If you are a parent, or you are going to become one soon, then you will know that it is going to be important to be fully prepared to have a child. That means doing your research, and knowing as much as possible about the whole process of the child developing and growing. That will ensure that you are ready for all of the changes that are going to occur, which will help you to be less shocked and surprised when things happen out of the blue, and which will equip you with a better understanding of what you need to do at these different times. All of that will help in being a better parent.
Of course, there is plenty that you will need to consider here, but at first you will want to at least know what the essentials are. In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the early development stages that your baby will go through, so that you can have some idea of what you can expect. As long as you know about these things and what they entail, you will feel much more ready to look after that baby.
Newborn
As a newborn, you can expect your baby to already be developing amazingly fast, and it is not uncommon for new parents to be surprised at the kinds of changes that are already happening at this young age. For one thing, your baby will be rapidly adjusting to the outside world, which means that as well as lots of sleeping and feeding going on, they are also going to be beginning to experiment with what is around them. They cannot yet see very far, but will recognise your face and enjoy a cuddle! If you stick your tongue out, you might well find that your baby copies you at this stage.
If you are wondering why your baby appears to look a little scrunched up at this stage, it’s actually perfectly normal, and merely a result of them not being able to unfurl their arms and legs fully yet. At first, your baby will need feeding around the clock, in the first few days of life at least. But soon enough, a routine will start to develop, and it’s one that both of you are going to be getting used to, so that is one of the most important parts of this newborn stage. At the same time, sleeping routines will start to develop as well - again, something that both of you are going to have to get used to.
One Month
This is the month during which babies are expected to start being able to lift their head, which is an important and often very exciting part of the process, and something that you will probably be very glad to see. However, you will still need to be giving them plenty of support along the way, so it’s important to bear that in mind too. Your child is also probably becoming more expressive and may gurgle when they see you, which is a particularly fascinating and enjoyable part of this stage. By responding to them, you will be helping them to encourage their communication skills, even at this early stage.
They are also likely becoming much more sensitive to what is going on around them generally, which is obviously important as a part of their development. You can play with them to help this along, and you might find that they enjoy more and more seeing your face or a colourful toy. All in all, this is the stage at which your baby is in the very first stages of socialization and movement.
Two Months
If there is anything exciting that you will probably find you are particularly looking forward to, it is when your baby first smiles at you. That is something that you can expect at around the two month stage, and it’s no surprise that this is one of the favourtie stages for many parents around the world. When that moment happens, it is a feeling unlike any other, and something that will really gladden the heart. Your child will also probably be sleeping for longer periods at this stage, which might well be a welcome change in itself. Also, their sight is starting to become much better, and you can help them out by continuing to play in the way that you should. All in all, it’s an important month for the both of you.
Three Months
This third month might well be considered to be one of the most important for their development of communication. It is at this point that you will almost certainly find them to be babbling away and ‘talking’ in their own way to you a lot. The more that you talk back to them, the more that their language skills will develop, so this is a particularly good time to be doing just that. At this stage, you might want to start describing what you are doing as you are doing it, as a means of getting the language function operating as you would hope it would. Your child will also start waving their limbs around here a lot, which is the start of more sustained movement. Your baby might be able to lift their head for a few seconds while lying on their back at this stage, a particularly exciting development. While they are at this stage they can start attending infant programs to help with their development. So if you're a working parent or are planning to head back to work soon, you could search for an 'infant school near me in Exton, PA' or wherever is local to you, to find programs to help your child develop their verbal and cognitive functions.
Four Months
At this time, the vision is developing quite a lot, and you will find that your baby is starting to explore their surroundings more and more in intriguing ways. It’s a good idea to give them materials of different textures at this point to play around with, so that they get a sense of different items in this way. Of course, part of all this is also that they might be starting to become much more distracted, so things like feeding could become more difficult. However, at the same time you will probably not need to feed them quite as often anymore, so in a way it is going to be easier on the whole.
