I am shocked at what I have been doing to my child. "Donne un beau bec!" "Give Grandma a hug!" "Give Uncle George a kiss goodbye!" I had no idea that by telling my child to do these things, I was doing her a tremendous disservice. I grew up in a culture where every adult relative or friend was considered family. Friends of the family were all "aunts" and … [Read more...]
This Year, I Resolve to NOT be a Supermom!
Let me begin with saying that I actually don't make New Year's resolutions. I used to (once upon a time), but I haven't made any resolutions in years. I just didn't think they were realistic. Instead, I made goals. They're probably similar, but one seemed to have less pressure attached to its name. In any case, this year I am making a concentrated effort to NOT be a … [Read more...]
My Kid Makes Me Cry
It's true. My kid makes me cry. Oh, usually I cry because she tests me. She's a very stubborn hard-headed frustrating "spirited" child at times. Many people would not believe me unless they've seen her in action. From an outsider's perspective, she seems so sweet and quiet. Most of the time, people who don't know her think she's mute. We get the "Oh, [insert Little … [Read more...]
Why Empty Threats Do Not Work
I will be the first to tell you that I am a rookie mama. I have one child, so that means I've had no previous children to serve as guinea pigs in parenting. Little One is it. It's trial and error for me. Though I've read countless books on parenting and child-rearing and have done ample research (the two child psychology courses I took in university don't count anymore, … [Read more...]
Things Nobody Tells You About Pregnancy #HemoclinComfortKit
There are so many things that nobody tells you about when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. I knew about the joys felt when you can feel that first flutter, and how my heart would be so full when I heard baby's heartbeat for the first time or saw baby's first ultrasound. Nothing anyone could have said would have ever prepared me for what was to come. Sure, I read … [Read more...]
Thankful Thursday
I know that parenting is not easy and we're constantly learning how to parent the best we can. After an extremely busy work week and after the time change last weekend, the energy in this house has been a bit "off". Little One has been extremely tired and emotional. She's happy and laughing one minute and then frustrated and in tears the next. The new puppy is amazing, but … [Read more...]
Once Again, OxiClean to the Rescue! #WowOxiClean
I have a love of all things white and cream-coloured. I find it makes a room look bigger, brighter, and fresh-looking. Yes, to my own demise, I also love cream-coloured furniture. Who has cream-coloured furniture when they have a young child at home? ME! That's who. I was resigned to the thought of having to wait until Little One was off to university before I got … [Read more...]
Open Mouth, Insert Foot
This post could be alternately entitled "How to Teach Kids to Have a Social Filter". Open Mouth, Insert Foot is quite fitting though. Oh, I have tons of Open Mouth, Insert Foot moments that I wish I could double back and erase. My brain and mouth don't often work together and aren't always on the same track. With kids, it's different though. They're just learning social … [Read more...]
Yikes! Sensitive Teeth! #PGmom
All my life, I have never had any issues with my teeth. As a kid, I didn't get many cavities. As an adult, I have none. Ha! I guess my only issues (which weren't really issues) have been a mild under bite and a tooth that is turned 90 degrees. That tooth looks like I've got one fang. I know. Weird. I've never been bothered by either of those "issues". I did have a … [Read more...]
“Oh, no!” hair moments + a giveaway!
Some girl friends and I were chuckling when we took our kids out for a beach day recently. Why? Well, Summer is the time for light, flowy dresses, sleeveless dresses, tank tops, shorts, sandals, pedicures, and gorgeous tresses that look fabulous cascading down your shoulders as you saunter along the beach. Am I right? We giggled at the sometimes not so glamorous aspect … [Read more...]
On Sleep Deprivation
I was joking with a friend recently that I think all new moms or moms suffering from sleep deprivation should have their driver's licences revoked. It was a joke, but I can see how being a #zombiemom can be hazardous to one's health (and dangerous to those around us). I'm not a "new" mom anymore, but I still suffer from sleep deprivation. Every week is busy, but this past … [Read more...]
Kissing Rules
I never expected this to happen -- at least not this early. We were at a dinner party and there was a lot of giggling from the kids when all of a sudden, my friend yelled, "NO KISSING, you guys!" Sure enough, there was my little girl, about to kiss my friend's six year old. Yes, the pair were both giggling, had their eyes closed and were reaching in for a smooch. We quickly … [Read more...]
Being Her Role Model #parenting
Something happened recently that caused me to panic. Perhaps panic is not the best choice of words. It was more like "wake up". That's it. Something happened that caused me to wake up. I was under the weather, and Little One was keeping herself busy after school. My five year old was doing her homework on her own because I was "preoccupied" ahem...clinging to the porcelaine … [Read more...]
Things My Kid Says: On Conception
Little One sat beside me and was quiet for a moment. She looked at me and had that look. It's a look I know all too well. It means one of two things. She either did something she wasn't supposed to do and was feeling like she needed to confess or that she had a question for me. You know...One of those questions. The questions that you know you need to answer as best as you … [Read more...]
Gettin’ All Dolled Up! Update Your Look for 2014. #PGmom
I'm not going to lie. My beauty regimen is not what it once was. Once upon a time, I wore heels to work. I carried an extra pair of sheer pantyhose in my purse. I woke up at 5AM to take a shower, blow-dry and style my hair, moisturize my skin, and apply make-up. I never walked out the door without my hair all done up, my make-up flawless, and ready to conquer the … [Read more...]