tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50834259815351283832024-03-06T00:08:05.319-08:00I want my NannyAbout having a nanny, wanting a nanny, childcare, babysitting, foreign-workers, the nanny-parent relationship, working moms, mommy guilt, toddlers...Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-66657216200087178862014-09-12T12:24:00.002-07:002014-09-12T12:24:26.062-07:00Well Hello There Stranger....Its not that I've stopped wanting my nanny. It is the opposite actually. This past year we have been nanny-less. Not only nanny-less actually, but also sitter-less, family-less and for a long time even friend-less. We moved to a new city and left all of our support system behind. Its been... well its been hard.<br />
<br />
After pushing myself hard for a year, on two practically full-time contracts, which left me no time think let alone reflect on our childcare situation, we moved to DC. I stopped working a month before the move and spent my time trying to get us organized. Then, I became the primary caregiver for my 2 kids in a new city, in a new country.<br />
<br />
I've now finished my first year as a full time mom. Both kids are attending school for at least some of the week, and I've got some time to breathe.<br />
<br />
Phew.<br />
<br />
We made it! I made it! A year of new house, new school, new friends, new grocery stores, different weather, new health care (!!!) plus the whole thing of never having a kid in full-time school and all the parent/student/activity/volunteer stuff that entails. Its amazing, when I think back on it.<br />
<br />
So today, I'll think back....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIUf93kKR-w_8qFE76vNnZAHHoUk20ci3fI5MRZip2loUGZGZGxjtkx0gF03JLuXztCybD9kl_hYvsdtqn0obWOgWcH1yicmFRfhOapmjUdVtqtWykHWNk85-mzSkZRHeaqj2_CAqCgc/s1600/IMG_5700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIUf93kKR-w_8qFE76vNnZAHHoUk20ci3fI5MRZip2loUGZGZGxjtkx0gF03JLuXztCybD9kl_hYvsdtqn0obWOgWcH1yicmFRfhOapmjUdVtqtWykHWNk85-mzSkZRHeaqj2_CAqCgc/s1600/IMG_5700.jpg" height="320" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Day card, yes, I'm holding a present and a coffee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-76823273181398602102012-08-30T11:34:00.002-07:002012-08-30T11:35:46.984-07:00Temp-orary InsanityYesterday was a tears in the bathroom day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhED6RGppiszGCrIh0tcKJM8vo2lRzF2IkcS84qpBhZhPBiqm-PUEUTTzwDkbgS4eTOk8T_cQyHmt0XprGYLx8uO4dZWlLlv5ucMB-DDzkR6_5GhSBZyFZkGYIXvNewQ7dgsiShY6hFLtA/s1600/hideinthebathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhED6RGppiszGCrIh0tcKJM8vo2lRzF2IkcS84qpBhZhPBiqm-PUEUTTzwDkbgS4eTOk8T_cQyHmt0XprGYLx8uO4dZWlLlv5ucMB-DDzkR6_5GhSBZyFZkGYIXvNewQ7dgsiShY6hFLtA/s320/hideinthebathroom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I woke up with a headache, broke my glasses and spent the day in meetings. Not a stellar work day, but everyone has them once in a while. The thing that put me over the edge, was when I got home at 4:45 to find my kids eating lunch.<br />
<br />
Yes, lunch. Their 2nd meal of the day was being consumed 8 hours after they'd been given breakfast by my husband. See, Dear A is on vacation again. And it's painful for everyone.<br />
<br />
Because this vacation exceeds her contract, it's unpaid leave. We have a friend of Dear A's watching the kids for us a few hours each day, and have arranged shortened work days/alternate hours to cover off the rest, but she's charging a higher hourly rate. Dear A's making less and we're paying more. Painful, sure, but something I had sorted out and accepted.<br />
<br />
The pain I'd forgotten (or blocked out maybe?) was the insanity around having a new caregiver in the mix. For some reason, I was thinking, "Ok, 2 weeks, no biggie. The kids know her, she's recommended...." instead of "Ok, I now have to train a new nanny, learn how to best communicate with a new person, re-sort out the dynamics of 3 caregivers in the house and so on and so on...." This blank on my part has resulted in backwards diapers, a runaway dog and the aforementioned food-less day for my kids. That's the part that really got to me yesterday - when my air-eater kid finally breaks down and asks for lunch you know he's really, really hungry. Realizing that, I felt like a really shitty mom. And had to hide in the bathroom for a quick cry.Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-22799240435758910442012-06-11T09:57:00.000-07:002012-06-11T09:57:29.328-07:00Keeping Up with the Jones'...NannyWell, here's something I'd never considered:<br />
I'm now spending money to keep my nanny, and kids, up with the other nannies & kids.<br />
<br />
So far this year, I've bought a zoo membership, a science centre membership and a half dozen tickets to the theatre & other activities. I haven't been to the zoo or the new science centre. I took my kids to one show - the other two, they saw with Dear A and other nanny-ed kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifLUo9ljaBlXksQ2nOwDJz89tL5dA1j9N9z3JlRfUeWRdjZoFGiR2b3kbQ0UYV2UfEtbIYLJmTu5nxkm4M197pLwYYKMcgEzz1RORXCPIZGIVeLbg8P0loDPig3vsmqYSwe3PTt0rrBA/s1600/theatre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifLUo9ljaBlXksQ2nOwDJz89tL5dA1j9N9z3JlRfUeWRdjZoFGiR2b3kbQ0UYV2UfEtbIYLJmTu5nxkm4M197pLwYYKMcgEzz1RORXCPIZGIVeLbg8P0loDPig3vsmqYSwe3PTt0rrBA/s320/theatre.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It sucks that I don't get to go as often as Dear A does.<br />
<br />
And it kind of feels like a double-whammy that we've bought these memberships so K can see his friends. We're lucky that we can budget for it, but its definitely a choice.<br />
<br />
I shouldn't complain, and I'll try not to. I'll try to focus on all the great stuff he's seeing and learning. I mean, at least he's out of the mall play park right?Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-73988130829284548992012-04-28T09:58:00.000-07:002012-04-28T09:58:10.721-07:00Wage Cuts for Foreign Workers - Wait, Its Not Good NewsOn Wednesday the Canadian government quietly changed labour rules regarding foreign temporary workers. Employers will now be allowed to pay them 15 per
cent less than the average wage.
