New Mama

art

2009-03-23T21:28:00.004-04:00

I can finally share this delightful find as they gifts have now been gifted. Recently hubby, K and I have been searching the city for the perfect big girl bedroom set and the perfect pink paint and perfect linens and accents for our perfect little girl.

I stumbled upon these personalized prints and I just had to have them for K's new room; and had to get them for some other special little people in our life.

We're still searching for the bedroom set and the paint and a few other extra special touches. I envision her room coming together over the coming months rather than weeks as we pick out the pieces together as a family.

happy hearts day

2009-02-14T22:11:00.005-05:00

She said "Happy Valentine's Day Mama" and that was enough to make me smile all day long! I'm sure hubby had something to do with that instruction...

That added to her every expanding vocabulary is a solid repertoire of songs, including Twinkle, Twinkle, Happy Birthday and ABCs. Amazes me each day!

I started this spring coat in December and finally finished it last week (pattern from Claire Montgomery's Baby Knits). These past few days of warmish weather has inspired me to move away from greys and browns to some spring-like colours, like this mauve.

Happy Hearts Day...hope yours is filled with smiles and colours!

2 years

2009-01-19T16:42:00.005-05:00

Dear Kayla,

Has 2 years really passed already? It feels like only yesterday, you were a wee babe in my arms as I walked the house endlessly, rocking you to sleep.

It's amazing how 2 years makes such a big difference. You're such a little character now. Very independent, strong willed and determined, yet loves to laugh, tease and play games like hide-n-seek and "chase me."

A big girl indeed, participating in simultaneously ditching the diapers and crib, opting to sleep in a big girl bed. My baby girl is not a baby anymore, but forever my babe. I love the way you like to be tucked in at night, covers up to your chin. And I love you when you sneak your way into our bed (but not always at the exact moment, but afterwards upon reflection of the act the afternoon, day or week later).

We dream of your future, even though you're only 2. Will you be a dancer? You're always swaying your hips and moving your arms to the beat of any music (even trying out the steps of America's Best Dance Crew). Will you be a singer? Love to sing-a-long to the Backyardigans or the pop songs on the radio on the drive home from grandma's. Will you be a gymnast? Doing somersaults and jumping are some of your favourite pastimes.

Whatever you'll be when you grow up, I'll always love, support and cherish you. I love you. Happy 2 years, baby K!

Loving you,
your momma.

what does this mean?

2009-01-04T23:09:00.005-05:00

My babe always surprises me. And sometimes she does things that just plainly stumps me. Take this for example:

...and this:

She likes to line up her toys. She does this with no prompting or reason. I just find these figures, toys, and dolls throughout the house, all in a line, one after the other.

What does this mean? Any guesses?

Happy New Year!

holiday prep

2008-12-14T22:48:00.006-05:00

I'm amazed it's December now and I'm marvelling how my last post was about Thanksgiving and we're now verging on Christmas.

I'm in holiday mode and there's been lots of holiday preparations the past 2 weeks...

: : some Christmas tree trimming

: : some handmade advent calendar surprises

: : and more tree trimming... (K's first Hello Kitty ornament from day 1 of the advent calendar)

: : And lots of Christmas cookie goodness!

K's is in love with cupcakes these days. All she wants to wear is clothes with cupcakes on them! I picked up the apron from Snug as a Bug at the One of a Kind Show a few weeks ago. Wishing you all a happy and cheerful holiday season!

21 months & fall knitting

2008-10-19T21:55:00.007-04:00

We celebrated my girl's 21 months since birth with a super "cute & scary" early Halloween party. With all the kiddies dressed up, of course, all the parents went camera happy! Although, this may be the last gathering we have at the house with this many people. Imagine 16 adults and 10 kids...it's a good thing the weather was beautiful and a lot of outdoor play was involved!

Aside from Christmas, Halloween is one of my favourite times of the year. The decorations, the costumes, the fun! What else could be better?

That weekend, we also took a trip to Chudleigh's apple farm, for a wagon hay ride and some tractor fun.

And what did we see? Among the ponies, cows, deers and goats, we saw an Alpaca! (the alpaca coat is often spun into yarn, and I've been thinking about knitting a new, soft alpaca sweater for K).

Kayla actually said "a-pac-a" when we pointed it out to her at the farm! Her vocabulary is growing daily now. She recognizes shapes, animals and people by name in photographs. Strangely enough, however, she still won't pronounce her own name yet.

I've also been knitting crazily this past while. Casting on several projects, ready for fall. I love fall yarns, colours and textures. Here's the product of many evenings this past while for my babe.

: : An elfin hat knit from Noro wool (complete with tassels and snowflake embroidery) which I'm still working on lining with some warm fleece to protect from the itchiness of wool. The pattern is from Itty-Bitty Hats.

Of course, my girl's silly personality comes out in all it's glory at this fun opportunity!

: : Plus, a turquoise hat and scarf knit from Blue Sky Alpaca's organic cotton. I love this yarn! It's so versatile and soft and easy to knit with.

There's still more knits to come. Fall knitting...another fave.

fall beginnings

2008-09-28T22:07:00.003-04:00

One of my fave times of the year...Fall!

The wonderful colours...

And the sunny, brisk weather! So much fun, just around the corner!

i love you

2008-09-24T21:28:00.003-04:00

She can say it now! And it melts my heart. This morning after getting dressed, I said, "I love you, Kayla" and she said, "I wove you!" Melts my heart. Makes everything else fade into the background. Makes my day.

Actually, she says a lot these days. I read that at this age, kids learn about 10 new words a day. Incredible! The funniest new word is "Pasta" although she says it like "Pa-ta". Too funny!

19 months and counting

2008-08-14T22:10:00.006-04:00

It's been so long since I sat down to write a post and I'm sorry about my laziness. No excuses, just plain lazy.

My blogging absence has by no means that K has stopped growing, learning, discovering. She's constantly talking now. A mixture of both English and Chinese, which is one of the benefits of having my parents as her daycare provider. I love that she can understand both languages. I'm going to try hard not to let that slip away like it did for me when I started school. As an adult, I understand how valuable language can be.

K loves books now. Can't stop reading. We read in the mornings when we wake up, in the car, before we go to bed and anytime in between. Funny thing is, she has her 3 favourites and will not tire of reading them over an over again. It's pretty silly and exhausting at the same time. By now, I have them memorized.

K loves the chicken dance. We showed it to her one day when she was tired and being fussy. She immediately stopped crying, watched us do the moves, then started to copy us. It was THE FUNNIEST THING EVER! Even funnier was she would only flap one arm not both. It resembled an armpit fart..lol

K loves dogs. I guess that's the product of having one in the home. She's fearless. Every dog we see she has to go say hello. Sometimes makes me nervous with the larger ones, but mostly we know all the dogs in our neighbourhood so it puts me at ease, mostly.

K loves "America's Best Dance Crew". Every weekend it comes on, she's out there in front of the TV dancing away by herself...doing the arm pumps, circles, back-and-forth swaying, and knee bends. One day I have to take video of this. She's going to be a star, I know it!

Here's some photos taken over the past few months. Enjoy and I promise to be back soon!

summer-go-fun

2008-07-14T22:32:00.005-04:00

We've spent a lot of time this summer going round and round. On the merry-go-round, that is. It just so happens that this is K's fave ride. Ever since that first ride on Mother's day she's been hooked. Now every time she sees one she gets all excited, pointing and oooohhhing. There's nothing we can do except get on (or else she explodes into a fit of crying and screaming - not a pretty sight!)

Here's evidence that we've been on almost every carousel in the city:

I've been amazed to find that there's so many of them throughout the city. Seems like everywhere we go, there's one. Watch out animals! Here we come!

time flying

2008-07-02T22:32:00.010-04:00

If you can imagine 16 adults and 9 kids under the age of 3 all under one roof, you can image what our Canada Day BBQ was like. Spent the morning cleaning then spent the evening cleaning. Despite that, it was a fun day but one that I can only do once (or twice) per year - for very obvious reasons, you'll have to agree.

So, here's some things I've learned from the experience:

Plan a party on a Saturday or Sunday of a long weekend. Getting up the next morning to go to work is brutal after an evening of cleaning house.

Buy multiple hand-held bubble making devices - it helps to keep tears and "not ready to share" scenarios to a minimum.

Ensure all available "drawing" instruments are of the washable variety.

Tie down or bolt down collapsible playhouses so curious toddlers don't discover the joys of tent toppling.

The threat of toddler jail works magic for little ones under 3.

Corn on the cob are instant hits for kids of all ages!

Always eat ice-cream and Popsicles outdoors.

Nevertheless, it was a great weekend spent with friends, which I'm sure there will be many more "events" and much more learnings in our lifetime. It amazes me that just 3 years ago, summer weekends were spent so much differently. Boy, has time flown by so quickly!

Here's some photos of the event by our gracious photographer Daddy D.

da-da day

2008-06-16T23:06:00.004-04:00

We spent Sunday morning at one of our fave breakfast spots, where a wonderful mother shared me her tips and success story with dealing with a child with eczema while we waited for our seat. Then, carrying on the tradition from Mother's Day, we headed over to our fave indoor amusement park in the afternoon. K recognized the merry-go-round immediately and started to clap her hands and dance with excitement.

