Enjoy your day in the sun

Before you know it, the weather will cool down and those sunny days will be behind us. Take advantage of the warm weather and fresh air with these sunny Sunday afternoon activities for families and couples — or even enjoy them on your own.

Fun in the sun before the cold arrives

For families

Take the kids outdoors and fly a kite. If you are really adventurous, make one of your own. Fly it at the park, in the schoolyard or at a nearby field. Kite flying on a sunny day is a ton of fun and a terrific way to get your vitamin D.

Get tickets to a ball game for your whole family, whether it's the major leagues or a local game. Get seats in the bleachers and bring gloves so the kids can try to catch a fly ball. Eat hot dogs and peanuts, and enjoy a family day in the sun. Many teams offer family or group discounts on tickets.

Sure, the water park is a blast — but it can be expensive. Instead, invest in some cheap water guns and head outside. Turn on the sprinklers, break out the water balloons, and enjoy the afternoon sun while you cool off with some water fun.

A sunny Sunday afternoon is the perfect time to capture some amazing shots. Take your family to the botanical garden, zoo or the beach — all wonderful backdrops. Even if you are an amateur, you can take terrific pictures these days as the cameras do most of the work for you.

Get a babysitter. Make a date with your hubby or significant other and head to an outdoor cafe. You don't have to spend a lot — just enjoy a fresh fruit platter or only eat dessert. Have a few frothy cocktails and enjoy your Sunday in the sun with good conversation.

Bicycles aren't just for kids. Biking is a terrific way to spend an afternoon with your partner, and it's great exercise. If you live in a tourist community, rent a bicycle built for two. Most resort and coastal areas have them readily available. Tandem bikes are fun — and not as easy as you think to ride.

Slather on your sunscreen and head to the beach. Who cares if you aren't in bikini shape? Put on a sundress or cover-up and walk along the shoreline. There's nothing like wet sand oozing through your toes as you enjoy an afternoon in the sun with someone you love.

Let your hubby watch the kids for the afternoon while you get a little break. While the weather is still warm, take your reading outdoors. Whether you like romance novels, true crime stories or something in between, head to the nearest park and lounge in the grass while reading. Don't forget your sunscreen.

You don't have to spend money at the salon to get sun-kissed highlights; you can highlight your hair with honey, chamomile tea and even beer. For the beer method, empty four bottles of light-colored beer into a basin. Saturate you hair in the beer and then sit outside in the sun. Drink the other two bottles from the six-pack while you wait for the beer to go to work on your hair. About an hour later, rinse out your hair with cool water. Repeat a couple times a week until your hair is the shade you desire. Check out these other ways to get natural hair highlights.

An afternoon of shopping by yourself is a fabulous way to recharge your batteries and grab some "me time." Check out some stores to which you've never been in a neighboring town or suburb. Outlet malls, thrift shops and antique stores are fun destinations. Or head to a high-end boutique and try on designer clothes all afternoon. Who cares if you can't afford them? You're only window shopping.

More outdoor activities

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7 Kid-friendly outdoor activities
7 Family fun ideas in the great outdoors

by Jackie Singer
as told to Julie Weingarden Dubin

On a beautiful early September morning 19 years ago, my husband answered a call that changed our young family forever. “Mollie’s doctor called — get her to the hospital immediately — she has diabetes,” he said. “Her blood sugar is almost 800 and her ketones are off the chart.” I didn’t know what ketones were but my heart was pounding. We headed to the hospital and my mind was racing: What was going to happen to Mollie — she’s only 4 — and why didn’t anyone discover this sooner? What are they going to do to her? How is this going to affect her? I was screaming inside but I turned to Mollie and her twin sister, Jackie, and said that Mollie was going to be OK.

Health checks

The physical challenges are rough for any kid diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes but the emotional toll on Mollie was worse. Mollie experienced discrimination due to fear and ignorance of the public, parents, her peers and a few teachers. It was heart-wrenching. A friend once “uninvited” Mollie to a birthday party because the mother said that diabetics were a hassle. Such incidents motivated my twin sister Mollie and I to join with my twin daughters, then 10, to start Diabetic Angels, a global community designed to help raise diabetes awareness while working to find a cure through fundraising for research, advocacy and education.

I lived in fear that my daughter Mollie might not wake up in the morning because her blood sugar dropped too low during the night. I’d set my clock to wake her and check her blood sugar every few hours. We did the same drill every day for more than 10 years. Now Mollie and Jackie set their alarm for middle-of-the-night blood sugar tests. Mollie is able to manage her diabetes. She exercises, eats healthy and stays informed about the current information on diabetes. Mollie also wears her Medtronic Insulin Pump — her lifeline.

Family band

By the time Mollie and Jackie were teenagers the four of us were performing together at special events. We officially became MJ2 five years ago and it’s the best adventure of my life. We’re a country band with a touch of pop mixed in. We pride ourselves on our blend and harmonies. We went to Nashville with the girls to see if we could get our big break and on our second day there we were signed to our very first recording contract. I’m living every mother’s dream. My relationship with my daughters is closer now than ever. I love our sound as a band — our harmonies are so close they’re downright eerie. But most importantly, we have fun and it is normal for our rehearsals to run longer because we spend so much time in tears, laughing hysterically. Our love for music and our unwavering desire to help cure diabetes keeps us going and strengthens our relationship.

Working toward a cure

Hey, Moms: Do you know a mother with a great story? We’re looking for Mom Stories. Email Jrosewriter@gmail.com with your suggestions.

Diabetes is an epidemic in our children and more than half of all Americans are at risk of developing it by 2020. For 19 years, the four of us have helped raise more than a half a million dollars through our walk teams, gala donations, corporate and personal sponsorships, concerts, public service announcements and letter-writing campaigns. We even recorded a song, “You Can’t Say Love Enough,” on the Sweetsong Nashville record label, in Nashville, Tennessee, with an array of country artists who donated their time including Dolly Parton and Wayne Newton. All of the net proceeds from the download of the song on iTunes were directed to fund diabetes research and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Rock mama

I’m constantly in awe of Mollie and Jackie. Their gentle spirits are contagious and they touch the lives of everyone they meet. I’m the mom but I feel like they’re the teachers. I learn so much from my girls. They look for the good in others regardless of who they are, how they look or where they’re from. My daughters have taught me the importance of being compassionate when no one is looking and how small acts of everyday kindness make a big difference.

