What are they?

There is no medical indication that pain is experienced as bones grow. Though it is often assumed that ‘growing pains’ are related to growing bones, it is actually more a case of muscle aches and pains (small children may not be able to differentiate where the pain is felt).

In majority of cases the pain experienced is in the legs – in the front of their thighs, in the calves, or behind the knees.

They are generally experienced after a hard day of jumping, climbing and running – especially in children who are more athletic and inclined to high impact playground activity.

How do you know if it is growing pains?

Most children experience these types of pains in the late afternoon or early evening but some wake through the night because of it. Children do not usually experience this pain daily and the intensity can differ.

Where joints affected by infection or disease would be red, swollen, warm to the touch and tender/painful if touched or moved, the joints of a child with growing pains would have no outward visual symptoms.

growth chart

How are Growing Pains diagnosed?

Growing pains are what doctors call an exclusion – in other words they will first rule out all other causes before diagnosing growing pains.

One of the most basic indications used in identifying growing pains is how the child reacts to touch when they experience pain.

Children with pain as a result from an infection or serious medical condition would most likely react negatively to being touched. Handling, rubbing and movement would increase they pain experience.

Children experiencing growing pains are often soothed when comforted and the area is massaged and touched.

Dealing with growing pains:

What can be done to help your child when they experience pain?
• Placing warm hands over the area
• Gentle rubbing and massaging
• Stretching the limb to relax the muscle
• Using a heating pad or hot water bottle on the area
• Pain medication – an analgesic and anti-inflammatory … ibuprofen or paracetamol (Never give aspirin to a child under 12)

Nappy rash is for the most part as a result of long periods between changing.
When skin is left wet for extended periods, it becomes sensitive and easily irritated or broken from constant friction. A nappy is a warm, moist and isolated environment which is ideal for the formation of micro-organisms (bacteria), if the skin becomes damaged these microbes move in and cause infection.
Abrasion of fabric and wet skin are the most common arguments for using disposables over cloth, however there are support products for cloth nappies to prevent these perceived problems – nappy 1-way liners function in the same manner as a disposable, drawing the urine away from the skin and keeping baby dry.
A basic rule of thumb is to check your babies nappy once an hour – most parents do this naturally without conscious effort – only change when necessary though (this is generally at longer intervals than one hour, but as it is not a controlled routine the gap between changes would differ and checking increases awareness).
Nappies have a saturation point if nappy is not absorbent enough you can add a booster – this should be done to increase absorbency but not to stretch the time between changes.
Nappies containing faeces should be changed immediately.

cover free time

Be conservative when applying barrier cream.

Many mothers smear a thick layer of barrier cream over the babies skin in order to prevent nappy rash. In reality this can actually have the opposite effect as the cream blocks the porous nature of the nappy eliminating its breathable qualities.
If you change the nappy frequently and properly cleanse and dry the skin, barrier cream is not required (skin can be moisturized with pure aqueous cream or a thin layer of light barrier lotion) and the barrier cream only applied – if a rash is noticed – to the affected area!
Use a light bum balm if needed as prevention (we love the Mother Nature Bum Balm) and only apply thicker cream if there is a rash.

Use a nappy liner.

When using cloth nappies ‘conventionally’ (where you do not change the nappy with each wee), it is advised to use a 1-way liner, which allows the urine through into the absorbent layers but has a dry feel against baby’s skin.
Fleece is ideal for this purpose as it wicks the moisture away from the skin and remain soft and dry feeling against the skin.
Alternatively, you can use of the disposable liners available (choose one with have 1-way qualities).
This ‘dry feel’ means that baby’s skin remains relatively dry and so does not chafe, making for more comfortable extended wear.

nappy free time

Nappy products that are breathable.

A non-porous plastic outer cover prevents air-flow to the skin. This isolates the heat within the nappy, creates a bacteria-incubator (wet & hot) and exacerbates the growth of microbes. As such avoid the common plastic waterproofs and rather spend the little extra on those that are breathable – porous.
• Cloth Nappy covers:
there are various very effective options in nappy covers.
* Breathable & Water-resistant – Fleece and Wool;
* Breathable and Waterproof – PUL, a synthetic laminated fabric which is fully waterproof but porous (commonly used in top-quality waterproof sports wear).