It was a day dedicated to da-da and Kayla - just as it should be. Happy Father's Day to all da-das out there! Hope you had as much fun as we!

the walk

2008-06-10T23:04:00.006-04:00

These evenings there's a new walker in the family.

What was once a duo (Kobe and I) has now become a task for three.

As soon as our shoes are on and Kobe is hooked up with his leash, K immediately reaches for the lead and out the door she goes, not even bothering to look behind to see if I'm following. My brave, impulsive and impatient girl (she gets that from me - hubby is the exact opposite). This act alone solidifies in my mind that she really, truly is growing up!

Secretly, I see much dog walking in her future, so the fact that she enjoys toddling around our neighbourhood with Kobe in tow is great news! She has so much fun, in fact, that often she refuses to come in. Even Kobe, who's been trained by over 9 years of walks, has the sense to head up the driveway to the path of our front door. But not Kayla. She actually starts pulling back on the leash, shaking her head and backing away instead.

Even the dog knows it's time to turn in for dinner! Oh, but not her! She's not ready yet to go inside. Instead, they make another trip together around the block! My two funny, silly babes - they make me laugh!

fathers and daughters

2008-06-04T22:29:00.007-04:00

There's something to be said about the relationship between fathers and daughters. In our fam, I'm the one K turns to when she's hurt, scared or hungry. But when she wants to play or be teased, she instantly turns to dada.

He's the one that will chase her around the house, or hid behind a door waiting for her to walk through to surprise her. He's the one she calls for from the top of the stairs, asking him to come up and play with her, or throw her up in the air and onto the bed. He's the silly one when she just wants to be silly, too.

This week, it's been just the two of them - a little dada and kid mini vacation. So far they've been to the park, the mall, an indoor play-gym, and out for lunch around town. Actually, all the places mommies and babies typically hangout.

Hubby reported today after a visit to our local indoor playground that he was only one of 3 men in a place overflowing of women and kids. And I guess just as groups of mommies will converge and make friends, daddies will do that, too apparently.

So, I'm fortunate that hubby is capable, willing and comfortable spending a week long "holiday" with our babe. It's something that she probably won't remember, but the bonding and the memories for him will last forever, and that makes me happy beyond words.

finding

2008-05-25T21:47:00.004-04:00

I have to admit, it was simply wonderful to stumble upon a piece of paradise right at my backdoor - practically. That's what happened this weekend. We found ourselves in a tucked away corner along the shores of Lake Ontario just 10 minutes from our home.

It was beautiful: a park, the lake, a beautiful garden and a lot of heritage. All tucked away behind a quite residential neighbourhood.

We spent a while watching the birds, the sailboats and all the beautiful people celebrating their wedding day that day. It was fitting that 5 years ago that day, hubby and I were married, too. What a coincidence, huh?

she's got personality

2008-05-22T23:17:00.002-04:00

This kid-sized shopping cart was a Christmas gift from a friend last year and it's become one of K's fave pastimes for the past couple of months.

She loves to pick up all sorts of things: toys, mail, the recycling, and place them inside the cart. Once full she pushes it around the house. stopping sometimes to discard an item or two from the cart, making room for other items that catches her fancy. She even ransacks our pantry looking for items like bags of pasta and cupcake liners to stash in her cart!

I love watching her personality develop. I dream about what kind of person she'll grow up to be. We've already discovered her silly sense of humour. We've already discovered her love of music. And now this... this could only mean trouble down the road... she's a natural shopper! Oh my!

mama's day

2008-05-13T22:05:00.005-04:00

Receiving a Mother's Day card is such a treat. I know it might sound silly to some, but to me, it's one of the special moments of this day. And although hubby picked out the card this time I can imagine that one day he will take K to the store to pick out her own card (or better yet show her how to make one for me) and sign it and fill it with her own words. That's what I think about about on Mother's Day and it makes me smile (and shed a little tear too, I must admit).

Although Mother's Day is really meant to celebrate the role mamas play, our day was spent making our little girl happy, which in turn made me the happiest. So after a nice treat for myself - sleeping in until 9:30 am and waking up to pancakes (yum!) hubby and I took K to an indoor amusement park for the afternoon.

It was great fun! K's fave was the merry-go-round. She loved it so much that she would cry when we tried to get off so we just ended up staying on, over and over again!

Everyone tells me that this age is the best, and after a day like this, I really feel that is so true. K is so into exploring her environment right now that everything (big or small) fascinates her, and to be a parent watching all of this really makes me appreciate and enjoy something like going on the same rides over and over again. And it wasn't boring at all. Instead it was so amazing because she was having such a good time.

And of course, she was so exhausted from all the fun that she promptly fell asleep on the way home. What a good girl!

We hope all the mama's out there had as happy of a day as we did! Happy Mama's Day!

parking

2008-05-05T20:10:00.005-04:00

This weekend's warm and sunny Sunday brought us out to a nearby park in our neighbourhood. Our first real trip to a park, actually. I'd been searching for a park nearby for a little while and was quite disappointed to discover there was no park within walking distance of my home. What was I thinking buying a house without a park close by!? But luckily discovered this weekend, this great one not too far away.

Big success that day... K's fave was the slides. She loves slides; but she also enjoyed walking up and down this ramp...

And climbing the steps - of course!

She's not a fan of the swings just yet, but they'll be many more trips in our future this summer, so plenty of time to practice and discover the joys of swing-time!

it doesn't get much better than this...

2008-04-29T20:31:00.006-04:00

Hanging out on the patio, watching the ocean waves roll onto the beach; laughing and playing by the pool; and eating really great food - constantly! What more could we have asked for? It was the perfect vacation.

But vacations are really different now. I've had several people comment to me since my return saying things like "oh... you're not too tanned this time..." And all I can say is, vacations are really different now. Gone are the days where hubby and I could lazily lounge on the beach, soaking in the rays for hours on end. Gone are the days where I would sit by the pool and read a book from cover to cover. Gone are the days when sleeping in until noon while on vacay was routine because we'd been up drinking the night before.

This time around, our days were filled with splashing in the pool, making sand mountains on the beach, climbing up and down stairs constantly (seriously K has an obsession with steps these days!) and riding the trolley train around the resort at least once a day!

I didn't even bring a book much less a magazine! There was no lying out in the sun perfecting my vacation tan. Nor was there any sleeping in. We were up at sunrise, all three of us strolling out onto the beach in our PJ's and catching the sun as it rose over the ocean - breathtaking!

At 15 months old, K has grown into such a little charmer. Her little babbles, waves and dancing charmed almost everyone we met there. I know I'm probably biased here, but she was just too cute for words. All the waiters, waitresses and entertainment staff at the resort, and including all the kids at the pool knew Kayla's name by the end of the trip. We were pretty proud parents.

Bye, bye Punta Cana, you'll be well missed!

the little moments

2008-04-14T23:17:00.004-04:00

Being a mom and a working full-time has it's ups and downs. Anyone in the same situation understands what I mean. This afternoon, I realized how much I had missed the little moments. I had the afternoon off today to take my babe for her 15 month check-up. Afterwards we stopped off at the mall to run some last minute errands for our trip.

Usually mall trips are hurried and not much fun anymore (oh, I'm so sad to say this but one of my fave pastimes has become a chore). Going shopping with a toddler on a weekend is NOT fun! But when the mall is empty, it's like a different little girl has taken over. K toddles around the mall, waving at people, peeking into stores and presses her little hands against the windows. It's too adorable for words. I was kicking myself for not bringing the camera with me.

Then I think, oh my goodness, I'm missing these moments. My mom tells me this is how she acts when they go out on the weekdays together. I guess I never see it because the weekends are always so full of people that it overwhelms and frightens my babe. Hey, big crowds of people and lineups galore are pretty scary, even to me sometimes!

But the joy in her face, the happiness in her steps was so evident this afternoon. She was having a blast just walking; sometimes holding my hand, sometimes running ahead. We stayed at the mall for an hour just walking around because I didn't want the moment to end. I loved it so.

And later this afternoon, we took Kobe out for a real walk around the neighbourhood for the very first time (just the three of us). Of course Kobe didn't understand how to walk with a little person who only took 1 step per minute or so. He was so excited to be out with us, he kept pulling at the leash and wanting to charge forward.

It was a beautiful day filled with many little moments. I wish there were many more.

goofing around

2008-04-13T22:39:00.004-04:00

Kayla turned 15 months old on Friday. I cannot believe how much time is whizzing by. As each day, week, month passes, her personality is really starting to shine through. She's a wacky, silly girl. This morning I found her wondering around our hallways pretending to be a highchair! How crazy is that?!

sunday night fever

2008-04-07T23:32:00.006-04:00

K had her first fever yesterday. I know, many of you moms are thinking, "Wow, first fever after 14 months, count yourself lucky" but it was pretty hard on me. Never having gone through it before, I was a little unprepared. I wasn't even certain what temperature constituted a high fever to begin with!

And to top it off, I had to leave her at the peak of her discomfort. I was already committed to a bachelorette party for my future sister-in-law. I felt like a terrible mother! After giving her a dose of Tempra, I had to leave her in hubby's care, screaming and crying. I thought about her the whole night; how could I not?

But in the end she was fine. Kids are pretty resilient, aren't they? But that doesn't really relive the guilt or the worry, does it?

When I returned home, hubby reported that her fever had broke by 8:00pm and she went to bed without a hitch. She was completely asleep when I went to check on her (several times) when I returned.

