Have you noticed everyone is an “expert” on how you should live your life? They tell you what to eat, what to think, how to behave, and my biggest pet peeve, how to parent. I’m pretty sure parenting is a natural instinct. If wild animals naturally know how to take care of the babies, human mothers know what is best for their little ones.

I’m guilty. Maybe I should state we’re guilty. My family bed-shares, co-sleeps whatever it may be called. My little ones sometimes sneak their way into bed with me and my husband. Okay, quite often. Even though the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns parents not to place their infants to sleep in adult beds, stating that the practice puts babies at risk of suffocation and strangulation. And the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) agree, I choose to parent the way that best suits the needs of my family.

It all started when my son was a baby. My husband put little man in between the two of us. He slept throughout the night when he was in the middle, it was easier to feed/nurse and it eased the fear of constantly checking to see if he was breathing (I think one of the biggest fears new parents worry about). My daughter had slept in her crib from day one, but when she was around 18-months-old she started having night frights and was constantly getting up at night.

She now is often found in my bed. If she awakes in the middle of the night, I put her next to me. She nuzzles up and quickly falls asleep. If she is startled again she immediately falls back asleep after she reaches out and realizes she is not alone.

And the truth is I enjoy having my babies next to me. There will come a day when my son won’t need me to hold him at night and my daughter will be too big to sleep with mommy. I grab these moments while I can and enjoy every second with my little blessings. My husband would tell you “let them be little. Let them sleep in the middle.”

Last night I fell asleep with my baby on my chest.  It was pure bliss feeling her heart beat with mine.

P.S. I really want the comforter in the Crate and Barrel picture.

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Holidays are always stressful. Whether it’s trying to find the perfect gift, fighting the crowds and rude people, or unfortunately the lack of spending money, you are sure to find a moment of frustration.

Here are a few things you can do to help ease your way through any stressful situation.

 Be cheerful. It deflates other stress and anxiety.

 Be flexible. Don’t stress when expectations are not met.

 Push away negativity of any kind. Think happy thoughts and count your blessings.

Silence your phone at night. Sing Christmas carols with your kids. Have a date night with your honey instead of checking your BlackBerry.

Give yourself "me" time. Eat right and exercise, it will do wonders for your mood. Drink healthy White Teas from Teavana and cuddle up in your favorite blanket.

 Laugh and smile more often. Remember you can only change yourself.

 Kiss someone. Smooching unleashes chemicals that reduce anxiety and increase feelings of euphoria. Go ahead, find some mistletoe.

Squeeze a lemon. The scented oils in lemon peel may be an effective mood-boosting tool. Or, dab essential oils on your wrist reminding yourself to relax.

Read something. Even six minutes of reading a book or magazine can lower stress levels by 68 percent, according to research.

Stop and smell the roses. Hospital patients who have flowers in their rooms are believed to feel less pain and are more relaxed than those with no greenery around.

5 relaxing tips

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