Yesterday, the munchkin and I were at home sick with a tummy bug. Funny how kids bounce back from illnesses far quicker and easier than us parents. In the morning we were both laying on the couch, by the afternoon Owen was bouncing around the living room and I... still on the couch.

What did cheer us up were these adorable matching best friend t-shirts from Kacie Case! We were over  the moon with delight and of course the heart was in Owen's favorite color blue! I cannot wait to wear these out and about the streets of London. 

Mama Case is a lovely wife and mother to little Eddy or Ed Head as she calls him. :) She has a wonderful blog and has been making adorable clothing for tots and adults. If you would like to see more of Mama Case, check out her blog and her prints on Etsy by following her at www.mamacase.com 

I hope you enjoy your weekend everyone! :)

Safe Sleeping Tips for Your Baby-- Information from Public Health Canada

Four Easy Steps to Remember:

1. Provide a smoke free environment before and after your baby arrives- 

Studies have shown that exposure to smoke is a health risk, before and after your baby is born, and has been linked as a great risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Whether it be at home, out and about, or at childcare, insure that these are smoke free environments.

2. Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep- 

Through a launch of the Back to Sleep campaign in Canada in 1999, where it was taught to place your baby on his or her back to sleep, the rate of SIDS had dropped by more than 50 percent. Placing your baby on his or her back is the safest way for your baby to sleep.

3. Place your baby to sleep in a crib next to your bed for the first 6 months-

 Co-sleeping and bed sharing are not recommended and is unsafe for your baby. Having the crib next to your bed can also help you hear your little ones feeding cues, and makes it easier for breastfeeding.

4. Provide a safe crib environment, free of toys, or loose bedding- 

Anything extra in the crib may cause injury or suffocation. Other than a firm mattress and a fitted sheet, there is no need for any extra items in the crib. Health Canada suggest instead of a blanket, to use a light one piece sleeper. 

If you would like more information on crib safety, please go to www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cps

For the last few weeks my three year old seems to be going through what some people may call the “terrible two’s” .  But how could this be? He’s three?  Up until now, it has felt like we were communicating better, talking through problems and having fun just being Mom and son. 

Lately however, my “big boy” has been incredibly emotional, has been talking back to me, and even throwing his toys. What’s wrong?  After going over this again and again in my mind, I’ve decided that  I’m just not going to worry about it. Why?

I often find myself throwing out excuses for every time he is acting out of sorts but when I stop to think about it, I realize that I often act out of sorts, too!  I have days when everything seems to go wrong and other days when everything goes right.  I need to remember that he is human, he’s 3, and even though he can communicate with me, he is still an immature, inexperienced, emotional little person.  

So there you have it.  I’m not going to fret over why my son is acting like a wild child (for the moment) but I will end on this. No matter how your child acts, always hang in there and stay consistent. You may have good days, bad days; good weeks, bad weeks; terrible twos and threes—just always love them.

I remember looking at Owen when he first came into the world and thinking-- WOW you are the most beautiful baby I have ever laid eyes on, I love you, I would die for you. It is overwhelming, the love you can have for your baby.

I have had the joyous opportunity to have been at home with my son until he was about two years of age when he started daycare. Before daycare we had all the time in the world to enjoy every moment together. I was with him for his “firsts” smiling, eating, crawling, walking. I have been lucky, as I know not everyone has that luxury.

Here are some tips I would give to Mothers who are at home with their little ones: 

*Let go of the fact that your house may not be as spotless as you used to have it.

Before Owen came along, my cupboards were organized, the house was tidy. Owen was born, and at first it was a piece of cake, I would clean or cook while he was napping, it was a dream. Owen started crawling and soon his stuffed animals, blocks, balls, and books were everywhere and my house was torn upside down. Funny how someone so small can create such a huge mess! I found letting go of the feeling that I had to have  everything perfect helped. 

*Take time for your own shower, hair and makeup.

 I found we did not use the playpen much unless it was for this. I would set up the play pen in my room, put some toys in the play pen for Owen to play with and then quickly shower while talking to Owen through the curtain. It really did keep him occupied and, depending on how long he was amused by our chat and his toys,  I would be able to get my hair and make up done, too!