As a mother, you can never escape the guilt, the concerns. But the joys make all the worrisome nights worthwhile.

the good hour

2008-03-30T22:09:00.006-04:00

Tonight between 6 and 7 pm was the best hour of the entire weekend. We had just gotten home from J's first birthday party - which I handled solo and realized just how tough it was with a toddler who is on the go all the time.

When we got home, K and I trotted upstairs and played on the bed. An hour of bouncing on the bed, tickles and hiding under the covers. It was the best time! I love the interactions. The silliest, smallest (and oddest) things delight her, probably because she's such a silly girl! She certainly has her Daddy's personality.

: : Here she is chillin' in a chair just her size (photo taken this weekend at Auntie E's). I'm in love with this love seat, but not the price tag. Isn't it just the perfect size?

my bitch session

2008-03-25T22:06:00.004-04:00

So I just have to come out and say it... if you ever, ever consider visiting a travel clinic for advice or care, my advice... DON'T!

They don't give out consistent advice, they don't know what they're talking about, and they're set up by doctors and administrators who aren't able to set up a proper practice and just looking for money. Okay, I've said my peace.

So what's the story? In planning for our upcoming family getaway, I've been researching possible travel precautions for Baby K. So in an attempt to get her the right vaccines I contacted a local travel clinic who told me we would need to come in for a consultation. Fine.

However, when they told me about the fee structure, I was floored. They wanted us to pay double the consultation fee because I would need to accompany K to the session. Well of course I would need to go too - she's only 14 months old! So even though the advice and vaccines would only be for her, we would need to pay for a couple because I was coming too! If they could show me how a 14 month old would be able to go by herself and I would gladly pay! So ridiculous!

And this was not just one clinic... I called several to see if the policies were the same. They were, except that the fees varied from clinic to clinic. Even crazier! By the end of the day, I was pretty peeved.

In the end, K's doc was able to provide the vaccines after all, so all is good, but the whole experience baffles and shocks me to no end! Still does. Okay, enough said... thanks for your indulgence!

braving the sun

2008-03-18T23:06:00.007-04:00

Hubby and I have decided to take the big step... the big, scary step of taking a toddler on a plane for more than 3 hours; the even bigger, scarier step of taking her out to a foreign country; and the even more frightening step of introducing her to the ocean. (For those that have followed my blog early on, you'll understand...)

Today, we booked a much anticipated and needed vacation to the Dominican Republic - leaving in a month, and I'm super nervous about it. This is waaaaay bigger than our trip to Boston when she was 7 months. Now that Baby K is so active, we thought it would be fun to introduce her to the sun, but my head spins just thinking about all the things I'll need now.

Plus I'm worried. Worried about her allergies. Will they have food there that she can eat (they must have rice at least in DR, right?) Having a child with food allergies is exhausting. I always have food with me; I always watch what she puts in her mouth; I always worry.

Will they have milk? Should I bring formula as a back up? Will she even drink it now? Will she like the crib they give us? But most importantly, will she have fun? Her enjoyment really is our enjoyment now.

Funny how these things change, huh?

early mornings

2008-03-13T23:18:00.004-04:00

Have I talked about curve balls and babies, yet? I must have meantioned it once or twice before because every time I think that we're moving happily forward, it somehow changes and comes sneaking back again. What am I talking about? I'm talking about sleep.... yes, sleep and babies. It always comes back to that, doesn't it mommies?

The past couple of nights, Baby K has been waking up early (3 or 4 am early), standing in her crib and screaming. Oh, I mean screaming, like at the top of her lungs, like she's seriously injured or something. And it's hard to calm her down. Last night she cried for about 20 minutes at 4 am in the morning (ugh - on a work night) while I was holding her trying to figure out what was wrong. Nothing worked - until I took her downstairs that is. Amazing, as soon as I started to descend the stairs she stopped crying and started talking to me. I couldn't believe it. And all I kept thinking was: "Please stop talking; how are we going to go back to bed if you're talking?"

So I grabbed her some milk and luckily afterwards she promptly put her head back on my shoulder and acted like she was sleepy. She was, and within about 10 minutes she was asleep again, leaving me tired and perplexed.

Now I wonder what's going to happen tonight. More of the same? I hope not! I'm starting to fear a pattern developing, but I'm trying to ignore it. Humm.... writing what I'm thinking is not helping because it only gets me thinking more. Is it the recent time change? Is she sick? (she's doesn't appear to be sick - she's fine in the mornings)? Maybe she's getting her molars? She has never had teeth pain before, so I'm not sure what that's like. Humm.... better stop thinking and start going to bed; she could be up in another 4 hours!

Good night! Hope you're all sleeping well tonight - someone should, even if it's not me!

discovering

2008-03-09T20:37:00.004-04:00

This weekend has been, amongst witnessing one of the largest snowfalls that I can remember, a weekend of discovering.

Baby K has discovered a love of stuffies - which previously she has pretty much ignored - now will run to them and start hugging and kissing them. One of her faves, monkey, a Christmas gifts from her cousins.

She's also discovered the joys of old favourites. Remember the Fisher Price popper?

And we also discovered quinoa, a grain with a couscous like texture and packed with protein, which Kayla happens to LOVE! I first heard about it through a couple of vegetarian friends when I had told them about K's allergies. It's a great alternative to wheat and other grains which she's allergic to. So we tried quinoa for lunch today and both Kayla and hubby enjoyed it!

P.S. my 33 day tribute is officially over... although I was many days short... too much ambition, not enough time...

33 days : : day 31

2008-03-01T21:43:00.003-05:00

: : Smile for the camera! She's such a silly girl! These days, I just let her loose around the house and laugh as she toddles about. It's simply hilarious - walking was never this much fun until now!

33 days : : day 27

2008-02-26T08:13:00.003-05:00

: : miracles come in pairs - welcome to the world Mia and Divya!

33 days : : day 25 & 26

2008-02-25T23:05:00.003-05:00

: : my little monster

33 days : : day 24

2008-02-23T23:21:00.003-05:00

:: Saturday morning "shopping" trips (picking up toys around the house)

33 days : : day 21, 22 & 23

2008-02-22T08:31:00.005-05:00

So I've been a little behind... I chalk it up to life. Perhaps this project was a little too ambitious of me....

: : work crew celebrations - promotions and engagements!

I've been a little sad these days and thinking about Baby K because I've missed sharing dinner with her 3 days in row. Since I've gone back to work, I've enjoyed dinner times because we get to sit down as a family. I can't describe how much that means to me, but missing this time has made me a little wistful (the first since I've been back full-time). I'm looking forward to lots of kisses and cuddles this weekend!

33 days : : day 19 & 20

2008-02-19T21:37:00.002-05:00

: : Playing pretend and dreaming of future mini tea parties.

33 days : : day 18

2008-02-17T22:02:00.000-05:00

: : weekend pj party!

33 days : : day 16 & 17

2008-02-16T22:31:00.003-05:00

: : Long weekend joys! Along with her new-found mobility, K has started to enjoy pushing her toys around the house.

33 days : : days 13, 14 & 15

2008-02-14T22:05:00.005-05:00

: : Happy valentine's day! An evening treat (and filled with ice-cream)! Plus, extra special because it was made with love from hubby! What a nice surprise!

Isn't it lovely? Points for presentation, with the icing sugar and everything! What else could I ask for on Valentine's?

(sorry for the lapse in the pictorial... the evenings just fly by these days!)

33 days : : day 12

2008-02-11T20:38:00.000-05:00

: : 13 months old today.

Some of her new favorite things include playing peek-a-boo all the time (even when eating), playing copycat, and WALKING!

33 days : : day 11

2008-02-10T23:24:00.000-05:00

: : Packaging up some more fuzzy sweaters...

33 days : : day 9 & 10

2008-02-09T19:59:00.001-05:00

: : Getting ready for bed...

33 days : : day 8

2008-02-07T22:34:00.000-05:00

: : Happy New Year! Baby K and her lucky envelope!

33 days : : day 6 & 7

2008-02-06T12:01:00.000-05:00

: : I received this photo yesterday (didn't get a chance to post on day 6 so double post today) and they were just too adorable not to share. Meet Haruka and Yuuma, my good friend Yoko's little darlings from Japan. Yoko and I have been long distance friends for over 15 years now - started out as penpals in high school if you can image that!

xoxo if you're reading this!

33 days : : day 5

2008-02-04T21:33:00.000-05:00

: : First solo steps!

33 days : : day 4

2008-02-03T14:26:00.000-05:00

: : Sliding together.

33 days : : day 3

2008-02-02T20:47:00.000-05:00

: : Just being silly!

The flash card is for "eat" - she spent an afternoon travelling in and out of the bedrooms with the card in her mouth like a puppy with a new toy.

33 days : : day 2

2008-02-01T11:32:00.000-05:00

: : View from my back door as the winter storm starts it's craziness this morning.

33 days

2008-01-31T20:35:00.000-05:00

Today is my birthday. To mark my 33 years (yes, I'm revealing my age to all of blogland out there) I've decided to take a page from one of my favourite mama bloggers and share with you 33 days of my life in pictures.

: : A cake from my mama. She told me today that no matter old I get, I would always be her baby.

before

2008-01-30T11:08:00.000-05:00

This was sent to me recently and I'm sure some of you have read it before elsewhere. But I had to share because it's all so true. I've done, felt and cherished all of these moments and more.

