Creatures of the Creek Nature Party - My Girl's 6th Birthday

It's been a rough month for my little trooper, so when she requested a nature party for her 6th birthday, this mama wanted to deliver the best nature party ever.

 

My girl has always loved the outdoors, literally hugging trees and cuddling bugs whenever she can, so I thought a party at our local Ecology Centre would be the perfect venue.

 

Complete with a nature leader, the party included an educational circle time, which covered the anatomy of creatures of the creek, a group craft where the kids made bugs, and a nature walk where the kids were shown how to capture the bugs and larvae living in the natural environment that surrounded us.

 

 



Circle time



 



Creatures of the creek crafts



Learning how to capture bugs and larvae around the creek



My bug-catching birthday girl



 

Because the party started right after school, I thought I would prepare some healthy snack bags for the kids to enjoy while they learned and explored.

 

Snacks included Pirate's Booty, an apple, yogurt raisins, gummy worms, and granola bars

 

Once the scavenger hunt by the creek came to an end, we hiked back to the Ecology Centre to explore our findings under a microscope. The kids' eyes lit up as we viewed the little May bugs and creek larvae up close.

 

Then it was time for cupcakes! I'm lucky enough to have a talented baker for a mother, so she put together this beautiful nature-themed cake for my little birthday girl:

 

Carrot cake cupcakes with bug chocolates and butterflies, flowers and birds for each child to take home

And of course, no party is complete without the obligatory family photo in front of the birthday cake:

 

 

 

Each child went home with bumblebee or ladybug bubbles, a flower or butterfly balloon, a homemade craft, and a newfound enthusiasm for the nature that surrounds us.

 

Little explorers

Another successful party that my little girl will hopefully never forget!

 

To see what we've done for previous parties, check out these links:

 

A Wild 5th Birthday Party

 

A Superhero's 3rd Birthday Party

 

A Choo Choo 2nd Birthday Party

 

 

 



Dealing With Kindergarten Bullies

I didn't think it would happen so early on.

 

It started with stories of a girl in her class constantly yelling in her face. Antagonizing her with hurtful words and sometimes even laughing at her when she would tell a story. Making fun of her every time she presented her show and share item, telling her that her selected item was "stupid".

 

When it first came up, I thought perhaps my daughter was exaggerating a little. Some children just have more aggressive personalities I thought to myself.

 

But then the stories became a daily routine. Her friends were telling me the same things that my daughter was telling me - that this girl was only being mean to my daughter. That she would somtimes shove her. One time my daughter even fell to the floor and her friends had to help her up. They made sure she was ok and told the girl to stop being mean.

 

Then one day, my daughter exited her classroom after school and told me with a worried look on her face that the girl had punched her in the face in music class. "Sometimes I feel a little scared of her mommy, she's just so mean to me" she said in a whispered voice.

 

That was the last straw for me. This girl was a bully and something had to be done to make it stop.

She believes that "being different is better" and treats everyone with a kind heart.

I didn't know how to approach it so I weighed the options in my head, and asked a few of my teacher friends for their advice. We narrowed it down to three solutions:

 

I could talk to the parents of the girl who was bullying my daughter. I didn't feel comfortable going directly to the parents because I hadn't seen the acts firsthand. In my opinion, it was the teacher's responsibility to react immediately to the behavior, and to discuss the issues with the bully's parents and the parents of the affected child.

I could talk to the school's principal. I weighed this option carefully. I knew there were certain procedures in place for addressing bullying in the school, and worried that going over the teacher's head might get her in trouble with her supervisor.

I could talk to the teacher. This was the option that I thought would work best. This would allow me to get the full story from a firsthand witness, and would give the teacher the opportunity to explain her process for addressing bullies in the classroom setting.

 

After careful thought, I ended up doing a combination of the last two options. I had been asked to send a note to the principal with any special requests for grade 1. In my note, I requested that my daughter not be placed in the same classroom as the girl who had been bullying her, as I thought the behavior was hindering my daughter's learning environment. This note led to a follow up call from the principal, who asked me to share more information on what had happened between the girls. She suggested that I speak directly with the teacher as well.

