of having a boy since I was not really planning on having anymore kids. We were really happy to have a nice family of four. My girls made me feel complete, they are my special pride!

Then I got pregnant again... with a boy!
I never imagined that I was going to birth at home, it was pretty bizarre to hear that many women were giving birth in their homes -- with a midwife! And you know what? I will never trade it for anything in the world!

What was I thinking before? Why didn't I try this with my girls? I was alive throughout my labor and delivery. I was able to experience a real birth without pain medications, without feeling numb! I did it - and I am so proud to tell it to the world... That I feel empowered by this amazing experience - to have given birth naturally to my precious boy! :-)

Where did the time go?

Rights of the Child

2009-08-03T11:53:00.009-04:00

If you rather avoid controversial blogs, please stop reading and get out of here! (lol) Seriously!

One of my Facebook friends created a video regarding Human Rights (Part 1) (Part 2) and she pointed out really good arguments about rights of a human. I really wonder if we forget that a boy or a girl will always grow into an adult with same rights - do we or not? Unfortunately, we all forget Children have rights.

She said, paraphrasing: "It is a crime to cut a man. If you walk up to a man and cut him, you've done something wrong. Consensual cutting is out of the evaluation. Except: Life saving in the event of an emergency if the man is incapable of consent. By saving his life you are securing his right (right to live). Let's change the statement: It is a crime to cut a baby, though we are obligated to act in case of an emergency."

Is Infant Circumcision an emergency? NO.

Many parents feel the need to do this surgery to their freshly (healthy) newborn boy because they 'believe' is cleaner and will prevent disease. Have they seriously research it? Do they believe that all boys are born with a birth defect? I have heard many parents saying they have researched it and they still decided to do it. What I don't understand is the reasons why they ended up doing it.

What about if we respect our sons rights and let him decide what to do with his own body when he grows into an adult? Besides, we still need to teach them how to wipe their butts, how to clean their ears or hands, or brush their teeth. Why do we need to amputate part of their genitals to make them cleaner or (the most bizarre statement) to look like them? Why is it that we need to modify their genitals to match daddy's when they could be different in other parts of their bodies?

Something (not) funny I've also heard, is that it looks better. Seriously? Why are you performing cosmetic surgery on your son? So if I ever wanted to modify my daughter's ears to look 'better' I could just go ahead and get her cosmetic surgery in her ears? NO.

There are certain things that circumcision prevents, which are so minimal - unfortunately, the chances of getting a botch circumcision is higher than preventing (if) ANY disease. Though, remember, amputating ANY part of the body will prevent them to have an infection of that specific part that was amputated. For example, if we remove breast buds of little girls may prevent them to suffer breast cancer, or removing the prostate will prevent prostate cancer, and so on... We cannot be removing parts of our children's bodies to prevent disease!

Circumcision is an outdated practice. We now have access to fresh water, we have a huge variety of soaps and bathing products - why do we keep amputating part of our sons penises to make them cleaner? Besides, an infant foreskin is naturally fused to glans preventing bacteria, feces or ammonia in urine to enter the urethra and will not be fully retractable until after puberty. The retraction mechanism (which is a sexual mechanism) works just like the hymen in little girls. NO ONE should retract the foreskin of the boy (except the boy himself) to clean up inside. Just wipe like a finger and you are good to go! How simple is that?

Photo of my intact son days afer being born
who is now a year old healthy and whole!

I do have to admit that I have seen a lot of parents that are regretting their sons circumcisions and I do applaud that. I admire those that have come to the realization that circumcision is harmful for our society. How do we expect to respect the rights of the men if we have violated his right soon after birth? Should we blame society for having such a shallow mind about the foreskins of our baby boys? One of the reasons I cannot blame the parents that have already circumcised their babies, specially when they admit their regret and wish they could do better the next time, or they will tell people to stop circumcising their baby boys. Though I must say that I loose respect for those that do circumcise their sons despite all the information that have been given to them and they do it because they feel pressured by society and their family members to cut their sons. What about their sons wishes? What about HIM? Doesn't HE count? Besides, it's HIS penis.

My "World Breastfeeding Week" Blog

2009-08-03T01:20:00.003-04:00

Some of you may know that we are celebrating The World Breastfeeding Week from August 1st through 7th. How are you celebrating WBW? Are you supporting other mamas that breastfeed their children and educating others about the benefits of breastfeeding? or Are you helping other mothers to breastfeed their children or advocating that breastfeeding in public is normal? Normalizing Breastfeeding in Public is very important for many of us 'Lactivists' (though we do this year round), because we are living in a society where 'Breastfeeding in Public' is a taboo and still not fully accepted by many people and looked as 'obscene' sometimes. In reality, breasts are meant for BREASTfeeding a child. That's why we make milk. Nothing else. Period. We need to get our message out: "Breastfeeding is Normal" - "Breastfeeding is Natural" - "Breastfeeding is Best for our Babies". If we change our mentality regarding breastfeeding more women in this world will breastfeed more and longer. Our children will grow healthier and will grow into loving adults thanks to the "hormone of love" (Oxytocin) that is passed through the breastmilk. Please, take pictures of yourself breastfeeding your child and post it in your blog! We need to normalize Breastfeeding!

This is me breastfeeding my almost year old baby boy :-)
Breastfeeding is Love!

Body After Baby Challenge - Update

2009-08-03T00:45:00.005-04:00

Unfortunately, I have not been so good lately! NO EXCUSES! Though I do want to say that I had my mom and niece visiting from Panama and we went out almost every day and I just couldn't resist the temptations! I did try to eat the healthiest possible, most of the time I made smart choices but I did had some cake and pizza for my birthday. Oh well...

oops sorry! picture taken with my camera phone!

I may have lost a couple of pounds about 2 weeks ago but it seems that I've gained them back and I am still in my pre-BAB weight, sighssss! I did make the effort to go veggie during all this time, since I've been wanting to go veggie for a long time. I manage to eat chicken only one day, and that is GOOD! Though I think soy products are making me sick, I decided that I am not going to buy anymore of that and just eat as much raw foods as I can instead of processed fake-meats!

I also stopped working out (NOT GOOD!) but I am determined to get back in track and stay positive. I CAN do this!

Yummy Raw Recipe - Healthy and Easy!

2009-07-13T15:49:00.007-04:00

Well, since I started a weight loss challenge might as well share my favorite raw recipe with LaMamaNaturale, and I found two videos that are basically similar to what I do...

First, you need to sprout your grains:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqv65dhRgD4

Then, the fun part begin...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUOu-3gsu6A

I do some things differently like soaking oats longer and also use wheat berries. I do use brazil nuts instead of almonds, because they are cheaper! Also raw cacao to the mix before adding the liquid ingredients. I gotta have my chocolate sometimes :-)

For storage, I use huge mason jars since I make big amounts of gRAWnola everytime I make it - it's basically a 2 day process so might as well make huge batches of it...

Body After Baby Challenge - Twitter

2009-07-13T02:36:00.005-04:00

Okay so I have decided to finally get back in shape! MamaNotes is organizing this great challenge between us, Twitter Moms! We will follow each other and will tweet with #bodyafterbaby hashtag to check up on ourselves and support each other...

Well I started with some work outs (today is my 2nd day) and Monday will start eating right. Let's see how far I go with this... My goal was set up to 10 lbs. of weight loss, tho I wish I could do more than that but who knows, for now, I'll stick to 10 lbs. and see from there... woohoo!

One of my Teammates Sarah posted pictures of herself

BEFORE baby - then AFTER baby...

she has inspired me to do the same :-)

One day I used to look like this:

After 3 kids I now look like this:

I will love to get back to the way I was... do you think I can???

Parenting for a Peaceful World...

2009-04-09T20:11:00.004-04:00

Since this video was made, 5 more countries have made corporal punishment of children illegal, they are: Spain, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Uruguay and Nepal. Meanwhile, 25 more countries are getting ready to prohibit corporal punishment, and this will soon bring the total to 50 - around a quarter of the world's nations.

