It's going to be a few months before your newborn will be ready to start socializing and playing with mom and dad, but that gives you plenty of time to stock up on playtime gear. Infant boys and girls can get away with one-piece suits for their first few months since the daily schedule consists of napping, eating, crying and napping some more. But they'll be ready to meet and greet friends and family members within a few short weeks and playtime can be officially added to the agenda. Dress them up for the part with:

Overalls
When they're not hiding underneath the baby blanket all day long, they can show themselves off in some cozy velour coveralls. The le top kids First Snow Velour Coverall comes with a matching cap and is designed with a smiling snowman on the front. Overalls are a versatile and comfortable piece of clothing for any infant eager to get out of the crib and play!

Playful Pants
Declare it a casual day in your household and dress up your newborn in a pair of furry pants and a cozy jacket. The Widgeon Kids Pom Pom Pants are designed with multi-colored polka dots and a super-soft covering. They're trimmed with furry pom poms at the hem, and the matching furry jacket pulls together this cozy ensemble for a fun filled day ahead.

Sassy Romper Sets
If the day calls for cozying up by the fire and spending time lazing indoors, let the good times roll in a comfortable romper. Your newborn will be plenty comfortable for a day of activities in the Bindi Wear Koala Romper, a soft and lightweight romper with a snap button closure. The romper is covered in small koala footprints and an oversized koala design in front. It's a great match for any day where playtime is a top priority.

A Plush Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are a fancy version of the classic onesie and work great for playtime and social hour. Let them show off their cute selves in the le top kids Petite Footed Velour Jumpsuit. The soft cotton and polyester suit is trimmed with fluttery cuffs and satin details for a regal touch. It's also machine washable, so you can make the most of this versatile piece.

Changing diapers, housework, carpools, going to work, paying bills, fixing dinner, reading storybooks, giving baths and generally running around like a madman or madwomen comes with the territory of being the parents of multiples. However, sometimes the endless list of things to do can lead to an overload. When you get frustrated, everything that happens seems to be exaggerated in your mind. When something goes wrong ,it seems like the end of the world, and when the kids act out even a little, it seems like they are tearing the house apart. Frustration is a natural feeling to have as a parent, and fortunately there are ways to manage this frustration so that it doesn't manage you.

Deal With One Thing at a Time
Frustration is often a byproduct of having a million things to do and only 24 hours in a day to do them. When you get overwhelmed with all of the things that you have to do, don't try to multitask. Instead, prioritize your to-do list and deal with one thing at a time. For example, you can put a load of clothes in the washing machine, make dinner, and then switch the clothes to the dryer, etc., until your list is complete. This will actually help you complete your list faster, and you will do a better job at each task.

Give Yourself a Time Out
Another cause of frustration is simply being overworked and overtired. If you feel that your frustration is taking over your mood, give yourself a time out. Have your partner watch the kids for 15 minutes while you walk around the block, go for a quick drive or just sit in a quiet room relaxing. This time will help you regain control of your emotions and will recharge you for the rest of the day.

Get Rest When You Need It
When you haven't had enough sleep, everything seems worse than it actually is. It is because of this that you are cranky and snippy when you don't get the sleep that you need. Having multiples means you don't get a lot of sleep, especially during the first couple of years. However, if you are feeling run down, you need to make arrangements so you can sleep in once in a while or catch up on the sleep that your body needs. This may mean switching with your parenting partner every other weekend so you each can sleep in at least twice a month. It may not seem like much, but getting a couple of extra hours of sleep can make a big difference in your energy level and outlook on life.

The La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles may not seem like the first spot in that dazzling town to settled in for a few hours of serious vacation time with the kids, but if you start with this crowd pleaser you will get the kids fired up enough to visit some places you want before ending up at Disneyland when the kids get bored on day three.

You may have heard many pop culture references to the La Brea Tar Pits in movies and TV shows, but do you know exactly what the attraction of big pits of tar really is? The location of the pits is the first thing that will strike the kids with amazement. These homes to ancient animal fossils are not located off in the distant hills of Southern California but rather smack dab in the heart of L.A. But it is those creatures that were found within the tar that will astonish and amaze the kids.

Just about every skeleton that is displayed at the La Brea Tar Pits is an authentic fossil from thousands and even millions of years ago. The one thing you won't find at the pits that many people probably think is the centerpiece is dinosaur fossils. The animals that got sucked into the pits were either mammals or birds. So while your little ones won't get the pleasure of enjoying an actual stegosaurus, there are plenty of wolves, eagles, sloths, mammoths and even a saber-tooth tiger or two.