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Jillian Michaels

It sounds like Jillian Michaels has a new nanny for her two children! The tough-as-nails trainer, who adopted daughter Lukensia from Haiti and welcomed a son Phoenix with her partner Heidi Rhoades, tweeted a picture of her furry new helper.

“Our new nanny,” she tweeted with a photo of Phoenix lying next to a cute furry dog.

“Phoenix and I are shipping for @mytrainerbob's birthday present! What are you up to today?” she later wrote.

Speaking of trainer Bob, Michaels "twinted" before she made her big announcement:

“I'll be making an announcement tomorrow on The Today Show in the 8am hour. I think it's gonna make some of you very happy, so don't miss it!” she wrote.

Her big announcement was that she and Bob Harper will be back on this season of The Biggest Loser!

Tori Spelling

“Finn’s first headshot,” tweeted Tori Spelling of her newest little baby boy. “I am so in love with this little guy!”

“I posted this photo of baby Finn’s sweet little head on Instagram the other day, and I couldn’t resist sharing it again,” she continued on her website. “I can’t believe how in love I am with this tiny little man. He perfectly completes our family, and I can’t begin to tell you how lucky Dean and I feel that he found us.”

“This marks 2 births 4 me this week! Finn & Little Maven! NOW avail at @JCPenney stores & online,” she later tweeted about her new kids' clothing line.

Giuliana Rancic

Bill and Giuliana Rancic recently welcomed the birth of their first child, Duke Rancic, who was born via gestational surrogate.

“Big night tonight in the Rancic household @DukeRancic is being introduced to his 1st NFL football season!” tweeted Bill.

That’s right, Duke Rancic already has his own Twitter account! His profile reads: “Son of Bill & Giuliana Rancic. You can find me sleeping, eating or pooping...that's how I roll.”

Although he has yet to tweet, he already has almost 6,000 followers!

“do you think someday you'll tell the Duke about your amazing journey to be a mommy?” one follower tweeted to Giuliana.

 “Absolutely!!! He was so wanted:)” replied Giuliana.

Kristin Cavallari

“This mamma is gonna have her first glass of wine in 10 months tonight. Woohoo,” tweeted Kristin Cavallari, who recently gave birth to son Camden.

“Having a baby makes time fly. I can't believe my little peanut is already 4 weeks,” she later wrote.

And it looks like Cavillari, pictured here very early in her pregnancy, has already bounced back and lost her baby weight! “Girls night!! Yes at 6pm haha” she wrote, with a link to a photo of her in a short sundress.

Snooki

“Still in pain ugh! Can't wait to feel normal again,” tweeted Snooki, who recently gave birth to baby Lorenzo.

She may be in pain, but she is still rocking her signature look! “I fit in my heels again! WOHOOOOOO” she tweeted.

It may be hard to believe, but the Jersey Shore star has put her partying ways behind her... at least for now. “i bet it feels great to drink a margarita again! huh?”one fan tweeted.

“I'm not yet, I'm breast feeding. But have one for me!!” she replied.

You also have got to love the way Snooki lets insults just roll off her back!

 “You look more like a Cabbage Patch Kid on bath salts,” tweeted one follower.

"Oh, that sounds hot," Snooki quipped back.

From Tamera Mowry's ultrasound tweet to Gwyneth Paltrow, check out more celebrity tweets here >>

Photos: WENN

Ready for your big 20-week ultrasound? Ultrasounds are common procedures during pregnancy. It's a non-invasive prenatal test used to ensure that Baby is developing properly, to check the baby's estimated size and to see how the baby, placenta and umbilical cord are positioned. At the 20-week ultrasound, it's also an opportunity to learn the baby's sex... if Baby is willing to reveal that information to you.

The 20-week ultrasound is usually done with a special wand called a transducer that is used on the exterior of the belly. It allows the technician to "see" into the uterus, as shown above. Earlier ultrasounds may be conducted with a "transvaginal probe" because the baby is smaller.

What does the ultrasound show?

Ultrasound technology has improved a lot since its advent. If Baby cooperates, you can see fingers, toes, spines and even a little face! Also, you may be able to see the baby's anatomy. Make your intentions known about finding out the gender , so that the ultrasound tech knows not to spill the beans. If you don't tell, then you might accidentally find out — or worse, you might not be able to find out at all.

The ultrasound works by sending high-frequency sound waves that are used to produce images of what's inside you. You may not be able to recognize much of what you see, but the technician is trained to interpret the images. On most sonograms, the image is grainy black and white. The transducer — the part of the machine they rub on your belly — is moved around almost constantly, and the baby is swimming around, too!

More to look for

Amniotic fluid will be one of the darker things on the scan, and the harder tissue — such as bone — will appear bright.

There really isn't much to preparing for the ultrasound. Usually, the sonogram imaging specialists will ask you to have a full bladder . Depending on how long you have to sit in the waiting room, you may want to bring a bottle of water so that you can unload and refill while you wait — so that you aren't too uncomfortable.

Why does your bladder need to be full? When your bladder is full, it acts as a balloon, pushing the uterus up out of the pelvis a bit, which helps the tech visualize the baby, umbilical cord, amniotic sac, placenta and uterus.

The sound of silence

The ultrasound technician will need to concentrate on finding the right images and measurements for the doctor. And depending on the tech, that could result in a lot of silence. "It was nervewracking at first, while the technician was just measuring and not speaking. We were relieved when she told us everything was perfect. We were not uncomfortable at all, just very excited to see our baby growing," said Jacqueline Alvarado of avocadoPR.

So, don't worry. Silence doesn't signal something bad. Chances are, the tech is just concentrating.

Speak up

While you do need to let the technician concentrate on doing her job, not knowing what's happening can be frustrating. Don't be afraid to ask questions about what you are seeing . "For one of my ultrasounds in my first pregnancy, the ultrasound technician turned the screen away for the entire 30-minute process, did not talk to me and only printed out a picture at the end. I was too shy to say, 'Can I see?' Knowing what I do now, I would have no problem doing that. Speak up, talk to your technician," said Brenda Mulligan, mother of two.

There won't be a second chance to find out everything you want to know about what you are seeing. If you don't ask now, you probably won't have a chance to ask later since techs see many patients every day and won't be able to answer your questions. Feeling shy? Enlist your partner or whoever goes with you to advocate on your behalf.