Five Months
Month five is usually a big one for movement. It is often at this stage that a baby will start to sit up on their own, which is obviously a big step towards greater bodily self-control. You will also find that your baby is becoming more enamoured with expressing themselves to you, and that the communication between you is improving greatly along the way as well. They will be starting to show greater affection through hugs and kisses too, which is something that a lot of parents particularly enjoy! If you make the most of that, and help your baby to sit and crawl, you will find that this month is one of the most exciting of all.
Six Months
If your baby is developing well, there is a good chance that at this stage they will be starting to desire solid foods. This is obviously an important part of developing, and so is another milestone which you can expect at six months: rolling over. The baby roll over is a hugely important part of development, and one which many parents look forward to greatly.
Seven Months
In this month, your baby will start using their hands more and more. That is something that can have both wonderful and disastrous results, and you might want to have your camera ready! All in all, it is the start of the most exciting times of all - which is the remaining months up until the one year mark.
Newborn
As a newborn, you can expect your baby to already be developing amazingly fast, and it is not uncommon for new parents to be surprised at the kinds of changes that are already happening at this young age. For one thing, your baby will be rapidly adjusting to the outside world, which means that as well as lots of sleeping and feeding going on, they are also going to be beginning to experiment with what is around them. They cannot yet see very far, but will recognise your face and enjoy a cuddle! If you stick your tongue out, you might well find that your baby copies you at this stage.
If you are wondering why your baby appears to look a little scrunched up at this stage, it’s actually perfectly normal, and merely a result of them not being able to unfurl their arms and legs fully yet. At first, your baby will need feeding around the clock, in the first few days of life at least. But soon enough, a routine will start to develop, and it’s one that both of you are going to be getting used to, so that is one of the most important parts of this newborn stage. At the same time, sleeping routines will start to develop as well - again, something that both of you are going to have to get used to.
One Month
This is the month during which babies are expected to start being able to lift their head, which is an important and often very exciting part of the process, and something that you will probably be very glad to see. However, you will still need to be giving them plenty of support along the way, so it’s important to bear that in mind too. Your child is also probably becoming more expressive and may gurgle when they see you, which is a particularly fascinating and enjoyable part of this stage. By responding to them, you will be helping them to encourage their communication skills, even at this early stage.
They are also likely becoming much more sensitive to what is going on around them generally, which is obviously important as a part of their development. You can play with them to help this along, and you might find that they enjoy more and more seeing your face or a colourful toy. All in all, this is the stage at which your baby is in the very first stages of socialization and movement.
Two Months
If there is anything exciting that you will probably find you are particularly looking forward to, it is when your baby first smiles at you. That is something that you can expect at around the two month stage, and it’s no surprise that this is one of the favourtie stages for many parents around the world. When that moment happens, it is a feeling unlike any other, and something that will really gladden the heart. Your child will also probably be sleeping for longer periods at this stage, which might well be a welcome change in itself. Also, their sight is starting to become much better, and you can help them out by continuing to play in the way that you should. All in all, it’s an important month for the both of you.
Three Months
This third month might well be considered to be one of the most important for their development of communication. It is at this point that you will almost certainly find them to be babbling away and ‘talking’ in their own way to you a lot. The more that you talk back to them, the more that their language skills will develop, so this is a particularly good time to be doing just that. At this stage, you might want to start describing what you are doing as you are doing it, as a means of getting the language function operating as you would hope it would. Your child will also start waving their limbs around here a lot, which is the start of more sustained movement. Your baby might be able to lift their head for a few seconds while lying on their back at this stage, a particularly exciting development. While they are at this stage they can start attending infant programs to help with their development. So if you're a working parent or are planning to head back to work soon, you could search for an 'infant school near me in Exton, PA' or wherever is local to you, to find programs to help your child develop their verbal and cognitive functions.
Four Months
At this time, the vision is developing quite a lot, and you will find that your baby is starting to explore their surroundings more and more in intriguing ways. It’s a good idea to give them materials of different textures at this point to play around with, so that they get a sense of different items in this way. Of course, part of all this is also that they might be starting to become much more distracted, so things like feeding could become more difficult. However, at the same time you will probably not need to feed them quite as often anymore, so in a way it is going to be easier on the whole.