If you kids have enjoyed the Ice Age series of movies, they will enjoy the La Brea Tar Pits. This endlessly fascinating little glimpse into ancient history surrounded by the concrete jungle of Los Angeles is like stepping back in time to the real Ice Age and bringing those creatures from the animated movies to life. And the work of the tar is not yet done. Even today, smaller critters continue to find their way into the pits and never come out. Just make sure your little ones are not put on display for future visitors.

When your little one is all decked out in their adorable onesie or dress-up ensemble, it's time to take care of mom and dad. Shopping for a newborn can be fun and exciting as you put together baby's first wardrobe, decorate the baby room and pick up the latest toys and gadgets that will help them learn and grow. Still, it might be high time for mom and dad to update their closets so they're well prepared for picture time when family paparazzi join in the fun!

Any new mom will make a good candidate for a mini-makeover, so now is the time to splurge a little on a fresh outfit. Pick up a sassy pair of heels from Betsey Johnson and show off those gams! Now that your pregnancy days are over, you are free to trot around in stilettos and platform heels as you please.

Moms will also fare well with an oh-so-versatile organizer bag to carry a day's worth of shopping lists, the wallet and other needed accessories while running errands. The Kavu Seattle Sling bag is an eye-catching collection of versatile bags that make it easy to stay organized during any chaotic day. The bags are made with a soft canvas material and ergonomically designed for extra comfort. Pack up your cell phone, PDA and other gadgets for those long days outside of the house.

Dads can blow off steam from the stressful days ahead with some new athletic and casual gear. Pick up a pair of rugged Oakley shoes for a comfortable fit and extra support for any outdoor activities. These versatile shoes have a unique tread pattern so you can head off on a hiking adventure, play a round of football or soccer, or just go on a run through the nearest nature trail for a much needed break.

When dad needs to dress up for an evening event with the family, a simple v-neck sweater made with cotton and nylon offers plenty of comfort. The Fitzwell sweater is designed with clean-cut lines and a ribbed trim along the neck and cuffs for an extra touch; he'll look plenty handsome for any casual evening event.

Holiday meals are a time for the entire family to gather around for a leisurely meal together. It can often go on for quite awhile, leaving young children antsy in their seats. This meal is notoriously known for having a kids’ table where the children sit on their own with one adult, rather than at the grown up’s table.
Whether the children sit at a special designated table for them or are sitting with everyone, having a few activities planned that will keep kids busy and entertained during the meal will go a long way toward keeping everyone happy. Find inspiration for easy fun that is sure to keep your kids happy during your special holiday meal here.

1. Fun Drinks. Set out special colored glasses, plastic would work well, and outfit them with fun straws, umbrellas, fruit, and ice cubes with holiday gummies frozen inside. The kids will be delighted with the fun drinks. They can even make them up before dinner and also make re-fills too.

2. Crayons. Place holiday colored crayons on the table with plain white napkins at the kids’ place settings. Ask the kids to draw their favorite holiday scene on their napkins for added decoration and fun.

3. Trivia. Have a ready-made holiday trivia game made-up. This works especially well with older kids, but you can also ask very simple questions to include the little ones too. As an example, if this is a Thanksgiving meal, create a series of questions around the history of the holiday, traditions, etc. to keep them guessing.

4. Your Little Helpers. Include your kids in preparing one of the holiday dishes, even little kids can help bake cookies. When you are ready to serve, engage the children in talking about how they made the dish and have them help serve it as well.

5. Charades. Children often have a hard time sitting still at the dinner table for long periods of time. If a long meal, have them take mini-breaks from the table. If you see your child fidgeting, ask them to get up, and do a charade for the rest of the guests, i.e. a turkey for Thanksgiving or a reindeer for Christmas. After they are done, they can be seated again. This quickly breaks their monotony, but also will help keep them at the table.

6. Place Cards. Have the kids create place cards for the guests to easily find their seats at the dinner table. The kids can create these cards using heavy stock paper and fancy glitter glue to spell out the names.

7. Storytelling. At some point during the meal, allow the children to tell the story of the holiday in their own words. See how much they remember about the pilgrims or the Christmas story or Santa’s origins. Alternatively, allow children to read a special holiday tale from a favorite book to everyone gathered.

