Do you have a quick second?
The Art Gallery in Woodstock, ON is in serious peril of being sold...even before it's been able to open its beautiful, colourful, wonderful doors. The mayor is lobbying to sell the space to Fanshawe College...and the Art Gallery will be no more.
In a society where it's so....economical...corporate...cold...every city needs an Art Gallery and every city needs colours, inspiration, creation!
Take a minute to sign the petition here
Friday, May 27, 2011
Sweet Stella's: Y3W Friday: Silent Auction Donations (needed!)
Sweet Stella's: Y3W Friday: Silent Auction Donations (needed!): "Happy Friday everyone! Onto a post that I've been planning for the whole week! Some of you who are personal contact already know that I'm ..."
Ovarian Cancer Canada - London Mini Walk of Hope
10km, 5km, 1 hope
Ovarian Cancer Canada - London Mini Walk of Hope
10km, 5km, 1 hope
Monday, May 23, 2011
Diarrhea and the Baby
My poor poor Monster...
All of last week, he and I were both fighting colds. While mine was draining through my face, his little body was fighting infection and trying to rid itself of toxins through his poop.
What started off as a few poopy diapers here and there, ended up being diarrhea from Tuesday-Thursday, and let me tell you...DISGUSTING!
I think that's the one thing about parenthood that I was not prepared for, and something that I absolutely will not miss whatsoever.
Now! He was so poopy that he ended up with a horrible diaper rash, and even blisters. Knowing that it's pretty common kept me fairly calm, but there's no way that it was comfortable for him.
He is, however, a boy and will not complain if something like that is bothering him. He'll sit in his poop all day (or night) long without a peep!
I know alot of you out there may be plagued with this issue, so I wanted to share what worked for us!
During the Day
- as much bare bum time as possible. This helps in a few ways...first and foremost, airing their bums helps to keep it dry. Secondly, the bambino won't poop without a diaper on, so it gives Mom and Dad a break ;)
- antibiotic ointment or cream (such as Polysporin) on the blisters during bare bum time. This will help them heal, prevent infection, and will prevent them from bursting
- LOTS of Penaten in a clean, dry bum, prior to a diaper going on. We did this for every single diaper change and it really made a difference
At Night
- warm bath of warm water+2tbsp baking soda. I don't know why it works, but a good Mama friend suggested it as it really helped her baby girl, and it really does work!
- dry bum completely
- antibiotic ointment
- LOTS of Penaten cream
What he ate also made a difference. While he was sick, all he wanted was mushy foods so he ate alot of...
Oatmeal
Applesauce
Blueberries
Plums
Cherrios (his go-to comfort food!)
Notice a theme? All things that are high in fibre, which clearly didn't help!
Remember that BRAT diet from when we were kids (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)? Well, it really does work and why I hadn't thought about it sooner is beyond me.
Part of our issue is that Owen was completely normal mood wise, and still roaming the house, climbing over things, walking around tables/chairs/jumperoo/us like crazy, so I knew that he still needed the protein to keep his energy levels the same.
SO! Rice+applesauce+chicken makes for a very lovely dinner, as does rice+applesauce+garlic pork, and rice+applesauce+blueberries for breakfast!
One thing to keep in mind is balance. Too much rice and he'll clearly be constipated. Not enough, and well...you end up dealing with a lot of poopy diapers.
Good luck! It makes for a very, very long week and I was very thankful that it happened when we were approaching a long weekend so that C could take on the brunt of parenting this weekend and I could have a mental rest and get ready for another busy week!
Have remedies that you'd like to share? Post a comment!
All of last week, he and I were both fighting colds. While mine was draining through my face, his little body was fighting infection and trying to rid itself of toxins through his poop.
What started off as a few poopy diapers here and there, ended up being diarrhea from Tuesday-Thursday, and let me tell you...DISGUSTING!
I think that's the one thing about parenthood that I was not prepared for, and something that I absolutely will not miss whatsoever.
Now! He was so poopy that he ended up with a horrible diaper rash, and even blisters. Knowing that it's pretty common kept me fairly calm, but there's no way that it was comfortable for him.
He is, however, a boy and will not complain if something like that is bothering him. He'll sit in his poop all day (or night) long without a peep!
I know alot of you out there may be plagued with this issue, so I wanted to share what worked for us!