I highly recommend to watch this 8 minute video and share with your family and friends... It is a great synopsis of the book "Parenting for a Peaceful World" by author Robin Grille.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp8tKUQtEsk

Documentary in the works!!!

US has a huge obsession with circumcision!

2009-03-28T01:31:00.005-04:00

And I agree to that! UK News just released an article responding to the US propaganda running around about circumcision a method to 'prevent' HIV or other STD's.

I mean seriously? Do people really think that by performing a circumcision they will be protected against these infections? NO rational or intelligent person would think this is effective.

So yay! let's circumcise all males and let them sleep around without a condom, besides, they are protected through circumcision! (sure......)

A few quotes from the article...

"It suggests that it is women who infect innocent men - let's protect the innocent men."

"And it allows men who don't want to change their irresponsible behaviour to continue to sleep around and not even use a condom."

Exactly right! I really wonder if people really believe this circumcision baloney!

Mind you, don't forget that according to doctors circumcision prevents or cures the following: masturbation, nocturnal emissions(wet dreams), syphilis, epilepsy, bedwetting, rape, curvature of the spine, bladder infections, clubfoot, neuralgia, crossed eyes, blindness, deafness, dumbness, urinary and rectal incontinence, tuberculosis, penile cancer, prostate cancer, venereal disease, tongue cancer, nervousness, and the new ones STD's and HIV! For those who doubt, google History of Circumcision or better yet, watch this informative slideshow:

MEDICALIZATION OF CIRCUMCISION

When it's the right time?

2008-12-30T03:05:00.008-05:00

Wow, it's been a while since last time I blogged. The Holidays are just too crazy for me and it's hard to keep it all together, specially having the kids for 2 weeks and trying to keep them entertained. It was so hard to even get them the toys 'Santa' wanted them to have, we had to be REALLY creative lol So how do you do it? I literally spent about 3 hours at Toys R Us trying to keep my daughters busy while my husband sneaked out to the cashier and get them their new bikes (Thanks Mom and Sister for the sponsorship!) and some video games. Yeah, I know... we broke down and got my oldest a Nintendo DS that she really wanted. My youngest got the new V-smile cyber pocket learning system and some cartridges for it (They already got the TV learning system which I highly recommend - they received it last year for Christmas so they already got a few cartridges and it works with both systems). But that's about it. I still need to do a lot of sewing, since I told them that Santa dropped off some wool felt to make the horses they wanted LOL I wonder when is the appropriate time for them to know that Santa doesn't really exist. I feel horrible sometimes, just because I feel like I am lying to them but at the same time, I remember that believing in Santa was a beautiful part of my every year Holiday that I cherished and I miss so much.

Anyways, since we didn't really spent any money on the bikes just the games, the money we spent wasn't so bad at all. In fact, this year was the one year that we spent the less and I am so glad about it! I cannot wait until I finish their handmade horses though, and the felt food that that I promised... now I just need to find the time to make them ;)

Santa went to visit Aunt's Hilda too...

My husband's sister gave them the helmets, movies, books and a game each for their systems.

I am really happy that we didn't received a lot of plastic toys this year, they only got 1 each? NOT BAD! At least I was able to pick great bikes without a 'special' brand like Barbie or Dora! *rolling eyes*

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-10T03:35:00.003-05:00

Sure it is wordless, because it says it all... I am SO proud of you Serena! :)
(Serena is in first grade and reading as a second grader!)

Intactivists Unite!

2008-12-05T00:03:00.007-05:00

Immediately move towards ending Routine Infant Circumcision. Support equal rights for boys, girls and intersexed individuals on the subject of bodily integrity, and promote respect for intact genitals. Our society should not condone harmful and medically unnecessary surgery being performed upon infants. Circumcision is painful, cruel, unnecessary, and removes a basic right to choose over the individual´s own body. It is a practice that should end.

Require state Medicaid and other programs stop paying for it to remain eligible for federal funds (as this single measure will see circumcision rates drop importantly), and support laws which protect the genital integrity of boys.

This is an important moment for Intactivists and our fight against infant circumcision.

England stopped routinely circumcising after World War II. They were in horrible economic times and were starting a new universal health care system. This new system cut all that was not needed, including circumcision. Today the UK does not routinely circumcise their infants.

America is in a similar moment. We are in tough economic times, with the possibility of a new health care system on the horizon. Not only that but we have a new administration with an open ear, waiting for our ideas.

This is a link on Change.gov, talking about the health care transition team. PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO. It is a video talking to all the people who will be very much involved in making the decisions about Obama's new health care system. (such as, should circumcision be covered). You also can get an idea of how you can get involved, and help form the decisions they will make.

Here is the link where you can submit your ideas about health care.

(there is also suppose to be a place where people can talk to each other about our ideas, at least that's what one woman in the video said, but I have not been able to find that yet)

Also PLEASE keep using Change.org, the more we organize, the more impact we will have on the issue of circumcision in relation to health care, and as a human rights issue in general.

Millions of dollars can be saved for life saving procedures if we can make it so circumcisions are removed from any/all health care plans.

Thank you SO much to those that have already voted, keep spreading the word!!!!

Enith Hernandez
NOCIRC of Florida - Broward

It's been a whole year since...

2008-11-17T02:58:00.009-05:00

My daughter's Eye Muscle Surgery. I cannot express how happy I feel to have made this decision. You may know that I have mixed feelings with the medical field... but yes, there are good doctors and some BAD doctors. There are good procedures and BAD ones. It was hard to make the big decision of having my daughter go through this surgery, but it was therapeutic and NEEDED to be done.

I made two videos documenting the whole process... before and after. If you haven't seen the first one, go here!

I am finally posting the final video and it is very hard for me to share but I am posting it for educational purposes. Beware!!! Have some tissue on hand!!!!

Want a FREE BabyLeg Warmer!?

2008-11-15T23:27:00.004-05:00

Baby Snazz is giving away 20 Pairs of Baby Leg Warmers!

Contest open until midnight on November 30, 2008. No purchase necessary!

Natural Toys for Children - Making your own

2008-11-14T15:49:00.008-05:00

I have just received a beautiful catalog from the Magic Cabin, but don't ask me how - I have never ordered one! They have the most amazing natural toys that out beat any cheapo plastic 'made in China' toy! Not only you can order some of the most amazing imaginative play toys but you can also get plenty ideas and make them yourself! These are my favorites so far:

Waldorf Inspired Dolls - I found an easy tut here!

Unicorns and Horses - Another great tut here!

How about fantasy bowers or teepees for outdoor use?

Bower Making Tips
TeePee Tent Tutorial

...and what about after you have made all these beautiful toys you can actually get away with buying a few wooden toys! :)

Look! Just like Mommy!!!!!! I SO LOVE THIS ONE!!!

Making your own toys is such a great idea, not only you will save $ but also will create a playroom that fosters imagination and will help you raise your kids apart from commercialism/materialism. I have donated almost all our brand name and plastic toys to make room for new natural toys such as fabric and wood. It's a challenge since we still have a few plastic toys laying around. We even have eliminated their TV out of their room and it's working greatly! :) The girls play more together, they argue less, the make up stories or show time, they read more and the best of all, they have show less interest in brand name toys like the famous Hannah Montana or the Barbie... I love it!!!!!!

How to save over $50 a month in electricity

2008-11-12T15:53:00.001-05:00

I bought this drying rack a few months ago and since I started using it with almost every load (except bed sheets) I have saved over $50 a month. Of course, this depends of your electricity cost and usage or/and wattage. Here is a Usage List to determine the estimated cost of electrical items in your home. How about using a Slow Cooker instead of your stove top or oven? Check out that list for Slow Cooker. $1.17 a month?!?! I started using my slow cooker a couple of weeks ago and I promise to update you when I get my next electric bill. Check out THIS interesting blog, one of my favorites - she posts one crock pot recipe a day for a whole year. You can also set your water heater low, I promise you'll see a huge amount of savings! :)

Note: I live in an apartment and use it indoors!