Take preventative steps when washing the nappies.

- Use a mild pure-soap washing powder, not one that contains enzymes (concentrate versions contain enzymes).
- Rinse nappies well to remove all traces of soap, and/or use less powder than recommended (about ½ to 2/3’s) – this is sufficient to clean the nappies.
- Do not use sterilizing solutions or bleach as these are not necessary and residue of these chemicals can damage baby’s’ skin – if you are concerned about sterilizing rather add a drop or two of Tea-tree oil to your soaking / rinsing water as this has antibacterial and antifungal qualities and is gentle on babies skin. There are also some organic nappy soak products on the market.
- Hot wash nappies at 60ºC, this both sterilizes and will dilute the formation of ammonia in nappies (if nappy has a strong smell prior to washing). If you are washing daily a cold wash will suffice however if you are skipping days … the more days the hotter the wash.
- Line dry nappies – the sun also helps in neutralizing any remaining ammonia.

Let babies skin BREATHE.

When changing nappies don’ t hurry to cover them up again, give them a little time for their skin to air-dry.
There is no need to use a cover over the nappy all day, every day – especially around the house – though breathable each layer does make airflow a little limited. Some days just dress her in a nappy and t-shirt for a while when playing.
Let baby play bare-bummed occasionally, the fresh air, sunlight and freedom can only do them good!
Or let them sleep without a nappy in the day (just take care to lay them on a towel or flat nappy to protect the mattress / cushion (a fleece blanket under the towel will act in the same way as a cover protecting the bedding beneath).

Research commissioned by HUGGIES® reveals that nappy rash is still a big problem for little people – a massive 57% of all babies experience some form of nappy rash every two to three weeks.

Jean Golding, Professor of Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children did research which has shown that “the type of nappy used is not a significant factor in the incidence of nappy rash” (Getting to the Bottom of Nappy Rash, R. Philip, A. Hughs & J. Golding. British Journal of General Practice, August 1997; pp.493-497). The major causes of nappy rash were found to be infrequent nappy changing and ill heath of the child. “

Statistically the most common cause of nappy rash is infrequent nappy change, and a large part of this percentage is due to diarrhoea.

“In 70-80% of these cases, diarrhoea has been found to be the cause: liquid poo spreads over a wide area of the skin and is very irritating”

WHAT IS NAPPY RASH?

Nappy rash is a skin irritation on the nappy area of a baby. Can vary from a mild rash (that baby is unaware of) to an extremely painful raw rash of blisters or pustules. Though most rashes can be effectively and quickly remedied at home, there are cases where the rash is either repetitive or of such an extent that medical treatment is required.
There are 3 basic causes for nappy rash – strong urine, skin infections, chemical sensitivity

COMMON REASONS FOR NAPPY RASH:

(from most common to rare)
1. Nappy changes few and far between
2. Diarrhoea
3. Allergens and irritants (external factors – creams, wipes, detergents etc)
4. Allergies & intolerances (internal factors – mainly food related)
5. Teething
6. Common colds
7. Thrush

THE APPEARANCE OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RASHES

*An ordinary nappy rash is very red, but not bright red. Baby shows no real signs of discomfort apart from when they wee or poo they may react to the sting experienced. the skin between their folds is not red or affected. Rash disappears within a day or few days with normal treatment – airing, using zinc cream and frequent changing. If rash continues visit a doctor.

*A fungal infection is bright red. Redness will affect the skin in the folds as well and spots may spread further over the bum area. Baby will possibly become upset during nappy change and cry. If none of the ordinary remedies such as airing, frequent changing and zinc paste make a difference, contact a doctor.

