Regardless of whether or not you have children or have friends or family who have children, you will undoubtedly be familiar with or have heard of the Hospital for Sick Children (also known as SickKids). Disclaimer - This post was written in partnership with TELUS as part of their #TELUS_partner program. All thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my … [Read more...]
Help End Bullying #PinkShirtDay #EndBullying #TELUS_partner
In a perfect world, bullying would not exist and we wouldn't have to worry about standing up to bullies and work together to help end bullying. Disclaimer - This post was written in partnership with TELUS. All thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are my own. Sadly, this is not the case, and bullying does exist. It's not only an issue kids and teens have to deal … [Read more...]
Oh Baby! A Mom’s Self-Care Survival Guide for the First Year & GIVEAWAY
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...]
November 17th ~ World Prematurity Awareness Day
November 17th is World Prematurity Awareness Day. I never thought that World Prematurity Awareness Day would be something that would become so close to my heart until Remembrance Day of 2008. Our baby was due February 3rd, 2009, but she cannon-balled her way into this world (and delivered herself without any doctors in the room) on November 11th, 2008. Sometimes … [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...]
Shocked At What I Have Been Doing To My Child
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...]
First Day of School Tradition
Can you believe it's that time of the year again? Summer seems to have come and gone! I feel like I just picked up Little One from her bus stop on her last day of school, and all of a sudden, it's almost the first day of school again! The Summer was a whirlwind of events, beginning with four weeks straight of out of town visitors. I'm thrilled that Little One got to spend … [Read more...]
Getting My Child to Eat her Food: The Truth Is…I Have No Tricks!
Several friends have asked me countless times how I get Little One to eat her school lunches every day. The truth is, I have no tricks or tips. We've just been very lucky that Little One happens to have an adventurous palate and a voracious appetite. Seriously. That is all. I was thinking about how all kids are different and have different tastes. What works for one … [Read more...]
The Day Mommy had a Meltdown
Growing up, I don't recall ever seeing my mother cry. I don't recall ever seeing a day that my mom had a meltdown. Sure, my mom would yell at us when we misbehaved or didn't listen, but I never saw her cry. I thought that surely she was the strongest person on the planet. Then I realized when I grew up that no one ever knew if Mom had a meltdown or how often she would … [Read more...]
This is 40 – A Big Milestone
A big milestone is coming up for me. I woke up this morning and realized that in exactly one week, I will be turning 40. Wow! This big milestone has been on my mind for the past few years, yet, surprisingly, as the date approaches, it's not a big deal anymore. I remember when I was a teenager, thirty seemed ancient to me. I couldn't even fathom what life would be like … [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...]
Grow A Child’s Education with the New Heritage eGifting Program
Back when I was growing up, my parents placed such high value on education. "Study hard, do your best, be at the top of your class, continue your post-secondary education, finish university, get a good job, and establish yourself in a good career so you can support yourself and your family." Those are all words my brothers, cousins and I were told repeatedly when we were … [Read more...]
No More Bedtime Battles #5MoreMinutes #StreamTeam
The wood furnace is roaring, tea is steeping, and it's time to put your feet up at the end of a busy day. All of a sudden the pitter patter of tiny feet can be heard. Wait for it... "Mommmm! I can't sleep!" "I'm thirsty!" "I had a bad dream!" "I'm hungry!" "I need to go to the bathroom!" Does any of this sound at all familiar to you? Please tell me this … [Read more...]
Things I Learned From My Six Year Old
As I went for my morning walk after bringing Little One to the bus stop and after feeding the animals, I reflected on all the things I learned in time time on this planet. There are so many things I've learned and am constantly learning. I've learned that sometimes the hardest decisions in life are the best at the time. I've learned that it's good to trust, but sometimes … [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...]