<br />
<br />
This isn't good news. Yes, we have an affordable childcare shortage, and yes, temporary foreign workers from the Phillipines and Hong Kong have been wonderful at filling that need. But, we shouldn't be solving problems on the backs of other humans. Regardless of nationality or citizenship, everyone needs to be treated fairly.<br />
<br />
Human Resources Minister Diane Finley stated “We are taking action to ensure that the temporary foreign worker
program support our economic recovery and effectively responds to local
labour market demands,” at a manufacturing plant in Nisku,
Alta.<br />
<br />
The need for workers will only get worse as baby boomers age out and retire. The need for caregivers will also increase, as elder care is needed for ailing baby boomers. Instead of looking at policies that encourage workplace flexibility for families, the government is going for a short term, easy win. On the backs of others.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1602435039"><br /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/story/2012/04/25/pol-temporary-foreign-workers.html" target="_blank">Here's a link to CBC article with more details.</a><br />Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-45592889258698481882012-03-26T13:42:00.000-07:002012-03-26T08:11:18.349-07:00When you work at home, who's the boss?On the days I work from home, we have a pretty good system worked out. I'm usually a floor away from my kids, all baby monitors are shut off, and they usually head outside for part of the time. I have run into those moments though - when you're home and you can hear the kids acting out, and the nanny having to deal out some form of discipline. (Or not.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_dm8IkwFtQZSIcQMTKwGz6FGcGorHdZ_SMOm31StxMlhXxCmPhW_kRjgz5ydEtB-pjqjeSxcdbXNhbTomXsBQ_A1O9Y-97r2-9YVUwyEt1-veaiXU71aCSndTKTKwpbh1nGB9mwDXKg/s1600/tantrum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_dm8IkwFtQZSIcQMTKwGz6FGcGorHdZ_SMOm31StxMlhXxCmPhW_kRjgz5ydEtB-pjqjeSxcdbXNhbTomXsBQ_A1O9Y-97r2-9YVUwyEt1-veaiXU71aCSndTKTKwpbh1nGB9mwDXKg/s200/tantrum.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
So what's a work at home parent to do?<br />
<br />
My usual stance is, "I'm not here." To be true to my work, and in my mind, honour the situation. I have to treat my at-home desk the same as my at-work desk. When I'm in the office, I can't hear what's happening with the kids, or how the nanny is handling a situation. The home office needs to be the same.<br />
<br />
...I fell off that wagon today.<br />
<br />
I could hear K spinning into a full-blown tantrum/fit and the baby screaming as lunch time approached. Dear A was doing her best, but there are days when life comes together into the hurricane and there's nothing you can do. So, I stepped in. I calmed K down and reminded him of the rules around our house. I honestly wasn't doing it to interfere. I wanted to help. But, afterwards, as I returned to my desk I wondered if I'd overstepped. I wondered if by stepping in I'd made it worse for Dear A in the long run.<br />
<br />
I don't know the answer. I mean, I suppose, the situation is the same for all parents who have childcare, whether its mid-day or end of day, parents and caregivers each live the consequences of the others "parenting" choices.<br />
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It takes a village, right?Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-77112342841192933652012-03-23T07:21:00.001-07:002012-03-26T08:07:08.955-07:00Jeebus, No One Tell My Nanny!<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/25/magazine/the-best-nanny-money-can-buy.html" target="_blank">The Best Nanny Money Can Buy</a> - a recent article from the NY Times Magazine digs into the world of $200,000 (USD) nannies. "A nanny can increase her marketability if she can help manage an art
collection, draft correspondence, wash and fold 50 linens a day and help
set up philanthropic events. Bonus points if she can do it all in
Mandarin."Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-84935491421792773942012-03-17T09:48:00.000-07:002012-03-23T09:52:21.320-07:00Think Spring Forward Sucked Before?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORcczLStPiYWD7plUzuLL8htVbIk2te-Q96Xa2gVs-7ctFHY8jQ0qi2aEJWpFOUT76AYJORTqF-XTQBmqhpV4zIwQhl2LGgVcOi-3486UIT_SrikaS8lnKe11KC9yH1XZcZ9-zSpaP5s/s1600/trapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORcczLStPiYWD7plUzuLL8htVbIk2te-Q96Xa2gVs-7ctFHY8jQ0qi2aEJWpFOUT76AYJORTqF-XTQBmqhpV4zIwQhl2LGgVcOi-3486UIT_SrikaS8lnKe11KC9yH1XZcZ9-zSpaP5s/s200/trapped.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trapped.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been sleep deprived for 5 years now. No surprise to anyone, not even me. I expected to be tired when I had a baby, all the websites tell you so. What I didn't expect was to feel relieved, even refreshed, when I got to sleep in until 7am.<br />
<br />
All that sleep goes out the window with daylight savings time change. This whole week has been a disaster of slept-through alarms, tired kids and missed appointments.<br />
<br />
I used to love the extra daylight hours signaled by "Spring Forward." <br />
<br />
The only person who seems to have it under control is Dear A. Not only is she appearing 5 minutes earlier than usual, she's also the only one that doesn't run around like a chicken with its head cut off as the clock ticks down to departure time.<br />
<br />
I expected a lot of things when I had kids. I didn't expect to start hating Spring Forward. <br />
<br />
PS - Yes, that's me, trapped under a sleeping baby. I know I'm not the only one who's resigned themselves to an awkward sleep position just to get 5 more minutes. There's a lot of truth to this cartoon: <a href="http://crappypictures.com/2011/06/what-it-is-like-to-not-sleep-at-night-illustrated-with-crappy-pictures.html" target="_blank">Crappy Pictures: Sleeping or Not Sleeping</a>Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-41549857617874718792012-02-13T19:40:00.001-08:002012-02-14T11:09:10.497-08:00"Bring A Pink/Red Healthy Snack"Honestly, that's what the sign-up sheet outside K's class says for Valentine's Day. So... here's what I came up with Mini Quesadilla Hearts.<br />
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<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/02/13/3337.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/02/13/s_3337.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
Feel free to copy me tonight when you realize you haven't got your kids party snack sorted out. It took me about 30 minutes to pull this together. You could probably even have your kid help. Mine didn't. He was napping.<br />