Note: Only a physician can diagnose the content of the ultrasound, and at many practices, he or she is the only one who is allowed to report your Baby's gender.

Every ultrasound is different

Even if you've had an ultrasound before, you should know that every ultrasound is different. A variety of factors can influence the experience making it better or worse.

"Your experience can be completely different depending on where the ultrasound takes place and unfortunately, what kind of mood your ultrasound technician is in that day — how much they want to share with you on what they are seeing," said Mulligan.

Just relax. You will be reclining on a padded table or exam chair, the lights will be dimmed and it will be quiet. It's a perfect environment for "meeting" your baby for the first time!

Source: Mayo Clinic

More on ultrasounds

Accuracy of ultrasounds
Six common ultrasound questions and answers
What to expect from an ultrasound

Nancy J Price, a four-time pregnancy champion and eight-time ultrasound veteran, also contributed to this story.

Are the girls feeling swollen and sore? Are they getting more attention than usual? Better bust out the pee stick — you may be pregnant.

Sore breasts are often one of the first signs of pregnancy. Hormonal changes cause an increase in blood flow as the breast tissue changes and prepares for breastfeeding. As early as four to six weeks into your pregnancy, your breasts may begin to feel tingly and tender. Make sure you get a comfy and supportive bra because over the next few months — those bad boys may just grow a size or two. You will most likely feel less tender after the first trimester passes, as your body adjusts to the wave of hormones.

Anyone who has experienced "morning sickness" knows that it is not restricted to the morning at all, but can strike at any time of the day . It is not uncommon to suddenly be nauseated by certain smells or tastes, especially when you are newly pregnant. Morning sickness is not a given, and a lucky few never experience nausea at all while pregnant.

Caused by the dramatic increase in hormones during the first trimester of pregnancy, some women stop feeling nauseous around 12 weeks. Others, however, continue to feel nauseated throughout their entire pregnancy. If this happens to you, consult with your physician about medications to help control the nausea so that you don't become dehydrated or lose too much weight.

Have you been incredibly tired lately — so tired you feel it in your bones? Fatigue is a common first sign of pregnancy. Many women describe early-pregnancy fatigue as the most extremely tired feeling they have ever experienced. It isn't known for certain what causes the extreme fatigue, but it could be related to increased progesterone levels.

Exhaustion is typically worst during the first trimester of pregnancy. You may feel revived and more energetic during your second trimester, but find your fatigue returning as you near the end of your third trimester. You will want to nap as much as possible now because after the baby arrives, you may never nap again. Or at least not for the next 18 years.

Strangely enough, nausea and hunger often go hand-in-hand during pregnancy. During the time when you aren't feeling nauseous over the smell of certain foods, you are probably eating your weight in some food item that you've become obsessed with over the last few weeks — like barbecue potato chips, mint-chip ice cream or the traditional pickles.

While it is OK to give in to some of your pregnancy cravings, make sure that you don't go overboard and decide to live on pita chips and grapes for the next nine months just because they are the only thing that doesn't make your stomach flip. Try to follow a balanced diet and stay away from any foods that are unsafe for pregnant women.

Have you been spending more time in the restroom than in any other room of your house? When you are newly pregnant, you may find yourself visiting a restroom more often. Get used to it — as your uterus expands and pushes on your bladder, fluids in your body increase and cause the kidneys to work overtime. As your baby grows, expect some tiny limbs to put a bit of pressure on your bladder too, which doesn't help.

Moody much? Did you just threaten to divorce your husband because he wanted to watch Deadliest Catch while you wanted to watch The Bachelorette? Don't worry. Moodiness is completely normal during pregnancy thanks to the dramatic hormonal shifts your body is undergoing. Each woman experiences these hormonal changes differently. You may feel extreme mood shifts in either direction, or be more anxious or depressed.

It is important to note that if you feel overwhelmingly hopeless or unable to perform daily duties, you should seek professional help from your healthcare provider or mental health professional immediately.

A missed menstrual cycle is usually a good indication that you might be pregnant, but it can also be deceiving. Some women do not menstruate regularly, or may not keep accurate track of when they last menstruated. If your periods are irregular or vary between spotting and heavy flow, you may experience other early signs of pregnancy well before you realize you have missed a period.

Some women experience a bit of spotting during implantation, which occurs very close to the time that your regular menstrual period would have occurred. If you think you might be pregnant, make sure to take a pregnancy test just to be safe before engaging in any activities that would be dangerous for your baby.

Your tender breasts and nausea may already have you convinced that you are pregnant, but make sure to visit your obstetrician or midwife for a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests — despite what they claim — are not always accurately able to confirm pregnancy before you have missed your period. If you take an early home test and it comes back negative, try again a week later. It is always important to get your pregnancy confirmed by a medical professional and begin monitoring that brand new bundle of joy.

More on early pregnancy

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No one likes heading to the gynecologist for an annual exam. Before you rush through your visit, tight-lipped and waiting for it to be over, consider the resource you have in your gynecologist.

Take control of your health

Here are some questions you should ask your gynecologist while you have her attention.

If you’re a mom or you’re trying to get pregnant, your gynecologist is a huge resource. Take advantage of the time you spend in stirrups. Instead of making small talk, come prepared with questions about your health. Bring a small notebook if that helps you remember everything you want to ask. Don’t forget to take notes or ask your doctor for paperwork to bring home.

Learn how to pamper yourself during your period >>

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If you want your child to learn Spanish, check out some of our favorite bilingual toys that your kids will love.

Language exposure isn't just about toys. It's also about daily exposure. Introduce your child to different languages and cultures through books, music, food and more. If you want your little one to learn both English and Spanish , start when he is young. One of the easiest places to begin is with counting and colors. You'll find that kids can pick up on a foreign language easier than you can possibly imagine. By integrating different languages and cultures into their lives from the start, you can teach them a valuable skill for their future.

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Who will love him?

When you are parenting a special needs child, you can't help but wonder how his life will be once you are gone.

By the time I was 25 years old, I knew 25 people under the age of 25 who died or were killed. That simple fact says two things about me: 1) The loss of so many young friends definitely shapes one's frame of reference, and 2) You might want to rethink being my friend.

