Feeling Feverish. I’m a first time mom, and when my infant son didn’t seem like he was feeling well, I mustered up the courage to take his temperature, anally. I read an infant book before I attempted to proceed. Here goes: Lay infant on back bare bottomed on pillow facing you. Extend feet up and gently insert thermometer. I followed the directions precisely; however, the book never mentioned that the thermometer acted like an instant suppository. As soon as I inserted out came the “chocolate soft serve,” all over the pillow and sheets. I picked up baby with pillow and held them at arms distance for clean up in the bathroom — yuck!! –Teaneck, NJ

Don’t Lick. One day we had hot dogs with mustard for lunch. Afterwards as I was getting ready to change my daughter’s diaper, I saw a spot on my hand that resembled mustard. Not thinking, I licked. It was NOT mustard. I learned very quickly what it was when I opened my daughter’s diaper. Another morning, I awoke after too little sleep and went to brush my teeth. I opened the tube and put what I though was toothpaste on my brush and brought it to my mouth. Luckily, I smelled it just before putting it into my mouth and realized that it was the diaper rash cream. Now I have coffee before I brush, and I never lick anything off my hands! –Alamogordo, NM
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As a mother, it’s not like you need one more thing to stress about, but the raging identity theft epidemic is just too scary to ignore. Basically nonexistent a decade ago, identity theft has quickly become the most common crime in America — you’re twice as likely to be a victim of ID theft than you are of being in a car accident.

The entire U.S. population is just under 300 million, but more then 100 million people have already become victims of identity theft. That’s one in every three. Those are great odds in Vegas, but when you’re gambling with your credit score and bank account info… yikes!

It isn’t just adults who are victims. Who’d have thought that little Lola’s credit score was at risk? According to the Federal Trade Commission, five to seven percent of identity theft victims are under the age of 18. However, many industry experts agree that this number is significantly low because most child victims don’t even know they’re victims yet — they won’t find out their credit is ruined until they are applying for their first credit card or a driver’s license. read more

Although they may be small, mom’s know that kids have big personalities, which often appear long before they can even speak a clear sentence. Give your little one a voice with a fun collection of tees. This kid-wardrobe staple is widely available in a seemingly limitless array of styles.

The bottom line: Unless your child is a big fan, skip “Winnie the Pooh” and instead check out these fun tees.

	For Girls Hip Chicks Stubborn Tee. Got a little diva on your hands? This handmade tee is the perfect way to put the world on notice. Available sizes: 6 months – size 8, $29 at hipchicksboutique.com.
	Farmer Kids “Organic Kid” Tee. This incredibly sweet tee features organic cotton, handmade in New York by a graphic designer and mommy of two. Available sizes: 3 months – 4T, $28 at farmerkids.com.
	Zutano Winter Garden Contour Crew. The beauty of this tee is in the richly textured details — felt appliques, fuzzy flocking and embroidery. Available sizes: 2T – size 6, $27 at zutano.com.
	For Boys Georgie Tees “Lullabies Rock” Organic Onesie. This clever, organic cotton onesie is perfect for your little rockstar. Available sizes: 3-24 months, $24 at georgietees.com.
	CityThreads Mean Skull Tee. My mother would never had put this on her baby, but this scary faux-layered tee is somehow sweet on an adorable little boy. Available sizes: 3-24 months, $40 at citythreads.com.
	Little Man “Tough” Tee. Although he’ll always be a mama’s boy, this handmade organic tee will let the other babes know that he’s all man. Available sizes: 3 months – size 6, $32 at hipchicksboutique.com.
	For Both Twinkle-Kids Ladies Tee. A perfectly subtle reminder that she’s a “she” thank you very much. There’s also a Men’s Tee for little boys. Available sizes: 3 months – 6T, $22 at twinkle-kids.com.
	Tatico “Rub My Belly” Organic Tee.. So simple, yet so perfect. This organic cotton tee somehow makes you want to smile. Available sizes: 0-24 months, $20 at tatico.com.
	BabySoy Pocket Tee. An earth-friendly tee made from incredibly soft soy fabric in the most adorable colors. Available sizes: 3-24 months, $11 at babysoyusa.com.

– Bettijo B. Hirschi

After a day of chauffeuring, refereeing, housekeeping and so on, it is no wonder that at night you’d rather drift into dreamland then take a roll in the hay. If you and your husband are feeling out of touch, then perhaps it’s time to put your love life back on the front burner.

The daily grind can wear on both of you, but more intimacy will help the two of you take a united front with the kids and whatever else faces you. Since lovemaking is supposed to be about pleasing each other, a healthy dose of passion develops a habit of selfless concern for one another — helping couples feel safe, secure, loved and connected. When you feel more connected with your spouse you’ll be happier in all aspects of life.

This year make Valentine’s Day extra special as are sort of kick-off to a year of renewed passion. To help you celebrate, here are some gift ideas — not for him or for her — but that will bring you both equal pleasures. read more