<br />
Mini Quesadilla Hearts<br />
<ul>
<li>Tomato Tortillas (I bought 2 different kinds of red ones)</li>
<li>Cheese</li>
<li>Heart-shaped cookie cutters</li>
</ul>
<br />
Put the cheese between 2 tortillas, place in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. When the cheese is melted, use the cookie cutter to cut heart shapes.<br />
<br />
Nope, not rocket science, but I never claimed it was!Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-37193315383109502142012-01-27T12:48:00.000-08:002012-01-27T12:48:28.469-08:00Work vs Children Part 2: I Chose My Kids<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So, I was laid off yesterday. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuk58lla0QItoKUeBhsqrE1t-R8pNc_tDJ8uf9kj8Kx-rEJXITRgiaVpArJstmTVGepfJR1Yd9PDo_8m-c_GAFhakE3-lX8SVo9pB8fQtDXNR3Q1IU0XP_dj5PkeIuMXf_BzbwZPGKbA/s1600/IMG_1898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuk58lla0QItoKUeBhsqrE1t-R8pNc_tDJ8uf9kj8Kx-rEJXITRgiaVpArJstmTVGepfJR1Yd9PDo_8m-c_GAFhakE3-lX8SVo9pB8fQtDXNR3Q1IU0XP_dj5PkeIuMXf_BzbwZPGKbA/s200/IMG_1898.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not relevant, this pic just makes me smile</td></tr>
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Its fine. I knew, when I couldn't move into a full-time position with terms & conditions that wouldn't allow me to deal with school pick up and drop off, that they might lay me off. While it always stings a little bit to hear "your services are no longer required," I know its the right thing.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'PrimaSans BT,Verdana,sans-serif';"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Life is change - the company I spent 7 years with is changing, my kids' needs are changing, and, with her permits, Dear A's needs are going to change too. So, I'm embracing the change and looking forward to the next phase of my working mom life - something that will allow me to still contribute to the economy, my family, help our nanny, and still raise good kids. Tomorrow. Today, I'm giving myself a break to grieve and absorb.</span></span>Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-69668149984985080762012-01-19T08:55:00.000-08:002012-01-19T08:55:24.778-08:00Work vs. Children and the Childcare Dilemma<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgLRST31gZ1rpIDTGbun4I0ZCETmEjooj5hZ9KO5riFx9y94-wqMGqqardMYDycQuiWdWJLRoWNah5k5ILFGP-uqtif_Vqib70nWvpSOd8e9mPaW_Op_epzDiw24DfYwrBSUa3czrons/s1600/IMG_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgLRST31gZ1rpIDTGbun4I0ZCETmEjooj5hZ9KO5riFx9y94-wqMGqqardMYDycQuiWdWJLRoWNah5k5ILFGP-uqtif_Vqib70nWvpSOd8e9mPaW_Op_epzDiw24DfYwrBSUa3czrons/s200/IMG_0122.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If only he could drive himself, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's a <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/the-hot-button/hush-little-baby-daycares-begin-to-offer-night-care/article2304714/?utm_medium=Feeds:%20RSS/Atom&utm_source=Home&utm_content=2304714" target="_blank">Globe and Mail article today about daycares offering night care.</a> Between it, and our current struggles, I'm very interested in how child care/ work hours will shift as economic factors force more parents to work, technology allows more flexible ways to work, and baby boomers retire. <br />
<br />
K's getting older and goes more regularly to school (which at this point means an awkward 2 hours, midday) we're struggling with how to manage drop-offs and pick-ups now that I'm needing to work more hours. Dear A doesn't drive and K's current school is 1 hr away by transit (sidebar: this in itself is ridiculous, since its only 8 mins away by car) so without flexible work schedules, we're looking at 2 kids on the bus for about 2 hours each day. Plus while K's in school Dear A and the baby would what? hang out at a coffee shop? All this with a nanny - I can't imagine the struggles for shift workers.<br />
<br />
I think we need not only a solution, but a shift in the way we think about the problem.Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-25725468883556657442012-01-17T09:09:00.000-08:002012-01-17T09:09:23.707-08:00Bye Bye BabyMy baby girl's first word was "Bye!" complete with pudgy little waving hand. Yup, a gut-wrenching, heart-ripping, "Bye!"<br />
<br />
My little one, my last baby, has grown up with such a stream of comings and goings that the first thing she has learned is to say goodbye. She says is pleasantly, with a smile and sweet face. She seems ok with it, knowing already, that we eventually come back.<br />
<br />
Its good, I guess, that she's ok with us leaving.Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-78820602997999400312011-12-09T08:02:00.000-08:002011-12-16T17:02:01.707-08:00What Do You Get the Person Who Has Your Everything?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcX5Z4Jj8s5HKe_E3xylHE_S3px_wAeRPxpJt_P2Auqaa_7H78RxwLTCT1Veg1ozcRKCWokatqJi1OhzT-_2RPb7WKTSHUXmxnOzkXwmHxTky18PoFcPbxQa8UzNt9NALHVKKV85aDEE/s1600/Christmas2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcX5Z4Jj8s5HKe_E3xylHE_S3px_wAeRPxpJt_P2Auqaa_7H78RxwLTCT1Veg1ozcRKCWokatqJi1OhzT-_2RPb7WKTSHUXmxnOzkXwmHxTky18PoFcPbxQa8UzNt9NALHVKKV85aDEE/s200/Christmas2009.jpg" width="179" /></a>Hands up if you're done your Christmas shopping, stuck to your budget and have everything organized? (If you put your hand up it'll just make it easier for me to find and slap you!) Kidding!! But, it is that time of year, when holiday stress drives me to eat and drink. Lucky for me the food and drink this time of year is extra healthy and low-calorie....oh wait.<br />
<br />
In particular, being on a reduced mat leave salary had made the looming Christmas and Nanny Bonus stressful, until I figured out a present that would work for both us and Dear A.<br />
<br />
I know quite a few parents wrestle with the what/how much nanny Christmas present. In previous years I've looked for a gift that is nice, meets a need and then given a cash bonus as well. This year I was out of ideas on the jewellery/watch/luggage option that fit our budget and really, wanted to look at a non-thing present.<br />
<br />
I asked Dear A about her plans for the holidays in passing and ended up with the perfect idea. It turned out she wasn't going to visit her friends due to her ride/co-travellers not having time off. So there was my idea: extra days off and a ticket to see her friends. It was a perfect solution - out of pocket it was less for us, and a more meaningful gift.<br />
<br />
