Motherhood May 25, 2018

Fisher Price Haul of New & Old Toys

Do you remember your favourite toy as a baby? Maybe you do by looking at baby pictures or your mom/dad must’ve told you a story that went something like this ..”you wouldn’t put it down and it went everywhere with you:..or…”we had to sneak it out of your hands to wash it”.. or simply.. “it was your favourite”. When I think of Fisher Price I remember my favourite telephone toy:

Fisher Price has created some pretty awesome toys since this telephone one and I think I’m having more fun playing with baby D’s toys than he is.😆 Five of these toys are part of their new Smart Stages™ line of toys. This Smart Stages™ technology allows you to change between 3 different playing levels. You change levels according to your little ones age. Or if your LO (little one) is like baby D and loves to explore and play with different things everyday then switching between the levels is a great idea. I’m a true believer that every child learns differently and there’s no one way. By switching between levels you can determine which level your LO enjoys the most.

The Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Puppy ($29.94)

This cuddly puppy goes with baby D where ever he goes! He loves songs and interactive toys, so the level that plays the most songs is his favourite. When he was just over a year old he learnt how to shuffle through the songs by pressing the correct paw. Incredible! Now Baby Z has the same one but the girl version.

The Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Scooter ($39.99)

His first wheels! I remember the very first time we put him on this scooter he was under a year and his legs didn’t even touch the ground. That didn’t stop him from smiling and squealing when we pressed a few buttons on it for music and sounds. He grew up with this scooter beautifully. He learned very quickly that in order to stay on he had to hold the handlebars and once he turned over a year he was getting pushed and pulled on this scooter. His grandfather used his cane to pull him on the scooter and then his grandmother tied a stretchy fabric band on it to be pulled. Soon his legs were able to touch the ground and he started moving around. Absolutely loved going for the ride and as the scooter moves around it plays different sounds of vrooming, music and more!

Beat Bo ($49.99)

I remember the first time I saw this little robot I was so impressed with the lighting and the way it dances! This robot jukebox plays music and engages with babies and toddlers to dance along. Baby D and Z have loved this toy for years! My personal favourite feature is the record option. You record something and it plays it back in music form.

SMART STAGES TABLET ($19.99)

I love how this was Baby D’s first tablet! It lights up and twinkles to different sounds and music. It also has different stages so it grows with your child. They can learn the alphabets, animals and the letter it starts with and the sounds that go with the letters.

TEACHING TOTE ($20.00)

Baby D didn’t play with this as much as his other toys but Baby Z loves it! She loves pushing the tote flap back and putting random items she finds inside it! I also love that this tote bag comes with over 50 songs, words and phrases.

LAUGH AND LEARN PUPPY TRUCK ($8.00 ON SALE)

This satisfied Baby D’s obsession with trucks and construction. Comes with a puppy driver, truck bed moves up and down and 5+ sing-along songs, tunes & phrases.

Do you have any favourite Fisher Price toys?

PIN BELOW IMAGE TO SAVE FOR LATER

Style December 7, 2017

What Happens During Brunch With Bloggers

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

During my early years as a blogger, I wondered what it would be like to sit among other like-minded individuals in the blogging world. So here I am, this year, with lots of breakfast, lunch/brunch and dinners with other bloggers and I gotta say, what an awesome experience! Some bloggers are very different in person from what I actually thought they’d be like according to their posts and online voice. And others, like the below crew, are exactly the same offline as they present themselves online. When they’re exactly the same, I have to admit I get such a feel-good feeling. It’s wonderful to see that realness and authenticity come to life. So here’s what happens during brunch with bloggers:

Bloggers – Left to right: YesMissy – Cat Forsley – Dianas Healthy Living –
Maggie Adhami – ME – Shoetease

What Happens During Brunch With Bloggers

Last month I met up with some amazing bloggers for brunch, in downtown Toronto. You might recognize them(see above). First, there are the quick intros and then the “omg that’s you!” chit-chat. And then lots of talk about blogging. Everything from how to editing, favourites applications, google analytics and SEO – (I’m drooling!) brands and events. I love talking tech! Plugins and what works for us and what doesn’t. If there is one takeaway you should get from this post, it would be “together we are stronger”. As similar as we may seem for content creation and voices; we all still have our own style, community, and our own niche experiences/opinions.