Despite these tragic events and losses — or perhaps because of them — I never feared death. As Woody Allen once said, “I’m not afraid of death, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”

A new perspective

Then, in an astonishing twist of irony, it took a life — the life of my son — to change my pragmatic view of death. After my son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, the thought of death was abhorrent. My “ultimate reward” has become a personal obsession.

The only reason I now fear my death is simple: When my husband and I pass, who will be there to love, protect and advocate for our son?

Like many families with special needs children, my husband and I have spent sleepless nights in anguish and uncertainty about Ethan’s future.

Who will love and care for Ethan like we do? Will he need a group home, or will he live with relatives? Do we transfer the title of our home to our son, with the stipulation that our daughter and her family can also live there in perpetuity? How much money or inheritance will he need to be comfortable? Who will drive him to activities that stimulate his interests? Will his love of music be nurtured, or allowed to slowly erode? Will his life matter to others like it did to his father and me? Indeed, will he even know — or care — that his parents are no longer there?

Forget Heaven and Hell. Not knowing how my son’s life will be is purgatory on earth. So, my mission is to do all I can for him, here and now. But when my time does come, I know there will be at least 25 people to welcome me. And boy, oh, boy, have I got stories for them!

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So much lay ahead

As I lay with her beside me, I knew my life would never be the same.

The light from the hallway spilled into our hospital room and shone across her just-hours-old newborn face. Alone in our room, I stared at Katie for as long as I could keep my eyes open and each time I awoke to her tiniest shift or sigh, my chest tightened at the realization that she was finally here with me, this child we had waited for for so long.

After a yearlong infertility battle and a difficult pregnancy, she was just what my heart needed. She was the child I was meant to have and she made every moment of the struggle worth it.

When I looked at her in all her newness, all I could think of was all that lay ahead of us.

I was filled with anticipation, excitement and joy. I was so eager to experience the adventures in the coming years.

Magical years between

And those years with her have been magical. Katie has taught me more about myself in five years than I had learned about myself in over three decades.

Tomorrow, her father and I will drop her off for her first day of kindergarten and the lump is forming in my throat just thinking about it.

There in the hospital bed, I couldn’t have imagined how quickly these five years with her would pass. It seemed like she’d be home with me for an eternity before I would have to hand her over.

If you struggle too, don't miss these real mom tips for the first day of kindergarten >>

In the blink of an eye

Where did our time together go?

Wasn’t it just yesterday that she pulled herself to the standing position with a big, drooly smile, beaming with pride?

How can it be that it’s been nearly three years since she welcomed her baby brother home with the open heart and jubilation of a 2-year-old?

I sat and talked with Katie last week about her first day of kindergarten and she couldn’t contain her joy... it's truly bigger than she is. I could feel exactly what she was putting into words because I remember those feelings so vividly.

She is filled with anticipation, excitement and joy. She is eager to experience the adventures in the coming years.

And each time my tears threaten to fall at the thought of all that is being taken from me, I remember what it felt like to believe that I had all the time in the world.

I remember what it felt like to nearly burst with joy for all that the future held.

If you're sending your child off to kindergarten, here are 10 things you need to know >>

Gratitude through tears

I will cry tomorrow, I know that. But I will strive to hold my tears in until I’ve closed the door to her classroom behind me, because my job is to celebrate with her and be proud of her for spreading her wings, no matter how much I’d give anything for more time.

Through my tears, I will be grateful for the five years during which I’ve had her at home with me because I can’t think of a greater gift.

More on learning to let go

Practicing Gratitude: Facing kindergarten
Monday Mom Challenge: Let go a little. Or a lot.
Real Moms Guide: Kids and independence

The mom bag

Most of the time being a mom isn't about fashion, it's about necessity. Jodie Heisner loves what she calls her ”big mom purse.” ”I always have what everyone needs Plus, I always have room to hold the extras .”

The mom mobile

As mothers, we all know that our vehicle is more about convenience than anything else. Shawna from Arizona loves her mom mobile and for good reason: She's mom to a 3-year-old and 5-month-old twins. “I don't care what people say; I love my minivan. I call it my swagger wagon, and it just makes me so happy. It's easy to get my kids in and out of , and it handles really well.”

Trade my Miata for a minivan? I don't think so >>

The ”mom jeans”

Thankfully, there weren't any moms who claimed that wearing high-waisted jeans circa 1995 was their thing . But there were plenty of mothers who admitted that comfortable clothing came before anything else — even if it meant they were clad in something, well, ugly.

Mom jeans you'll be proud to wear >>

Mona Shand, mommy blogger and mother of three from Michigan says, ”For me, it's sleeping in ugly flannel PJs, T-shirts, and generally junky but super-comfy gear. Some may call it sex-repellent, but hey, we have 3 kids so obviously it's not a huge issue. I'm a stylish, professionally dressed woman by day. When I go to bed I just want to be done with it all!”

Jaimee, mother of two from California laughs, ”I wear the same hat every day when I drop my son off at school. I have to prioritize who gets their hair done first in the morning and I'm always last in line.” Jaimee adds, ”I also can't leave home without my tennis shoes. At 5'3" I know that my legs look like cut-down tree stumps in shorts with socks and tennies on but I know that I will be trekking up a grass hill while holding a 30-pound child in one arm, a backpack slung over my shoulder and another child tugging at my other arm, so flip flops are not an option for this mommy.”

The bath

You may remember the Calgon, take me away commercial from a few decades ago. A woman, presumably a mother, sinks into her Calgon-filled sudsy tub after a long day and all of her troubles disappear into the bathwater. Amber Dusick, mother of two from California, admits it's cliche, but says, as a mom, she needs her own ”Calgon-esque” experience. ”After a rough day with the kids all I want is a long, relaxing bath in the ’Calgon, take me away style,’ except minus the Calgon and plus a glass of wine.”

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Many of the baby girl names that were at the top of the charts in the 1940s, such as Betty, Carol and Shirley, have fallen out of favor for more modern names. “Baby names are like period pieces,” says Josh Taylor, a genealogist at findmypast.com. “Some recall a particular era, which can make them clues when researching family history. So, you can sometimes guess roughly when someone was born simply by their first name.”

For boys, however, many of the top names from the 1940s, such as James, David, William, still remain in the top 20 today! The names that were popular in the 1940s have fallen by an average of over 500 places in the popularity rankings for girls, but barely 100 for boy names. Why have popular names changed so dramatically for girls, but remained relatively unchanged for boy names?