What are you getting your nanny? (And, what are you getting your sister in law? I'm out of ideas... thanks.)<br />
<br />
PS - Just FYI, I did ask Dear A before purchasing her ticket. Wasn't going to have <a href="http://iwantmynanny.blogspot.com/2011/05/nanny-birthday-gift-fail.html">this</a> #FAIL happen again!Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-89046713236704881672011-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:002011-12-16T07:19:10.824-08:00Two Words That Struck Fear into My Heart<b>Open. Permit.</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8kgdn4lSZPqfE4tdy3KB8DRuDoM-IlZdcfQlV7iNCnDtCfqRaIq12RjBeGl0Va74VyjVqP-nEw5P-1FbJAMCxrTMrAmwVMV7isH1WMynDdepdEsYi03SA1DWXMIWbC5a8rmCIQ9_5mo/s1600/ScaredFace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8kgdn4lSZPqfE4tdy3KB8DRuDoM-IlZdcfQlV7iNCnDtCfqRaIq12RjBeGl0Va74VyjVqP-nEw5P-1FbJAMCxrTMrAmwVMV7isH1WMynDdepdEsYi03SA1DWXMIWbC5a8rmCIQ9_5mo/s200/ScaredFace.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scared Face.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As in Dear A got hers and can now apply for employment outside of our sponsorship and the Live In Caregiver Program. I almost didn't write about this because I'm terrified that someone will read this and come and steal her away. (Please don't.)<br />
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In the big picture, this is great news for someone I truly adore. Dear A has worked hard for this opportunity and it means she's one step closer to the life she wants to build in Canada, but... GULP, what if she leaves?<br />
<br />
I've been thinking about it for a while - since we started the applications - and we've talked about it. I know that our new contract is good, and that she's happy with us. I know that always talking to her about part-time jobs, future jobs, schooling and ways for us to help her on that path will ensure no big surprises. But, I also know the wait lists for good day homes and day cares in our neighbourhood and the problems families are facing finding childcare all over the city. <br />
<br />
So, I'm still scared.Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com2Range Road 252, Mossleigh, AB T0L 1P0, Canada50.625073063414348 -113.3789062545.467259563414345 -123.48632825 55.782886563414351 -103.27148425tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-22210552935345909822011-10-12T20:44:00.000-07:002011-10-13T07:37:02.565-07:00Went to Work, Missed a First of the LastAnother one of those days.... I went to a meeting while Dear A took both kids to the park, and discovered Baby Girl's love for the swing. Apparently she laughed hysterically and cried whenever the swing stopped. Another little personality moment that I didn't get to discover. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj94A08kldaSl7q8UkUSVOr100Z6Z5YXU_-QyOfhyK6V4iSwVASjZ8jbRwrv66BI4OVCPtUXeiCyfjf4mKxh1ypujz7_qJiT1IB9K18-cgJi_11nxtJqx_8pa8hxz5ZDNRvfK2WTvkVNU/s1600/babygirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj94A08kldaSl7q8UkUSVOr100Z6Z5YXU_-QyOfhyK6V4iSwVASjZ8jbRwrv66BI4OVCPtUXeiCyfjf4mKxh1ypujz7_qJiT1IB9K18-cgJi_11nxtJqx_8pa8hxz5ZDNRvfK2WTvkVNU/s200/babygirl.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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I'm sad that I missed this big first and feel like a bad parent because we hadn't thought to try her on the swing yet. Beyond the fact that K hated the swing until about a minute ago, and our expertise is coloured by "the first kid", its the classic working parent thing - you spend all week working and weekends get plugged up with social stuff and errands so you miss out on some of the basics. I'm also wondering if I haven't been delaying trying some of this stuff because I want her to stay a baby. My last baby... yeah, last, I'm pretty sure, no I'm sure...she's the last.<br />
<br />
Being able to be home with her, more than I was with K, has been amazing. And that's tough. Its tough to let go of each little baby thing; the newborn onsies are packed away, the food mills gone, and the bassinets been donated. With each step, my last baby is becoming more "last" and less "baby."Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-85809991361404245342011-10-06T10:00:00.000-07:002011-10-06T10:04:36.895-07:00Sidebar: Its My Birthday Today!<div style="font-family: inherit;">
Ya, I'm behind on my posts. I've got four drafted, sort of brewing, and I know, I know, I owe you guys the Nanny Q&A too.... but guess what? Its my birthday and instead of "should"ing, I'm doing what I feel like! :-P</div>
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Today, I'm not blogging, I'm celebrating! </div>
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Today, I'm 36. I have 2 perfect,
PERFECT! kids, a happy marriage (hey, at least we can both see a
light at the end of the baby-stress, job-stress tunnel.)
I'm employed, and a good, smart worker. I've lost the baby weight. I
make sure my family have healthy home cooked meals together almost every
night. I have a great relationship with my parents, brother and sister
in law. I live in a nice house and am a good neighbour. I volunteer for
the food bank, because food has such meaning in my life that I can't
bear the thought of others going hungry. I have happy, rescued pets,
who's lives are better because of me. I have a best friend and am a good
best friend. I keep learning. I am a good connector and try to help
people if I can. Oh, and I'm the "Best Mommy Ever":</div>Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-55265436032329910802011-09-23T13:50:00.000-07:002011-09-23T14:08:42.290-07:00Guest Post: I'm the Nanny!<span style="font-size: small;"><i>T</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>hose darned kids are teaching me stuff I never learned in school</i>...</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQh-juAG1KOzKUjK9e4hbl0TkZD4U_g8hBBQjPj_MDkWzNILgHv4Abvdjg1XugzOjEHbaOyREmIDVfEfWuDNTSN8ViWhGKkJjg9VT5U33VXqXRNsLo_L4uUAkL_ZT6w5dNIuOia41OOSY/s1600/TheGuestNanny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQh-juAG1KOzKUjK9e4hbl0TkZD4U_g8hBBQjPj_MDkWzNILgHv4Abvdjg1XugzOjEHbaOyREmIDVfEfWuDNTSN8ViWhGKkJjg9VT5U33VXqXRNsLo_L4uUAkL_ZT6w5dNIuOia41OOSY/s320/TheGuestNanny.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now first off, this is my very first ever guest post. The rule of 'being nice to the new kid in class' applies here too! Secondly, after you're done reading this awesomely amazing (super nerdy) post, you have to go ask me a Q so i can give you an A. Easy enough right?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On the grown up side of the baby gate, a couple words about The Nanny ...
