Holiday Hiatus

After a week plagued with Roseola, the potential for new business prospects and parking lots jammed with last minute shoppers, it is officially time for the holidays.

Taking a short hiatus until the New Year so I will take the opportunity now to wish you and your families all of the best for 2010.

May all of your dreams come true in a year that promises much health, happiness and success.

Hopefully this midnight mom will make it past midnight to ring in the New Year.

Early Bird

Sticking to the theme of my last post, another little baby entered the world today. In a rush.

In a rush to get his mommy into the delivery room.

In a rush to set his eyes on the wonders of the world.

In a rush to meet his parents.

But at 35 weeks, this young man might have just done his mommy a favour, weighing in at 6 lbs 8 oz. With 5 more weeks in the womb, those newborn sleepers probably wouldn't have fit. So, he made an early debut to truly give his parents a reason to celebrate this New Year.

Welcome baby boy. We can't wait to meet you!!!

Tick Tock

Today we met our friends' new baby.

One month old and almost double Hannah's birth weight, he looked absolutely tiny. It was less than a year ago that we greeted our 6 lbs 14 oz daughter into the world but for the life of me I can't remember her ever being that small. Blame it on lack of sleep, hormones or denial, but I can barely picture her nestled in the bend of my elbow.

Time is fleeting. I wish I could hold on to every second. Luckily, we have over 5000 photos in our iPhoto library to capture those moments (thanks dear) but unfortunately those memories are not as vivid as I wish they were.

It would be great to freeze frame back to the days when we ourselves were in the single digits and days seemed like weeks, weeks like months, months like years. Now, they all seem to merge into one.

It really does remind us that every so often we need to take a step back, take it all in. Savour the moment. Because before we know it, they will be looking at those very same pictures, thinking how did I get myself such a nutty set of parents.

Nutty, perhaps. Loving, totally.

Middle Mercy

Welcome to teeth #5 and #6.

First were the two lower centers, then the fangs, and now the middle top two have decided to make their debut.

She really is a cute toothy monkey until it comes time for a snack.

It's not that she's biting but with a mouthful of chompers, the angles at which she chooses to suck are quite painful. So what's a mom to do? 9.5 months into and it seems a shame to stop now. We have proudly avoided formula thus far. Not that there is anything wrong with it but since we are just a few months away from cow's milk, it seems pointless to introduce it now. Plus, nursing is still totally soothing to her.

At first it was a real bonding experience but now that she is all over the place. It seems that she barely has time to savour what she is sucking. Aside from pre-nap/bedtime, her snacks are a game of on and off, drops of milk streaming down her cheeks, leaving mommy in slight pain in the process.

The early days of nursing were hard enough and I imagine weaning will be just as tough. So what's a mom to do in the interim?

I wonder if they make baby sized mouth guards...

Hump Day

We're never bored on Wednesdays. In the company of some wonderful moms and their babies, Wednesday is a day we look forward to.

But in reflection on what has been a great 9 months of sharing and caring, its interesting to step back and see how we have evolved as a group.

At first, babies immobile, they would lie around, eat and we would scream in delight for the occasional roll or smile. Plenty of time to catch up on their most recent developments, our postpartum weight loss & fatigue and to get our minds back in (somewhat) top form post pregnancy mush brain.

Well, in the two moments that I had to myself at today's play group, I realized how times have changed. With movers and shakers from left to right and a prompt high chair war at noon, we moms barely have a moment to ourselves anymore. With feeding duties, attempts at lessons in sharing and a new position as referee running interference for a slew of offenses (pulling hair, sitting on top of each other, the occasional kiss) we're lucky to get a bite, let alone a moment to catch up.

I guess, in retrospect, those first few months were really playgroup for mommy. Well, it's only fair that they should have their turn too.

But with barely a moment to get a word in maybe it's time for a mommies night out on the town. Let the daddies do the work (ear to the monitor) and the girls can get out and have an actual conversation (without lingering scents from a dirty diaper and spit up clad sweaters).

All those in favour of mom's night out 2010, say 'yea'.

Mum on the Mum Mums

Finger foods are Hannah's new favourite thing. The cauliflower, sweet potato or pear may not always make it into her mouth but the thrill of the challenge keeps her going. Especially when the newly introduced Cheerios are involved.

