by Bernice
Ingredients: 185g butter, softened 3/4 cup caster sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg 2 cups plain flour
Instructions: Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan-forced. Line 3 baking trays with baking paper. Using an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy. Add egg. Beat until combined. Sift flour over butter mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir to combine. Place biscuits 4cm apart on trays. If dough is too soft for rolling place it in fridge until until it is firmer. Use cookie cutters I made use of an oval shape to look like an egg Decorate when cooled Have Fun!!
My pregnancy with my first and only child went fairly easy, there were some concerns as the pregnancy progressed as our baby was having some urinary reflux problems and had to travel to OK City several times for a 4D scan. Doctors told us that this could still fix itself and fortunately it did after he was born. The labor was another story though! At 5 weeks early I woke up on Sunday morning June 14 2009, as my waters broke. I was not in any pain at that time, hallelujah! I rinsed off in the shower as my husband called the hospital. We went in, they checked everything and quickly decided I was not going anywhere as my waters had broken and the risk for infection was too big.
After I got admitted and was hooked up to all the machines. The doctor came and talked to us, saying how they wanted to hold off on delivering our baby since it was really early. Another day another hour for him to be inside my body would be best for him. I rested and tried to relax...it was hard to think I could not even call my family or friends... My biggest heartache has been, being far away from home. Belgium is where I'm from I have been in the US now for 3 years, my hubby is from here. But boy did I dread being pregnant without being able to show off my belly. No words of comfort or a hug from a loved one. No, "you don't look fat...you're pregnant silly!". I was so sad not being able to share any of it. Good thing hubby and I love each other so much. Husbands are great but they are also men and they have their own way with words and feelings lol... you may know what I mean. Doctors lingo is hard enough in your own language! Mine being Flemish (Dutch) is nothing like English.
But I divert! Here I was in this scary situation... but I was calm. Like I had any clue of what was going on... ye right! Corey stayed by my side. We stared at monitors all day thinking, "this is it....THIS IS IT! we're gonna meet our boy". Late in the evening it was decided they were gonna start petocin in the morning and get this party train started. I slept a little... 6 am came, got hooked up. Then the pain started yay! I dealt with it as best I could. A whole day went by and nothing happened. I wasn't dilated at all so they decided to stop and try again the next morning. The next morning, ready to roll the petocin was doing it's job and I was breathing through pain for about 7 hours and guess what I was still not dilated, nothing, nada, zilch! In the afternoon my OB came to tell me it would be best to have a C-section, for both of us. 5pm was gonna be it!
At that point I was just relieved that it was going to happen for sure. 5pm, got rolled into the OR. Had my bits shaved by a masked dude who was chit chatting with me. Surprisingly it wasn't as horrifying as it sounds. But you can't help but think, I'm such a mess down there these days, can't see my toes so waving a blade around your privates has it's risks LOL The epidural wasn't too bad either...gosh you really do forget these things don't you? I remember all the faces and conversations but the pain is just a blurry memory. Dr. Weaver came in and did his magic, my husband was there by my side. We had a lovely nurse take amazing pictures of our son Aedan Seppe's birth. June 16 2009, 5.29pm, When they stuck him over the sheet and I saw him for the first time...I said "His eyes are so blue". He was/is the most beautiful baby ever. He was doing good, breathing on his own, cried. Had all fingers and toes. But he was a preemie so got whisked away. Both baby and hubby disappeared while they put me back together. Went from recovery to my room and was not allowed to go see my son for 6hrs. The longest 6hrs... Finally I got to visit him and hold him and my god was he gorgeous. We made him. We make gorgeous babies. Words cannot describe how smitten I instantly was. So tiny, so perfect. We were very fortunate that he did amazing, breathing well. He was a little fighter and he pulled through amazingly well. We stayed in the hospital for 1 week, 6 days for me and 1 more for Aedan, I had a complementary room that day, so grateful for that!
