Avoiding Cabin Fever and Baby Blues

This post is for some new moms to be that are expecting around February.

The snow has fallen, 

And it's deadly cold outside.

What to do with baby, 

When all you want to do is hide.

Remember to get dressed and ready, 

Each and every day.

For you never know who might visit

to help you chase these baby blues away.

The moral of the story here is to get out of your jammies, even if you're slipping into tights or yoga pants. Brush your teeth, comb your hair and have a shower if you can. You will feel much better.

Try to get outside for a walk at least once a day. Babies loves fresh air and it really knocks them out! Getting a bit of exercise will also help to avoid restlessness and make you feel like you have accomplished something.

If it's cold, try to plan a trip to the mall. You will see how it takes you forever to get ready and packed up. But the nice thing is, by the time you head home it's almost the end of the working day and hubby is sure to come home any minute! I always loved getting out of the house because it really made the day go by fast. I don't like being alone, and desperately socializing with strangers at the mall (usually an old man sitting on the bench) is something I have gotten really good at ;)

Being active and social really helped me get through my maternity leave. I was very lucky to have friends on shift work, on leave and even on maternity leave. They all kept me really busy and helped me get by with my days, especially when my husband was working nights. Now that the kiddies are getting bigger, play dates are more about them and less about the moms :) It's still so much fun though.

Hang in there ladies!

xox C

Momma in Christmas Mode

Christmas at the Day residence started early this year. We have been so busy just trying to catch up with life, friends, family, work and baby. I know being really busy is partly my fault, but it's my way of life. I just can't miss a beat! Life is too short.

The early Christmas bird catches the party worm. It all started with setting up the Christmas tree in late November. You can read more about   my First Christmas post.  We had a very early start with our first Christmas party of the season. You need to book early with your friends if you want to see them at all during the holidays. Everyone is so busy with their own growing families and it's getting harder to get the whole gang together. We had a blast as usual! Because we always stuff ourselves before the main course, I chose to have an appetizer only party this time and what a success it was! Everyone brought a very intricate homemade appetizer. The smorgasbord of canapés included a cheese board, baguette, red pepper jelly, olives, quinoa lettuce wraps, bite size moussaka disks, potato salad, mushroom crustinis, homemade pizza, chocolate covered pretzels and my famous prosciutto wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates. I wish I took a picture of my "pinterest" table… but we actually banned our phones from the party and had them all lined up on the kitchen counter. You know you are having fun when you don't have time to play with your phone. My favourite part of the evening was when we all squished at the coffee table to eat our meal. I earned some new scratches on my hardwood floor from people sitting down, but I see it as a memory of the evening.

After the tree, came the Christmas cards! I love the cards I had done with Vista Print. A small fortune, but worth every penny. I wish I would have bought more to send to everyone, but momma is on a budget. I am happy to report that all cards were sent by December 1rst with lots of time to spare!

My Christmas card production line. I sent over 60 cards this year.
Lots of work, but worth every minute!

Farmboy Organic Eggnog in my coffee is my fuel for getting ready for Christmas!
I never really cared for eggnog until I tried this. It tastes natural and oh so creamy.

Christmas shopping this year for me was a breeze. As you know, I am now addicted to "Online Shopping"and managed to complete most of my gift this way. The best part is that I use Ebates, which is a great way to save and make money while you are shopping. I feel like a commercial when I tell people about it, but it's really the best. I just got my first cheque for $16. It's not much, but it's more than what you would get if you were to buy it in the store. If you pay attention to their promotions, you can really save big! Also, who doesn't love receiving mail at home that isn't a bill! I try my best to avoid paying for shipping as well.
All my gifts are wrapped and under the tree! I chose to stick to my rustic theme this year and wrapped my gifts in brown paper. I found the cutest stamps at Target to help me with my project. I loved using these stamps but may have gone a tad over-board on some of the gifts… hahah. Oh well, all in good fun. The stamp I loved using the most was the "To:/From:" tag. How brilliant! And for $7, I can use these stamps for a long long time. Great investment if you ask me :)

Having fun with gift wrapping. Keeping it rustic with stamps, twine and brown paper.

Final product! My first rustic style Christmas tree!
I am happy with the results and hope to carry on the tradition for the next years to come.

Victor's first time on Santa's lap. He did great, but started crying at the end :(
We saw Santa at Bayshore and were given a free picture and ear muffs (every Monday!).

Attention readers: Announcing my first blog giveaway!

The following is for all of my amazing readers who have supported my blog and provided me with your feedback, shared your comments and given me inspiration. I am so happy to announce my first ever giveaway.

In the spirit of Christmas, I am raffling off two tickets to the "Originals Ottawa Christmas Craft Sale"! Please share your comments below on what your favourite thing is during Christmas. I will choose a winner at random on Tuesday morning. Hint, hint, I am available to go to the show with you ;) hahaha

Good luck, and please don't forget to share this post in the holiday spirit!
Thank you to the folks at Signatures Shows Ltd. for giving us these free tickets.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

~We wish you and your families health and happiness in 2014~

Organized Momma = Relaxed Momma

Well, as most of you know, I've been working during maternity leave which means lots of traveling and time spent away from little man.

