E-town Baby

Custom Kitchen Cabinets in Edmonton

2010-02-22T15:34:00.001-08:00

My mom just renovated her kitchen and I had to share. The old 70's cabinets were replaced with gorgeous maple cabinets. She was very pleased with the cabinet company, very professional and got the work done in a timely manner. Their website is: http://www.higginscabinetworks.ca/. I love the before and after pics!

Obsessed with the Movie Cars

2009-10-27T23:44:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how much stuff you can buy related to the the Disney/Pixar movie "Cars". It is a little insane. My 3 yr old son has Cars pjs, Cars underwear, Cars socks, Cars shirts, a Cars housecoat, a big soft Cars pillow, a Cars board game, Cars markers, Cars coloring book, Cars books, Cars bowls, Cars sippy cups, a Cars lunchkit, and not to mention all the little cars themselves! And I'm sure there are more things I'm forgetting.

I have to admit the Cars underwear is what did the trick regarding potty training, I brought them home one day and presto - he was trained. Literally.

And guess what he kind of cake he wanted for his recent 3rd birthday party?

Finding a Dayhome in Edmonton

2007-09-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

So I finally decided that in order to get my actual work done (i.e the work I get paid for), I really needed to find a part time dayhome for my son. I didn't even know how to begin to look and am still in the process of finding one, but I thought I'd share the information I found out:

1. Contact an accredited dayhome agency.

You tell them what you are looking for (days needed, area of city, age of child) and they give you a list of people available. Then it is up to you to call those people and make arrangements to go meet them and see if they would be a good fit. Then once/if you find one you like, you call the agency back and all contracts/payments is handled through them. The good thing about going through an agency is you know that all these dayhomes are regularly checked and have to meet certain guidelines.

Here is a list of dayhome agencies within Edmonton:

Child Development Dayhomes of Alberta - 444-2288
Glengarry Family Day Home Project - 478-4691
It's a Child's World Family Day Homes - 489-2626
North Edmonton Family Day Home Agency - 478-3376
Northalta Family Day Care Service Ltd. - 448-1301
Southgate Medallion Family Day Homes - 438-4012

2. Go online to http://www.dayhome.ca.

They have a great bulletin board (forum) where people can post, either looking for a dayhome, or offering a dayhome, plus there is other child-related boards, and info about starting your own dayhome. All the dayhomes advertised link to either their website or email so you can contact them further.

3. Ask around to family, friends and other moms.

See if anyone knows of a dayhome or someone who may be interested in watching your child. Often a referral is a good way because then at least the person is not a total stranger, which might make you feel better about leaving your child with them. And maybe you'll even get lucky and find a friend's mom who loves kids and is retired and would be more than happy to come to your place a couple times a weeek...... well you never know :)

Good luck to all of you who are looking for childcare!

Fall 2007 TV Schedule

2007-09-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ok so this is exactly "baby" related and some of you moms might be thinking "I don't have time to watch TV", but I know whenever I get the chance (and my little guy is finally in bed), I love to curl up in front of the tv and just relax for a little while. And I look always forward to this time of year cause that's when new seasons of all the shows start up again.

Here is list of the premiere dates of my favorites, (as well a few of the more popular shows). Mark your calendars!

Monday, Sept 17:
Prison Break, 8pm, Fox (Global)

Wednesday, Sept 19:
America's Next Top Model, 8pm, CW (City TV)

Thursday, Sept 20:
Survivor - China, 8-10pm, CBS (Global)

Monday, Sept 24:
Heroes, 9pm, NBC (Global)
The Bachelor, 9:30-11pm, ABC

Tuesday, Sept 25:
Dancing with the Stars, 8pm, ABC (CTV)

Thursday, Sept 27:
The Office, 9pm, NBC (Global)
CSI, 9pm, CBS (Global)
Grey's Anatomy, 9pm, ABC (CTV)

Sunday, Sept 30:
Desperate Housewives, 9m, ABC (CTV)
Brothers & Sisters, 10pm, ABC (Global)

Thursday, October 25:
Scrubs, 9:30-10pm, NBC

February 2008 (too long to wait....):
Lost

For a more complete list check out http://thetvaddict.com/2007/09/04/your-guide-to-the-tv-season-premieres-fall-2007/

*Sorry, for Canadians the times above may be a little off.