*A bright red, very warm and swollen nappy rash may be caused by a bacterial infection. . Baby could be feverish or moody and a visit to the doctor will be required and possibly antibiotic treatment.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

*Firstly: Nappy rash is pretty common in babies, so much so that all babies will experience it at some stage. Consequently this is not a negative reflection on your parenting skills.

*Secondly: If or when your baby experiences nappy rash, it is advised to try isolating the cause and not simply treating the symptom. Nappy rash is both uncomfortable and painful to her and taking some basic steps in identifying the cause and finding a specific solution can help avoid future breakouts.

*Thirdly: Though urine does not specifically irritate the skin, if the skin becomes very wet it is more vulnerable to irritation. However when urine and faeces combine OR urine is left too long before changing – ammonia forms which causes a rash on the skin, the longer it is in contact with the skin, the more extreme the inflammation.

The appearance of the skin irritation may differ from one baby to the next (one occurrence to the next), however they all fall under the term nappy rash. Though the treatment for all forms of nappy rash is virtually the same, it is important to not only treat the rash, but to consider the cause and take steps towards future prevention.

HOW TO TREAT NAPPY RASH:

1. Gently cleanse the area by either bathing with warm water or wiping clean with warm water and cotton wool. Do not use any scented soaps or creams that will further aggravate the inflammation. Do not rub dry, rather press or pat. Rinse skin properly.

2. Avoid baby wipes as even those for sensitive skin may contain ingredients that further irritate the skin – rather give a bum bath in the basin with clean water in nappy changes.

3. Treat the inflamed area with a nappy rash cream (preferably one that contains zinc). These creams are specifically formulated for treating inflammation.

4. Leave baby nappyless for a period of time – ideally outside, a little sunshine on the tender area is both soothing and helps with healing.

5. Ensure you only use nappy products that are breathable (porous).

6. In the event of the rash being very extreme or appearing infected (red spots form yellow heads or blisters), consult your practitioner as you may then need an antibacterial ointment.

THINGS TO REMEMBER IF USING CLOTH
– especially if there is nappy rash

1. Take care to change nappies more often – as soon as baby is wet, dont try stretch the time per nappy (it works out to about the same number of changes a day anyway).

2. Washing the skin rather than using wipes is quick and easy and better hygiene for babies skin.

3. Ensure you wash your nappies in hot water for this time (in case the rash is thrush related, the hot water helps sterilize).

4. Always ensure you are rinsing ALL the soap residue out (if your nappies harden on drying they probably still contain soap).

5. Use a fleece liner against babies skin to prevent the sensitive rash skin being in contact with wetness. It is not necessary as a norm but is good practice if baby is susceptible to rash (this works in disposables too)

♥♥WIN AN AMBER TEETHING NECKLACE♥♥
We are giving away 1 Amber teething necklace. In order to win it you need to comment below AND do one of the following (or already be listed on one or all):

Like us on Facebook / Follow on Twitter or register on the Earth Babies website to qualify.
(remember to let us know in the comment what username to look out for, so we can make a match)

Retweets of this post, Comment on the related Facebook post and Blog posts mentioning Earth Babies Teething Necklaces (remember we need to be aware of the post) get extra entries
winners name will be drawn 23 September 2010
*South Africa only

What is Amber?
AMBER is fossilized resin (not tree sap) from certain kinds of trees (a few conifers and angiosperms). Most of the world’s amber ranges from 30-90 million years old. Semi-fossilized resin or sub-fossil amber is known as copal. It occurs in the southern regions of Northern Europe (Scandinavia and area close to the Baltic sea bed). Although it is not mineralized it is often referred to as a gemstone.

Baltic amber (known as succinite) is an organic substance known and sought after for its unique qualities. It is the only fossil resin containing 3 to 8% succinic acid, which is a multi-purpose therapeutic substance.

Resin was produced by the tree to protect itself from disease and injury caused by insects and fungi by sealing and healing the wounds of a tree (such as a broken branch). This was the origin of the belief that it holds healing energy (pre-scientific research)!

