Guest Blog Post: New Parent? These Top Apps Can Come in Handy

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I am sharing this article from Emily Graham of the Mighty Moms blog because I know that new mothers can use all the help they can get during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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As new parents, you know time has taken on a new meaning. You want time to slow down to enjoy every moment of your baby's life, and you want other parts of your life to speed up so you can spend more time with your new family. While nothing can be quite as valuable as reading books to your child, these five apps can also prove useful during your parenting journey. 

WebMD Baby

What new parents don't have questions at two in the morning when their baby spikes a fever? WebMD Baby has an extensive library of medically-approved content related to baby and toddler care, and it offers tracking tools for feeding, nursing, and sleep schedules. The app makes it easy to look for answers as you pace the floor or rock your baby to sleep. Instead of combing the internet, use the WebMD Baby app to get the answers you need as quickly as possible.

Cozi Family Organizer

Many new parents find that they’re no longer as organized as they were before parenthood. The Cozi Family Organizer is designed to help fix that. Through the app, you can manage schedules and activities on a virtual calendar, create grocery lists, and share to-do lists. There's even a recipe box that lets you schedule meals directly on the calendar. Your family can also access the calendar so that everyone is on the same page with coordinated tasks.

Wonder Weeks Milestone Memories

The Wonder Weeks Milestone Memories app tracks your baby's development with pictures! Milestone Memories, a sibling to the Wonder Weeks app, follows the Wonder Weeks guide to track your baby's development for the first 20 months of life. Using pictures, you can document all your baby's firsts and put them together in a timeline of memories. Years later, you will be able to see your baby’s first reactions to food, for instance.

Baby Monitor 3g

If you have two phones, tablets, or computers, you have the start of a video baby monitor. Just add the Baby Monitor 3G app, and you can securely transfer live video from your baby's room to your smart device or computer. The Night Light feature lets you see your baby after the lights are out. The app means you don't have to fit a traditional monitoring system into your travel bags or remember to take it with you for a day with grandma.

Babytime

Babytime is a dedicated app for tracking a baby's schedule. Whether you breastfeed, bottle feed or both, Babytime tracks when, how long, and how much. Record sleeping information to track sleeping patterns to see when and for how long your baby sleeps. You will need to track diaper changes to make sure your baby is eating enough. With the late nights and frequent feedings, it is hard to remember what happened when. Babytime can make it easier by showing trends and highlighting patterns. 

Protecting Your Device

You've got the phone, and you've got the apps. You're feeling pretty good about this new parent thing. Then, you drop your phone while bathing your baby. Or maybe you let your little one hold your phone while you change a diaper — until the phone ends up in the diaper. What about those counter spills or sticky hands that somehow end up on your phone? These incidents are a recipe for disaster, so consider purchasing a new case for your phone. There are several options, including slim cases for a less clunky appearance and hardshell cases that prevent your device from getting damaged during imminent falls. Not to mention, a new case will also make your phone look more aesthetically pleasing.

These parenting apps are designed for a specific purpose; there's no need to pay for an all-in-one app that falls short or is so hard to navigate that it takes forever to find what you were looking for. Any of these apps can help you make the most of parenthood and allow you to better enjoy this new chapter with your little one.

While these apps can come in handy, the most valuable tool you can have in your repertoire is books! Stock up on educational and fun children's literature such as Pam Saxelby's books.

Gaining Traction

One of the recent pieces I wrote was about Personal Renaissance and a path to renewal after this past year.

I think we are gaining traction…

We have more vaccines daily, people are reemerging, shots are in more peoples arms, and we are finding a path forward.

Like many of you, I have tried to be open to new ideas and new ways forward.

To that end, I have been sharing blog posts and ideas with a fellow blogger. She has some insights into how to turn some of this reflective time and inward view into renewal and new opportunities … I am excited to share her newest guest post with all of you.

And, on my end, I now have some visibility into my newest work The Right Monster for Reese which is being published by a new publisher, Vinal Publishing Inc. I am excited for this new beginning in my author life, and look forward to sharing it with you. It’s a story of a young girl who emerges in a playful and loving way from a time of the doldrums with joyful love from her wonderful Dad. I think this is something that will resonate with all of us… how to care for those we love, including ourselves, and find joy and happiness after the rain.

So stay tuned, and stay tuned into all the new beginnings, options for renewal, rebirth, and joy that will present for all of us in the coming months! Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog Post: Tips for Starting a Business With a Baby on Board

Photo from Pixabay

I am sharing this article from Emily Graham of the Mighty Moms blog because I know that expecting mothers can use all the help they can get during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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You decide to start a family and a business at the same time. While you may experience a few hesitations and reservations, you have what it takes to make both dreams a reality. To better navigate the waters of uncertainty, here are several insights from author Pam Saxelby to help you settle into pregnancy and parenthood while laying the foundation for your new enterprise. 

