HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I wish you an amazing festive time of year and hope that you're able to celebrate with those near and dear to you. 

This is the first Christmas that I'll be away from my family, but thankfully the kids and I went to Canada at the beginning of December for a lovely wintry visit. My husband's mother and sister will be joining us in Bermuda this year, and we're figuring out the traditions that we will establish for our little family. One new tradition will be to head to Elbow Beach on Christmas morning, along with the island's ex-pat community, to raise a glass of champagne with new friends. Monkey is already excited to splash in the ocean! 

However you celebrate, happy holidays to you!

READY FOR BABY

I'm 35 weeks pregnant today. I feel like the final countdown has begun until we meet our little girl. The nursery is ready, the baby clothes are washed and folded, a double stroller has been purchased (gulp!) and so now we just wait.

Monkey is excitedly making big plans for her arrival. He's going to teach her how to walk, run and talk. He's going to cuddle for stories and share his smoothies with her. And, he's convinced he's going to sleep with her and carry her down the stairs.

I too am making big plans for her arrival. I'm thinking of ways to maintain Monkey's daily routine, involve him in the care of the baby and encourage him to be a big helper. I'm brainstorming activities and crafts in advance for the coming cooler months when getting outside with a newborn isn't always possible.

Needless to say, when the baby joins our family it will be a steep learning curve for Monkey and me. He will learn about the baby's limitations and I will learn how to manage the needs and wants of both my kiddos. For now, I will continue to focus on how to make this transition from singleton to sibling as easy for Monkey as I can. Wish me luck!

(Photos from the baby's nursery)

ONE KID, TWO KIDS, THREE KIDS, FOUR KIDS ...

Do you know have many kids you want to have, if any? I find this question so hard to answer. I'm an only child and I've grown to like the dynamic of a small family of three. Sure, there were times growing up where I begged and pleaded for a sibling. To me, a sibling meant an eager playmate, a partner in crime and a confidante ... I even longed to play fight with someone. Now, I appreciate the one-on-one time I have with my parents although there is a little part of me that craves the chaos associated with a large family.

My friend recently went to the funeral of his high school basketball coach. He was a teacher who made a significant impact on those he coached and those he taught. He also had a family of eight children. When asked about his big family, the coach simply said that his one regret in life was to not have more children. 

Last year, I walked past a mom with her three kids huddled together on the sidewalk. They were excitedly looking at photos together and it seemed like a moment of pure and easy joy.

I'm always taken back to the basketball coach and the mom on the sidewalk when I try to figure out the right number of kids for me. Right now, my husband, Monkey and me make three, but come this Fall there will be a new addition to our family -- a brother or a sister for Monkey. I've asked him if he'd like a sibling and his answer is: "I want a doggie named Pluto." It's just that simple from his perspective.

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A BIRTHDAY BOY!

Our little Monkey is now two years old! A true toddler. Two years ago we brought home a little baby who slept and squeaked, and now he is a sweet boy who gallops everywhere, sings at the top of his lungs, says "oh no!" very dramatically, plays hide-and-seek while laughing uncontrollably, craves dance parties, adores reading his favourite books, and still loves hugs from his mom. He makes me smile every day.

This past weekend we had a small family birthday party, and to celebrate we made party hats, streamers and a birthday cake (my decorating inspiration is here) ...

A BAD REACTION

Yesterday was a day I will not easily (or quickly) forget. It was one of those days that you dread as a parent. Monkey had his first serious allergic reaction. The culprit was lentil soup. We were happily eating our lunch and then suddenly his lips swelled up and white patches appeared on his cheeks and chin. Off to the doctor we went. It was a scary time. Thankfully, he was back to his happy little self by late afternoon.

The unnerving part is that I had introduced lentils a long time ago and, although he didn't like them, there was no reaction at all. According to our pediatrician, an allergy can show up after a few exposures to it and each time the reaction can be worse. And let me pass along another tidbit I learned yesterday, if your child starts coughing (Monkey didn't do this) while having any allergic reaction, call an ambulance immediately.

Needless to say, legumes are now banished from our home until we see an allergist for more definitive help.

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THE NEW BABY DAYS

This weekend we had a big family lunch with our friends. Monkey was in awe of the three little babies who ranged from eight weeks to seven months old. He was desperate to share his toy train and was perplexed as to why the smallest baby just didn't think it was as cool as he did.

Spending time with these little ones made me nostalgic for Monkey's baby days. Yes, it was a difficult time with little sleep, overwhelming emotions, lengthy nursing sessions and piles of laundry, but it was also a time filled with sweet moments. Looking back now, here are the things that I enjoyed (and that kept me sane!) during those early months ...

1. Living and Learning with Baby. I joined this mommy group through Toronto Public Health when Monkey was three months old. I learned a great deal about babies and, more importantly, I met a group of amazing women who live in our neighbourhood and who I now call friends.

2. Post-natal yoga. I practiced downward dog with Monkey beside me, or in some cases, involved in the poses too.

3. Movies for Mommies. This was one of my favourite things to do. Monkey either nursed or slept while I was entertained with movies like Crazy, Stupid, Love, Bridesmaids and The Ides of March. And if he fussed, it didn't matter since it was just a group of parents who were in the same boat!