I'm lucky to have lots of family that look after V when I'm away. But, preparing for a business trip, means not only do I have to pack for myself, but I also need to get V packed for sleepovers at Granda or Grandpa's house. My husband's schedule is all over the place, so he can't look after V while he is working.

I'm leaving on a trip to Toronto this week, and then meet up with the family on Friday! So this means I'm packing my suitcase, V's sleep over stuff and V's Toronto stuff!! Must get organized and what better way than with lists!

V's schedule is now completely changed so I needed to update it. I like using my nice stationary for this . It's clean, neat and cute. Yes, I own stationary and I'm sad that I don't get to use it often :(

Do you go to work with a young baby at home? What's your method to stay sane? Please your comments below!

First Christmas

It's done! My tree is decorated, the stockings are up and my wreath is hanging on the front door.

My husband will look after the lights on the tree outside tomorrow and we are almost set!

It's V's first Christmas and I am hosting the family this year, so  I want to go all out! I am having my first holiday party tomorrow, so the house needs to scream  "Christmas". The only difference is, this year I am really going for the Pinterest, rustic, antique features like my recycled coffee bags that I bought from Francesco's to use as a tree skirt. I also invested in a few cloth and wood ornaments to stay as baby friendly as possible. I avoided placing anything on the bottom of the tree so V won't grab at it.

Who am I kidding? As soon as Victor wakes up, he will destroy my tree :( Oh well, a girl can dream!

My tree is decorated! Love my new ornaments this year:
DIY Victor's hand print, cloth mushroom (IKEA),
Smores mom and Baby's first Xmas and my favourite German Pickle! 

Spoiler alert- All family members will be receiving a
hand painted ornament from Victor this Xmas!

New rustic decorations that are baby friendly.
Loving the "shroom" theme at Ikea and The Bay this year :)

Off Road Cooking: deconstructed nachos

Cubed tomatoes, avocado and cheese, with greek yogurt and feel puree.

I made this for V tonight. He loves the cheese, avocado and tomato. Not a huge fan of the meat and yogurt, although he ate most of it.

Meat will be a challenging food to feed V until he has a few more teeth to help him chew. I'll have to find other ways to prepare it.

Any advice for a momma in need? Do all babies prefer chicken over beef? I know V does! Leave your comments below :)

Off Road Cooking: New teeth, new texture

V enjoying his Avocado and Omelette

Little man is so over purées.

Of course, as I settle into a routine and get comfortable cooking for him, V has to change it up! I was wondering why he was rejecting the last few meals I was giving him. Then it dawned on me when I was at a baby group and saw other kids eating cubed food… DUH! V is ready to chew with his new top teeth!

Now the challenge is, what do I feed him that he can chew, while maintaining the nutrients he requires? I put my creative "Off Road Cooking" hat on and came up with this: Spinach, mushroom and cheese omelette with cubed avocado.

He really loves chewing his food. Feeding takes three times as long now and you really have to watch for choking. Oddly enough, V doesn't put things in his mouth (like toys), which means he needs me to feed him because he doesn't know that he can put the food in his mouth :( He also prefers that I feed him with my fingers rather than using a spoon... Mr. Picky!

He is slowly learning to touch and pick up the food with his delicate hands (even if he ends up squishing it in his palms). V is also learning to use his sippy cup… he knows how to drink from it, and is working on holding it up himself. Warning- it gets dirty! I need to let go of the "messy"factor and just let him be a kid. I never realized that I am such a clean freak when it comes to baby mess. 

I just love watching V when he eats. His little mouth moving in new ways to accommodate for front teeth chewing, his dextrous fingers picking up small slippery food. I think because he is at eye level with me, it's a new angle that allows me to observe him closely. The high chair is also a great spot to teach things like "hands up" (baby hands up…) and "clap" because you have their undivided attention. V is getting really good at both.

Are you feeding baby stage 2 solids? Any good/easy recipes to share? Leave your comments below!

Easy meals in minutes: quinoa salad

I always make a point of ensuring I plan healthy meals to stay on track for my weight loss... I don't like that word "weight loss", I hesitate using it, but you know what I mean. I don't actually care about my weight, I just want to be in shape.

I make a huge vat of quinoa salad because it keeps well, it's jammed packed with veggies and it's filling. When I don't have time to make a balanced meal for one and when my husband works late, it's the perfect meal for me!

This salad is so flexible, I just make it with what I have on hand. Here is today's version.

Ingredients:

- cooked quinoa, red quinoa and mung beans

- diced cucumber, tomato, red pepper, green onion, radish

- pumpkin seeds, dill, dried cranberries

- dressing: grape seed oil, lemon, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, sumac and my new obsession pomegranate molases!

I prepared the salad while V napped. It requires a bit of chopping time, like any delicious salad. But I'm really quick in the kitchen and made this in less than 15 minutes. Result= SO GOOD!

What's your go to healthy meal in minutes? Would you like to see more quick recipes? Leave your comments below!

N.B. I will be drawing prizes in my next posts for people who leave comments below ;) (so open a GD google account!!!) hahaha

Free Activities: Starr Gymnastics

Yesterday I went to the free Baby meet up at Starr Gymnastics on Lancaster Rd.

It was such a fun adventure for V who is starting to walk along things and crawling like a champ!

Starr Gymnastics has a few different free playgroups around the city for different age groups. We visited the Lancaster Rd location on Wednesday at 12:30 pm for babies under 12 months. There's also a playgroup for kids between 1-5. Check their website for their most up to date schedule for all locations. 