Am I a Yummy Mommy?

2007-08-24T23:46:00.000-07:00

Too often I have the term "Yummy Mommy" and have caught myself thinking 'is this me?' Do I look hot pushing my baby stroller down the street? Do people see me and think 'wow did she just have a baby?' I'll admit sometimes I do want people to think these things and I do want to look the same or even better than I did pre-baby.

Maybe it's all this Hollywood hype I'll succumbing to, everywhere you turn some young hot celebrity is having a baby, and then weeks later is out looking fabulous. Btw -no, that is not me in the photo - that is Denise Richards and baby Lola (for those of you out of the celebrity baby loop). For some great celebrity mommy gossip I just discovered this site: http://babyrazzi.com/baby/category/yummy-mummy.

So I've come up with a list of questions to help determine if you are Yummy Mommy:

1. Do you own (and regularly use) a jogging stroller?
2. Do you sign up for anything that involves you getting a workout with your baby? i.e. stroller-aerobics, baby salsa, baby yoga, etc.
3. Do you find yourself spending extra time on your outfit, hair and makeup every time you meet up with other moms?
4. Are you obsessed with all the celebrity mommas? And know all their baby's names?
5. Do you purposely leave your stroller in the car just to prove you can carry around your 20lb baby (and try to make it appear effortless)?
6. Were you determined to be back to your pre-pregnancy weight in less than 6 months?
7. Do you constantly stress how wonderful having a baby and how wonderful everything is going (when really you can't stand the sight of poop, a 4 hr chunk of sleep in a row is the norm, and you can't remember the last time you went out for dinner)?

If you answered yes to 2 or more of the above, you are well on your way! As for me, I decided that I'm a "wannabe Yummy Mommy". Sure I want to look hot, lose that last 15 lbs, and prove that having a baby doesn't change anything, but more often than not a bowl of ice cream, an extra half hour of sleep, or just a few minutes with the house to MYSELF is just way more important.

For another humorous take on Yummy Mommies visit http://giftedtypist.blogspot.com/2006/10/words-should-be-banned-yummy-mummy.html

Best Breastfeeding Products

2007-08-21T18:02:00.000-07:00

Before I started breastfeeding for the first time I really had no clue what it was going to be like. Sure, I read books and learned about it in my prenatal class, but I guess I figured it would come naturally. BUT that was not exactly the case (at least for me), I found that breastfeeding definitely takes patience and commitment......

Here is a list of breastfeeding products I couldn't live without (especially in the beginning):

Bravado nursing bras and tank tops - the tanks are so great for sleeping in at night, cause who wants to sleep in a bra! (If you are wondering why, it is for support and so you can wear breast pads, otherwise most people will leak like crazy especially when your little one starts sleeping longer!) http://www.bravadodesigns.com
Lansinoh breast pads -these are super thin and super absorbent, no leakage even at night, and they aren't visible even under thin or tight shirts, I've found them at Wallmart and Shopper's Drug Mart
Lanolin -helps with cracked or sore nipples, doubles as baby lipbalm too
Medela Pump in Style breastpump - this is a fancy double electric pump that costs around $300 and marketed for those who will be pumping daily, but I think it's worth the money for part-time pumpers because it's so fast and easy. Everyone is different, but I pumped a lot when I was either too tired or sore to breastfeed, and also so I could leave for longer periods of time. However, if you rarely pump, a cheaper manual one will work fine as well. Visit the Medela website
Lansinoh breastmilk storage bags - I have tried other brands and these are the easiest, they seal just like Ziploc bags and have a place where you can write the amount and date

Free Diaper bag and Formula

2007-08-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

When I was pregnant (and had tons of extra time), I researched a bunch of free baby stuff, here is one of the better deals out there. If you sign up with the Nestle baby program (don't worry it's free), they'll send you a large can of Nestle Good Start formula, a diaper bag/backpack as well as coupons, reading material, and I think even a small thing of cereal.