for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week (and a bunch of weeks a year) I am a nanny. In all the other hours of the day I am a sorority girl, a bookworm, a girlfriend, & an avid solo movie goer. My blog, <a href="http:///">The Nanny by Day</a>, is my way of sticking with my love of writing, getting out all my bubbling emotions, and of course, keeping track of the adventures I have with the two little girls who run my life. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So what's it like being a nanny? It's like being a mom. But, without the sleepless nights, the breastfeeding, the birthing, and the bills. Sounds like a pretty delightful time doesn't it? Most days, it is. Some days, it isn't. On mornings when I am met at the door by two smiling, excited girlies, I love my job. On mornings when I am met at the door by a chores list longer than my arm, or a little girl who only slept for two hours, or a 3 year old with an attitude worse than miranda from SATC, I still love my job. Just not as much. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a name='more'></a>Through my work, the amazing mommy blogs out there, and twitter (find me <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/thenannybyday">@thenannybyday</a>), I've learned A LOT about childrearing. SO MUCH! Just ask my mom! My first few weeks as a nanny, I gained an unbelievable amount of respect for my own mama - she rocked the SAHM role and raised 4 amazing kids (if I do say so myself. wink wink.) And I also gained an unbelievable amount of disrespect for anyone who ever says staying at home with kids must be 'so easy' (or any other statement along those lines). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Back to being raised by a good mama ... I'll stick to the lesson of 'if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all' when dealing with those ignorant individuals. And just flip 'em the bird when they turn their backs. Of course, not in front of the kids. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">More importantly, I've discovered just how much parents - and nannies - can influence their children, just how important daily doses of fresh air, healthy food, and good ol' country music can be to kids, and how going with the flow is the only way to go. I've learned that there's no such thing as 'super moms'; just really hardworking, really tired women with more love in their hearts then they know what to do with. I've learned it IS okay to plunk a kid down in front of Dora or Harry & his Bucketful of Dinosaurs for half an hour, just so I can eat my own lunch in peace. I've learned I'm not the only one that has escaped to the sanctuary of the bathroom - locked door, lights off, counting down 300 seconds of 5 whole minutes - just so I can gather my thoughts. I've learned that my little girls are fearless, that they love wholeheartedly, and that some days, they teach me a whole heck of a lot more then I could ever teach them. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When I decided post secondary was going to chill on the back burner for a while, one of the only things I knew was that I didn't want to spend the next year of my life serving tables. Although teaching wasn't the right path, I know in my heart kids is. And always will be. I've wanted to be a mom since kindergarten. Ih yes, i actually wrote that on the 'when I grow up ...' worksheet. I don't have years of training under my belt, or a twitter with a trillion followers, or a show on national television. I don't even have my own little rugrats! I just have a passion for kids, a disney driven imagination, and a free spirit. And so far, it's working out pretty delightfully. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>if it's not okay, it's not the end</i></span>Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-41160769025633033082011-09-20T08:42:00.000-07:002011-09-20T08:46:04.531-07:00Q&A With A Nanny - Not Yours, Don't Worry!One of the reasons I love Twitter (<a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/shosized">at shosized</a>) is that I've made some random new friends. One of them is a very cool nanny from the Edmonton area (<a href="http://thenannybyday.blogspot.com/">read her blog here</a>) who's agreed to do a little Q&A for me.<br />
<br />
So here's your chance to find out why some one would agree to look after your demon spawn for a living.... <br />
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Email (<a href="mailto:shosized@hotmail.com">shosized at hotmail dot com</a>) or tweet (<a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/shosized">at shosized</a>) me your questions by September 30th and stay tuned for the Answers Post!Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-4204857245791086682011-09-16T11:05:00.000-07:002011-09-16T11:05:34.439-07:00Alberta's Best Mama BloggersThe last two weeks have been tough. We've got K into his pre-K routine, but he's not loving it yet, and really, neither am I. As is typical for fall, work has ramped up too. On one hand, I love the energy and creativity when business and communications planning ramps up in the fall, but on the other hand, I am brain drained.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Bh5sDtnydhaw80QDJ-ABwLSAHTGUQGF1WF_9gtAERO2OjW6gzjVr4xM9ahwHGqjY6yqD9jDG_rZ7q1ZI2kQXjWmDDA2csxCD7yl0a_clcTV0cKJKYpehpsNeS1JUdpTb_a-Da1QZFDw/s1600/crawlinghelper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Bh5sDtnydhaw80QDJ-ABwLSAHTGUQGF1WF_9gtAERO2OjW6gzjVr4xM9ahwHGqjY6yqD9jDG_rZ7q1ZI2kQXjWmDDA2csxCD7yl0a_clcTV0cKJKYpehpsNeS1JUdpTb_a-Da1QZFDw/s200/crawlinghelper.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>So, as you can see, the blogging has been slow. So has the tweeting. (You can find me <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/shosized">@shosized</a>) I've been working on keeping my head above the water of school calendar, birthdays, Halloween, bill payments, business plans, dry cleaning, baby food making, garden harvesting... ergh, that reminds me I've got to find out what the family & inlaw thanksgiving plans are...giving thanks...still have to write the thank you cards from Baby Girls party....where was I? Oh yes, drowning.<br />
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I did get a life preserver though, a little bit of sunshine that reminded me how much I love this blog, love having this outlet, and that there are many many of us in the same boat out there.<br />
<br />
<b>I made the <a href="http://modernmamamusings.ca/2011/09/09/albertas-best-mama-bloggers-revealed/">top 5 in Modern Mama Musing's list of Alberta's Best Mama Bloggers!</a></b><br />
