3 Kids and Us

4 Things Most Expecting Mothers Don’t Know –– But Should

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Motherhood is many things. It’s a blessing, a burden, a challenge, a joy, and a monumentally life-changing experience. However, because pregnancy, childbirth, and child care are such nuanced and complicated subjects, it’s fairly easy for expecting mothers to miss out on some crucial information along the way. Indeed, there are a number of issues that moms might not be aware of –– but really ought to know about. Thankfully, today we’ll list four of those items so that you can be better prepared for the rigors of motherhood. Check them out here:

You May not Get Pregnancy Cravings

We’ll come back to this theme a lot here, so it’s important to note that no two pregnancies are the same. To wit, one surprising factoid about pregnancy relates to the wacky food cravings that accompany it. Except, not all women have pregnancy cravings. Similarly, not all women experience morning sickness. And those that do, don’t necessarily experience it in the “morning.”

Gestation Periods are Not Exact

Everyone knows that pregnancy lasts nine months. However, that number is really quite unscientific. Sure, nine months is a decent guideline, but the reality is that the “typical” pregnancy length falls within a span of 37 days. That’s over a month of variance. The takeaway here is not to get too nervous or stressed about your delivery date if it’s a little earlier –– or later –– than what you might’ve anticipated.

Exercise During Pregnancy is Beneficial

It’s easy to see why expecting mothers might feel hesitant about exercising during pregnancy. Yet, the reality is that most women can and should exercise during their pregnancy. Light workouts, yoga, swimming, and other forms of exercise can ease joint pain and improve mood. It is worth noting though, that some forms of exercise –– like heavy lifting or particularly strenuous activity –– are not recommended for pregnant women. Lastly, doctors may advise some women to refrain from most or all forms of exercise due to increased risk of complications.

You Need to Get Tested –– Early & Often

Pregnant women need to visit with their doctor a lot. It’s not unreasonable for a pregnant woman to visit her M.D. 6-10 times during her term. Plus, there are a number of tests that doctors may need to perform to ensure that pregnant women and their children are healthy. Medical professionals may use tools like blood collection sets to conduct tests for potentially infectious diseases, for example.

Conclusion

As we’ve mentioned above, it’s very difficult to predict what a “normal” pregnancy will look like. Thankfully, educating yourself now can help you roll with the punches and prepare yourself for the birth of your baby. So keep this page handy moving forward.

Surrogacy in Ukraine. Cost of surrogacy and Law

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IVF (in vitro fertilization) along with surrogacy allows many couples to become happy parents. Those innovative medical techniques are great solutions for many families experiencing problems with conceiving and carrying a baby until birth in the traditional way. Also, some couples prefer to use certain medical methods due to extensive busyness and other reasons unrelated to the health condition.

Currently, American surrogacy in Ukraine is getting more and more popular because it is possible to use high-quality medical services at reasonable prices. More information on this topic is provided in this article.

Is Surrogacy Legal in Ukraine?

All fertility treatments in this country are regulated by a range of Ukrainian laws, such as The Law on Health Fundamentals of Ukraine as well as the Family and Civil Codes. Generally, surrogacy in Ukraine is allowed by law, which means that couples from the USA can find a surrogate mother in this country and use the services of professional medical centers, such as IVF group. This is one of the reasons, which makes this country attractive for international residents. Also, Ukraine is a large country with many women matching the main requirements:

  • being between 25 and 35 years old;
  • being healthy physically and mentally;
  • having at least one child;
  • having no contradictions for pregnancy.

This means that it will not be difficult to find a surrogate mother.

Another serious reason to order IVF and surrogacy in a Ukrainian medical center is relatively low costs. More information on that is provided in the section below.

How Much Does It Cost?

Many international couples find the services of IVF clinics in this country quite cheap. Although the rates depend on the medical center and program you choose, generally, the costs of IVF in Ukraine are 85% less than in the USA or other countries in Western Europe.

Usually, international couples find it much more beneficial to travel to Ukraine and cover all expenses for the procedure and living in the country than ordering the same services in the USA.

How to Find the Best Clinic?