Originally the word Amber meant Baltic Amber (which accounts for 80% of the world’s amber and according to scientists is a fossil pine resin from that region that through oxidation attained a stable state). However according to the process of how amber is formed, other ‘amber’ varieties have since been traced in different parts of the world. Although more than 125 types of fossil resins are known in the world (Europe, America & some in Asia), these resins are not amber but its relatives and each have their own name.

In appearance, some amber is clear and others contain ‘debris’ within the bead – these foreign particles (insects, foliage, flora, seeds and feathers), referred to as the “fire” in the gem, are natural and these inclusions give each piece a unique personality.
The colour of amber varies quite dramatically – it can vary from crystal clear transparency to completely opaque with colours ranging from white, yellow, dark brown to less common ones such as red, green, bluish, grey and black amber – it can also occur in 2 or more colours intermixed.
Amber is one of the earliest gems used in jewellery and talismans. It’s energy is often referred to as being like liquid sunshine. It is always temperate to the touch (unlike stone which is cold) and is said to enhance the beauty of the wearer. Light and comfortable to wear, it is not an irritant to the skin.

Amber Teething Necklace

How does it work?
There have been many studies (still ongoing) on the beneficial characteristics of amber and there are three main philosophies:

The first being that when in contact with skin, body heat causes the amber to release microscopic amounts of healing oils (succinic acid) which are then absorbed via the skin into the bloodstream.
The anti-inflammatory and curative properties of amber are recognized by allopathic (conventional) medicine. Doctors and pharmacists have long been familiar with the healing properties of amber which include calmative, pain-relief, antispasmodic, expectorant, and fever relief functions.

A second more commonly known theory is based on the concept of energy (similar to the copper bracelets worn for arthritis).
Scientific findings have shown that amber is electromagnetically alive and carries a substantial charge of organic energy. Wearing amber produces negative ionization on the skin’s surface (this is its significant attribute, that it is electronegative) which in turn, has a positive affect on the human body. The negative ions assist in the prevention of illness. These health-promoting effects apply to babies, children and adults alike.

The third school of thought which has been derived through empirical observation (practical experience and not merely theory) is that the soothing and calming characteristics of amber is a combination of the factors listed in the first two theories.

How do I know if it is real Baltic Amber?
All amber stones sold through Earth Babies are authentic, natural Baltic amber.
They are not artificial, plastic, synthetic, reconstituted or substitute for amber. In every batch bought we randomly test 1 in every 10 received.

A simple home tests to see if amber is genuine
Amber when rubbed vigorously against or in a natural material such as silk, cotton or wool will become heavily charged with static electricity and will be able to attract/lift light particles such as small pieces of paper or hair. Copal (what is commonly confused as amber) does not become static when rubbed. Another indication through this process of rubbing (or heating) is that Amber may have a faint resinous fragrance while copal could actually begin to soften and become sticky.
Amber used to be called Electron by the ancient Greeks specifically because of this static electricity.

READ MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS & USES OF AMBER (such as teething necklaces)

Benefits of Amber:
♥ Acts as a mild natural analgesic (pain reliever).
♥ An excellent natural antibiotic.
♥ Soothes both emotional and physical – and can calm an irritable and niggly child.
♥ Boosts immune system and general wellness.
♥ Reduces inflammation of the gums, ears, stomach and throat.
♥ Useful in treating bacterial infections (and acne).
♥ Fights inflammation, infections & respiratory disease. (throat infections, bronchial disorders, joint pain, asthma, respiratory disease, stomach infections, rheumatism, earache.)
♥ Acts as a protective shield against radiation (x-rays, sun, technology)
♥ It helps post-operatively with tissue regeneration, scar tissue and helps to prevent secondary infections.
♥ Good for success, abundance, healing, vitality and joy (Enhances patience, love, strength, knowledge, correct choices, wisdom, calmness and healing).
♥ Balances, purifies and energizes body and mind (Great for absent-mindedness, depression, stress and nerves)
♥ Excellent detoxification – treats and aids the function of the abdomen, bladder, blood, eyes, kidney, stomach, spleen, tissue revitalization, throat, liver and gallbladder.