When I brought up the subject with my daughter's teacher, she was very understanding and reassured me that she had set up meetings with both the girl's parents, and her grandparents who sometimes shared childcare responsibilities. She told me that they were managing the situation and doing their best to ensure that the behavior is dealt with.

I also took some time to discuss the situation with my daughter. I asked her to try to avoid talking to the girl, and to do her best to sit apart from her in class. My daughter agreed that this would be a good resolution and followed my advice.

I haven't heard any stories this week about the girl attacking my daughter, and feel a little relieved that perhaps the situation has been resolved. But this is only Kindergarten, is this just the beginning of a long road of bullying? Will I always have to ask about my kids' classmates and how they are being treated by their peers when I'm not around?

Has your child ever been the victim of bullying? What did you do?

NOTE: In my online research efforts, I came across this resource and thought it might be helpful for anyone who is experiencing the same thing as I have. Check it out:  First Steps To Stop Bullying - Adults Helping Kids Aged 4-11 (Public Safety Canada)



 

When The Heart Stops: My Experience With Pregnancy Loss

FINDING OUT...

 

I woke up with butterflies in my stomach.

 

After 15 weeks of pregnancy, I was going to find out the gender of baby #3. I'm lucky enough to have a friend who works as a sonographer, and as with my previous two pregnancies, she had agreed to sneak me in for a peek and a gender assessment.

 

I had decided to go alone so that we could be discreet about my unofficial visit. My friend greeted me with hugs and walked me into the room where she squeezed the warm jelly onto my slightly protruding belly, and turned her face towards the glowing screen.

 

"Oh Bianca." she said immediately. Her smile dropped and her face paled.

 

I thought to myself, I don't care if it's a girl or a boy. I'm happy no matter what it is. Why does she look so upset?

 

She scanned a bit more, moved and paused. Moved and paused again.

 

"Bianca. There's no heartbeat." she said.

 

Stunned, I asked if she was sure. How could this be? I had gone through two official ultrasounds, the blood tests went perfectly and I had just been to the doctor two weeks ago and was measuring right on track.

 

She showed me where the beating heart was supposed to be. She switched the view so we could see the blood flow - nothing lit up around the image of the small fetus.

 

In complete shock, not fully comprehending what had just happened, I quickly hugged her and left.

 

When I climbed into my car, I began to cry. Tears streamed down my face as I called my husband to let him know. I called my parents, and then unable to speak through the sobs, I texted my best friend with the sad news. I sat and wept for what felt like hours, and then turned on my car to head home.

 

When I started the car, this song was playing, and it hit me to my core.

 

Earlier that day my 6 year old daughter and I had gone to the store to buy blue and pink balloons - props for the big reveal. I knew that my kids were waiting with bated breath for me to come home and let them know what their new baby would be.

 

When I told her the sad news, she cried. "Why do babies die? Where is it now? Has this ever happened to anyone else? Can't you put another one in there?" - the questions kept coming, and I felt her innocence slowly slipping away.

 

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT...

 

The next morning I went in to see my doctor. She quickly used a Doppler to check for a heartbeat, and then rushed around booking appointments and sent me off to the hospital.

 

When I arrived, I was rushed in for an ultrasound where an ultrasound tech, and then a radiologist slowly inspected the images - measuring, noting and scanning intently. It was confirmed officially, the baby no longer had a heartbeat.

 

I was then sent up to Emergency where the doctor on call walked me through my 3 options. I could:

1) wait and try to pass the baby naturally. NO THANKS.

2) have the hospital administer some medication that would induce a miscarriage, and stay at the hospital until the baby passed naturally. NOPE.

3) have surgery to remove the fetus from my body. OK.

 

Because I was in my second trimester, I was too far along to have a D&C (the most common procedure for miscarriages that occur in 13 weeks of pregnancy or earlier). I was to have a D&E a more invasive surgery that is used for women who are later in pregnancy.

 

THE SURGERY...