8. A Chorus Line. Although singing is usually seen as rude at the dinner table, children often have learned special songs at school for the holidays. Allow them to get up and sing a chorus of favorite tunes. Invite everyone to sing together.

9. Clean Up. There is always plenty to clean up after a holiday meal. With kids ready to get up and leave the table, provide them with the task of helping clear the plates from the table. It makes it easier on you and keeps the kids industrious.

10. Card Sharks. As the kids rush to finish their dessert, have several different card decks on their table that they can have fun playing as everyone else finishes their meal as well. Games like Old Maid, Go Fish, and Concentration are all good choices.

The holiday meal is an annual tradition. Make sure to include some activities for the kids to enjoy it too!

One of the things that children love about Christmas is decorating the tree. It is possible to have a great family activity by making ornaments for the Christmas tree. It's a fun family activity that will help you create memories that will stay with your children for years to come. You can put up a small, three-foot tree -- exclusively decorated by homemade ornaments -- or you can add a few of the homemade ornaments to your main tree.

Classic Christmas Craft: Pinecone Ornaments
One of the classic homemade ornaments is the pinecone. You can get them from nature (make sure you bundle up if you go outside), or you can buy some at a craft store. (If you are at some craft stores, you can get scented pinecones as well.) You can make ornaments by putting glue on the pinecone, and then rolling it in glitter, which will stick to the pinecone. It is also possible to wind pipe cleaners around the pinecone or use sequins or spangles instead of glitter. We like to set the pinecones on branches, positioning them near lights. However, a pinecone hanger can be made with a loop of yarn.

Popsicle Stick Trees
You can make miniature Christmas trees out of popsicle sticks. Use a long stick or tongue depressor as the trunk. Next, lay additional popsicle sticks horizontally across the "trunk." As you move up the tree, cut the popsicle sticks so that they are progressively shorter -- resulting in a tree shape. Decorate the mini tree with sequins, glitter, small foam cutouts or anything else you can think of. Make a hanger using looped yarn.

Stained Glass
You can make ornaments that look like stained glass with a special kit. They are usually rather inexpensive. The kits come with plastic ornaments that can be painted with transparent colors. (Have your kids wear old T-shirts or a smock when painting.) When dry, the ornaments have the look of stained glass. They are especially attractive when hung in front of lights.

Being a parent of multiples is a challenge, especially if this is your first parenting experience. One of the issues that parents have to face as their kids get older is discipline. It seems like every parenting magazine and book offers some type of advice on how to properly discipline kids, however, they rarely seem to agree. If you are facing discipline problems with your multiples, there are some effective methods of discipline that teach your children how to control their behavior in a positive manner.

Tip No. 1: Boundaries and Structure
The key to well-behaved kids is to provide them a home environment that is well-structured and has boundaries. This system of rules and expectations will help guide their behavioral development and keep them from developing negative behavior habits such as being disrespectful to adults or being aggressive toward other children.

Tip No. 2: Consistency Is Key
In order to keep your multiples on the right track, you need to be consistent with both your rules and your punishments. Your multiples are naturally going to test their boundaries as they get older to see what they can get away with. If you fail to punish a negative behavior even once, it can lead to weeks, if not months, of repeated offenses. Consistency is hard to maintain for parents, as it makes you feel like the bad guy, but it is important for the emotional health of your multiples and the functionality of your family.

Tip No. 3: Provide Emotional Support
While punishments always seem to be the first thing that parents think of when they think of discipline, emotional support is another factor that parents need to incorporate into their parenting strategies as well.

Growing up is hard to do. You don't understand a lot of what is going on or why you have to follow certain rules, you are continuously told what to do, and you have to face your fears of the unknown on a daily basis. All of these stressors can lead to "bad" behavior. However, parents need to identify when the behavior problems are caused by frustration or fear and when they are caused by a child testing their boundaries or willfully breaking the rules, such as not putting away their clothes.

When you can tell that the problem is because the child is afraid of something or frustrated with something, the parent needs to offer emotional support. For example, they can talk with their child about what's going on in their life that is frustrating them, they can give them a hug and comfort them or they can take time out of their schedule to spend extra time with their child to relax and have fun together.

Many people enjoy the tradition of serving appetizers on Christmas Eve. As the family gathers round, do you feel good about what you're serving? Or do you worry about all the fat and calories? It's no secret that popular holiday appetizers, such as sausage balls or pigs in a blanket, are loaded with fatty ingredients. What's a hostess to do? How can you satisfy your family, while giving them healthy options as well? The following recipes are meant to be served along with family favorites. By no means do I suggest taking away everyone's beloved snacks. People have been tossed from family parties for far less than that.

