Monday
25Jan2010

Haiti woke me up

Wow, so I can't believe it's been more than two MONTHS since I last blogged. I can blame it all on a busy holiday season, a great vacation, and too much tweeting. After all that, I have been brainstorming what my next topic should be. I have tons of ideas but never got enough energy to sit down and write.

And then I read this email from my cousin's friend and I knew that maybe I could do more. As we all have seen the devastating pictures and news from Haiti, I'm sure all of us did our best to do our part to help the relief efforts. Donating to the Red Cross through a phone text (how brilliant was that!?) was my first and quick contribution. Through the coming months, we'll all donate clothes, supplies, food and money. And if and when you have that moment of hesitation to donate more, or do more, or simply forget or leave it on your to do list, remember this letter below.

Dear Family and Friends,

I am so humbled and touched to see all of the kind words that have circulated via email and phone and Facebook regarding my trip to Haiti. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I am almost embarrassed by the outpouring of support because I really don't feel that I did that much. Certainly nowhere near enough.

The situation in Haiti is dire. We've all heard about the unconscionable number of deaths, upwards of 100,000. Port-au-Prince is a city of rubble, human remains, human waste, homelessness, orphaned children, and disease. I can't begin to describe the injuries sustained and their anticipated long term sequelae. The country will not make it out of this catastrophe without our help.

Obviously there are no words to describe what I experienced over the past few days.  24 cases in 48 hours, 13 of which were amputations for crush injuries resulting in gangrene, or infected open fractures, adults and children alike.  It is an ugly but necessary aspect of saving patients from septic shock and death. All extremity surgeries were done under regional anesthesia (numbing of the main nerves to the leg or arm with long-acting anesthetics), as we had no oxygen and no ventilator machines. Thank Heaven for the UM regional anesthesia team led by Dr. Ralf Gebhard. No tourniquet. No lights in the operating room (used camping headlamps). No running water. No formal sterile processing of instruments (bleach and betadine). 

Despite the conditions, I'm happy to say we have not lost a single patient in the makeshift OR suite. People put their egos aside and did what they had to do.  I was deeply humbled by and in awe of the people around me. It wasn't just the surgeons: the medical and pediatric teams worked around the clock.  Considering how critically injured some of these patients are, the mortality rate at the UM facility has been astoundingly low (somewhere around 2%). This includes people rescued out of buildings on Day 7, and speaks to the quality of care being delivered.  In total, some 300+ patients have been treated at the UM field hospital.

The care that has been delivered so far, while impressive, is a mere drop in the bucket. However, because of the number of corporate and private donations, our capabilities are likely to increase exponentially with every day that passes.

Dr. Barth Green has tremendous contacts and organizational skills, not to mention a heart of gold. Alonzo Mourning was at the UM camp over the weekend and again yesterday. The ortho guys tell me that before I arrived, Zo was helping them apply splints and change dressings.  He has donated $1M toward building a new air conditioned field tent hospital. I flew down on a private jet owned by a businessman who is not only flying staff and med-evacuating the most critical patients to Miami on his plane, but paying for the fuel and crew out of his own pocket indefinitely.

Perhaps most personally moving of all, last night I arrived home to find out that my family's business, Med Lab Supply Company, had donated a Siemens C-arm fluoroscopy unit that is on its way to the field hospital. This is a tremendous step toward being able to properly treat fractures.

Despite this early support, there is a lot of work to be done, and there are still major logistical issues to getting personnel and equipment down there in an organized fashion. 
Project Medishare and the University of Miami are able to be effective in the aftermath of the earthquake because they had a strong presence in Haiti before it happened. UM faculty and residents are able to rotate traveling to Haiti to deliver care at the hospital, which is securely located on the United Nations compound.  I plan on returning soon as my professional and family responsibilities allow.

These poor people. They are so destitute. The conditions are horrid, and yet their spiritual strength is unshaken.  It's going to take a long, committed, and expensive effort if they have any hope of recovering what little they had before all of this happened.

