Benefits of Baltic Amber and why we love them in the Bris Bunch household

My girls have worn the amber teething necklaces since they were babies.  I found out about them when Elizabeth was a few months old.  I ordered one for her and decided to give it a whirl.  She was already an easy baby, and did not have much trouble with teething, but there were a few restless nights.  I truly saw a difference in her teething from that point on.  She would pop out a new tooth without so much of a fuss.  She got her teeth quickly, which can be more painful since you don't get a break from the pain.  She handled them like a rockstar!  Her necklace became a part of her.  Some believe that Amber is electromagnetically charged, which produces negative ions to produce a positive effect on the body.  This can help to boot moods and promote calmness in the body.  I can say that this was true for Elizabeth.  I remember for Masons 5th birthday party I took it off of her because it didn't coordinate right with her pirate costume.  That entire party something was weird with her.  She was very reserved and withdrawn.  That was not like her at all.  I noticed it but I didn't  think too much about it until I put her necklace back on her that evening.  By morning she was back to her old self.  It was a very rare occasion when I ever took it off again.

When I was pregnant with Addison I swore that I needed one of these for the baby asap.  I wanted to be prepared for the drooling and teething faze.  Our good friends, the Gomez family, gifted Addison her necklace from the cutest boutique in Carlsbad, called Ollie and Me.  I went down to pick it out after she was born.  I loved their selection!  They had the authentic baltic amber in mustard tones.  They were beautiful. Addie has been wearing hers since she was about 3 months old.  I have seen the same benefits with the necklace.  We do still have the occasional difficult night, but for the most part new teeth pop through without much fuss!

Before I started using amber I did some research to find the exact benefits.  I was all about putting these necklaces on my girls, but it would be an added bonus if they really did serve a greater purpose.  I found that baltic amber has been used for centuries in eastern Europe for various medicinal purposes.  Baltic Amber is fossilized tree resin.  It contains succinic acid, which is released from body heat when amber is worn against the skin.  The succinic acid has been known to reduce inflammation in the gums and joints.  It has even been used with the elderly for arthritis pain!  The benefits come from actually wearing the amber, not crewing on the amber itself.  In fact chewing on the amber it not recommended!  The necklace should be worn tight enough so that the necklace can't be pulled into the babies mouth.  My girls have never put their necklace in their mouth, even when it was long enough to reach.  The trick it to put it on them when they are young enough so that they are so used to it that they never notice it.  If you are looking to purchase one for your little one be sure to buy one that is genuine baltic amber.  If you need a suggestion, check out Ollie and Me.  These are made from authentic baltic amber and they have the screw closure which ensures that your little one cannot take it off on their own.  This is where I purchased Addison's necklace from and I love it so much.  It is absolutely beautiful and we receive compliments on it daily.  Give it a whirl, you may end up with a happier baby who stops waking from teething pain!

Has anyone used Amber for teething or other medicinal purposes?  Would love to hear your feedback!
xo
K

Fun with Dude and Betty

When we miss Cali we read one of our favorite books from the Bris Bunch library, Fun with Dude and Betty.  Fun with Dude and Betty is a hilarious spin on the classic Dick and Jane books from the 30s.  We have a blast reading the surfer slang in our best surfer accent.  There is a glossary at the back that helps defining those bodacious words.  8 year old Mason, who tends to only read chapter books, still appreciates this story and chooses it time and time again for a bedtime story.  In fact, when I was a guest reader for Mason's classroom I read it to a group of third graders and it was a huge hit! 5 year old Ellie loves how she can read some of the words, the colorful illustrations, and how Betty surfs the waves.  Be a bogus babe, pick up this rad read today!  Dude, Betty, and the dog Bud will not dissapoint!  Amazon has it at a great price.  Snag it now before the price goes up!

 

Xo

K

18 month Addie Guth

How is my little bird 18 months already?!  I forgot how joyful, and emotionally exhausting, an 18 month old can be.  Addison has started expressing her independence.  She is all about walking herself along the sidewalks and not being held by mommy.  It is adorable to see her little tush running down the sidewalk in her leggings, but also slightly difficult when there are instances where I cannot let her walk, like the busy gym parking lot.  This is when she throws an all out temper tantrum- kicking, screaming, and throwing her head backwards, as I'm carrying her.  Such a lovely way to exit.  I guess we officially have a toddler!  Along with that demanding independence, is the ability to do more with her.  She has taken on big brother and sister's imaginative side.  She cares for her babies, pushes them in the stroller, loves to dress up in any of our dress up clothes (or any of Ellie's tutu skirts that she finds around), color in coloring books (or the wall. Well, mostly the wall),  she "bakes" in her kitchen, and "reads" her books.  Its so adorable to watch her go!