Five Months
Month five is usually a big one for movement. It is often at this stage that a baby will start to sit up on their own, which is obviously a big step towards greater bodily self-control. You will also find that your baby is becoming more enamoured with expressing themselves to you, and that the communication between you is improving greatly along the way as well. They will be starting to show greater affection through hugs and kisses too, which is something that a lot of parents particularly enjoy! If you make the most of that, and help your baby to sit and crawl, you will find that this month is one of the most exciting of all.
Six Months
If your baby is developing well, there is a good chance that at this stage they will be starting to desire solid foods. This is obviously an important part of developing, and so is another milestone which you can expect at six months: rolling over. The baby roll over is a hugely important part of development, and one which many parents look forward to greatly.
Seven Months
In this month, your baby will start using their hands more and more. That is something that can have both wonderful and disastrous results, and you might want to have your camera ready! All in all, it is the start of the most exciting times of all - which is the remaining months up until the one year mark.
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Well Hello, there Beautiful! Contrary to what greeting card companies might tell you, Valentine’s Day isn’t all about roses, chocolates, and mushy cards — although those things certainly don’t hurt! This Valentine's Day you could also treat your loved one or yourself to the gift of pampering! These are our top picks that would make gorgeous Valentine's Day gifts!
DEFY DAMAGE PROTECTIVE SHIELD TO GUARD AGAINST THERMAL & UV DAMAGE
A true damage defense hero against the harsh effects of daily styling and exposure to UV and environmental pollution—helps prevent damage and guards against color fade for beautiful, vibrant, healthy-looking hair. Used before styling, hair is fortified inside and out.
WEEKEND HAIR DRY SHAMPOO
Formula Details:
Shiseido ImperialLash MascaraInk - Waterproof
Shiseido Men Energizing FormulaA cooling, brightening gel that minimizes signs of fatigue and dullness, skin feels invigorated.
Deep Cleansing Scrub
This invigorating exfoliating face scrub eliminates roughness, blackheads and dull surface cells with triple deep-cleansing action. Leaves dull, fatigued skin with a fresh, clean, energized look. This scrub is anti-bacterial and helps prevent in-grown hairs.
Kajal InkArtist - Shadow, Liner, Brow
Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask
A concentrated face treatment sheet mask that encourages skin’s natural recovery function and infuses skin with hydrating moisture to help improve texture. Youthful suppleness and radiance is dramatically improved with a single application.
All-Natural Strawberry Peppermint Lip Care Set (scrub & balm)
Strawberry Peppermint Botanic Lip Scrub and Lip Balm Highlights-
This set includes the Strawberry Peppermint Sultry Lip Balm Enriched with Vitamin C Ester & Vitamin E & Strawberry Peppermint Botanic Lip Scrub Enriched with Agave Nectar & Vitamin C Ester
This set includes the Strawberry Peppermint Sultry Lip Balm Enriched with Vitamin C Ester & Vitamin E & Strawberry Peppermint Botanic Lip Scrub Enriched with Agave Nectar & Vitamin C Ester
- Pamper your pout with this all-natural sweet luscious lip scrub and lip balm set. Be careful not to eat your lips!
- Exfoliate dead skin cells & impurities from dry parched lips making them more soft, supple, and smooth
- Vitamin C Ester helps reduce the appearance of lip lines induced by sun damage
- Shea, Avocado, & Cocoa Butter provides superior hydration to the driest cracked lips
- 100% All Natural
- Vegetable pigment color provided by Beet powder (red color)
- Gently scrub your pout then follow with our sultry lip balm
A true damage defense hero against the harsh effects of daily styling and exposure to UV and environmental pollution—helps prevent damage and guards against color fade for beautiful, vibrant, healthy-looking hair. Used before styling, hair is fortified inside and out.
Take a welcome break from time-consuming wet-washes and blowouts without sacrificing an ounce of style. Joico Weekend Hair Dry Shampoo not only extends your 'do for days but doubles the longevity of hair color to keep the big fade away. With oil-absorbing ingredients and volume boosters that deliver a gorgeous just-washed fullness, this time-saving spray gives you fresh, clean, velvety-soft #weekendhair ANY day of the week.
Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation
A weightless foundation, with ActiveForce™ technology, that synchronizes with skin and self-refreshes nonstop for a 24-hour just-applied look and flawless finish.
A SHISEIDO first in a foundation that self-refreshes nonstop with ActiveForce™ technology. The long-wearing fluid foundation synchronizes with skin and helps resist heat, humidity, oil and facial movement to maintain a just-applied, flawless finish that lasts 24 hours. Weightless. Breathable. Blendable. Buildable. Currently available in 30 different shades.
A SHISEIDO first in a foundation that self-refreshes nonstop with ActiveForce™ technology. The long-wearing fluid foundation synchronizes with skin and helps resist heat, humidity, oil and facial movement to maintain a just-applied, flawless finish that lasts 24 hours. Weightless. Breathable. Blendable. Buildable. Currently available in 30 different shades.
Formula Details:
- SPF 30
- Oil-free
- All-day hydration
- Waterproof, smudge-proof
- Humidity-resistant, transfer-resistant
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- For all skin types
Shiseido ImperialLash MascaraInk - Waterproof
This waterproof mascara gives lashes major lift, length, volume, and definition.
The innovative brush features a rigid core surrounded by flexible silicone bristles and a unique crown tip that can grab hard-to-reach lashes near the inner corners of eyes and bulk up bottom lashes minus clumps. The ultra-fine crushed pigments and precise blend of waxes wrap each lash in a weightless, smudge-proof, clump-proof formula that lasts all day. Available in black. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested.
Shiseido Men Energizing FormulaA cooling, brightening gel that minimizes signs of fatigue and dullness, skin feels invigorated.
An instantly refreshing, brightening gel with an irresistible cooling sensation that helps combat signs of fatigue. Leaves skin feeling invigorated and lightly moisturized while minimizing signs of dullness. Skin appears brighter, healthier and energized. Damage Defense Complex replenishes moisture and increases the skin’s protective barrier function from oxidation and external damage.
All skin types. Non-Comedogenic.
All skin types. Non-Comedogenic.
Face scrub that eliminates roughness and blackheads.
This invigorating exfoliating face scrub eliminates roughness, blackheads and dull surface cells with triple deep-cleansing action. Leaves dull, fatigued skin with a fresh, clean, energized look. This scrub is anti-bacterial and helps prevent in-grown hairs.
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- How to use:
- Wet hands and face
- Squeeze a generous amount of scrub into the palm of the hand and work up a rich lather using a small amount of water
- Apply to face with circular motions, avoiding the eye area
- Increase the concentration of massage in areas with roughness or blackheads
This 4-in-1 liner, kajal, eyeshadow, and brow color creates a striking look with bold, 12-hour waterproof wear, an even glide, and a weightless feel.
This 4-in-1 eye pencil acts as a liner, kajal, eyeshadow, and brow color. The smudge-proof, crease-proof, waterproof, and tear-proof formula provides high-impact pigment with an even glide and a featherweight feel. Its soft, graduated point is precise enough to create a thin, smooth band along the inner rim of the eye, and also wide enough to be easily swathed across the entire lid. A detachable sharpener maintains the tip for ultimate precision, while a built-in sponge can be used to blend for a seamless, smoky finish. Available in 10 shades inspired by ancient and modern Japan. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested.
Face treatment sheet mask with moisturizing benefits to improve texture.
A concentrated face treatment sheet mask that encourages skin’s natural recovery function and infuses skin with hydrating moisture to help improve texture. Youthful suppleness and radiance is dramatically improved with a single application.
- With Pure Liquid Retinol Delivery system to help combat wrinkles, dryness, and dullness.
- Relaxing fragrance inspires feelings of comfort and calm.
Happy February y'all! Our Valentine's Day Gift Guide is a little different this year! Being the foodies that we are we couldn't think of a better way to go than gifts for the home, more especially the kitchen. These are our top picks to get your Valentine cooking in more ways than one!