 “Women’s role in society has seen a revolution since 1940,” says Brian Speckart, spokesperson for findmypast.com, which conducted this recent baby name study. “Men’s role has changed too, though far less.”

Why Madison is the new Betty

 “American women used to have names like Betty and, like Betty Draper in the TV series Mad Men, marry men with jobs on Madison Avenue,” says Taylor. “Now women are themselves called Madison and have top jobs — on Madison Avenue and beyond.”

While Betty was associated with the traditional homemaker, the new “power” names, which also include Mia and Abigail, show a changing role for women.

It is also interesting to note that the top girl names are varied according to origin, whereas at least half of the popular boy names today have biblical or Hebrew origins. Nicholas Christenfeld and Britta Larsen of UC San Diego put forth their explanation for this trend for a paper in The Psychologist.

 “By avoiding the most common and old-fashioned names, parents may enhance their daughters’ claims to be young and exotic and thereby increase their mate value,” they say. “In choosing more common and historically popular names for their boys, parents may signal that their sons are mature and established, as so help them to attract young, exotic mates.”

From Kennedy to Taylor: Surnames as first names

Another recent trend is the popularity of last names as first names. It is interesting to note that Madison was originally a surname and then it became popular as a boy’s first name before falling out of popularity in the 1950s.

“In 1940, you were as likely to meet a girl named Madison as a boy named Sue,” said Taylor.

It is a different story today, where power girl names like Kennedy, Emerson, Taylor and Addison are the norm. Let’s not forget Jessica Simpson, who gave her daughter the power name of Maxwell.

The 10 most popular girls’ names in 1940

Check out the top baby girl names from the 1940s. It is interesting to note that Betty, Carol and Shirley are no longer ranked in the top 1000 on today's lists.

What are the new power names of the 21st century? Check out the current top 100 baby girl names and boy names here >>

On the flipside, some parents are actually embracing old-fashioned names like Vivienne, Abigail and Beatrice, and shunning more trendy names such as Addison or Briella. Does this mean we are starting to long for a return to old-fashioned values — or does this mean we are bucking the trend of being placed in a certain role by our names? Tell us your thoughts below!

More baby names

Why you should buy your child's domain name
The hottest new baby girl names
The hottest new baby boy names

Pregnant
together

The teen pregnancy genre of reality television has added a new twist — teens who are pregnant at the same time as their mothers. Two pairs of pregnant teens and their mothers are featured in the new TLC show My Teen is Pregnant and So Am I. What are some of the problems they will face?

Teenage pregnancy is one of the most life-altering situations a girl can face, and can quickly become an emotional crisis for the entire family. When a teen discovers that she is pregnant, the emotions of pregnancy are frequently accompanied by guilt, remorse, fear and even anger. Dealing with her mother also being pregnant can cause a lot of tension and emotion. While this may seem like perfect reality-television fodder, this scene is not as uncommon as we may think.

Older moms

While the teenage pregnancy rate fell 40 percent from 1990 to 2008, the rate of pregnancy in 30- and 40-year-old women has been increasing. Women may be more likely to postpone subsequent pregnancies into their 30s and 40s due to advances in reproductive science. "Our toolbox and skills have increased, and we are helping them get pregnant into their 40s," says Dr. Jill Maura Rabin, an OB-GYN at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Manhasset, New York.

What to know about pregnancy in your 40s >>

Some women may have more difficulties getting pregnant later in life, but unplanned pregnancy also occurs in this age group. "Women in the 40s think they can't get pregnant anymore and have unprotected intercourse, but they can," Rabin said.

Teen pregnancy is risky

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, babies born to teenage mothers in the U.S. are more at risk for long-term issues affecting their quality of life — poverty, neglect, school difficulties, and mental or physical illness. The mothers of these babies are at substantial risk as well. Many teen mothers do not seek appropriate medical attention during their pregnancies, leaving them at a higher risk of medical complications. Rates of school drop-out are high and many teenage mothers find themselves pregnant a second time within two years. It is common for pregnant teens to experience anxiety or depression, and many may benefit from counseling by a mental health professional.

Having the support of family is key in helping a pregnant teenager come to terms with her situation and make confident decisions. Data from the Teenage Mothers-Grandmothers program in the 1990s supports the belief that pregnant adolescents who have good communication with their mothers are less likely to drop out of school, have a lower repeat pregnancy rate and significantly higher self-esteem.

See why clueless teens are getting pregnant >>

Sharing the spotlight

When a teenage girl is pregnant at the same time as her mother, a new set of emotions is added on top of those she is already struggling to cope with. There may be some jealousy, anger or resentment of the mother’s impending pregnancy.

One of the pregnant teenagers on the TLC show described her reaction after learning that her mother was also expecting. ”This kinda sounds selfish, but I kinda wanted the attention on me and my baby,” she told ABC News. “So I was like, ‘Are you freakin’ kiddin’ me?’” Mothers who find themselves simultaneously pregnant with their teen daughters may feel embarrassed, ashamed or envious. All of these emotions make it more difficult for the mother to offer the maternal support their teenage daughter may need to get through her pregnancy.

While being pregnant at the same time as your teen is not a desirable situation, by keeping the lines of communication open you can support each other during this difficult time.

More on parenting teens

How to deal: Teenage drinking
Teaching teens about identity theft
When teens cut: The scary truth teens can easily hide

Does your child sleep with a pile of stuffed animals? The bad news is those toys could be littered with allergens. The good news is with a few simple steps, you can drastically reduce your child’s exposure to allergens.

Relief for childhood allergies

Your child’s bedroom should be a sanctuary from environmental allergens. Unfortunately, some of the top allergens — such as dust mites and pet dander — love to congregate in the places we sleep. Learn how to cut down on allergens in your child’s bedroom to relieve her allergy and asthma symptoms and help her sleep easy.

Avoid pet dander completely

If you have a pet, bathe your pet often. If you don’t, consider sticking to a pet like a fish or reptile. If your child sleeps with his dog or cat, it’s time to break that habit. No amount of pet-related comfort is worth the issue of pet dander in your child’s bedding. For best results, your pets should be banned from the kids’ rooms entirely. Ask your child to change into his pajamas directly before bedtime. If your child’s pet allergies are severe, make sure he takes a shower and changes his clothes after playing with a friend’s pet.

