When I was 30 weeks pregnant, we began a prenatal class through Douglas College at our local hospital.
I didn't join it for the information, to be honest. With technology nowadays, you don't need to take a class to know what to expect and the stages of labour or different medication options. There's an app for that. No, seriously, there is. I joined it because it was a chance to connect with 11 other mothers who were all around the same stage in their pregnancy and living in the same general area. It was a chance to seek and offer support in a very big time in someone's life. And it was a chance to meet other people who are at the same stage in their journey as us. My prenatal class ended, about a month before D was born. We all said our goodbyes with the plan of a reunion class that our instructor would arrange for about a month after the final baby was born. We all arrived with our little bundles of joy, our deflated tummys and our husbands in tow. We shared our experiences of labour and delivery. Our success or difficulties in nursing. We sat in a circle and introduced our children to one another. There were some tears and a lot of laughs. And we said our farewells to one another. A few days later I decided to make a Facebook group for those moms in our class. And it was probably the best thing I did. Not only have I stayed in touch and had play dates with those moms and babies (we even did a "one year reunion" in the summer!) but it opened up my eyes to online mom groups. I joined plenty different groups around the lower mainland. Living in Burnaby, we were pretty central to everything and could jump on transit and be anywhere within an hour. D and I became quite active in the community; going to activities, play dates, classes, drop ins and even just cruising the mall with other moms and babies. I was able to socialize with someone who could keep up their end of the conversation (sorry, son) and we discussed anything we had concerns about only to find out that at least one other person had gone through the same and so they offered advice. I'll be honest, D didn't get a ton out of being in the stroller while we walked the mall at four weeks old, but he did have a happy mommy who was enjoying her maternity leave and time with baby. I didn't have cabin fever or feel like the outside world was just a thing of the past. I looked forward to our outings and adventures. And as D got older, he enjoyed playing alongside these other babies and watching them while they watched him. He learned to share, to wait for a turn and to be gentle with other children. He learned to smile and wave at strangers and not be shy. He learned to climb onto the couch (I could have done without that, but hey, he learned something new!) Honestly, without that support of moms, I don't know what I would have done. I know of some moms that are home all day, with just baby, until their husbands get home. While it works for some, other times it can lead to depression or just general unhappiness. I was terrified of ending up in that slump. But thanks to the wonders of the online world, D and I were able to find several adventures to go on each week. We definitely enjoyed the days spent just the two of us in the yard or on a neighbourhood stroll, of course. Those days were also great. But even now, at 16 months, he is still always on the go or at least wanting to be on the go! He loves being out and about and seeing new faces. If you or someone you know is about to be a first (or even a second, third or fourth!) time mom, I definitely recommend seeking out groups in your local area to connect with other moms. It can make a world of difference. Not sure where to start searching? Facebook : Search you city and baby/mom (IE : Vancouver Baby or Vancouver Mom) to get a list of groups; don't forget to check cities close by as well that you would be able and willing to commute to! If there isn't one for your city, create one and invite other mothers in your area. Those mothers will invite other mothers and soon you'll have a great group of ladies ready for outings together! MeetUp : There are plenty of parenting groups on this site that get together. There is a fee so some groups may ask for a donation to keep their group running. Google : Same as Facebook. Just google "[your city] mom baby group" and check your results. Library : Attend a few story times and introduce your child and yourself to the moms. Ask around about groups they know of or offer your email/cell number to arrange playdates if you hit it off. Recreation Centers : Many centres offer a drop-in "baby class" where you can bring your little one and hear guest speakers. Also a great place to meet other moms with similar aged babies. There's also drop-ins for play times for older, mobile children that is worth checking out! Enrolled classes can be great too - you get to know moms (and sometimes dads) as your classes repeat each week. Strong Start : Look at your local School District website for locations of Strong Start. It's held at elementary schools throughout the lower mainland for children ages 0-5 years old. Public Health Nurse : Visit them and ask the receptionist. They have packages of information about local events and activities for children aged 0-5 years old. Just get out and explore : You never know where you could come across some moms who know great support networks to introduce you to. Parks, pools and just out