If you are looking for some new ideas to get for the favorite toddler in your life, I have included some tried and true items that we have found to be the best for toddlers everywhere.

Diapers
Honest diapers and wipes!  I love these diapers and wipes!  I have gotten the diaper and wipe bundle delivered ever since I brought Addison home and it has saved me the hassle of the late night diaper runs.  Plus, they have helped me to save money by avoiding those unnecessary runs to the store for "just diapers" and coming out with $100 worth of other stuff that I just happened to see while I was there (you ladies know what I'm talking about!)  These diapers are Eco friendly, ultra absorbent, free of lotions, fragrances, and latex.  The wipes are super thick and are plant based.  I have always battled diaper rashes with other brands of diapers, even the so called "sensitive" kind, but not with Honest! Addie's tush has been rash free for 18 months!  Click on my referral link to earn $ towards your purchase!


Books, books, and more books!
Addie loves any books with texture and song.  These are some of her favorites and they are Prime free two day shipping eligible!
Itsy Bitsy Spider  Singing and reading make Addison happiest!
Touch and Feel Farm Book  Any chance to make silly animal sounds is great for Addie girl
Leslie Patricelli Baby Board Book Tower These are awesome for on the go.  You can tower them up or read them.  Yummy Yucky is our favorite!


Food!
Of course we always need snacks for distracting the active toddler.  I try to keep snacking as healthy as possible but also convenient for me to grab and go

- That's it Fruit bars -Each bar is made from just two whole fruits.  That's it!  This pack has our favorite flavors.  At just a little over a $1 a bar they make a great, healthy portable snack.  Prime free two day shipping eligible too!

- Cutie oranges!  Who doesn't love these?!

- Happy Tot Pouches  These are my favorite for Addie right now.  They have Salba the super Chia added for added nutrient which keeps her fuller longer.  At less than $1.50 a pouch this is a pretty nice snack to have around for your growing babe.  Plus, if you subscribe for regular delivery of these through amazon, you can save 15%.


Toys! (All toys mentioned are free Prime two day shipping eligible)

Corolle Baby Doll  We have tried out our fair share of doll babies in the Bris Bunch household.  Corolle is our favorite.  They have all different sized dolls with sweet little faces.  We have this exact style one and Addie always chooses this one to carry around.  She is a perfect size for her to hold and love on.  Plus she smells good, kind of like a new baby!  It is on sale today for $12 off of the original price.  That is much cheaper than when I purchased it, so run to grab it today!

Fisher Price Classic Travel Doodler I mentioned how Addison loves to color.  This old school toy is awesome for the car and restaurants.  Added bonus- if she happens to "color" on the wall or the window of the car it doesn't leave a mark!

Little cars  Entertaining Addie during Ellie's ballet class in the small studio space outside of her class is a challenge.  They do not allow food so there goes my number one distraction technique.  I tried books but she has no interest in sitting on my lap, when she can climb onto the windowsill.  Another mom, who has a toddler, brought along her son's collection of little toy cars and they were sitting there pushing them around the slick hardwood floors.  Addison couldn't get enough of this!  I had completely forgotten about the little ones fascination with little cars and trucks that they could push themselves.  These fisher price little people cars are so basic but they are just the best.  They are big enough for those little toddler hands, yet small enough to throw in your bag.

Plan Toy Van Walker  Addison LOVES having her own stroller or wagon throw her belongings in and push around the house or outside when we go for a walk.  How adorable is this Plan Toys one with the VW style van?!  Its on sale today for $12 off and it is free Prime two-day shipping eligible!  Go grab it today to stick under the tree for your favorite toddler.  I am definitely picking up one for Addie girl!


Blankets!
I always have to have at least one blanket (or "nonny" as we call them in the Bris abode) with me for the babes.  Not only are they great to cuddle with a sleeping baby in the car, but they also double as a tissue for runny noses, an extra warmth layer for super cold days, and protection from an unexpected rain storm.  I have always been a huge fan of the cotton muslin blankets.  They are the best for swaddling newborns and babies.  My older two loved to cuddle and sleep with theirs long after they were babies.  Addie still appreciates her nonny being wrapped around her when she goes to sleep, but I was having trouble finding ones that were big enough to stay tucked.  These Little Unicorn cotton muslin ones are the best!  They are big enough, and their prints are absolutely gorgeous.  Go grab some today!