If you have already made a donation, thank you. If not, kindly consider making one by joining my fund raising team on the Project Medishare website.  The link is at the end of this email.

I will end on a positive note. On my way home yesterday, I was at the Toussaint L'Ouverture airport and was approached by two women from a U.S.-based adoption agency to serve as an escort to a Haitian orphan.  I flew back with a 17 month-old baby boy and met his adoptive parents at MIA.  He literally became a U.S. citizen in my arms. Totally mind blowing. You will all be amused to know that when the girls from the adoption agency approached me, the baby (Paxton is his adoptive name), was of course a perfect angel. But the minute we got on the plane he turned into a little maniac! He was wild but adorable. I'm so psyched for him and his new life.

Thanks again to you all.

Warmly,

Veronica Diaz
Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Project Medishare for Haiti's Earthquake Relief Fund

 

Thank you Veronica for sharing your letter and opening our eyes.

Monday
23Nov2009

My Picks for Holiday Gifts for Girls

Having been blessed with two little girls, it was only fitting that I share my top picks for holiday girl gifts. Find everything from unique, affordable ideas to perfect splurge presents for the princesses in your life. In addition to these, think about creating a yearly tradition where you get each child a special vintage book or a matching pair of family pajamas, whatever you decide, these traditions will help create a sense of history and solidify the family memories you are creating. Happy Holidays! Enjoy! 

NEWBORN

Under $25.00

Sophie the Giraffe

Sophie is the perfect toy for the newborn baby. Mamas everywhere are talking about how attracted and enthralled their little ones are with this giraffes charismatic face. They love to stare and babble with their new friend and it makes a great teether too!

Ultimate Splurge

 K's Kids Ryan Activity Center

Let your newborn be enthralled with this beautiful zebra which has tons of toys and accessories that will grow with your little one. From just hanging out on their play mat to a great companion while they're on tummy time to a fantastic ride on toy, this gift will last for years and years!

6-12 MONTHS

Under $25.00Madame Alexander Baby Doll

Don't think that your baby is too young for their first doll, especially this one! I was shocked when my 9 month old A got her first doll and absolutely adored it. She would take it everywhere with her! And this Madame Alexander doll is just perfect for little ones. It is soft and snuggly with an adorable face they will just fall in love with. This one is hard to find, so don't wait too long to snatch one up!

Ultimate Splurge 

Activity CubeThis activity cube is the best we have found and no playroom is complete without these reliable toys. Not only does it give you several activities from which to choose from and learn, this cube has storage bins and wheels making it easy to move. The top can even be flipped for additional storage, a huge bonus!

1-2 YEARS

Under $25.00

Rainbow Bead Abacus

Small tots will love sliding the colorful beads over and side to side. Watch how they use their little fingers to grab one or a few. Not only will these toys help fine tune their motor skills, but as they grow older, the abacus can be used to teach colors, counting and eventually more complex math skills.

Ultimate Splurge 

Yookidoo Discovery Playhouse DomeHours of stimulating play and a perfect hide-away! Activities on both the inside and outside encourage physical and cognitive development through rewarding, imaginative play. It includes ball play, shape sorting, posting and peek-a-boo games in bright colors with fun light and sounds.

3-4 YEARS

Under $25.00

 

Minnie Mouse Cash Register

What a fantastic value! This toy will get hours and hours of use as they mimic one of your favorite activities/chores - shopping! They will be fascinated with the buttons, accessories and moving parts. T

Ultimate Splurge

Wooden Doll House

So beautiful, so classic, she'll treasure this wood dollhouse forever. Heirloom-quality craftsmanship with everything included!. Loaded with darling touches that inspire imaginative play: a garage, patio, gardening tools, even a vacuum and ironing board. We are buying our own little girl her first dollhouse and I have spent months finding the perfect one at the best value. This one cannot be beat!