Here's the link:
http://www.nestle-baby.ca/en/register/index

The can of formula alone is worth around $20 and the diaper bag is a good one, even if you just use it as an extra one like I do. So even though this is obviously a big marketing ploy from Nestle, I think what you get is well worth the signup.

Household Items to Entertain your baby

2007-08-19T10:01:00.001-07:00

My little guy seems to always get bored of his toys, so I've discovered some household items that are just as fun! Or at least they will occupy him for a few minutes while I need to do something like clean up the kitchen, make dinner, tidy our bedrooms, write this blog... etc.

spatula
large cooking spoons or ladels
regular spoons or baby spoons
plastic food storage containers
plastic water or soda bottles
food strainer
hairbrush
toothbrush
newspaper or regular paper
boxes (like the one your diapers came in :)

I also show him what to do with these items then he will copy me. Like I will flip the strainer upside down and bang on it with the spooon and say "look, bang bang bang"....... really makes me wonder why I spent $30 on that Lamaze toy last week....

Tips to help your baby sleep

2007-08-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

I do not claim to be an expert but here are just a few quick tips that have helped me along the way:

1. Put them to bed in their OWN BED in a separate room - not with you, in a swing, stroller etc. - we have pretty much done this since day 1.

2. Put them to bed when they are AWAKE - drowsy is ok, but you want them to learn how to fall asleep on their own, rocking/holding is ok but just try not to rock to sleep or they will always expect/need this.

3. Do not let them fall asleep after nursing or bottle feeding - I know this can be hard especially with newborns. But what I did when he was really little was right after a feed I'd do some kind of "activity" like a diaper change or show them something (outside the window, a toy etc.) With newborns the can only handle a few minutes of activity, but as they get older the time increases. After this activity and when they appear sleepy, put them down.

4. SWADDLE them really tight - do this till at least 3/4 months and then you can experiment by leaving an arm out, then eventually I just did the bottom half, then I moved on to just tucking the blankets in tight or I know some other moms use a sleep sack.

5. SOOTHER or pacifier - I know there is controversy about this, but in my experience they often like and want to suck even when they're not hungry. I also found this really helps them nod off to sleep on their own. I just try not to get into the habit of letting my little one suck on it all day.

6. Have some kind of ROUTINE - it doesn't have to be doing the same things at exactly the same time every day but if you roughly do the things in the same order each day then they know what to expect.

7. WIND DOWN before every nap or bedtime - you can't expect them just to go from playing to sleeping, so it really helps to set the mood and to do the same things every time you put them down. Some things you can try are dim lights in room, change diaper, read stories, bath (before bed), massage, sing lullabys.

8. Use a blankie or stuffed animal when they are a little older 6+ mos - this can also be used to help wean them off a pacifier if you so desire.

Every baby is different but I hope some of these tips work for you!

What to feed your 10 month old

2007-08-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

Often when I meet with other moms the same question always comes up "What are you feeding your baby right now?" So, I thought I'd share what I currently feed Aidan.

I don't give all of these things at every meal, it's just whatever we have on hand. At this age I'm finding he really likes to feed himself, but if I'm in a hurry or to make sure he's eaten enough I'll spoon feed him some partially blended up stuff as well.

Breakfast Items: cereal - oatmeal or mixed wheat, plain yogurt, cheerios, pieces of soft fruit (bananas, pears, nectarines, strawberries, watermelon, etc.), applesauce

Lunch: scrambled egg yolks (read you are not supposed to start with the whites under they are 1 yr. old), grated cheese, cooked macaroni or other soft pasta, toast (with a tiny bit of butter), mashed or blended up chicken/beef/turkey with vegetables (sometimes I freeze this or it is left over from the night before)

Dinner: often whatever we are having, this would include cut up pieces of chicken breast, small pieces of ground beef from the spaghetti sauce or whatever, pieces of cooked ham, pieces of really soft beef, bits of soft cooked veggies (carrots, potatoes, peas, beans, etc.), pasta, rice, or if we're eating something weird or extra spicy, I take out my frozen mixture of blended meat/veggies, or give him any of the items listed under Lunch.