The ride home is terrifying as you try to whisk your baby through the dangers on the road to get to your house. Like his head or and arm would fall off when you stop or make a turn. ^_^ Being home is it! You're doing it and you better learn quickly. Being a preemie he needed to eat every 2 to 3 hrs, NO MATTER WHAT. Until he was full term. I never thought I'd make it, sleeping became a distant memory, feedings went slow and not without problems, making some feedings last an hour, after that I still had to pump every time. By the time one feeding ended the other one came. Recovering from a C-section is no joke either I quickly found out. Feels like they basically cut you in half. Getting out of bed was "excruciating" is the only word that fits. Somehow you make it through, if you have family or friends around AWESOME! If you don't like in my situation, just duck your head down and plow through. It will get better. 9 months later now, we get some sleep. Peace and quiet is a very distant vague memory.. never to return I'm starting to think. I love my son more than anything, and as I am planning his soon 1 first birthday party I find the pain of no family and friends here sticking it's head up again. But like after he was born, I'm going to duck my head down and plow through. Because my son is worth anything and everything. His 1 birthday will be the most amazing celebration of his life as well as, we've been parents for a whole year...and we all survived. We did it...I did it.
Evi
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Dear Reader, Welcome to the April edition of 'The Buzz': the newsletter of The Bees Knees Kids. We aim to assist parents in the nurture of the children in their care.
This month we will be focusing on holidays with children: travelling with young children, playground finders and other fun activities to do with your young ones. Other features this edition include: Mum of the Month, Child of the Month, child friendly recipes, parent helpers – videos, book recommendations and grabbing the latest bargain as well as the opportunity to show off your child on our Fan Photos Wall of Fame! Check out the competition - vote for your favourite child for them to appear as our May child of the month!
Travelling With Babies and Toddlers By Bernice Greenacre BEd (Early Childhood Studies) Traveling with babies and toddlers is not easy but I have found that if you plan ahead everything tends to run just a little more smoothly! Last year I travelled from Perth to Hong Kong with a 2 soon to be 3 year old and a 6 month old by myself and boy was that a challenge. It can be done as some people have to do it solo. It so better being prepared! I look back at the trip now and can actually laugh about it having a 6 month old breastfeeding and a 2 year old throwing a tantrum on the floor when the seat belt light had turned on and the air hostess urging me to get my child restrained back in their seat! Oh my what a trip but I did survive! For Toddlers: 1. Before the trip talk about it read lots of books leading up to the trip that relates to the mode of transport that you will take. 2. Talk about activities that you can do when you travel in the car, train or plane. 3. Pack a back pack together for the trip. 4. Great things to take on a trip are: ....a .sticker books ....b. cuddly books, rhyme books , hand puppets ....c. a megasketcher ....d. a notebook, crayons, colouring in book ....e. playdough ....f. origami for older children ....g. threading activities ....h. something new ....i. something familiar and comforting 5. When going on your trip be on the look out for queues that cater for families traveling with children. 6. Allow ample time for the trip to the airport so that you are not rushed or stressed better to be a bit earlier and calm than stressed out because you are running late traveling can be stressful enough! 7. Have a checklist prepared. 8. Check you have all your travel documents – passport, ticket, credit card, foreign currency. 9. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. 10. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight is due to depart. Essentials to pack for Babies and Toddlers: 1. Nappy Bag with many easy accessible compartments. 2. Nappies and bags for the dirty ones have enough nappies that you would use in the duration of time as well as a couple extra just in case. 3. Blanket as it does tend to get cool in the aeroplane. 4. Comfortable and easy to change clothes for the trip. 5. Formulas, juice, water and food plus bottles sippy cups and dummies etc. 6. A breast pump if you are feeding and breastfeeding storage bags can also be handy. 