It's not uncommon for celebrities to keep track of where and when they've worn their fabulous outfits lest they bore their fans (or the paparazzi) with wardrobe reruns. However, hearing that the infant offspring of a celebrity never wears clothing more than one time is a bit....unusual.

According to the Sun, famous diva/singer/actress Jennifer Lopez never reuses her infant twins clothing, keeping everything new and fresh for..... the household staff, non-nannies, and her husband Marc Anthony.

Whether it's due to extravagance, a pre-emptive measure to keep her kids from becoming too attached to a certain outfit, or a fear of germs, I think that J Lo is shortchanging herself by not allowing memories to form around any piece of clothing. Just seeing the few kid clothing items I've set aside takes me back a time when a my boys had chubby cheeks, were entranced by every ant on the sidewalk and cloud in the sky and wore bib overalls on a daily basis.

On the other hand, can you even imagine how awesome of thrift bonanza it will be when she decides to unload these items?!

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A friend recently sent her 11-year-old off to camp. "I'm really going to miss him," she sniffed. I tried to be empathetic, but I was too busy daydreaming about what I'd do with seven whole days to myself. I knew that if it was me putting my kids on that bus, however, I'd be more than a little sad and worried as well.

Camp organizers and leaders say that they've seen a huge increase in what they call "kid-sickness" in the last 10 years. Though kids are eagerly looking forward to the many adventures camp brings, parents feel sad and worried when their kids go away. It's another reflection of our generation of parenting, says CNN, one that is far more anxiety-ridden than the parents that came before us.

My friend recovered from her angst by day two, I think, and says she's now looking forward to her week long break every summer. More importantly, she's celebrating the fact that the experience was a success for her son. Camp, for kids who want to try it, can be a confidence-building activity that creates memories to last a lifetime.

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There has been much discussion here about unusual baby names. From Superman to Metallica, we've covered them all. Today, I bring you yet another one: Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii. Other than her parents, I can't believe anyone would think that a suitable name for a child. A judge in New Plymouth, New Zealand clearly disapproves. He not only ordered the name changed, he had the poor child temporarily placed under court guardianship until a suitable name could be chosen.

This story is a little different from most in that this child is not a baby. She's a nine-year-old girl whose unusual name came to the attention of the court during a custody hearing. Family Court Judge Rob Murfitt was appalled and concerned for the girl. "It makes a fool of the child and sets her up with a social disability and handicap," he said.

Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii's parents might be too dense to recognize the impact a ridiculous name can have on a child, but Talula herself is not. Her attorney says that she has never told any of her friends her real name and that she instead goes by "K".

This all took place back in February, but apparently Judge Murfitt was so disturbed he went on a fact-finding mission looking for another inappropriate names in New Zealand. He discovered a Number 16 Bus Shelter, Violence and Benson and Hedges (twins).

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Even though their dad is running for President of the United States, Malia and Sasha Obama have a remarkably normal daily life. Household rules include no teasing or fighting, making their beds every morning, and getting themselves up and dressed for school. And each week, their dad pays them $1 in allowance.

Allowance is an interesting issue. Do children need an allowance? If you give them one, do you do so as "payment" for chores or simply for spending money? Do parents get a say in how kids spend their allowance? Even if they want to buy, say, a guinea pig? Or their 100th Polly Pocket for you to step on in the middle of the night?

One dollar per week certainly isn't much, but it's just another indication that the Obama's are firmly rooted in the notion of raising their girls in as normal and down-to-Earth environment as possible, even if their childhood ends up being spent in the White House.

Kidsmoney.org has some excellent tips on dealing with the allowance issue. Do you give your kids an allowance? If so, how is it handled at your house?

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After Amanda Peet made quite a stir in this month's Cookie magazine with her comparison of parent's who don't vaccinate their kids to "parasites" she offered an apology.

"I believe in my heart that my use of the word 'parasites' was mean and divisive," Peet writes. "I completely understand why it offended some parents, and in particular, parents of children with autism who feel that vaccines caused their illness. For this I am truly sorry. Since my mom has Parkinson's Disease, I know what it feels like to want a concrete cause, and a concrete cure, as soon as possible."

But she then proceeds to reiterate her stance: that the only way to go, is pro vaccine, and that anyone who thinks there is a link between autism and vaccines are misinformed.

Of course, she has a point, and some hard facts to back her up. But... a fear of an increased risk of autism isn't the only reason parents who don't vaccinate their kids, don't. And many parents who get lumped into the category of 'anti-vaccination' are actually just altering their child's vaccination schedule so as to avoid over-taxing of the immune system that occurs when multiple vaccinations are given at the same time. Yet Peet claims these parents are believers in a "fringe" theory--likening their beliefs to those who still claim that HIV is a government conspiracy.

What do you think of Amanda Peet's apology? Is it sincere or just damage control?

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Actor Ethan Hawke welcomed a baby girl into the world July 18th, according to his representative. Hawke and his wife, former nanny (to his kids with Uma Thurman) Ryan Shawhughes, are proud parents to Clementine Jane Hawke. Clementine is the first child for the newlyweds and joins siblings Maya Rae and Levan Roan, Ethan's kids with Uma Thurman.