During the Day
- as much bare bum time as possible. This helps in a few ways...first and foremost, airing their bums helps to keep it dry. Secondly, the bambino won't poop without a diaper on, so it gives Mom and Dad a break ;)
- antibiotic ointment or cream (such as Polysporin) on the blisters during bare bum time. This will help them heal, prevent infection, and will prevent them from bursting
- LOTS of Penaten in a clean, dry bum, prior to a diaper going on. We did this for every single diaper change and it really made a difference
At Night
- warm bath of warm water+2tbsp baking soda. I don't know why it works, but a good Mama friend suggested it as it really helped her baby girl, and it really does work!
- dry bum completely
- antibiotic ointment
- LOTS of Penaten cream
What he ate also made a difference. While he was sick, all he wanted was mushy foods so he ate alot of...
Oatmeal
Applesauce
Blueberries
Plums
Cherrios (his go-to comfort food!)
Notice a theme? All things that are high in fibre, which clearly didn't help!
Remember that BRAT diet from when we were kids (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)? Well, it really does work and why I hadn't thought about it sooner is beyond me.
Part of our issue is that Owen was completely normal mood wise, and still roaming the house, climbing over things, walking around tables/chairs/jumperoo/us like crazy, so I knew that he still needed the protein to keep his energy levels the same.
SO! Rice+applesauce+chicken makes for a very lovely dinner, as does rice+applesauce+garlic pork, and rice+applesauce+blueberries for breakfast!
One thing to keep in mind is balance. Too much rice and he'll clearly be constipated. Not enough, and well...you end up dealing with a lot of poopy diapers.
Good luck! It makes for a very, very long week and I was very thankful that it happened when we were approaching a long weekend so that C could take on the brunt of parenting this weekend and I could have a mental rest and get ready for another busy week!
Have remedies that you'd like to share? Post a comment!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Poochy Lips
I first saw a baby do this when I was visiting a Mama friend in Florida over Christmas. Her adorable daughter, by far, has THE BEST Poochy Lips EVER!
Owen just started doing it a week or so ago, so I thought I'd share.
He gets very excited when he does it, because it often results in a Poochy Kiss from Mama
Owen just started doing it a week or so ago, so I thought I'd share.
He gets very excited when he does it, because it often results in a Poochy Kiss from Mama
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Birthday Countdown
1 month
I have 1 month to get all of the madness that will turn into Owen's birthday party prepared.
So far...
The invitations have been put together
The hanging decor is almost done (I have two strands left to do)
The balloon wreath is finished
The activities are planned (yahoo for a summer birthday! Sprinklers, ball pit and maybe kiddie pool!)
The favour pouches are finished
The favour bag tags are done
The Twirlie Whirlies cupcake toppers arrived long ago
Still to do...
Decide on the cake design, and how big this sucker is going to be
Get things for the favour bags (gummy fish, Mickey marshmallows on order from Kimberly's Kitchen, Silly Bandz for the kiddos are here)
Get bags for the favour bags (paper or cello?)
Do up his banner (this may or may not happen, and I'm okay with that)
Send out the invitations!
Ack!! The invitations need to go out! I did up a Save-The-Date on facebook, and everyone who's going to be invited knows the date and time and place, but still...I have super cute invitations that need to get into the hands of the people who matter!
And yes yes, I'll post pictures as things progress.
How's everything going with your party planning??
I have 1 month to get all of the madness that will turn into Owen's birthday party prepared.
So far...
The invitations have been put together
The hanging decor is almost done (I have two strands left to do)
The balloon wreath is finished
The activities are planned (yahoo for a summer birthday! Sprinklers, ball pit and maybe kiddie pool!)
The favour pouches are finished
The favour bag tags are done
The Twirlie Whirlies cupcake toppers arrived long ago
Still to do...
Decide on the cake design, and how big this sucker is going to be
Get things for the favour bags (gummy fish, Mickey marshmallows on order from Kimberly's Kitchen, Silly Bandz for the kiddos are here)
Get bags for the favour bags (paper or cello?)
Do up his banner (this may or may not happen, and I'm okay with that)
Send out the invitations!
Ack!! The invitations need to go out! I did up a Save-The-Date on facebook, and everyone who's going to be invited knows the date and time and place, but still...I have super cute invitations that need to get into the hands of the people who matter!