Christmas Pita Chips
These make a wonderful substitute for high-calorie chips and other dip-able foods.

10 large loaves of pita bread
Olive oil
Cayenne pepper, to taste
Dried parsley, to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. While the oven is heating, cut each loaf of pita bread into 8 wedges.
3. Spread the wedges out in a single layer on cookie sheets.
4. Brush the wedges with olive oil and sprinkle with spices.
5. Bake at 350 degrees until the wedges start to turn brown and crisp, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Serve with your favorite holiday dips.

Festive Low-Fat Bean Dip
This dip looks so festive due to the colorful ingredients. Best of all, your family will never realize that it's low in fat.

Four 15-ounce cans of fat-free refried beans
Chopped jalapenos, to taste
2 cups of 2-percent shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of reduced-fat sour cream
1 jar of salsa
½ cup green onions, chopped

1. Mix the refried beans with the jalapenos. Spread the mixture into a casserole dish and bake at 350 degree until the beans are heated through.
2. Top the beans with cheese and continue to cook until the cheese melts.
3. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before topping with sour cream, salsa, and green onions.
4. Serve with Christmas Pita Chips or baked tortilla chips.

I hope these recipes are a hit are your Christmas Eve party.

Merry Christmas!

Doubtlessly, you and the kids have enjoyed the Nicolas Cage movie, "National Treasure," by now. Rare, indeed, is the occasion when you can actually take the kids to see a vital plot component of a major motion picture: the Declaration of Independence. When you visit the National Archives in Washington, D.C., and stand in hushed awe amidst the towering echo chamber of the rotunda where the most important of American historical documents is kept, you will never accept that stealing such it could be so incredibly easy.

Every American, regardless of whether they are 3 or 93, needs to visit the rotunda inside the National Archives at least once in their lives. Placed beneath the domed architecture inside this eerily silent room is the foundational document upon which this great experiment in self-rule was based. If you have not been to Washington, D.C., or it has been so long you have forgotten the tremendous sense of pride at witnessing the actual signature of John Hancock on the Declaration of Independence or looking at the original Constitution of the United States, you can bet there has never been a more perfect opportunity.

American optimism can be traced back to the documents on display inside the National Archives. We the People are finding ourselves holding this truth to be self-evident. Take the kids to see all the amazing documents that have meant so much to this country and watch the illumination in their eyes.

As your multiples switch from liquid to solid foods it is important that you establish a healthy eating routine for them. This means starting with vegetables and savory foods, and then moving on to sweeter foods like fruits. However, even when you do everything right, your multiples are going to develop food preferences. These preferences, if not challenged occasionally, can lead your multiples to finicky eating habits that will limit the type of nutrition they get into their systems and that will also limit their enjoyment of meal time. The following tips will help you to keep your multiples' minds open to the possibility of trying new and interesting foods.

Try New Foods First, Before Moving on to Favorites
One way that you can ensure that your multiples will at least try new foods is to have a mealtime rule that requires them to at least taste the new food once before they move on to their favorite foods. This will encourage them to try new food and at least take a bite or two of foods that may be on their yucky list.

Understand Food Aversions
While it is easy to say, "Clean your plate or you don't get dessert," there are valid reasons why kids don't eat some foods. For example, the texture could be unpleasant, the food could make them feel queasy, or they could simply not like the flavor of the food. Having a valid reason for not eating a certain food is different from just not wanting to try a new food. Food aversions can make eating certain foods difficult, if not impossible for your multiples. In these cases, you are better off finding a food with equal nutritional value that they do like to eat to replace the food that they have the aversion to.

Be Sneaky with Your Ingredients
One of the reasons why kids don't try some food is because they have developed a habit of not trying new foods. You can get around this problem by pairing new ingredients with ingredients the child is used to and that they like. For example, you can get more vegetables into your multiples' diets by mixing a can of vegetable soup with pizza sauce, spreading the combo on a pizza crust and topping it with cheese. You can also have theme nights where you select foods that correspond with a story your multiples like to read, foods that have the same color as their favorite outfit, or foods that start with a certain letter. Being creative will make trying new foods more fun.

