Happy Holidays!

Our first holiday season with Cy at home is amazing! I can't express how thankful I am to have him in our  home! I thought for sure I would be going crazy on gifts for him this year and I have to say I am WAY more subdued than expected. As I am running around doing last minute shopping I find my self overwhelmed with all the toys and thinking I am just so happy to have him home.  It is kind of crazy the whole present thing. I am a giver and love to receive but when it comes to children I swear it can be to much. This family was actually arguing in Toys R Us yesterday about the gifts for their child. I was blown away as I found myself just standing there staring at them.

The holidays are always special to me but will forever take a different perspective after having my son. Such gratitude and thankful will be upon me every season for Cy being in my life.

Here are some of the gifts that I LOVE that we are getting Cy this year:

Strider Balance Bike

Automoblox

Take time this holiday season to put the presents aside and enjoy time with family and friends! My life has changed so much for the better this past year. I have spent so much time with my amazing family, making new friends and fostering such strong friendships with old and current friends. Such an amazing year with only many many more to come! We are truly so happy, thankful and grateful!

Peace and Love from the Nelsons!

Cleaning Out the Closet

I just went through Cy's closet and I have to admit...it wasn't horrible.  I was kind of surprised by a few of the Gap shirts, but I shopped subconsciously smart. Overall, I was pretty excited that I didn't have to throw out his whole closet. He has a few sweaters with a touch of wool and polyester, however I think if there is a shirt on underneath we should be okay.  Jeremy wanted me to just throw it all out, but I held on a little to a few pieces. We had to throw away almost all of his pajamas away, Gymboree, Hannah Anderson and Babys R Us brand survived the cut...all 100% cotton! I personally LOVE shopping at Baby's R Us clothes and everything I purchased was all 100% cotton!  Yeah me!

Cy was sleeping in a polyester kids sleeping bag, which he loved and I threw that one out the window! Seriously, I can't believe we were letting him sleep in that thing! I purchased some new sheets, 100% cotton and checked the sheet on his bed and it was 100% cotton. I feel pretty good in that respect!  Now we probably need another blanket/comforter for him. He sleeps with the blanket my friend Kristi made him but he needs a little bit more coverage.

A child with eczema is all about helping them live with it. We knew Cy had eczema when he was in Korea...but we didn't have an outbreak or anything really dramatic so we didn't think much of it. These past few weeks have been horrible for the little dude. I am hoping that cleaning house a little might help. I also can't say enough for having a house cleaner come every few weeks! One of the smartest things we did.

Well tomorrow is the allergy test. I really hope he isn't allergic to much, but the rash around his mouth and hives makes me think he might be allergic to something. From my puffy boy and me...talk to you later!

Favorite Retailers for 100% Cotton!

• Tea Collection
• Hannah Anderson
• Gap - But make sure you read label. There are things that have polyester and wool!
• Babys R Us! Cy has a lot by Amy Coe and everything is 100%. Even the $10 cute Santa pj's are 100% cotton.
• Gymboree - Make sure to check labels
• Old Navy - Make sure to check labels

Peace and Love!

Eczema...How do You Protect Your Children

My son suffers severe eczema and it kind of hit us like a train this winter. While I am waiting to get an allergy test done all my research tells me that 100% cotton is the best and kick the synthetic fibers to the curb.

Here are some triggers for Eczema. What I have read and from out allergist that Hay Fever and Asthma is VERY common in kids with Eczema. Sooo we are just waiting for results from allergist.

• Wool (is the WORST!), Synthetic fibers, Polyester, etc
• Biological washing powders
• Pet fluff and pet dander’s
• Parental smoking (we don't so no worries)
• Emotional factors - keeping stress levels down.
• Detergents
• House dust mite
• Food, additives and colorings

Here are some good websites for clothes:

• Hannah Anderson - If you shop sales you will get great organic clothes for a good price.
• Cotton Comfort - This carries clothes specific for kids with eczema. 
• Ickle -Eco - 100% Bamboo clothes
• The Allergy Shop - This is a great website

Best Places to Buy Sheets:

Kids with eczema need 100% cotton sheets. Polyester or synthetic only irritate their skin. So changing pajamas and sheets is a big overhaul. Here are a few places where you can get good quality sheets!

• Pottery Barn Kids
• Bed Bath and Beyond
• Gaiam
• Amazon

Of course I can shop at a variety of places, however I will just need to make sure to read the tags. I bought Cy all these cute jeans for winter...yeah not so much. Poor kid needs soft cotton pants.

I will journal my journey through Cy's eczema more as I learn and grow to help my child and hopefully help other people. I swear everything I find is in Australia and UK...so maybe we can get more US resources.

Peas and love!