4. Library time. The Toronto Public Library offers baby time classes with singing and reading, which is another great way to get out and meet other moms in your neighbourhood.

5. Art Strollers. Monkey and I toured contemporary works at the AGO, strolled through the Distillery District and took a free guided tour of Luminato exhibits. We became cultured one outing at a time!

And now looking back, my most cherished moments from those new baby days were when I'd just curl up with Monkey for a nap or for some quiet time to really get to know my special little guy.

OUR FIRST OVERNIGHT TRIP

We reached a milestone this past weekend. John and I went away for our first overnight trip sans Monkey. Friends of ours were married in Prince Edward County, and it was a beautiful day that turned into a very fun evening with cocktails and dancing. But, it was hard to leave home. I had never missed a goodnight kiss or an early morning wake up call in Monkey's short lifetime.

For our little Monkey, it was a different story. He was absolutely fine. He had a blast with an ice cream treat, blueberry pancakes and a lot of playtime with his Omie and Papa. We all survived.

WOMEN MOVING FORWARD

It's been a little bit since I've signed on to Monkey's Muse, but a good cause has had my attention this past week.

Women Moving Forward is a poverty reduction program that helps young, single mothers end the cycle of poverty for their families through education and training. It empowers young mothers to make positive changes in their lives for themselves and for their children. As a new mother, this program resonated with me. I find the idea of young mothers trying to make a better life for their children both selfless and inspiring.

I volunteer with this program by offering communications support, so that's what I've been up to lately!

(Painting by Katie Berggren)

MY DINNER DATE WITH MONKEY

Monkey and I were left to our own devices this past Saturday, so I decided to make it a special night for the two of us. We had a dinner date at Terroni, one of our favourite restaurants along Queen Street West. It was quality one-on-one time, and he was a very charming dinner companion.

Dinner dates are going to be one our special traditions whenever we find ourselves alone on a weekend. Do you have any special traditions with your little ones?

SWEETS IN MODERATION

I used to obsess over what Monkey ate and tried desperately to avoid all forms of sugar for fear of turning him into a rotten-toothed, hyper, delinquent toddler. Well, I recently had an epiphany. I realized that I was depriving my little guy of some of the best treats in the world for kids. Think decadent ice cream, pretty cupcakes, celebrated birthday cake and yummy cookies.

So, I've changed my tune. I will still obsess over giving him organic and unprocessed food at home, but I will also happily give him little scoops of ice cream this summer. There's no way that I could survive without ice cream, so why should Monkey be any different?

(Photo via Flickr)

MOTHERHOOD TIP: NIGHTTIME SHOWERS

This is a very simple tip, but it's a time- and sanity-saver. Shower before you go to bed at night. One of my favourite times of the day is when Monkey goes down for his morning nap. I brew a coffee and catch up on my reading, writing and anything else I want to do. Sometimes I'll do a couple of chores, but I try to reserve that morning nap for me-time. I've already showered the night before, so I don't have to spend that precious time getting ready for the day.

And how amazing would it be to have this outdoor shower in your backyard? I'd have my showers under the stars...if we lived in the country and not in downtown Toronto.


(Photo via Apartment Therapy)

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE 2012

Mother's Day is fast approaching on Sunday, May 13. Here are a few ideas if you're still on the hunt for something special for your mom.

A bouquet of tulips is simple and beautiful. ($6.99) (Photo via A Country Farmhouse)

Pretty and delicate earrings. ($130)


 

 A subscription to Vanity Fair. The gift that keeps on giving month after month. ($38)

Whimsical tea towels from Anthropologie to cheer up any kitchen. ($24)

Beautiful scented cologne from Jo Malone. 

My favourite is French Lime Blossom. ($125 for 100ml)

  Personalized monogram stationery from Pinhole Press to share her pride(s) of joy. ($80 for 50 cards)

A bright double-wrap watch by Swatch that is perfect for summer ($60)

 A relaxing massage or spa treatment to soothe her senses. A spa treatment at Body Blitz in Toronto includes therapeutic waters -- absolute bliss. ($90 for a 30min massage at Body Blitz).

A lightweight scarf for spring. This one is from Virginia Johnson. ($195 -- Virginia Johnson is currently having a 20% off sale for Mother's Day)

A delicious breakfast made just for her. Here's the recipe for these yummy blueberry pancakes.

WHO, WHAT & WHY

I call downtown Toronto my home. I live in the city's west end where there are unique shops, yummy bakeries and wide open green space called Trinity Bellwoods Park.

My maternity leave has just ended and I've (gulp!) made the huge decision to stay at home with my sweet and marvellous little boy. Writing was a big part of my job and it is something that I have come to miss doing on a regular basis over this past year. So, enter Monkey's Muse! This is my spot for writing and sharing in a shall we say grown up way what I do, what I see and what I like. 

My work used to give me a great sense of accomplishment. Now, I share daily accomplishments with my monkey. He can hoot like an owl and touch his nose -- a feat that took days and days to master.

Published originally in The Times-Picayune, New Orleans