Features of the Earth Babies beads:
- Softly rounded, irregular, pure Baltic Amber beads
- Twist clasp closing (plastic)
- Strong thread, individually knotted between each bead.
- Length: 33 cm
- Bead size: 4×5x6mm to 10×7x5mm

EB mixed amber

Safety of teething necklaces:
One of the most common parental concerns with teething necklaces is whether it is a choking hazard.
The necklace is made from strong silk string and the claps it plastic – this means that though it is durable, if it gets caught on something & baby pulls away it would snap.
There is a knot after every bead so that if the necklace breaks only one bead will fall off.
Beads are non-toxic, light and small so if swallowed, it would pass through easily.

How should it be used:
Teething necklaces are not for baby to chew on and are not a teething toy – the benefit are from wearing amber in direct contact with the skin.
The necklace may be worn from two months and up (for as long as it fits).
Whether to remove or not is up to parent’s discretion. Some put it on and leave it on 24/7 for 2+ years others remove it for sleeping, bathing or if baby is unattended.
Amber summary:
- It is fossilized matter which has taken millions of years to form from tree resin.
- It comes in many colours and shade variations the most common are cognac, honey, lemon yellow, ivory and cream/yellow.
- Amber is an organic substance.
- Did you know? The biggest deposits are located below the Baltic sea and the easiest and oldest way to obtain Amber is by collecting it on the beach where the stones have been washed out by waves during storms.

WHAT IS AMBER? – READ MORE AND SEE DETAILS ON HOW TO WIN AN AMBER TEETHING NECKLACE

This years focus is on Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding .

This Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched by WHO & UNICEF in 1991 and started in South Africa in 1994. The first health facility to be declared Baby Friendly in South Africa was St. Monica’s Maternity Hospital in Cape Tow n in 1994. The next 2 were only listed in 1996 and The last listing by Unicef of Baby Friendly Hospitals in South Africa is from 2005 where the total listed was 176 (of about 480).

UNICEF recently noted that the reduction of child deaths from 13 million globally in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008 is partly due to the adoption of basic health interventions such as early and exclusive breastfeeding. More and more studies have shown that implementation of the Ten Steps with continued postnatal support contributes to increased breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding at the local, national and global levels.

Breastfeeding ♥ collage

Last years theme was The First Hour- in which focus fell on making the world aware of the global change that could be made in terms of child health and infant deaths if certain steps were taken within the first crucial hour after birth to assist babies and mothers in successful breastfeeding initiation. This information is still available on our site as even if the focus week has long past that information and initiative should be ongoing.

The World Breastfeeding Week site
Wikipedias listing on breastfeeding and it’s benefits

From The Unnecesarean.com

Ever wondered what people do with the placenta when it is not discarded of through a hospital?

I have heard of eating it as a cure for Post Natal Depression. Why would anyone even consider this? – well placenta is said to be very high in nutrients and vitamins beneficial to a mothers’ healing – you can read various articles here about placenta benefits.

Placenta pills may help to:
• Increase general energy
• Allow a quicker return to health after birth
• Increase production of breast milk
• Decrease likelihood of baby blues and post natal depression
• Decrease likelihood of iron deficiency
• Decrease likelihood of insomnia or sleep disorders

Luckily I did not suffer from post natal depression but for some it is debilitating and I think anything that can help or prevent it would become a life-line (and lose its ick factor). My mother suffered PND very badly after my own birth – it was in a time when post natal depression was not recognised and women were told to simply ‘buck up’ which I have been told simply made it worse. It took long for her to recover from it but she was lucky to have had support in my father and aunt. Knowing this now (I was unaware as a child) I can look back and understand better our hot & cold relationship and also my very close attachment to my dad.

There are some new ones here that I had not thought of (specifically the ‘crafty’ ones) and somehow these make me feel even more squeamish than the idea of a placenta sandwich.
Read 5 fun things you can do with your Baby’s Placenta from Inhabitots.com

What did you do with the placenta and what do these ideas make you think / feel?