While low prices are one of the reasons why people travel to Ukraine for an IVF procedure and surrogate mother, there are also other factors to consider for ensuring your success, including the following:

  • For how long the clinic has been operating?
  • Will it provide you with different packages to choose from?
  • Are there doctors and other medical staff speaking English?
  • Where is the clinic located?
  • What results have they achieved?
  • Do they provide any guarantees?

Conclusion

If you are looking for high-quality and affordable medical services for IVF procedures as well as surrogacy, you should definitely consider going to Ukraine. It is absolutely legal to use such services in this country, and there are reliable fertility specialists and clinics that you can choose from.

Kid-Friendly Attractions in Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Whether you’re looking for some activities to do outdoors or want to spend quality time inside, there are spectacular places in Albuquerque, New Mexico to spend time with the kids. Kid-friendly activities such as looking at hot-air balloons, visiting the aquarium, and walking through botanical gardens are just a few of the options.

In this piece, we have listed some things to do in Albuquerque where you can take your kids to have a fun and exciting experience while when you’re paying a visit to New Mexico.

1. ABQ BioPark Zoo

Situated next to the Rio Grande, ABQ BioPark Zoo is 64-acre Zoo which has been providing guests close encounters with exotic and native animals since 1927. The place is home to more than 200 animal species, such as camel, koala, lion, among others.

Children will surely be thrilled by the Rio Grande Garden’s Fantasy Garden as they can enjoy the wonderful sights of seed packets and bees, and a pumpkin which is as large as a house. The Butterfly Pavilion is also another attraction which is open from late May through September. The many varied gardens provide cool shade, a model railroad, a pond, and various seasonal flower displays. The ABQ BioPark Zoo is just a perfect getaway for your kids as it also right next to another great attraction – the Albuquerque Aquarium.

2. Albuquerque Aquarium

Albuquerque Aquarium showcases the aquatic life of the Rio Grande and the ocean it feeds into. Thanks to the location of Albuquerque, the aquarium’s exhibits highlight the river’s life-long journey. At the aquarium, your family can surely enjoy observing stingrays at close range, meet barracudas and watch bamboo sharks.

The aquarium has both fresh and saltwater tanks so your kids will surely be amazed by the turtles, sharks and lobsters in the deep ocean tank. They will also see luminous jellyfish, an eel tunnel where eels slither overhead and a shrimp boat.

Upon entering the attraction, travelers will easily mesmerized by the charm of the river through a series of small aquarium tanks, showcasing the fishes and other species of the Rio Grande. Right next to it is a mini-movie theatre which plays a brief educational video for the visitor about the life of the river. Outside the cinema, visitors will be surprised by the open-top tank which is patrolled by stingrays, while a shrimp boat lies run-aground in the background.

3. Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum

Situated at 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE in Albuquerque, the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum attracts infinite curious travelers annually to witness their extraordinary exhibits with their own eyes. Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum has been educating the community about everything in the realm of hot air ballooning for more than a hundred years. It also features a step-in balloon basket where kids can enjoy a virtual ride in a balloon gondola.

If you are thinking of ways to give your children extraordinary yet educational experience, take them to Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum as they can learn a lot about the history of a hot air balloon, barnstorming and the famous International Balloon Fiesta held in Albuquerque every fall while having so much fun at the same time!

4. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

If you are looking for something educational and cultural, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will you a multifaceted introduction to Pueblo culture. Established in 1976, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center was created as a way to portray the art, traditions, and foods of Pueblo People while providing assistance and resources to local tribes.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center showcases the world of nineteen Indian Pueblos, with museum exhibits that take visitors back through time. The center also houses crafts and arts on display, drumming, rotating art exhibits, and a whole variety of dances. If you are planning on visiting the center, try to inquire ahead if there will be bread baking demonstrations in the traditional oven. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is near downtown Albuquerque and other local tourist attractions.

5. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Albuquerque offers a myriad of fun activities for kids that can give them an unforgettable experience. One activity you should consider doing while you are here is visiting an Albuquerque museum. You would not want to miss the varied selections of dinosaurs of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History – from one brontosaurus on the second floor to the one flying overhead in the atrium – your whole family will certainly enjoy the museum.