It was nice to talk to some new moms (and dads!). Actually, it's a great place for dads to be active with baby. We hung out on the trampolines, slid down the slides and crawled around to meet new faces. It was nice to meet lots of babes that were the same age and developmental stage as V.

V fell in love with one of the friendly instructors and wouldn't let her go! Between all the hugs and smiles, I must admit, I was a bit jealous. The staff are so friendly and warm, that you feel right at home.

I must give a shout out to a mommy I met, who was in a wheel chair looking after her 10 month old. What a trooper. Being a mom is hard enough and seeing her be so independent and getting things done in her own way was truly remarkable. It reminded me how amazing women are and how I am so proud to be a woman :)

Ladies- please give yourselves a pat on the back for being awesome!

First Haircut

I know some moms may think I'm crazy for cutting Victor's hair... But I don't like the mullet that was growing into V's head!

Plus, I think V's style is more preppy, and he looks way better with a controlled hair style :)

I brought him in the bathroom, gave him some toys and went for it! Very dangerous to have such sharp objects near the most precious thing you'll ever possess! I took my time and snipped here and there, mostly in the back. I have experience cutting my husband's hair, so I wouldn't recommend learning on your baby! 

I'm keeping his silver locks for his baby book :) I wish my hair was naturally that colour! I am blond, but I have to pay for mine!

Little man update:

V is growing up so fast, I can't believe he'll be 10 months in a few weeks. He's already got 4 teeth and eating cubed food. He's learning new things everyday and getting stronger and smarter by the minute. He's got the sweetest sense of humour. He's also a cuddly little guy when he wants to be (Queue melting heart).

Momma's Book Club: And Baby Makes Three

Wearing my heart on my sleeve is something I just can't avoid. I like being honest, and expect the same from others.

As a new mom, I have to admit that keeping your relationship healthy is just as important and just as challenging as raising a new baby. I was recommended "And Baby Makes Three, by John Gottman".
It's a great short read that needs to be done by both parents in order to be effective.
You will find lots of examples and exercises to practice things like arguing and getting your feelings out without starting a fight.

Here is a list of interesting things I have learnt from the book:

• Pregnant women were considered taboo back in the 50s. Because it reminded people of sex! Pregnant women were not seen on TV until Lucille Ball was actually pregnant while taping her show!
• There is a smart way to fight and a stupid way to fight. Only 30% of people fight smart, the rest of us fight about "how we are fighting" instead of "what the fight is actually about". 
• Ex: "You always get defensive", "Stop raising your voice" "You're so lazy and selfish".. blah blah blah. What you meant to say was "Can you please the dishes?".
• Something we don't plan enough as parents are our new family morals and views, which include religion, discipline, motivating, support. You need to meld both partner's existing family values into one and create a new way of parenting that is unique to your household. SO HARD!!

Have you read this book? Thoughts? Any other books you'd recommend?

Do you have any advice to share on relationships with a new baby? Did you take a Bringing Baby Home class? Did it help? Share your comments, I'd love to hear your advice or questions!

Maternity leave bucket list

So, here we are 9.5 months in and reality is setting in. I have about 2 months left of my maternity leave and I feel like I still have so much to do.

1. Get organized for Xmas
2. Declutter basement
3. Organize old baby stuff (ya right! Bahahah)
4. Visit small town in the area for the day (Almont, Perth, Smith Falls, Westport)
5. Playdates with new baby friends that Victor hasn't met! 

So much to do, so little time!

Number 5 is really important. Maybe the most important one of all. When will you ever be off at the same time as your friends and have the opportunity to hang out during the day? Please, please, don't take #5 for granted and always make time for friends. They are what keep you sane during your maternity leave and are the only ones that care about how often your baby poops in a day and how many times you woke up last night to a crying baby.

I was with a fellow mommy friend yesterday who is really struggling with the concept of going back to work. We talked about how going back to work is not something you plan when you are pregnant and looking forward to being on maternity leave. I have been working from home pretty much since V was born so that concept is a bit foreign to me. She did point out that I was lucky to have a foot in the real world this whole time. I also have a few fellow mommies who are living this right now, and let me tell you, I'm taking notes!! I am still terrified of being able to juggle it all work, cooking, gym, groceries, laundry, cleaning… I WANT TO CRY.

We joked about a scenario at work where you would seek pity from your colleagues "you know, I have a baby at home…" and the other person is like "Ya? So what. So do I."… That's when it hit us. Other people have kids too. Conclusion: Women who are at work with kids at home are superheros and we take them for granted. 

The good news is that, I too will be there one day, wearing my superwomen t-shirt under my suit… just in case. But for now, I will take my time and enjoy what is left of my leave with Little man.

Are you going back to work? Do you have any tips to share? Please leave your comments below!

Getting in shape

Much like a new mom has the desire to reinvent herself with hair, getting back into your old physic is a huge burden.

Posting your workout on social media sites and
using apps like "Nike Run" really help with motivation!

Not only do you want to wear your old clothes again, but you want to feel good, and you want to look even better! Getting active again after you've had your baby can be difficult. Especially, if it's not something you were used to doing before you got pregnant. But trust me, it's never too late to start!