But her real first taste at texture was a Baby Mum Mum Rusk. Quick dissolving, easy to hold and fun to throw on the floor, the minute these cookies come out of the cupboard, Hannah is on high alert. When she hears the rustling of these rusk wrappers she knows she is about to get a sweet treat.

Well, I admit it. I have been using the Mum Mums to my advantage. To soothe moments of crankiness, to keep her quiet during business calls, to get those few last dishes in the sink washed. Yes, Baby Mum Mums are my solution to keeping Hannah mum (for 3-5 minutes).

I don't call it bribery. Just a saviour for a few much needed mommy moments. It's not like I'm painting my nails while she crunches away...its just a chance to catch up on all of those things I have been dying to do throughout the day. So I'm adding Mum Mums to the list of mommy time savers, along with the excersauser, jumparoo and fridge magnets.

I wish I could add Farley biscuits to that list as they take about 20 minutes to savour. But unfortunately the cleanup required post-cracker takes away from the quiet quotient.

Hopefully, I'm not creating a cookie monster in the process...

Baby Hues

Pinki Blue just moved to an enormous new location on Cote de Liesse.

Check out my article on Sweetmama for all of the details.

Crown Jewels Run Dry

Just about a year ago I became familiar with the term "Dairy Queen." A homage to the breastfeeding mom who was filling her baby up with loads of healthy stuff to start life off on the right track.

My first week at it was rough but now it's like second nature. Only problem is that it seems that the reserves are drying up.

No, Hannah isn't going hungry but my every-other-night pumping sessions are rather lackluster these days. Back in the day 10 minutes of pumping would yield 4 ounces. A suitable serving for my hungry baby. But lately my 10pm pumps have trickled from 3 to 2 to 1 ounce(s).

Today I tried to bulk up on nursing tea (with multiple pee breaks throughout the day) and got a measly 2 ounces out of it.

Yes, I have a freezer full of 2 ounce servings but unfortunately two nights worth of pumping will be needed for one bedtime feeding.

I actually think the whole thing is pretty ironic considering that we just recently hit the milestone of someone other than myself being able to put Hannah to bed. So now that we actually can (and want to) go out, we have to pick our nights so as not to run out of liquid gold (or milky white).

At least Hannah's bedtime is somewhat accommodating at the early hour of 6pm. And we're just 3 months away from hitting the cow's milk mark.

So maybe it really is just my body's way of starting the weaning process.

Hey, if this body is willing to take its time (unlike the grand entrance 9 months ago), I'm all for it.

Olympian Mom

The olympic torch passed through Montreal yesterday creating quite a stir with young and old alike.

A few lucky hopefuls were selected to run with the flame and I just happen to know the lady you ran the 5:15 leg of the race.

A working mom of two, an actress, a singer and now an olympic torch bearer.

Lisa Rubin.

She was a guest blogger on Mommy Said What?. Her blog entry here is definitely worth a read.

Thanks Lisa for giving moms everywhere, a well deserved, pat on the back.

Heinz Recall

Thanks to Abigail's mom for passing along the link to the Heinz cereal recall.

I had just actually bought Hannah a bag but luckily it is not the cereal in question. Funnily enough though, Hannah hates it. I thought she would love the mango, pineapple, pear mixture but it seems as though she likes to start her day off best with Beech Nut Good Morning Cereal.

A warm bowl of oatmeal, on a blustering morning...guess I can't blame her.

Wonder Week 37

Hannah turned 39 weeks old yesterday (or 9 months old).

Since she was born two weeks early, that puts her in the perfect position for the 37th wonder week.

A good explanation for recent clinginess, hesitation towards strangers and a vehement dislike for having her diaper changed (or is it teething?)

So what is this wonder week all about?

It's called the World of Categories.

Humans, animals and objects all fit into their own "boxes". To get to this leap, a lot of examination is involved. Staring at and feeling all sides of blocks, sitting in deep thought, tons of food on the floor, trying to make sense of the world around her.

So what can mom and dad (or grandma and grandpa) do to help in the learning process? Tons of mirror time, playing copycat, naming everything we touch and trying to get baby to participate in tasks (handing us things).

According to the book, weeks 40 to 45 are supposed to be pure heaven full of cheerfulness, independence and progress.

Here's to a ninth month that will hopefully most definitely be noteworthy!

