Research: Multiple Births May Prevent Some Cancers

From YLE News -

An academic dissertation to be presented on Friday asserts that giving birth to many children can protect women from the risk of gynaecological cancers.

The key findings of Marianne Hinkula's dissertation are that women who have given birth to at least 5 children have a 40 percent lower risk of developing breast, endometrial or ovarian cancer. The thesis argues that this is due to levels of hormonal activity.

Get yourself some library storytime!

Peanut and I have been enjoying the Baby & Me Storytime at the Coppell public library. Its a free session though requires advance sign-up. During the six week session we sing the same selection of songs so that babies become familiar with them. There are also quick readings of children's books interspersed into the songs.

Baby and Me Storytime - - specifically designed to promote parent/caregiver interaction with baby through finger plays, songs, rhymes and stories to share the love of language and further baby's development. This is a one-on-one program that is designed for children who are not yet walking.

Peanut LOVES itsy-bitsy spider, she even has her own little hand signal for it: she pokes her pointer finger into the palm of her other hand. She does this whenever I say the words 'itsy-bitsy spider' or when she hears the version of the song we have on an English and Dutch children's CD. Its amazing!!

Storytime is also great for just getting us to the library to check out some books.

Many local libraries host similar sessions -- highly recommeneded!!

6 Things I Miss About Helsinki

We've been in Texas now for nearly 6 mos and we've had a terrific time so far.

However, there are few things I wish we could import from Helsinki -
1. Local buses with free passes for babies. Peanut gets ferried around by car most of the time now, but several times a week we still stroll. Sometimes we stroll too far - Peanut gets hungry, mama gets tired or its suddenly much later than it should be. Those moments I long for the awesome public bus service that was available to swiftly and comfortably -- did I mention FOR FREE -- take us home.
2. Coin operated shopping carts In Finland, in order to get a shopping cart, you must insert approx 50 cents - $1.00 in a slot on the shopping cart. This deposit releases it from the chain-system attaching it to other shopping carts. Where this system is really fantastic is that EVERYONE returns their shopping carts to the cart corral because you want your $$ back. This crosses my mind everytime I dodge a shopping cart parked in the middle of the parking lot at Kroger, Tom Thumb, Wal-mart, etc, etc
3. Only mildly violent TV programs. I didn't realize the difference in TV programming until we moved back. Sure, Finland has its share of violent TV, too, but its alot less prevalent. You do trade it out for more sex and nudity, but I'd take explaining that to Peanut any day over death, shootings, fist-fights, stabbings, blowing this that and the other up.
4. Delicious drinking water directly from your tap. No filter needed. It just comes in tasty as can be. Our Brita filter now takes care of it for us here.
5. Subsidized natural gas and electricity. We usually paid around $25.00 every FOUR MONTHS or so for our gas and electricity because it was so heavily subsidized by the State. In reality, we paid for the gas and electricity in many other ways through the high taxes. After gettting our first few bills here in Texas -- Yikes, talk about sticker shock. However, in a country as northern as Finland, its a neccessity not a nicety that everyone is able to stay warm. Plus, as a socialist state, priority number one is to ensure that the community is taken care of.
6. Total REAL online banking system. Nordea bank (and any other large bank in Finland) offered a true online banking system. We had no checks - all payments were scheduled and made electronicly, even when you paid your friend back the 5 EUR for a cup of coffee. Now, I've got a stack of paper bills, envelopes, my checkbook, stamps and return address stickers to coordinate. Plus, I have to remember to pay my bills on time! :-(

Addicted to Cheerios

Peanut is totally addicted to Cheerios. The girl can always find room for a little o in her belly even if all the other food is gone and she's giving signs that she's full.

Just the mention of the word gets her attention!

Last night, she was done flinging her pieces of broccoli off her feeding table and was fidgeting. Her mouth already crumpled into a frown and impatient little baby grunts issuing forth.

Then mama pronounced the magic words -- Would you like some Cherrios?

A ray of enthusiam glows from her now smiling and angelic face. She literally snaps her head around into the direction of the pantry where she knows Cheerios come from. A peaceful baby awaits that Cheerios will be sprinkled onto her plate.

What did parents do before Cheerios!? Was there a time before Cheerios??!! I mean what finger food is more prevelant among the 8 mos old set than these little puffs of oat? So portable. So convient. Spills are no worry - there are no stains!

And with the recommendation of four out of five pediatricians, Cheerios seem to have cemented their place in the lives of our little ones.

Cheerios helps your child develop motor skills and is a good choice for little fingers because the O's are easy to pick up, firm, and resist crumbling.

Cheerios contains 14 essential vitamins and minerals that provide good nutrition.

Cheerios cereal is made with whole grain oats and provides a good source of fiber, an important nutrient for all ages.

Cheerios has only 1 gram of sugar per serving.

Cheerios has no artificial colors or flavors.

Cheerios has been trusted by moms for over 60 years.

Cheerios cereal tastes great and is fun to eat!