I was really looking forward to getting back in shape once I had V. About 11 years ago, when I met my husband, I was at my prime: working out, eating well. I looked and felt amazing about my body for the first time. Over the years I gradually gained weight: new car, no more walking or bussing, promotion as a manger at work, no more standing and running around, more stressful life. And of course the "love pounds" that come with a new relationship. Eating out more often and focusing less on me, was my ticket to the  vicious weight gain cycle!

I mean in high school, I ate like a cow and was pretty athletic. I was so busy with work and after school programs, I was not preoccupied by my weight and felt great in my skin.

As you get older, the pounds don't come off as easily and your metabolism slows down significantly, your also BUSY! This is where I lost control... Chantal, we're not in high school anymore chicka, time to start working out!

I always loved team sports but detested the thought of working out alone. The idea of going for a run, made me so anxious, especially when I was in army cadets, it still does. I always end up doing an ok job, and it's much less worse than what I had anticipated. I worry to much! In the last few months, I started running, and I'm quite enjoying it! The alone time that I used to dread, is now what I crave!

At about 3 months post pregnancy, I started strollercize ( at boomerang kids) which was a great way to meet moms, get out of the house, get moving and all at my own pace :) no pressure, just support.

In the summer I registered for Fitmom classes, played beach volleyball (4s) and entered a tournament in August.

In September, I joined the Athletic Club, and I'm loving it! I started doing yoga, hot yoga, Zumba, Cycling... You name it!

Aside from the multiple injuries I have endured after having Little man (back pain, tendonitis in shoulder, carpel tunnel in wrists), running has been my savior! It was the only thing I could do that was ok for all my other pains. It's clear that carrying extra weight has a toll on your body, but I'm working on it!

I was careful with my weight, when I got pregnant because I didn't have much weight gain to spare (20 lbs). I was in great shape during my pregnancy from doing 2 workout classes a week (for a pregnancy trial), not to mention made awesome friends too! I lost a lot of my own weight, my face got thinner and my shoulders got more defined. My jackets fit me better than ever! I was stronger too, which is really helpful when the baby comes!

Now that V is here, I need to carefully plan my meals and my workout time. Every second is precious! I'm feeling great these days, fitting into jeans I couldn't wear even before I was pregnant. Luckily, I've been back at my original weight for a long time now, but I'm working at getting to my weight from 11 years ago, when I was at my prime!

There's a sense of motivation now that I can't shake off. I'm going to Mexico in January and hope to look confident in my bikini :) 

Weight has always been a touchy subject for me, even though I'm a pretty confident person. I'm working hard at removing my negative stigma associated to exercising and learning to love it!

Most of all, I just want to look good in all my awesome clothes!

Are you a new mom and feeling unmotivated? Have you struggled with weight?

Are you afraid of weight gain during your pregnancy?

Leave your comments below, I'd love nothing more that to support you!

Baby Pictures 101

If you are anything like me, there is nothing more valuable to you than a beautiful professional picture taken of your family.

I know it's not for everyone, and it's not necessarily a vanity thing… It's mostly because I am the family photographer, so I don't always show up in the pictures. Oh, my first world problems! Anyway, when I die, there will be loads of professional pictures taken of me, and people will only remember how great I looked (because I had hair and makeup done in all the photos ;) ). Mouahahahaha

Ok, back to business. You may think I am crazy for talking about Christmas photos in early November, but trust me when I say, YOU NEED TO BOOK EARLY! The good photographers in the city are always booked up! Plus there is so much planning that goes into this, and you need time to prepare.

Because I have experience with both pre-natal and family (us with a 9 month old) photos, I decided to write a post to help you plan and prepare for these special moments. These are not just pictures, these are the memories you are creating for the future. This is why you should pay attention to your clothes, your hair, your props and keep the photo style as classic as possible! Don't forget to make it "YOU", if the photo doesn't match your style or personality, you won't be happy sharing them with your friends and family.

Love the vintage truck and the custom hat I had made.

Maternity photos from Nov 2012.
We didn't know the sex so we went with "Baby Day".

• Plan ahead- book your appointment a few months before you need the pictures. Not only does the photographer get booked, you need some time to receive the images as well. We waited about 2 weeks, witch is faster than industry standards. Note that wedding pictures take much longer because you have so much more coverage.
• New born pictures are fairly complicated, you need to book for around 10-12 days to get the squishy sleeping pictures. They are also more fussy, so you need more time to get it all done right. I did my own new born pictures, so I don't have advice to give you here.
• Photo sessions take about 45 min to 1 hr depending on the photographer. You really don't need more than that. Kids get tired easily and you don't need hundreds of the same picture. Just one great shot matters!
• Ask the photographer about props and outfit changes. The older the kids are, the faster you can change them. Some photographers have lots of great props (like mine), but you may want to bring your own things to keep it original. Props can make or break your image. It's a fragile zone between cute and cheesy… so be careful. You've been warned!
• Plan your outfits. It should be coordinated but not matching. For example, we chose dark outfits with pops of red (my lipstick, V's bow tie) and plaid on Michael and V's shirt. I was so stressed about what I should wear. I wanted to go "cozy" but bulky clothes is not the most flattering on me nor is it a classic look. I am happy with our outfit choices. We look comfortable, clean and classic!
• Put some thought into your props. I like the antique feel, and that's my choice of decor at home. I like original prices like my mistletoe. I bought this for my pregnancy shoot and used it again for our family shoot. I also had a hat made for Victor to support a fellow mom's business. I did a bit of Pinter-research to get inspired too. 
• Make sure you book the session at a good time where baby will have had a nap and food. They need to be rested because it's a lot of work for them. 9 months is a good age because they can smile, they can sit up, they can't walk yet so they will stay put. Get the good pictures out of the way, because their energy doesn't last.
• Make sure you like your hair, that you put on makeup (while still looking like yourself) and have the men with clean hair and shaven face. You can't look scruffy, unless that's the look you are going for. Photographers always complement on my makeup, and I later tell them that I am a makeup artist, which helps :)
• Be organized on the day of the shoot. As you know I love lists and I would die without them. Again, if I die, there will be great photos of me (full circle, see how I did that?) haha. For real though, make sure you have payment, your props, your list of photo ideas, outfit changes, your diaper bag with milk and snacks, baby's favourite toy for distraction and give yourself enough time to get beautiful!
• And for all photos, smile, have fun and be yourself! Candid shots are gorgeous, just like the posed ones can be as well.