Protect-a-Bub Giveaway

As the temperature drops, thought I would pass this along for your chance to win a little warmth:

Okay, so here's the deal. We want to connect with more of our customers, so we're having a big fat giveaway to encourage people to become a fan of Protect-a-Bub on Facebook. For the next 4 Wednesdays in December, we're going to give away one Snuggle Bub (our fleece stroller bunting) and one Sweet Adeline (our fleece front carrier cover).

The catch?

You have to become a fan of Protect-a-Bub on Facebook to enter. We'll randomly select a winner (every fan is automatically entered) and post the winner on Facebook, our blog, and our twitter page.

*You can only win once and employees of Dynamic Brands, our parent company, and their family members are not eligible to participate.

Make sure to tell your friends and other parents in your network. Our Snuggle Bubs and Sweet Adelines are must-have cold weather items so get them before Old Man Winter really starts to get nasty! If you aren't fortunate enough to win one of these great items, they're both available on Target.com.

See you on Facebook!

Personalized Presents

I have previously mentioned Gwyneth Paltrow's website: GOOP.

Today's issue of the newsletter featured some super cool gift ideas, one of which I'd like to share with you.

To quote Gwyneth:

"Em Tanner’s personalized melamine plates quickly became a colorful basic in my kitchen this year. You can make a cartoon portrait of your kid, or even put a family friend’s entire gang on a set of say, six. Plates start at $24."

What a great gift idea for the holidays! Especially for that picky eater who needs an extra push to gobble up protein and vitamins. Best of all, they deliver to Canada!

And while you're there, be sure to check out other fun items including personalized hair clips, aluminum water bottles and more.

The countdown has begun...9 days till Hanukkah, 23 days till Christmas...time to get your shop on.

Status Quo No Go

Last week we visited Hannah's new school/daycare that she will be attending as of September 2010. It is a wonderful school with 3 teachers per class, homemade (kosher) meals and a slew of specialists on staff including a social worker, physical therapist and occupational therapist.

The visit really put my mind at ease about sending her off at 18 months to socialize, learn and give mommy some spare time.

In that spare time, being a stay at home mom would be a dream. Whipping up gourmet dinners, keeping a tidy house, greeting Hannah with a welcome home smile.

But why stick to the status quo?

Family vacations, a private education, summer camp, skiing...I want Hannah to enjoy all of the luxuries my parents were able to provide to me as a kid.

So Jobboom, Monster and hopefully some great connections will be on my mind (and search engine) this summer...on the hunt for a new job. Hopefully, one that offers flex hours and other perks to accommodate working moms.

In the 6 months post mat leave and pre-daycare, I have decided to take a stab at my freelance career. Marketing, public relations, copywriting and event planning. So while I still have 3 months to relish in the delight of my daughter and mat leave, please do pass my coordinates along to anyone you may think requires some creative services.

And maybe with enough hard work, referrals and luck, I just may be approving my very own flex hours.

Why The Wait?

I have previously mentioned my tower of night table books on the subject of sleep. I have a go-to book for every particular situation but I now realize that I probably could have gotten by with just two of them.

Ferber is tough love but a must-have, especially for a sleep hater like Hannah.

And the second is a recent acquisition: Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child.

To this day I keep asking myself why I waited so long to purchase this book that has been recommended by quite a few moms. I don't think this book is enough on its on as it refers to theories of Ferber and Pantley (No Cry Sleep Solution) but it is the most comprehensive, logical book about sleep.

And I am proud to say that it is the reason why Hannah is now napping 1.5-3 hours a day in her crib. Granted it took some working on (and lots of crying) with her dad off of work for a week. But the main lesson learned was that an earlier bedtime will encourage naps as it diminishes over-tiredness. It seems logical in retrospect but never even crossed my mind.

The book talks about children being the newest accessories who are dragged from here to there. But if you really want to raise a happy, healthy child then you need to respect their right to sleep. Not in the car seat. Not in the stroller. But in their crib.

A must read in my opinion.

It's been a great week. So much time to be productive and even take a half an hour by myself to do absolutely nothing. Sure its been hard to let go, but after almost 9 months of go-go-go its a nice change.

And now that Hannah is in bed by 6pm, unfortunately when he goes back to work, her dad will only be able to play with her for a few minutes upon getting home from the office.