for a stroll is a good place to run into other parents. Strollers are my addiction. Seriously. My son is not even a year and a half old yet and I have had four different strollers for him. And he barely even used a stroller for his first six months... Because I had two types of carriers and he preferred to be snuggled close. This stroller is AMAZING! Let's start with the basics of it. This is a single to duo convertible stroller. You can use it for one or two children. Or even a third if you attach a buggy board and your child is old enough. It can accept one or two car seats (with the purchase of adapters) to make it a travel system. The stroller, as a single, weighs 28lbs. That may seem like a lot (and it is definitely a decent amount!) but most people don't buy this as a single stroller with the plans of never having a second child. As a double, this weighs 34lbs. That's a little more than the average double stroller. Each seat has the capacity to hold 45lbs. The basket underneath can hold 15lbs worth of cargo. The stroller can fold with one, two or zero seats attached. With no seats, it folds quite small. With both seats, you would need either a large minivan or an empty trunk of an SUV to cart it around. I love the features that this stroller has. My son is a social boy. He craves interaction. No, wait. He demands it. D usually didn't last very long in his old strollers without getting upset and feeling lonely. With this stroller, I can have him facing out into the world or reverse the seat and have him facing me so we could chat away as we stroll. The seat can recline nearly, but not entirely, flat. The manual does say that the seat shouldn't be used for a newborn or baby until they are at least 6 months old. You can use a car seat with an adapter or the bassinet that is purchased separately. The brake is one of my favourite features on this stroller. I have lost so many shoes to foot brakes on strollers in the years of being a nanny and a mother. They destroy your shoes when you have to toe the brakes on and off. The City Select features a hand brake on the side of the stroller that is quick and easy and very accessible. It makes using transit so much easier as I usually squish the stroller in a corner out of the way and when it's my stop and the bus or train is crowded, I usually can't reach the foot brake very quickly or gracefully. The handbrake is always easy to get to! The basket on this stroller is HUGE. And I mean HUGE! I have put a diaper bag, lunch kit, my husband's and my winter jacket, my sons sweater AND a men's large shoe box underneath. And I had no problem getting them in while my son sat in the stroller! The basket is seriously massive. We even did our weekly grocery shop with the stroller one week, instead of driving up (though the weight was probably a bit past the recommended limit, but shhh) and aside from a jug of milk that would have fit under there, but was quite heavy, we fit everything in the basket. The basket zips open in the front to allow access when baby is facing outwards. When reversed, it's open and easy to access any part of the basket from the front. The sides each are elasticy and make room to get things in and out, including a regular sized diaper bag. The rear access area is also stretchy but you can unzip it, as well, so that you can get large items in and out. With the baby rear facing, it's a bit harder to access this side, unless the foot rest is raised a bit. The back of the seat features a good sized pocket to keep essentials (perfect spot to keep milk, soother and a toy handy!) The seat is made of a strong, sturdy material. The straps are adjustable in length and you can change the height of the point where it connects to the seat back with a simple unhook instead of having to rethread it. The seat keeps it V-shape when you recline it, which is part of the reason it's not recommended for babies under 6 months old. The foot rest not only extends for taller children, but it has different positions for babies and toddlers/children. The canopy is large and has multiple points that it can stop at. It has a large peekaboo window that is SPF50+ with a magnetic closure - no velcro to make a bunch of noise when you want to peek in at baby when they are sleeping! It can be placed at two positions on the stroller to grow with your child. The City Select rolls along on four wheels. There are 12" forever air wheels in the rear, which means you never have to worry about a flat. In the front are two 8" wheels that can be locked straight for strolling over bumpy terrain. The wheels remove if you end up needing to make it fold more compact for storage or travel. The handlebar, like many strollers on the market, has a telescoping handle that adjusts to make a more comfortable stroll for parents of many heights. I love that the handlebar is not foam so you can clean it easily. You can fold your stroller in one simple step (though it is definitely not a one-hand fold!) or you can remove the seat to make a more compact fold. There is, sadly, no automatic lock when it folds, which I wish there was because it would make this stroller all the more awesome. This is probably my only issue with this stroller. A manual lock isn't too terrible, except when it's pouring rain out and you want to get it loaded into the truck as fast as possible! The stroller has 16 configurations between being a single, double and travel system. My