I love how bloggers bounce ideas off each other and the best part is when the food comes out, it comes out altogether so we can take flat lays, single shots and just pictures galore without anyone getting upset. Because we all get it! It’s a no judge zone and at that moment while taking pictures we are all pulling in the same energy and are alike. That is the very moment everyone really comes together. When we’re in our natural blogging element. Brunch with bloggers is not only about food, but getting to know the beautiful individuals I love to follow online and getting to know them at a much more realistic level.

outfit of the day toronto — Leather crop top – Zara

Breakfast of champions!🤤 @joebirdto also does take out. What did you have for breakfast today? 😊

A post shared by Lifestyle • Fashion • Beauty (@humjk) on Oct 26, 2017 at 6:28am PDT

Great minds think alike! Or maybe we all just like avo toast that much 🥑🍞🙊 Make sure to check out these lovely bloggers ➡️ @humjk @shoetease @catforsley @dianashealthyliving @ov.er_ex.posed

A post shared by Eileen | yesmissy.com (@yesmissy) on Oct 30, 2017 at 5:48pm PDT

Here’s what I wore to the brunch. I have been looking for a pleated winter skirt for so long! Now that I’ve found it, I want to wear it as much as possible! I found this skirt online at Aritizia and it was on sale for $80. Linked it and some others:

ONE – TWO – THREE

Matched the grey tone with a color block grey purse from Zara. Sorta similar: ONE – TWO – THREE

BRUNCH WITH BLOGGERS — Boots – Steve Madden

Tech December 1, 2017

TOP 3 Interactive Ways to Watch Netflix with Your Toddler

To be honest, I’m enjoying the freedom to watch cartoons again. I mean, of course, with him. I read an article a few months back about interacting with your children while they get screen time helps them actually focus and learn from what they’re watching. Otherwise, they can easily fall into just watching shows aimlessly. So here are my TOP 3 interactive ways to watch Netflix with your toddler:

TOP 3 Interactive Ways to Watch Netflix with Your Toddler

1. ASK QUESTIONS:

Asking your toddler what/why/how pertaining to the episode they’re watching helps them to stay in focus on what’s going on. It always opens communication with the parent. Usually, when I ask questions, soon after I’m holding some toys and we’re reenacting what happened on the scene he just watched on Paw Patrol.Or I’m googling for answers to his questions about specific animals. If you ask questions, they will too.

2. SING ALONG OR REPEAT:

If Baby D is watching, for an example, Mother Goose Club or the opening credits to any of the shows I sing along or even say the words I remember in the song and encourage him to join in. Even repeating important parts of the show helps with being interactive. Dora the Explorer is an easy one for this. This show actually interacts with the viewer, by asking questions, asking for help in making decisions and lots of repeating of words in English and Spanish!

3. USE TOYS:

I use toys that relate to the show. If we’re sitting down to watch shows with animals, then I line up all his animals. This one is a really good one if you have a hard time shortening your toddlers’ screen time. It’s a great transition into playing with toys.

Here are some great shows to watch with your toddler (for more, click the image):

Watching shows with Baby D that he loves, shows him my interest in his life. Shows him how much I care and love his obsession with animals. The beginner steps to being a supportive parent start here.

If you like these tips, please take a moment to save the below image to Pinterest! You never know when it’ll come in handy.

Food September 7, 2017

5 Best Toronto Ice Cream Shops

This summer I had lots of fun catering to my sweet tooth in Toronto. So many new ice-cream shops popped up in the last few years. With so many to choose from, I’ve narrowed them down to this summers favourites. Here are my 5 Toronto Ice-Cream shops you won’t regret trying. Call me crazy, but I’ll be going back to these places this Fall/Winter:

1. BANG BANG Ice-Cream

Location: 93A Ossington Ave

5 Toronto Ice-Cream Shops You Won’t Regret [FOOD]

I remember the first time I came here with our dear friends, it was a cold Saturday afternoon some time in the Winter/Fall. There was a line up out the store, down the street. That should say a lot on its own of how good this place is.

It’s not big inside, very minimal space to sit or stand. It didn’t matter, we ate ours just outside the shop.

We went with the ice-cream sandwiches. You choose the cookie and ice-cream combo and

you’ve got a drool-worthy masterpiece.

Loved the Homer Simpson art inside the shop!

2. Fugo Desserts

Location: 205 Dundas St W.