Sustainable Bamboo Sunshine Doll House

I couldn't help but include this masterpiece, although it is a bit of a splurge! It is the first of it's kind, sustainable dollhouse offering children eco-friendly materials combined with contemporary designs and modern technology. The Bamboo Sunshine Dollhouse from Hape International is a step above the rest with its working solar panels and an add-on greenhouse in which children can really grow small plants herbs or wheatgrass. 
Let your tot fascinate themselves with role play with all their is to offer!

5-6 YEARS

Under $25.00

Rose Tin Tea Set & Carry Case

Little girls love playing tea party. Look at this fabulous set we found. The details are extraordinary and the price is just right! It will look like a vintage set from decades ago, ready to become a cherished heirloom!

Ultimate Splurge

Princess Play TentWhat a magnificent addition to any girls room or play area. This gorgeous tent will transform any space and open little girls imaginations as they create world's of their own.
 

7-9 YEARS

Under $25.00

Paper Recycling Studio

This fun and educational toy will teach girls how to recycle and create their own paper. They will be amazed at the beautiful stationary they can create by adding in their own decorative objects and embedding different materials.

Ultimate Splurge

Doorway Circus Puppet Theater

Another fantastic toy so kids can express their creativity and personality. This wonderful theater will inspire them to imagine and recreate stories and plays in their own unique way.

10-12 YEARS

Under $25.00

Fairy Sadie Jewelry Box

A delicate fairy print adds a sweet touch to this jewelry box. Perfect for storing kids' most treasured items, the box is lined with velvet and has an interior mirror and a ballerina that spins to Beethoven's Fur Elise

Ultimate Splurge

Ultimate Pottery Wheel

Let your little one discover their inner potter! This wonderful toy will engage their artistic side while learning the physics of making pottery. The perfect tool to capture their attention and imagination! 

13-15 YEARS

Under $25.00

Crushed Glitter Belt

No matter their style, this belt will make any girl happy and give a sparkle to her day. From spunky punk rocker to preppy vintage diva, the glitter belt will accessorize and finish any look!

Ultimate Splurge

Ribbon-tied Long Pearl Necklace

An instant heirloom, this a necklace she'll wear forever. And she'll never forget opening the delicate box it came in. Freshwater pearls are tied with a beautiful grey grosgrain ribbon. 

 

Thursday
12Nov2009

Eyeglasses and High White Blood Cell Count

So it's been a bit since my last blog. We have been so busy getting The Mama Books published that it's been difficult to get a moment in. I guess the flu season is also in full swing. And although we have been lucky enough not to be hit by any flu, it seems like we have been nocked down with everything else. A had a bad ear ache and C had a bad cold. Nothing us mamas are not prepared for at this point but then things got, well, difficult, strange, unbelievable.

First there was the afternoon we were hanging out with my mom who was in town and the girls were having a great time with her. Baby C was running around playing around with new toys (pots, pans, bags, and some packaging popcorn - yikes!) Well, she got a hold on one and I had to pry it out of her mouth. Some time afterward, she started coughing and wheezing and I was scared that maybe there was one stuck in her throat. I patted, hit and stuck my finger down her poor little throat. Nothing. And she was fine. She would only wheeze every ten minutes or so and seemed perfect otherwise. C was even eating and drinking, laughing and playing like if nothing was happening. Some time later she just would wheeze every half hour or so. I was a bit worried to put her down that night but after speaking to the hospital nurse, she told me to just monitor her and take her in the next morning if she had a rough night, had blue lips or wheezed again.

The next morning (after sleeping perfectly through the night), she woke and wheezed. I freaked and took her to the doctors. Her pediatrician looked her up and down and decided she was fine. He actually thought she had made a noise and developmentally she was having a "fun" time hearing it and seeing my reaction. Can you believe it!? C made the noise a few more times and has since stopped. I made sure not to react when she would do it and I guess she's over the weird, funny noise. Glad it was nothing serious but had no idea it could be so harmless!