 

That night the doctor inserted some algae sticks that are used to naturally dilate the cervix, necessary for prepping my body for surgery. The procedure was quick, but very painful, and the cramps that followed rivalled those of labour pains.

 

The next morning I went in again for the insertion of more algae sticks. I now had 5 in my body, and the cramps only strengthened.

When I went in for surgery that night, I was scared. I had never had a general anesthetic, and I was worried about the complications that could arise.

The surgery itself went well, but I had abnormal levels of excess bleeding and was scheduled to spend the night at the hospital. I was lined up for a possible blood transfusion as my hemoglobin levels were terribly low (they were supposed to be at 140, but were only at 86). After some rest, fluids, and crackers, I was sent home.

I'm weak, dizzy, and woozy, but happy that it's over. I will heal, both emotionally and physically, and will only become stronger through what I have experienced.

WHY BLOG ABOUT IT?

I wanted to share my story for a couple of reasons:

1) pregnancy loss and miscarriage is more common than I had known, but many women don't like to talk about it. Nothing has been more helpful for me than to talk through it with my friends who had experienced the same things as well, and I encourage more women to do the same. There's nothing stronger than a support system in times of need.

2) It's tough to have to tell people in person when you're going through such a devastating loss. Everyone I know (both in real life and through social media) knew about the pregnancy, and I feel as though writing about it is healing and a good way to spread the word without having to say the words.

Thanks for listening, and I'd love to hear your stories too if you're willing to share  your experiences.
 

What To Expect When Your Kid Becomes A Kindy

It seems like just yesterday when I helped my little girl through her first day of Kindergarten. It was a life-changing milestone for me - it caused me to make a career change, shift my priorities, and come to terms with the fact that my first-born - the one who had made me a mama - was going to be in elementary school. Big steps for my little girl, and big steps for me too.

 

As we approach my daughter's last month of Kindergarten, I find myself looking back on how she has grown, changed, and blossomed into her own little being through this trasitory phase. And I think about all of my friends who are about to embark on this same milestone this September. Who are nervous about this big step, who are wondering what to expect. So for you (and only based on my own experiences as I'm sure it is slightly different for everyone), I present to you, what to expect when your kid becomes a kindy.

 

The first day of school will be overwhelming. Both for you, and for your little one. Whether your child is transitioning from full time child care, part time preschool, or home time, this is a big step. You will feel nervous, and so will your child, but you will both adjust, and will love the change. It'll just take some time.

 

Your child will become independent. At the beginning, you will drop your little one off (either at before-school-care, or at the classroom door), and you will be showered with hugs and kisses. They will hold your hand firmly, and they will hesitate before entering the room. But quickly, a new kind of confidence will emerge, and your clingy little kidlet will no longer want to hold your hand. Will forget to kiss you goodbye and will ask if it's Monday yet, eager to return to class. Don't take this personally, they are growing up, and they are learning how to walk on their own two feet.

 

They will learn new skills, quickly. Even if you have a little chatterbox like I do, you won't always be up-to-date on everything they've learned in school. One day they'll be printing their own name on paper, the next they'll be tapping out syllables on their arms, and before you know it, they'll be reading bedtime stories to you at night.

 

 

Their own individual personalities will emerge. This is so beautiful to witness. Suddenly, they are cracking jokes, discovering their own interests, telling stories with a new kind of enthusiasm, and walking with their heads a little higher. They will be choosing their own friends, making plans, and dreaming up future aspirations. This is when you really realize that your little baby has blossomed into their own little person.

 

Once shy, my little girl is now confident and comfortable in her own skin

 One last little piece of advise for you Kindy mamas and papas to be: try to drop them off at least every once in awhile. It's nice to see who their friends are, to meet their teacher, and to meet a few other parents. If you can, volunteer at least once so you can witness how your child interacts with his/her peers in the classroom, and try to have a playdate so your child can strengthen those new relationships.

Expert parents - how was it for you when your child started Kindergarten? Any tips to add?

Greater Than Two - The Decision

I was sure I was done.

So sure in fact that I sold my stroller, donated all of my maternity clothes, and passed down all of my kids' outgrown clothing to friends.