Those of you, who will have the pleasure to care for my son one day...

2008-11-12T02:25:00.001-05:00

DO NOT EVER PULL BACK OR MANIPULATE ROBERTO'S FORESKIN IN ANY WAY!

At birth the penis is anatomically immature. The foreskin is connected to the head of the penis. This membrane protects the developing penis from irritation by feces, the ammonia in urine, and invading pathogens. (SAME REASON CIRCUMCISION SHOULD NOT BE PERFORMED AT ALL) By the end of puberty, the foreskin will have detached from the glans because hormones that are produced in great quantities at puberty help with the process. The tightness of the foreskin is a safety mechanism that protects the glans and urethra from direct exposure to contaminants and germs. The tight foreskin also keeps the boy's glans warm, clean, and moist. The prepuce contains muscle fibers that work to keep the tip closed when the child is not urinating.

Proper Hygiene:

Throughout childhood, there is no need to wash underneath the foreskin. The first person to retract the child’s foreskin is the child himself. Simply wash the penis like a finger, from base to tip; never in the other direction. Only warm water, gently applied to the outer, visible portions of the genitalia is wise. No manipulation is necessary, and as you will see below is quite harmful. Cleaning cannot be easier!

Smegma:

Skin cells from the glans of the penis and the inner foreskin are shed throughout life. Natural skin shedding creates smegma, which acts as a barrier to keep the inner foreskin and glans apart and keep a permanent adhesion from forming should there be any irritation. Smegma moisturizes the glans and its antibacterial and antiviral properties keep the penis clean and healthy.

What is retraction?

Retraction is not just “pulling back on the foreskin toward the body to expose the head of the penis.” It also encompasses “pulling back any on the foreskin toward the body." Even just a tiny bit it still falls under the heading of the word. It also means manipulating the opening of the foreskin by stretching it out or moving it around to see the opening.

Why is retraction bad?

The foreskin is bonded to the glans just like the fingernails are bonded to the nail beds. Retraction is exactly the same thing as peeling the fingernails back and is uniquely painful because the foreskin is among the most densely nerve-supplied structures of the male body. Even if the retraction doesn’t rip the child’s foreskin from his glans, it can create micro-tears, or even tears in the opening of his foreskin. Inside the foreskin will be adhesions between the foreskin and glans in most babies and toddlers. The adhesions may be almost a complete bonding of the two or they may only be spots. If the adhesions are just spots, they are easy to miss until you've gone too far. Even manipulation of the tip of the foreskin that opens it or moves the opening can cause these tears and resulting infections.

Retraction and any wounds that result, whether or not they are visible can cause infection. This can lead to UTI’s, or even complete blockage of the urethra. The raw, bleeding surfaces, formerly separated by a natural membrane, might now grow together, causing unnatural adhesions. Scar tissue will form and render the foreskin inelastic, and cause extreme tightness of the foreskin opening, which might not fade with time and may require medical intervention. The now inelastic foreskin may now periodically become trapped behind the glans when retracted resulting in a painful condition. The child may now endure painful nocturnal erections because of his compromised foreskin (four or five involuntary nightly erections are normal at all ages). This may interfere with necessary REM sleep and might even create sexual dysfunction in adulthood.

"Unfortunately, while more and more parents are coming to understand that circumcision isn't a necessary medical procedure, many are unaware of what to do with their child's uncircumcised penis. And it does seem that one of the biggest problems that leads to children needing a circumcision later in life is improper care of their uncircumcised penis, with this improper care usually involves a parent being told to retract their child's foreskin before it is ready to be retracted. The best advice that a parent can follow is to simply 'leave it alone' and let a child retract and wash his penis once he discovers that it is retractable."

Vincent Iannelli, M.D.
Board certified Pediatrician
Rockwall, TX

Loft Bedrooms

2008-11-11T00:59:00.000-05:00

Okay so I found this website and before I misplace it or forget to blog about it, I will just do it now!

I am SO digging these rooms:

I am definetely going for this when we finally move out of these apartments, so functional yet classy and clean! The girls will get a great use out of a room like these, you better check out the rest... Ohdeedoh

Planning for Christmas...

2008-11-10T22:42:00.000-05:00

I have an extensive list for Christmas, mostly close friends and family but I have to keep it simple and affordable. This year we are counting the pennies but mind you, I am LOVING staying at home. It's a sacrifice I take in exchange of enjoying my kids at home and raising them myself. Anyways, I have so many ideas of what our Christmas gifts will be - they are all handmade/homemade. There is a total of 17 adults (this may include some set of couples - so in reality they are more but I am counting them as 1 - better on my pocket this way lol) and 14 kids. WOW, you got some work to do mamacita...!

Here are a few items that I have in mind:

Guilt-Free Cookies (from my own recipe!)

Crayon Rolls for the kids

Felt Toys

Christmas Themed Bag Books (probably 2 of these)

Handpainted Block Print Napkins

or like these

Check out this quilted placemats using fabric scraps!

Cloth Coasters wrapped in a nice ribbon! :)

What about this?

This too!

How about eye pillows? These are sew simple to make, filled with rice and lavender?!?

Anyways... I could go on and on... but definitely we are going handmade this year! :)

awwwww

2008-11-07T01:51:00.000-05:00

I HAD to share this picture! Robertico looks so cute with the nappies I made for him... isn't he so handsome?!??!?? mi gordito bello! :)

Hello Kitty's Birthday

2008-11-05T02:24:00.001-05:00

I can't believe Hello Kitty just turned 34 years old? We celebrated her birthday this past Saturday at the mall and took some cute pictures of the girls and the big kitty. They even got to eat some cake... alright, just a tiny bit :)

Well, I guess we have a new President and I am hoping things will change for the better, and the new President keep his promises. I honestly wasn't sure about what candidate I wanted to support. Thankfully, I couldn't vote but hopefully the next time around I am already a citizen and able to vote... Congrats Barack Obama! The country's first black President - making history!

Latest News...

2008-11-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well I decided to revamp my blog to something more girly and not so emo anymore! lol The black was getting a little boring... Now that I am back into crafts I decided to honor it through the designs of my blogs.

I took the cutest picture of my kids the other day, wow! I can't believe I have 3 kids... and I am loving every second of it. Roberto Carlos is growing so fast and he is getting pretty heavy. Gotta love momma's milk ;) He is feeding about every 30 to 45 minutes and is exhausting! But I see how healthy and strong he is getting, and the bonding time we spend together is priceless. His sisters are loving their little brother and they only want to spend their time kissing him and hugging him. It's just precious.

I've been busy with my new website and I've made the promise to blog a little more.

Our Halloween was really fun and we didn't even Trick or Treat at all! Who needs all that sugar rush? Serena went as The Little Mermaid, Sabrina as a Fairy Princess, Hubby as a Marine and the baby as a puppy! hmmm, well, not really... I just had him wearing a hat with doggie ears lol

Here is Sabrina's complete costume:

Guess who made it? :) Click here to read about it and a little tutorial I wrote for the wings.

It's been a whole week since my mom left to Panama. I miss her so much. She came to help out from Panama and stayed for 5 months so no wonder I am feeling blue :( Sometimes things like this need to happen to appreciate the work of the mother and empathize with them. I feel so close to my mom now that I am an adult and a mother myself, even though we live so far from each other... it's tough!

I love you Mom...

Roberto Carlos second week

2008-08-17T22:59:00.000-04:00

He is doing wonderful and growing like weeds! :) Breastfeeding is going great and I have to brag about how well breastfeeding is always a great experience for me. Every time I get pregnant I look forward to breastfeeding... It's a unique relationship no one can take away from me or my child... My husband can't do it, nor my mom, no one but ME! Serena was breastfed only throughout her first 9 months of life, Sabrina was breastfed throughout her first 2 years of life! I am planning to breastfeed Robertico a little longer than 2 years, it just seems right to breastfeed! Human Milk for Human Babies ;)

I was going through my baby pictures (my daughter's) and found the picture of Newborn Sabrina and OMG realized that she and her brother look so much alike! Check this out:

Roberto Carlos

Ella Sabrina (as a newborn)

I haven't been able to do much internet lately but I do want to keep updating my blog with pictures of our new addition. I wish I had more time during the day but today we spent the whole day watching TV and (Roberto Carlos) sleeping in my chest... Can't get better than that! ;)

Here are a couple of pics I took for fun and because - did I say I am in love?