Have you planned a shoot? Need some help or inspiration? Leave your comments below, I'd love to help!

Fun sox are a great way to make an expression!

Online shopping: A new mom's addiction

We live in Canada, but for some reason, the possibilities with online shopping is just a fraction of what is available in the USA. Between shipping fees and duty, sometimes it's just not worth it.

When you have a baby, sometimes a simple task like picking up a book can be stressful. So, why not dabble in the online shopping world. It's convenient, it can be fast and often times cheaper!

I need your help compiling my list of websites for online shopping, so please leave your comments in the section bellow.

Everything and anything:

• www.amazon.ca
• www.kijiji.ca
• www.well.ca
• www.shop.ca
• www.ebates.ca (use this site to do most of your shopping, which allows you to get a certain % cash back!) 

Daily deals:

• www.beyondtherack.com
• www.babysteals.com
• www.guilt.com
• www.zulily.com

Baby stores:

• www.snugglebugz.ca
• www.lussobaby.ca
• www.buybuybaby.com

For momma:

• www.dress911.com
• www.modcloth.com
• www.asos.com (free shipping but duty fee may apply)

Baby stuff taking over your house?

I always promised myself that I would not let baby stuff take over my house, my small house.

Well, unfortunately, you can't help but to rely on lots of baby stuff, and having things all over the house is actually very convenient. This post is dedicated to my prego friend who seemed overwhelmed by baby stuff when she started shopping for baby. My goal with this list is to make it lean and practical!

In the beginning… you will need these lifesaver tools:
- car seat
- stroller, carrier (optional)
- Pack n' play or bassinet (something safe for the new baby to sleep in with easy access). Pack n' plays are very useful if you will be travelling or if you need a place for baby to sleep other than your home. I bought mine used on Kijiji. These things don't get used very much, so the condition is really great for the price you pay.
- bouncy chair (somewhere safe to place baby)
- swing (LIFE SAVER for naps, congestion, colic). Baby can sleep well in the swing for naps.
- Play mat with arch that allows hanging toys.
- Toys, teething rings, rattles, books… not going into details here since there is a plethora of possibilities! Also, everyone has their preference when it comes to wooden organic toys versus battery opperated plastic ones. You will soon quickly convert to anything that lights up and makes noise to give you some extra alone time ;)

For phase two… sitting, standing, walking:
- bumbo
- high chair
- exersaucer, jolly jumper or equivalent
- play table (with removable legs)
- push walker
- rubber play mat (to cushion the blow of all the falling)

The extras… I was lucky to be the recipient of many baby hand me downs and have found the value is so much of the things that were given to me. If you have the opportunity to spoil your little one, or need birthday and christmas ideas, here are a few extra things to consider:
- sled
- wagon
- tricycle

There IS a light at the end of the tunnel! Luckily, the stuff you will need for baby will not be used for very long, so you can always buy it used, borrow stuff and return it when you no longer use it, or just store it away for baby number 2. Also, the baby "stuff" will soon be seen as lifesavers and not house clutter makers!

My living room is set up so all the baby stuff is in one corner.
Notice the brown basket that contains toys? It's one way to keep your space adult friendly when thing are put away :)

Do you have any "must have" items that I missed? Is my list too long for your comfort? Please leave your comments bellow.

Mom hair

So, for some crazy reason, when you get pregnant or officially become a mom... All you feel like doing is reinventing yourself.

After all, you are now a new version of yourself.

So, I've been toying with the idea of chopping my long youthful hair off. Since I'm in Montreal, sans-V, why not treat myself. And... Voila!

So far I really like it. Let's see how it looks after I wash and style it myself. I got large bangs too, but I need to get used to them first before I make the reveal!

Have a good weekend guys and gals and don't forget that tomorrow is Daylight Savings! Yahoo! That means one more extra hour of uninterrupted sleep for momma!

Momma's night off: Weekend trip to Montreal

After a long trip to Thunder Bay with V and a jam packed Halloween, a little well deserved R&R is just what momma needs!