favourite thing about this stroller as a double is the fact that one child isn't stuffed into the basket, staring at the back of the front seat, like many single-to-double strollers are. I absolutely love the colour options for this stroller. We bought it in red, but there are many options available, from black to a silver-ish colour. There's new colours that will be released this year, including an all-black frame. From a parents perspective, this stroller has lots of thought put into the design. It's terrific for your casual stroll around the mall or for cruising local streets and parks. It glides across gravel and dirt paths and maneuvers through the aisles of your local stores with ease. From a toddlers perspective, this stroller gives me the option to ignore or talk to Mom. The canopy provides a nice, quiet cocoon when life gets overwhelming and I can't have every. single. balloon I see in a mall. I can help push the stroller by the footrest if the seat is reversed or by the support beam on the frame if the seat is forward facing. The basket holds so many items for me to dump out when Mom turns her back on me for a split second while getting everything packed up for our walks. I have only had this stroller for about 6 weeks but it is a wonderful stroller that I am thrilled to use. I enjoy all the features and thought was put into to make going for a walk in the park... well, a walk in the park! My son, at only 16 months, is actually quite good at sharing things.
Sure, he has trouble giving up a treasured item when it's time to put it away (ie his cup of water for bedtime the other day made him lose his cool) or when we leave without enough warning (five minute warning was actually only one minute - I didn't think he could tell time!) But he's always been good at sharing or waiting his turn. He totally understands when I say "There's someone using that right now, we will come back for a turn when they are done" or "Let's share and let this little girl have a turn" And at daycare and play dates, he follows the trade rule. If you want a toy, you have to see if the person would like to trade for it. Most times they do, he gets his item and everyone is happy. And when they don't want to trade, he scrambles to find a new toy to offer. Yesterday, though, I learned what he's not willing to share. Mommy. I got to his daycare to pick him up and came into the playroom where two girls, him and the instructor were playing. One little girl flocked to me and wanted me play with her. And D lost it. He forced his way onto my lap, wrapped his stick-thin arms around me and told his friend "Noooo!" There weren't tears. But there was a desperation I haven't seen often. He was not willing to share me. Not one bit. Maybe it stemmed from not seeing me much lately. With work, I had only seen him about twenty minutes a day for the previous three days. Maybe it was just his mood. Though he was happy as a clam in the stroller on the way home. Who knows. But seeing him not want to share me was quite odd. And somewhat heart-swelling. I love this age when they start showing more and more affection. When their little heads rest on your shoulder for a snuggle before being put to bed or when they are playing on their own, across the room, look at your with a big smile and run over for a kiss out of nowhere. Or when you read a book and he holds your fingers in his little itty bitty hand. I don't want him to grow up for my own selfish reasons but I know that as he gets older, we'll only bond more. Until he hits grade 3 and suddenly, over night, Mom is not cool anymore. And I have to give him a hug before he leaves for school in the privacy of home, and drop him off six blocks away in case on of his friends see him walking to school with his mom. Excuse me while I go wipe my eyes. There must be an eyelash or a speck of dirt in there. Honest. This week I made two great recipes. It was hard to decide which to share! The beans and rice was delicious! And it made a ton - we had enough for dinner, lunch the next day and dinner tonight. Even better : Dean actually ate it! I figured he would turn his nose up at it and not eat any. Next time I'll be freezing some so that we don't eat it three days in a row. (In my husbands words: "Would eat again. But not for a while. Three days is too much." And I agree!) Makes 8 servings
1 c uncooked rice 2 Tbs olive oil 2 medium onions, chopped 4 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 tsp ground cumin 3 Tbs tomato paste 3 cans (15oz each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed 1 1/2 c water 1 bag (10oz) frozen corn kernels 6 scallions, thinly sliced 2c shredded cheese salsa and sour cream tortillas if desired as wraps 1. Cook rice and set aside 2. Heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onion and cumin. Cook, stirring, occassionally until golden. (~10-12 minutes) Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, 1 minute. 3. Add beans and 1 1/2c water, bring to a boil. Reduce to medium heat and simmer, stirring ocassionally, until thickened (~10-12 minutes, again) Add corn; cook to heat through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in scallions. 4. Serve on rice. Top with 1/4c cheese. Add sour cream and salsa if desired. Freezes well - you can put into single serve bowls with rice for lunches at work or even wrap in a tortilla and freeze for a meal on the move. And has been for a while.