My son is PERFECT!!!!!!

2008-08-13T03:04:00.001-04:00

I am so happy to know that I have made the best and educated decision of leaving my son intact! My son is perfect as God created us perfect... just the thought of circumcision gives me sadness and concern. Why doctors still doing this barbaric procedure? It is not about the cleanliness anymore, because there is no data that states circumcision is healthier... it's just about the quick and easy money or probably doctors are afraid to accept they have done wrong all this time...

Wake up people! CIRCUMCISION IS WRONG!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CC9Y-Us210

Our Wordless Wednesday - My son's first week of life...

2008-08-13T02:34:00.000-04:00

Check out the other Wordless Wednesday photos!

Robert Carlos is born... @ home!!!!!

2008-08-05T20:48:00.000-04:00

August 4th. at 5:35 am. I lost a big chunk of my mucous plug and started filling up the pool at 5:50 am. Our midwife arrived at 6:50 and performed a prenatal check up. I was only dilated 3 cm. (one more from where I started). She left and advised to keep on with my daily routine. I decided to go into the pool to ease some of the discomfort, then went back to bed at 9:30 am, woke up to find more bloody strips in the toilet. Drank some red raspberry leaf tea and napped for an hour. Got up to fix some breakfast for myself and decided to go to the chiropractic to get an adjustment and pick up my weekly organic produce from my coop. At 2 pm came back home, took a shower after a short nap (5:13 pm), ate some turkey soup my mom made for labor and birth, watched a little TV while contractions getting stronger (8 pm)...

I decided to jump into the pool at 9:30 am, by midnight the contractions were getting 3 mins. apart and we decided to call Adriana (our midwife). By 3:30 am, Adriana checked my cervix and I was only 6-7 cm. dilated! I was suffering! Tired and dosing off between contractions so I asked her to be transferred to the bed so I can rest between each contraction. An hour later I told Adriana that I really needed to push, at this point I was screaming with the top of my lungs and moaning like never before, calling God and all the Angels on Earth and Heavens!!!!!!!!! She told me to go ahead and do what I wanted to do, so I pushed and the bag of waters exploded! I felt a mild relief since it was putting so much pressure in my crotch, I started to push even more because that's all I felt doing! I waited for another contraction and decided to leave it alone and thought that probably my uterus will push the baby on it's own but then realized that I really wanted to push again in the next one, just to get it over with!!!!! So I pushed, and pushed (I yelled many times: IT'S BURNING!!!!!) and pushed 3 more times and Roberto Carlos was born!!!!!! (5 am)

He came out SLEEPING!!!!!! He was such a lazy beautiful boy... I delivered my placenta half an hour later... As soon as the mw cleaned him up, we put him at the breast and he breastfed for so long that I wasn't even able to time it, but he did each breast twice - back and forth! He is a little piggy!

I thought I was going to pass out or give up, it hurt yes, but it was SO WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Weight: 8.5 lbs.
Height: 22 inch. long
Apgar Score: 10/10
Time: 5 am @ Home!!!!!!!

My birth pool is ready :)

2008-07-31T00:17:00.000-04:00

This pool is soooo beautiful!!! I am so in love with it and I can't hardly wait to give birth in it. The area is all set up and supplies are ready for the big event! Today I have been doing some more nesting around the house and I just came back from a big walk to help things going. My contractions are pretty irregular but they are sometimes a bit painful so I know they are doing something. I do feel the baby's head lower than before though. Yesterday I went to the chiropractic to get my hips adjusted and I think that helped me a lot! :) I have stocked up with loads of fruits for labor and also 3 yummy thai young coconuts to help me with hydration. Oh and tomorrow I have a visitor from FPL (Electric Company) at 8 am. so I am hoping not to be in labor while this guy gets here LOL! Last bill was just about $300! and I almost passed out so I am having someone walking through the apartment to make sure everything is running the way it is supposed to which I know for sure there is something wrong, there is NO way we are consuming $300 in electric!

My 39 wk checkup!

2008-07-29T21:07:00.001-04:00

I haven't been so chatty on facebook lately but I guess is because I am trying to avoid questions like: Have you had your baby yet? Well I haven't had the baby yet, but I got pretty good news about what's going on with me down there :-P Today I went to visit my midwife and I am 2 cm. dilated and cervix is anterior! woohoo! I still need the little help of the Evening Primrose Oil, chiro adjustments, acupressure and pelvic tilts which I been doing religiously. Well today I am starting pelvic rocks exercises which is the only thing I haven't done. Last night I got some pretty painful contractions but they were bearable! I have my birthpool set up, birthing supplies and I am just waiting this baby to come out. In the meantime I am enjoying every single day of my life. On Sunday, we celebrated Sabrina's Christening and Serena's 6th Birthday with a day at the pool and some good friends. It was a good thing to keep myself busy and moving, but oh so glad it's all over!

39 weeks and still preggo...

2008-07-25T01:46:00.000-04:00

I am still okay with it though :) For some reason it doesn't bother me to be pregnant at 39 weeks gestation like I was with my other two. I am actually enjoying being pregnant this time around!!! I love all things I can get away with lol! Lately I have been asked so many questions as when the baby will be born, some of them even assume that I am due any day now, which is true, but ya know... It is just too funny! Today I had a nice prenatal massage and a chiro adjustment, BOY that felt so DARN GOOD! I needed it! My sleeping patterns have been okay lately, thanks to the sangria I been drinking before going to sleep but I better sleep as much as I can NOW before the baby enters to the world because I know there will be a lot of sleepless nights pretty soon...

I have all my birthing supplies ready to go and I am very excited about that. My birthing pool is ready to be inflated right in my dining room (no, I am not putting it on the dinning table!). My Midwife is letting me use their Made in Water Birthing Pool and I am so thrilled of how this pool is made.

I am just hoping the baby will hold until July 28 which is Monday. Sabrina is getting baptized this coming Sunday (July 27) and I am also celebrating Serena's birthday that day right after Sabrina's christening. Fun... NOT! CHAOTIC!!!! I am forgetting to mention that I am attending a party this Friday, lovely! :)

Orgasmic Birth - Natural Birth

2008-07-08T00:00:00.001-04:00

"The same hormones that are present during childbirth occur in all other episodes of women’s sexual lives, including lovemaking and orgasm. These hormones, when allowed to flow naturally and without disturbance, help reduce the pain of labor." OrgasmicBirth.com

This is exactly how I want 'my' birth! :)

Don't let anybody tell you, you cannot give birth naturally... It is a myth about having a small pelvis, or not been able to dilate, or because having a c-section previously you cannot give birth naturally... Natural Birth is possible in all ways! I am (as my mother and sister) a woman who doesn't easily dilate but sure needs a little help. I started taking Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) to get some things moving. EPO acts as a prostaglandin, which ripens or softens the cervix. This will help the baby to deeply engage in the pelvis. A lot of women that have gone through cesarean birth before, have been able to give birth vaginally and naturally (with no medical intervation) by taking this oil orally and vaginally. Most women are suggested to take it after their 36-37 weeks of gestation and it is completely safe for the mother AND the baby.

Since I want to give birth naturally at home, I have chosen to have an Orgasmic Birth. I want to be able to enjoy this birth (my last birth, sniff!) the way nature intented, without medical intervention, without the worries that are caused by a cold hospital room and people wearing scrubs! For God sakes - I am NOT SICK, I am just HAVING A BABY!!!!!!!!!! We should all stop thinking of birth as a disease or an emergency... It's just giving BIRTH!