Tres Agaves offers a line of 3 dynamic drink mixers that are low in calorie, fully organic and full of flavor.
Not the spirit itself, but the spirit of the small town and valley it hails from. Born from a volcano and blue agave. Shaped by generations of Jimadores. Cared for by all those who eat, drink, and live Tequila every day. This is a magical town filled with colorful people who live colorful lives. All 26,000 of them. So have a taste of our local spirit. Add lime and agave nectar if you like.
But as always, start with Tres Agaves.
Certified USDA Organic
Gluten-Free, All Natural Ingredients
Sweetened only with Agave Nectar
No High Fructose Corn Syrup
Simply Add Tres Agaves Tequila
**Available at retailers nationwide
The Spice Lab’s Seasoning Collections are great Valentine Day gifts for anyone who likes to cook or grill.
Bad to the Bone - A perfect seasoning for beef, chicken, and pork.
Chef Fiona’s Corner: Savory and sweet with a touch of lemon, this is a great rub for pork ribs, pork butt, steak, and chicken. For larger cuts of meat like ribs or shoulder, season generously and rub the blend into the meat and let rest for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight before cooking.
Sweet Rib Rub - A perfect seasoning for beef, pork or chicken.
Chef Fiona’s Corner: A sweet and smoky blend that works great with beef, pork or chicken. Simply coat your meat in oil and season with the spice blend before cooking. For a more intense flavor boost, let the seasoned meat rest for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight before cooking.
Smokey Pecan Rib Rub - A perfect seasoning for beef, pork or chicken.
Chef Fiona’s Corner: A sweet and smoky blend that works great with beef, pork or chicken. Simply coat your meat in oil and season with the spice blend before cooking. For a more intense flavor boost, let the seasoned meat rest for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight before cooking.
Ancho Chili & Coffee - Sweet and smoky mix of dried peppers, coffee & other spices. Sprinkle on your favorite steak to create juicy T-bones, mouthwatering porterhouse, bold rib eyes and sirloins bursting with taste. Also a good rub for beef ribs, roasts and brisket. Use to season ground beef for flavorful burgers and meatloaf.
Mediterranean Gift Set - INCLUDES 4 Shaker Jars - one of each of the following Mediterranean Citrus Herb, French Onion and Garlic, Spicy Italian Sun-Dried Tomato & Sicillian Blend.
Mediterranean Citrus Herb - Lemon and orange peel gives this blend its fresh citrus flavor. Try as a seasoning for fish or seafood. Great dipping oil for crusty Italian bread. Mix these premium spices with your favorite olive oil to quickly create unique, flavorful dipping oil ideal with artisan breads. Add balsamic or wine vinegar with the oil to make a tasty vinaigrette for salad dressing or as a marinade.
Sprinkle the seasoning on cooked vegetables or grilled meats. Mix with flour to bread cutlets or chops.
French Onion and Garlic - Classic combo of pungent onion and garlic with colorful green flakes of chives – excellent to flavor butter or oil. Mix with sour cream for a tasty dip. Mix these premium spices with your favorite olive oil to quickly create unique, flavorful dipping oil ideal with artisan breads. Add balsamic or wine vinegar with the oil to make a tasty vinaigrette for salad dressing or as a marinade. Sprinkle the seasoning o cooked vegetables or grilled meats. Mix with flour to bread cutlets or chops.
Spicy Italian Sun-Dried Tomato - Bursting with zesty Italian spices, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, peppers, green onion, sesame seeds and lemon peel.
Mix these premium spices with your favorite olive oil to quickly create unique, flavorful dipping oil ideal with artisan breads. Add balsamic or wine vinegar with the oil to make a tasty vinaigrette for salad dressing or as a marinade. Sprinkle the seasoning o cooked vegetables or grilled meats. Mix with flour to bread cutlets or chops.
Sicillian Blend - An all-around multipurpose seasoning. Chef Fiona’s Corner: Love Italian seasoning but wish it had more heat? This is the blend. Simply coat meat in oil and season with the spice blend before cooking. Add to pasta sauce or hamburgers for a spicy kick.