I was on a mission to try their cookie monster ice-cream! One of the things I remembered about the cookie monster ice-cream was that it wasn’t overly sweet and the cone was my absolute favourite part!

Inside the shop you’ll find about 5 – 10 seats and a huge chalkboard menu/graffiti. Feel free to write your name on the wall or whatever.

😋 SO good.

A post shared by Lifestyle • Fashion • Beauty (@humjk) on Sep 21, 2016 at 8:23pm PDT

This Cookie Monster ice-cream from @fugodesserts 👌🏼👏🏼 don’t forget the Oreo cone! 😍

A post shared by Lifestyle • Fashion • Beauty (@humjk) on Aug 1, 2016 at 7:47am PDT

3. Eva’s Original Chimneys

Location: 454 Bloor St W.

The very best soft serve ice-cream I ever had! This ice-cream is as filling as a main course would be. So eat light and then enjoy these cones.

5. Sweet Jesus Downtown

Location: 106 John St

Passed on the birthday cake this year for this massive soft serve birthday cone! #madeawish

A post shared by Lifestyle • Fashion • Beauty (@humjk) on Mar 19, 2016 at 7:22pm PDT

There was a long line-up for this place and very little space inside the shop, but there’s a bench right outside if you have someone to wait for. I love that this place has so many creative flavours that actually taste good! Plus, when’s the last time you saw a lit candle on an ice-cream cone?

Pin it for later?

#toronto #icecream #torontofood Toronto ice cream hot spots

easy lemon bundt cake recipe with cake mix

animal theme birthday party

Motivation August 12, 2017

Bloggers: Writers, Photographers and Ultimate Content Creators

I’ve been blogging for 3 years and my first social media platform (among the popular ones these days) was go figure, YouTube! The first video I ever uploaded was actually of my first kitten, falling off my desk. It was an accident and I happened to get it on camera. I want to also add that I was young and did not think she would fall off the table.

*no judge zone*

I started blogging a lot more regularly on my first maternity leave. Now that I’m on my second maternity leave, blogging has been what has kept me sane. Getting back into work mode, to come back out of it in less than 2 years can really do a toll on you. Especially mentally. So this time around I’ve been partnering, collaborating and really getting to know the business side of the blogging world. However, this doesn’t mean I say yes to everything that comes my way. There are have been many collaboration requests that I’ve turned down, due to them not matching my lifestyle, ethics or simply I can’t relate to the product or service and know for sure I would not like it. Also, if by chance I’m wrong with a collaboration and the product or service is not what I expected, I explain to the brand why and I don’t write about it. After all, not worth my time. But there was that time when I had that experience at a cafe where I wasn’t allowed to bring my stroller in and wrote about it. Hmm. So i guess it depends. It’s all in the writing. You choose whether you want to be civil and positive or get nasty. But remember, your writing, is your voice online.

Bloggers: Writers, Photographers and Ultimate Content Creators

6 – 7 AM : I’ve never in my life woken up so early until now. I guess two children will do that to you? I nurse my baby and most of the time she falls back asleep. I take some time to catch up to emails, message, social media and then wake up my toddler for breakfast.

8 – 10 AM: I drop off the little guy to daycare and then from there is when our day really starts for me and baby z. Sometimes we go grocery shopping, downtown for blogging events or to see my mom, or straight back home to get started on house chores or writing up my next blog post.

12 PM: LUNCH – Usually homemade if I don’t have plans or haven’t been busy running errands. #momlife

1 – 5 PM: Between these hours is when I really get busy with blogging. Unless I’m nursing, at an event or seeing friends. I also get some exercise during these hours. If I miss the window to exercise then I wait till later in the evening. Either go for a family walk in the neighborhood or laps inside the house.

First steps in blogging:

Always start with notes for your blog post. Then a draft. Proof read as many times as you can. Take a day or two away from it and then look at it again. (Fact: This post was written in a totally different angle and was changed a few hours before being posted.) Then post! I find one of the biggest advantages to nursing my baby is sometimes I have a hand free to write my notes or first drafts.

I try to keep a schedule but because babies and life is so unpredictable, it doesn’t always turn out that way. Sometimes I’m writing like a maniac at 1 AM. I’ve always enjoyed writing and so there is never a good time or a bad time to write. I just do it. So for those who are just starting off, my advice to you is to just do it. That is if you enjoy writing. If you don’t that could be a whole other struggle and I’ll save those tips for another blog post.