I have also decided to stop thinking about giving birth, let the time go, enjoy my pregnancy (well hellooooo, I will NOT be pregnant forever!!!!) and let nature decide when the baby is ready to be born. I have been induced (twice) in my previous pregnancies and that is not the way we are supposed to do it. We are not the ones who decide when the baby will be born, the baby is the one who decides when he/she is ready to come to the world... As nature intended.

Still waiting and pretty round...

2008-07-07T01:12:00.000-04:00

I have been very very bad with this... not so chatty lately I guess! I been on and off the computer, my parents are here visiting from Panama and I am still pregnant :) I LOVE BEING PREGNANT! Except for a stupid rash I got that lasted a little over 2 weeks, and THANK GOODNESS I was able to manage it with a miracle soap called Grandpa's Tar Soap then applying Gold Bond Medicated lotion over it. It was a God sent! I was showering with cold water twice a day with the soap, then I would apply the lotion to avoid dryness and the menthol effect was just refreshing and so much needed! Well, the rash is gone and now I am enjoying myself once again! woohoo! (phewwwwwww). In a couple of days, I'll be 37 weeks pregnant. The baby moves so much, he is extremely rough with mommy but I love every single bit of it ;)

Just about 2-3 weeks ago, we went to Orlando, visited Universal and Island of Adventure parks. It wasn't such a great trip but I did enjoy a bit, except the stupid rash (lol). It rained e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y in the afternoons, ugh! But at least we were able to enjoy 5 days of the 2 parks without the rush, crowd and hotness of the summer, the rain helped a lot. The walking also helped me to bring baby down a bit, you can probably see my belly 'facing' down in this picture.

I got the 'Baby Area' in our room ready for the baby, yay! :) I am very excited to start breastfeeding all over again and to co-sleep with the new baby. Co-sleeping has done many great things in our family. It's a great way to keep our family attached and to nurture a strong connection between us. I believe that every newborn or baby should be sleeping in the same bedroom as the parents, specially the mother. We love our 'Family Bed' and we will love to keep it that way until our kids decide on their own to sleep in their own beds. Read a little about Nighttime Parenting in this website. We have been practicing Attachment Parenting for many years now (pretty much since my second daughter was born) and the connection that we have built in our family is extremely rewarding. Our kids are amazingly well behaved and they do the impossible to pleased us and make us happy, or viceversa. AP is a parenting style where ALL family members treat each other with respect and kindness, regardless the age. Check out their website for more info.

The girls are so happy to be receiving the new baby and they have promised me to help me with everything including changing diapers! lol! I can't hardly wait to see THAT! But everyday, they both kiss my belly and tell me how much they love their baby brother, so sweet.

Here is a funny cartoon I wanted to share, I found it somewhere in the internet some time now but I saved it in my computer because I thought it was so cute and just reminded me of our own family! heehee!

My Family Sticker! :)

2008-06-16T02:51:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day - Breakfast on bed...

2008-05-12T00:44:00.000-04:00

One Egg & Cheese sandwich, a warm cup of coffee, 2 handmade heart shaped cards and 2 freshly handpicked Papo flowers (Hibiscus) What else would you ask? I had the best Mother's Day today :)

It was nice to spend the day at my sister's-in-law home, and have the kids in a kiddie pool while I was resting my round belly on the couch watching them play. We ate Chinese food at noon then Pizza at night... hmmm VERY HEALTHY LOL! But heck, once in a while we all need a break from the healthy foods, right? ;)

Robert, Hilda & Serena

Loving being round...

2008-05-06T01:56:00.000-04:00

Pregnancy is the most beautiful stage of a woman, no one can't argue that! Yes, I must agree that sometimes could be somewhat uncomfortable but most of the time, when that little baby inside of you moves around, it feels like nothing else. No one can't take away this from me, Motherhood is the best thing that have ever happened to me.

I have a different feel about this pregnancy, though. Probably because I am older, more experienced, maybe because I have 2 girls that are excited of being the big sister, or probably because this may be my last pregnancy... I am enjoying every bit of it, and I feel stronger as a woman, as a mother! Sometimes I just want to stop the time and prolong my pregnancy. Babies are just such a neat way to start people :)

I couldn't resist to tape my belly when the baby was moving, so here you go... A short video of that jumping little bean!

To CD or NOT to CD, that is the question...

2008-05-02T00:13:00.001-04:00

CD as Cloth Diapering!

I have been asked many times why on earth I am going to CD my baby... Well, first, this would not be my first time CDing, I did it with my two girls the only difference is that I only did it at home. This time I am preparing myself to do it full time!

You will then ask... why I am going to fill myself with piles of laundry from CDing?!? Well if I am already doing the laundry why would I be worry to add one more load or two a week? Cloth Diapers are a natural way of diapering a baby! I just don't want my baby to rub against some rough plastic or paper and most likely chemicals!

Yep, CHEMICALS! Disposable Diapers are manufactured with a super absorbent chemical called sodium polyacrylate that absorbs and holds fluids in the diaper. Have you seen or felt a gel-like type of texture in a disposable diaper? This chemical has been linked to toxic shock syndrome, to cause allergic reactions. Dioxin, the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a byproduct of bleaching paper. Even in the smallest detectable quantities, dioxin has been known to cause liver disease, immune system suppression, and genetic damage in lab animals. Dyes found in some disposables are known to damage the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) received reports that fragrances caused headaches, dizziness, and rashes.

A baby (YOUR baby) spends about 25,000 hours on a diaper and needs about 6,000 diapers changes in the first years of life! So now that you know how many hours a baby will spend on a diaper and how many changes needs... Why don't you consider CLOTH DIAPERS? I did :)

As most of you know, I am always considering the alternative, because I think we are meant to live in a more natural way... It is hard to live a natural life on the very modern world of today, you may think. It is NOT! You just need to accept who you are and go from there...

I have always been an advocate of a healthy environment, and of course, disposables are not environmental friendly at all! Disposable diapers are NOT readily biodegradable! Therefore... they fill up our landfills with untreated body excrement, carrying over 100 intestinal viruses contaminating our groundwater and attracting insects that carry and transmit diseases.

Cloth Diapers might be too expensive? Wrong! You actually SAVE thousands of dollars by using Cloth Diapers! The initial cost arrange from $200 to $300 which will take you for the first year or so. Disposables will cost you around $2200 during the same time period.

Cloth Diapers are too messy! Wrong again! They are somewhat more hygienic than disposables. You won't fill up your trash can (or your friend's) with some stinky diapers, you can easily get a Mini Shower Spray and rinse the spoiled diaper right in your bathroom then throw them on a pail with a lid. What I normally do, is to fill the pail with water and a few drops of essential oil. I prefer lavender or peppermint, hmmmm! :) For outings, I would just throw them on a simple zip lock bag or a wet bag (although I prefer a wet bag to minimize consumption!), which they are now available on all kinds of gorgeous colors and designs!!! ;)

Remember something... They are NOT your grandmother's diapers! The modern cloth diapers are more efficient and better constructed than the ones made many years ago... You can find all kind of cloth nappies, colors and designs. In addition, the baby would look so cute with them... How can you resist?!?!

Decisiones to make for my Baby Boy - No a la circuncisión!

2008-04-30T23:37:00.001-04:00

Cliquea aqui para: Dile NO a la Circuncisión (en Español)!

So I have finally won the battle :) I am so happy to announce that our baby boy will not be circumcised! I have done my research, and I am opposed to have my baby go through such a horrible experience... There is NO indication that a circumcision NEEDS to be done. There are no legitimate medical reasons for circumcision. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics says circumcision is not essential! My husband would NOT watch circumcision videos because he knows how disturbing they could be, so why should I do this to my own child! We had a long but friendly/loving talk about this subject and we have agreed to skip this procedure, stop the cycle and let my son be intact!

I know some of these practices are done for religious purposes, but I am not a Muslin nor Jewish. I am a Christian-Catholic and I will do what is best for my child as a Christian-Catholic.

