Disclaimer - I received Oh Baby! A Mom's Self-Care Survival Guide for the First Year for the purpose of writing a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Oh Baby! A Mom's Self-Care Survival Guide for the First Year by Maria Lianos-Carbone is a refreshing book, and one that moms will be able to relate to. While there are many books and resources available regarding … [Read more...]
10 Things NICU Parents Go Through That Will Make You Cry #NoBabyUnhugged
I can tell you from experience that there are many things NICU parents go through that will make you cry. September is NICU Awareness Month and in an effort to support other NICU families, I hoped to share my story with you and offer a NICU Care Package that I’ve personally curated with Huggies to help make a family’s time in the NICU a little bit easier. As a mom of … [Read more...]
World Prematurity Day: No Baby Unhugged
No Baby Unhugged. November 17th is World Prematurity Day, a day intended to raise awareness of the high rates of premature births worldwide. When babies arrive early they’re sensitive, vulnerable and in need of care around the clock. And while medicine and machines are an important part of their treatment, hospitals are now discovering human touch and hugs are also a … [Read more...]
November 17th is World Prematurity Awareness Day
Each year around this time of the month, I become very sensitive and reflective. Every day (and not just on World Prematurity Awareness Day) I count my blessings knowing that we have a very happy and for the most part, healthy child. This was not always the reality though. Little One was born on November 11th, 2008. She was supposed to be due in February of 2009. She … [Read more...]
Going from #SagToSwag with Pampers Cruisers
I would be lying if I said I haven't been entertaining the thought of having another baby. The thought has entered my mind, and as the birth announcements from several friends have been flooding my Facebook and inbox, I have been feeling the want for another baby more and more. Within just the past two weeks, my friend and his husband announced the birth of their twins and … [Read more...]
She Doesn’t Look Back Anymore
I remember her first day of junior kindergarten, she clutched my hand so tightly. It was as though she never wanted to let go. I sensed the tinge of anxiety and fear of the unknown. There was excitement, but apprehension too. She was not yet four years old. I was her world. I would rush across the highway to be on her side of the bus so I could wave to her … [Read more...]
Babies Bring Out the Best in All of Us #BetterForBaby
The fresh baby scent, the cooing and the noises baby makes when sleeping are all parts of having a new baby that I'm sure many parents want to bottle up if we could. I know I'm not alone when I say how much I loved just watching Little One as she slept. That wasn't meant to be creepy, but if you're a parent, I'm sure you know that feeling and have found yourself watching, … [Read more...]
Letters to Baby #letterstobaby #PGmom
I remember the day we found out we were expecting. Everything seemed so surreal. I was in such disbelief (in a good way) that by the end of the week I had taken thirteen pregnancy tests! The idea of growing a life inside of me was something that seemed so magical to me. I wrote letters to my baby while I was pregnant. I kept a journal of how I was feeling and about all … [Read more...]
Time Keeps on Slipping… #TBT
Time keeps on slipping into the future. Time just seems to slip into the future. I know it's an odd thing to say, but I was thinking of how it seemed like only yesterday that Little One was still little. Now she's six years old! She's brought us so much laughter (and tears). She's given us so much joy (and tears). She's funny, and quirky, and smart. She's thoughtful, … [Read more...]
Guess How Much I Love You!
When Little One was first born, I spent entire days (well into the evenings) in the NICU at Mount Sinai Hospital. I'm not going to lie. Having a preemie in the NICU was a roller coaster of emotions and spending long days and nights by her side, it was physically and emotionally draining. To get a bit of a break, I'd find myself wandering down to the main floor and getting a … [Read more...]
I’m Never Going To Be What Everyone Wants Me To Be
I'm never going to be what everyone wants me to be. I'm okay with that. I've always had FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and I've always been a people pleaser. My entire life has been spent wanting to please others and be everything others wanted me to be. Be compassionate. Be kind. Be helpful. Be generous. Be supportive. Be understanding. Be there for others. I've … [Read more...]
The Stork Canada Twitter Chat #TheStorkCanada
There was a time when I was young and had life all planned out. You went to school, graduated from university, started your career, met the love of your life, got married, bought a house, and started a family. Life has so many twists and turns and doesn't turn out the way you plan it sometimes. Did you know? One in six Canadians struggles with infertility, yet many feel … [Read more...]
Today You Are Six
Dear Little One, Today you are six. It s hard to believe that this time six years ago, you entered our lives. It was both the happiest and scariest day of my life. You were supposed to arrive in February, but surprised us by arriving in November! I would have loved it if you stayed put for twelve more weeks! Thus began our journey as parents and a very long seventy … [Read more...]
November 17th ~ World Prematurity Day
World Prematurity Day is November 17th! Every November it hits me. Though the years have flown by and Little One is relatively healthy, this time of the year always brings back a flood of memories. There was a time when life was pretty scary for us. I honestly don't know how we survived those early days to Little One's rough start in life. Though I have tried to … [Read more...]
Mommy Guilt: I was THAT Mom
Yes, I was THAT Mom. I refused to spend any time away from my child. Even when I knew I was in dire need of some "me time", I just couldn't do it. I couldn't set time aside to just relax and do things for myself. I suppose I just grew up with the mentality that motherhood is all encompassing and all consuming, and a mother never had "me time". After all, my mother never … [Read more...]