Shoes!
Freshly Picked Mocs I know that baby moccasins are all the rage right now, but there is a reason that they are.  They are comfortable and not confining to a baby's growing feet.  They are easy to keep in your bag, and since they are made from 100% real leather, they keep their feet warm in the cold.  There are a ton of different brands out there, but the Freshly Picked mods are the best.  They actually stay on the foot without slipping off at all and the leather is so supple.  We have had a pair since Addie was in a size 1 and we keep going back for more as her foot grows.  You can even size up for extended wear time, and they will still stay in their feet due to design of the elastic opening.  They are simply amazing, and ADORABLE!


Hope that this was helpful.  I'm off to chase my little lady down for some good snuggle time before bed.
xo
K

Updated Blog

I began this blog four years ago as a way to journal our California life to share with the grandparents, aunts, and uncles who were living away from us.  We have had many changes over these past four years, including welcoming baby Addison into our lives.  I find that my blog has become more and more about my children and my experience as a mother.  The West Coast Life name limits what our whole story is about, not to mention we are no longer "west-coasters!"  I have decided to update the title to The Bris Bunch.  I am very excited to continue publishing our stories, and to include some other Bris Bunch members as guest bloggers.  Turns out 8 year olds are very knowledgeable individuals!
Thank you for following along for the past four years. I look forward to sharing more of our life with you under The Bris Bunch!
xo
K

Working on my attitude and my gratitude

I find myself to be a fairly positive person. I like to see the glass as half full. I can keep up with that philosophy through a lot of stressors, but right now I'm overwhelmed. Moving into our house, the kids starting new schools, a clingy toddler who only wants me, a husband who is rarely home due to his new hours at residency has me feeling like I'm drowning. I've overwhelmed and I'm feeling sorry for myself.  Even when someone calls to ask me how's it's going, I always reply with "ugh, it's alright."  It has changed me from a positive person to a very negative person. I only see the unorganized mess in my house, the dirty floors, the lawn that needs to be clipped. I'm tired and every time someone wakes up too early I am cursing that I have to get out of bed. The weather is either too hot or it's too cold.  You get the picture. I am bitching about everything and I am failing to see anything in a positive light.

Someone must be looking out for me.  When I was at my lowest point and felt like I was completely drowning, I received the following posting from my friend.  It really hit home for me.

I'm complaining about my dirty house, but what I should be doing is being thankful for the roof over my head.  I have three healthy, beautiful children who love me so much that they can't wait to see me, ME! when they wake their sweet little faces up in the morning. Sure, my husband is gone a lot during the week, and we don't have nearly as much time with him as we did before, but at least he comes home to us at night. He's not deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq for a year. He is working so hard to provide our family with more stability and possibilities. Every time I think something negative I want to turn it into something positive.  I know that it's only going to make me happier and it's going to help me to be a better wife and mother.

"Life is short.  Always choose happiness."
xo
Kirby

Always kiss goodnight

This year I find myself thinking about the wives and husbands of those who were lost on that dreadful day 14 years ago. Little did they know that when they kissed their loved ones goodbye that morning, that it would be the last. Or even worse, when they didn't kiss goodbye because they were in an argument and they thought that they would make up when they got home.  I try to think of that often and remind myself that we don't know our future. We don't even know what is going to happen one minute from now.  Don't take it for granted and don't hold grudges. Life is just too damn short. 