There are TEN BAD REASONS TO CIRCUMCISED YOUR SON:
(taken from http://www.associatedcontent.com)

It Looks Bigger
One thing that some people believe about circumcision is that a circumcised penis will look bigger. Risking a 2-10% chance of medical complications so your son can have the illusion that he has a larger penis is just not justifiable. When your son is older and if he feels that he would like to create this illusion, which isn't necessarily true, he can make that decision. There is no need, if there is ever a need, to have a larger looking penis when you are a child, or for that matter an infant.

It is More Aesthetically Pleasing
This is a personal opinion. Truth is, it is likely that when people are actually going to be examining your son's penis with the intent to view it as potentially being pleasing to the eye it will be erect. Therefore if you are worried about loose skin, which isn't the case anyway, hanging from the tip of the penis when it is not erect don't worry the only people who will see that is yourself, when your son is an infant and child, and your son. If it truly bothers your son he can make the decision when he is older to circumcise himself.

It is Less Sensitive and Therefore the Sex Life of Your Son's Future Partner will be More Enjoyable
There is no reason to make decisions when your son is an infant that will affect the sex life of his partner. Every individual is going to be different in bed and some men intact and circumcised may climax earlier then others. With this kind of thinking you are ultimately saying that you are circumcising your son so he will not enjoy sex to the fullest potential.

It Will Be Easier to Clean
A circumcised penis is exposed to everything that it comes in contact with. If you have ever changed a diaper, one that is full of poop, you will know that poop does not stay in the rear section of the diaper, it gets over everything. While a circumcised penis is healing it is constantly being exposed to urine and feces. When an intact infant boy poops in his diaper you still have to make sure that you wipe off all of the poop on his penis but you can do it a lot easier. Your son's penis will not be sore because he did not have minor surgery on it. Once your son is older he can retract his foreskin, something that happens naturally and should be done the first time by the owner of the penis, all he needs to do is pull back his foreskin and rinse that area. Something that is going to take less then a minute.

It Will Look Like the Other Boys in the Locker Room
As a woman I will be honest in saying that in the locker room I don't remember that there were ever any comparisons of reproductive organs and from all of the men that I have asked about the matter, both circumcised and intact, said that they never saw or experienced a conversation like that either.

It Will Look Like His Father's
Not really. Infant penises are hairless and that will be the biggest difference that your son will notice if he sees his father's penis, and of course the size.

My Brothers Were Circumcised
Nothing against your parents, they were doing what they were educated to do, however in this generation a lot more medical evidence has proven that times have changed and circumcising isn't medically necessary.

Your Son Will Develop a Complex for Being Different
Once again as a woman I can vouch for myself not having these feelings but I can say the all of the intact men that I know and have asked about this matter say that they do not at all fill insecure about their intact penis.

I Believe That it is Medically Healthy
It is hard to know exactly what is medically correct, between friends and family you may get told a little of why you should circumcise and why you shouldn't. That is why is is always a good idea to do research when making a medical decision. I guarantee that you will find that a circumcised penis is not medically healthier than an intact penis.

The Doctor Said To
As much as I would love to say that we can trust all doctors and what ever a doctor says is going to be the right thing, I can't. My doctor told me that he didn't like his patients to go past 38 weeks in pregnancy, but it didn't mean that inducing at 38 weeks is medically the right thing to do. Remember, research is the only way that you can know for sure what is the right thing to do about anything.

When your son grows up he most likely will not have a reason to get circumcised, but if he wants to make that decision it is best that he is the one making it as an adult and not his parents while he is an infant and without his consent!

Taking a break from work...

2008-03-20T01:31:00.001-04:00

I haven't been blogging, shame on me! But I promise to write more... or at least, will try... Some of you may not know yet but... I AM PREGNANT AGAIN!

We are expecting a Baby Boy!!! We are all excited for the news and honestly so glad to be back at home with my 3 year old... I have been really busy getting ready for this baby, now I have a new hobby: Sewing and Crocheting LOL!!!! yeah... just like grandma! This baby boy is driving me nutsy, I am so in love with him already and he is making me create all kinds of pretty things for him. I been sewing my heart out that I have decided to make a new blog just about handmade stuff: HandmadeSisters.blogspot.com. Come and visit one of these days and see what I am up to :)

I will be updating this blog about the progress of my pregnancy. This time around I am doing a homebirth - a water homebirth!!! So stay tuned for more news...

12 years ago... Beautiful Memories: Carnavales Relámpago 1995!

2008-01-31T12:18:00.002-05:00

The most important ritual in Panama is El Carnaval. The capital closes down the five days before Ash Wednesday, and a young queen is chosen! 12 years ago, I WAS THAT QUEEN! I can only remember these days with joy and passion... Before The Carnival Festivities we visited many poor communities and brought food, music, dancing, hugs and so much happiness to their residents. I can remember crying from joy because we put a smile to the little kids wearing no shoes. I only know the feeling and the impact it created in me, my soul was totally transformed with their spirits and I became a better person. The way the people received me in their homes gave me a different view I had about life and I realized that I was living a world full of materialism around cold hearts! NO ONE can take away these memories!!! Since then, I have grown so quickly mentally and physically and see the world differently... I wish everyone could experience what I did, the world would be so different...

Happy Fiestas del Rey Momo mi PANAMA! I MISS YOU SO MUCH....

VISIT MY GALLERY OF PICS FROM EL CARNAVAL RELAMPAGO 1995

Healthy Spine - Healthy Body!

2008-01-31T10:50:00.001-05:00

It only makes sense to me! Since the accident we have been going to the chiropractic, so far we have had 2 alignments and we are already feeling improvement! It's amazing what chiropractic can do to your body... The beautiful part of everything is that our doctor is 100% opposed to conventional drugs and I am too holistically approached! God put me this doctor in our way, thank YOU!

A strange 3rd. Birthday Celebration... GOD THANK YOU!

2008-01-27T20:34:00.001-05:00

My daughter's 3rd. Birthday was celebrated yesterday at The Build-A-Bear Workshop. It was magical! All the kids had a beautiful bear of their own kind, made by one of each of them. The most magical moment was the fun they experienced throughout the whole tour! I have to tell you, our Host Lisa was phenomenal and very sweet to all the kids, she deserves a trophy! They played games, they sang, they jumped, it was so enchanting that I wanted to be a kid myself and join them! If you ever want to plan a birthday party outside the home and not having to clean up after a party, Build-A-Bear is the place for it! Serena picked up a cheetah and Sabrina fall in love with a pink with sparkles bear!

We later hit the road to finally go home (9:35 pm) so we took the back road of the Mall located right in front of The Memorial Hospital of Pembroke Pines when I actually delivered Serena 5 years and a half ago. Robert stopped to let a firetruck pass in front of us, then seconds later we were slammed by a reckless driver at at least 50 to 60 miles per hour! Fortunately we were all wearing our seat belts, but because of the shock and the impact of the accident the kids started to scream, I immediately got out of the car to check up on them and make sure they weren't hurt. Seconds later, I started to feel a drip on the back of my head. I touched it and looked at it - it was blood! I literally walked to the hospital while Robert and the kids were waiting to be rescued. They were all okay except from some bruises in the head, back and legs. It was HORRIBLE! The girl got a ticket for reckless driving and thankfully the firetruck drivers came back for them and helped Robert as witnesses.

My head got 4 staples and my kids & hubby are all okay. We are so fortunate to have our God by our side, he was a shield of protection! I prayed and thanked him for giving us another opportunity in this life because he knows we are not ready to go just yet!

Today we all have body pain, my baby daughter can barely walk and my neck hurts like a mad woman. But gosh, thank God we have pain because I want to feel pain rather than nothing at all...

PLEASE PEOPLE! Wear your seat belts! Drive Safely! There are so many innocent people out there trying to do the right thing and because of reckless drivers, those innocent people are badly hurt....

My seatbelt did this! My Life Savior!

Who needs an iPhone now...? huh! huh!?