Before I was a mom...
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunization.

Before I was a Mom…I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom…I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests, or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom…I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom…I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom…I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

There's so much to celebrate that I count my blessings every time I pick my babe up from her crib each morning.

getting back into the swing

2008-01-23T11:39:00.000-05:00

With the holidays over and finally settling back into a regular work routine, I've been wondering how to balance my mompreneur adventure. I don't want to let that part of my new life slide as I've been fortunate to meet so many wonderful women.

So on that note, just an update on what's been happening. I'm pleased to welcome a few more friends to the FlowerPot Designs family.

Sweet Memories Quilts
I met Jenn at the Children's Trunk Show last November. She's a mother, an expert quilter (who's shared her expertise with me so I can take a stab at making a toddler quilt for Baby K in the not so distant future) and a knitting enthusiast. I'm pleased to partner with her and offer my collection of organic knit animals to her loyal customer base. Check out her blog and web site!

Bare Bones Clothing & Accessories
Angela opened her doors in Innisfail, Alberta in the New Year. Among her collection of children's wear and accessories, my collection of clips will be a part of her regular line-up. Congrats Angie and good luck with the shop!

Raising Rascals
I met Kathleen and Coreen at the Mom2Mom Holiday Show last November when they were still organizing, dreaming and preparing for their joint venture. Now they will launch a new online kids shop in February and I'm excited to join their opening day with a selection of hair clips. Check in later for launch details!

So the juggling act begins for me now, but I'm excited and ready for the challenge of figuring out how it will all come together - family, work and staying creative!

sweetie cake

2008-01-20T21:14:00.000-05:00

I had to share this sweet cake with all of you. A special gift from my friend E. She thinks of everything! It's absolutely the perfect tribute to my little creative pursuit. Thanks so much! I absolutely love it!

Here's a closer look at little Peanut and Daisy. The detail put into the design amazes me. And, the cake itself - delish! It took me a while to cut into it but when I did, it was chocolate heaven! I've saved the little doll recreations. I couldn't bear to bite into them. Thanks hon! You're the best!

happy birthday

2008-01-11T20:26:00.000-05:00

Baby K is officially one year old!

This morning when she woke, I was eager to pick her up, kiss her and wish her a very happy birthday. To her, it was just like any other day, but to me, it's her biggest milestone yet. Today marks the first day of this crazy and wonderful journey of motherhood for me.

I remember back at my first thoughts when she was born: "What a sweet, BIG baby with an awesome set of lungs and so much hair!" I remember the first 3 days at the hospital as we got to know each other. She slept a lot then and I thought: "Well this wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be." Little did I know that would change after a couple of weeks.

As each month passed, I marvelled at how much she's grown, learned and changed not realizing how much I have grown, learned and changed as well. My life is richer now; my priorities different.

Being back to work full time, I've missed some important milestones - like her first steps. According to my mom, she took 3 wobbly steps on her own a few days ago. But, although I missed these things, I'm lucky she's sharing them with her grandma instead. Now, I'm always eager to get home, anticipating her smile as hubby and I walk through the door. It's wonderful to see her face light up when she sees us.

One year... a lot has happened in one year, but it goes so quickly. Happy Birthday to my sweet babe!

party like a rock star

2008-01-08T20:52:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, Baby K had her very first party with all her little friends. It was a very full two hours of indoor fun! K had a fantastic time - and so did we!

: : tossing the ball around

: : hanging out with little friends

: : riding the slide with daddy (over and over again!)

: : getting her first taste of sugar - a mini cupcake in fact!

There was also lots of cupcake love happening that day.

: : from the giant cupcake cake and minis, courtesy of the talented Anna at Dreemkaggs

: : to the hand knit cupcake decorations (pattern from Leigh Radford's book) made especially for the party

: : and even in some of the wonderful and generous gifts Baby K received that day.

And at the end of the day, she promptly passed out on the car ride home.

Thanks to everyone who made this day special for our babe. We love you all!

a year to remember

2007-12-31T10:39:00.000-05:00

2007 has been a whirlwind of a year. A year ago, I was eagerly awaiting the birth of our little angel, and now, I reflect back at how we've changed as a family and what I've accomplished, and I'm grateful. Without getting too sappy and teary, I just wanted to say how lucky I am to have such a supportive family and wonderful friends.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to read my little blog and share in my adventures as a new mama. I had intended this to be a one year account of my maternity leave with Baby K, but we'll see in the new year, as I return to an exciting new role, how this little space grows and develops. Until then, wishing you all a happy and healthy 2008 from our fam to yours.

preparations

2007-12-27T20:48:00.000-05:00

With officially one week left on mat leave, the preparations have begun. Last night we started packing up Kayla's things for the transition to "po-po's" (which is what Kayla calls her grandma) where she will be staying during the weekdays. I was surprised by all the stuff - a toy box full of toys and books, sheets, cups, dishes and cutlery, clothes, diapers, wipes and creams, the playpen and extra car seat.

Off to Grandma's we went today to start getting accustomed to her house rather than ours. A little bumpy at first because my parents have been away for over a month, returning yesterday from travelling around Asia for a little post-retirement (and pre-granddaughter) getaway, and Baby K was a little hesitate at the beginning. But after half an hour, all was good again. She had a great time, climbing up the stairs (repeatedly) and around my mom's house. She even took her afternoon nap in the playpen that we've set up in my old bedroom (how sweet is that, huh?) And I even got away for a couple of hours for some post-boxing day shopping by myself - even sweeter.

Eventually, by Monday, I hope Baby K can stay successfully the full day on her own with my parents without any problems. I'm lucky and grateful to them for being able to make this arrangement. It certainly makes going back to work much easier. We'll see how the "learning" week goes, but for day one, we're off to a good start!

celebration

2007-12-25T14:25:00.000-05:00

Family and friends, that's what holidays are all about.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

growing up

2007-12-21T10:32:00.000-05:00

We got this dino ball toy for Baby K when she was about 6 months old. At that time, I was the one placing the balls in the slots as she sat nearby watching. About a month ago, she started putting the balls through the exit holes first. Now, at 11 months, she's finally figured it out!

Seeing this now makes me think (yet again) how quickly time passes. Hubby and I were just discussing last week that now that we have Kayla, the years will seem like they are whizzing by for us because we mark our lives with each of her milestones.

It won't be long before her first birthday rolls around, and I wonder (and worry a little) how she will adjust as I go back to work in the new year. I guess that's the good thing about babies, they adapt quickly to change - if only we were all so lucky!

baby, it's cold outside

2007-12-17T14:41:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've made something for my babe. But being snowed in yesterday was the perfect time to whip up a little scarf for my babe.

It's knit in a bamboo pattern (a basic rib pattern with garter stitch to simulate the bamboo knots throughout) using a super soft and chunky baby alpaca yarn. I added a loop on the reverse so I can slip one end of the scarf through, so no tying and worry of choking!

It's the first time I used an alpaca and I love it. It's a natural fiber, but so soft - perfect for babies. Anyways, it will keep my babe nice and warm on these crazy snowy days. Can you believe it's not even officially winter yet!

snow - inside and out

2007-12-15T22:46:00.000-05:00

A snowy weekend, calls for some "snowy" decadent treats!

I've been wanting to try these cupcakes (it seems I'm obsessed over cupcakes at the moment) ever since seeing the Barefoot Contessa make them on Foodtv earlier this year.

With the snow softly falling all day and company coming over for dinner - today was the perfect day to make them, too!

: : butter, cream cheese, sugar and coconut - how could you go wrong?

I hope you're all enjoying your own delicious snow-filled weekends!

it's beginning to look...

2007-12-13T09:53:00.000-05:00

... a lot like Christmas! Christmas is in full swing at our house!

: : the stockings are hung by the chimney with care.

: : the tree has been trimmed with some handmade ornaments. This year, I finally made a set of three beaded lace ornaments in our tree colours - silver and blue. I've been making these ornaments for about 6 years now and this is the very first set I've made for my own tree! In previous years, they've always been given away as gifts.

: : and Baby K has already discovered the growing pile of presents stacked beneath the tree!

It's going to be a jolly Christmas this year - 12 days and counting!

my babies

2007-12-11T13:34:00.000-05:00

Kobe was my first babe. Hubby and I bought him from a breeder an hour north of Toronto and brought him home, shivering in my arms, 10 winters ago. He's a great dog - silly and sweet.

When we brought Baby K home, also in the winter, we wondered how my two babes would get along.

I think the first week home was an adjustment for Kobe. All four of us slept in the same room then. Kobe's bed was beside her bassinet. All the night time wake-ups and crying, however, must have been keeping him up because the following week, Kobe decided to sleep in the hall. Then, the week after that, he moved himself to the stairs (yes, strangely enough he slept on the third step of our stair wall). It scared me to no end, thinking he would shift in the night and fall down. But he never did. The following week (and now permanently) he sleeps downstairs, in the warmest spot in our house, near the laundry room! We didn't maneuver this shift, he did it on his own.

Now, 11 months after that day, Kobe and Kayla are like big brother and little sister. Baby K is constantly tagging along after him, and Kobe just wants to be left alone. It's funny to watch her crawling around the house after him, squealing with delight as she does so.