*Create a routine that works for you.

 This is not always easy, but if you have a good routine with your baby it will make your life and his/hers much easier. We would have our scheduled eating and nap times, dinner, bath and bedtime. At bedtime I would cuddle him and read with him, even when he was teeny tiny. We’ve always enjoyed that time together and having a routine made sure it happened.

*Let them get messy.

When Owen first started solids, I would have a spoon to feed Owen, and Owen would have a spoon to feed himself. Food would get in his hair, all over his face, clothes…. I, along with Owen, thought it was fun. If your baby gets a little messy, that’s what baths are for! I also found with Owen that, if he ate, then bathed, he would nap very well.  This rule also applies to when your little one starts discovering mud, puddles, grass, and the outdoors in general. Discovery is a way of learning- Let them enjoy it and you will too!

             *Fussy baby- Go for a walk!

I found this was a good for both of us. It got us out of the house, and into the fresh air! We would walk around the block and pop down to the park that is around the corner from us. This is also a great way to meet some other mothers in your area. One of my neighbors and I set out a time every other day to meet and walk with our little ones.  It was nice to have that adult interaction too.  You can only talk baby-talk so long…J

*Play dates

Organize play dates with other mothers and take turns as to where you have the play date. Put on some appetizers, take out some cookies and put on a pot of coffee. This is a great social time for you and the little ones.

Get a good sense of what is available to you for fun for you and your little one.  In London, there are lots of things for parents to do with their tots.  Here are some great options for you and yours:

-The Stoney Creek YMCA- great for learning to swim, they have Mommy and Tot programs and Owen has always enjoyed going to the Jungle Gym. http://ymcawo.ca/stoney-creek

-Chapters-I love to grab a coffee and watch Owen play with the other children. They have a fun, little kids area and we always end up leaving with a new book. www.chapters.indigo.ca

-The Public Library- Kids can borrow books, and their calendar shows a story time every week. http://www.londonpubliclibrary.ca/kids/programs

-The Little Gym- Great for a variety of ages and a ton of fun! www.thelittlegym.com/LondonON

- Adventure on Wonderland- Inexpensive fun! They have two play areas one for toddlers and the other for the older children. www.adventuresonwonderland.ca

-London Children’s museum- Owen and I will go here a few times a year. He absolutely loves this Museum!  I even find it hard to leave!  www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca

-Storybook Garden- Rides, games, treats, animal farm and a water park—there are lots of fun and educational things to do.  Make sure you pack extra clothes! J www.storybook.london.ca

This past Saturday and Sunday was spent in Toronto! I had a great time with one of my dear friends and we enjoyed seeing the city, indulging in great food and meeting new friends. Today's post will be short as I am off to work and the grocery store to buy some ingredients to bake a cake! Today is my father's birthday and we will be celebrating tonight!

My Dear Father,

You tell me I have the most impossible standards for men, but this is partially your fault, you have been such an incredible man to look up to. You have taught me so much of what is it to love and to be a parent. You are selfless, kind, you would do anything and everything for your family. You have been the greatest example to me, and I love you, always.

Happiest of birthdays to my father, and Owen's "Papa"!

Below are photo's from our weekend and the Birthday Boy. :)

Kids are in bed or taking a nap?? Perfect! Now it’s time for a quick pampering with ingredients you have at home! :)

At home foot scrub- Sugar and baby oil.

You can also use other oils but most Momma’s have baby oil on hand. Let your feet soak in warm water, scrub your feet with your oil and sugar mixture, let soak again, then pat dry and apply your favorite lotion.

Moisturizing for your lips and hair mask- Coconut oil

 I have something for you to try! I found that applying a very small amount of coconut oil to my lips has worked wonders! My lips are so incredibly soft and smooth. Good-bye chapstick! I also found that applying a small amount the ends of my hair really helped restore and soften my ends. I usually do this the night before and leave it on overnight, shampoo in the morning, as your hair will look greasy, but doing this has shown great results!