#neverforget

Xo

K

Nursing the nuggets

Tonight was the first night in almost 16 months that this nugget didn't nurse before bed. This is the longest that I have gone breastfeeding with any of the 3. With Mason and Elizabeth I nursed them until shortly after a year. With Mason it was 13 months, and Ellie 14 months. Even at that point, they were only nursing in the morning when they woke up. As independent as Addison is, she has hung onto "milk" for a long time. I am not sure if it has to do with the uncertainty of the move, but over the past couple of months she has been requesting "milk" multiple times a day. I have tried to somewhat wean it down to the morning and evening.  I felt guilty about not giving her milk anytime that she asked, but it was difficult. I never went through this with the other two, so this was a whole new territory for me.  It started to get to the point that she would pull on my shirt and repeatedly ask for milk.  I felt like I was turning into a paci and it was taking away from what it was intended to be- a bonding time for us before bed.   After a couple of times of me gently telling her no, she started to stop asking during the day and we would only nurse at bedtime and when she woke in the morning. It has been going well and I started to notice that she has become more secure in herself in new situations. Tonight after i put on her Jammie's and wrapped her into her blanket the way that she likes, we sat down to nurse. She sat staring at me and smirking. I asked her if she wanted milk and she shook her head no. I asked again and her reply was the same. So I hugged her, told her that I loved her, and that I was proud of her. Then I snuggled her up and rocked and sang to her until those droopy eyelids came. I kissed those sweet cheeks a thousand times before I laid her down. We will see what tomorrow brings but as I watched her run away from me on the beach today, I saw a change in her. My girl is growing up and as sad as I am, I'm also excited for our next chapter together. 

Xo

K

Elliephant Bris

This little girl starts kindergarten in a few weeks. In the stress of the past months, I have been anything but patient with her. She has always been my "easy one," so when she is even remotely difficult I can't deal with it. I'm hard on her and I expect more of her than I should. I need someone to remind me that she's only five. She's only been on this planet for five short years! Tonight as I stared at this sweet face at the park and as she wrapped her small arms around me at bedtime, I felt the reminder that I have been looking for. She needs me right now more than ever. I need to stop, get down to her level, and listen to what this gentle soul has to say. Before I know it, she's not going to need me. And that thought is so terrifying to me because I will always need her. My sweet, beautiful Elliephant.

Bris Friday Favorite

Reading grows your brain and your heart!

 This is one of our favorite ways to bond around the Brislin house. We cuddle up with a bunch of our favorites and read on. I try to have the big kids read for about 20-30 minutes a day. Ellie is still learning so she mostly looks through the pictures, but I find that it is a great way to calm her down and have that quiet time that she has missed out on since she stopped napping. Reading has a huge calming effect on Mason. Ever since he was a baby, a good story would ease any tension he was having. It has taken Addison a little bit longer to get into story time. She has always been such a busy body that it has been hard to get her to sit still. That seems to be changing though and her love for reading time has been growing. One of her favorites right now is the sign and speak Itsy Bitsy Spider. This has been in our Bris Book collection since Mason was a baby. It is a simple book with simple pictures, but every one of our kiddos have loved to have it read to them time and time again.  If you have a toddler in your life pick it up today! They are sure to love it as much as the Bris Bunch does. 

 http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1904550436/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1439570732&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=itsy+bitsy+spider+book

Building the New

We are finally in our new house! These past couple of weeks have sent my head spinning with emotions as our move in day kept getting pushed back. It is no secret that I have struggled with our move back here. As much as I love being near family, I miss our life in California. We had an amazing four years there. With all of our changes since moving to PA, and with the amount of time that we have spent apart from Tommy, I find myself longing for our old life. I have feelings of doubt in our decision to move here. As I tucked the overly excited kids into bed last night in the new house, I felt a little sense of relief and comfort. Change is hard, and even if I'm  not living in the exact place that I want to be, I need to be grateful for every thing that I do have. We are together and that is all that matters. I love this quote that I found the other day. I find myself reading it frequently and reminding myself to focus on building a great new life here. One that we can look back on with the most fond memories. 

Stay tuned for pictures and updates on our sweet little house! 

Xo

K

The Web

Mason recently went on a trip to the local library with Grammy B to pick out some stories for his summer reading.  He came home with a stack full of books about baseball and soccer, Runaway Ralph (my favorite!), Pokemon, and the good old fashioned story of Charlotte's Web.  He quickly read through the others, but kept putting aside Charlotte's Web.  I knew that it was probably not as exciting as Pokemon, but I was still anxious for him to start it to see how he was going to like it.  One rainy day he finally picked it up and began reading. He came in and said "Wow this is much better than I thought that it was going to be.  I thought that it was just going to be about some little girl name Charlotte who started a website."  I cracked up at that comment and told the story over again to family and friends.  But I began to think about how telling that was of his generation.  When he hears the word web, his only thought is website.  Its so interesting to see how quickly the world changes and evolves.  Especially in the technology-driven world that we are living in. Despite the benefits the web connection gives us, it is important to separate it from the real-life "web" of relationships that we are constantly developing.  That is why I am so happy that he picked up this classic tale of friendship that has been enjoyed from generation to generation.  Pick up a one today or crack open your old copy. Sometimes a story about a pig and a spider is just what you need. 