A great way to spend time with your new baby in your off hours is to read him or her Pam Saxelby’s beloved books! Buy your copies of The Great Grace Escape, Josie the Great, and Max and Bear on her website or add them to your registry.

Prepare Throughout the Pregnancy

If you have yet to welcome your baby into the world, spend the pregnancy getting set up for success. Depending on the business, that may mean funneling more money into an emergency savings account in case you need to devote more time than anticipated to your infant. Do you think you may need to spend more hours at home than in the office for the first few months after your baby arrives? If so, set your company up so you can run things from your home without the business operations or your employees suffering.

Tell Your Employees and Clients About the News

Your clients and employees deserve to know about your new baby. That way, your clients or customers can decide if they may want to either take their business elsewhere or delay projects or services with you until a later date. Sharing the news of your baby may bring in business since your customer base could feel more connected to you by learning such a personal detail of your life. 

Form an LLC

Do you want to establish a home-based business? If so, consider forming an LLC. With this arrangement, you experience flexibility, don't have as much paperwork to maintain, enjoy limited liability and can benefit from tax advantages. This business structure allows you to free up time and resources that you can devote to bonding with your baby. Because states have different requirements for establishing an LLC, research the latest regulations in your geographic location before moving forward. Consider using a formation service like Zen Business to save even more time and sidestep expensive legal fees. You can register your company online, or if you feel more comfortable having someone talk you through the steps and everything you’ll need, speak to a representative. The Zen Business phone number is 1-844-4-ZENBIZ (1-844-493-6249).

Create a Routine

Both babies and businesses benefit from routines. If you're still waiting for your bundle of joy, create the beginnings of a loose system to give yourself an idea of where you need to make time adjustments when it comes to caring for your company and baby. This routine may change as you get to know your baby and learn how your business operates on a daily basis. Learn what to prioritize, what you may want to delegate to someone else and what you could eliminate from your routine and schedule entirely.

As GoDaddy notes, think about your baby's sleeping and feeding schedule and decide how you can use it to get work done. For instance, while your baby naps, you can respond to an email or return a phone call. It may take a bit to learn the times your baby usually sleeps and wants to feed, so give yourself space and patience to adjust.

You do not have to choose between having a baby and having a business, not when you can do both simultaneously. See how these tips work for two of the most important things in your life.

Santa is Good for Any Time of Year!

Life can be full of fun coincidences!

I am excited to be collaborating with Rich Sulzer on his YouTube efforts to create content for kids that excites them about reading.

I met Rich through his wife Bette, who I got to know completely outside of education. She was our contact person at a financial advisor we have worked with for years. After The Great Grace Escape was written and published, she said her husband, who has worked as a performer for many years, was interested in the story. Rich contacted me, and the result is this fun and whimsical video that I hope you enjoy with kids everywhere!

Please tune in and support Rich’s efforts to provide stories and songs for children everywhere! We can all use some extra fun and joy right now…especially our children!

Thanks for watching!

Guest Blog Post: Pregnancy and the COVID-19 Pandemic — How to Help Expecting Mothers

I am sharing this article from Emily Graham of the Mighty Moms blog because I know that expecting mothers can use all the help they can get during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Pregnant women have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. From trying to plan for an unstable future to taking extra precautions to stay safe at doctor’s appointments, expecting mothers have faced one challenge after another. If you have a pregnant friend or relative, you can give her the support she needs. Whether you’d like to gift her a children’s book by Pam Saxelby or help her connect with the right midwife, these tips will inspire you to reach out!

Finding New Ways to Celebrate

Does your loved one really have to cancel classic milestone celebrations? Nope — you can work together to come up with alternatives!

• Offer to host a baby shower online for your loved one, It’s a safe option compared to an in-person gathering.

• Your loved one can even take her baby’s gender reveal online with these creative ideas for a virtual party!

• Does your loved one need a way to commemorate these milestones? Help her put together a pregnancy scrapbook.

Planning for Her Due Date

Your loved one may be nervous about coming up with a birth plan. With advice from her doctor and trusted friends, she can feel confident as her due date approaches.

• The pandemic may have encouraged your loved one to research the possibility of giving birth at home. Talk to her about whether she’s a good candidate.

• If your loved one isn’t interested in home birth but feels hesitant about a hospital birth, suggest that she look into local birthing centers.