I'm headed to Montreal for a girls weekend/baby shower. So maybe I can't party hard with my prego bestie, but I sure can sleep in, have my arms to myself and just spend some time with ME! I miss ME :(

I'm on the train now, which is a fantastic way for me to catch up on my blogging :)

Coffee in hand, watching the beautiful farm landscapes out the window, it always reminds me that the train is truly a more civilized way of traveling! I bet people get inspired here all the time :)

If you're nervous about leaving baby and taking some time for yourself. DON'T BE!  You'll drive yourself nuts! The real trick is, leave and don't look back. Don't look at pictures of V like I just did. That will kill you and it's the perfect opportunity for our little friend called "guilt" to set in.

I live by these new words, happy mom, happy baby! When you come back from your time alone, you really feel rejuvenated and you will be more patient and appreciative of your family. I've been really focused on not losing myself since I've become a mom, and it's working for us!

Are you nervous about an upcoming trip? Need some feedback or tips? Please don't be shy and leave your comments below!

Flying with baby at 9 months

At the Ottawa Airport, 6 am. V is unimpressed. Poor little guy.
He was such a good sport.

I did it! I actually travelled alone with my Little man to Thunder Bay to visit a friend. We travelled in luxury via Porter. Oh ya, I heart Porter :)

I don't know if I have the energy to describe the entire trek, but do know it's a lot of work, a LOT! A lot of planning, a lot of lifting and a lot of fussy around. A great learning trip, but I may have avoided it if I knew what I was getting into!

I love bullets! So here are a few pointers if you will be flying with baby:

• Travel documents: Ok, this was very frustrating for me! I could not find any clear instructions regarding flying as a solo parent on a domestic flight with an infant. At the end of the day, even the airline couldn't give me a straight answer. So here it is. "You do not need ID for anyone under 17 years old on a domestic flight." You also do not need a letter of consent. But be warned, they can ask for ID (and THEY ALL DID), but you don't need to show them anything! Does this not sound like the most ridiculous thing ever? Just make it mandatory people! I mean, it's not an outrageous request. You could easily be kidnapping a baby. Good thing I have a passport for him :)
• Plan ahead and pack light! I bought an umbrella stroller at a garage sale for our up coming trip to Mexico in January. It's light, folds nicely and reclines so V can nap! It was solid enough to shlep my purse and diaper bag too ;) I packed 1 large suitcase (Heys hard-shells are amazing, they glide really nicely too), 1 diaper bag and 1 large over the shoulder purse. I also had a jacket, which I should have kept in my suitcase. Too bulky and it's extra weight to carry around.
• My diaper bag was light and strategically packed: a few new toys and miniature Munsch books, diapers, wipes, changing pad, warm blanket, Manduca (life saver), cooler bag with food and enough formula for the flight), pacifier, bib, spoon, and snack for me.
• We were on two short flight (1hr and 2 hrs). It broke up the trip nicely and allowed me time to feed in between. Little V did great on the plain and didn't cry. On the way back, our flight was delayed and he was exhausted. It was 3 hours past his bedtime and I could tell he was trying to find a comfortable position to fall asleep in. Because we had someone next to us, it was really thighs and awkward. Poor guy, eventually passed out both times.
• Getting on and off the plane is challenging. You need to carry baby and all your things into the plane while explaining with your feet how the stroller folds up to the airline staff! haha It's always best to make it to pre-boarding because then you are not that "mom" who is delaying the flight.
• Going to the washroom on the plain is hard for you and baby! Porter plane are tinier than normal and don't have a changing station. I did it on the seat next to me. Sorry people, that was a sticky diaper! I handed V to a fellow mom who offered to help me, while I went to pee. Not that you want to burden another mom, but mom's are awesome and can handle it!

Here are some pics of us on the plane. Please feel free to ask any questions if there is something I missed! Are you going on a trip soon? Are you nervous about anything?

Me in V jet setting to Thunder Bay! PS- this was NOT us on the way back!
V was teething the entire trip and was not himself.
We also were not as lucky to have an entire row to ourselves. What a nightmare! 

Entertaining V in the best way possible, with a Porter magazine! There was a Dex ad with a blond girl that V fell in love with. It was so sweet to watch him coo and pet her face.

Enjoying the Porter Magazine and standing up! His two favourite things on flight!

Having fun with a photo shoot at my friend's cottage in Thunder Bay!
V is all packed up and ready to go with his tiny suit case. He is also the pilot in his blue bomber jacket ;)
BON VOYAGE!

Car Seats: So many rules

V is now almost 9 months, and I decided to change his car seat because I don't want to use the bucket anymore since he is getting a bit heavy for me.

Now, it's starting the get cold and there are so many rules with babies not supposed to be wearing snow suits in car seats. But what do you do when it's -30 degrees out? I found a nice thin and warm one piece suits from Columbia. It may not pass the test, but for me it's a good compromise.

All the rage is in The Diono! They are safe, sleek, comfortable, easy to clean and the best part is that they can be used until about 40 lbs or so. You never need another car seat again! They are quite tall for rear facing, so they don't fit in all cars. We have a Murano and it fit just fine. I like that they are not bulky, so you can actually fit 3 in a row in your back seat if needed. (OMG! Can you imagine?!! hahaha)

The only thing I am not crazy about is how V's head tilts forward when he fall asleep :( Other than that, no complaints!

What's your favourite seat or suit for your little one? Do you have any of these items? What's your feedback?