But after a week together 24/7, I think he now appreciates my exhausting days and will give up some of that precious time so I can have some precious time of my own.

Fashion Forward

Winter may be upon us but in the fashion world spring 2010 is front and centre.

Writing for Sweetspot comes with its perks and today, I was privy to a viewing of the H&M Spring Summer 2010 collection for women, men and children. Hosted by uber cool Agence Zoi this collection preview was held at the Montreal Science Centre.

So what's in store?

Tons of florals

Overalls (oh my!)

Royal blue, salmon and orange

Acid wash denim (double oh my!)

And my top kids' pick? A sequined bomber jacket to make any girl shine for just $29.95.

See for yourself...

Hip Hip Chai-ray!

Lucky number 18. It worked its magic tonight.

An unexpected evening telephone call left us jumping for joy as we found out that Hannah has been accepted to Hebrew Day School. This $7/daycare comes highly recommended and has a wonderful Jewish curriculum.

Hannah will be in the 18 month class starting in September 2010.

We put our names on the waiting list back in May and knew that our chances were slim being 18th in line. With a total of 26 spots in two classes, 10 spots were immediately scooped up by children with siblings already in the school. So do the math and that leaves 16 spots.

But oddly enough two families never got back to the school after a week of phone calls, so we were able to snatch up that last coveted spot. Woohoo!

Now to figure out the plan from March (end of my mat leave) to August.

Baby Sitter

Time to get a life (again).

With limited outings since Hannah's birth, it seems as though it is time to get up off of the couch and go out. Now that she is sleeping famously from anywhere between 6-7pm until 5am, there really is no reason to sit around all night.

But really how much fun can it be for the grandparents to sit here, Hannah already in her crib upon their arrival? Maybe they don't mind but I feel bad. They've got better things to do than sit here on a Saturday night.

So, I guess the quest begins to find a trusted babysitter.

Even though this person won't be very hands on (unless Hannah's decides to wake up), we both don't feel comfortable with a teenager. I'm tempted to ask some of the nanny's in the park nearby for recommendations.

Unless maybe you have a suggestion?

Not really sure where to start and haven't the slightest idea what the going rate is these days?

Are you sitting on a wealth of babysitter info? If so, please share!

Early Birds Take All

I admit it, I am a BabySteals addict. And newly addicted to KidSteals.

I am usually at my computer at 11am to see what the newest item of the day is. But as luck would have it, it always seems that on the days that I am away, the best products are featured.

I missed a great one today on KidSteals that would have been a great 2 year birthday gift for my niece: Chalkmats by Sam & Bellie at 50% off. I logged in an hour late and they were sold out :(

I had never heard of this company before but they have super cute products including bibs, aprons and chalk pens.

This one certainly got "stolen" and unfortunately with a rambunctious 8 month old I am the furthest thing from an early bird, anymore.

Labour Pains

It took me 8 months to realize I had it easy.

Into the hospital at 7pm, dilated 3cm. Out of the delivery room at 2:30am (3:30am with the time change) with a precious little girl in my arms.

Sure, to this day I complain about the epidural wearing off at around 8cm but in retrospect, I really had it easy (albeit painful).

Maybe it wasn't so much time that has made me realize my luck (thanks Hannah) but a slew of friends having babies. Emergency c-sections, 24+ hours in the delivery room, forceps...the list of delivery horror stories goes on and on.

We are currently waiting on news from a friend who was induced last night and after over 24 hours is now getting a c-section. Now, that's a strong fighter, a motivated mom-to-be. No, she didn't have a choice but can you imagine a man on the delivery table?

So I dedicate this post to all you moms out there. Whether you struggled in labour or laughed off the pain with an epidural, I salute you. No man could ever do what we have done. And even though labour memories may continue to haunt us...we'd do it all again cause the payoff is certainly worth the pain.

Latkes, Dreidels, Fun & More

A fellow mom is on the organizing committee of an upcoming Chanukah party for kids.

All proceeds benefit the Birthday Angels which provides underprivileged children in Israel with birthday party.

Hannah, Chris and I will be there...hope to see you too!

A Note from Maclaren

I just received the following press release from Maclaren's PR agency and thought I would share it with you.