One of the things that I remember while growing up is that my siblings and I wore candy cane striped pajamas on Christmas Eve. My mom made them every year, and we enjoyed wearing them to bed, and then wearing them as we opened our presents on Christmas morning. My dad even had a pair of striped pajama bottoms that he liked to wear in honor of the occasion. Every year, we looked forward to the candy cane pajamas. It was a fun tradition that we are carrying on with my son - special Christmas pajamas. He loves them. And, besides, he looks so cute in them.

Christmas Pajamas
Having traditions is one way to build family memories and forge strong bonds between members. Having things that you do together as a family is important. Special Christmas pajamas may seem simple, but it was a lot of fun, and we have fond memories of it. How often does everyone in the family match? And starting a tradition of Christmas pajamas can be a fun way to spend a little time together.

You can get your children involved. I don't sew, but there are plenty of Christmas themed pajamas and nightgowns out there. You can go on a family shopping trip and have your children choose the patterns and material. They don't even have to match -- just as long as everyone gets Christmas pajamas. Or you can choose plain colored pajamas (red or green) and head to the craft store for appliqués, buttons, baubles and other items. Have a family night and decorate your Christmas pajamas with various items.

Create a Christmas memory book. Take pictures every year of family members opening their presents while wearing that year's Christmas pajamas. It is a fun way to preserve memories, and it will allow you to see how your family has changed and grown in their tastes.

Old man winter is not only beating on the door, he's about to rip it off the hinges. If you have to eat one more bowl of soup, you're going to scream. Obviously you want to serve your family a delicious and healthy meal that's satisfying on a cold evening, but you're almost out of ideas. How can you come up with a meal that warms chilly bones without boring the taste buds? Why not try one of these recipes? They're not only healthy, but they'll warm you up after a cold winter's day.

Chicken and Onions with Brown Rice
Serves 4

1 pound chicken tenders, cut into bite sized pieces
2 large onions, sliced
Olive oil
1 jar of chicken gravy
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
4 cups of cooked brown rice

1. Place the chicken and onions in a large skillet, add enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the skillet, cover and cook over medium-high heat until the onions are translucent and the chicken is cooked through.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, add the jar of chicken gravy and pepper.
3. Cook until heated through and serve over brown rice.
4. Serve with a side salad and whole wheat rolls.

Steak with Roasted Potatoes
Serves 4

4 medium potatoes, cut into bite sized pieces
½ cup olive oil
Garlic powder, to taste
Onion powder to taste
Sea salt, to taste
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
16-ounce sirloin steak, trimmed of fat and cut into thin strips
1 bunch of green onions, chopped

1. Toss the potatoes with the olive oil and seasonings. Roast at 425 degrees for 30 minutes.
2. Turn the potatoes over and top with steak strips.
3. Cook for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how you like your steak.
4. Toss with green onions and serve.
5. Add a salad and rolls to round out the meal.

Winter meals don't have to be boring. There are several meals that warm the soul without putting your taste buds to sleep.

Pregnant women have a lot more choices when it comes to birthing today compared to what our mothers had. Birthing choices today range from all-natural, at-home births to C-sections on demand, which are a common option in Latin America, though not recommended, as unnecessary surgery is risky. Here's an overview of at-home births, how to decide if they're an option for you and what you can expect from the experience.

At-home births were the standard for thousands of years, and they're regaining popularity as women seek to gain more control over the birthing process. Advantages of at-home births include being in comfortable surroundings, not having to accede to hospital procedures that make things more uncomfortable for you, like being forced to give birth lying on your back, which is one of the most painful positions. At-home births also allow you to invite whomever you like, including older siblings, to witness the birth. The main disadvantage to an at-home birth is that if something goes wrong, it can go really, really wrong. Don't even consider it if you have pregnancy complications or if you're far away from a hospital; even births that should be routine sometimes take a wrong turn and time is of the essence in that case.

If you desire an at-home birth, make sure you have an experienced midwife or doula overseeing things. Get a recommendation from a friend who's already been through the experience with her. There's a difference in personalities that comes out between talking to each other over a desk and in the heat of the moment, and you need to know beforehand if you're going to clash.

Get checked out by a doctor, because pregnancy complications like high blood pressure and diabetes will rule this possibility out. It's great if you can find one that's not opposed to at-home births, but be warned that you'll have to look far and wide, because doctors make the bulk of their money off of the actual birth as opposed to office visits. The midwife or doula may be able to recommend someone she works with. If not, try contacting your local La Leche League, a great resource for alternative birth information.