Discover tips for an asthma-healthy home >>

Ban mold and mildew

Mold allergies can cause kids to experience symptoms similar to the common cold. Help your child avoid these uncomfortable symptoms by cutting down on mold. A dehumidifier is a great defense against mold in your child’s bedroom. Good habits also go a long way. Encourage your child to hang towels in the bathroom after use, instead of letting them fester on the floor. Use a sealed hamper for sweaty, dirty clothes. Attend to leaks promptly and consider having your windows evaluated for moisture leak issues.

More on asthma and allergies

Cope with your child's summer allergies on the cheap
Kids asthma: Tips for an asthma-healthy home
How to prevent ear infections

Teen girls are three times more likely to suffer major depressive episodes than younger tween girls, according to new research.

increase in major depressive episodes

With the surge of hormones in puberty and all of the other difficulties facing teen girls, depression is something she shouldn’t have to face. What are the signs that your teen daughter may be depressed, and what can you do to help?

New research by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suggests that as girls move from their adolescent years into their teens, they are three times more likely to suffer from a major depressive episode. According to the research, just 5 percent of 12-year-old girls had experienced a major depressive episode within the past year, compared to a staggering 15 percent of 15-year-old girls. Girls were also found to be three times more likely to experience major depressive episodes than boys of the same age.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders developed by the American Psychiatric Association defines a major depressive episode as when a person experiences a period of depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure for two weeks or longer. This period is also accompanied by at least four other symptoms that reflect a change in functioning, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration and self-image.

Why the increase?

Since the rise in depressive episodes occurs during puberty, it would be easy to blame surging hormones for the increase. Depression in adolescent girls may be mistaken for mood swings common in puberty, and not recognized as true depression until much later in her teenage years. By this time parents or other adults may recognize signs of depression and may refer the teen for treatment options.

It is unclear why girls seem to suffer from depression more often than boys. "It's likely a number of different factors, including psychological, biological and social factors that may all contribute to some degree," says Richard McKeon, Ph.D. and chief of the Suicide Prevention Branch at SAMHSA. "It is a time of great transition, a time of biological transition, a time of social change, so there are likely a number of different reasons."

Did you know acne actually causes depression? >>

Moods, or more?

Because the teen years are characterized by change, moodiness and occasional angst, it may be hard for parents and other adults who work with teens to accurately see the difference between moodiness and depression. "If a mood persists and there are other associated signs like difficulty concentrating, difficulty functioning, loss of appetite or energy, that teenager may require additional help," says McKeon. Many times early intervention with counseling can help prevent more major depressive episodes down the road that may require medication.

Is it depression or normal mood swings? >>

More on parenting teens

Understanding your teen's nutritional needs
Does your teen have an eating disorder?
Teen girls and breakups: Helping them move on

Nine years ago, a cute little fish named Nemo captured our hearts. Nemo's struggle for independence and his dad's overprotective nature resulted in the sweet clownfish with the cutest voice ever being captured by a diver.

3D: Bigger and better

Finding Nemo 3D was a whole new experience for me. It had been years — nine, to be exact — since I'd watched the entire movie from start to finish. And although my kids have watched Finding Nemo on DVD many, many times, I haven't ever sat down to view the entire movie again.

So, that alone made seeing Finding Nemo 3D awesome! I had forgotten so many parts that it was almost like seeing half of the movie for the first time. But even better was the incredible 3D quality. It truly brought the film to life.

When I had the opportunity to screen it last month, I learned some interesting new facts. Finding Nemo was actually originally shot in 3D, but the technology didn't yet exist to show it in theaters that way. John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and the film‘s executive producer, noted that what you'll see in Finding Nemo 3D is what you were meant to see all along!

"At last, with today‘s technological advances, this spectacular underwater world can be seen as it was intended — showcasing its eye-popping detail and breathtaking colors to both theatrical and in-home audiences and creating a truly immersive experience," he said.

More than just a kids' movie

When Finding Nemo was originally released in 2003, I wasn't a mom yet. I certainly saw the movie and thought it was a great one, but I didn't appreciate the heartstring tugs quite as much as I do now! The never-ending commitment a parent has to her child is something that I understand as a mom, so for the first time, I really got Marlin's refusal to ever give up on finding Nemo.

And like all Disney•Pixar films, Finding Nemo 3D is full of fantastic humor that adults love but that is appropriate for kids too. Plus, don't forget the wisdom. "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming... " are words to live by!

It's a great film for kids of all ages. The only potential fright factor is the sharks, so if your youngsters are particularly sensitive, make sure to view the regular Finding Nemo at home first so you can decide if they'll be OK with it.

Finding Nemo 3D opens in theaters today, September 14, 2012. I can't wait to see it again — and take my kids this time!

Partysaurus Rex Bonus!

As a bonus, there's a fun short before Finding Nemo 3D and it's the best so far. Watch this clip of Partysaurus Rex to get an idea of the fun to come!

Image courtesy of Disney/Pixar

More Finding Nemo love

Disney preview: Fun new upcoming movies
Olympic stars "just keep swimming" with Finding Nemo 3D
Finding Nemo 3D and Partysaurus Rex

Don't be ashamed to admit it — the last time you did your times-tables without your trusty iPhone calculator was when you were in elementary school.

Become a mommy math geek

Now, with your child heading into a new school year, you're the one having anxiety over remembering how to carry the one and do long division! It's time to channel your inner-mommy math geek, even if the thought of fractions makes you want to hide under the kitchen table. Don't you dare hide your iPhone under there — no cheating allowed!

Mommy math geek tip #1: Befriend your child's teacher

The first thing a math geek mommy does? Find out what's going on in the classroom, math-wise. While you don't have to admit that you and math aren't BFFs, making a connection with your future rocket scientist's teacher will get you pretty far in helping your child. Ask if she has an answer book you can make copies of or if she's using a specific math method in the classroom so that you can study up before you're stumped. Plus, as with anything, the more you communicate with your child's teacher about how your kiddo is doing in class, the better.

Mommy math geek tip #2: Google it

Now that you have the inside math scoop from your child's teacher, get online and do some research to figure out all of those terms that she was chatting about. Lattice method of multiplication? Partial products method? Chunking method of division? You can find it all. And believe it or not, YouTube can be your biggest helper — there are videos that break down every type of math method out there, in easy-to-follow steps.

