Blog Posts by Disney Baby

How I get my toddler to try new foods

In all fairness to my child, who doesn't get to blog in her own defense, she is a pretty good eater. But, as she's approached the age of two, she's become increasingly resistant to trying new foods, especially at dinner time (the meal where she regularly has the least appetite, regardless of how long it's been since she last ate). I try avoid bribery and I don't want to make meal times unpleasant for her, but I do want her to try at least a bite or two of whatever we're having for dinner.

Related: 14 tricks for dealing with a picky eater

I've discovered that one trick will get her to open her mouth, happily, 99% of the time. I tell her, "Try this one bite and if you don't like it, you can spit it into my hand." For some reason, the idea of being given permission to spit out her food is just the temptation she needs.

She does spit out that first bite probably three-quarters of the time, but usually that one taste is enough to make her willing to eat at least a couple

I absolutely love when people use last names as first names for their babies. It's a great way to give your baby a name that is classic yet unique. Even if you were to name your baby "Smith" (which is one of the most common last names there is), it still sounds totally fresh when being used as a first name, but doesn't venture too far out there in the uniqueness category since it's still a name people are used to hearing - even if it is only as a last name. I checked out a list of the most common last names in the U.S. (based on census data) and got so many great baby name ideas in the process. In addition, I added a few last names of famous actors, writers and the like to round out my list. Here are 40 of my favorite last names that make great first names! - By Lauren Hartmann

MORE ON DISNEY BABY

30 totally nerdy baby names!

The official list: 20 most popular baby names in the U.S.

40 awesome baby names inspired by TV shows

Calling all shutterbugs: May is National Photography Month! If you're ready to capture your pregnant glow on film, take a look at these beautiful maternity photos to show to your maternity photographer to spark some ideas. I've rounded up some truly gorgeous finds from around the country… which one will be your favorite? - By Keiko Zoll

MORE ON DISNEY BABY

10 ways to feel beautiful during pregnancy

7 creative ways to document your pregnancy

10 amazing facts about pregnancy that you may not know

10 reasons I'm thankful for breastfeeding.

I often get asked why I breastfeed. Each time I'm asked, I reply, "It's the best thing I've ever done." Because it is. It's also one of the hardest things I've ever done. I breastfed my first baby until she was 8 months old. When I became pregnant with my second, I made a promise to myself and my baby that I would do everything I could to breastfeed for at least a year. With much persistence, hard work, and support from family and friends, that date has since come and gone. (Fist pumps!!!) At 13 months old, Ingrid is still going strong. I'm sure she'd gladly nurse until she leaves for college, but I've got weaning on the mind. I know that sometime in the next year, our breastfeeding relationship will come to a close. When I think about all that breastfeeding has given my daughter and me, I become full of gratitude. Here's why…

Nursing makes Ingrid such a happy baby. She finds complete satisfaction when she's eating from her mama…

10 baby-friendly avocado recipesAvocados have always been an integral part of my diet - mainly because I'm Chilean and well… it's true, we Latin Americans LOVE our avocados! When my son began eating solids, I was one excited mama. I still remember seeing his face when he first tasted pureed apples - it was priceless. I was very happy to see how well he responded to the foods I was giving him because it propelled me to come up with more combinations and recipes. Naturally, avocado was on my list of foods to give him, and as the months went by, I would mix it with his other foods. Not only is it tasty and easy for babies and toddlers to eat, but as Avocado Central states, they are packed with nearly 20 essential vitamins and nutrients such as fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid.

Here are 10 different ways you can prepare and introduce avocado to your baby or toddler - be warned, they WILL most likely love it and so will you!

1. Avocado on Toast - A personal favorite! (as shown in picture above)
One

Daddy's girlMy oldest daughter, Adair, is a daddy's girl. I used to think it was just a phase because when her baby sister was born, she spent lots of extra time with her daddy. But now, her sister is a toddler, and it's clearly not a phase. Addie is a daddy's girl to her core. Some days, this makes me a bit sad. I wish I was the one she wanted to comfort her when she was scared or hurt. I wish I was the one she preferred to read her books. Instead, it's her daddy. Always. Some days though, it's pretty cool to see their bond. The way they love each other, the way they "get" each other - it's pretty rare.

Here's why I'm OK with my daughter being a daddy's girl:

1. Adventure
Phil has a big heart for adventure. He spends nearly all of his free time exploring the woods, working in the garden, and dreaming about backpacking trips for the whole family. From a young age, he started taking Addie to explore the wilderness and now, it's her favorite place to be!

2. Play
Phil has always

The key to better sleepWhen we meet new people, whether it be on public transportation or just randomly when we are out and about, there are three questions they ask about Elvie. First, they want to know how old she is. Once they know, they ask if she is walking. When that is answered in the negative, the next question is nearly always regarding if she is sleeping through the night. When I say no to that one, there are often heads shaken in dismay.

Frankly, sometimes I shake my own head in dismay when Elvie wakes yet again in the middle of the night, but I've finally figured out what needs to happen before she will sleep through the night, and I am accepting it and looking forward to the day when it becomes reality. It's silly, really, that it took me this long to figure out what she needs to do, but at least now I know.

Related: 8 ways to deal with baby-induced sleep deprivation

When we first took custody of Elvie in Ethiopia, she was waking every one to two hours to eat. Once she was home with us and

How will you tell your story?Writing your birth story can seem like a daunting task, especially if you're not someone who likes to write. As a mom of two, I can say that the birth stories of my girls, both carefully and thoughtfully written out, are two of my most cherished keepsakes. Whether you are the next Steinbeck or someone who cringes at the thought of writing, you can create a birth story that will be meaningful to you (and your child) for years to come.

1. Don't wait too long
Yes, it might not be possible to write your birth story the day or day after you give birth, but don't wait too long. You want your experience to be fresh in your mind. (I think I wrote both of mine roughly a week after.)

2. Take notes
With my first baby, I remembered every single thing about my birth experience. With my second, it was all a blur. Thankfully I took some notes during the process. My little bullet points, like "water broke at 8:30″ or "she had the cutest, tiniest sneeze right after she was born" came in handy when my