On Tuesday, June 18 my youngest child Naomi turns 1 so we decided to get a head start and celebrate her birthday Saturday at Cool de Sac. We had a blast with nearly all of our closest family members present, including all of Naomi’s beloved cousins, my 99-year-old grandma Micaela, my mom, my father in law, aunt Millin and more family and friends. Here’s a little photo recap to commemorate the great first year this blessed child has given us!
NOW YOU SEE NAOMI….
Being the notorious PapiBlogger, Daddy of Four, that I am, I get asked a lot of questions about parenting. People see my happy road trip photos with my family and automatically assume that I have it all together as this great big family guy.
Well, the truth is that I’m not that put together. Not by a mile. The real PapiBlogger is
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You wanna know what’s screwed up about Major League Baseball? Look a little deeper than the obviously shameful headline from today that Major League Baseball is about to slap 20 players with suspensions for doping.
On the surface the length of the proposed suspensions for most of the players appear stiff (Yankees cheat Alex Rodriguez may possibly be hit with as many as 100 games). The problem is these suspensions are about as “stiff” as a slap in the hand when you consider the temporary, partial season loss of salary for cheating vs. the multi-million benefit of cheat (again see admitted cheat A-Rod).
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As my co-dad blogger in chief, Octavio, mentioned in his previous posts, having perseverance is a MUST in successful potty training. This holds true even if there’s regression and you experience set-backs. Regression is normal. Four million toddlers will embark on potty training each year. Hispanic moms & dads often feel pressure from friends and family to potty train their child as early as possible but don’t understand the process so they stop once setbacks occur. We shouldn’t get mad at our child. It can happen that your child reverts at a moment of stress. If at that time he cannot control his urine, he will most likely revert so he/she can advance later on.
Don’t give up! You’re not the only one. I felt relieved when I received a package from Pull-ups that included a softee potty seat, pull-ups training pants, flushable wipes, activity sheets, stickers, and party hats. I mean, talk about encouragement in a box. This also helped my daughter and I celebrate milestones, because every try deserves a little celebration. It is normal to feel discouraged, so having the support of a brand and the Latino blogging community during this process has been extremely beneficial. Speaking of beneficial things, I must say technology can help in all areas of life–even potty training! I know, it sounds nuts but you have to check out the Pull Ups Big Kid App (http://www.pull-ups.com/na/app.aspx). The Pull-Ups app actually makes taking potty breaks even easier by providing your child with games, tips, tools, and more. Plus, this app will bring your child’s favorite Disney characters to life ( Briani’s favorite movie is Monsters Inc., so this was perfect for her).
The main conclusion of my own potty chronicles and that of Octavio’s is to persevere and you will succeed. After all, when have you seen a 12 year old that doesn’t know how to use the potty by himself? Exactly, it’s rare..so keep on doing what you’re doing. You WILL get there. Download the app for extra help..and entertainment. And remember: celebrate their first, second and every time they go to the bathroom… because when you least expect it, they’ll succeed.
For more tips about Potty Training your children, stay connected to Pull-Ups by visiting them on
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pullups
To learn more about Pull-Ups and check out the video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCS-fQU0Tcc
This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Pull Ups. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
PAPIBLOGGER GIVEAWAY!!!
READERS: Comment with YOUR best potty training tip for a chance to win:
o Pull-Ups training pants; preferred size and gender
o Flushable wipes
o Disney softee toilet seat; preferred gender
Facebook followers:
Like the Pull-Ups FB page: http://www.facebook.com/pullups
Tweet about the giveaway using the #EveryFlush hashtag
( Para espanol, haga clic aquí)
THIS THURSDAY, June 6th! DON’T MISS IT!
I’ve always been a fan of service providers that can guarantee me fast, reliable Internet and unbeatable TV picture quality. Which is why Verizon FiOS is at the top of the list, especially because they deliver 100% fiber optics straight to my door. But it’s not just about the picture quality; it’s also about delivering great content. That’s exactly what Verizon FiOS aims to do by being the provider with the most Spanish language channels. As if that wasn’t enough to make me a fan, they’ve added additional soccer channels to the list!
They added beIN SPORT, and beIN SPORT HD en Español, both multi-platform sports destinations that will bring the passionate fan, like me, all the live game action, news and analysis of the top leagues around the planet. If you’re a soccer fan, or just a sports and tech fan in general (I mean, who doesn’t love Pele!?), come join us onThursday, June 6th for “The Kings Are Back” Twitter Party. The prizes are pure GOL!