And yes yes, I'll post pictures as things progress.
How's everything going with your party planning??
Monday, May 16, 2011
11 Months
11 Months
Owen is 11 months old today. In one month...he'll be a baby no more. He'll be 1.
He'll be a full blown toddler.
He'll probably be walking (he walks around objects now) and be talking (currently his vocabulary is Mama, Dada, Hi Daddy {selectively}, Yay, Baba and all of the other random ramblings)
He will eat cake for the first time (homemade from scratch, of course)
He will have a party, and probably be too excited to have a nap afterward.
All in just one month.
*sigh*
Owen is 11 months old today. In one month...he'll be a baby no more. He'll be 1.
He'll be a full blown toddler.
He'll probably be walking (he walks around objects now) and be talking (currently his vocabulary is Mama, Dada, Hi Daddy {selectively}, Yay, Baba and all of the other random ramblings)
He will eat cake for the first time (homemade from scratch, of course)
He will have a party, and probably be too excited to have a nap afterward.
All in just one month.
*sigh*
Monday, May 9, 2011
Make a difference! Support the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope!
Make a difference! Support the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope!
Have a minute, and maybe some spare change? Are your kids looking to do some good with their piggy bank earnings?
Why not donate to the Walk of Hope for Ovarian Cancer?
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Have a minute, and maybe some spare change? Are your kids looking to do some good with their piggy bank earnings?
Why not donate to the Walk of Hope for Ovarian Cancer?
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Dear New Mom Me:
In honour of Mother's Day, I thought that I'd take a moment to sit down and write a letter to myself...to my new-mom self (not that I'm not still new at this, but I've come a long way in 11 months!).
Dear New Mom Me;
Hi there. I bet you're feeling just a wee bit overwhelmed right about now. That beautiful baby boy that you'd been dreaming of has finally come and is in your arms, or likely sleeping on your chest.
You're probably thinking Wow, I'm responsible for him!? You're probably feeling Oh gosh, I can't do this! and I'm so angry! but...that's your PostPartum Depression talking.
That's right, you heard me. You're going to have quite the battle on your hands for the next few months with PPD. You're going to feel everything from exhaustion (mentally and physically) to anger, even possible rage, irritability, sadness, depression, fear, anxiety, despair...
I promise you though, I know it seems really heavy right now, and I know that you feel that you're broken and like you'll never be fixed, but you will! I promise you, that one day, you'll look down at that little boy, sleeping in your arms and think Wow...I CAN do this.
You're going to hate the poopy diapers at first, and noone can blame you for that one! They're gross, and what they say is true: when they start eating solids...it's a whole new ball game down there!
You're going to feel guilty about breastfeeding, or lack thereof. You're going to have alot of mixed emotions wrapped up in this one, but trust that you know what is best, and you know your body better than anyone else. If you feel like telling people that it's completely none of their business as to why you're supplementing with formula, do just that. Know that you're doing everything right for your son and providing him every opportunity to thrive. Breastmilk...formula...pumping...boobs...whatever the method, he's going to be just fine.
You're going to have fits of rage, and outbursts that you can't really explain. Know that this is okay. It's not necessarily normal, but it's normal for you and for a mom with PPD. Lean on your support systems, and know that your husband and son think you're the absolute best mom ever.
And...when all else fails, keep your head held high, be confident in the decisions that you're making for your family, and know that you have this to look forward to waking you up every day
You're going to love and absolutely excel at making baby food, play time, 10km walks in the sunshine with another mommy friend and her kiddo, and will even create your own Mommy play group for your area.
And you know why you excel at it? Because you're a great mom, and even with the challenges, you were made to do this.
Don't give up, and at the end of the day, when things are really rocky and you feel like giving up, look at that sleeping little boy on your chest who thinks you're just the greatest...because you are.
Love,
Not-So-New Mom Me
Dear New Mom Me;
Hi there. I bet you're feeling just a wee bit overwhelmed right about now. That beautiful baby boy that you'd been dreaming of has finally come and is in your arms, or likely sleeping on your chest.
You're probably thinking Wow, I'm responsible for him!? You're probably feeling Oh gosh, I can't do this! and I'm so angry! but...that's your PostPartum Depression talking.
