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...]
On September 20th, Rediscover Nature
Last month, I saw a video that had a huge impact on me that it prompted me to write a blog post on childhood. More precisely, it was a blog post about keeping nature a part of childhood. Today, less than 10 % of kids are spending time in nature. That is alarming. When I think of my childhood, most of it was spent outdoors whenever possible. It really makes me sad to … [Read more...]
Fresh from the Farm: Healthy Fundraising for Ontario Schools #FreshFromFarm15
Healthy eating and healthy living are very important to our family. We grow a good portion of our food on our farm and for the food we do not grow, we try to buy locally as much as possible. For me, making sure our six year old knows where her food comes from and how it is grown are also very important. Little One is involved in all aspects of food production from … [Read more...]
How to Pack a Bento Box Lunch in a Snap
It's that time of the year again! For many of us in Ontario, school starts next week! Some schools have already started their school year, but Little One goes back after Labour Day long weekend. This may sound a bit crazy, but I'm super excited about back to school bento box lunches! You've had two months of not seeing my daily kids' bento box posts on Instagram! Well, … [Read more...]
On Being an Older Mother
This post was inspired by my friend, Shayna's post titled, Fears of an Older Mother. When I was younger, I had my life all planned out. I had a timeline, like many girls do when they're young and dream about what their lives will be like when they're older. I never thought I'd be "an older mother". I had everything mapped out and wasn't going to let anything let me … [Read more...]
Prepping for the First Day of School #StreamTeam #DINOTRUX
I know, I know. We're not allowed to mention the word "school" yet. Friends of mine remind me that it's a cardinal sin to utter the words "school", "back to school", "back to school lunches", and "back to school shopping" this early in August. I can't help it. It seems like we're clinging onto the remains of Summer even if I know we still have a few weeks to … [Read more...]
On Childhood
I remember my Summer days as a kid as if they were just yesterday. My parents believed in letting us just be kids and enjoy our childhood "because kids grow up too quickly and before you know it, it's adult problems, responsibility and stress." I'm laughing now, but those were my mom's exact words. Boy, was she ever right! I cherish my Summer memories and just being a … [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...]
How Being Different Teaches Children Acceptance
It's okay to be different. At least, that's what we keep telling our six year old daughter. She's quirky, a bit feisty, sometimes very stubborn and oftentimes goes against the grain. She's that kid who doesn't like fried food or sugary food. She loves vegetables, meat and fish. She's often the last to finish at any activity and sometimes doesn't finish at all. She … [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...]
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...]
Earth Day Fun for Kids #KinderMom #KinderSmiles
Little One learned from a very early age that as citizens of the Earth, it is our duty to take care of our planet by treading as lightly as possible. We compost, practice reduce-reuse-recycle, use cloth napkins and reusable shopping bags. We also pack litterless lunches. We heat the house in the Spring with passive solar energy from our green house and when the weather is … [Read more...]
#RedDotSafeSpot: Put a Stop to Bullying
Every now and then, I have the fortune of participating in some amazing events and campaigns that really mean a lot to me. There are social media programs and campaigns that truly do make a difference in the lives of others and this is one of them. Putting a stop to bullying starts here. Together with the cast of Degrassi and Leave Out Violence (LOVE), #Riocan is joining … [Read more...]
Prematurity Awareness Month – What it’s Really Like to Have a Preemie
Imagine what is supposed to be the most exciting time of your life turning into a time of uncertainty and constant worry...and even the scariest time of your life. That's what having a preemie is like. Spending each day not knowing if your baby will survive is a reality for many parents of preemies. Little One was born at 28 weeks and was 980 g at birth. That's just over 2 … [Read more...]