Mommy math geek tip #3: Do some pre-homework homework

While you thought that you had left the days of doing homework in the past, now that you have a child in school, it's time to hit the books again! A lot of the frustration parents can find in teaching their child math is that they get flustered in the process because they are trying to learn how to do the problems alongside their child. Instead, work through your child's homework on your own before you sit down to help him with it. Yes, that's time-consuming and yes, you hate math, but it is certain to result in a better learning environment for your child if you are confident in assisting him.

Mommy math geek tip #4: A math-friendly home

Now we're going to start sounding like a teacher, but you'll have to admit that it's true — math is everywhere! And when you start to look for math in your everyday lives, it can be a fantastic and easy way to instill a love of math in your child. Start by subscribing to the free daily math problems from Bedtime Math. Started by a mom who engaged her kids in math by giving them a math problem at bedtime each night, Bedtime Math is meant to be low-pressure and — gasp — fun! Think about the other ways you can work on math with your child — keeping track of the grocery bill as you add things to the cart, adding fractions when doubling a recipe for dinner or simply counting how many pieces of clothing can fit in the washing machine.

Mommy math geek tip #5: Wave the white flag

You may immerse yourself so far into the world of mommy math geek that you even start wearing those thick, fake plastic-rimmed glasses that are super cool right now, but you still may not be able to fall in love with division signs enough to help your child. Sometimes, the best thing parents can do is to recognize when they need to outsource. If you feel like your child needs more help with his math than he's getting in the classroom and that you are not making any progress, seek out a professional tutor. One who truly is a math geek!

More on back to school

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Looks we love for back to school
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• Looks at people when they say her name
• Can crawl or scoot around
• Cruises or takes a few steps unassisted
• Can express emotions ranging from happy to sad
• Can go from lying down to sitting up on her own
• Waves "bye-bye"
• Babbles/"communicates" to you, her toys, other people

• Uses two words besides "mama" and "dada" on a regular basis
• Enjoys seeing his own reflection in the mirror
• Cooperates while you help dress him
• Adds words with gestures to express wants/needs
• Can roll a ball

• Self-feeds with fingers
• Dumps out bins/buckets of toys/items
• Imitates others
• Likes to play games
• Can identify one body part when prompted
• Can follow easy instructions
• Uses utensils to self-feed
• Can match lids with correct containers
• Uses walker/push- and pull-toys correctly

• Plays with a ball
• Walks backward and/or runs
• Draws/doodles
• Loves to say "No!"
• Wants to help around the house
• Puts fingers to lips and says "shhh"

• Can flip pages of a book
• Has outbursts/temper tantrums to express emotions
• May become attached to one special "loveys"
• Starts to climb
• Can stack as many as three blocks
• Can use utensils to self-feed
• Imitates correctly using the phone, remote, everyday objects
• Can remove clothing by herself
• Starts to get more particular about new foods
• May drop second nap

• Plays "pretend"/role-plays
• Pretends to feed a doll/toy
• Speech becomes more understandable
• Throws a ball underhand
• Can dance
• Can sort by size, shape and color
• Can kick a ball straight ahead

• Flips through books by himself/studies pages/pictures
• Scribbles/doodles skillfully
• Can form simple two-word sentences
• Can brush teeth with your help
• Stacks up to four blocks
• Can toss a ball overhand
• Can take apart and put together toys
• May be ready for toilet training/shows interest in going on the potty

Keep in mind that every baby develops at her own pace, but check with your pediatrician if you have concerns regarding your child's development.

More common baby milestones

Months 1-3: Common milestones
Months 4-6: Common milestones
Months 7-9: Common milestones
Months 10-12: Common milestones

When’s the best age?

You’ve been eager to take your toddler to her first movie for a few months, but how do you know she’s really ready?

And what back-up plans have you made if she has a meltdown? We talk to parents who have made that first brave step into a movie theater with a young child.

The jury is out on what age is the perfect age to take your child to her first movie. We talked with real moms to find out how they handled the decision, and discovered that the answers were as unique as the kids themselves.

During infancy

Many parents went to the movies with their infants in tow — not so the baby could watch the movie, but because babies sleep, and sleep often. Babies are often content to be held or nursed during a film and if they fuss, parents plan ahead and sit near an aisle in the back for easy escape.

Usually once babies become mobile and less content to sit with their parents quietly is when movies become less desirable for both the parent and child. “We went a lot when he was an infant, then had a period of no movies when he was mobile and uninterested,” shared Tara, mom of one. “He saw Cars around his first birthday and there's been no turning back. He loves movies and going to theaters. We have journeyed to new, old, outdoor and even dinner theaters.”

Age 2 or 3

The consensus for going to a movie for the child’s sake seemed to be between age 2 and 3. Kayla, mom of one, waited until her little girl could sit through a movie at home before she took that first step into a theater. Some theaters have special showings for smaller children, also. “We took her right after she turned 2,” explained Charlene, mother of two. “It was part of AMC's sensory-friendly films so they are allowed to get up, walk around and talk a bit if they want or need to, and the lights aren’t completely down. She did well; she sat for the first half and then was walking around.”

Vicki from Canada agreed. “We go all the time!” she told us. “Lyra loves the movies. We've been taking her since Olive was born, shortly after her second birthday.”

Others go knowing that their kiddo may not last through the entire movie. “We just took Daphne to her first movie for her second birthday,” said Jenna, mother of two. “She lasted about 45 minutes and she didn't really care about the movie itself. When she started to get a little too rambunctious, we just left. No big deal. I wasn't expecting her to last through the whole thing.”

Special situations

“I found a drive-in movie worked well for us,” said Christina, mom of four whose oldest child has autism. “I only had them all in a theater once; we sat in aisle seats and sat closer to the front so that everyone could see easily. Also making sure everyone was fed and getting there close to start time so they didn’t get bored before it even started.”

Ideally each parent will evaluate when their particular child is ready for the big screen. It can be overwhelming for a small child — loud noise and music, low light and a big room potentially filled with people. With an escape plan in mind you will be able to enjoy a movie, and perhaps start a family movie-going tradition.

