Category Archives: Thoughts on Parenting

Posts about parenting our little girl.

Fun Apps for Pregnancy & Parenting

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I am the mother of a 5-year old and a 5-month old. I am sleep deprived; have been for the past 5 years, 6 if you count pregnancy! I am always looking for ways to make life as a parent easier. I also have a Masters in Educational Technology, so I tend to look to technology for help! Over the years, I’ve come across a number of apps that I have found useful during pregnancy and motherhood. Anything that makes things quick and simple is considered a win in my books!

Here are my favourites! I’d love to hear if you have any other apps that make motherhood easier for you. As with any app, I recommend checking out the regulations and privacy concerns before you commit. My recommendations are based solely on usefulness to a busy Mom, not on the legal/privacy aspect!

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Tried & tested gifts for a 4 year old girl

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This post is a bit late … but better late than never! A friend’s daughter recently turned 2 years old, and I have to admit I wasn’t sure what gift to get her that a 2-year old would enjoy! I have a 4-year old (and a newborn baby), but for the life of me, I couldn’t remember what was a hit with our little one a few years ago, when she was 2! I had to go back and take a quick look at my blog post (Tried & Tested Gift Ideas for a Toddler). Then it all came back to me!

If I’m already having troubles remembering favourite gifts from a couple years ago, I can’t imagine what I’ll be like when a few more years have passed! So this post is for me … future me! And perhaps it can help others out there too, who are in search of the perfect gift for a child celebrating their 4th birthday …

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Going off Gluten: Resources to help the transition with children

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Last summer our family learned that we need to go off gluten. Our young daughter was diagnosed with Celiac, so no barley, rye, oats (unless marked gluten free), or wheat. And no cross-contamination. At first I felt quite overwhelmed. Preschoolers are not exactly known for adaptability and risk taking when it comes to food… so I was a bit worried! The fact that pasta is one of our daughter’s favourite “food groups” made me even more anxious about making the switch to gluten free.

I won’t lie … at first it was a bit tricky. She didn’t really understand why, all of a sudden, she could no longer eat many of her favourite snacks and meals. We tried out many different gluten free pastas, bread products and other snacks, trying to find alternatives that she would enjoy. Some of them were definite no’s – even I couldn’t bring myself to eat some of the pastas and macaronis that we tried! But over the past several months we have found some great options. Our daughter now asks me whether something is gluten free, and ok to eat, and she is no longer upset about avoiding some of her old favourites. Now that we have gone through the hard work of finding some yummy alternatives, I thought I’d share our findings in case anyone else finds themselves in this same position. Possibly save you from some rather unpleasant food testing! :)

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Bonding through Board Games: 7 Recommended Games for Young Children

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This post was originally published on Victoria Moms Blog.

We are definitely a “games family”. Growing up, my parents taught us numerous card games: everything from Uno, to Solitaire games, Accords, and Bridge. And our family has always loved to play board games. Every Christmas my Aunt would come to visit for a week, and almost every night after dinner the whole family would play board games. We still do! We have many favourites, including Pictionary, Cranium, What, Catch Phrase, and Taboo. I remember so many nights spent laughing together as a family, and so many jokes that started during a board game and went on for years.

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Reading with Young Children: Recommended Books for Babies & Toddlers

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This post was originally published on Victoria Moms Blog.

I love to read. I have so many wonderful memories of reading from when I was a little girl: curled up in my parent’s window seat with my parents and brother, reading stories before bed; my Dad reading us The Hobbit when we were a bit older; and my Mom reading Harry Potter aloud to me in the hospital when I was in my early twenties! I have always loved books, and when our little girl was born, I knew I wanted to try to pass that love of reading along to her.

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Creating Homemade Toys

Posted in DIY Projects, Thoughts on Parenting by

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I love homemade toys. And I love DIY projects. There is something special about a toy that is made with a particular little one’s interests in mind. Over the past year, we have created some wonderful homemade gifts for Baby E, that she has truly loved. I am thankful for Pinterest, and the inspiration that it provides. And I am extremely grateful for my Dad, who is a fabulous carpenter and can turn any project idea into reality!

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Halloween with Toddlers

Posted in Thoughts on Parenting, Toddling Around Town by

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I have to admit, I have never really been a huge fan of Halloween. I don’t love ghosts, mummies, witches, spiders, and many of the other things associated with Halloween. And as I got older, I always found it tough to come up with a good costume idea for Halloween.

But, since becoming a mother, I’m starting to really enjoy this holiday because of the fun opportunities it offers for children and families! Here are some of the things that I am starting to love about Halloween, and looking forward to this year …

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