For Immediate Release

Media Contacts:

Tricia Chan, Public Group LLC

T: 212.905.3260, tricia@public-group.com

Susan Gerson, Public Group LLC

T: 646.715.2676, susan@public-group.com

Maclaren Statement to Customers In Light of Recent Events

(South Norwalk, CT— November 16th, 2009) — At Maclaren safety is at the heart of what we do because of the consumers we serve. It is with the youngest consumers in mind that we design our products with the utmost care and engineering, not only to provide a smooth ride but a safe one.

We regret that children have been injured while using our product and we acknowledge that parents may be upset or even angry. That is of our deepest concern and makes us even more committed to serve you better.

As many of you know we have voluntarily recalled our strollers in the United States and are providing hinge cover kits to remedy the problem. We fully understand that the recall has not been perfect and that consumers have had some difficulty requesting the hinge cover kits. Over the past few days we have improved our system and it is now better suited to respond to the needs of our consumers.

While the recall is only in the US market we are providing kits to any of our customers no matter where they may live.

Parents expect a Maclaren stroller to be of the highest quality and safe for use. Our long record of safety is why we are one of the most trusted names with parents around the world. We are confident that the action we have taken will rebuild and maintain that trust. Ensuring safety is crucial to the long-standing relationship we have built with parents for more than 40 years.

Our commitment to parents is to provide the safest stroller on the market. There is simply nothing more important to Maclaren than the safety of a child.

# # #

Gifts to Grow

When Hannah was born I briefly toyed with the idea of using re-usable diapers. But because of what seemed like a huge start up cost and a rather stinky solution to global warming, I opted for disposable diapers.

In retrospect, we probably would have saved a lot of money with clothe diapers but at least Pampers has come up with a way to make the $38/box every few weeks a bit more palatable.

I just placed our first order for a Pampers Gifts to Grow free set of Sesame Street board books. At 100 points (shipping included) these books will make a nice edition to our library, even if they took about six months worth of diapers to redeem.

There are tons of other great rewards if you are able to wait it out while you collect 300+ points. Gifts change every so often but I have spotted some Melissa & Doug toys and other book sets.

So might as well take advantage of the few free things left in this world. With the holidays right around the corner, these rewards certainly are great last minute (free) gifts.

Rainy Morning Nap

Success!!! This morning, Hannah took her first nap in her crib since she was a newborn.

I have been working at it all week with up to an hour of crying per session but daddy seems to have the magic touch.

At this point, I will do whatever it takes to get her to sleep in her crib during the day. For a while I was nursing her to sleep in our bed just so I could get 30-40 minutes of my own during the day. And since the bucket car seat will shortly be on its way out, a sleepy transfer from car to home won't be so easy anymore.

So when daddy decided to stay with her (for all of 10 minutes) until she fell asleep I told him to go for it. Sure, the last thing we want to do is create those same associations we had to break at nighttime. But, for someone who has never spent a minute in her crib during the day I figure we need to ease her into it.

The number one thing I have learned as a parent (or at least as a parent to Hannah) is that nothing comes easy. You need to work at it. But once you get it, you realize it was worth the effort (and the 12 hours of nighttime sleep!)

From crawling to eating to standing, it really takes baby steps. And naps are certainly no different.

The downside? With all of these baby steps (8 months later) it seems that soon enough she won't be a baby anymore, but rather a toddler. How time flies...

Go with the Flow

Just in time for the weekend, check out my newest article for Sweetmama.

Baby Urban Outfitters

Flo Urbain is an amazing kids' furniture and toy store. It's worth the trek to St Lambert to stock up on modern nursery decor and wooden toys.

Sale Away

I'd like to think I have my ear to the ground when it comes to amazing sales. So I thought I'd share one of my most favourite of the year with you.

Note cards, photo albums, amazing wrapping paper, gift bags, bows and more are what you will find at the Pierre Belvedere warehouse sale. A great place to visit before the holidays, where you can stock up for the entire year:

The Power of Prayer

I am not a spiritual person.

Nor am I very religious.

But tonight I am asking for your prayers.

There are two new little girls who entered the world today. At just 25 weeks old, they are about to meet their parents' for the first time in the NICU.

I do not yet know how much they weigh or their current medical status, but I do know that the love their parents already have for them is insurmountable.

I look at Hannah and realize she really was a little miracle. And all I can do is pray for my friends and their two daughters that they will experience their own miracle.