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science also has prehistoric dinosaurs that roam around the halls; computer exhibits are also available where your kids can create their own videos while an exhibit is also available on the exploration of outer space.

Endless events are hosted by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science that are designed to entertain and engage the local and foreign community alike. You may want to enjoy workshops and classes that deal with comprehensive topics, such as dinosaurs, astronomy, insects, and a whole lot more. The museum also hosts seasonal events to observe holidays as well.

If you consider going to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, it is important to look at their calendar so you can get a quick overview of what’s on their latest upcoming activities. Museum tours are available weekly so you can enjoy an informative yet meaningful experience by viewing all the unbelievable exhibits displayed here!

6. Sandia Peak Tramway

It is one of Albuquerque’s unique attractions to make your New Mexico trip more exciting and fun! The Sandia Peak Tramway is a must-see attraction as it will take you on the ride to get a bird’s eye view of the spectacular side of Albuquerque! This 2.7-mile journey in a tram car is fun by itself but the main part is once you reach the top as you can see the whole city from 10,378 feet.

If you are planning on taking a ride on Sandia Peak Tramway, do not miss to spend some time on the observation deck looking at Albuquerque down below. You may also want to consider dropping by the Sandia Ranger Station where you can get maps to help you unravel the beautiful trails and animals that live at such high altitudes. If you want to have a more memorable experience, see the ski museum at the base of the tram or take a hike for more adventure!

5 Strange and Surprising Things About the Millionaire Next Door

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The “millionaire next door” refers to the fact that many of today’s millionaires — and there are now more of them in the U.S. than the entire population of Sweden — aren’t driving Bentleys while they light cigars with $100 bills. Instead, they’re seemingly ordinary, run-of-the-mill-folks who mow their lawns, put up cheesy Christmas decorations, and do other ordinary things. And oh yeah, they also happen to have a massive net worth that most people will never come close to experiencing or enjoying.

So, how did these folks surge — and stay — in the coveted ream of the one percent? The vast majority of them didn’t win the lottery or inherit a fortune. Instead, they made some or all of the following extremely prudent and profitable decisions:

1. They refused to keep up with the Jones’s.

Nothing — repeat, nothing — costs more in life than trying to keep up with friends (and frenemies) with respect to vacations, cars, home furnishings, and the list goes on. Millionaires focus with laser precision on their own lifestyle, and buy things when they truly need or want them; not when they are triggered to do by a boastful neighbor, relative, colleague, etc.

2. They are extreme savers — but not misers.

Millionaires don’t cackle in their unheated basement in the middle of winter as they separate two-ply toilet paper to double the fun, or stare lovingly at their drawer full of fast food restaurant condiments crooning “myyyyyyyy preccciioouussss.” Yes, they are extreme savers and get an even bigger dopamine and endorphin burst when they wisely save money than when they wisely spend it. But they aren’t misers, either. When they want or need to spend, they do so happily (or as happily as they can — nobody throws a party when faced with an unexpected car repair bill). They’re also surprisingly generous when it comes to supporting charitable causes that they believe in.

3. They keep their stuff for as long as possible.

Think that the millionaire next door is obsessed with making sure that the car in his driveway is an envy-inspiring luxury sedan or SUV? Think again! He’s much more likely to have a 10-year old Honda Accord or Toyota Camry than a shiny new BMW or Mercedes. And you can forget about him moving because he’s bored, wants a bigger walk-in closet, or his home needs foundation repair. He’s staying put unless and until it makes very strong financial and lifestyle sense to make a move (e.g. job transfer, baby on the way, etc.), and you can be sure that he’ll stay well within his budget vs. overspend.

4. They focus on paying off their mortgage.

Millionaires don’t believe in what banks call “20-year mortgages” or some other duration. Instead, they focus relentlessly on paying off their mortgage as quickly as possible, which typically means forgoing vacations and other big ticket purchases until they — and not the bank — completely owns their home.

