Trees Please

I just spent Alex's nap time on doody duty. Yep, picking up the remains of our dog Winston that we seemed to have neglected all winter long. Yes, spring is coming.

And while my hands were full of not-so-nice smells, I looked on the bright side of things (such an optimist) and spotted Hannah's tree that we transplanted when we moved to our new home.

I wrote about the Quebec government's free trees for 0-1 year olds a few years ago here. And Hannah's maple reminded me that our new backyard could be even fuller with a tree for Alex.

If you've got an under 1 year old at home I encourage you to do the same. The deadline is April 15, 2012.

Je Me Souviens

I never thought I would be saying this...but here goes nothing...

Thank you Quebec.

Thank you Quebec for giving me 11 joyful months to watch my daughter grow.

Thank you Quebec for paying me a significant portion of my salary so I did not have to be concerned about finances at the same time as becoming a new mom.

Thank you Quebec for paying me additional money to ensure that my daughter is well taken care of.

Thank you Quebec for allowing me to deduct fun mom/daughter activities with the child physical activity deduction.

Today, I salute the white and blue, on behalf of moms throughout the province.

And realize that things may be bigger and better in the USA but I'd rather have 12 months off than a Target next door.

Roots to Grow

Did you know that you can get a free tree from the Quebec government for the birth of every child?

My niece got a tree when she was born and her parents planted it in their backyard. So as she grows, she can watch the tree grow with her.

Ever since Hannah was born I have been searching for information about this program. After numerous google searches, nothing. Then last night, as I'm flipping through the birthing book given out at the hospital I finally found it.

So even though it will be a year late, next, May Hannah will be receiving a tree of her very own. We already have a spot picked out for it on the front lawn. Unfortunately our current home won't last (size-wise) once she has a sibling, but we can always walk by and visit what will hopefully be known as Hannah's tree.

Couple that with our great mat leave benefits and I'd say the Quebec government really has our little ones at heart.

Fo your very own tree, go here