Mara Buxbaum confirmed the happy news. Hawke and Shawhughes married a month ago. Hawke split from Thurman in 2004, and it is alleged that she may be pregnant as well.

Congratulations to the couple!

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Right about now back to school supply lists are cropping up everywhere. Staples usually has brightly colored fliers available with supply lists for each grade level, and almost every office supply store advertises having just exactly what you're child will need to get the new school year started. This advertising unfortunately happens well before teachers actually send out supply lists from the classrooms, and every year kids come to school with heaps of supplies they really don't need-and often, are missing a few that they could really use.

Here's the thing. Most public schools, including the one I teach at, are not actually allowed to require parents to provide any supplies at all for their children. The thing about public education is that it's supposed to be free-including materials. But because of the advertising pressure that starts mid summer and builds with a frenzy towards those last weeks in August when schools start, parents often get pushed into buying items their kids don't really need and will likely not use-or even be allowed to use at school.

Private schools of course, are allowed to request that parents buy supplies, but it's still a frugal idea to wait until the required supply list arrives in the mail, than to forge ahead using an in store checklist. But if your kid is already itching to buy new stuff, here are some basic dos and don'ts to help you decide what's necessary and what maybe isn't't.

DOS:

A sturdy backpack. Something that your child can zip and unzip himself with enough pockets to store homework, lunch, and an extra piece of clothing (or several.) Many kids like the rolling backpacks-but they often are hard to store in the classrooms, as they're typically too big for cubbies.

#2 Dixon Ticonderoga pencils. These are unanimously teacher's favorite pencils for writing-because they don't break in the sharpener! Don't skimp on the cheaper brands-but remember, if your child attends a public school, pencils should be provided. Still, a couple extra (sharpened) pencils that stay in your child's backpack will make it convenient for her to do homework while waiting for the bus.

Big eraser. The small erasers on the back of pencils inevitably get used much faster than the pencils. The big pink erasers are the best option. Some of the jelly-like erasers with designs and patterns on them don't actually erase very well.

A sturdy folder for homework. A system at home for checking backpacks, doing and returning homework-is a great idea. Having a consistent place to store homework will make it easier for your child to remember to do it! Kids love the two-pocket folders with fun graphics on the covers. Keep in mind, many teachers will use a particular homework folder for every child in the class-so check with your child's teacher if you're not completely sure you want to make the purchase.

A small, durable pencil case. Again, your child's teacher will likely provide the class with necessary supply containers. However, it's a great thing for your child to keep in her backpack with a few sharpened pencils and a good eraser-to take advantage of long waits for the school bus, or for you to pick her up, and get some homework done.

A notebook/journal. Kids love to doodle, write, and draw-and having a special notebook gives them a constructive and fun place to do so. Again, certainly not a must-have, but if you're going to splurge on an item your kid really wants, this one should be at the top of the list.

DON'TS:

Pencil sharpeners. Unless your teacher specifically asks you to provide one, skip it. They inevitably make a huge mess-everywhere.

Multiple-subject notebooks. For the early grades these are completely unnecessary. For the older grades, wait and see exactly what your child's teacher asks you to supply. Many times little kids end up hauling these around in their backpacks for weeks-without using them for anything!

Glue sticks & tape. Again, unless your teacher specifically asks you to provide these items, don't. Unless you send them in for the whole class---which is often a boon for teachers working with tight budgets. Independent kids with glue sticks however, can make a mess and get into trouble by using them when they aren't't supposed to be.

Rulers. Elementary age kids will not need rulers for school. Every classroom should have an adequate supply. Middle school kids doing geometry might, but again, your child's teacher will be very clear if you need to make that purchase.

Stapler. See above. And oy, have you ever noticed how much young children LOVE to staple EVERYTHING?

Post-it Notes. These are tempting-especially in all the cute styles and designs that are available. But they immediately become a distraction among peers, and are generally not a good idea.

Binders. Most elementary students (K-3) won't need a binder for any reason. Older students who are learning how to keep notes, or do homework from multiple classes might, but your child's teacher will let you know if this is a must have.

Scissors. Again-all elementary classrooms should have an adequate supply.

Crayons. Ditto. Every elementary classroom will have plenty of these!

Hopefully this list will help you navigate the lively process of buying back-to-school supplies with your child. These are tips of course, from my experience. I'm curious to hear what you have found are some back-to-school supply must-haves?

Do you have a Miley Cyrus fan in your house? I sure do. Mine loves her music, her style and her television show. She knows Cyrus' favorite color, the names of her pets and every word to all of her songs. What she doesn't know is that her idol has a very bad habit of behaving inappropriately in front of cameras, leading to embarrassing photos splashed across the Internet. She doesn't know this because I don't allow her to surf the Web on her own. She doesn't Google and she doesn't click anywhere without asking first.

Because she is only seven and completely unaware of what Miley is getting up to in her spare time, I haven't found it necessary to address the situation. I am not sure how she would react if I were to suddenly ban any and all things Miley from our house, but that is exactly what some moms are doing. According to Fox News, some British parents have had enough of the pop star's provocative posing and are boycotting her merchandise. Moms interviewed at a London Disney store say they "feel she is now of an unsuitable nature for a 15-year-old megastar."