Now to add to things (C has been keeping me busy this month), we finally made it to her opthamologist appointment. After waiting for hours (ugh), C's eyes were put through a series of exercises and tests (they even dilated her eyes!), and the doctor discovered she had astigmatism and strabismus, meaning her eyes are not perfectly round (very common) and her right eye wanders outward a bit. The doctor decided it was best to get her glasses! I can't believe it. My little baby will be getting eye glasses. She's only 13 months. Poor thing! As cute as she may look, we are all in shock. We are getting her a rubber/plastic pair that have an elastic band in the back and hopefully will stay on. I'll let you know how it goes. We actually pick them up today!

UPDATE: Here are the pics of her Beige Miraflex glasses! They are the Baby Lux model. They are very sturdy and cute (I guess) but as far as her first afternoon goes, she hates them. She would only leave them on when somebody was adoring her - she is such a show off! I think I'm going to make Senor put on his glasses this weekend so she can see she's not the only one who has to deal with them. I had no idea this was going to be such a tough road. Cross your fingers for me, PLEASE!

Oh and many of you have asked and astigmatism is not nearsightedness or farsightedness. The irregularity of the eye causes blurriness in certain planes of vision but not all. Some kids see it in the horizontal, or vertical, etc, etc. Because astigmatism has to do with the shape of your eye, it is very difficult to fix with contact lenses. Many kids (and hopefully CC) grow out of it though so hopefully she won't have glasses forever....or I better open a savings account. These things are not cheap! She does look cute though!

And finally to round out everything, A woke up with a fever a couple of nights ago. It was 103.4! After dosing her with some meds, we woke up in the morning and took her straight to the pediatrician. They did a bunch of tests and found that her white blood cell count was very high (26,000) but she had no other symptoms. They started a urine culture to see if it's a UTI and so far it's negative. Since that night she has been totally fine, jumping, laughing, playing as if nothing is wrong and she hasn't had a fever since. It can be so frustrating to know your tot is fighting something but you have no idea what it is or when it will pop back up. The doc was pretty sure she would have a fever again since her blood cells where so high, but who knows. I have an antibiotic prescription written up, just waiting to be filled. And now we're waiting for a fever...or something. How terrible is that?!

Ok, time to wake the baby from her morning nap. I guessed I missed having breakfast, again.

Thursday
12Nov2009

Halloween Party

The Halloween Party was a huge success. The kids had a great time and I can't believe we had over 2,000 trick-or-treaters and we still have candy leftover! If you haven't heard, check out www.halloweencandybuyback.com. Dentists and orthodontists (like my friend Elaine) all over the country buy back your extra candy and send it to the troops. It's a great cause!

Here are some images of the pics and the various home-made activities we created for them. Since so many friends contributed their ideas, help and materials, it was easy (and affordable) to put this together!

Setting a Halloween Scene

Caution Tape Covering Large Ground

Family Portrait Background

Evening at the "Graveyard"

Festive Sandwiches made with Cookie Cutters
Halloween Buffet

Baby Baskets Retrofitted for Halloween


Pumpkin Decorating

Make your Own Spider

Mr. Potato Head Pumpkins "Fish" for Spider (Rings with Straws)

Bumblee and BatmanBaby Pirate

Tuesday
20Oct2009

Baby Signs

Last week I was lucky enough to have a girl's night out with some close gal pals and other than a few moments talking about work, what was the majority of our conversation about? Yep, our tots. I mentioned that at my last pediatrician appointment, when it was my older daughter's turn, I told the doc to forget medical issues and to put his psychiatry hat on because I needed HELP! He laughed and gave me his usual pep talk which helped a lot but left me still yearning for something else. Over some wine, my friend G asked me, what sign is she? As I giggled, I tried to remember if she was Aquarius or Pisces. And then the jaw dropping really began as she started to tell me a lot about A just by telling me about her sign. Listen, I don't swear by this, but it's entertaining and can be eye opening and my kids' summaries are right on. I got these great insights from babiesonline.com. Enjoy!