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I really recommend checking out the list, each blogger is funny, frank and worth reading! Thanks Modern Mama! And thanks readers! xoxo!<br />
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PS: Baby Girl is now crawling. This makes working at home very very easy. Simple, really.<br />
PPS: Yes, I am now using my prego-pillow as desk leg padding.Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-76322689134050835802011-09-06T21:13:00.000-07:002011-09-06T21:13:32.074-07:00Pre-K for my Baby KWe took K to his first day of pre-Kindergarten today. It was "kinda hard." His words. My feelings.<br />
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With all the books, puzzles, crafts, and a brand-new playground, I don't think the day was all that hard for K. It was a short morning of singing and playing with his best bud S. He got to use "zissors," which Mummy never allows at home.* And, he had us in tow to help with indoor shoes and cubbies.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vNXFedZ7HobG5L-aMS8wqDpeuZ5agsyCMs6n_EQjEJXOBVdvM-mwbExdF2Bg_cyOpv5BlY2pESYAYksMSkmy4QYu8IBVCzJC5Z_A8sidQ9hE_-D3cGpim4KvpSxafZmCiGmK4KuPs4E/s1600/PreK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vNXFedZ7HobG5L-aMS8wqDpeuZ5agsyCMs6n_EQjEJXOBVdvM-mwbExdF2Bg_cyOpv5BlY2pESYAYksMSkmy4QYu8IBVCzJC5Z_A8sidQ9hE_-D3cGpim4KvpSxafZmCiGmK4KuPs4E/s200/PreK.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>It was definitely hard for me. <br />
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It was hard to not be furious with K's dad when he mentioned, the night before, all the things K needed for school. (More so, since I had had to miss the orientation meeting due to work.) It was hard to get us organized to be clothed, fed and out the door on time, even with Dear A to watch the baby girl. Most of all, it was hard to see my little baby boy at the playground surrounded by older kids on recess. He looked so tiny.<br />
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The next class is un-parented. I think it might be "kinda hard" on both of us. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*In my defense, we have stainless-steel-chop-through-a-raw-dead-bird scissors, so its not like I'm being crazy paranoid.</span>Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-3527854385436095512011-08-21T21:09:00.000-07:002011-08-21T21:25:03.643-07:00A Life WithoutDear A's back from holidays tomorrow. She's been off for three weeks. The first two weeks we were on a family mostly staycation. We missed Dear A but it was lovely to spend time together, sleeping in and goofing around. Last week we were both back at work, and juggling childcare. It was a challenging, and enlightening dry-run for when, eventually, we are without a nanny. <br />
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So far I've realized:<br />
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Without a nanny, I will be at least 10lbs heavier. Since she's been gone, I've gained 4lbs. Chasing after my kids does burn calories but it's counter to the large amounts of crap food we eat when I don't have time to cook properly. And with Dear A, I can usually find 30 minutes to get some form of exercise, without having to pay for a gym with drop in childcare.<br />
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Without a nanny, the dog would be at least 10lbs heavier. Because Dear A can help manage the kids breakfasts, our dog gets at least a few minutes for a walk each morning. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wwc3gIncswIqX6_TY70d8mpOlBF8n80puYn2VC36xoY923BPUZoxeNzh3Kawf8UjD2aEwp_zr9u7q089PQfnIgGqiy32yXFRbbmDSDUBQlEWZioLctGiqF_IK4wDBSx2KWDaY-JAyzM/s1600/Child_Labour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wwc3gIncswIqX6_TY70d8mpOlBF8n80puYn2VC36xoY923BPUZoxeNzh3Kawf8UjD2aEwp_zr9u7q089PQfnIgGqiy32yXFRbbmDSDUBQlEWZioLctGiqF_IK4wDBSx2KWDaY-JAyzM/s200/Child_Labour.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Without a nanny, my house would be at least 10lbs heavier... due to all the dust and dog and cat hair it accumulates daily. When Dear A's here, the house get swept every day, and dusted every few. With us... well lets just say even the dog is sneezing right now. I'm working on the child labour but neither one of them is there yet!<br />
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Without a nanny, my hubby'd probably be 10 lbs lighter because we'd never get any alone time so he'd probably be all about the working out etc. so he could have an affair. Well, maybe not quite, but we'd definitely get a lot less time together to re-connect and keep our marriage going.<br />
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All in all, a life without our nanny would be a lot heavier... and a lot less. Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-61619406672612814392011-08-17T21:45:00.001-07:002011-08-17T22:14:06.020-07:00F*CKHere's what happens when you have to beg and borrow childcare:<br />
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Tonight, K told me about "nuts." <br />
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<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/17/4649.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" height="200" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/17/s_4649.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="150" /></a>"Its a Shhh bad word," that so-and-so's friend told him. I didn't get a clear picture of what else went down (talking to my 3 year old often reminds of my attempts to get subway directions in Turkey) but the gist implied an off colour conversation, and possibly a demonstration, with some older kids at the park. This was Day 2 of what is essentially an all week play date, because Dear A is away, and we both had to work. And now I'm left feeling annoyed, angry, and guilty. <br />
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I'm waffling between taking the next two days off to take care of him myself (which would wreak havoc on work) or having an uncomfortable and possibly ineffective (due to the hazy understanding of what really went down) conversation with the two nannies who are supervising the play date this week. Don't get me wrong, I think both are fantastic caregivers. I just think maybe the huge group care wasn't the best solution. Or maybe I'm just feeling guilty for not being at the park to help my kid navigate a situation that made him uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
