Two weeks ago I went out of town for the ShesConnected conference, which was an amazing experience, but I came home from Toronto exhausted, in every way possibly. Mentally, physically, emotionally, completely exhausted. Utterly spent. I have never felt so blue. I am overwhelmed by my blog. Utterly paralysed. Is this what writer's block feels like? It seems ironic, I get a … [Read more...]
Working Moms vs. Stay at Home Moms Infographic ~ IS the Grass Greener?
Citizen Optimum has commissioned a new study called Citizen Mom, which is taking a look at Motherhood from the inside out. I found reading through the results of the study both informative and entertaining, so I thought I'd share a few of their insights with you. INSIGHT #1: Don't perpetuate the myth of mom as Superwoman. Without realizing it, you're adding unwanted … [Read more...]
Fifty Shades of Meh, or Could Someone Please Explain What the Big Deal is With these Books?
It seems like everyone is talking about Fifty Shades of Grey, this trilogy of erotic novels by first time author E. L. James. I've heard plenty about the series, which seems to be taking the "mommy world" by storm. Personally I couldn't care less. However, for the past few days Fifty Shades of Grey has been on my mind because it's been chosen as the theme for the … [Read more...]
Oh, how I hate potty training! and where has my memory gone??
I hate, hate, hate, potty training. I detest it. I remember what an intensely lousy time we had with training girl #1. Or at least I thought I remembered. Here I am trying to start potty training girl #2, and I suddenly realize there are huge gaps in my memory. I’m a bit shocked to find I don’t actually have a clue where to start. I don’t remember when we began potty training … [Read more...]
Secret Mommyhood Confession – I’m No Dietitian
When it comes to making school lunches I sometimes suspect I'm a lousy Mom. I want to be the Mom making the cool themed bento-style lunches, with fruit shaped like flowers and tiny sandwiches shaped like animals. The reality is I'm the mom that goes to head to bed at 1 a.m. and realizes I forgot to make my kids lunch again, and I'm left wondering if anyone at the school is … [Read more...]
Postpartum Depression in the 1950s, my Grandmother’s Story (or A Short History of Postparturm Depression, from 1950-Now)
In 1951, after giving birth to her first child, my grandmother developed postpartum depression. She was diagnosed as having a "nervous condition". Her treatment took the form of electroshock therapy. She was twenty years old at the time. Separated from her family she was sent to a mental hospital in St. Thomas, many miles away from her home. In the meantime, my grandfather was … [Read more...]
Why My Friday Night Sucked, or On Taking My Baby Girl to Emerg.
Everyone in the house is sick right now with this sore throat stuffed up miserableness thing, that I am really hoping to shake off in time for Blissdom Canada. Thanks to a couple of last minute sponsorship angels I didn't have to sell my Blissdom ticket. (Thank you greenmuch.ca and sammygs.com!). Which means I had to, you know, actually book train tickets and stuff. Which … [Read more...]
Shoes, Tears, and the First Day at School…
Today was Rainbow's first day at Junior Kindergarten. She had some last minute reservations. She was so excited that she had a hard time falling asleep last night, so I wasn't surprised when she told me she was tired, and felt like maybe she wasn't done sleeping. She didn't like the change in our usually leisurely mornings. She complained that there was no time to read or … [Read more...]
The Kindergarten Jitters (Yeah, I’m still going on about that…)
I think someone has a bit of starting Kindergarten jitters. Someone other then mama that is. My brave and fiercely independent Rainbow has been clinging to me all day, asking for hugs and constantly touching me, pulling my hair, tugging on my skirt,and generally driving me NUTS. She has also been asking lots of questions about what exactly she will be doing at school. She is … [Read more...]
The Kindergarten Question – Resolved?
So here I am, sitting up until 1:30 in the morning, pre-filling out the Junior Kindergarten registration forms so that tomorrow morning I can take my daughter to register at the local French Immersion school. We called to arrange a visit last Friday, and dropped in for a quick peek. We wanted to register on the spot, but were told to come back on Tuesday. I wish it were … [Read more...]
The Kindergarten Question…
School starts in a few weeks. My Rainbow turned four back in July. She is old enough to enter Junior Kindergarten. Whenever I think about it I get an upset stomach. Junior Kindergarten? Frankly, I don't want to do it. This has been bothering me for months now. Back in February we attended the Junior Kindergarten open house for the nearby public school. I thought it … [Read more...]
Today I am Thankful for Extended Breastfeeding….
Rocket isn't feeling well. She has a fever. She is miserable. It is at times like these that I am thankful that I am still breastfeeding. I know that despite the fact that she hasn't had much appetite for the past few days, that she is staying well hydrated and getting the nourishment she needs. When nothing else seems to work to calm her down, snuggling on mom's lap and … [Read more...]
Secret Mommyhood Confessions: There Are No Photos
Last monday I gave Rainbow her first real hair cut. Monday also marked the first time that Rocket took a bath in the "big bathtub". Where are the photos? That's what everyone asks. Why aren't there pictures on Facebook? I know. There should be pictures of Rainbow's hair right before the haircut. There should be a smiling shot of me, with scissors in hand, cutting her … [Read more...]
Secret Mommyhood Confessions – Hair Hugs
I have long hair. My which I mean Really Long Hair. Seriously, down past my bum, encroaching on my knees, long hair. I haven't had short hair in at least twenty years. Over the years I have often been approached by strangers who want to talk to me about my hair. I am constantly asked questions, from the frequent and mundane, "Isn't it hard to take care of." (Heck no. It's … [Read more...]
How to make a perfect cuppa…
Morning tea time at my house goes something like this... Decide that I must have a cup of tea and start to head for the kitchen. Children notice I am attempting to leave the room and begin to panic. Toddler attempts to attach herself to my skirt. Carefully disengage toddler and make a dash to the kitchen. Now, why am I in the kitchen? Oh, right, I wanted a cup of tea. … [Read more...]