The Gourmet Salt Collection is another great gift idea.
- No. 40 - Himalayan Pink Salt (Fine)
- No. 61 - Hawaiian Black Lava Salt
- No. 92 - Cyprus Citron Lemon Salt (Flake)
- No. 238 – Smoked Ghost Pepper Salt
- No. 290 – Hudson Valley Salt
- No. 295 – Japanese Curry Salt
- No. 297 – Ginger Chili Salt
- No. 198 - Herbes de Provence
- No. 202 - Tropical Hibiscus Salt
- No. 7060 – Peri Peri Spice Blend
- Port Wine Salt
Giusto Sapore’s gift set is the ideal gift for the foodie in your life. These gift boxes have been carefully curated to include Giusto Sapore’s best-selling items into one delicious package of gourmet goodies that have been imported from Italy. Most are under $50 and eligible for Amazon Prime, making it a perfect gift for your bestie who loves to cook.
Giusto Sapore Gift Sets:
Infused Olive Oil Set; $61 – flavors in the set include: White Truffle, Blood Orange, Chili, Basil, and Lemon
Infused Olive Oil Set; $41 – flavors in the set include: Black Truffle, Rosemary, Sundried Tomato, Tuscan Herb, and Garlic
Sweet Fruit Balsamic Vinegar; $41 – flavors in the set include: Pomegranate, Mango, Fig, Apple Strawberry
Fruit Balsamic Vinegar; $44.99 – flavors in the set include: Mango, Strawberry, Apple, Fig, and Pomegranate
Giusto Sapore Gift Sets:
3 Ways to Inject a Bit More Authenticity into Everyday Life
January 30, 2020 Division No. 23, Unorganized, MB, Canada
There are certain things that we all need and crave in life, in order to feel as though we are living in a way that is true to ourselves and that feels meaningful and properly-balanced.
One of the things that we all tend to crave is a sense of authenticity – the feeling that we are doing things that actually matter and that have some substance, as opposed to just drifting through life more or less aimlessly.
These days, the craving for “authenticity” can clearly be seen in a wide variety of social and consumer-driven movements that push for a heightened degree of individuality and accountability, among other things.
Here are just a few ways to inject a bit more authenticity into your everyday life.
Always try to go for craftsmanship over mass-produced goods
There is something that is always at least a bit “inauthentic” about mass-produced goods that come off a production line somewhere. At the very least, you know that your own particular belonging isn’t at all unique, and doesn’t have much in the way of direct human craftsmanship behind it.
The arts and crafts movement originally developed precisely as a reaction against mass-market goods, and as a move back to authenticity.
These days, it’s easy to find all manner of handcrafted and artisanal goods, ranging from Amish Baskets for storing your Easter eggs in, to sourdough loaves from a traditional bakery (that will doubtless be healthier and tastier than the bread you would buy, wrapped in plastic, at your local supermarket.)
Craftsmanship, in and of itself, implies authenticity as it is the result of direct skilled human work, and not just mechanistic systems and algorithms. What’s more, each artisanal item will be slightly different from the next, therefore giving it more of a personal feel.
Find regular opportunities for “silence” and low-tech hobbies
The advanced technologies that surround us during every waking moment of our lives can certainly be invaluable as tools – but they can often be so all-encompassing that they don’t allow us much opportunity to really be alone with our thoughts.
“Silence” is something that has been emphasised as important in all sorts of religious and cultural traditions from around the world. So, in order to discover and develop your authentic sense of self, find regular opportunities for silence.
A great way to do this is by engaging in low-tech hobbies that don’t give you the same level of direct stimulation as watching action movies on TV, or surfing the web.
Always be working on at least one project that feels genuinely meaningful to you
Whether you end up picking up a “side hustle” that you hope to turn into a future career, or just a hobby that you can really invest yourself in, it’s an extremely good idea to always be working on at least one project feels genuinely meaningful to you.
A big part of discovering and expressing authenticity in your everyday life is actually taking the time to explore those things that you value and care about, and, accordingly, letting them enrich your life.
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