For the bloggers: Next time you tell someone you’re a blogger, remember everything you do to be a kick ass blogger. Whether you organize photo shoots with photographers, take your own pictures, partnerships, collaborations, editing, writing… you’re the whole works!

For the readers: Blog posts take time and in our writing there is a story, a voice or a message. When you take the time to read my blog posts I am extremely grateful towards you. You took the time to read it, allow me to thank you and to recognize who you are. Leave me a comment on social media, on the blog or even a private message.

Motherhood July 17, 2017

The first HUG. – Huggies – No baby unhugged. [Motherhood]

Today is Global Hug Your Kid Day and I’m excited to share some ‘first Hug’ stories with you.

^{When I first got pregnant, the very first emotion I felt was being scared. Being a mom is a big responsibility. The first thing I did though was hug my belly. Hug and rub. That first hug was to give my baby loving vibes and to remind myself that everything was going to be okay.}

^{As soon as Baby D (my first child) was born, the first thing my midwife did was place him on my chest for skin-to-skin contact. Before they cut the cord, I hugged and cradled him. It was the most amazing feeling in the world and all I could do was just cry the biggest happy tears of my life. I kept thinking, “Oh my god, he’s here. This is it. I want to hold you forever.” They put him in his first Huggies Little Snugglers newborn diaper and gave him back to me.}

^{The first HUG. [Huggies – No baby unhugged.]}

Everyday at least once he’ll ask for a ‘baby hug’ (A hug from his baby sister)

^{I didn’t clothe him right away. In his first pictures he was only in a diaper and a blanket. I wanted him to get all the skin-to-skin hugs

he could get.}

Skin-to-skin or Kangaroo Care is the practice of hugging and holding your newborn infant, clad only in a diaper, against your bare chest. In the hours, days and weeks after birth, it is one of the most valuable gifts you can give your child. Some hospitals even provide special chairs and body wraps, to help moms and dads provide skin-to-skin comfortably, for hours at a time.

^{Baby D is now 2 and a half years old and I still practice skin-to-skin with him. During bath time I’ll make sure I’m wearing a tank top and as soon as he’s out, in a towel, I hold him and hug him. We continue our hug all the way to our room where I have his clothes ready. Perhaps those hugs are why he’s sup}^{er friendly and hugs everyone, including strangers. Many times we’ve gone grocery shopping and as soon as he’s out of his stroller or the grocery cart he’ll go up to someone and hug their leg. There was one lady and her reaction that I’ll never forget. When Baby D hugged her and I walked over to get him (he wouldn’t let go), I apologized to the lady as he came to me and she smiled with tears in her eyes and said, “Usually children don’t like me or come to me, so that hug was really special and sweet.” I didn’t even think that the power}^{of his hug could move someone like that.}

We always keep a Huggies wipes box + a diaper at the end of the bed for late night quick changes.

^{The power of hugs is real. It’s comforting when you’re down and can lift you even higher in spirit when you’re happy. When you greet people you love, always be aware of your hug. You can immediately make someone feel how much you missed them or love them by the way you hug. A strong and long hug is always a lasting one.}

^{My first hug with Baby Z (my second child) was very similar to how Baby D got his first hug. The only difference was that the first hug was cut a little short because she was born at home, and I was on the floor, totally un-planned. That’s a story for another day. What I thought was really special though was when Baby D got his first hug with his little sister. I didn’t tell him, he just knew that the first thing he wanted to do when he saw her was to embrace her in a long hug and a kiss. He walked into the room, saw her and said “Aweee… baby!”.}

That first hug is a very powerful and emotional one. My best friend just had her baby and when they first placed her sweet angel on her chest we did a video call and we both cried happy tears for that beautiful moment. I felt that hug. I knew how she felt. It was just such a beautiful moment and I was honoured to share it with her, along with her family by her side.

My hugging plan with Baby Z is right after her diaper change to give her hugs and skin-to-skin. Did you know a child could have up to 5,000 diaper changes in his or her life? That’s 5,000 opportunities for hugs! There will be days when you’re super busy and you might forget – I’m guilty of that – I now keep some sweet reminders around her changing table to remind me to give her skin-to-skin time. When I’m changing her diaper and read the Huggies label, it’s a reminder of its own.