But what I told you that you could get your child checked out by a doctor and not have to sit in the waiting room with other potential illnesses and a screaming, fussy child who doesn't understand why they can't run around and get underfoot? What if I told you that you could do so from the comfort of your own home, in your PJ's? Would you tell me that I'm living in the past and doctors don't make house calls? If so, you're right. They don't. But I'm not living in the past. I am living in the future. Where you can have an appointment with a registered doctor via computer, smartphone or tablet. All you need is video capabilities and internet and a BC Care Card. There is no fee for their service, it's all covered by MSP, just as a regular doctor. Because that's what they are. They are regular doctors. They aren't med students in training, they aren't people that are googling your symptoms or walking you through WebMD diagnoses. They are fully trained, fully licensed doctors. And they are at your finger tips. This is such an amazing program for seniors who can't drive to their doctor and aren't as mobile as they once were. Or for someone who can never quite squeeze in a doctors visit in their daily life. Or for the stay-at-home mom with five kids that can't even imagine dragging them all to the doctors for a refill prescription for cream for little Johnny, so he has gone a week without. They can give you referrals, follow ups and even write you a prescription. Unfortunately, you will have to get dressed (or don't, we won't judge) to go pick up your prescription from the pharmacy. As Medeo says on their website : "We're re-inventing the house call" And they most definitely are! Visit them at https://medeo.ca/ or on Facebook They have an app on iTunes for those with iPhones and iPads Their hours are Monday-Friday 7am-10pm and Saturday 9am-3pm. This is only available to BC residents with a valid Care Card. Lifetime highest weight - 248lbs (08/2009)
Adult lowest weight - 160lbs (11/2011) Starting weight - 212lbs (01/2014) Current weight - 205lbs!! Goal for next week - 203lbs Loss for last week - 7lbs Total loss - 7lbs Yesterday I had a sense of dread about today. I weigh myself every morning so that I have an idea of an average loss as each day can vary. When I stepped on the scale yesterday morning, I was still one and a half pounds from my goal weight for this week. I was feeling a little low for missing my first goal weight, even if it was quite a lot to aim to lose in one week. However! This morning, when I weighed myself, I was ecstatic! I made it! Aside from my 1h of walking/activity each day, I haven't really upped my exercise yet. Running was supposed to begin today but I was asked to work and extra day this week so it was pushed back to Friday. While I miss my Starbucks specialty coffee, I've managed to live without (though had one as a treat yesterday for the first time in over a week!) I'm drinking at least 48oz of water every day and tea in the mornings. I've had a few regular-brewed Krueig coffees since the new year began as well. We've been eating healthier. And smaller portions. Rather than our lazy meal of pasta, which is high in carbs and calories, we planned better and arranged for leftovers of a healthier cooked meal. We're trying out plenty of healthier meals. Most are things we never would have made - that lentil casserole from this past Foodie Friday? We have never had lentils in our house before (except for D, but he hates them) but we loved it! It's likely gong to end up on the menu for next week again. Tonight? We are having rice and beans, something else we never have (unless with chili, that is) I've found so many healthy recipes that I can't wait to try out! I'm feeling good. I'm proud of my loss. I've worked hard for it and will continue to work hard to lose more. :) Today, Epic Parenting (a Facebook group that every parent should follow for some good laughs) had an image to poke fun of babies sleep positions. I had a good laugh as I looked through the list and mentally checked them all off as a position I've found D sleeping in. I wanted to share with you : The Many Sleep Positions Of Dean! And my favorite... What awesome positions have you found your child sleeping in lately? My son learned to say "daddy" (instead of "dada") and has realized how excited we get for him to say it. So he's been running around the house saying "daddy" over and over and getting excited when he sees my husband, shouting "Daddy!" and throwing his hands up.