Actually, I'm lucky that both my babies get along. Kobe is pretty good natured with Baby K. I don't think he loves her (yet) but he tolerates her. These days, he'll roll over on his back and she'll pat his leg or chest. Very cute!

Also, Kobe is a permanent fixture by her highchair during meal times. He's learned very quickly that she's a messy eater. She's even taken to "feeding" him, too. Often she'll toss a piece of chicken or cheese over her chair and lean over and watch him gobble it up!

My babies... gotta love that!

cupcake heaven

2007-12-05T18:17:00.000-05:00

I was at the mall recently and saw this most delish hat. I was tempted to buy it for Baby K, but I didn't.
Still thinking about it afterwards... I was so in love with the hat that I started searching online today and found this pattern to make one myself. I dug out the perfect yarn from my stash, and it will match perfectly with her cupcake girl t-shirt for her very first birthday! Yummy!

holiday portraits + yummy packages

2007-12-03T15:43:00.000-05:00

With the start of December, holiday music on the radio 24/7, and the first big snowfall out of the way, my thoughts have turned to the start of my fave season!

Baby K had her holiday portraits taken as Christmas gifts for our family this weekend. I snapped some photos of her at home right after I got her dressed and ready to go out for the portraits. Of course, her outfit wasn't complete without a custom silver FlowerPot Designs hair clip to match her shiny silver Christmas outfit!

: : Examining her new shoes... trying to figure out how to get them off. This silly girl of mine prefers to be barefoot. She's always trying to pull her shoes and socks off!

: : Ahhhh... success!!

I also spent the start of the holiday season putting together these pretty and tasty "thank you" packages to the retailers that have supported me this year.

The cookies are homemade (not by me!) but by Diana of Melt Chocolate. Enjoy!

Happy holidays! The countdown has begun... 22 days until Baby K's first Christmas!

then and now

2007-11-29T09:36:00.001-05:00

Recently I've been thinking about the early days - when Baby K was just born. Seeing her development these days makes that seem so long ago.

This week she's started to play copycat - she'll wave back when you wave to her, she'll throw her hands in the air when you do the same, and she'll laugh when you laugh. It's all too hilarious for words!

Perhaps it's my looming return to work date that has me thinking about the baby days. Although I'm excited at the prospect of starting something new at work and interacting with adults again, I'm also sad that I'll miss many of the future developments she'll have. For a year now, it's been just me and her. That's hard to give up.

So, I've been flipping through her photo album and just thought I'd reflect...

: : then...

: : and now...

That's her cousin Chloe on the right.

It goes so fast...

handmade holidays

2007-11-26T13:05:00.000-05:00

Last week, I attended the One of a Kind Christmas Show (like I've done religiously every year for the past 10 years). My not-so-secret dream is to exhibit at this show one day.

Along with my annual re-stocking of goodies from The Garlic Box, I picked up this sweet dress/tunic for Baby K from Rabbit Green. It's been made from reclaimed fabrics and then restyled into this wonderfully fashionable and functional little dress.

I love all the details in this dress - the brown checkered front and pink corduroy back, the flower-print front pocket and the darling stitched heart on the reverse.

In keeping with my goals this year, I've pledged to support local artisans and try to find unique gifts where possible for those on my Christmas list... so that's all the photos I'll show of my recent trip to the show!

Happy shopping!

dandelion mud pie

2007-11-20T17:30:00.001-05:00

I recently made a delivery of these little critters to a new shop (just one week old) in the trendy Yonge and Lawrence village in Toronto. Dandelion Mud Pie is a sweet eco-chic shop featuring a great mix of unique and local home, jewellery, baby, and body care products that are good for you and the environment, too!

Owner, Helen, is a mother of two boys, and one of the nicest people I've ever met. Her sweet shop is just right up my alley, too. I have to say, if I was to ever open a store, hers would be a great model! I love the green concept. I love that many of her products are locally made. And I love that almost everything is one-of-a-kind!

If you're in the area, go see for yourself and shop green!

Dandelion Mud Pie - 6 Fairlawn Avenue, Toronto
Store hours:
Tuesday - Friday from 10am - 7pm
Saturday & Sunday from 10am - 6pm

P.S. her web site is coming soon!

if you're happy and you know it...

2007-11-19T18:13:00.000-05:00

... clap your hands! And that's just what Baby K did the other night. During our family celebration of my mom's retirement, Kayla finally clapped her hands. It was a wonderful first, made extra special because we were surrounded by my family and they could all witness this feat.

We had been trying to teach her this trick for about a month now and she's finally got the hang of it. She's so pleased with herself - giving us all a big smile as she claps her hands together. Wonderfully sweet!

weaning... the finale

2007-11-12T15:29:00.000-05:00

At 10 months old, Baby K is successfully weaned. Her last nursing was yesterday morning. Now that it's over, I find myself missing it - missing the connection, the closeness, and the quiet time together. With Baby K so active, there's never a moment when she'll just sit still while I hold her, expect when she was nursing. Now that's gone, too.

It's funny to think how much I had wanted to wean her 2 months ago and now that it's finally happened, I'm a little sad that it's gone. It's just another reminder that my baby girl is growing up so fast.

These days, playtime is so much fun. She's constantly chattering now - smiling and laughing at her own antics. She likes to chase Kobe around the house, although I can't say Kobe is enjoying this development much. And for some strange reason, shredding tissues provides her with endless enjoyment!

On another note, thanks to everyone who came out these past 2 weeks to support and visit me at the shows. I had a lot of fun, learned a lot, and met so many creative and talented people. Thanks to K for helping out this weekend and to E for bringing us food! We were the envy of my booth neighbours with our St. Lawrence market sandwiches.

It was great hearing all the positive feedback about my items. It makes all the hard work leading up to the shows worthwhile. Thanks all!

show time

2007-11-03T23:12:00.001-04:00

My very first show was a big success! I meet so many wonderful people and contacts, received a lot of positive feedback, and took away many learnings for the next show and future.

I was pleasantly surprised by the show traffic. I didn't have high expectations, with the show being it's first year, however, the Mom2Mom Toronto team did an amazing job. The traffic was steady throughout the day. I was also very pleased with the reactions to my hand knit organic animals - which sold out by the end of the day!

Thanks to V who came out to help me yesterday and today, and to hubby and Baby K for their love and support always! (and hubby made the awesome display for my hair clips - which got a lot of compliments during the day, too!)

Hope to see you at next week's Children's Trunk Show at the Distillery District - when we do it all over again! Better get back to knitting - I'm out of inventory, again!

spook-tactular!

2007-11-01T10:43:00.000-04:00

Baby K (and her parents) enjoyed her first Halloween. Here's some moments from our spook-tactular night (which was pretty spooky how *warm* it was for the last day of October)!

: : a treat from grandma and grandpa

: : the funny rooster, scary dragon and baby-roo come out to play!

: : a be-witching (but FUN) night!

Hope you all had a great night as well! Baby K has shown me that Halloween is soooo much more fun with kids! Enjoy!

growing pains

2007-10-30T11:26:00.000-04:00

Ever since Baby K reached 6 months, she's been hitting one milestone after milestone. It's all coming so rapidly that I'm finding it hard to keep up. The latest, she's just started to pull herself up and doing some unstable "table walking".

So what does this all mean? More sleepless nights! Just when I thought it was getting good again. There she goes changing it up on me once more. Now she wakes up in the middle of the night and instead of putting herself back to sleep, she's learned to pull herself up using the crib rails. Then she stands there crying out for me to help her down. After two nights of this, it's getting pretty exhausting, especially since I've been staying up late this week in order to prepare for this weekend's show.

So what's the fix? The first night this happened, Baby K and I just slept together in the spare room since I had no idea what to do. Since then we've been reading up on parent forums and a lot of the advice has been: go in, put her back down and keep doing this until she stays down. Well that all sounds good in words. Hubby tried this last night when she woke up standing at around midnight. I have to say, it's pretty tiring and sad at the same time. I'm watching her in the monitor struggling to get up and hubby picking her up and putting her back down over and over again. Breaks my heart. I'm sure this is yet ANOTHER phase we'll get past, but the end couldn't come soon enough, especially as she's started doing this in the day during her nap times, too!

On other thoughts....

Use this 2 for 1 coupon and visit me at TORONTO’S 1ST GREEN HOLIDAY SHOPPING SHOW!

Shop with your heart this holiday season! Local, ethical & eco-friendly shopping for one-of-a-kind, hard-to-find, handmade and organic gifts for mom, baby, kids, dad, the whole family. Organic food court, babysitting, nursing areas, photos with Santa, children’s activities. $5 adult admission in support of Jesse’s Foundation for Music and Dance Therapy. Special guests: Leslie Garrett and Erica Ehm. Pre-register, enter the raffle and get your VIP discount cards on http://www.vipcards.mom2momtoronto.ca/.

Hope to see you there!

mr. sniffles

2007-10-23T22:47:00.001-04:00

My babe has her first cold. A runny nose, a little cough...poor thing. It's so sad to see her struggle to nurse and breath through her stuffy nose. But she's doing okay.

Actually she doesn't really seem all that bothered by the cold. Other than the constant dripping nose, accompanied by teething drool, the cold doesn't seem to bother her too much. She doesn't like it when I try to wipe her nose. But she's been okay at night, waking up every so often, but able to put herself back to sleep.

It's sad to see your babe struggling, but I guess there's a first for everything, even colds. I've even labelled this post under "milestones"!

take me out to the b-ball game!