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

The Capricorn baby has a plan from day one and will definitely stick to it! A bit on the serious side, this is a child who is disciplined, methodical, and highly organized to boot. Is this really a child?! Well, yes and no. Not adventurously inclined, the Capricorn baby almost seems dull, but they are simply taking time with things, learning lessons slowly, so as to learn them well. This child enjoys feeling important from an early age, so don't hesitate to give them responsibilities. The Cap baby is up to the task! They also understand things better as they get older and appreciate the merits of a reward system. Good deeds are repaid in kind! This babe will rejoice and will happily live with that precept in mind. When it comes to learning, the Cap baby shouldn't be rushed, preferring to follow their own pace of discovery. Early lessons will be of the organizational kind which is how this tot's mind operates. Organizing the play group will be play indeed. As with everything, the Cap baby will be hyper-focused and determined. Even speaking will be undertaken with great effort and diligence, leading many Cap babies to bypass babbling and go straight to chatter! To sum up, the Capricorn baby prefers to play it safe, enjoying the efforts of a job well done.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Is the Aquarius baby lonely? Well, it may certainly seem that way, but appearances can also be deceiving. This is a child who is a bit detached, even aloof, so that solo time may be exactly what they want. Even when crying! This kid would rather work out that hissy fit alone. This, of course, begs the question: could this tot use some socialization? Probably. Since this won't be the Aquarius baby's natural state, the company of others will become an acquired taste with much prodding from Mom and Dad. The Aquarius baby does have much they can teach others, since this child will pick things up early and differently. The rebel baby has arrived! Parents, sibs, and friends will quickly grow to expect the unexpected from the Aquarius tot. The companionship of friends and others will be quite important to the Aquarius baby, even if they don't know how to show it. For that reason, this is a pattern of behavior that should be encouraged. While the Aquarius tot can be stubborn at times and certainly into their own stuff, often their mind is engaged in creative pursuits which should be nurtured as much as possible. To sum up, the Aquarius baby is a talker, very bright, always thinking, and actually enjoying the company of others, despite appearances. Work with this baby, and they will shine!

Pisces (February 19 - March 20) 

Seeming like a bit of a lost soul, the Pisces baby will get emotional and start crying for no apparent reason. It's part of this timid baby's personality, along with a tendency to carry things inward and not push them out. Expect a whimper rather than a shriek. Along these lines, the Pisces baby will pick up on the family's vibe, sensing arguments and other familial disruptions, and being profoundly affected by them. This fits in with this child's very caring, almost selfless persona, a quality which manifests itself in things like giving away toys. For this reason, Mom and Dad need to see to it that their Pisces tot doesn't get pushed around in the play group. Extra-sensitive by nature, this child also benefits from an added dose of attention, whether it comes from parents or sibs. With a wandering mind (this is the sign of the dreamer, after all!), the Pisces baby will find it easy to get lost in thoughts, almost blocking out the real world. Safe to say that this kid shouldn't be entrusted with many details -- they will simply forget them! That dream state is one which should be monitored at night, as the Pisces baby will be greatly distressed by bad dreams. To sum up, the Pisces baby would rather give than receive, is dreamy by nature, and possesses the fluidity attached to a Water sign. Let this sweet river flow!

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

The Rambo of the play group has arrived! With an Aries baby around, you can expect lots of action and activity in your midst. Don't expect this tot to sit still with a rattle -- it just won't happen. The Aries baby is one who makes a lot of noise and will definitely be heard. There's really no choice! As a Fire sign, the little Ram will be dynamic and always up to something. Will this be a tough baby to deal with? More than likely. To that end, parents would be wise to show this child how to work with other babies early on. Things such as sharing won't come naturally, they must be learned. Even where siblings are concerned, the Aries child won't be a walk in the park. What the Aries baby may want most of all, however, is attention, so parents be well advised. In a play setting, the Aries tot will easily get the attention of others on their own. This baby will also start many things early, the better to get to the finish line, so to speak, in a hurry. To sum up, the Arian baby can be quite independent but enjoys interacting with others. This baby is a fairly physical child and craves constant stimulation. They will be ready from day one!