Another friend told me that she used baby oil as a makeup remover. Maybe I am the last person to hear about this but I only wish I would have heard of this sooner! I applied baby oil to a facial pad and removed my face make up and used a separate pad for my eyes. Easy, inexpensive, and it works!

And if you have a little afternoon to yourself, here are some other great spa- like treatments you can do at home from glamour.com

·         Soften hands (while watching TV!)

Combine a few spoonfuls of cold cream, two drops of tea tree oil, five drops of lavender oil, a spoonful of olive oil and a banana (for a fruity smell) in a blender. When the consistency is smooth, slather liberally all over hands and cuticles. Then slip hands into a pair of yellow rubber gloves—yes, the kind you use to scrub the tub with. For the softest hands ever, I like to sit down and watch TV with my lotioned and gloved hands underneath a heating pad so that the heat will help my homemade salve penetrate my skin that much more.” India-Jewel Jackson, GlamBlush

·         Turn your shower into a sauna

“Just turn your shower on and run it at its hottest temperature for about 20 minutes. While the water is running and the steam is building, take a warm washcloth and spray with your favorite relaxing oil. (Lavender, vanilla or rosemary are all great de-stressing aromas.) When you step into your shower, put the washcloth up to your face and take a deep breath of your soothing, oil-scented steam. It’s a great way to unwind right before bed—and it also helps clear up sinuses.” Aly Walanksy,eBeauty Daily

·         Heat things up

“Before jumping into the shower, stash your daily body lotion on top of a radiator or heating vent so it’s warmed up when you rub it on. I tell you, there is nothing better than getting out of a hot shower and rubbing on the heated, soothing lotion. Just be aware that your lotion will get much more liquidy when it’s warm, so it might rush out of its container faster.” Petra Guglielmetti,The Girls in the Beauty Department

·         Stop and smell the rose (water)

“To save some money, make your own rose-water toner, which has great astringent properties. Here’s my recipe: For every one firmly packed cup of rose petals, pour two cups of boiling water over the top. Cover and steep until the liquid is cool. Strain, squeeze out the liquid from the petals and refrigerate the rose water in a sterilized jar between use.” Lianne Farbes,TheMakeUpGirl

Let’s talk about sex, shall we?

During pregnancy you may find that this is the most aroused you have ever been in your relationship. Your hormones are accelerating, your estrogen levels are high, blood is flowing to your pelvic area, you have that beautiful pregnancy glow, your breasts are large and sensitive, and your body has gorgeous curves. You may feel this way all the way up until you deliver, and unless otherwise advised by your doctor, sex during pregnancy can be a new, liberating and exciting thing for both you, and your partner. Although some positions may no longer work with your beautiful belly, this is the time to try out new positions, get creative, and explore this new experience.

Here are some tips and the best sex positions during pregnancy, according to Fitpregnancy.com

 

Let’s Talk About (Pregnant) Sex

If fears about ‘doing it’ are stressing you out, here’s what you need to know.

Sex can still be comfortable
The old standby missionary position for intercourse may not work for you now. Instead, try these options:

Spooning: Lie side by side with him behind you. This makes for more shallow penetration.

You on top: There’s no pressure on your belly, and you can control the speed and depth of penetration.

Side of the bed: You lie on your back on the edge of the bed with your knees bent and feet on the edge. He stands facing you. It’s like classic missionary, but he won’t be resting his body weight on you.

Living room love: Kneel on a couch with your belly facing the back of it; use your arms for support. He penetrates from behind.

You will have sex again after the baby comes
Just be aware that with the sudden drop of estrogen after delivery, your libido can plummet and the lining of your vagina thins out, making intercourse feel like you’re losing your virginity all over again. This can be particularly true if you’re breastfeeding.

Most docs recommend that you wait six weeks until after giving birth (even for oral sex). The goals are to allow your body to heal, avoid infection and deal with any psychological or emotional issues you and your partner may be feeling. When you do venture back, it’s important to make your partner aware that you may need plenty of foreplay (and possibly lubrication). Taking care of the baby for you whenever possible so that you can nap couldn’t hurt, either!