2007-10-20T20:04:00.000-04:00

Baby K watched her first Raptors game yesterday! It was a late night for all the kids, but worth it! The lights, music and activity was so exciting for Baby K. She was bopping to the beat in her own unique little way.

Here's a few shots from our evening out (our first in a long while).

: : eagerly watching the action below

: : the boys

: : the girls (Baby K in her PJs ready for the trip home).

Thanks Big K for suggesting it and making it happen!

retail therapy

2007-10-18T16:55:00.000-04:00

It's been a flurry of activity these past few weeks. Not only am I busy preparing for my upcoming shows, but I've been fielding requests for wholesale orders from some really cool retail shops lately.

I'm happy to welcome Tulips & Sunflowers, a totally fab home-based, by appointment only, gift shop for kids, run by Toronto mom, Michelle, to the FlowerPot Designs family. Her recently launched web store showcases the fabulous finds that she's put together for families. Look for my collection of hair clips in her shop.

One of my favorite west-end shops is the newly opened Hello Sunshine - Creative Baby Shop. Located in the heart of High Park, this trendy little boutique - run by husband and wife team Delko and Christina - is a gem of cool and creative things for kids. It's one of my favorite spots for gifts for Baby K's little friends. Stop in and you'll find my entire collection of clips, toys and knit wear there next month!

Finally, I'm so excited to welcome Red Chair Kids, a sweet little shop in Ottawa. Owners and parents, Monica and Mike opened the store after searching the city high and low for the perfect items for their three children.

I'm so warmed by all the wonderful feedback I've received thus far on my designs and products and I'm grateful to all of you who have welcomed me into your shops. Thanks for a wonderful and hopefully a lasting relationship!

no, no, no!

2007-10-11T22:57:00.000-04:00

Nine months old today and she's picked up a few tricks! Her favourite - saying NO! Baby K has learned to shake her head from side to side when she doesn't want to do something - like lying on her back for a diaper change or eating. Although quite amusing at first, after a full day of NO's the funny factor has worn off!

A quick update on the napping and weaning situations:

Nap times are getting a little better. We had two good naps yesterday and today for 1-1/2 hours each. Boy, have I missed those. It's amazing how much I can get done during her nap times. I'm certainly more productive post-baby than I ever was before! I guess loss of personal time does that to you.

And she's finally taken to the bottle again - this time switching back to the Avent bottles - don't ask how or why - I am still trying to figure that one out. She instantly took to the bottle once I put the handles on them. Little Miss Independent just wanted control of her own! Now if only I can find out how to get her to drink formula instead.... one more thing on my GREAT BIG baby list of things to figure out!

trade offs

2007-10-07T21:48:00.001-04:00

I know that being a parent, compromises and trade offs come with the territory. Although, I always figured it would come later, possibly when Baby K is 4 years old. But funny enough (well, not really as much laughable as ironic) I find myself making a lot of trade offs with a babe who is yet not 9 months old!

For instance, we've seemed to have traded off daytime napping - which was going so well up until two weeks ago - for night time sleeping. Baby K is FINALLY sleeping through the night completely (from 7:30 pm to 6:30 am). The trade off - she is no longer napping during the day! She doesn't even take the half hour "power naps" she used to take when she was 4 months old. It's actually zero naps during the day. Incredible, huh? I don't know how she does it. I'm not sure how we'll get over this hurdle, but I really hope it passes soon because it is truly exhausting.

Anyways, there will be fewer posts this month as I am busy preparing for 2 shows next month. Come out and visit, and do some fun holiday shopping at the Green Holiday Show at the CNIB Centre and Children's Trunk Show at the Distillery District in November! Hope to see you there.

Happy Thanksgiving! Here are some photos from fun our weekend so far! And, it's pumpkin picking time tomorrow - hurray!

: : Kayla exploring her toy box (this was all hubby - I came into the family room to find her in the box!)

: : Our first trip down a slide!

: : Just horsing around!

safety first

2007-10-04T18:11:00.000-04:00

This past weekend we attended a car seat clinic hosted by St. John Ambulance and we're really glad we did. It was a great FREE service that really put us at ease knowing that Baby K's car seat is safe and secure, especially since she's moved on from her infant carrier into her big girl car seat a couple of months ago, which is actually a lot harder to install properly.

It's staggering that over 70% of car-related deaths involving children are because of improper car seats installations. So, if you haven't already attended a clinic, I highly suggest going. For us, it was a 45 minute wait, but well worth the time spent. The technicians are required to take a 2 day certification course, then 50 hours of practical hands-on training. And to think we install car seats on our own by reading a vague instruction manual for no more than 15 minutes or so! We learned a lot at the clinic and met some really nice people too!

gingerbread lane

2007-10-01T19:50:00.000-04:00

Earlier this summer I visited this fun family play centre that had just opened up in my neighbourhood, and I realized that Gingerbread Lane was more than just a playground for kids. It's a place for the community - where moms can connect and kids can be just kids.

That's why I'm so excited that fellow neighbour, mother, and founder, Tracey, will be carrying my hair clips in her gift shop. The Gingerbread Lane gift shop is the first brick and mortar store to carry my product line, and I'm so happy that it's a local mompreneur business. It the perfect fit for the vision I have for my little business - to create unique, one-of-a-kind children's accessories and support the the mompreneur community.

So if you're in the neighbourhood, stop by Gingerbread Lane for a play date, a homemade treat, a unique gift for your babe, and a little companionship - you might just see Baby K and I there!

weaning - there's a part three!!

2007-09-29T23:01:00.000-04:00

We've had a setback in our weaning plans. A couple of days ago, Baby K woke up one morning and decided she's had enough of the bottle and doesn't want to drink from it anymore. All of a sudden (again, no warning) our once-a-day bottle feeding has been abruptly halted. I'm completely baffled. Even hubby can't get her back on track this time.

Today has been one of the most stressful days since she was born - stressful for both her and for me! We've been trying all day today to get her to take the bottle again, but in the end, she won. After over 12 hours of fighting with her, we finally gave in and I gave her the boob at 7 pm right before we started her bedtime routine.

Even now, I'm still wondering what happened. How did it happen? I can understand how a few months could pass and she would forget how to drink from a bottle, but not even a day! How is that possible!? Just when I was getting comfortable with the whole bottle-thing, Baby K decides to throw me another curve ball! "Hey Mama, let's see you try and hit this one."

Now, I'm usually not the type of person to worry easily, but this time, I'm a little stressed, to say the least. I think I'm in for the long haul on this one. From speaking with another mama tonight who went through the same thing, taking 2 1/2 months to wean her own son, it sounds like it's going to be a bumpy ride. Wish me luck... and send ANY advice, tips, encouragement my way! I think I'm going to need it.

indoor fun

2007-09-27T10:07:00.000-04:00

Since the temperature has drastically dropped outside, we've decided to turn our playtime indoors these days. My plan over the coming winter months is to turn our empty living room (still no furniture after over one year of moving in) into one GIANT playroom. I went to a neighbour's house a short while ago and she had done exactly that (mind you she has 3 kids, 2 of which were twins!) It was wall-to-wall fun foam over there!

So in preparation for my own indoor playground, I picked up this neat little playhouse yesterday. It's fantastic! It folds down flat to 12" and is so portable. We filled it with balls and had a little tent party! There's tunnels and other play areas shaped as cars, hot air balloons, and even cheese, and you can connect them with fun crawling tunnels. Oh my! I think I may have had more fun than Kayla during playtime yesterday!

A quick update: shop for FlowerPot Designs at Honeybunch, a magical little shop filled with original and creative treasures for kids - run by local mama of two, Nicole. Thanks for the support, Nicole!

apples n' oranges

2007-09-23T22:37:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to welcome a new retailer to the FlowerPot Designs family.

Apples n' Oranges, who carry exclusively Canadian brands, and feature an original selection of clothing, shoes and accessories for children aged 0-5 years, will now also showcase a selection of my hair clips! Thank you Vicky and Lara - who are both also new moms - and good luck with the upcoming launch party!

Recently, I've been marvelling at the number of Canadian woman who are doing it all - raising a family, venturing out with their own businesses, and most importantly, having fun. I had the opportunity to meet a handful of such women at the Mom2Mom Toronto MBA workshop on Friday. It's a real testament to this generation's lifestyle choices. Whereas the previous generation showed us that women could work equally with men, this generation's women are proving that a balanced lifestyle between family and work could be achieved through passion - passion for family and passion for something we strongly believe in.

But one of the most wonderful and amazing characteristics of the "Mompreneur" is the support for other Mompreneurs. Like a close-knit community, the Mompreneur community helps, supports, and shares with each other. Fostered by similar goals and love for our babes provides a mutual bond - between discussing diaper rashes and marketing tactics - the work gets done, and together the whole community thrives.

I'm overjoyed by the words of encouragement, advice, and support I've already received myself and grateful for all the wonderful women I've met already. More retail announcements coming shortly! Thank you!

little indulgences

2007-09-22T21:09:00.000-04:00

It's been a long while (about 7 months) since I've indulged in something creamy and sweet. But this week, I've had a few small pleasures. Following our meeting with Kayla's allergist last week, I've been testing her dairy tolerance. First I've been consuming small amounts of cheese, milk and cream products again! Boy, I've missed pasta with cheese and creamy desserts! I have to say, it's been a bit of a struggle to control myself and not go overboard - eating everything I've been missing that I see!