As you and your partner go through different stages of your life, so your love-making will change. At times it will be wonderful. At times it might be just okay. And sometimes, it may even be difficult. What’s important is that you always talk and listen to one another and do as much as possible to keep your sexual relationship working.

If you have a new-born baby, your sexual relationship might be difficult for 6 months or longer, says SoulSEX, a new 44-page sex guide published by the Soul City Institute.

This is really a time when talking, listening, caring and supporting one another is so important. You both need to be patient and understanding. After all, there is a tiny little person in your life.

A man needs to remember that a mother of a new-born baby is often sore after giving birth and her body needs to recover. She may also be tired from nights of being up with the baby and from breastfeeding. What’s more a man needs to understand the mother’s natural motherly feelings about giving her baby as much attention, love and care as possible.

Fathers can help look after babies. This will take some of the strain off the new mother.

A new mother needs to understand that the father of a new-born baby also wants her attention, love and care. What’s more, a woman needs to remember that today many fathers want to help with their new-born babies and don’t want to be left out.

Also, there are a few men who were present at the birth of their child who find that they very distressed by what they have seen. “Some of them feel so guilty at the pain their partner has gone through that they are unable to even consider the idea of making love with her again. This is usually just a passing phase, but not always,” says Dr David Delvin at netdoctor.com.uk. Fathers who feel like this should seek help from a counsellor to discuss his feelings, he says.

Will childbirth change your sex life?

Definitely, says Delvin. “Please don’t expect that everything will instantly return to normal. Men are particularly likely to believe this; a lot of young blokes think that they’ll be able to have intercourse as soon as their partner gets home from hospital. But that just isn’t true,” he says.

Dr Delvin notes that childbirth is a traumatic process for a woman. “Having a baby pass through her vagina is almost like having a small explosion go off inside her. The delicate vaginal tissues are inevitably strained, bruised and torn – and it takes some weeks for these injuries to heal up,” he says.

He adds that childbirth also involves very considerable hormone changes and emotional stress. As a result, very few women feel “rampagingly sexy until a long time after they have given birth,” he says.

However, a couple can engage in non-penetrative sex while they wait for the woman to heal. And that, too, can bring its own fun, and help the couple maintain a sexual closeness. For more details on some of the non-penetrative sexual activities you can do, download SoulSEX.
Also note that non-penetrative sexual activities should exclude cunnilingus for the first few weeks after childbirth, which could introduce infection into the vagina and womb.

Is sex going to be the same?

As previously mentioned in the introduction of this article, love-making will change as we go through various stages of our lives. However, that does not mean that it can’t be fun/as or even more rewarding than before childbirth. And yes, the vagina of a woman who had a natural childbirth will not go back to its original shape.

As Kelly Winder at Bellybelly.com.au notes: “The vagina is designed like a piano accordion – its actually designed to stretch open. Memories of trying to insert a tampon for the first time or the first sexual encounter may suggest to women that giving birth to a baby will be even worse. But the body is very capable and in fact designed to do this. Another help is that the baby is slippery, covered in vernix or at least wet with amniotic fluid. This lubrication will help the baby move through the birth canal.”
This means that the vagina is designed to stretch for childbirth and revert back to its original position afterwards, she says.

“The result of vaginal birth is an increase in blood supply to the area. This can result in women becoming more orgasmic after vaginal birth. This effect may be reduced if the pelvic floor is weak, however a women’s health physiotherapist can teach women how to correctly exercise these muscles to improve strength.”

Baby steps

According to Delvin, a couple should begin sexual intercourse gently after childbirth. If possible, try and find a time of the day when you are not too worn out, he says. Also, try to find a time when the baby is not likely to wake up, so you can have some peace and quiet.
“Hormone changes and worry can lead to some women experiencing vaginal dryness for the first three months after giving birth. But you don’t take hormones for this. Instead, buy lubricants over the counter from a pharmacist,” he says
He also notes that a couple should choose a position in which the woman can control the pace and depth of penetration for the first few sessions of sex after childbirth, A position with her on top, or one where both partners lie side-by-side facing each other, may be more comfortable, he says.