And my husband has been loving it. Sure, he said "mama" before he said "dada" but that doesn't matter. Because "daddy" is official and cool and a real word (or so J seems to think and keeps reminding me!) I'll be honest, there's some jealousy on my behalf. D is a traitor, and I just have to learn to accept that. Before he was talking, I never liked the idea of being called "mama" My grandma was Mama. And while it is great as a grandparents nickname, it seemed a bit... hick, if you will, as a parents title. I didn't want to be called mama. I wanted to be mommy or mom. But the first time he said "mama" to me, I decided I could live with that. Until he learned mommy. This morning, Jason returned to work after two weeks off. He left in the early hours and sneaked in to give D a snuggle and kiss before leaving, while D was still sound asleep. When I woke him up an hour later, he looks at me, rubs his eyes and mumbles "no. no mommy" and tries to put his head down. I was so excited - he said mommy! So I scoop him up and tried to get him to repeat it. Instead, "mama" comes out. I seriously feel like my child is doing this to spite me. He ran around the house, calling out to Jason to see if he was home. I watched him scurry to the bedroom and pull back the shower curtains and check the computer chair - twice - while saying "Daddy" and trying to figure out where J was. He didn't understand when I told him dad was at work. Instead, he just pouted. We called dad to say good morning and to help D understand that Jason was not home. Instead, he lives in my phone - or so my toddler seems to think today. Because every time it makes a noise, I hear "daddy!" and pounding of feet running towards me. We played puzzles, read books, sang a million songs, went for a nice long walk and even snuggled for a bit. All throughout, I tried getting him to say mommy. But it was still just "mama" (Yes, I know I am trying too hard, but can't blame me for trying!) After nap, we walked to the recreation center to register for swimming lessons and while there, D let a loud fart go. Like, loud loud. Three receptionists looked over. The four or five people behind me laughed. And the lady beside me asked D "Wow! Who made that loud toot!?" And D responded "Daddy!" Suddenly, I'm okay with not being the favorite word. Yesterday, for those of you that missed it, my husband and I agreed on a challenge. Whoever used technology (computer, phone, iPad, TV etc) the least got a weeks worth of freedom from diaper changes. Yup, a week! Turns out we ended in a stalemate. I had my doubts about my husband lasting all day (except during nap and bedtime for D) since he's very into gaming and playing on his phone. But he surprised me. :) We packed up a lunch and spent the morning at the Vancouver Aquarium. Originally, we agreed my camera didn't count as technology. I took a couple photos while we were there and then put it away to fully enjoy the tech-free day. If you know me, I'm obsessed with capturing the moment and taking photos. I snap pictures of everything and anything, especially when D is involved. So putting my camera away at the aquarium is a big deal! But I loved it. Rather than playing photog and trying to capture the moment, I lived the moment. Instead of seeing the wonder in D's eye through my camera screen, I got involved in that wonder and helped point out other fish for him to look at. I enjoyed not caring about what time it was or tagging ourselves at the aquarium on Facebook and no interruptions. It was just me, my husband and our son. (And a lot of fish and other people!) It was surprisingly refreshing! I'll definitely be doing this at least once a month - with or without the threat of dirty diapers! Have you ever felt like your rely too much on technology sometimes? Have you ever "unplugged"? |