^{I also try to use products that nourish and protect her skin, like Huggies Natural Care wipes and Consonant Baby Lotion. They both contain Aloe and Vitamin E. I’m also obsessed with this whipped shea butter bum cream by Charlotte Cosmetics. So natural, that you can eat it!}^{Do you remember a hug that had a lasting impression on you? How about a ‘first hug’?}

Disclaimer: This post has been sponsored by Huggies. However, all views and opinions expressed in this post are of my own regarding the products and experiences.

Food July 13, 2017

Cafe Cancan Toronto Review: No strollers allowed. [FOOD]

Cafe Cancan is a fairly new cafe that opened up on Harbord Street in Toronto. Harbord street is a nostalgic area for me because I went to high school near there. The night before going to Cafe Cancan I did some research about the place and went on to their website to do some light reading about the cafe, the owners and anything I needed to know before I went there.

I love the fact that this cafe is actually designed by Tiffany Pratt. I love her happy go lucky style and everything she touches with her sense of design is incredible!

If you decide to visit this place, keep in mind that parking is a little bit hard to find in this area. We were fortunate enough to find a spot in the residential area, a block from the cafe. I was so excited to check this place out I didn’t mind the walk, although it was really hot. So I got Baby Z cozy in her stroller and we were on our way! So anyways, we get to the cafe and the front view of this place is just so pretty! If you know me, I have this thing with coloured doors. And a pink one! I died. It’s so cute! Immediately I thought, photo opp!

There are a few steps to enter into the cafe, but that’s no problem with the jogger stroller I have.

As soon as we entered Cafe Cancan we were welcomed by a lady and I asked for a booth for two by the door so I can tuck my stroller away. She looked at me and said “Okay, just a second.” and walked away. A few minutes later..

another lady came over. She leaned forward and said “Sorry, there are no strollers allowed here.” You can imagine I was taken aback and baffled. I had never been to a place, no where in Toronto and even in all of our travels with our stroller (Italy, Mexico, Niagara Falls *lol*) did anyone ever say to me, no strollers allowed. I guess I was at a loss of words so I was just staring blank at her and my brother who was with me also didn’t know what to say either. Then, and I don’t know why I said this… “I guess I could just leave my stroller outside and try to watch it from this booth?” And she replied, “sure.” I walked outside, and then of course after baby brain stopped kicking in, I realized, no way. I’m not leaving my $1000 stroller outside!

I started to think, forget it. I’m not staying here. Let’s just go home and eat whatever we can grab. But as we started walking back I thought, I shouldn’t change my plans because of one road block. I should find a way around it and do what I wanted to do. Why have this ruin my excitement to go there and enjoy the food and ambiance? So we walked back to the car, dropped off the stroller, I put a hat on Baby Z and we walked back in the heat.
It makes me sad to think that what if I was a new mom and this was my very first day coming out of my house and treating myself to a nice lunch with my little one and then to have them say to me “no strollers allowed.” I know for sure I’d go back to my car, go home and cry. Thinking perhaps moms shouldn’t go to cute places. Or maybe, baby and I don’t belong in a restaurant. But truth is, that’s ridiculous. And if a restaurant doesn’t allow strollers, then they should do their due diligence to write that on their website or by the door. Because I did mine by going on and checking to make sure it was a big enough facility. There was lots of space there for me to fold my stroller and tuck away. It wasn’t even busy the entire time I was there, there was a total of 3 tables being served and 2 people came in to get coffee to go. There’s also a decent long hallway to the patio in the back of the cafe.

We ordered burgers. I got the veggie burger and it came with a side of fries. I was really happy with the amount of avocado they used in this burger. I love avocado. It was nice. If I were to go back I would try something different as I wasn’t in love with it. It’s a messy burger so I cut mine in half. The soda was really good, but it’s $6. I’d love to go back for lattes and dessert.
The owners of the cafe were there and they were super nice. I didn’t mention what had happened. Would I recommend this place to others? Sure. Would I go again? Maybe. Only because the owners are nice, food was good and the place is so damn pretty!

P.S Later that same day we went to Lavelle and they were super accommodating. I folded up the stroller and put it against a wall that was pretty out of sight. Lavelle is a restaurant/lounge on a roof top on King St.