 

But after some careful consideration, and a little persuasion from my hubby and some adorable baby friends, I had a change of heart.

I can't narrow it down to a list of "why to have another baby", because let's face it, it's not something that we need. We have two beautiful and healthy children and our hearts are full. But we have room in our hearts for one more, so one more it will be...

 

 

We waited until after our first ultrasound to tell the kids. I showed them the ultrasound picture and asked them if they knew what it was. "It looks like a picture of an ear" they decided together.

 

Here's how they reacted when I explained to them what it really was:
 

  

 I'm nervous about what life will be like with THREE, but I'm confident that we'll figure it out. And hey, I still have time to adjust right?

 

********

 

NOTE: At almost 4 months pregnant, I lost the baby. I'm choosing not to delete this post because it was a beautiful moment for my family, but wanted to share my story of pregnancy loss as well. Thank you for reading.



Same Love

"Do you know why this is my favourite lalaloopsy? Because she's different from all the rest. You know mommy, sometimes you think you want to be the same as everyone else, but after awhile you realize that you just want to be yourself. Because being different is better."

- Emma, 5

My daughter has always been surrounded by diversity - I have Dutch parents with a Jewish foster brother, a Jamaican foster sister, and two caucasian stepsiblings. I myself am biracial with adopted caucasian parents. She has friends with two moms and two dads. Some with only one parent, many multiracial. And all of these families are full of love. "Modern families" are the new norm in her world.

Because we have always been surrounded by so much diversity, I sometimes forget that there are people in this world who are not accepting of others' differences. Who do not support same-sex marriages, multiracial adoptions, or families of divorce. And when I am reminded of this reality, it saddens me to my core.

It's probably for this reason that I was so moved by the song/video by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis called "Same Love". Check it out below and try not to cry...

Please choose your words wisely when you're around your kids.
Please teach them to be accepting of everyone, no matter how different they might seem.
Please teach your children that unique is beautiful.
Because underneath, it's all the same love.

 

What The Eff Should I Make For Dinner?

There are two things that I dread each and every day as a busy mommy of two:

 

1) Making lunches.

2) Trying to decide what the eff to make for dinner.

 

For you chef extraordinaires, there's an awesome site with a similar title to my blog post that gives you some great dinner ideas (you can check it out here: What The F*&# Should I Make For Dinner). But if you're anything like me, you won't have the time, ingredients, or energy to make things like "Herbes de Provence Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Garlic Fennel-Stewed Lentils" every night. Sounds delish, but my kids would gag and dry heave if I even said that dinner suggestion to them.

 

If you're looking for a quick, simple meal using basic ingredients that you'll probably already have in your cupboard, try this one on for size! I can't get enough of this dinner, and my kids love it too!

 

Chicken Broccoli Bake

 

Ingredients:

 

2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 heads of broccoli

2 cups of grated mild cheddar cheese

1 can of cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup of mayonnaise

1/4 cup 2% milk

2 tbsp curry powder

 

Serves: 4.

Cooking time (including prep): Approx 20 minutes.

 

Directions:

 

1) Preheat oven to 410 F.

 

2) In a pot or rice cooker, cook 2 cups of Basmati rice.

 

3) Chop up the broccoli into bite-sized pieces.

 

4) Cut up chicken breasts into small pieces.

 

 

5) Cook the chicken in a frying pan with a little butter until light brown on both sides.

 

6) Add the broccoli to the chicken in the frying pan, and cover it with a lid to steam until the broccoli is tender and bright green (approx 2-3 minutes).

 

7) In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry powder, and milk. Mix with a hand mixer or whisk until creamy.

 

 

8) Pour chicken and broccoli into a small casserole dish, and pour the creamy sauce evenly on top.

 

9) Sprinkle grated cheese evenly on top, place in the oven.

 

10) Bake until cheese is melted and light brown.

 

 

11) Serve on rice and enjoy!

 

Thumbs up from some very picky food critics!

There you go, easy peasy!

 

Try it out and let me know what you think :)