Welcome to the world, strong little fighters.

Aunt Flo

When I was about 10 years old we went on a family vacation to Vail Colorado with my cousins from New York. One day out on the slopes, I thought I was following the fluorescent yellow one piece snowsuit of my uncle, when in fact it was another man in what can now be considered a fashion faux pas. Lost in the powder, I managed to find my way back to our ski-in hotel.

Once my mom finally found me, she escorted me back to meet the rest of the gang. As we slid on to the chairlift, there on the whiteboard, was a message from my parents in search of my return. But instead of writing "Lauren meet here" it read "Florence meet here".

Every since that day, I have been taken on the nickname Flo.

Well, while I wish I was currently pounding the powder out west, I am unfortunately focused on the pounding occurring in my lower abdomen. After 17 months (of pure heaven) without a monthly visitor, I think she is about to make her grand entrance.

Hannah is still breastfeeding at 8 months old but the cramps I am clenching back in my tummy, may be a pretty good indication that I have a visitor on the way. And this aunt is pounding at my door for what will seemingly be an anti-climactic return.

Two new articles

Take a look....

Mandys Express Salads

Sweetmama Holiday Gift Guide

Red Alert, red alert! It's NOT a catastrophe!

Ain't nuthin' goin' on but history, yeah
it's all right, don't panic...

If only the Basement Jaxx's tune could have been piped through the airways today..

Warning: Some of you might not like what I am about to post. Sorry to offend you if you are one of those in question.

I rarely express opinions in this blog trying to keep it to whimsy and tips but H1N1 is on everyone's mind so...

Wake up at 5am. Get a number at 6am. Stand like cattle with cranky children about. Get pricked. Leave by 9:30.

Why?

Why would you subject yourself to that? Why would you subject your children to that?

Yes, H1N1 is real. But if you have been safe thus far chances are you're not going to get it today, tomorrow or even the day after. So why not let the panic settle? And when society is back in an orderly state then take your spot in line?

It seems like even by waiting until this afternoon wait times seemed to be reasonable and crowds civilized.

So with more than a month on the calendar until the vaccines open up to the general public, why are so many of you in a mad rush to get you6 6 month - 5 year olds vaccinated within the first hour of availability?

Now, all this is not to say that I don't care about the health and safety of Hannah. In fact, now that I know that things have settled down I plan on taking her to the Cavendish Mall tomorrow afternoon (prime time pre-shabbat). In my opinion, standing amongst hoards of people today was probably a bigger health threat than having your kids out in the fresh air with the possibility of actually contracting the virus.

There's my vent. End scene.

I wish you and your kiddies all nothing but health and and hope that the only Hs in our vocabulary this winter are pure happiness.

3rd (and 4th) Times are a Charm

Hannah broke out all of the stops this halloween. Decked out in her orange pumpkin onesie she topped it off with two new fangs. Yes, her eye teeth made their debut.

Our pediatrician suggested that we start brushing all four pearly whites right away (without toothpaste) so that she gets used to the sensation. And while we trade in the Colgate and Crest for water, he suggested that she get her fluoride in another form: a daily dose of Fluor-a-day.

Proven to reduce cavities by 70%, our future pediatric dentist better stock up on plastic rings and lollipops for Hannah's dental debut. But the way these teeth are coming in, her future orthodontist can probably book that retirement world cruise sooner than later!

H to the Hizzo

Phones ringing off of the hook, 5 hour line ups, hysteria in the headlines...all for your very own chance to experience flu-like symptoms and what is hoped to be the immunization that saves us all from the swine flu.

Yes, H1N1 is on everyone's mind. And up until now I was against it. I don't have tons of facts to back up my opinion just knowing that in 30 years of never getting the flu vaccine I never got the flu.

But with the constant media attention and heated conversations, it was time to get informed. And the best, most respected place to get this information (in my opinion) was at our pediatrician's office this morning. We had our first visit with the new doctor and the three of us absolutely loved him. So when we found out that he had already gotten the shot and was recommending it for all of his patients (no matter their age) and their parents, I realized that we should join the pack and get our vaccines.

So now the big question is when?! Of course, we all want to avoid the lineups (especially with an 8 month old).

Have you gotten the vaccine yet? Planning on it? Any tips for getting through the system easily and efficiently?