"Why did you do all of this for me?" he asked. 

 "I don't deserve it.  I've never done anything for you."

"You have been my friend," replied Charlotte.

"That in itself is a tremendous thing."

xo,

K

Transition

We did it!  We made it across the country to PA!  We are still in transition mode since we have not settled on our home in Philadelphia yet.  The kids and I are staying on the farm with Mumsie.   Tommy's program has already started so he is staying with Mary and Andy in Philly (thanks you two!).  It is not an ideal setup to be spending this time apart, but I am trying to remind myself that this is temporary.  I have been focusing on living in the moment and to taking each day at a time.  It sounds like it should be easy enough, but it has been really hard for me.  Addison has turned into a clingy monkey.  The loving grandparents have been spoiling the rugrats with every snack that I don't normally allow.  Each bite that they take makes me fear that they are never going to want to eat my healthy foods again. Just as I am about to loose it, I peak in to find them snuggled up on Mumsie's lap reading a book, and I realize that it really doesn't matter. All that matters is that they have this time to get to know all of their grandparents better. They are getting the time that they haven't had over the past four years.  They won't remember their daddy being gone for a few weeks and that haven't been in their own beds in their own bedrooms.  But they will remember the countless baseball games that they went to with Pop Pop, morning meditation with Mumsie, bonfires and sleepovers with their cousins, and lake days with their Grammy B.  This summer is not what I had envisioned when I planned for us to make our move, but that is ok.  Sometimes when our plan goes array we end up with something even better.  God always provides us with what we need, and right now we need healing in the arms of our families.

Wherever You Go is a book that has quickly become one of our favorites.  It was given to us by our amazing friends, the Gomez family.  It is a lyric type story about following different paths in life.  I highly recommend it for anyone moving or going through a transition.  It's a children's story but it applies to anyone at any age.  Beautifully written by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler.  

You can find the link below.  It is on sale at Amazon right now!
http://www.amazon.com/Wherever-You-Pat-Zietlow-Miller/dp/0316400025/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437416600&sr=8-1&keywords=wherever+you+go
"Roads give you chances to seek and explore. 

Want an adventure?

Just open your door."

Xo

K

A Bittersweet Goodbye

Four years ago, Tommy and I came out to San Diego for the first time.  Tommy had just taken an oath to join the Navy as an officer in the Dental Battalion and we found out that he would be stationed at Camp Pendleton.  We left Mason and Elizabeth in Philadelphia with my mom and came out to search for a place to live. I remember being in such shock of California.  As we drove around from San Diego to Carlsbad, I saw that it really was just like it is in the movies. There were beautiful homes on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surfers walking barefoot from their cars to the beach.  Friends and bonfires lined the shores every evening.  Was this real?  Were we really about to move our crew out here so far away from our family?

Now four years later I find myself thinking back to that couple who came out here and I can barely recognize them.  So much has changed since the time when we took that leap and moved our little family across the country, far away from everything that we had ever known.  I have grown and changed in ways that I never thought possible.  Tommy and my marriage has strengthened and we feel closer than ever. We have created our own family traditions and learned how to parent on our own.  I have truly envisioned us living here forever and raising our children in this amazing environment.  We have had serious conversations about buying a place and settling here.  But then at the beginning of this year, Tommy was accepted into the Oral Surgery program at Temple University.  He has always dreamed of becoming a surgeon so he decided to apply for residency.  When I found out that he was accepted, I was thrilled for him.  What an amazing opportunity and a chance for us to be back near our family.  As much as I was excited for him, I was also so disappointed for us.  We have created a life out here and its been a wonderful one.  We have grown and strengthened.  We have added to our family (Yay Addie Girl!!). We have so many wonderful and amazing friends who have become like family to us.  We are involved in school, baseball, music, theatre. If we leave all of what we have valued does that mean that we leave some of us behind?

As much as I am scared to start over, and as sad as I am to leave our life here, I find myself feeling so grateful that we were given the opportunity to live here.  I am so thankful to all of our friends here who have taken us in and made us family.  Your friendship has made our time here that much more amazing.  As we close our this chapter and prepare for our next adventure I ask God for guidance through our move.  We can do this Bris Family!
Thanks Cali.  You are like no one else.

xo
K