2008-01-20T12:49:00.000-05:00

Apple recently released a new software upgrade for the iPod Touch and now, I am so much happier than ever! The new applications included in the new software are Notes, Weather, Stocks and Google Maps! WHO NEEDS AN IPHONE NOW! This beautiful gadget now beats any PDA or Palm Pilot in the world! The most amazing thing is that pretty much everywhere I go here in Florida there is a beautiful Hotspot waiting to be grabbed by my iPod Touch!

This is the most beautiful piece of technology that have been made and I am so proud to have one! If you haven't bought one yet, I definitely encourage you to do so :)

The great thing of all, is that I have an unlimited $50 plan on my Motorola cellphone and I don't have to be interrupted with calls while I watch a movie, writing a note or browsing the net for FREE! So... Who needs an iPhone now?!?!!?!?

11 years are a lot of years

2008-01-10T15:01:00.000-05:00

Well today it's my 11th. year Wedding Anniversary and we are celebrating by going to my favorite Japanese Restaurant - Nami. It's our tradition to go there almost every year. They cook your food right at your table! Of course, my favorite dishes are the sushi and rolls but sure they cook some great steak and got some fine sake.

It's amazing how many years Robert and I been together, but I have to tell you: Marriage it's not easy! Last year was one of the most difficult year of our lives, between personal issues and financial, a marriage can easily vanish from one day to another and we are seeing many couples (in this century) getting divorced and probably without working out the problems and misunderstandings a little longer. Marriage is not only about been with someone that you may think is compatible with you, but also a commitment. I am so thankful with God, that has given me the patience and the strenght I have to be able to accept myself and others (including my partner) the way God brought them to the world; understanding is very crucial in a relationship. After committing to understand your partner, something really important comes after that: Forgiveness! If you don't forgive or ask for forgiveness, then you are not understanding the meaning of Marriage. If you look at Marriage as a Spiritual Union, all these: Understanding, Patience, Forgiveness; are extremely important to achieve a succesful marriage. But don't get me wrong, there is no such a thing as happily ever after! There will always be ups and downs in every single relationship and that's when a couple that have been married come in union and surpass all the obstacles: TOGETHER!

Our marriage hasn't been 100% pretty or colorful but we have done so many great and beautiful things together and that brings us together even more. This year, we are doing a lot of healing and reconciliation, and hopefully more surprises will come to us. Hmmm probably there is one already but I won't tell until my next blog... probably... :)

Beginning Ballet at 33

2008-01-03T17:33:00.000-05:00

I was always drawn to Classical Ballet, and I mean to be a Ballet dancer myself. Last Fall, I decided to enroll my daughter to Pre-Ballet classes because it was something that I have always wanted to do and I knew that Serena will enjoy so much because it is just what girly girls want to do! :) I took her to a trial class the first time to see if she likes it and sure she did! The next week she started her first ballet lesson on a real Ballet studio, not just one of those cutesy dance studios for girls or kids, I mean, a real Center for Performing Arts! That's when I saw one of the adult classes, that are been taught for people with no ballet knowledge whatsoever or probably just a little. I noticed some of the students were over 50 years old and that gave me a little bit of inspiration -- so guess what? I decided to enroll myself to that class! *grin*

Ballet is darn hard!!! But it's beautiful... I have no desire to become a professional ballerina but there are many reasons for me to enjoy these classes: The fitness, the posture that gives you, the class and culture, it helps you to relax and it's great for concentration exercises, it's just a beautiful activity that my daughter enjoys to see me doing -- with her! After my 3rd class I felt I was finally 'getting it', with all the ballet 'lingo' you can actually go nutsy but with time and practice you can definitely get the hang of it.

I am starting another semester this year and looking forward to learn more, it's never too late for anything. Heck, if you are healthy and feeling great you can do any physical activity and that includes BALLET! :)

Hundreds of Brides spend an average of $3000 on the gown?!?

2008-01-02T11:21:00.002-05:00

It is just surprising how much money a woman can spend on a dress, but what is even more surprising is that some of these marriages don't even last a year and it is just simple sad. Oprah talked about this once long ago and I agree with her on everything. Why do they have to spend so much money on a dress, instead of investing time and patience on the relationship? I do remember committing to the relationship when I got married myself almost 11 years ago. I remember a promise I told GOD that I will fight and be there in the good and the bad. Marriage is not just a relationship but a commitment. I will never tell my kids that I will take them somewhere but then tell them that I have changed my mind, of course, if I can't do it that day I will go the next day but I do keep my promise.

When I got married, I went to a Bridal outlet store and spent $400 on a wedding gown and boy THAT HURT! lol! To me is a plain waste of money. I do have to mention that my wedding dress was extremely beautiful, simple, classy with a nice designer look but I didn't have to spend a down payment of a car to get it! Come ON! It's hilarious, but I actually spent a total of $3000 in the whole wedding party and that includes the dress! SWEET :)

I think we should focus on the relationship rather than how much to spend on a wedding dress, while a wedding reception may last one night, the marriage should last an eternity and THAT is what we should worry about....

Now read this funny and cute story http://www.4kids.tv/buzz/view/666

YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH AND MORE!!! Evanescence's Concert!

2007-10-25T22:43:00.001-04:00

Hear all the screeching and me screaming: YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH AND MORE!!! at the Concert! lol!!!! YUP, THAT WAS ME! Thanks gcsri0tgirl for posting it!!! We have never met but she remembered me from the concert, well... with all that screaming who will forget haha!

Now, this is Evanescence Bank United Center Concert - Miami Part 1, recorded and edited by me. It was recorded from my Photo Camera so the quality is not as good. Cameras were not permitted (supposedly lol). Enjoy...

Evanescence's Concert! Just Simply Amazing!!!!

2007-10-25T00:21:00.000-04:00

Event: Evanescence Concert
Location: Bank United Center University of Miami
Date: Tuesday October 23, 2007

Cilck the image above! All pics were taken by me :)

NewTimes Review:

Evanescence
October 23, 2007
BankUnited Center

Better Than: Entering a bat cave with an angel by your side.

It seems only natural that Amy Lee is perfectly at home in arenas. After all, her voice is the size of the sky. Even at a coo, it rises from the horizon; when it breaks to belt, then it soars ever heavenward, at play in the fields of the Lord.

Not that this dark angel lets any kinda Bible to her belting, mind you (remember: “that was a Ben thing”), but that the girl makes myth meat of the things that go bump in our hearts. And last night the divine Ms. Lee not only bumped a whole lotta hearts, she had a whole lotta fists pumping in utter joy.

If you don’t know Evanescence, then you don’t know Amy, who, despite a rather adept team of metal hard rockers behind her, is really the whole of the band. It is for her that the crowd comes, and it is for her that they swoon.

Taking the BankUnited stage in ball gown and combat boots, she went from wow to kapow, and each and every syllable in each and every song was sung by a choir of thousands. I tell ya, from my privileged vantage point in the pit (thanks Danielle!), even I was lifted.

Yeah, I know, there’s that sky again, which really shouldn’t make sense when tracks like “Weight of the World” and “Call Me When You’re Sober” and “Going Under” are falling from it. Then again, Amy Lee and the band do too come through with suitable exaltations such as “Your Star” and “Cloud Nine” and “My Immortal.”

And, yes, exaltation is the right word, as in “elation of mind or feeling, sometimes abnormal or morbid in character; rapture.” Really. You try standing among a horde of rabid mascara while a goddess is prancing about and not feel exalted.

But it was when Ms. Lee settled down into the pure croon and piano of “Good Enough” that the horde and I became truly exalted, for it was then that we got unadulterated Amy, and didn’t I say that’s why we came in the first place? – John Hood.

Personal Bias: I’m not afraid of the dark.

Random Detail: Evanescence fans really know how to screech.

By the Way: Amy was seen on the beach over the weekend; of course it was at night.