The Diono Radian®RXT in Cobalt

Happy Halloween!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

My little parrot! So appropriate because he loves his own voice ;)

Can you guess what I'll be for Halloween?

I feel bad, this year I didn't have a chance to carve a pumpkin with V ( although technically , it's not too late!).

But I did manage to finally make these ghoulish finger cookies last night. I have been longing to attempt making these, but I am not as confident in the kitchen when it comes to baking. Because of my "Off Road Cooking" style, I tend not to stick to recipes and do my own thing. As you know, baking is a science, and you just can't deviate from the instructions!
I was very happy with the way the cookies turned out, although there was lots of butter in this recipe which made the fingers chubby when they came out of the oven. They sort of lost their shape. I will know for next time!

Creepy butter cookie fingers with bloody almond nail. They taste really good!

Off Road Cooking: Cooking for Baby 101

Ok, so I have been posting lots of meal ideas that I have made for little man, but didn't realize that I might have to back it up a bit. Read about my first ever "Off Road Cooking" post here!

I dedicate this post to explaining how I go about preparing meals. I have it down to a very simple process that literally takes minutes :)

Note that I make fresh food every 4 days or so. I don't freeze food because I do not have a microwave at home. Now you are wondering why I am a crazy person who doesn't own one... Well, I get enough wave exposure at work when I heat up my leftovers and I have a small kitchen. Plus, we don't use it much anyway. I am not a huge fan of what it makes the food taste like either.

Ok, let's get started!

You will need:
- small saucepan with lid
- baby bullet, food processor, blender or hand blender (or elbow grease and a potato masher! haha)
- small containers to store food (like Baby Cubes)
- sharp knife and cutting board

Ingredients:
Meat- chicken breast, leg or thigh, turkey, pork tenderloin, beef sirloin, salmon fillet, egg (I use the entire thing, although some say not to give the whites before 1yr)
I usually buy what is on sale, because this is the most expensive part of groceries. I like to use lean meat because it cooks nicely and boils well. You usually have no ligaments or stringy fatty tissue that would be difficult to blend.
I always use a tendoriser when I boil meat, not MSG!! I'm talking garlic, onion, leeks, chives.
I also use flavours, consisting of fresh herbs (basil, parsley, sage, thyme, oregano, cilantro)

Fats- olive oil, cheese or butter
If something is too lean, you can always ad some flavour with butter or cheese. It also helps to smoothen the texture if you find it dry.

Vegetables- ALL
Fruits- ALL
Fresh produce is NOT expensive! I hate it when I hear people saying this. If you stick with what is in season, go to markets or farms directly, and if you buy what is on sale or featured, you will be just fine. Make sure you get a variety all the time and try to buy something new that you never used before or often (ex: okra, eggplant, artichoke, gourds). For these specialty items, perhaps wait until they go on sale :)
I also recommend having basic items stocked in the fridge like potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, lettuce/spinach/kale, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, lemon, broccoli/cauliflower (always have enough to make a salad). For fruits I always need banana, apple/pear and maybe grapes. If I am out of these, I definitely need groceries!

Grains- brown rice, quinoa, lentils, barley, buckwheat, beans, cracked wheat (bulgur)
Always have these grains in your pantry. They are handy if you don't have meat or protein at home. They also provide  nice way to thicken any dish.

Flavour- fresh herbs for savoury dishes, cinnamon and nutmeg for fruit compotes and garlic, onion, leeks, chives, mushrooms for umami!

Cooking meat:
Take your saucepan and roughly chop about 1 cup of meat. Add about half a cup of water, a quarter cup of onions (or other suggestion above), a tiny bit of salt and pepper and maybe some fresh herbs if you have any. Cover and let it boil at a medium heat until meat is soft and cooked all the way through.

Blend with your tool of choice. Add water or milk if needed. You may also add butter or cheese to thicken and smoothen.

Fill your containers and let cool before placing in the fridge/freezer.

Cooking fruits or vegetables:
Roughly chop any combination of vegetables or fruit, about 2 cups worth. Add about 1/2 cup of water and let boil at a medium heat. Don't over boil the vegetables/fruit, it's almost steaming them to ensure that you don't lose all the nutrients, but they are soft enough to blend.
You can add a tiny bit of salt and pepper, herbs or anything above that adds flavour (like onions, leeks…) to your vegetables and cinnamon/nutmeg to your fruits.

Blend with your tool of choice. Add more water or milk if needed. You may also add butter or cheese to thicken and smoothen.

Fill your containers and let cool before placing in the fridge/freezer.

~

The philosophy behind "Off Road Cooking" is getting used to being creative with what is in the fridge. We don't always have time to do groceries, but you should have enough basics in the fridge to make a healthy meal, even if it is a simple one. My "Off Road Cooking" posts are generally not planned but something I whipped up that day. Sometimes I get inspired by traditional dishes and I make them baby friendly (Thanksgiving meal or the Baby Borscht).

I hope I can encourage you to be more creative in the kitchen, not just for your baby but for you too!

Please share your comments below, I would love some feedback on my "Off Road Cooking" lifestyle :)

Off Road Cooking: a fancy feast

Some dinner inspiration for you all!