And so... F*CK!!<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneShohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-7980229148213564142011-07-29T16:56:00.000-07:002011-07-29T16:56:36.057-07:00Top 5 "You Didn't Know You Needed" Items for New MomsIf you've looked at my blog roll (on the side) or a few of my previous posts, you know that I'm a <a href="http://www.yummymummyclub.com%20/">Yummy Mummy Club</a> fan. This week they're sharing some Top 5 lists: <a href="http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/top-five-purse-essentials-when-you-have-kids?s=newsletter072811">Top 5 Purse Essentials When You Have Kids</a>, <a href="http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/top-five-reads">Top 5 Yummy Summer Reads</a>, which I thought were great.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10oS2e4B8an68wB8AjrdB-xyr2-SZo11iaFwIdMVq0r6CgBXucwR5AVLrnAJ7tazzAWCauOdq6Nikpr8DKZipI0jb1_nMSuUCoLUjNlikZgbA9YXUzW3tFmw5xSA48mv2FiIs1o6euNA/s1600/SleepDeprived.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10oS2e4B8an68wB8AjrdB-xyr2-SZo11iaFwIdMVq0r6CgBXucwR5AVLrnAJ7tazzAWCauOdq6Nikpr8DKZipI0jb1_nMSuUCoLUjNlikZgbA9YXUzW3tFmw5xSA48mv2FiIs1o6euNA/s200/SleepDeprived.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Inspired I thought I'd share my own Top 5 "You Didn't Know You Needed" Items for a New Mom.<br />
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Now, I'm not thinking about big baby gifts here, I mean, the 5 things that every new mom needs to keep in her purse/diaper bag and wouldn't probably think to buy for herself. Gathered from the zillion times I've thought to myself, "Ergh. I forgot..."<br />
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<a name='more'></a> <b>Number 5: Mini Deodorant & Travel Toothbrush/Toothpaste</b><br />
Hit the drugstore for the mini versions, grab a couple of each to stash in the diaper bag or car. There's something sleep deprivation that messes with basic hygiene rituals. I can't count the number of days I've wondered "Did I shampoo my hair?" or realized, as I'm sweatily heaving a stroller out of the car that I forgot deodorant... and I stink.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6_6asVoljSjzY73fBrBzqtU3JhuV9YKxyKyXGjCP5d5LdTXeQUvLUKVfMtO-6aYAOs1rP1lRmhUGFhHywRXc8K21hvC6WLCaGgokaNBpLzETQFMmeM0OQE-YuWaprU6CrAq6GgY8qoY/s1600/SleepDeprived2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6_6asVoljSjzY73fBrBzqtU3JhuV9YKxyKyXGjCP5d5LdTXeQUvLUKVfMtO-6aYAOs1rP1lRmhUGFhHywRXc8K21hvC6WLCaGgokaNBpLzETQFMmeM0OQE-YuWaprU6CrAq6GgY8qoY/s200/SleepDeprived2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<b>Number 4: Travel Mug</b><br />
Sleep deprivation needs caffeine, and when you're balancing a baby, diaper bag, keys, maybe another kid or two, or a dog, or laundry, it means a travel mug. I recommend buying two. And make sure they're unbreakable and sealable. Confession: I even take mine into the shower sometimes... pathetic multitasking, I know. My favorite is <a href="http://www.starbucksstore.com/Stainless-Steel-Tumbler---Apple-Green%2C-16-fl-oz/011011968,default,pd.html?start=13&cgid=tumblers-and-travel-mugs">this stainless version</a> from Starbucks.<br />
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<b>Number 3: Dry Shampoo & Good Brush</b><br />
Waaay back when I was younger, we used to use baby powder as a dry shampoo, and to make our bangs really big & poufy. It worked great for my blond girlfriends, not so much for me. Well, that's changed, now you can hit Sephora for a can of this <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P261133&categoryId=C17780&shouldPaginate=true">awesome Oscar Blandi dry shampoo</a> and a nice hair brush too. Both are lifesavers when you have to stretch one more day without a shower!<br />
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<b>Number 2: 60-Second Nail Polish</b><br />
After 3 odd months of not being able to see your feet, and likely another 2 of not being able to comfortably reach them, its nice to be able to manage a pedicure. And then your kid/dog/hubby steps on it and smudges it. My best find for this summer has been the new Revlon quick drying polish.<br />
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<b>Number 1: Scarves</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk3MBpX5hkwVbix3BIIdiwOy6qkSymUppd0IN7T8lQGFHLC5Te3_37BnO5DQceut9e_J49h7YVHbSV4lxfm8EyNQGBmC4K9UjXJxtU-AdxQHoYn8t5N37BZ-vYizJdhk6cISjbCBZ4Oc/s1600/Top5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk3MBpX5hkwVbix3BIIdiwOy6qkSymUppd0IN7T8lQGFHLC5Te3_37BnO5DQceut9e_J49h7YVHbSV4lxfm8EyNQGBmC4K9UjXJxtU-AdxQHoYn8t5N37BZ-vYizJdhk6cISjbCBZ4Oc/s200/Top5.JPG" width="200" /></a>Scarves are a lifesaver, get at least two. I like <a href="http://www.ardene.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=14132654&itemcategorylevel1=556&itemcategorylevel2=">lightweight printed ones in the summer</a>, bright <a href="http://www.lechateau.com/style/browse/productDetailWithPicker_accessories.jsp?productId=272824&navAction=push&categoryNav=true&navCount=0&categoryId=catafr80033&selectedColor=Sage">faux pashminas</a> for the winter. These pretty outfit brighteners are my super secret mommy weapon! You can use a scarf to cover food stains, discreetly nurse, block the sun/wind/rain and play peek-a-boo. <br />
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So there you go! I suggest packing all of this into a cute re-usable grocery bag for a baby shower gift!Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-81523031832659370762011-07-26T16:54:00.000-07:002011-07-26T16:56:16.507-07:00Sharing on Strollers (also on Calgary CBCRadio News)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-54Y0EGmlDOeryELrbKM_c6yafOVTYusLEngCoRZcfelNCA9OYmIOvI4Z45owalAY8hq3wnF3wMUgXxbatG2T_5eFpWElTL15xj4pBU4KxMOqgVAakORo6tiWu_F5-4AqrvbKgXikwPI/s1600/lightstroller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-54Y0EGmlDOeryELrbKM_c6yafOVTYusLEngCoRZcfelNCA9OYmIOvI4Z45owalAY8hq3wnF3wMUgXxbatG2T_5eFpWElTL15xj4pBU4KxMOqgVAakORo6tiWu_F5-4AqrvbKgXikwPI/s200/lightstroller.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>I was interviewed today about "posh" strollers and had to admit that I have four. Yes. Four. Four brand name strollers.<br />
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I realize this doesn't help the "rich spoiled mom with a nanny" perception. While I was answering the reporter's question, I kept thinking, "Don't sound like a spoiled brat! ...Do I sound like a brat?" I'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out (and you can to, just listen for a piece about strollers on CBC Radio during tomorrow's News segment.) However the interview turns out, I thought I'd share my thoughts here.<br />
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When we got pregnant and started looking for a stroller, I did some research and realized a few things:<br />