She got her beautiful blue eyes back!!!! :)

2007-10-16T23:33:00.000-04:00

WoW! that's all I can say... well, here is the story:

6:00 am.
I grabbed her favorite stuffed animal, a blanket and a pillow for the road. I was on time surprisingly! lol We filled out some paperwork and they gave us a small dosis of some prescription drug so she could relax before going to the operation room. Everything seem to be so easy. The doctor arrived and he gave me some instructions and a few tips to follow after the surgery. Her doctor is just an amazing human being! He is not only a great doctor but also an amazing person with such a huge heart that makes him even more amazing than anybody could ever imagine! He cares so much about his patients, it's just breathtaking and it is so hard to find doctors like him these days. Dr. Kanterman you are a real Earth Angel!!!!

8:30 am.
She went in and I waited in the waiting room with a few fruits I brought along, together with my iPod and my Harry Potter book, of course!!!!! It was such a freaking cold room and I was tired as hell, no wonder!!!

9:30 pm.
Surgery was done and the doctor came in to tell me how great she did and that everything went magnificent.

9:40 am.
They called me to join her in the recovery room to wait until the anesthesia wears off. I was able to see right to the corner of her eyelids some mild clear bloody tears coming out of her eyes (sorry for being so graphic lol!!!), then when she started to wake up she started to cry and wanting to scrub her eyes so bad, while I was trying to stop her, I started to feel all weird and light headed! GUESS WHAT?!?! I was freaking passing out lol!!!! The nurses noticed my pale skin and ran over to hand me Sabrina's oxygen tube and covering me with some warm blankets. I mean, wasn't I supposed to be the one taking care of someone else, eh-hem, my daughter?!? Anyways, I thought it was hilarious and at the same time it was quite embarrassing! I swear, I really tried to be strong but my body didn't handle it very well I guess.

We got home safe and sound, she slept through the day and here I am telling the story. Even now, after a few hours from the surgery, if I stare at her eyes I feel I am going to pass out again?!?! HOW COME THIS IS POSSIBLE?!?! I guess I am very overprotective of my daughters and I just can't take it.

Anyways, I am so glad this is over and so thankful to have found the greatest doctor for my child and btw the best nurses! Jaimie you were the best nurse I have ever met in my life!!! Even though most of you know I am extremely into alternative medicine, sometimes we do have to bend a little and trust our instincts and heart. In our case, there was no choice and to do it this early it also meant: "Changing her life forever...."

Thanks to everyone who emailed me privately and those that help me through this and told me that everything was going to be okay. Nothing is better than real moral support from those that care about you and you care about :)

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoox

ps. more pics and video coming soon!!!

TRAIN TRAVELING = HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT

2007-10-10T23:38:00.001-04:00

I created this video because I really care about the environment. I want to help to create a better environment for my children and their children! Music by Breaking Benjamin :)

Public transportation produces 95 percent less carbon monoxide (CO) and 90 percent less in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nearly 50 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx), per passenger mile than private vehicles, according to APTA. (American Public Transportation Association)

Washington, D.C. - In honor of Earth Day, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) reminds Americans of the role public transportation plays to help the environment. This message is especially timely when most states cannot meet air quality standards, gasoline prices are at an all-time high, and Congress is debating a six-year transportation investment bill.

"Each year, Earth Day ought to be an impetus for more Americans to use public transportation to reduce air pollution and conserve fuel," said William W. Millar, president of APTA. "Earth Day 2004 reminds us that Congress can help the environment and expand travel options for all Americans by passing a robust public transportation investment package."

Last week the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informed 474 counties in 32 states that they failed to meet new federal air quality standards for ground-level ozone. This is sad news for the 159 million Americans who live in these areas. Far worse, these 32 states are now at risk of losing federal transportation funding for new transit systems and roads if they cannot meet EPA's standards within the next three years.

This week, the American Automobile Association announced gas prices have reached all-time highs on local, statewide and national levels.

"With gasoline prices at record highs, many Americans are finding that mobility is becoming very costly," Millar said. "For daily commuters, people on fixed incomes, and low wage earners, these increasing costs are a real hardship."

To underscore these points, Millar referred to a 2002 study that showed increasing public transportation use is the most effective, and possibly the only way to improve air quality and reduce energy consumption without new taxes, government mandates or regulations. The study found that even small increases in transit usage would help many major U.S. cities meet EPA's air quality standards, and if one in ten Americans used public transportation regularly, U.S. reliance on foreign oil could be cut by more than 40 percent (the amount of oil we import from Saudi Arabia every year).

"A commitment to use public transportation one more day a week would make a dramatic and measurable difference in the planet's environment and in the health of many Americans," Millar said. "Transit is one of the vital solutions to our environmental and economic challenges."

"In the coming weeks, Congress will address a new six-year transportation funding bill that will affect the quality of life for all Americans," Millar said. "The decisions that will be made about transit funding will influence the quality of our air, the time we spend in traffic, and the cost of our freedom and mobility for many years ahead."

"Let's make Earth Day the start of a new national commitment to transit and a cleaner environment through increased investment in public transportation."

Information taken from:
http://www.apta.com/media/releases/earth_day.cfm

Just gave birth to my new baby.....

2007-10-10T23:21:00.001-04:00

Apple can't stop making amazing machines! It is shocking to me that Apple will never stop making better computers each time they come out with a new model. My 17" Intel Core 2 Duo wasn't enough I guess... So, why on earth I got this new model? BECAUSE APPLE ROCKS!

My FIL past away Friday Setp 28

2007-09-30T23:28:00.000-04:00

The worst part of this: It was Robert birthday as well :( It's hard to see a good man I meant a GREAT man go. It was quick. Robert will never forget this and it is hurting ME so much because there is so much I can do. I guess I should just let 'time' do it's job.

Life is so short, and people get caught up with drama and hate. This past weekend, I have promised to myself and my family to be tolerant and to let things the way they are. I am going to live the present, not the past not the future.

FINALLY! We know she is okay...

2007-09-23T23:48:00.001-04:00

We finally found out that Sabrina's okay and there is nothing to worry about. The doctor definetely says: Accomodative Esotropia and needs surgery. I made this video to thank all my friends and family for all the prayers received. What a ride! :)

BUY ORGANIC!!! Our Trip to Whole Foods!

2007-09-22T02:23:00.001-04:00

Este video enseña nuestra ida al supermercado, listen: BUY ORGANIC! Trust me ;)

Anyways, enjoy...

My DOTnet is almost done!!!

2007-09-21T01:19:00.000-04:00

Well I thought that I was going to be able to do the whole site in flash but heck no! Too much work, I barely have time to edit my videos and I do want to be able to do decent editing. I know you might be asking yourself "what the heck I'm doing a website for?!?!" Well, it will be about NOTHING! If you end up not liking my videos you can always move on to the next site and choose not to come back, so please don't start leaving offensive comments in my site, it's my site and I'll do whatever I want with it, there, thank you :) I'll have TONS of videos, from informative videos to silly short-short movies of irrelevant situations. I mean, I have friends all over the place and I am sure they might want to see me in action specially those I have left in Panama, family and all my dear friends. And of course, those that have met me before will definetely love to see my videos just because they know me, okay I am babbling now lol! You might also be asking "why am I saying "English is my second language"? BECAUSE IT IS! A lot of people may feel annoyed by my grammar errors and pretty heavy accent but ask me if I care?!?! lol!!!! Besides, English is my second language... do you speak or write other languages, because if you don't then please don't judge!!! I do my best, okay....

How much I love my iPod Touch!!!

2007-09-20T20:44:00.001-04:00

check out this demo I made :)

Testing my blog

2007-09-19T22:02:00.000-04:00

Well, I just started this all over again... This is my second blog, technically is my third! I had other blogs yearssss ago when I started blogging about the birth of my kids, then added a site blog for an old site I had about natural living then when I shut it down, everything went with it! POOF! :( So now I decided to let my other userid go and start a new one. A FRESH BLOG MIS AMIGOS! I hope to see you around, I'll be posting a lot of everything and a lot of NOTHING! C ya later! :)