I haven't been home for a few days and today I decided to dedicate myself to little man's nutrition! We were visiting a friend in Thunder Bay and I fed V more store bought baby food than usual (Baby Gourmet is the brand I go for) which gave him terribly smelly number twos (sorry for the over share). I think this is why I felt compelled to cook up a storm.

I made him a very gourmet dinner which consisted of a three course meal:

1- White: Boiled chicken with onions, fresh parsley, sage and goat cheese

2- Red: Boiled beets with kale, red onion, lentils and zucchini3- Yellow: Boiled pumpkin, leeks, celery, and carrot with butter

Needless to say, little man gobbled this up. The entire thing! What a piggy. Sometimes he's a bottomless pit. He never says no, so I don't actually know what his maximum capacity is.

Anyway, as they say… Bon Appétit!

What's your favourite meal to prepare for baby? What are their favourite flavours? Please share your comments below!

Manduca: My experience with baby wearing

V at 8 months walking in the woods at Conroy Pit (Ottawa).
Beautiful place to walk, enough parking and fun entertainment for kids who don't have pets.
Wearing baby is easier on my back because I can see where I am going and he can fall asleep.
It's also easier to carry the extra weight. Warning: Baby wearing can get really warm!!

As promised, here is an update on my baby wearing experience. I bought the Manduca almost 7 months ago, but didn't really use it much because my son hated being carried! I had the intension of using it for a workout class with Fitmom Ottawa, but the timing wasn't right. In the end, it is serving its purpose but for an entirely different reason.

I entered the baby wearing scene thinking that it was just another thing you need on your list when you have a baby. Well, what I learnt is that baby wearing (in Ottawa, anyway) is considered a community (note, not a cult). I joined the "Ottawa Babywearing Group" to help me get advice on wearing my baby properly and teaching V to love it! They have weekly meet ups too which is a nice way to meet moms and babies! What I noticed though is that there seems to be different philosophies on whether you use a stroller or a carrier… don't want to start anything here folks, I USE BOTH!

For the first 3 month post natal, I had extreme pain in my wrists from taking care of V (holding baby, feeding with a bottle and pushing a stroller with your wrists bent). Tendonitis is very painful, especially at night. Your hands get swollen and cramp up. You need to pump your fingers to drain the extra fluid and stop the pain. I wore a brace to help keep my wrists straight. The awkward manouvres you do when holding a baby that can't support itself is more noticeable when you are restraint by a brace! When you have tendonitis, you can't do exercises like push ups, push a heavy stroller with your wrists bent or do any weight lifting.

By 3 months, V could hold himself up pretty solidly and the pain eventually went away. At almost 9 months, V is now the most curious creature on earth and holding him in my arms is now a workout in itself. Being a counter leaver for a 22 lbs baby is not a walk in the park. And guess who's back baby? Mr. Tendonitis!

This is were the carrier comes in! I have been using it more and more to avoid having to carry him in my arms if I am going "sans-poussette" to run a quick errand. Because I changed V's car seat (I'm using a Diono and no longer my Graco bucket seat) I need to take him out of it. I no longer have the option of taking out the car seat and placing it on the frame of my City Select. It's nice for him, because he can look around, or still keep napping if he falls asleep in the seat. I can appreciate that not all babies are like V, so this may not apply to all moms.

Yesterday, I had V in the carrier to run some errands at St-Laurent Mall, I actually forgot that the stroller wasn't in the trunk. It ended up being so quick and easy. He fell asleep, I did what I had to do and we were out of there in no time! The more I use it, the more he and I are loving it. 

My favourite part of wearing V is noticing that I can't help but pet his bum and kiss his face when he is so close to me :)

Have fun baby wearing! Let me know if you have questions or comments. Are you a strollerist? Do you have any babywearing advice?

Weekend trip to Thunder Bay with V. Used my Manduca because we forgot the stroller at the house.
In the end going to all the shops was pretty easy, no bumping and lifting the stroller into the store!
Warning: Baby wearing gets really warm, which is why we are not wearing jackets :)

Off Road Cooking: Ghoulish Inspiration

Boiled beets with red onion and brussels sprouts… baby Borsch!

In the spirit of Halloween, I decided to use beets for little V's next few meels. I love using seasonal produce, which is great on the wallet!

Beets are so amazing. Naturally sweet, full of antioxidants and high in fiber which is great for the digestive system.

I won't give him this everyday, because it can be a little too much for his number twos.

As I was cooking, I noticed the gorgeous colour staining my cutting board and thought... What a bloody mess? ( hehe pun intended!)

Have fun in the kitchen and please leave your comments or questions below.

Momma's night off: Food Network Chef Bucket List

I love The Food Network. I have been watching it for over 10 years now, before it became a hipster thing. That's how I learnt my confidence in the kitchen and of course where I was able to unleash my creative cooking. I have had the chance to meet some of my favourite chefs like Michael Smith and Chuck Hughes, and now I can add Janet Podleski to my list!

I asked my brother in law to look after V tonight so I could attend this free talk. Janet talked about the Looneyspoons story and the struggles they had to overcome to reach to the level of success they are at today. She also did a small Nutrition portion to the presentation which had very smart and obvious messages like:

• Eat real food, not processed food
• Avoid sugar and bad oils
• Be positive about your image and encourage yourself to eat well

Eat Shrink and Be Merry's Janet Podleski, my sis Tamara and I at the Ottawa Public Health Day Event