Some flicks for pregnant chicks

This weekend I inadvertently watched two movies about women going through pregnancy. Both portrayed women in very different circumstances during their nine months than the typical, "everything is perfect" pregnancy, which was kind of refreshing to me for some reason. First I viewed the DVD Waitress with Keri Russell as the lead. I had no idea that Waitress was about a pregnant woman nor did I know how odd the story line was going to be, but it was worth seeing, especially being an expectant mother myself.

My hubby and I were more than ready to go out Saturday night after we both were sick all week, and we chose to see the flick Juno, about a teen mom's journey from conception to labor. Can't say enough great things about this film - we laughed out loud the majority of it.

I'm not a big "go-to-the-theater" person - we partake in Netflix, which by the way I use to sample various yoga DVDs. Juno - watch the trailer - is definitely worth sitting in the movie theater with a bunch of strangers munching on their popcorn and Jujubees because the writing, humor and acting are so fresh and original. There is no wonder why this film is an Oscar nominee for both best actress and best picture. Definitely a must see, preggers or not!

Laughter is good for baby too

Gratitude is key to leading a happy life. Lately I'm so grateful for all the generosity exhibited towards me during my pregnancy - people love to give baby gifts! The other day Maureen, a coworker and friend, stopped by out of the blue and gave me the book 97 Ways to Make a Baby Laugh by Jack Moore.

It's such an adorable book with cute baby photos on every page and 97 ideas on how to play with your baby. As I blogged about the other day, laughter is good medicine, not only for mama but for baby too.

Below are some "laughing" ideas for your baby from the book:

• Ride on a carousel with your baby and have familiar people stand around it waving to the baby.
  
• At dinner, have the adults play with glasses of water and spoons to play music for the baby.
• Play 'this little piggy' - an oldie but a goodie.
  
• Sit the baby in front of a mirror with you as you both wear hats, and then switch hats back and forth.
• Make an exaggerated sneeze for the baby.
• Fill a laudry bag with the baby's toys and take each one out with great fanfare.

Laughter yoga may be the best medicine

Is being healthy as easy as prescribing a specific amount of laughter throughout your day? According to an article on the Web,“Health a laughing matter” it is or at least it can help, especially for women.

Scientists from the University College London took saliva samples from 3000 men and women and measured levels of hormones and proteins linked to heart disease, cancer and high blood pressure. At the same time, the volunteers were asked how happy, content or excited they felt at that particular time.

The scientists found that among women, but not men, happiness correlated with lower levels of the hormones and proteins, suggesting that happy women are more likely to be healthier.

In this same article, Oprah talks about "Laughter Yoga," which my mother brought up to me months ago after watching it on the popular talk show. When my mom first told me about the type of yoga, I instantly thought it was a crock, but maybe I made a snap judgment. According to the Laughter Yoga Web site, the practice combines laughter exercises and yoga breathing to give you the health benefits of hearty laughter."

Viewed a few Laughter Yoga demonstrations posted on YouTube. May have to try some out, but for now I think I'll be doing it alone and behind closed doors... :)