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These 7 ideas are the cutest ways to show people your growing baby
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7 photos that prove social media is the way to show the world how big your adorable baby has gotten. - photo by Jenna Koford
Many new mommies are getting more and more creative these days as their baby grows. Some people think moms use their babies as props to get a good Instagram photo, but I think theyre just loving, creative moms who want to document their baby...It just so happens that cute babies in cute situations are extremely popular photos to post.

1. Monthly Stickers

Ive seen moms stick those 1 month labels on their baby, and they're great! These stickers are the simplest way to show the world how old your baby is. For extra creativity (and cuteness) points, put that sticker on a neighboring pumpkin.

2. Laundry Baskets, galore

If you have a baby and a laundry basket, then you have a really cute way to show the world how big your baby is getting. Lay your baby in the basket each month, and take a picture each time! Maybe get them to help with laundry while you're at it (just kidding, they're just babies).

3. "Baby Suiting"

One Instagram trend called baby suiting is both creative and hilarious. This may be a more male-specific technique, it involves an adult-sized suit and your baby. Dress your baby up in a large suit and snap away! Most parents stop there, but some keep going until the suit fits him perfectly as a teenager.

4. Baby and Bulldog

One mom from California is taking adorable pictures of her son and her bulldog hanging out together.

Caitlin Baker had Rupert the bulldog before she and her husband welcomed a new baby boy into their family! They named him Finn, and Caitlin created the hashtag #finnstagrowth, a play-on words of Finn, Instagram, and growth. She tracks her baby's journey with Rupert there for every step.

Now, Rupert and Finn are getting along quite nicely, and theyre growing together along the way. They even have their own hashtag: #finnandru.



5. Classic Measurements

Many of us have stood against the wall on our tiptoes, trying to push that pencil mark a little higher each time. Using a measuring stick or scale, you can accurately document your baby's growth. Your baby probably won't be standing against a wall anytime soon, but you can keep tracking your child's height and weight for as long as you'd like! (Warning: Maybe once you're dealing with a teenager, they won't want that anymore).

6. Chair Time

Place your baby on a comfy chair or couchsome item that will stay with you a while. This consistent background will look nice on your social media pages. My cousin always uses the same white chair for her daughter, and I look forward to seeing those pictures each time they pop up online.

7. Tracking Yourself

I've seen some parents join their baby in the photo to see any changes they may experience too. Your baby will grow, but you may change hairstyles or lose weight from your pregnancy. Being part of the picture will give you a great memory to have later on.

You may have seen other unique ways to document a growing baby, but the most important thing is to take pictures while they're young. You'll never get the chance again to see your two-month-old before you turn around and he's graduating high school. Plus, your child will love to see these photos when they're finally done growing.
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New Medicare cards are in the mail and scammers are on the prowl
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has begun mailing new Medicare Health Insurance ID cards. The program no longer uses Social Security numbers to identify people. - photo by Lois M Collins
The federal government is beginning to send out new ID cards to the 58 million Americans who benefit from Medicare. But since many of the people who will receive them don't know they're coming or why, scammers are already gearing up to take advantage.

An AARP survey shows as many as three-fourths of Americans 65 and older have no idea the cards are coming, so some individuals may be duped with claims that they're supposed to pay a fee or provide personal information that will be used, instead, to defraud them.

The new cards are the first reissue in years, and the most striking part of the redesign is that the cards no longer carry the beneficiary's Social Security number. Congress mandated the removal of that number as an identifier for Medicare beneficiaries by next April. Instead, the card has a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier number, an 11-digit combination of numbers and letters.

The new Medicare cards are now being mailed out in batches, starting with the Eastern seaboard and moving west. Most Medicare beneficiaries will receive their cards over the next six months, as long as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has their correct mailing address. Once the cards are in hand, people can share the new identification number with their health care providers. During a transition period, either card is valid.

The old cards, which used Social Security numbers as the personal identification number, should be destroyed.

AARP recently launched an education campaign to warn consumers about scams related to the new Medicare cards.

The membership organization's "Fraud Watch" consultant, Frank Abagnale reformed con man, scammer and the subject of the movie and book "Catch Me If You Can" tells senior citizens the only time they need to carry the actual Medicare card is to health care appointments. Otherwise, it should be left in a safe place. If they want to carry one in their wallet or purse, he says, make a copy and black out the first seven numbers.

Since the cards were announced, scammers have already:

  • Called seniors and asked for their bank account information so that money on their old card could be returned. There is no money on the old card and CMS never asks for personal information over the phone.
  • Offered to send the new card after Medicare beneficiaries pay a $25 fee to cover expenses related to the card. The card is free.
  • Said the card will be mailed out as soon as the older person verifies his or her Social Security number, mailing address and other personal information. CMS already knows the beneficiary's Social Security number and it's no longer being used in conjunction with health care.
AARP and the Federal Trade Commission will hold a free online seminar about the cards and the fraud attempts they have spawned on Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. EDT. Register at: www.aarp.org/FraudWebinar. CMS also offers a "frequently asked questions" guide to the new cards.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network says consumers can sign up for its Watchdog Alert emails that deliver breaking scam information, or call a free helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with volunteers trained in fraud counseling. Abagnale also hosts a weekly podcast for AARP, called The Perfect Scam.
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