• Is your loved one looking for a midwife? Recommend any professionals you know in your area.

• Your loved one may want additional assistance during her final weeks of pregnancy and labor. Get her in touch with a reputable doula.

Giving Generous Gifts

If you want to make your loved one smile, it’s time to get to work picking out the perfect pregnancy gifts!

• Your loved one will definitely want to read her new little one, so consider buying a few children’s books!

• Will your loved one be giving birth in a hospital? Collect items for a hospital gift basket that you can send in.

• Every mom needs some comfortable underwear — if you’re close enough with your loved one, surprise her with a cute pair!

For many pregnant women, this pandemic has been a time of uncertainty and confusion. If one of your loved ones is expecting, your support will mean the world to her. By reaching out and offering your help, you can brighten her day. Keep in mind that everyone has their own process and judgment is not part of any point of this article. Please find a way to offer support that suits the lifestyle of both you and the expectant mother.

Looking for the perfect children’s book to give the mother-to-be in your life? Check out the adorable books by author Pam Saxelby! Browse the collection on her website today.

Photo via Pexels

Transparency, Science, Biology, Love

Lately, as we all know, there’s a lot going on in this world.

I wonder… how do we take good care of children right now? Not just their bodies, more specifically, their minds and hearts. How are they doing? How are they feeling? Can we help them better?

It’s hard enough to process the facts and events of a pandemic, a time unforseen by all but a few, as an adult.  I can’t imagine how challenging it must be for kids… especially the littler ones (say 2 on up) to make sense, to understand in a way that they can process.

As a Mom, and now also a Grandmother, I think about the conversations to have. How to chat  with kids about all our current realities.

When I wrote my last book, The Great Grace Escape, one of my goals was to embrace a subject that people, especially adults, can feel uncomfortable with when talking with children. The topic of childbirth, and how babies come to be.

At the end of the book, after the story is done, I have a Guide for Parents with some ideas and suggestions for how to continue the conversation. 

I suggest talking honestly and openly about how babies are made, and where they come from at an age appropriate level. Answer questions children have. They will show you what they want to know, for now.  They might not be ready for any of the specifics quite yet… they’ll let you know. Our youngest daughter was quite ready when she was 5. Our son, not until he was 11.

Lead with love, and use science and biology as your factual guides. 

Science, biology and love…. All interconnected! So use these three subjects as a tools to honestly talk with children about important topics.

Right now, we are in an age where Science has amazed me!

While trying to help kids understand and feel less uncertain about this time we are in, discuss how Science has worked hard and quickly to help us find answers and ways out of this pandemic. A vaccine in less than a year!  Whoop, whoop, whoop!!!  Thank you Science for understanding biology and the process of disease to be able to create this life-saving tool.

Leading with love and talking honestly with children builds trust and comfort. Respecting children by talking openly and clearly with them helps them feel safe. Parents build an open, honest ongoing conversation with your kids. Demonstrate they can find the answers to the questions they have by talking with you… that’s how we help.

Lead with love, use science, use biology, use whatever fact-based information you need. 

Your kids will thank you.

 Actually, the whole world will!

Personal renaissance: new year, new outlook, new book!!

What a journey!

Last year I had a lot on my mind, as most people do at the start of a new year. Never could I have imagined what actually happened.

A Global Pandemic…something I never contemplated writing about in any form.

I don’t like scary movies. I never have. So, to actually be in one was a rather out of body experience.  I have to imagine most people could relate to this thought. I remember when the world switched for me, and this time became real, not just a story in the news about a virus on another continent. 

 My husband and I had just come back from dinner with friends in early March, and we turned on the television to catch up on sports. That was the evening the NBA shut down for the foreseeable future. The first Covid positive player had been discovered. I remember watching the news and trying to process what was happening…the beginning of shutting down our country.

 Each day brought new unsettling information. Each day I tried to figure out what was actually evolving and what would be next. I was in Illinois at the time, we were in the process of selling and closing on our home. Businesses began to close. We tried to figure out if we could move, and how we would complete that process. It was a nightmare. The buyers called us as we were putting our last items in storage, and said they needed to postpone, and rethink. They were scared about taking on the financial risk… So, we worked with them, and devised a strategy to delay. Thus began the long waiting game. And what a waiting game it’s been.

Today, I see glimmers, which are turning into flashes, which are becoming beacons of hope. We know so much more. Thanks to science we have a vaccine that will enable the world to find it’s new normal. Living with this pathogen, but having a tool to defer it’s ability to wreak havoc on people, societies and economics. It’s come at a great price… over 2,000,000 deaths. Yet I see the tide beginning to turn. I have hope.