I agree. Her behavior is unsuitable for her younger fans. But Miley herself is a teenager and kind of doing what teenagers do - physically maturing and dealing with her burgeoning sexuality. She just happens to be doing it in a very inappropriate and public way.

If banning her from my house would somehow make Miley realize the error of her ways, I would do it. But we all know that isn't going to happen. So I guess I will have to do the next best thing. If and when the time comes that I have to explain what Miley Cyrus is doing posing for the camera wearing nothing but a wet t-shirt and a come-hither look, I will just tell the truth: she's making a fool of herself.

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I have a memory from when the twins were about 2-years-old--I was past the intense worry of any relapse that would send us back to the NICU, and I'd finished reading everything I could find about Down syndrome. I began to poke my head up and look about and wonder, What are other families with kids with Down syndrome like? It was this curiosity that brought me to my first special needs play date at our local Child Development Center.

I remember rushing out the door, after spending too much time looking for an inexplicably missing shoe. I remember feeling nervous at the thought of meeting new people, especially other moms. Several times, I nearly turned the car around and headed home. Even in the parking lot, when I could see that a small circle of women had already gathered, I was overcome with doubt, thinking, Why did I agree to do this? and then telling myself, "It's for the kids; it's for Avery." But of course, it didn't turn out that way.

All these thoughts were familiar, and reminded me of my very first play group with my oldest son Carter. Both times, there was a wicker laundry basket in the middle of the room, filled with board books and stuffed animals and a Little People Yellow School Bus and bright Duplo blocks and a Lights and Sounds Shape Sorter. Nearby, there was an assortment of cookies and juice boxes. A mountain of shoes and jackets were piled in a corner, next to a stack of empty baby carriers and a line of parked strollers.

Other things were familiar: introductions, including the names of the children. The questions: "How many kids do you have? and "How old is your baby?" and "Where did you deliver?" Later, mostly told quietly, birth stories.

But these birth stories included a part about getting a diagnosis. Sometimes they were sad; other times they told of great relief in having an answer. The stories often referenced medical terms, and things like monitors and IV lines and extended hospital stays, even surgeries on tiny newborns.

The conversations covered practical matters, like PT, OT, ST. SSI, SSA, Early Intervention. Low tone versus high tone. Ear tubes, vitamin therapy. Dry skin, thyroid tests. And theoretical matters, too, like how prenatal diagnosis impacts the rights of the unborn, or how sibling relationships are affected by disability, or how various cultures view children and adults with visible differences.

The same, in both groups: mother guilt ("Am I doing enough?"); striving for balance ("Sometimes I feel overwhelmed."); and love ("I can't imagine my life without my child.") Both times, the hours passed too quickly, resulting in a mad dash to match shoes to feet, coats to kids until everyone was headed out the door, back to real life.

What I've come to realize is no less true for its obviousness: the play groups are as much for the moms as they are for the kids. It's a place where women can meet, if only briefly, with other moms who might share similar experiences--who might come to their mothering with common reference points.

Increasingly, I've been finding those shared experiences by connecting with other mothers online. Our words are what defines us; I'm drawn to the woman whose son might have a different diagnosis than mine, but her outlook on parenting feels like my own. Or a family halfway across the world, living in Australia--but they, too, have one older sibling and a set of twins, one with Down syndrome, one without. Sharing our stories--across the miles, across time--enables me to see our connectedness, our common bonds as families.

In the spirit of sharing, here are two sites that I love: Can I Sit With You? is an ongoing book and blog project that explores "The Stormy Social Seas of the Schoolyard." It's a collaborative effort fueled by donations of time and talent, and all proceeds are used to fund a local Special Needs PTA.

And identical twin sisters Janice and Susan, founders of 5 Minutes for Mom, recently launched 5 Minutes for Special Needs, edited by Tammy, who writes about her experiences mothering a medically fragile boy with Down syndrome at Praying for Parker. It's a group blog where parents of kids with special needs can find "support, insight, and inspiration."

What I've found, in all these instances--online and in person--is the value in telling our stories, to each other and because of each other. There we find strength, we find solace, we find commonalities. But mostly, we find ourselves.

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of about 120,000 Cuddly Comfort Pillows. Due to a mechanical breakdown in the manufacturing process, some pillows contain metal fragments in the fiber-fill, which could cause abrasions to consumers.

These were made in China, imported by Sleep Innovations, and sold at certain Costco stores nationwide from February 2008 through June 2008 for about $20 each.

The Cuddly Comfort Pillows were sold in packs of two in white, violet, blue, pink and yellow. They measure 20" wide by 26" long and only those with Registration Number PA-27156(CA) are included in the recall. You can find the Registration Number and the words "Sleep Innovations" printed on the pillow's tag.

If you have these pillows, you should immediately stop using them and return them to any Costco store for a full refund. For more information, contact Sleep Innovations by calling (866) 656-0610 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or by visiting their Web site.

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