Decorating the baby's room and designing your baby's first wardrobe are some of the most significant activities for every new parent. The crib is one of the most important elements of your newborn's experience in their new home, so you need to select some practical but stylish accessories to make sure your baby is as comfortable - and safe - as possible during nap time, play time and those long days of rest ahead.

Outfitting the crib with a soft and comforting blanket, plenty of baby toys and some colorful pillows are the first steps to creating their ideal dream space. Make sure your crib is pulled together with the following essentials:

1. Cotton sheets. Look for some fun prints in cotton sheets for the crib so baby can enjoy some new colors and shapes! Cotton sheets covered with small animals, toy icons, cartoon characters or just some happy faces will set them up for some pleasant dreams.

2. Baby blanket. The baby blanket is sure to become their must-have accessory, so choose something that will last them for a few years ahead. The blanket can be used to wrap the baby from head to toe as they enjoy a snoozefest during the day, or it can be used on top of the sheets as a comforter.

3. Plush toys. Let your baby make some new friends inside his crib with a selection of smiley plush toys and dolls. Young babies love to be around smiling faces, and their toys will soon become crib buddies that they can play with as they develop their basic skills.

4. Hanging mobile. Add more color and shapes to your newborn's world with a colorful mobile or light display that hangs right above their crib. This can be turned on at night to help them sleep better, and gives them a chance to develop their visual skills as they watch the different shapes and colors float around by day.

5. Fluffy pillows. A set of soft and fluffy pillows designed just for baby will help cradle their sensitive head at night and help them get a good night's rest. Select pillows that are covered with a removable (and washable) flannel or cotton pillowcase so that freshening up the crib is a breeze.

The cold season can be a difficult time of year when you have kids, and particularly difficult if you have multiples. Cold and flu symptoms can make your multiples miserable and irritable, and keep you from getting a decent night's sleep. Fortunately, there are many steps that you can take to keep your multiples from catching a cold this flu and cold season.

Cold Season Tip No. 1: Make Hand Washing a Part of the Routine
The best way to cut down on the number of colds that your multiples catch this cold and flu season is to make washing hands a part of the household's routine. To be effective, everyone in the house needs to wash their hands when they come into the house, after they use the bathroom and before eating. If your multiples are too short to reach the bathroom sink, pick up a step stool that they can stand on. Also have a soap dispenser near the facet so that your kids don't have to search for soap to wash their hands.

Cold Season Tip No. 2: Dress Your Multiples in Layers
Another way to help protect your multiples from getting a cold is to dress them in layers. Layering shirts and outerwear will allow them to adjust their clothing as they are exposed to different temperatures and weather conditions. This will keep their core body temperature constant and help protect them from getting the chills.

Cold Season Tip No. 3: Feed Your Multiples High-Quality Food
Nutrition is key to children's health. Feed your multiples foods that are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Also try to find foods that have Omega 3 fatty acids, like salmon and flax seed oil. Finally, make sure your multiples are properly hydrated. Try to avoid sodas and sugary drinks. Instead offer sugar-free juices, water and low-fat milk.

Cold Season Tip No. 4: Limit Exposure to People That Are Sick
One of the hazards of having multiples is that when one child gets sick, the others inevitably get the same bug. You can avoid passing around the cold bug by setting up a quarantine room where the sick person in your house stays while they are sick. This room should be set up to keep them entertained and it should be set up with items you need when you're sick, like a vaporizer and a HEPA air filter.

The sick child's sibling(s) need to be kept out of this room to prevent them from catching the same cold. When you leave this room, you will need to sanitize your hands before touching or interacting with someone else in the house.

There's no denying the fact that nuts are filled with heart-healthy fats. Unfortunately, it can be hard to eat a handful of nuts day after day. No matter how much you love almonds or walnuts, they can get boring after a while. Thankfully, nuts make a great addition to thousands of recipes. The following recipes will give you a starting point that hopefully encourages you to add nuts to more of your favorite dishes.

Fall Flavors Trail Mix
Serves 8
This trail mix is the perfect afternoon snack. Package in zip-top bags, and it's ready to go where you go. Best of all, your kids will love finding this snack in their lunchbox.

