Archive - April 2012

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Easter Carnival
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Her Voice
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Which Mom Are You?
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Elmo For Zack
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Smoothie Cereal For Picky Eaters

Easter Carnival

Happy Easter!! A little late, admittedly. But lately blogging about parenting has taken a backseat to you know, parenting. This post is about Easter, but it’s more about imagination; that magical childhood entity that in adulthood often becomes squashed under the heavy burden of daily responsibilities. This Easter our 8 year old questioned the reality of the Easter Bunny. He found a bag of not so carefully hidden chocolates and asked,  “Are you the Easter Bunny?” I denied it and hopped away in a panic. He also questioned how a giant rabbit has access to chocolate in the first place and why it’s okay for him to break into people’s houses?  Fortunately my boy is still a child at heart and was willing to accept our lame excuses. So for now at least, Mr. E. Bunny lives on. On Easter Eve a certain Super Hero and his sister disappeared to the basement, aka “The Play Pit” for several hours. When asked what they were doing, we were told to wait. “Don’t come down!!!” they shrieked. When preparations were finally complete, our son and his dutiful sibling assistant treated us to an Easter Carnival. I’d never heard of this, but there[…]

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Her Voice

  We all want our daughters to have a voice. I need my daughter to have one.  I won’t always be around to speak for her – to explain to others why she may not understand, or to make her understood. Before my daughter was born, deep down I worried there was something wrong. All the prenatal testing indicated she was fine, but sometimes a mother just knows. When she was born, and I held her in my arms, I saw only perfection. I still do. We soon discovered our girl was special. In fact, she’s so unique there isn’t a name for her particular syndrome. She has come miles further than we were told she could. Her future is bright, yet shadowed by developmental and medical challenges. Our daughter doesn’t understand the rude looks or ignorant questions. A stranger’s comment about her “walking funny” results in a carefree smile. Teasing, from a neighbourhood kid earns him a giggle. One day, she will understand and feel the sting of hurtful words and actions. The most important thing I can do to prepare her is to help her to find her voice. My girl is a mess of blonde curls, big brown eyes and pouty pink lips. She’s beautiful. People want[…]

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Which Mom Are You?

Sometimes play groups or the park can feel like a Mompetition. We all think we know what’s best for our kids, but judging, scolding, one-upping? Stop it. That mom on the left is just asking for a swift kick to the ovaries.  “Goldfish crackers, Dora’s Spanish lessons, killing seals…” Just put a terry cloth sweatband on my head and I’m the mother on the right. 

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Elmo For Zack

When my friend Heather‘s son Zack passed away, every parent’s worst nightmare became a reality. But what Heather she chose to do with such insurmountable pain, is beautifully inspiring. Through her grief, Heather works to keep her boy’s spirit alive by celebrating him every day. So many of us have never met Zack, but we know him because his mama is always finding ways to share him with us. Heather has spoken at conferences and on television, sharing stories about Zack and her quest to raise money to build Zack’s Dream Room at York Central Hospital. Heather not only raised enough money to build this special room, but there are now two playful cosy rooms dedicated to making any child’s hospital stay more comfortable. Heather also shared Zack with his hero—Elmo. Kevin Clash reached out and made this message not only for Zack, but also to comfort those children who will be staying in one of Zack’s Dream Rooms. Heather wrote: My dream was for Elmo to know now much Zack loved him, and that one day he would say Zack’s name….this is the video that made my dreams come true. I only wish were here to see it all and celebrate with[…]

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Smoothie Cereal For Picky Eaters

  The only silver lining to being hit with a virus is possibly shedding a few unwanted pounds. Unless of course, you’re a teeny, at-the-bottom-of-the-growth-chart tyke like my little girl, who doesn’t have an ounce to spare. So when she’s sick, maintaining her hydration level and caloric intake is essential. Two weeks ago she caught that nasty bronchial infection going around — cough, fever, no appetite, no energy. For a child who is a picky eater on a good day, getting her to eat when she’s unwell is a major struggle. If only she would suck back a healthy smoothie. I’ve tried many times… unsuccessfully to entice her into enjoying a yogurty, fruity concoction served in fun glasses with funky straws. Total bust. Mind you… pitcher of untouched smoothie + coconut rum = a tasty caregiver cocktail. For later in the day. I do not drink Pina Colodas for breakfast. Or while getting caught in the rain. Yesterday, I had a stroke of brilliance. It happens so rarely, I thought I’d share. Avery loves her cereal so piggy backing on that, I replaced the milk with a calorie packed smoothie.   Yes. It does look like someone threw up in[…]

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