5. They’re not obsessed with money.

Perhaps the most surprising secret of millionaires — that is, the one who stay rich — is that while they certainly understand the importance and value of money, they aren’t obsessed with it. They embrace the definition of wealth provided by New York Times “Wealth Matters” columnist Paul Sullivan, who spent many years communicating with millionaires from all walks of life — from teachers to hedge fund managers. Said Sullivan: “You’re truly wealthy, he adds, when you have enough money to do all the things you want to do.” That about says it all, doesn’t it?

How can We Solve The Recycling Problem That London Faces?

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Presently, waste removal costs ratepayers about £2 billion yearly. Out of the 7 million tonnes of waste from London, only 52 per cent gets recycled yearly, with 37 per cent ending up in landfills or incineration centres. Almost a third of the entire waste is made up of plastic packaging and food wastes, including water bottles and coffee cups. Dry recyclables such as paper, plastics, metals, glass, and card make up about 60 per cent of the waste.

Additionally, about 50 per cent of residents in London lives in flats that don’t have enough storage space for recycling. With a diverse and transient population, it is difficult getting the message of recycling across, in addition to this, businesses have no requirement to provide recycling collection. Local authorities gathered about 3.7 million tonnes of waste in 2016 – large enough to fill up an Olympic size swimming pool. The level of recycling has dropped since 2010.

About 448 million tonnes of plastic was manufactured for the industrial, transportation, consumer, construction, and packaging companies in 2015. If this trend continues, the manufacture of new plastic materials in the next 35 years will require about 20 percent of petroleum production – a great increase from the 6 per cent required in 2014. In addition to that, about 80 per cent of the plastics produced end up sensitive locations. In fact, according to the United Nations, about 8 million tonnes of plastic wastes end up in water bodies yearly. By the time we get to 2050, the ocean will have more plastics than fish, by weight.

Solutions to the rubbish removal problems in London

Despite these challenges, it is important to implement measures that can drastically increase rubbish removal in London. Most people are aware of ways to recycle things such as aluminium cans and plastic milk jugs. However, how can we handle the other items that we just toss into the trash cans without a second thought? Below are some solutions to London’s recycling problems.

1. Light bulbs

Residents should never throw compact fluorescent light bulbs away because they contain some amount of mercury. There are lots of companies that make use of the drop off sites that responsibly recycles them. Companies such as Home Depot, Ikea and Lowes can get the job done efficiently.

2. Plastic wastes

The last thing that residents need to do with plastic bags is to throw them away because it can take thousands of years for them to be broken down in landfills. Rather, reuse them if possible. Even small plastic bags can be rinsed and reused. Since a lot of curbside recycling collection companies don’t accept them, you can take them to the grocery stores for recycling. A lot of grocery stores will accept most plastic bags, newspaper bags, cereal bags, and most types of plastic wraps. Ensure you check in with the store for further details.

3. Torn clothing

Most people at a point in their lives have given away boxes of good clothing to charitable or goodwill organizations. But what about tattered clothing or other items like bedding, towels or rags that are worn out and cannot be reused? Well, they can be taken to Goodwill also. But, the materials should not be contaminated with chemicals or be wet. Such clothing can be sorted and sold to other recycling companies, or used for sofa stuffing in furniture manufacturing companies.

4. Batteries

Because they contain heavy metals, batteries should never be disposed of in trash bins. When they end up in landfills, they can contaminate water and land. Rather, residents should responsibly recycle those materials. Only a few curbside recycling companies accept batteries. However, there are many full-service centres and retailers that will accept old batteries. Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation and Earth911.org provide online directories to help residents find recyclers of batteries in their locations.

5. Ink and printer cartridges

Every year, hundreds of millions of printer cartridges are used in London. Out of this number, about 70 per cent end up on landfills. Such cartridges are usually easy to refill and recycle. There are programs that even pay residents who turn in their old cartridges. Also, some online sources supply shipping for people who want to mail their old cartridges in exchange for some money.

The London Assembly Environment Committee examined how solutions to the problem of unsustainable waste management could be tackled by having a circular economy. According to the study, a circular model for waste in London could:

  • Lower its waste to 60 per cent by 2041
  • Make London carbon neutral
  • Create up to 12,000 new jobs by 2030

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!