More on family activities

5 Uses for a cardboard box
7 Ways to keep your kids active this summer
Family activities your toddler will love

These days, it’s virtually impossible to claim ignorance when it comes to our energy crisis. While all forms of energy are needed to meet worldwide demand , oil is a crucial component of a long-term solution. Alberta sits upon proven reserves of 170 billion barrels of oil and Shell is working to responsibly extract these reserves — with the help of some very talented and dedicated moms. These women bring unique skill sets to this male-dominated industry, proving that there is no frontier a mom can’t conquer.

Ginette Macisaac is the In-Situ Oil Sands Thermal Technology operations manager and mother of two. Over the past 17 years, her career has taken her to all corners of the world. She has lived and worked in the Netherlands, Singapore, Qatar, Australia and now calls Alberta, Canada home. Ginette focuses on developing new technologies to maximize production while minimizing the project’s footprint.

"The title working mom is a source of pride. My love of challenge and adventure has translated into a series of interesting jobs and experiences, including motherhood, in a number of countries. Being a mother is part of who I am and it has taught me skills, like patience, that aren't so easy to develop on the job. As for my career being in a male-dominated industry, I simply enjoy the type of work that I do."　

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Anita Spence is the Quest Carbon Capture and Storage project manager, a mother of three and grandmother of two. Since 2010, she’s managed Shell’s $1 billion CCS project, overseeing construction, technical development and operations, including significantly reducing the CO2 impact of the Oil Sands Project.

"I think it is very important that your job is actually something you enjoy doing. Because of that, I have found that work has been a great stress reliever when my girls have been particularly challenging. The majority of times it is the other way — that the family is the stress relief for work. So many of the skills you need as a parent are the same as those that you need to succeed in the workplace especially communication and interpersonal skills. My volunteer hours in the elementary and junior high systems were the best diversity training an individual could ask for. To have been able to do both has been very fulfilling."

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Simone Marler is the tour manager and communications manager at the Muskeg River Mine and the mother of two grown children. She is a nature lover to the core, an avid bird watcher and a proud member of the Athabasca Oil Sands Project. She enjoys educating everyone from students to government officials about the energy industry while hosting tours of the Muskeg River and Jackpine mines.

"The true source of my support is that my husband is the most amazing partner. We had our children later in life and, when our youngest was 3 years old, we decided he would downsize his business to stay home with our family. As a result, I never had a worry in the world about the homefront and was able to travel , [and could] work late or [not] stress out about deadlines, knowing our children were lovingly nurtured, healthily fed, the bills paid, school committees volunteered for, and our home beautifully renovated. He’s now retired and still looks after all the stuff that needs doing in daily life — he is my rock and we are a team like no other I know."

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Nicolette Stanley is an environmental coordinator and is expecting her first child. A hardcore environmentalist at heart, Nicolette is dedicated to sustainable development and reducing the Oil Sands Project’s environmental risk and impact. Combining her undergraduate degree in Environmental Geochemistry and graduate degree in Geomicrobiology with a passion for responsible environmental stewardship, Nicolette has turned her passion into a fulfilling career.

"I have had a lot of support being pregnant, especially since I work at a very remote industrial site. My family and friends have been very supportive; they understand why I do what I do and that I am here to help to the best of my abilities."

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Tanya Gray is the Safety and Emergency Response manager at the Scotford Upgrader and mom to a 3-year-old son. It’s her job to ensure safe working conditions for employees. A 14-year veteran of the oil and gas industry, Tanya is not only an ambassador for workplace safety but also for women interested in the energy field.

"In the Emergency Response space, we have a male dominated team that is open to my slightly different leadership approach; collaborative decision-making versus the typical command type structure. We embrace our differences and leverage them to build a stronger team. Our common bond is passion for family and the understanding that family always comes first. Having the support of my spouse and friends means I know my son has quality care and I am better able to focus on work without the influx of guilt that he is missing out on every opportunity."

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Jessica Willemsen is the Mine Shop manager at Shell’s Jackpine Mine and mother of two. With no previous knowledge of mechanics, she heads up a team of 89 mechanics, of which all but two are men. She oversees repairs on some of the biggest trucks in the world.

"I’m a big proponent of balance. That means different things to different women. For me, it means putting my family first, but also having a career which inspires and challenges me, while making sure I still have my own downtime to recharge. Whenever I start to feel stressed or worn out, I know something is out of balance and I need to re-evaluate my priorities. Right now, things feel pretty good. My boys are proud of me, running the truck shop. They think it’s pretty cool. Not so much because I’m a woman, but more because ‘Mom gets to fix the big trucks.’"

The first sentence of Herman Melville’s classic Moby Dick begins, “Call me Ishmael.” Ishmael may or may not be the narrator’s real name , but Ishmael’s is a self-label.

Call me Ishmael

Heck, you can call me Ishmael too, but that’s not my real name.

Neither is my name "Moron," "Ignoramus" or "Hey you,” yet, that’s what some people call me. But, enough about the pet names my husband uses…

The all-mighty label

For anyone who has survived eighth grade English, grammar seemed pointless at the time. Were we ever going to care about splitting infinitives, prepositions and my personal favorite, the dangling participle? Ah, but where would we be without the all-important adjective?

For better or worse, adjectives allow us to label people, and we as a society are certainly obsessed with the all-mighty label. Shoe labels. Food labels. People labels.

Ask a friend or acquaintance to describe me, and my money says that one of the first labels placed upon me is “mom of a child with autism.”

Now, my son’s condition has never been — and never will be — a secret. But my life and the lives of those with special needs dependents cannot and should not be defined, judged or labeled exclusively by one condition that is intrinsic in our lives.

Autism is but one part of us.

From Aristotle to The Breakfast Club

Aristotle wrote, “The whole is more than the sum of its parts.” The same holds true when we label people based solely on their parts, whether it be through marital status, weight, disease, income, political party, religion and/or children. One simple adjective — a label — simply cannot do justice to the whole.

The 1985 movie The Breakfast Club summed up the label issue brilliantly. Five students in detention are forced to write individual essays about “who they think they are.” Rather than five separate essays, only one essay was submitted. In part, the essay read, “… we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us… In the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions… ”

Feel free to label me and other parents of different learners as you wish. But, to accurately describe us, you should use adjectives like indomitable, determined, resolute, compassionate, passionate and most of all, tired.

Oh, and call me Ishmael if you must. He was a survivor, too.

More about autism

Autism: A sister’s vision
Autism and back to school: Another brick in the wall
I heart autism... sometimes