<ul><li>My stroller needs were going to be different from our nanny's</li>
<li>I didn't want to buy a new larger car to fit a stroller, nor could I afford one</li>
<li>I had to define and stick to a budget; and </li>
<li>I am a snob. </li>
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<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-Ogz_WFSRSZB-ZGxt21kwOfBvSQ6MTGH12Y32opJGsEQm-T7ImmfjFfn-gHWYpHg9KUr8A09SEKHBslQ0pdOQaSPn9CiCQFoN6vUSglXJTicwnMOFakhxol8dkU7hZVDDcoLjjSx83w/s1600/jogstroller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-Ogz_WFSRSZB-ZGxt21kwOfBvSQ6MTGH12Y32opJGsEQm-T7ImmfjFfn-gHWYpHg9KUr8A09SEKHBslQ0pdOQaSPn9CiCQFoN6vUSglXJTicwnMOFakhxol8dkU7hZVDDcoLjjSx83w/s200/jogstroller.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>That's how I ended up with four strollers. When we were having the 2nd kid, I actually got up to five strollers but sold one on Kijiji. (which by the way is also how I found my jogging stroller last week: one day on Kijiji, and it cost me 1/3 the original price.) I actually bought each one of my strollers 2nd hand, or on sale, discounted because it was the floor display.<br />
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So, yes, I have four strollers:<br />
<ul><li>A lightweight umbrella stroller that Dear A uses to take K to the zoo, on transit etc</li>
<li> A lightweight stroller that I leave in the car and use for holding the baby bucket</li>
<li>A double, but still lightweight, stroller for when hubby or I are travelling with both kids and finally, </li>
<li>A double jogging/bicycle carrier for both kids when we're outdoorsy</li>
</ul>While I'm snobby enough to prefer muted color strollers over traditional pastel prints when the reporter was asking about luxury strollers (Bugaboo's Donkey for example) I told her that I hadn't been able to justify that expense. But, considering I have about $1000 worth of strollers, I started to think maybe I should have gone for the deee-luxe brand name one I secretly coveted. Then I remembered Dear A. There are quite often days when we each have a kid, travelling in different ways to different locations. So, nope, I was right, we need more than one stroller right now. Ask me again in 6 months... or better yet, look on Kijiji!Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-52913835563882237182011-07-20T14:22:00.000-07:002011-07-20T14:22:50.672-07:00My Nanny Makes Me Look Good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_qoutF1i2Wfmzh8rNEDBin6bllbCB_4imTBHQFAutHYC_vXWKE-F2i_xH6IX-Sw5vgNX9vJPOlbhQ8WGzYnfrr_NQ8jdEWvCMXIJl8doaNGYfh9xVtNeGSWqzYd5aLYS6I9mqQQJaHM/s1600/Fit_Mommy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_qoutF1i2Wfmzh8rNEDBin6bllbCB_4imTBHQFAutHYC_vXWKE-F2i_xH6IX-Sw5vgNX9vJPOlbhQ8WGzYnfrr_NQ8jdEWvCMXIJl8doaNGYfh9xVtNeGSWqzYd5aLYS6I9mqQQJaHM/s200/Fit_Mommy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>See, because I have a nanny, I have tons of free time to work out. Bwaahahaha! Just kidding! For the truth, check out my recent article on Yummy Mummy Club: <a href="http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/look-good-mother">You Look Good...</a>Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083425981535128383.post-62229571007023843972011-06-27T09:08:00.000-07:002011-06-27T09:08:36.308-07:00Nanny is Back. Mondays Suck.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCtjyQOu7P3gHdngP73h_6E2nWcBhwi3JFVs2S8Yg5GaDmET8cJVgd9YH2k1iHw__Z0gff1A7-Jt9uZ8o1Nvp-K5I3XIsIOaQoRBFemAw9lVKTNBM8mSKiZeAPvngNCWbfoYq3VPYTCU/s1600/2inbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCtjyQOu7P3gHdngP73h_6E2nWcBhwi3JFVs2S8Yg5GaDmET8cJVgd9YH2k1iHw__Z0gff1A7-Jt9uZ8o1Nvp-K5I3XIsIOaQoRBFemAw9lVKTNBM8mSKiZeAPvngNCWbfoYq3VPYTCU/s200/2inbed.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>Mondays suck because the nanny is back. Not because of Dear A. She's wonderful at her job. But if she is here, it means I'm not. After a weekend of piling everyone into our bed to read <a href="http://www.jeremytankard.com/books.html">Grumpy Bird</a> and picnic lunches beside the Thomas table, I will sit at my laptop while Dear A plays with K and cuddles MC.<br />
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These days it's beyond working mom guilt to life guilt.<br />
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My kid has a Filipina accent. On Sunday...funny. On Monday...guilt.<br />
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My kid doesn't need his portable potty seat anymore. On Sunday... glad someone else deals with his shit most of the time. On Monday...guilt.<br />
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My baby will only take a bottle from Dear A. On Sunday... relief that I can crack a beer! On Monday... guilt.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Even worse than the daily guilt, I'm making parenting choices that go against what we really believe, against the way we aimed to raise our kids. MC's still sleeping in our room because I don't want to give up midnight cuddles. For that matter, I'm letting K into our bed earlier and earlier each morning (4AM...) because I like the time with him. And I don't even want to think about all the toys and treats he's gotten because I feel guilty.<br />
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But who am I to complain when I choose to work right? Thing is, I think I don't really choose to work. I could probably maintain my mental faculties and adult conversation skills by volunteering or something. But I chose a life, a home, that requires I work. Before that I chose a career that pays more than my husband's. I chose to marry him. I chose to have kids. When I really think about it I chose this 20 years ago when I agreed with my parents that school was important and chose to get an education to get a job.<br />
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Do I get a pass because I chose career before I really knew what choosing a career would mean? Do I need to rethink what I'm teaching my kids by choosing work and having Dear A watch them? Today, this sucky Monday, I think I do. If I was loving work I'd have something to show them, right? But how do I justify leaving them with a nanny when both ther dad and I don't like going to work these days. I'm sure even at this age they sense it. So what do I do? If I'm serious about the NEWmom tenet I need to choose work. Really choose it again, make it something I love not something that is paying the bills. I guess admitting is the first step.Shohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382556463136326294noreply@blogger.com0