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Parents of a Taurus tot are going to have to be very aware of this baby's need to be touched. Loving caresses and a tender touch are what the Taurus baby lives for! Along those lines, this is a child who needs to be comfortable. Things to keep in mind are providing a room and bed that are neither too hot nor too cold, food that is tasty (a budding gourmand has arrived!), soothing sounds, and whimsical toys. As Taurus rules the Second House, the House of Possessions, this baby's playthings will be very important. When it comes to the learning curve, the Taurus baby is not in a hurry to grasp new concepts. This tot will learn things at their own pace and be unresponsive to pressure, yet persevering in the end. In light of this, a gentle manner to get this baby to react and respond is the sensible course of action. Also familial in nature, the Taurus baby will enjoy having the family in close proximity, especially siblings. You can consider this baby a people person in general, as they are also likely to control the play circle where that well-known Taurean stubbornness will reveal itself! To sum up, the Taurus baby wants to be touched, will revel in delicious toys, and as an Earth Sign, will want to have both feet firmly planted on the ground!

Gemini (May 21 - June 21)

Eager to get going (this baby probably kicked up a storm in the womb!), the Gemini baby is likely to be talking early and making a mark from day one. Curious and quite the explorer, this tot is one who needs lots of stimuli in order to be happy, as they are easily bored. Since those communication skills are top-notch, the smart thing to do with this baby is bring them into a play group as soon as possible. At home, siblings could easily fill this function, as someone must! It's never too early for the Gemini baby to interact with others, and they will also learn their lessons early on. The Gemini tot is definitely not clingy. Quite the contrary, this is one baby who is happy to march to their own drummer, gallivanting about and being amused in the process. Surprisingly, when this baby is not engaged (chatting or playing with others), there could be a certain emotional detachment. For that reason, it's best to keep things uncomplicated and easy for them to understand, the better to maintain harmony. To sum up, the Gemini baby is the Great Communicator of the play group, has a short attention span (so keep 'em busy!), and is one clever and creative tot.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)

As a Water sign, the Cancer baby is likely to be more emotional than most. In a word: tears! This baby will probably cry a fair bit, so holding and touching are of paramount importance -- really anything to achieve comfort. Along these lines, this is a baby who needs to feel secure and will easily pick up any bad vibes in the household. Therefore, arguing in the presence of this child should be kept to a minimum. Family is very important to the Cancer baby, as is nurturing. As Cancer is the sign of the Mother, the elements of nurturing, family, and mood swings (think sensitivity and emotions) are highlighted. Also, because Cancer is the sign of Memory, the Cancer baby will retain memories from the past, both good and bad. This is a child who could get lost in the supermarket for two minutes and forever remember it as a sign of rejection from the mother! For this reason and others, this tot needs to be made to feel secure, especially within the family unit (family will always be more important to the Cancer baby than friends). The somewhat reticent Cancer baby will nonetheless surprise Mom and Dad by being fussy about food, so be sure to please that palate! To sum up, the Cancer baby is familial, must feel protected, and with any kind of luck, will learn to swim like a fish!

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

The Leo Baby is, above all else, loud! Forget sleep for the foreseeable future, Mom and Dad. This is a baby who must be heard and will certainly let everyone in their midst know what they want. Think center of attention, since there really is no other way for this tot! With a Leo baby as part of the plan, family life will revolve around this magnetic child. The Leo baby adores an audience, so it should come as no surprise that many of these tots go on to become stars of stage and screen. This babe is auditioning early on! To that end, this is a child who is also competitive, so maybe they are prepping for that dog-eat-dog Hollywood whirl from day one. When in a play group or any social situation, the Leo baby will make friends easily and will thrive on the interaction, since being on-stage is where they're at. Even so, they will have a hard time sharing things, such as roles, responsibilities, and even toys. The King (or Queen) of everything they see, they will be the one making the rules, after all. To sum up, the Leo baby is the leader of the pack, loads of fun, and will expect to live in the most comfortable of kingdoms. Pity the parent who won't play along!