We've also been giving her minimal amounts of formula diluted with expressed breast milk in her bottle each day this week. It appears, at least for the moment, that her tolerance to dairy has subsided. I haven't noticed any major reactions so far. So, I'm hopeful.

And I'm happy to announce that Baby K is finally *almost* sleeping through the night! She takes a last feed anywhere between 11:30 and 12:30 am and after that, it's all quiet until morning! I'm hoping by next month even the 11:30 nursing will get phased out. Yippee! This has been a long time coming as well!

So now I have sleep and sweets... what else could a new mama ask for?!

making music

2007-09-20T14:20:00.000-04:00

Baby K loves music. I've mentioned before that she likes to sing. Well, she also loves musical toys. This one here is one of her faves. She must get that from hubby. However, I might consider moving my old piano from my parent's house over here and introducing it to her. Maybe we'll have a little music lesson one day with one of her music teacher aunties - any offers E or M? :)

baby-roo

2007-09-17T10:27:00.000-04:00

Okay, so Halloween is a month and half away, but hubby and I couldn't resit dressing up Baby K into her baby-roo costume! We picked it up from Old Navy this weekend (they've got great costumes there for excellent prices)!

I love Halloween. It's actually my fave next to Christmas. I love kids coming over to the house and watching their shy but eager expressions as they ask for a treat! I was so happy we moved from our condo in Toronto (which didn't allow trick-or-treating in the halls) to a house just so I could celebrate Halloween again! I always wanted to have the cool, scary house, with the spooking music and gravestones on the lawn and I can't wait until Baby K is big enough to appreciate it!

On another totally unrelated note, I'm happy to welcome Bare Organics Inc into the FlowerPot Designs family. They are carrying a selection of my hair clip duos and organic knit plush toys.

Karen at Bare Organics has her own line of natural, organic skin care products and baby clothes. I've actually learned a lot about baby skin care from her, especially in light of Kayla's allergies and eczema and I'm looking forward to testing out her products. Check out her site for more info on this fabulous product! There's some great gift baskets filled with tons of goodness!

standing tall

2007-09-12T20:46:00.000-04:00

So on the day after her 8th month birthday, my babe has decided (again quite independently and without warning) that she wants to stand. And stand she does.

A little wobbly still, but she was very proud and happy with herself this evening as she stood on her own! I fear, however, this will be the start of her waking at night, standing in bed and crying out for me. I'm bracing myself for more sleepless nights ahead.

Today I took K to see the allergist and she was tested. So it's now confirmed - all my "at home" diagnosis of her allergies are accurate. She's allergic to everything! Well, I exaggerate... almost everything - milk, wheat, soy, oaks, barley - my poor babe. I even have a prescription for an epi-pen for her as a result. Although the doctor said the pen was for "just in case" having one scares me because it means just that... "just in case". And although I can control what I feed her at mealtimes, now that she's so mobile, I can't monitor everything she puts in her mouth, especially when we're out.

I was secretly hoping that the allergist would somehow say something like: "Oh you have nothing to worry about, she doesn't have any allergies at all!" But who am I kidding! I never imagined when I was pregnant with Baby K that I would be dealing with this. I was expecting and sort of prepared for the waking up at night, the crying, the diapers, but unfortunately not for the allergies.

8 months!

2007-09-11T16:32:00.000-04:00

Every month that passes, I marvel at how far my babe has come, but I also reflect at how much I've grown in the process as well.

Before my babe I didn't know that a simple sweet smile could melt my heart or a sad whimper could bring on tears. Before my babe, I never knew how to change a diaper, and I never woke up at 4 in the morning and held someone until they back fell asleep.

But before Baby K, I also would have never started this little blog, or discovered and met so many creative and entrepreneurial women. I also didn't have my own web site or my own little mommy-venture which is growing and taking form as I learn more about operating my own business. I have to say, I'm blessed with a lot of goodness this year.

And at 8 months, I'm planning on teaching Baby K to sleep through the night. It's time. Following the advice of another mama, we'll start by trying to cut out the 4:30 am nursing. It'll be tough (for both of us) but we'll see how it goes - gotta start somewhere! And just like the bottle-feeding lessons, we hope it will be successful, too!

weaning - part deux

2007-09-06T20:13:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to report that Baby K is successfully taking the bottle again! So after one week of struggle (and almost giving up) it's finally done. In fact, it's been so successful that this morning, she actually held out her hand to grab the bottle from me when I showed it to her!

Last week she took about an ounce from the bottle with my mom and on the weekend she drank two full bottles from hubby. The trick, I got other people to give the bottle to her and get her used to it, plus we sat her in the high chair and put a bib on her. Then we feed her the bottle in the chair rather than holding her lying down like I do when I nurse her. It seemed to work. Maybe she associated sitting in the chair with eating - who knows. I'm just grateful it worked.

It's still a bit of a pain to have to pump enough milk for her bottle feed. It's basically double the effort and time just for one feeding! I'll look forward to the day when she's fully weaned because that means ice cream and chocolate again for me! Oh how I miss these things!

Oh... and another thing, she will only drink from the Playtex brand bottles, which I find a bit of a pain because a) they only work with these disposable liners, and b) because of the liners I have to warm the bottle in another container. All those Avent bottles I bought before she was born - what a waste! All I use them now is to warm the milk and transfer to the other bottle!

Note to any moms-to-be out there, don't buy a lot of bottles until you're sure you need them because they could be wasted if your babe doesn't like them! I learned the hard way.

What I love : : the zoo

2007-09-05T16:07:00.001-04:00

Just a few memories from our weekend outing to the Metro Zoo.

: : giraffe cuddles

: : natural symmetry

: : lazy summer days

The perfect end to a wonderful family summer. September has rolled in so quickly. My babe will be 8 months old soon! Fall is my favorite time of year so I can expect much activity, comings and goings as the weather cools down to just the way I like it! Hope you enjoyed your last days of summer, too!

BTW - photos were taken by hubby, the aspiring photographer.

yummy mummy

2007-09-02T20:22:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to announce that an excerpt of this little blog has been selected to appear on the Yummy Mummy Club web site and newsletter this month! The Yummy Mummy Club speaks to the woman in every mom. Created by celebrity Yummy Mummy Erica Ehm, The Yummy Mummy Club is a virtual meeting place where women can celebrate and commiserate the joys and realities of trying to balance motherhood with their sexy selves. And I'm so happy to be a contributor to it. You can read the article here.

It's also a good time to let you all sneak a peek at my new web site. Although it's been officially live since early August, I've been quite shy to tell you all about it (there's lots of pressure - all self imposed, of course - since I'm in the digital media industry)! But it's there and I'm pretty pleased about it. Of course, there's still lots of things I want to add, fix and update, but that comes with time, which these days is a little scarce since Baby K won't stay in one place for longer than 5 minutes!

Hope you're all enjoying the long weekend! We're going to see the lions, tigers and bears tomorrow - OH MY!

weaning

2007-08-31T11:03:00.000-04:00

I've decided to start weaning Baby K this week... and all I can say is, I don't know how other moms do this but it's a lot of work! Because of her dairy allergies, I've been trying with pumped breast milk (not fun). Of course, by now she's so used to the boob that it's pretty tough going.

Instead of drinking, she chews on the bottle nipple, plays with the bottle itself, turning it around in her hands, pushes it away, and pretty much clamps her lips (and teeth!) together. I've also tried using the sippy cup, because she likes to drink water out of it herself. Well, with that she opens her mouth immediately, thinking that it's water but as soon as she realizes it's not, she pulls it out and actually hands it back to me! Very frustrating indeed!

I've also tried different bottles and nipples, hoping that the latex ones that claim to be most similar to breast would work, but unfortunately they haven't so far. So now, I'm cursing myself for being so lazy and not keeping up the once-a-day bottle feeding plan I had initially started out with. But again, with her dairy allergies, it was soooo much easier to skip the bottle and just give her the boob. Well... it has been until the day I want to wean her!

I've heard that starving her works, but I'm just not really into that. So, I'm open to all advice and tips on how to beat this seemingly impossible task!

routines

2007-08-29T16:14:00.000-04:00

Recently, someone asked me what I do during the day, and I had to think about that. What was my daily routine, anyways?

Well, although each day usually brings something new - a new development, laugh, memory or idea, there usually is a little routine built in. But overall, it sort of goes something like this:

6:30-7:30 am - wake up, walk the dog, play with daddy as he gets ready for work

8:30 - breakfast (Kayla)

9:00 - lots of playing in the family room

9:30 - nap (hopefully!), breakfast (mama), morning Internet addictions (email, blogs, Facebook)

11:00 - morning outing (groceries, errands, neighbourhood walk, early years centre)

12:30 - lunch (Kayla)

1:30 - nap (hopefully), lunch (mama), afternoon chores, dinner prep, Internet addictions

3:00 - afternoon relax and play

4:00 - nap (sometimes not always)

5:00 - afternonn walk with the dog, dinner prep (again! honestly preparing dinner now is in stages)

6:00 - dinner (Kayla), daddy comes home and play

7:00 - bath, PJs, storytime

7:30 - bedtime (Kayla) - hopefully!

After that it's dinner for hubby and I, and free time to ourselves!