7. Usually I tend to pack more than I would actually need just to be safe rather have too much than run out of something that may save your trip from a disaster! 8. A Baby Carrier. I cannot live without my Ergo Baby Carrier and after 4 years I still get good use out of it everyday! I don't think I could have survived my trip without this! 9. A travel cot or portable baby bassinet can be handy but in many places these can be booked and reserved or even hired. 10. A lightweight stroller and rain cover usually you may use your pushchair all the way up until you board your plane and it will be made available for you as soon as you get off the plane. 10. Extra wipes and tissues are a must! As well as an extra change of clothes for Mum or Dad in case of any mishaps occurring! 11. Travel Potty or a child's toilet seat adapter 12. Anything disposable for traveling is always great as it is easy to dispose of and you tend to travel lighter so disposable nappies, bibs, change mats etc. 13. Don't forget to pack in Sun screen and a hat swim wear and swim nappies if you are going to somewhere that is warm! 14. Car Sunshades if you will be using a hire car can be handy! 15. Car Seats: many car seats can be checked in at no extra cost. 16. Take a waterproof bed protector usually you can get disposable ones this is a must especially for children in set routines 17. A Traveling Medical Kit with the necessities for babies and kids such as plasters, paracetamol, teething gel, nappy rash cream, antiseptic cream etc.
Travelling Hints from Raising Children Network Travelling With Children Holidays With Children
Playground Finders If you are home and want to get out and about to the best playgrounds in your local area then The Playground Finder is great as it lists the facilities available in each! Fun Activities This Easter 1. Make an Easter hat 2. Make an Easter hat especially for the day of the Easter Hunt 3. Make Easter chocolates using melting chocolates and moulds wrap them in colourful cellophane wrap and give them out as gifts. An Invitation! If are in the Perth Metropolitan area this Easter break we warmly invite you come to any of our church's Easter Services. See you there!
Useful Videos Flying with Kids Air Travel with Baby
Book Recommendations
Mum of the Month - Evi (right with Aeden)
My name: Evi Dowell Son: Aedan Seppe Born: June 16 2009
Bees Knees Kid for April
Petalynn Age 7 1/2 months wearing RuffleButts.
Easter Egg Biscuits by Bernice Ingredients: 185g butter, softened 3/4 cup caster sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg 2 cups plain flour Instructions: Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan-forced. Line 3 baking trays with baking paper. Using an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy. Add egg. Beat until combined. Sift flour over butter mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir to combine. Place biscuits 4cm apart on trays. If dough is too soft for rolling place it in fridge until until it is firmer. Use cookie cutters I made use of an oval shape to look like an egg Decorate when cooled Have Fun!!
Photo (above): Eli (modelling Baobab t-shirt) eyeing off and proudly displaying the yummy biscuits.
Kind Regards,
Bernice
The Bees Knees Kids www.thebeeskneeskids.com.au
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Photo (right): Amber, Dylan and Lorraine (modelling Vintage Kid's Eiffel Tower apron) proudly displaying their scones before they disappeared!
Meet Emilia who is 7 months and is modelling Vintage Kid Cherries Hat. Emilia loves playing with her elephant toy! Thanks to mum, Mel, for sending in her picture. Please send in your photos to berns@thebeeskneeskids.com.au with your child's name, what they are wearing or using from The Bees Knees Kids as well as their age and favourite activity. Thanks so much we always enjoy seeing all the gorgeous photos so keep them coming!
By Bernice Greenacre BEd (Early Childhood Studies) When it comes to toys you really don’t need to pay an arm and a leg for these! It is also a very good idea to look at the makeup of a good toy before being lured into the very clever marketing of many companies out there wanting you to part with your money! Great points to remember when buying a toy:
Is it safe? * Small parts are not a good idea especially with young babies and toddlers. * It should not be too noisy as this over a long period of time can damage hearing especially battery operated toys. * It should be easily sanitized and cleaned. * Toys that encourage violence should be avoided. For example, toy guns. * Battery operated toys should close securely as batteries can be dangerous.