Twitter Party Date & Time
Thursday, June 6, 2013 9 pm (EST) / 8 pm (CST) / 7 pm (MST) / 6 pm (PST)
Twitter Party Hashtag
#SomosFiOS
Blogger Panel
Moderator:
Co-hosts you must follow:
Prizes (Winners will be selected at random, for a total of five winners. You must RSVP below to qualify. See complete rules here )
Stay Connected!Make sure you follow @SomosFiOS and Like them on Facebook for the latest updates and Twitter Party prize hints!
The thing about being a parent is that children don’t come with instruction books and most of them are so unique that anything you learn with one you almost have to relearn with another. As a dad – and someone who is by nature both laid back and decisive – I find that understanding when to be soft and when to be strong with my children is very difficult.
The other day I was reminded of this parenting dilemma when my son came back with a report card that just plain stunk to put it mildly. My son Jonathan, now 13, is entering those puberty filled emotional days when everything revolves around him so when I saw his report card I was forced to calibrate my response.
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If ever there were a cliche that rings true for me as a father of four it’s the one that says “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”
I don’t know what kind of person I would be without children but I know that being a father has made me twice as strong, efficient and wiser than I would have been without kids.
One of the most interesting ways that having this many kids has had on my life is that it’s forced me to be creative about how I manage EVERY part of my life and work. For example, on a personal level, I have learned to accept that no two days are ever going to be alike. Sometimes all the kids seemed to be magically in sync and cooperative, and on other days they are fussy with each other and/or with me and no amount of discipline seems to make a difference.
The biggest challenge my wife and I face has to do with how we manage our businesses and our family. I wish we had a magic wand for this but there isn’t one. The way we manage both is simply by being very flexible with each other and by using our time and resources very creatively. Managing a household full of children means I may schedule meetings a little later in the morning than most people do, or that we make a dinner meeting conditional on bringing one or two of the younger children whenever a babysitter is not available. If one of the kids has to go to the doctor, well, that won’t be easy on our schedule but my wife an I deal with it as best we could by moving our schedules around.
All in all, being a father of four and a business owner has made me twice as strong and better at both tasks. I have learned to be more efficient with my time and to live a more organized life (believe it or not). I may have to plan ahead anticipating what morning pitfalls may occur but knowing this is normal makes the adjustments that constantly have to be made less stressful. Despite the many personal sacrifices and hard work of it all I wouldn’t trade having my four children for anything else in the world because they have made me 2x stronger than if I never had them.
What was the last challenge you overcame? What has made you made stronger? Share your comments with me about your personal experience that made you 2x stronger. In addition to sharing your comments, our friends at Angel Soft want to make you 2x stronger – one lucky PapiBlogger reader will receive one Angel Soft product pack and a (1) $25 Target gift card and one (1) Angel Soft 2x Stronger pack with 4 rolls (Valued at $1.99). To be eligible, please leave a comment about a recent challenge that you overcame that made you 2x stronger. One winner will be selected at random via random.org.
To learn more about how Angel Soft is 2X stronger, visit their Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/AngelSoftLatino. Or, follow Angel Soft Latino on Twitter:@AngelSoftLatino.
Have a shopping trip planned? Purchase, Angel Soft 2x Stronger!Grab the coupon! Click on http://angelsoft.com/#/coupon
This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Angel Soft. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
In my last post about potty training Jacob, I didn’t emphasize enough how important it is to make potty training a family affair. Imagine, if abuela takes Jacob for the weekend, she must implement the same rules and training tips we’ve been using with Jacob. Same with a nanny or daycare professional, or even babysitter or aunts. Everyone must be on the same page so the child doesn’t become confused and gets used to his routine.
Dr. Alberto Andres Cotton is a well-respected Miami based pediatrician with 17 years of experience. Dr. Cotton has dedicated his career to the well-being of children, as well as providing Hispanic mothers with the right information to give the best care. Dr. Andres Cotton has teamed up with the Pull-Ups® Every Flush program to share his expertise with Hispanic moms by offering tips and advice that challenge some of the preconceived notions of potty training.
During the #EveryFlush Pull-Ups Teleconference that I participated in last week, I learned quiet a few tips about engaging and educating friends and family about training pants, the process and the fun rituals that make sticking with the process easier.