That's right, you heard me. You're going to have quite the battle on your hands for the next few months with PPD. You're going to feel everything from exhaustion (mentally and physically) to anger, even possible rage, irritability, sadness, depression, fear, anxiety, despair...
I promise you though, I know it seems really heavy right now, and I know that you feel that you're broken and like you'll never be fixed, but you will! I promise you, that one day, you'll look down at that little boy, sleeping in your arms and think Wow...I CAN do this.
You're going to hate the poopy diapers at first, and noone can blame you for that one! They're gross, and what they say is true: when they start eating solids...it's a whole new ball game down there!
You're going to feel guilty about breastfeeding, or lack thereof. You're going to have alot of mixed emotions wrapped up in this one, but trust that you know what is best, and you know your body better than anyone else. If you feel like telling people that it's completely none of their business as to why you're supplementing with formula, do just that. Know that you're doing everything right for your son and providing him every opportunity to thrive. Breastmilk...formula...pumping...boobs...whatever the method, he's going to be just fine.
You're going to have fits of rage, and outbursts that you can't really explain. Know that this is okay. It's not necessarily normal, but it's normal for you and for a mom with PPD. Lean on your support systems, and know that your husband and son think you're the absolute best mom ever.
And...when all else fails, keep your head held high, be confident in the decisions that you're making for your family, and know that you have this to look forward to waking you up every day
You're going to love and absolutely excel at making baby food, play time, 10km walks in the sunshine with another mommy friend and her kiddo, and will even create your own Mommy play group for your area.
And you know why you excel at it? Because you're a great mom, and even with the challenges, you were made to do this.
Don't give up, and at the end of the day, when things are really rocky and you feel like giving up, look at that sleeping little boy on your chest who thinks you're just the greatest...because you are.
Love,
Not-So-New Mom Me
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Y3W: Best Friends Wedding
I'm so excited!
So, GodMomma has been planning her wedding for the past few months, and today was the cake tasting!! I'm baking the cake, and I couldn't be more excited about it!
Chocolate with Strawberry Buttercream (and Vanilla Buttercream in the background)
Lemon with Vanilla Buttercream
Banana with Chocolate Buttercream...the bride's favourite!
Vanilla with Strawberry Buttercream (and Vanilla Buttercream in the background)
So incredibly delicious, and what GodMomma, MommaJo, T, and J decided on is going to be spectacular for the wedding!
I'll have to tweak some recipes to get just the right amount of moisture for one of the flavours, but I'm so excited about their cake!!
So, GodMomma has been planning her wedding for the past few months, and today was the cake tasting!! I'm baking the cake, and I couldn't be more excited about it!
Chocolate with Strawberry Buttercream (and Vanilla Buttercream in the background)
Lemon with Vanilla Buttercream
Banana with Chocolate Buttercream...the bride's favourite!
Vanilla with Strawberry Buttercream (and Vanilla Buttercream in the background)
So incredibly delicious, and what GodMomma, MommaJo, T, and J decided on is going to be spectacular for the wedding!
I'll have to tweak some recipes to get just the right amount of moisture for one of the flavours, but I'm so excited about their cake!!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Photo Updates
Hey everyone!
Okay, so blogging has taken a bit of a backseat. Sweet Stella's in keeping me super busy...as in orders piling up, taking part in the Emmy's gifting suite, birthday parties out the wazoo busy!
So...here are some picture to tie you over til I can think of something wonderful and witty to write!
Family photo's on the lawn at the Club - Easter 2011
Loving the blocks that the Easter Bunny left
All dressed up and ready for brunch
Finding Cherrios on the floor...after brunch
Okay, so blogging has taken a bit of a backseat. Sweet Stella's in keeping me super busy...as in orders piling up, taking part in the Emmy's gifting suite, birthday parties out the wazoo busy!
So...here are some picture to tie you over til I can think of something wonderful and witty to write!
Family photo's on the lawn at the Club - Easter 2011
Loving the blocks that the Easter Bunny left
All dressed up and ready for brunch
Finding Cherrios on the floor...after brunch
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Sweet Stella's: How-To Tuesday: Roasted Beet Shapes
Sweet Stella's: How-To Tuesday: Roasted Beet Shapes: "Happy Tuesday everyone! Today's post is going to be pretty short and sweet, but is an awesome thing to do with your kiddos for a nutritious..."
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