1 cup of pecan halves, coarsely chopped
1 cup of pumpkin seeds
1 cup of dried cranberries
1 cup of dried apple wedges, chopped
½ cup of mini dark chocolate chips

1. Toast the pecans and pumpkin seeds in a skillet over medium heat until they smell nutty, about 5 minutes.
2. After the nuts have cooled, toss with the cranberries, apples and mini chocolate chips.
3. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Brown Rice with Cherries and Almonds
Serves 4
This rice makes a wonderful side dish, and the leftovers also taste great cold as a quick lunch.

1 cup of dry brown rice
1 ½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup of dried cherries
4 ounces of slivered almonds

1. Cook the rice according to package direction using the chicken broth in place of water.
2. In the meantime, toast almonds in a skillet over medium heat until they smell nutty.
3. Halfway through the cooking process, add the dried cherries to the rice.
4. Serve with grilled chicken.

Nuts don't have to be eaten by themselves to be heart-healthy. You can actually combine them with other healthy ingredients to create recipes your family will love. Be creative and add nuts to some of your favorite recipes. You could end up with a new family favorite.

One of the tasks before you during your first pregnancy is picking out a pediatrician for the new baby. It may not be first on your list of things to do with fun stuff like picking out names and designing a nursery coming before it, but the very day your baby is born, he or she will need to be seen by a doctor. Here are a few tips for finding the right pediatrician:

Ask your OBG-GYN practice for recommendations. You'll want a pediatrician that's affiliated with the hospital where you're planning on having the baby. That may not be as much of an issue as it used to be with so many hospital closings, but I live about equidistant from two hospitals and was surprised to learn that not all pediatricians in my area were admitted to my hospital of choice.

Ask other moms for recommendations. The OBG-GYNs may know doctors that have a good reputation among doctors, but the other moms will be able to tell you who returns calls quickly, who has Saturday hours, and who reassures their kids as opposed to making them cry.

Pick a pediatrician well in advance of your delivery so that you can make sure they're covered by your insurance. My doctors have played roulette with which insurance plans they're a part of, and you don't want to find out they're no longer taking yours when you're in the hospital.

Try to meet the doctor(s) beforehand but don't be upset if you can't get an interview appointment. Some of them are very busy, and that's an indication they're among the popular practices in your area. If you don't like them once you've tried them, don't be afraid to switch. They are required to turn over your baby's medical records to any doctor you specify.

Look for an office with several doctors so you know they'll have adequate coverage. My pediatrician's office has four full-time physicians, and since we have our favorite among them, we're glad that it's no problem requesting her when we make an appointment. However, we're also grateful for the other doctors being on-call when she's away.

Now that bone-chilling temperatures and snow days are complementing your outdoor activities, making sure your little one is protected from winter's gifts can be a challenge. Thankfully, there are several key pieces that will keep them warm and toasty as they join you on errand runs, head out for a car ride or even when they're playing a supporting role in the family snowman-making event.

From super-insulated jackets to comfy bunting suits, here are a few essentials for those frightfully chilly days ahead:

Cozy Bunting Suit - Not only is this snuggly coverall a festive treat for the eyes, but it's made with a soft and cozy polyester that will trap in the heat with ease. The attached hood and mittens make this one perfect for a trip to the grocery store or mall as you gear up for the holidays, and the suit is machine-washable, so you don't have to stress about spills and 'oopsies' on any given day.

Warmplus Favorite Jacket - When you're in need of a fuss-free solution for getting them outside without the freeze factor, pick up one of these Polarfleece jackets, which act as a powerful shield against those chilly days. The plush, hooded jacket goes on easily and straps in place in a few seconds; it's also machine-washable and dryer-friendly, making it a super versatile addition to their winter wardrobe.

Puff Rider Overalls - Overalls are great fun for those outdoor sporting events, giving your little one a chance to bundle up and stay warm when they're ready to dive in the snow. The weather-resistant shell and insulated bib make it a great layering piece for any outdoor adventure. Even if they're just benching it this season, the overalls will provide plenty of warmth and comfort with multi-layer insulation and extra padding.

Other necessities for the season? A pair of mittens that will keep their precious hands guarded from the cold, and some thermal socks or booties to trap in the heat. Top off their winter ensemble with a fleece or polyester hat, and they'll be more than ready to brave those cold and blustery days ahead!

Thanksgiving sometimes gets lost in between the candy and revelry of Halloween and the outright garish materialism that has come to be associated with Christmas. This is why it is important to take the time to teach children that there is much to be thankful for and that it is possible to express this during Thanksgiving. After all, life becomes tedious and unsatisfactory if one never takes the time to be glad and grateful for what they already have. One of the things I remember about Thanksgiving growing up was that it was family time. We all helped cook the dinner, and more importantly, we all helped eat it. Then we settled down to share our thoughts about what we were thankful for. What a great family tradition!