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

For better or for worse, the Virgo baby is plenty fussy! How else do you expect these kids to grow up to be perfectionists? Get used to it: the Virgo baby can be quite particular and needs to have a routine. At least having a routine isn't all bad, but don't even think of changing it! This baby will not respond well to a lot of change. The Virgo baby can also be picky about food, so keep it simple at mealtimes. Aside from these peculiarities, this tot doesn't require a lot. A clean bedroom and simple clothing are sure to keep this baby dry-eyed. As well, the Virgo baby is quite good at amusing itself for hours with the most basic of games, feeling very little need for the attention of others. The Virgo child also wants to talk early on, probably earlier than most of the other babies around. There's a lot going on in that mind, so it may as well come out! From an early age, this baby can also be seen as mother's little helper, as the need to serve others is a strong Virgo trait. They also won't make a fuss over their accomplishments, since by nature these kids are a bit shy. To sum up, the Virgo baby is fine on their own but also happy to help others, loves cleanliness, and can easily keep themselves amused. Pretty (albeit picky!) good kid.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

The Libra baby will revel in the attention of others from the get-go. That baby whom everyone is cooing over at the doctor's office? Yes, it's a Libra. Passive yet charming, people can't help fawning all over this sun-kissed child. Perhaps it's the way a Libra baby smiles when others swoon. Whatever the case may be, this child is possessed of the most endearing qualities. Even-tempered and sweet in disposition, the Libra baby loves to have others around and would much rather be with company than alone. In a group, this child will mix quite well with others, displaying the very Libran qualities of sociability and diplomacy. The Libra tot is a born mediator, perhaps prepping early on for a career as a lawyer or judge. Loving fancy touches, the Libra child is not likely to take well to hand-me-downs, especially girls! These are kids who love to feel pretty, and the best clothes are a big step in that direction. Comfort is also important to this child, so clean, pressed clothes and a snappy room are an added plus. Sense a bit of control here? Well, the Libra child does know how to be manipulative, although they manage to do it in the nicest way. To sum up, the Libra baby likes to talk, loves to socialize, and is a splendid (and even-handed) addition to any play group. Let the games begin!

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

When a Scorpio baby enters the world, all eyes will focus on them. And that's exactly how it will be for a long time to come, as this baby must be the center of attention! To that end, this is quite the manipulative little tot, sucking up energy from everyone around. The Scorpio baby is also a bit mysterious, making it hard to figure out what's wrong when the crying starts. So often, it's something which is seething below the surface and will be very hard to draw out of this child. You must also consider power struggles when thinking of this child, as the Scorpio baby will expect that Mom, Dad, and everyone else will fit into their schedule and plans. Make no mistake, this is a powerful child! The flip side of this is that this baby is quite clear on what they want and can get that message across. One important note: Scorpio babes loathe lounging in dirty diapers, so change them often! Many times, this can be the simple source of their discomfort, although the malady may not always be so clear. For that reason, the Scorpio baby should be watched closely. Someone will generally be watching this child, though, as the Scorpio tot enjoys a crowd, especially one where it can lead. To sum up, the Scorpio baby is clever, wants things on their own terms, and will know how to get it. Watch out!

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

That happy-go-lucky child in the play circle is bound to be a Sagittarius. These carefree tykes march to their own drummer, and yes, they will walk early! They'll also be beating a path to everywhere, since they love to explore. Independent and free-spirited, it's imperative that the Sagittarius baby have lots of room to roam. Confined spaces are a disaster for these wandering souls, so they'll simply flail about until they can get out. The good news in all this is that the Sag baby won't have to be entertained every second of the day. That said, be sure to keep tabs on them in public places, as they could easily wander away! Above all, the Sag baby loves to explore, whether it's a new toy or a new friend. No fear here! This kid is a sponge, soaking it all up with relish. Thankfully, this child will know how to make friends and can be counted on to have lots of them. They love being part of a group, whether it's at home or out in the big, brave world. And it's that world they want to see, which may be why it's so easy for this baby to hit the road. Whether by train, plane, or the high seas, the Sag baby will travel better than the rest. To sum up, the Sagittarius baby needs freedom, has a curious mind, and is forever on a journey of discovery. Happy trails!