Snacks: Baby Mums Mums, pufffed wheat, cheerios, fruit/veggie puffs, fruit, yogurt

I also offer water, formula, or breast milk in a sippy cup with every meal. It's funny, he'll just take a swig in between bites just like we do!

Good jar food if you're in a hurry or travelling: Heinz Mom's Recipe, they have different things, mostly it's meat with a veggie and rice/pasta of some kind.

If anyone else has any food ideas for this age group I would love to hear them!

Verses for "The Wheels on the Bus" song

2007-08-17T12:13:00.001-07:00

We often sing the song "The wheels on the bus (go round and round, round and round).......", and since my son loves it we try and think of as many verses as we can as to keep the song going! Often my husband will come back from rocking our son and he'll say "Well he finally went down after an extended version of Wheels on the Bus".....

So here are some of the "real" verses:

"the driver on the bus says move on back"
"the mommy on the bus says shh shh shh"
"the wipers on the bus go swish swish swish"
"the horn on the bus goes beep beep beep"
"the kids on the bus go up and down"
"the baby on the bus goes wah, wah, wah"
"the money on the bus goes clink, clink, clink"

And a few we made up:

"the cow on the bus goes moo, moo, moo"
"the kitty on the bus goes meow, meow, meow"
"the puppy on the bus goes woof, woof, woof"
"the robot on the bus goes bebot, bebot, bebot"
"the radio on the bus goes -this is mike in the morning comin at ya'" (uh not quite sure about this one, one of husband's....)

Have fun, and hope you enjoy this song as much as we do!

How to put your baby to sleep - go for a boat ride!

2007-08-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

We have been boating quite a few times this summer and it never fails, once we start going, my little guy falls asleep! It must be the constant motion and the comfy life vest - yeah right he hates that thing! Well once we get it on he at least tolerates it. If you are looking for one we got this one at Ocean Sports in Edmonton and it fits really good.

But really the water seems to put him to sleep and not even his uncle's crazy driving nor towing some random redneck family back to shore (yes this really happened...) can wake him up. When we were on vacation in Florida I was worried that boating time would interfere with nap time but I quickly realized that he would get his nap at the same time I could enjoy boating with my family.

So don't count on boating to solve all your sleeping problems, but it is a fun outing for us and the little guy can get in a few winks!

MEC backpack carriers for babies/kids

2007-08-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

Got this MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) backpack as a shower gift and so far it has been great! The picture here is us hiking in Jasper. (Well to be honest we were not actually "hiking" more like walking...) Although my son hates being strapped in, once he is in he loves being carried around in it, I think he loves the view he gets from being so high up. He has also napped in it, I've just put a blanket between his head and the part where the exposed strap is otherwise he gets marks on his head.

However, my husband is always the designated "backpack carrier". I just find it too heavy, maybe I need to adjust it better I don't know, any suggestions? I was wondering if anyone has tried other backpacks and what they thought of them, I know there is a more expensive one at MEC but don't know of any others.

I also like the little canopy (as seen in photo), although my husband thinks it looks dorky, well too bad for him I like how it blocks the sun or shields the rain. Btw - this photo was very recent - note the hat and coats - it was cold and rainy!

I am just amazed at how many things there are available on the market these days to carry babies in. Slings, bjorns, backpacks, well that's only 3 but I'm sure there are more! Maybe I'm just overwhelmed with the selection of each thing, so many different brands and how do you know before you buy which is best? Well hopefully this post will help if you are wondeirng about backpack carriers.

My First Blog

2007-08-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd create a blog for all-things baby! Being a full time mom to a 10 month old there are always things I want to share with other moms or anyone interested in kids, and I thought this would be a great way to do that. Feel free to offer your comments to let me know if you've ever had similar experiences, or maybe you even have some advice for others.

Stay posted!