Jeannette Kaplun is an award-winning journalist and internationally recognized parenting expert, has over 17 years of experience on TV, radio, online media and as a published author and conference speaker.
Ever felt on the verge of giving up? You’re not the only one! I felt relieved when a blogger asked “Did you ever feel like giving up on your potty training endeavors? What made you kept going? How did you keep your sanity?” I can personally say I have felt like giving up..but this teleconference and talking to other Latino Dads and Moms about my personal proccess made me realize it was normal to experience set-backs, important to get family involved, and that there is no certain age where you should feel the child is “too old” and should have learned by now. Every child is different and as long as he isn’t 11 and still using diapers, I think we are good and need to keep on trying! 
For more tips about Potty Training your children, stay connected to Pull-Ups by visiting them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pullups to learn more about Pull-Ups and check out the video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCS-fQU0Tcc This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Pull Ups. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
Recently, a friend called me and said he had great news, that after 4 and a half years of buying diapers, his youngest was finally potty trained. His joy was multi-facetted: First, was monetary—no more spending on dippers. Second, he was glad to not have to change another dirty diaper again (he has a weak stomach). And third, was gaining back some time because his daughter was more independent. Of course, every parents dream is to have a child that is potty trained by 2 years old, but you can’t rush a child. It is estimated that about four million toddlers start potty training each year, that means that there are about 12 million opinions of how to do it because in Latino families, everyone has an opinion. My son Jacob is turning two and a half in April and there are indications that he is ready to be potty trained, but I didn’t know where to start. Luckily I have the opportunity to be part of (don’t laugh but there aren’t that many Latino Daddy bloggers) “Mardinas del Bano” campaigned aimed at helping Latino families navigate the path to potty training with information and resources to make it less painful for both parents and child. From what I have read, Jacob is at the perfect time to start training because, according to pull-ups.com, your child is already when they show some of these signs:
Jacob is definitely exhibiting item one and two from above. The third item is not so clear. Here is what I mean; I can’t go to the bathroom in peace! If I lock the doors, Jacob stands at the door toggling the handle and screaming Da Da… If I don’t lock the door, then he comes in and hangs out until I am done. This is ok when I only have to pee, but sitting down is an entirely different matter. Most Dads might agree, that this was usually my only “alone” time, not it is share time. But children learn from example, and I chock this up to a learning opportunity and bear it. I have further read that potty training doesn’t have to be a pain and can in fact be fun. Jacob definitely learns faster when a chore or task is masked in “fun-time” verse “work-time.” He also appreciates being rewarded for a job well done; whether it is a simple “good job” or high-five to a sticker or cookie. The idea is to celebrate every attempt, even the failures. If you know of any other parents getting ready to start potty training, encourage them to visit www.facebook.com/pullups to learn more about Pull-Ups and the resources they can provide. Jacob also loves using a tablet and seems more proficient at it than me, so I am excited to incorporate a new mobile app from Pull-Ups® that provides guidance with potty training and yet make it fun for Jacob. The dream of watching videos while using the bathroom has finally arrived—every man’s dream. The major thing I’m preparing for is being patient. It is easy to try to rush the situation or to get frustrated because after a few attempt the child has an “accident.” The first thing will be to get him to start using pull-ups, since it will be the first “sign” that he is transitioning. And that is what he has to learn, that it is time to transition from “baby” to “big boy.” Stand by for more updates and any tips I learn along the way.
This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Pull Ups. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
Evil incarnate: Sandy Hook Elementary reminds us that like the genocide in Rwanda, skeletons of which are pictured here, evil really exists. Let’s not mince words. (Photo by Manny Ruiz)
BY MANNY RUIZ (@MannyRuiz)
1. The Sandy Hook murders were plain and simple EVIL. Yes, it may well be that Sandy Hook murderer Adam Lanza had a history of mental issues, Dyslexia or whatever will soon be psychologically attributed to him but the Sandy Hook murders – like all murders committed throughout history – were EVIL. They need to be labeled as such. When hundreds of thousands of Nazis systematically exterminated 6 million Jews that was EVIL. When nearly 1 million Rwandans were raped and murdered during a 90-day gun-and-machete killing spree in the 90s that was EVIL. Columbine, the Colorado movie theater rampage, last night’s local neighborhood killing in your town and mine…all of them have EVIL in common.
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Actualizase Via
