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... :)

I see only blue skies

"Positive emotions empower; negative emotions disempower."
~ Gary Zukav

Well, I woke up too early again last night and on a Saturday no less. Not cool at all. The fortunate thing is I can take a nap this afternoon, although my parents are in town visiting for the weekend so I may power through (Not that they would mind me taking a nap; we're napping people!).

I believe I woke up early due to allowing work stuff get to me again. I'm really focusing on the negative versus the positive, and it needs to STOP NOW! Not only for me, but for the health of my baby.

Better squeeze some yoga in before my mom and I go to Babies R' Us to register.

"When the day is cloudy, the blue sky is limited, when it is clear the beauty is all around. Harmful thoughts act as gray clouds to your positive perception, so create a wind of hopefulness and blow away those clouds and be captivated by the beauty of freedom."
~ Allen Steble

I love quotes, but I'm in more a quote mood than usual today because I discovered Quotiki. It's a "social quotes site that lets you quickly find and enjoy quotes. As a member ... you can start tagging, submitting, rating and collecting quotes."

Baby registry - I asked, you answered

Feeling much better about starting a baby registry! From soliciting advice a few days ago on my blog, to posting on a Facebook group for pregnant ladies (where I received a really good checklist), to e-mailing recently pregnant friends, I have come up with a fairly strong list. Below are key points for you, in case you're looking for tips as well.

Advice from friends:

• Jumparoo (for the baby when it's older)
• Swing that goes forward and back
• Dr. Brown’s bottles - nine of the small (4 ou.) and nine of the large (8 ou.) bottles
• Bottle warmer
• Bathtub
  
• Play pen or pack and play, one with a changing station on it
• Mirror for your car so the baby can see you since he/she sits backwards
• Bouncy seat that vibrates
• Newborn sleep gowns with had hand covers
  
• Sleep and play outfits
  
• Diaper Champ
• Gymini Melody Maker Play Mat
• Wipe warmer - didn't scream much when diapers changed because wipes were warmed
• Stroller system (car seat and stroller)
• Car seat base (so you only need one car seat)
• I was told not to register for blankets or clothes since a lot of people will buy those on their own.
  

I also listened to PregTASTIC podcast #72 - Registry Tips, Desired Gifts, and To Mini Van or Not? The must haves I picked up from listening:

• My breast friend nursing pillow – take to hospital, even though "big contraption"
• Bottles - Playtex drop-in
• Stroller - Graco metro light; Bugaboo - expensive
• Books with ratings of products - Baby Bargains & Consumer Reports

Here's a list of more generic items to put on the list:

• onesies
• burp cloths
• towels & wash cloths
• bibs
• baby monitor
• bottle cleaner
• baby nail clippers
• diaper bag
  

I'm still debating about where to register. For sure Babies R' Us, but I think I am going to register at Target, even if it is weird about returning items. I think we have to have one place that is convenient for people - maybe we'll just reinforce on the shower invitation to include the receipt (Is this kosher?). Someone else also said to remove registry items once purchased so the chances of duplication decreased.

Hope this is of use to someone and thanks to everyone who helped! Let me know if I missed anything.