Renaissance.

I looked up the meaning of the word itself, not just the historical time frame which it is known for:

“A movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity.”

 “REBIRTH, REVIVAL”

That’s where I am today, January 26th, 2021. I am in my own personal Renaissance. After this year, which I have survived, along with my family, I am grateful and energized and hopeful.

So what’s next? I am pivoting, redirecting, rethinking, redesigning my life. This is a time of options and choices, a time of ripping the bandaids off. Looking forward, while remembering what we have all just come through.

Part of this redirecting is turning my attention to my new book, published by Vinal. It will be coming out later this year. I can’t wait to share it with you! The Right Monster for Reese is a story about how shifting from boredom to possibility using the imagination.

My new motto is, “Why Not?” What a thrilling time to be alive!

Until next time,

Pam

What can we do to create a better world for our children?

Hi All,

As I sit here, 4 days out from one of the most important elections in history…. I believe this to be a time of change, and I have both faith and hope that the people of this country will loudly declare their intent to end this phase of soulless disregard for decency and integrity.

If you have not voted yet, I urge you to examine your soul and look towards not your future, but the future of the children of this nation, and the world. We as adults have the responsibility to lead and to leave our world a better place for them.

Please, take a minute to think about what our children need…

Children need to be loved, to be honored, to be secure that the adults in their lives will protect them and provide a better world for them than the one we were given.

Let’s use our power of a collective nation to do this for our children.

Until next time,

Pam

In the land of ???????

Hi all!

In the land of crazy… which is where we all live… how are you doing?

Last week I wrote about what my thoughts were about what one person can do…

Now… I just think we all have to acknowledge that we live in and are living in a time that is unprecedented for most of the world population unless you are 102 years old.

There are days when I am seemingly fine… then I think about the simplest thing I used to do, and realize that most of what we all considered normal parts of our daily routine, are altered … in almost every situation.

I find myself dreaming of “when”…. when can we return to a new sense of normal, without the numerous steps and safety measures that are now recommended as part of every day life.

I was thinking the other day, about how the simplest tasks we all used to do, now have caveats attached… just going to the grocery store, gathering supplies, even thinking about dinner!

As we enter into Autumn and the weather gets colder in many places… will life once again get even harder???

How is your mental health? Mine, is ok for now, with bouts of crazy…. I find myself longing for the chance to not even having to think about going out to dinner… to visiting people openly… to enjoying a night out with my family and friends… to actually going to a wedding, or party!

But, until that time happens remember this:

BE GOOD TO YOURSELF AND ALL OF THOSE WHOM YOU LOVE

That can help make our time in the land of ????? more tenable….

Until next time,

Pam

WHAT CAN ONE PERSON DO?

Hello all!

If you’re like me, there are many days where I ask myself this question.

What CAN one person do?

I will not try to sound like I have all the answers, because I don’t… but I can speak from my personal perspective and experiences.

2020 has been quite a year to this point… one that I am sure, no one truly had anticipated. I know that at the beginning of this year, I was so exceedingly hopeful… then… reality crashed in.

I have spent days, and even weeks, in moments of despair. I caught myself seeking information constantly, I wanted some sort of clear path out of this. I looked for leadership… and honestly, hoped for a “quick fix”.

It was unfathomable to me, that in the year 2020 we would not have technology, pharma, science to solve for X…. the equation we needed to get out of this Covid mess.

As I sit here now, the 7th day of October, i am of a different mindset.

Somehow, regardless of X not yet being solved, I am able to see progress.

Science, pharma, technology, intellect are coming together to help us, as a collective world, find our way through this, and hopefully soon, to the other side.

There’s a company who’s slogan I have heard and I like it: Build Back Better….

This could turn out to be a true gift to humanity… I am saddened by the level of discrepancy and suffering… and no matter what anyone would like to say otherwise… it truly is divided on economics, race and country. Just study the information, and you can’t talk yourself out of that…..

So, what can ONE person do?

I have decided to continue to hunt for information, to stay informed, to pivot and see what I change in myself.

I have decided to contribute to a variety of causes, on the level of affordability for myself and my husband… this I think is what every PERSON can do.

By doing something, by trying, by engaging in lives other than just mine, I know that makes a difference.

What to DO? … decide how you can help…. how that looks for you. It doesn’t have to be anything more than even a smile, or kind word, or awareness and acknowledgement of the possibility, that you helped someone.

Let’s all stick together and work for the benefit of all….not just ourselves.

Step out of your world, and try to help someone else.

Until next time,

Pam