Lastly, here are some ideas stop your children walking in when you are making love:
• Lock the door
• Ask a friend to look after them when you arrange a special time for yourself as a couple
• Make love somewhere else (outside the home, for example0
• Make sure your children are fast asleep.

Download SoulSEX

Bio
Damaria Senne is a writer based in Johannesburg. She is the web content developer for OneLove (www.onelovesouthernafrica.org) , a 9-country regional campaign which aims to encourage people in Southern Africa to have one sexual partner. Damaria writes about her life as a writer at http://damariasenne.blogspot.com

We pre-registered, I thought this would make things easier in terms of just being able to show your registration papers and going in vs standing in lines to pay on the day. And I have to admit the promise of a goodie bag for pre-registrations also appealed. (Ironically it would have been much less stress and faster to have simply paid on the day)

We took our kids (brave Sally took 4 – her own and 2 friends) with because it was at the zoo, would be a fun family day out (I had done the same distance with the kids before at the Pretoria zoo so knew it was doable as the animals kept the kids entertained and motivated) and we would be supporting a worthwhile and close to home cause. I kindly invited husband dear along as it was going to be nice to do as a family …. bliss.

Sadly the reality fell a bit short of our ideas and intentions. There were 1000’s on 1000’s of people that attended. We got stuck in very slow traffic around the zoo, ended up after lots of driving around having to park 3 blocks away on a pavement and walk to the registration area.

Sally was already in the lines to get their entry tickets and bags (thanks to her beautiful pink hair, we found them in the masses quite easily). The sign in process had been divided into groups according to your surnames and Sally was right at the back of an incredibly long 3 person deep line for A-D’s.

We pushed, maneuvered and probably pissed people off with our 2 kids and a pram through the aimless milling crowds to first go to the toilet (desperation called) before searching for the end of the line of our own long line of 3 people deep j-l group. Thankfully our line was not as long as Sally’s and we were well ahead of her.

More than an hour+ later – about a half hour past the walks starting time; after some crying and moaning (mostly by the children) and a placating sucker each for breakfast we got to the front of the line to pick up our little pink tickets, have our names checked off their list and get our goodie bags which basically were Avon & Justine Marketing material, an old edition of Shape magazine and a T-shirt each (not even in the size requested in the preregistration) we were done – amazingly at the same time as Sally.

Once inside we realised that the walk did not even take place within the relative safety of the zoo but was actually out on the road, we decided that we had done our part (the hardest part) for charity and were going to simply take the kids around the zoo than torture them further – they were already tired and miserable a 5km walk would not go down well.
The kids had fun in the end, was a nice enough morning BUT next year I will pay my fee and NOT go to the walk. Maybe when my children are all grown up and out of the house I will brave that experience again.

Breast Cancer Walk at the Zoo Fail
Female to Female

I remember the dilemma I had when we went Trick-or-treating the first time when we lived in England, I try where possible to limit my kids sweet and sugar intake, but this was now sweet heaven a whole bag full of sticky delightful sweets. A kids dream come true. Should I just let them have the sweets and enjoy them or should I changed them from healthier snacks? In the end I thought you are only a kid once and sweets at Halloween are unlikely to kill them. All things in moderation I guess is the answer.

It does not stop me thinking I wish we could cut sugar out of our lives totally. I have read so much about it negative effects on our bodies. I read this article Sugar the Sweet Thief of Life a few years ago, it is a long read but quite scary to see what effect it has on our bodies, and ever since then I have wanted to get rid of it, but it is way easier said than done when I myself have a very sweet tooth.

I know I will never be able to cut sugar out all together as much as I would like to, maybe I just have to make peace with trying to limit it where I can and substitute with other snacks. I don’t want to be fanatical though as I think the forbidden always becomes more alluring to kids. So I guess a sweet overload at Halloween and other times like this is just part of the joys of growing up.