Have you ever gone somewhere and you felt not welcomed or discriminated?

Motherhood June 23, 2017

Postpartum Fitness: 5 Steps to Getting into an Exercise Routine

It is now 12 weeks since I had my baby girl. I’m itching to get back into an exercise routine. To be honest, I never really had a “routine”. Being active was second nature to me and I never really put any effort into staying healthy or to stay the XS small size I had a love/hate relationship with. Okay, please don’t kill me for saying this. For years I would have trouble gaining weight. This is before I had children. “You have a fast metabolism”, they said.

Fast forward after having two under two, and I’m having trouble losing it. Of course it’s in all the wrong places. My friends and I have countless times joked about a machine that could suck it out from one place and put it in another. Funny enough I found out a month ago a friend of a friend of mine actually did that and such technology exists! Crazyyy. And no, I wouldn’t try it. Surgery scares me. So here goes my steps to getting into an exercise routine:

Postpartum Fitness: 5 Steps to Getting into an Exercise Routine

STEP 1
Don’t start until you’ve healed and/or have stopped bleeding. Also, if you’re nursing, you don’t want to go to heavy either. You need to stay hydrated and not lose too much weight too fast. Some doctors say it could affect your milk production. Always check with your doctor before you do anything. Every body is made different and handles exercise differently too. Be safe!

STEP 2
Get some workout clothes you feel comfortable in. I shopped online and got some stuff from Shein.
The tights were great for my yoga routine and also wear really well if you have to go somewhere after. For a quick top to get on after your workout to look fly af, I paired it with my favourite white tank with the black lace.
Click images below to shop

STEP 3
Before you do any core workouts find out if you have diastasis recti, commonly known as abdominal separation. A diastasis is defined as a separation of the rectus abdominis muscle into right and left halves. Ask a doctor to check or check yourself here.

STEP 4
Create a schedule.
Monday – Morning Run/Walk
Tuesday – Rest
Wednesday – Backyard Yoga
Thursday – Rest
Friday – Morning Run/Walk
Weekend – Circuit workouts

STEP 5

Stay motivated. This will be the hardest step. You’ll want to give up and just cuddle and take those naps with your little one instead of working out while they sleep. But don’t fall into that rut. Stay motivated by finding new challenging workouts or don’t discourage yourself with things you can’t do yet and instead just go for a walk.

How do you stay motivated to get some exercise? Comment below with your tips! #Notgonnalie – I need that motivation right now.

Motherhood June 5, 2017

Sibling Love: 5 Tips On Transitioning Your First Child

The early days of being pregnant for the second time, I remember people asking me, what do you want? A boy or a girl? My main concern was, which would little one D get along with more? Would he be more jealous if it were a boy vs a girl or vice versa? Transitioning a toddler from being your one and only to ..”you’re a big brother/sister” can be difficult and/or naturally easy. Every child is different. I’m not sure if it was just luck, or if everything I did leading up to the birth and a month into her being here actually worked. He absolutely adores her. His transition and current status of being a big brother is working. He’s everything I wished for him to be towards his baby sister. Thank god!

Sibling Love: 5 Tips On Transitioning Your
First Child Into Being a Brother/Sister

I’m sharing the best tips and advice I either read about in baby forums or was told to try via friends and family. P.S I don’t consider myself some kind of baby/toddler expert. I’m constantly absorbing as much information I can on how to handle every stage of life for my LO’s. I also still believe a mothers instinct wins over any advice or tips. Here goes:

<Disclaimer: These tips may not work for everyone. Every child is unique and their personalities require less/more attention when it comes to preparing them for a sibling. A mother always knows best. And only YOU can determine what’s best for your child. Watch for cues from your child on what to do and say. Congratulations and good luck!>