Wow, now that I see this written down, it seems pretty routine and quite scheduled. Well, don't get me wrong, this is just a general idea of what my day is like. There are days when nothing seems to go right.

My favorite time, however, is in the afternoon. It's kind of a quite time for Baby K and I.

Some days we spend it in our upstairs hallway landing... playing, knitting, but overall, just hanging out. It's one of the best times, I think, where all three of us (Kayla, Kobe and I) can just be ourselves.

: : Oh... and sometimes the best toys are the cheapest toys!

what's in a name?

2007-08-28T11:41:00.000-04:00

When I call Baby K by name, she turns her head. It's the sweetest thing. I love the fact that she can recognize her name now. And I love saying it, watching her turn towards me.

Sometimes, when I catch her doing something she's not supposed to, like going for the buttons on the DVD player (yes, it's starting already...), I startle her. Poor thing. Hum... but maybe it will teach her to stay away from those things.

On another note, following my post on Kayla and her playpen silliness, I was astonished to hear so many of you had similar stories.

: : Hayden at 12 months, still being just as silly!

These shots make me laugh! Do you think they're trying to tell us something?

If your babe does this, too, post a comment and send me your photo! I'd like to create an album of just this kind of silliness.

little miss independent

2007-08-26T20:20:00.000-04:00

I knew the day would come when my babe wouldn't need me any more (well almost), but I never expected it to happen at 7-1/2 months!

My previously very good eater has suddenly, and without warning, decided she doesn't like to eat solids anymore. Even her favourites like butternut squash, bananas and broccoli don't appeal to her. Instead, she prefers to feed herself. Opening her mouth only if she holds the spoon, or can pick it up with her own hands, or eating it straight from the source, like she's doing here with a banana.

She even prefers to drink water on her own, holding her own sippy cup!

Overall, it's making meal time very frustrating and very lengthy. I've been told it's a phase and like all the other phases, it will disappear as suddenly as it has crept up. I certainly hope so! I'm not ready for little miss independent just yet!

Oh, and in addition to being independent, I've also learned my babe is a pretty tough little cookie. She's not one to be bullied around...

: : B - "Hey, that looks interesting...."

: : B - "Can I see it?"

: : K - "Hey, I was playing with that!"

: : K - "Give it back to me!"

: : B - "Hum, that's one tough little girl!"
: : K - "That boy doesn't scare me, even if he's 7 months older!"

Yup, that's my girl...

traditions

2007-08-25T10:06:00.000-04:00

The Canadian National Exhibition (or EX or CNE as it is mostly called) has always been kind of a tradition for me. I've gone almost every year for as long as I can remeber. Yesterday, I took my babe for the first time.

It was a sticky afternoon of strolling, eating, watching and more eating! My favorite tradition at the CNE is eating corn dogs with lots of mustard. It's actually the only place that I'll have one. Another fave, Tiny Toms mini donuts, but sadly no Toms for me this summer (dairy allergy) - maybe next year.

Baby K and her friends enjoyed a dancing perforance, showing their delight with big smiles and round, astonished eyes.

And of course, there was plenty of CNE silliness going on, too! I think this outing will now become a family tradition for all of us!

just the two of us

2007-08-21T12:38:00.000-04:00

I recently read on Baby Centre that at this stage, my babe can't distinguish between herself and myself. To her we're one. Isn't that the sweetest thing? Over the coming weeks, months, years her own identity will begin to form and her individuality will start to shine through.

I can wait on the independence part, though. It seems she's growing so fast! Already she's 7 months (my mat leave is more than half over)! Especially in these past few weeks, she seems to be learning something new almost every day.

She's almost crawling now, too. She can pull herself along the floor with her arms and push herself forward with her toes. And when that doesn't work, there's always rolling. It's all very cute! Every time I put her in a sitting position, moments later she's on her belly and moving all around. As she becomes more independent and more mobile these days, I find myself thinking about the need to baby proof the house. Her favourite past-time when I'm not looking... playing with the air vent gates! Not good! I wonder what's next...

happy hayden day

2007-08-19T20:42:00.000-04:00

We're sending birthday wishes to K's other boyfriend, Hayden. He turns ONE tomorrow. Here's a few camera worthy moments from his awesome Curious George party!

: : the birthday boy with his mom and dad

: : "Don't worry Kayla, I've got your back!" says Brandon

: : monkey attack!

: : We had a great time!

Kayla went to bed totally exhausted tonight. I don't think I've ever seen her play so heartily before. It was also great to see that her previous anxieties over meeting new people and big crowds have finally disappeared. She even asked to be held by other people (reaching out her arms to them) - which NEVER happens. I was totally blown away. Looks like Hayden's first birthday also marks an amazing milestone for Baby K, too!

Happy FIRST birthday, Hayden!

first hair cut

2007-08-14T19:47:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we cut Baby K's hair for the first time. We were very reluctant to do it, but her bangs were getting too long and kept falling into her eyes. Plus, I hated brushing it to the side. I thought it gave her the old man 'comb-over' look. So we took the plunge and snipped about 1/4-inch off in front.

I had mixed feelings about this milestone - sad but also happy. Hubby, I think, regretted it more. He's very fond of her head of jet black hair. Here's the result:

A little crocked and has that "just-cut" look. Hopefully in a week it will grow out some and look a little better.

On another note, we also recently lowered the base of K's pack-n-play to the floor. When we put her inside, she had a fun time exploring her new surroundings.

Then she started doing this:

Which reminded me of her boyfriend, Brandon, doing the exact same thing in his playpen about a couple of months ago.

Makes you think that, despite their different personalities, babies are the same in many ways. Does your babe do this, too? I'd be fascinated to here about it!

friends and babes

2007-08-12T10:21:00.000-04:00

I love my friends. I love my friends' babes. So when we all get together, it's happiness.

Yesterday, we strolled through downtown Oakville during the Oakville Jazz Festival and lined up our babes for quick photo. They look like they're ready for a stroller race!

Hubby and I are really fortunate to have a great group of people that are enjoying the stages of life together. We all got married around the same time. It was two summers of back-to-back weekends filled with weddings! Now we all have little ones within about a year of each other.

As a new mama, it's very comforting to know other people going through the same trials and joys as you. There's always someone to ask: "When did your child start doing this?" or "How long did it take her to do that?" And as a child myself, I didn't have a group of kids that I hung around with that I didn't actually go to school with, so I wonder how my relationships with my friends will affect K's relationships with their babes as she grows up. All of us hope that they'll continue to be good playmates.

It will be great watching them all grow up together; seeing what personalities they develop, who they will take after. I can picture all of us sitting on our deck one summer 20 years from now, still talking about our kids. Oh... the joys of good friends and babes.

Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods. - Aristotle

fuzzy sweater

2007-08-10T10:09:00.000-04:00

I'm a multi-tasker. Actually, I think all moms are in some form or another. The same is true with creative projects, I usually have more than one on the go.

So, when I was commissioned to create a custom set of pint-sized sweaters for Fuzzy Sweater Creative, I thought it would be a fun challenge and something new that I could experiment with. I LOVE the outcome, and Sara, I hope you do, too!

When I was designing these, I envisioned hanging them on a clothes line with mini clothes pins, but all I had on hand were these mini safety pins. I guess they'll have to do!

This last one showcases my signature FlowerPot Designs flower. These are just a sampling of the entire set. Enjoy!

P.S. Sara also runs an online store - yourmomma.ca - so if you're a mom and you make something, contact her!

sing-a-long

2007-08-09T20:42:00.000-04:00

Today I discovered that my babe likes to sing. It's the funniest thing. When we're home alone (because no one wants to hear me sing, trust me) I'm usually singing to her - songs we learned at Mother Goose, silly songs I've made up, and sometimes even Christmas carols (yes, even in the summer! They're usually the only songs I know the entire words for). Well, today, she sang along with me! Every time I sang, she would also babble - blah, blah, blah. She would stop when I stopped. This went on for a good 15-20 minutes. It amused me to no end! Maybe it's a sign that she has a music career ahead of her, or maybe she's just a closet singer like her mama!

On another note, the other day Baby K and I had a lunch and play date with Sugar Mama and her babe Sara. It's fascinating to see what Sara is doing now, who's 3 months younger than K, and marvel at how babies grow and develop. I remember when K was doing the same things at that age - napping inconsistently, putting everything in her mouth, which K still does, and gnawing on fingers - just watch C, eventually this turns into toes!

From singing to chewing... gotta love 'em!

have baby... will travel

2007-08-05T11:04:00.000-04:00

Our first family vacation was a huge success! Our little getaway to Boston included...

: : lots of walking, strolling and sight-seeing...

: : lots of really GOOD seafood...

: : a meeting with John Harvard...

: : a little silliness...

: : and some really BIG and scary sea creatures!

sitting pretty

2007-07-27T09:59:00.000-04:00

She's finally sitting up on her own! Well... almost. I can't say she's the best sitter in the world yet, but she has her moments. She still totters on her hands and bum, but for the most part can sit for a good minute or two before starting to lean in one direction or another.

Just doing the last bits of preparation for our trip. I'm pretty excited to show my babe the world (well, let's start with Boston...)

There will be a shop update and hopefully a new web site when I return. I hope to restock with a some fresh new ideas! Stay tuned!

Until then, enjoy your week. See you all after the long weekend! Goodness, August is creeping up already!