Quality * Toys should be kid durable and well made. * Look for toys that have bright colours, shapes, sounds and textures.
Age Appropriate Toys should be suited to the developmental level of your child or baby.
Promotes Learning Toys should be engaging, pose a problem or problems to solve. This could include promoting literacy, grouping or categorizing, encourage sharing or role playing.
Versatility A good toy is versatile and can be used in many ways. For example, we have a wooden wagon which has been used to collect teddies and take them for a ride, play postman and deliver letters, cart little sister around and so much more!
Rotating Toy Use Quite often my children forget about their toys or get bored of them so will head to the pot drawer and get the chopsticks out and play their drums! Something that also works is rotating your child’s toys. Selecting some to put away for a while and taking it out and putting the ones that they have lost interest in away and then take them out in a few weeks. In this way they get to actually enjoy their toys and use them. Sometimes we can over stimulate them by just having far too much out at one time this proves to be frustrating for them as they are over stimulated as well as for us as there are too many toys lying about. A winner in my books although it can be messy is definitely playdough this is so open ended. It is very cheap and easy to make. So it can be fun for parents to join in too! Toy Libraries These are a great resource available in many communities around Australia and many parts of the world where parents are able to borrow many great educational toys. This encourages parents to play with their children and be actively involved in their playing learning and development of their children. Rotating them every few weeks helps to keep it quite fresh and exciting. This also allows parents to save quite a lot of money as good quality toys are not cheap and are usually very short lived. Children can outgrow then quite quickly. There are toys suited for every age and stage of a child’s development.
Kid Spot - Toy Libraries (Sourced from www.kidspot.com.au)
Mum of the Month - Toni (right with Matilda)
Photo (left): Toni with second bub, Hailey.
Welcome to this month's edition of 'The Buzz': the newsletter of The Bees Knees Kids. We aim to assist parents in the nurture of the children in their care.
This month we will be focusing on toys: what makes a good toy, toy libraries and how you can benefit from this wonderful resource for your children as well as saving a bit of money! Other features this edition include: Mum of the Month, Child of the Month, child friendly recipes, parent helpers – videos, book recommendations and grabbing the latest bargain as well as the opportunity to show off your child on our Fan Photos Wall of Fame! Check out the competition - vote for your favourite child for them to appear as our April child of the month!
What Makes A Good Toy? By Bernice Greenacre BEd (Early Childhood Studies) When it comes to toys you really don’t need to pay an arm and a leg for these! It is also a very good idea to look at the makeup of a good toy before being lured into the very clever marketing of many companies out there wanting you to part with your money! Great points to remember when buying a toy:
More... Toy Libraries These are a great resource available in many communities around Australia and many parts of the world where parents are able to borrow many great educational toys. This encourages parents to play with their children and be actively involved in their playing learning and development of their children. Rotating them every few weeks helps to keep it quite fresh and exciting. This also allows parents to save quite a lot of money as good quality toys are not cheap and are usually very short lived. Children can outgrow then quite quickly. There are toys suited for every age and stage of a child’s development.
Raising Children - Toys & Games
Kid Spot - Toy Libraries
Featured Items
Useful Videos
The Power of Play
Bees Knees Kid for March
Emilia Age 7 months wearing Cherries Hat by Vintage Kid.
Super Swift Scones Recipe Ingredients: 3 cups self raising flour (sifted) 1 cup thickened full cream 1 cup lemonade Instructions: Mix together all ingredients and turn onto floured board. Using a rolling pin flatten the dough out until about 1.5 inch (2cm) thick. Cut into scone size. Bake on a greased tray at 250 degrees Celsius for approximately 12 mins. Serve with jam and cream. “Here today, scone tomorrow” Makes 12
Photo (above): Amber, Dylan and Lorraine (modelling Vintage Kid's Eiffel Tower apron) proudly displaying their scones before they disappeared!