Have the talk. As soon as I started showing I was pregnant I had a talk with my LO (Little One). As a matter of fact, I had more than one or two talks. Finding the right moment, when your LO’s entire attention is focused on what you’re saying is the best time to have that talk. Even if it’s for a few seconds. They do retain that information. Especially if you’re having that talk more than once. Opportunities like, before/after reading a book to your LO. During a car ride. At the grocery store while shopping for your new baby. These are all great moments to have that talk. What does the talk sound like? What do I say? I start off with rubbing my belly and saying there’s a baby in here. Are you excited for the baby? And then I just ramble on about being a big brother, how much fun he’ll have when baby can play and how much he’ll love being a big brother. I would end my talk with the same belly motion and saying again, baby is inside here. Baby is coming! I believe repetition is key. To a certain extent of course.
Ask questions. Little D is 2 years old. I’m always asking him questions. Allowing him to make decisions and so naturally I always asked, “what’s inside here?” (Pointing to my belly) Because of our talks he knew I was talking about the baby and he would reply “bay-beeee!” There were some days where he wouldn’t answer at all and just give me a weird look. I’d ask 3 more times and if still no answer. I’d try again in a few hours or the next day. Especially closer to my due date, i asked him like clockwork everyday during his bath time. Building his excitement for the baby’s arrival. Now that she’s here, my questions have changed to: “Is she cute?” “Do you love your baby sister?” “Do you want to give baby a kiss?”

READ MORE: Little D’s Carters OOTD
Our baby/Your baby. The first time Little D met Baby Z we got a present from her to him. A lot of my friends recommended this. I’m not sure if it worked and if he understood, but since so many recommended it, I had to try it. We got an elephant rocker and told him baby brought it for him. He smiled and played with it for awhile, and quickly lost interest in it. The excitement wasn’t there. Since I didn’t get the reaction I was looking for, whenever I took them both shopping with me, I’d get him something small and say this is from baby.
See, see, no touch. I know babies are tough, but newborns to me, will always be fragile little humans. So naturally when my LO wants to hug or touch Baby Z, I get scared and my first reaction in the beginning was to say “No.” But I soon realized saying no isn’t the best approach. Something I learnt from his daycare teachers was to use the word “gentle” instead. Now whenever he comes close I say “gentle, gentle.” It sounds obvious right? But when you’re in the moment, sometimes the first word to say that comes to mind, especially if it’s no, doesn’t seem to feel wrong to say. But the word no, could lead to your child feeling angry, confused or jealous towards the new baby. Gentle on the other hand, welcomes your child to be around the baby but to not be rough.

READ MORE: Motherhood series
Let’s do this together. When Baby Z cries, my LO and I both look for solutions. “Does she want a toy?”, “Where’s her Tee Tee (pacifier)?” – He use to reach for her pacifier to use it and now because I’ve included him in giving it to her, he reaches for it to place in her mouth. Even when she needs a diaper change, I ask him if he wants to help. Sometimes while I’m nursing her, he’ll come and sit beside me, or if he doesn’t, I always ask him if he wants to come. To make him feel like, we’re in this together. As your child grows and changes, their needs and wants change, and so will their emotions towards everything around them. The best we can do is to engage, ask questions and ensure your child is always a part of everything. Now when anyone is around Baby Z, he’ll grab them and point at Baby Z and say, “aweee. So cute.” Moments like this make me feel like all that work to make that sibling bond strong is so worth it. What are your fondest memories with your siblings? Any tips for mama’s?

Events November 13, 2016

Baby it’s cold outside – Baby Shower

There are so many baby shower theme ideas to choose from. Just do a simple keyword search for a baby shower on google or better yet, Pinterest and you’ll see! Baby D was born in February, a very cold time. So you know when I saw the ‘baby, it’s cold outside’ theme, I related to it, as it was my exact thought every time I wanted to take my new babe out. If your baby was born in the wintertime then this is the very best theme to go with! Also a great one-year birthday theme.

As soon as you know the theme, start looking out for items that you’ll need whenever you go shopping. I remember some of the items I bought months in advance. For instance, three glitter snowflakes. One large, medium and small from Pier 1 were regular $75 and had gone on sale for $40 right after Christmas. I figured they would make for great winter decor around the house during the season, so I bought them! They looked beautiful on our cake/dessert table. Side note: My besties and sisters (love them SO much) wanted to help with everything but I actually really enjoy doing the crafty stuff and organizing so I just couldn’t resist! If this is you, you can instead definitely get help putting it all together, hosting and don’t forget the games!

The sign I used, as seen above – was the same art I used for my e-cards and then I followed the same design and colours into the baby shower theme. The cake, napkins and you can’t go wrong with white for a winter-ish theme.

It took me a long time to make this (because it was my first time) but making your own table garland made with wrapping tissue paper is the best! It was my version of knitting, while in nesting mode. Here’s a really good tutorial.