Being Thankful
Not all family activities and memories have to be massive productions or outings. Instead, the things that stay with us are often the little things. And Thanksgiving offers a chance for family members to think about something they are especially grateful for from the past year. It can be an item, an experience, a person, a favor or anything else. Have family members write what they're grateful for on pieces of colored construction paper cut it out to look like feathers. As each person shares, a "feather" can be added to a turkey.

When completed, the entire project serves as a reminder of the blessings your family has enjoyed all year. Discuss these and talk about how thankful you are as a family and how this thankful outlook can be carried through the coming year. Talking about how gratitude can become a part of everyday life, which can be enriched by a positive, grateful attitude.

Thanksgiving isn't just about carving turkeys and eating pies. It's also about remembering those things we are thankful for, and this holiday provides a great teaching opportunity for your children.

And this Thanksgiving mentality shouldn't stop once you run out of leftovers. Encourage your children to name off what they're thankful for year round.

Traveling with multiples is a challenge in itself, especially when you have multiples that are still toddlers or babies. The key to reducing stress when you travel with your multiples is to plan ahead and have everything at hand when you need it. Fortunately, it is easy to plan ahead for the extra things that you will need to keep your multiples happy on your next vacation.

Tip No. 1: Special Accommodations
The first thing that you will want to do when planning a family vacation is contact the theme parks, hotels and other attractions that you are going to visit. You will want to ask them if they have things like multiple-child strollers, babysitting services and other special services for people with kids or special services for people with multiples.

Tip No. 2: Have Entertainment Ready
One of the problems of traveling with kids of any age is that they act up when they get bored. The best way to keep your multiples happy on a long trip is to have various activities on hand to dole out when they start to get bored such as coloring books, story books, plush toys and videos. Having snacks and beverages on hand is also a good idea, as meltdowns can occur in response hunger.

Tip No. 3: Packing Strategies
When packing for your vacation, you need to conserve as much space as possible. If you are planning an extra long vacation, consider shipping bulkier items to your hotel or vacation house ahead of time so you don't have to haul them with you. To make sure you have a change of clothes for each multiple with you at all times, you will want to pack one outfit in your child's carryon. In your main luggage, you will pack the items your kids will need on their vacation such as shirts, shoes, socks and underwear. Since many airlines are now charging fees for each piece of checked luggage, divide a single suitcase into sections and place each multiple's clothing in their labeled section.

You don't have to be a vegetarian to understand the importance of meatless meals. You also don't have to choke down tofu in order to enjoy the benefits of a meatless meal. Meat-free meals are packed with nutrition, are affordable to prepare and can be prepared quickly. What's not to love? The following are just a few recipes to get you started.

Spicy Egg Burritos
Serves 4
1 cup of egg substitute
4 ounces of pepper jack cheese, shredded
2 - 4 tablespoons of pickled jalapenos, sliced
2 cups of chili beans, heated
4 whole wheat tortillas
8 tablespoons of reduced-fat sour cream

1. Cook the egg substitute according to the package directions.
2. Right before the eggs are done, add the cheese and jalapenos.
3. Heat the tortillas in the microwave under a damp paper towel for 30 to 60 seconds or until softened.
4. Top the tortillas with the eggs, beans and sour cream.
5. Fold the sides of the tortilla in and roll.
6. Serve with salsa for dipping.

Mexican Bean Pizza
Serves 4-6
1 whole wheat pizza crust
1 large can of fat-free refried beans
1 cup of Mexican cheese blend
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 cups of shredded lettuce
1 cup of salsa
½ cup of reduced-fat sour cream

1. Top the pizza crust with the refried beans and cheese.
2. Bake according to the package directions or until cheese has melted.
3. Top with tomatoes, lettuce, salsa and sour cream.
4. Serve immediately.

Green Beans with New Potatoes
Serves 8
2-pound bag of frozen green beans
16 small new potatoes
½ cup of garlic infused olive oil
½ cup water

1. Boil the green beans for 5 minutes and drain.
2. Toss the green beans with new potatoes and olive oil.
3. Pour water into a slow cooker followed by the beans and potatoes.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours.
5. Serve with whole wheat rolls.

Meatless meals don't have to be boring. They also don't have to strain your pocketbook.