Post Break: Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Ever since I was a little kid, about 7 years old, my grandparents would take me to a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. I remember my first game, we took a tour of the stadium early in the day and since that first time walking into the ballpark, I knew I would be coming back often. As I got older, I went every year; through high school, college and now that I'm married, my wife and I take our kids as well.

A day at the Fenway Park is like nothing else. The Fenway franks that make your mouth water as you walk by the vendors, the peanuts passing hands among friends and the sea of Red Sox memorabilia really stand out to me. When game time comes, there isn't an empty seat to be seen as the starting pitcher throws that first pitch. Home games are best when it comes down to the bottom of the ninth, and the home team steps up to the plate, driving in that game winning run.

As stressful as those close games can be, they really do make for some classic memories. My last resort, as it is impossible to make it to all 81 home games, is to watch the home team via satellite television from www.Direc4U.com. Baseball is by far my favorite sport to watch live, and nothing compares to being with friends and family at good old Fenway Park.

Contribution by Jacques Carr

Lactose Intolerance

For many kids, an ice cream sundae or a cool glass of milk at lunch means an afternoon of cramps, gas, and diarrhea.

Kids who have this kind of discomfort after consuming dairy products might have a lactose intolerance, which is caused by problems digesting lactose, the main sugar in milk and milk products.

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body makes too little of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose into two smaller sugars called glucose and galactose. When there's not enough lactase in the body, lactose doesn't get broken down in the small intestine, and it passes into the large intestine where bacteria ferment it into gases and acids. This process can cause cramps, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea about 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming any foods or drinks that contain lactose.

For some kids, these symptoms are very severe and their systems can't tolerate any lactose. For others, the symptoms are milder and they just have to limit the amount of dairy products they consume.

Lactose intolerance can be managed — and the stomach discomfort can be reduced — with some modifications to the diet. If you suspect that your child has a lactose intolerance, notify your doctor.

Post Break: It Is Fun To Move

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PlayStation MOVE. All opinions are 100% mine.

Quality time is very important and it's hard to have so much of this once you have a baby at home. The baby will require so much attention and care and there's no excuse not to attend to him or her. As the baby grows, there will be more fun things to do that can serve as a family fun time together. But for every couple it doesn't mean they have to wait for the baby to grow before they can spend some fun time together.

The new PlayStation®Move can be something fun and entertaining for new moms and dads who want to spend some quality time together when taking breaks from babysitting. Move and get on the groove with the new revolution of motion gaming experience. This may be the perfect time to upgrade PlayStation®3 system for only $99 with the MOVE bundle package to be able to enjoy motion gaming right at home. With the new PlayStation®Move, sports can be enjoyed anytime of the day without having to leave for outdoors. I'm so excited having my hands again to play some serious bowling but this time around right in our living room.

Baby Safety - Playpens

These high-sided, enclosed play areas are popular because they allow parents to put their baby down with the knowledge that their little one can't wander off. However, playpens are no substitute for adult supervision — never leave a child unattended in a playpen.

What to look for:

• If the playpen has mesh sides, the holes in the mesh should be no larger than ¼ inch (0.6 centimeter) to keep small fingers from getting caught. The mesh should be securely attached.
• The sides should be at least 20 inches (51 centimeters) high, measured from the floor of the playpen.
• If the playpen is wooden, the slat spaces should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (5.08 centimeters) in width.
• Look for padding on the tops of the rails to protect your baby from bumps.
• The locks that allow you to lower a side should be out of your baby's reach.
• Make sure the playpen has well-protected hinges and supports.
• Look for a playpen with top rails that automatically lock when lifted into the normal position.
• Examine the floor of a used playpen for wear and tear.

SAFETY NOTES:

• Never leave a baby in a mesh playpen with the side lowered. The baby could get trapped between the mesh side and the floorboard. Because of the danger of suffocation, only one floor pad should be used and soft bedding should be avoided in the playpen at all times.
• Show babysitters and other caregivers how to correctly set up the playpen.
• Always put your baby to sleep on his or her back.
• Stop using the playpen when your child can easily climb out — when he or she reaches a height of 34 inches (86 centimeters) or weighs 30 pounds (14 kilograms).

c/o kidshealth

Post Break: Time with my son

The years have gone by way too fast. It doesn't seem like forty years have passed since I brought my firstborn son home from the hospital. It doesn't seem possible that he has made me a grandmother of three teenagers. My two younger children are still in their twenties and I still see them on a very regular basis, but it was not the same case with my oldest. He had responsibilities that took priority, like his family and career.

My very wise daughter-in-law must have realized he was missing his mama just as much as his mama was missing him. She bought us each a booklet of coupons. There were twelve total, and one could be used each month at the local golf course. At first, I didn't understand this. I had no interest in the game whatsoever, nor did my son to my knowledge.

Did I mention my daughter-in-law is wise? She knew that we needed time together. Not just an hour here and there, but several hours where it was just the two of us. We would plan that daily outing with care each month. I would set the security alarm from adt security company for my home and off I would go. We always picked a day that wasn't popular with the majority of other golfers. This way, we weren't rushed and we could enjoy each moment of our time together. My daughter-in-law gave me the most precious gift she could, and I thank her quite often for it.

Written by Fermin Washington