I also made my own cupcake stand with two boxes stacked on each other wrapped in white tissue and hot glued some white snowflakes on the front. Would’ve been a cleaner finish if I glued some on the sides of the box too.

For this theme, I found having a hot chocolate station is a MUST. Imagine coming in from the cold to an event where they have hot chocolate. YAS!

Some of the games we played were passing the chocolate poopy diaper to music (or I think it was a balloon.) whoever was caught holding it when the music turned off they were out, and the last person standing/sitting won a prize. Basically the game hot potato. We had other general baby shower games like holding on to a clothespin. Can’t say certain words and if you do, you get your pin stolen from you from whoever catches you saying it. The one with the most pins wins a prize. We set this game up near the entrance to ensure everyone got a pin and also set up the takeaways at the same table.

takeaways

The takeaways were snowflake cookies made by the same wonderful lady who made my cake. I ordered some brown boxes online to put them in and some stuffing to keep them in place. The boxes are called kraft boxes and with lots of research, I found the best price I could find online, here. 30 for $13.80. I was told it was a great find 🙂 Totally didn’t stay within the theme for the late lunch. We had Italian and Indian food catered.

Baby, it’s cold outside game idea for baby showers

We also had my baby book (where I keep all of his ultrasound pictures and first time memories in) at the table for people to leave messages for myself or Baby D. I decorated it with snowflake decals too. Gah. Snowflakes everywhere!

Here are some great printables for this theme:

Hot Chocolate Station

Other great winter baby shower/winter birthday ideas:

Use cotton as snow around your venue.
Create your own polar bear made from cardboard: link
A snowman diaper cake:
Water bottles, label them as ‘melted snow’.
DIY glue snowflakes: link

easy lemon bundt cake

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About

Toronto Lifestyle Blogger
I love Sushi and BBQ, just not together. I'm a mom of two, I love to travel, obsessed with the cosmetics industry and we can have a very geeky conversation about Social Media Marketing and I promise you'll learn something new. I also founded many small businesses that you'll learn about the more you get to know me. Visit any of my social pages to connect or directly via email hihumjk @ gmail.com

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1. BANG BANG Ice-Cream

Location: 93A Ossington Ave

I remember the first time I came here with our dear friends, it was a cold Saturday afternoon some time in the Winter/Fall. There was a line up out the store, down the street. That should say a lot on its own of how good this place is.

It’s not big inside, very minimal space to sit or stand. It didn’t matter, we ate ours just outside the shop.

We went with the ice-cream sandwiches. You choose the cookie and ice-cream combo and

you’ve got a drool-worthy masterpiece.

2. Fugo Desserts

Location: 205 Dundas St W.

I was on a mission to try their cookie monster ice-cream! One of the things I remembered about the cookie monster ice-cream was that it wasn’t overly sweet and the cone was my absolute favourite part!

Inside the shop you’ll find about 5 – 10 seats and a huge chalkboard menu/graffiti. Feel free to write your name on the wall or whatever.

3. Eva’s Original Chimneys

Location: 454 Bloor St W.

The very best soft serve ice-cream I ever had! This ice-cream is as filling as a main course would be. So eat light and then enjoy these cones.

Location: 36 Vaughan Road

The wackiest ice-cream shop I ever saw. With Aladdin on his magic carpet, vintage decor and overall known to be a children’s fantasy land. You pick your ice-cream flavour, pick a cone and then pick your toppings.

5. Sweet Jesus Downtown

Location: 106 John St

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The first HUG. [Huggies – No baby unhugged.]

I didn’t clothe him right away. In his first pictures he was only in a diaper and a blanket. I wanted him to get all the skin-to-skin hugs he could get.

As soon as we entered Cafe Cancan we were welcomed by a lady and I asked for a booth for two by the door so I can tuck my stroller away. She looked at me and said “Okay, just a second.” and walked away. A few minutes later..

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takeaways

Baby, it’s cold outside game idea for baby showers

Here are some great printables for this theme:

Other great winter baby shower/winter birthday ideas:

^{The first HUG. [Huggies – No baby unhugged.]}

^{I didn’t clothe him right away. In his first pictures he was only in a diaper and a blanket. I wanted him to get all the skin-to-skin hugs

he could get.}

Sibling Love: 5 Tips On Transitioning Your
First Child Into Being a Brother/Sister