momstown Birthday Bash Photos - Courtesy of Petra King Photography

Petra King Photography was kind enough to sponsor our momstown Whitby-Ajax birthday bash this past weekend.

I've been a long time client of Petra. She's captured my maternity, newborn, headshots and family photos. So when she offered to sponsor the birthday bash... I have to say I felt honored to bring her on board!!

Here are a few teasers of the photos she snapped...

To view more photos, please check out our momstown Whitby-Ajax Facebook Fan Page!

Thanks again to everyone who came out and contributed to making the event the success it was. It was great to see so many new and familiar faces! It truly was a fun morning!

Shout out again to all our event sponsors. You're ALL awesome!

Sunflower The Clown to be at momstown Whitby-Ajax Birthday Bash!

We're excited to announce that Sunflower the Clown and L'il Miss Lucy will be at the momstown Whitby-Ajax Birthday Bash on August 27th!!

 

For more information on the event visit our Featured Sponsor Page or RSVP on Facebook!!

The Winner Is...

Congratulations Angela B! You are the winner of our contest for July 2011! You've won a one year membership to momstown Whitby-Ajax!

Free Durham Region Family Event - momstown's Birthday Party!

Who doesn't love a party?? momstown Whitby-Ajax sure does!

All Durham Region families are invited to our FREE family event to celebrate momstown's 4th Birthday!

Saturday, August 27, 2011
10:30am - 12:30pm
Creative Play Indoor Playground
539 Westney Rd, Ste 3, Ajax


Families that arrive early will receive a loot bag full of goodies (while supplies last)! Come on out for a great morning full of fun, and amazing giveaways!

For more info or to RSVP, visit out Facebook event page! 

Tots & Tales

Our Tots & Tales book club was sponsored by Scholastic Canada this month. We read The Sandcastle Contest by Robert Munsch.

Scholastic Canada was kind enough to provide an extra copy of the book to giveaway to one of our attendees. Angela and Aiden were the lucky ones to win the book!! 

Join us next month when we read You Are My Sunshine and The More We Get Together. 

Not yet a member of momstown Whitby-Ajax? Sign-up now for a free 6 week trial!

Time Freeze

Pardon me while I have a bit of a panic attack... Where the heck did my babies go?!? I blink for a second and they reach so many new milestones. At least it feels that way.

Let me preface by saying... This week has been the week of milestone achievement for both my son and daughter.

My son turned 5 months old, and as if that wasn't enough.... He got not one, but two of his first teeth. Holy eff!!! I knew he was teething, but I wasn't expecting two teeth straight away! Within the next month, we'll be starting solids... And not long after that he'll be 6 months!!! It feels like his first year is just zipping on by!!

AND then there's...

My daughter. Where, oh where shall I begin with her?! In a matter of a few weeks, she'll be two. Can you believe it? TWO!!! Where the heck have the past two years gone?! It feels like this past year has gone faster than her first. OH.EM.GEE!!! It honestly feels like just yesterday I told her she was going to be a big sister, and yet here I am a year later watching my little girl bond with her little brother. 

This past week we transitioned the Cadence to her toddler bed. I anticipated that it wouldn't go over well. That there'd be sleepless nights of fighting with her to stay in bed. Boy was I ever caught off guard when she went straight to sleep on that first night. The trend has continued. Not only did we transition her this week... BUT... This week she also started to form short sentences. Her vocabulary has just exploded! It's insane. She's such a big girl!

I'm totally handling her upcoming 2nd birthday worse than I handled her 1st.

Can we freeze time just for a little bit?!? Please!

Join the momstown movement!

momstown Whitby-Ajax was launched in August 2010 and over the past year has had a huge impact on the lives of over 330 local moms of young children in Ajax, Whitby and surrounding areas.  The time is right for a new entrepreneurial minded mom to step in and take the community to new and exciting places!  The sky is the limit! For all you aspiring mom entrepreneurs, opportunity knocks. Wanted:  Business-minded moms who are intrigued by the momstown concept & who want to make a difference in their community. The momstown Opportunity  Are you searching for an income generating opportunity that is flexible and family friendly? Are you passionate about children, parenting, and connecting with like-minded mothers? How about internet-savvy, enthusiastic, self-motivated and leadership driven? Are you looking for a work-from-home income, a fulfilling way to contribute to your family and a business you can be proud of? momstown is a dynamic small business to run - lots of fun event planning with revenue earned from advertising sales and membership fees. As a work-at-home mom role, it's perfect for someone who wants to continue being the main caregiver for her children but also manage (and own!) a fun child-focused and mommy relevant business. This is not a direct sales role, this is your own business to create, establish, grow and mold. You will become a social networking entrepreneur and in charge of your own online media & event business. Click Here for more information. The momstown Mission  Our mantra: Connecting neighbourhood moms. One community at a time. We're looking for moms like you to join the momstown movement. momstown.ca is here at the right time and the right place. momstown is part of the social networking wave that is changing the way the online world operates and how society is interacting, learning and most importantly, parenting. momstown.ca is a social networking website and event business for moms with children aged 0-5 years old. The dual goal of each momstown chapter is to connect neighbourhood moms both online and in-person with over 25 local, in-person events monthly (to help moms get off the computer and out of the house!).  Initially launched in 2007 in Burlington, Ontario, with a focus to create a better moms group, momstown was a success out of the gate as it met a relevant need in a unique and modern fashion. Motivated to grow, the founders of momstown.ca are passionate and focused on the development of the total momstown brand, and on bringing the now national company to the next level. The business has grown quickly; currently there are 15 individually licensed chapters with more on the way. We are looking for mom entrepreneurs who share the vision of better, more connected communities and who want to be inspired by momstown in their town. Interested?    Contact:  Nicole King Owner, momstown Whitby-Ajax (647) 403-0341  info.whitby-ajax@momstown.ca If you are keen to learn more, please email  info.whitby-ajax@momstown.ca for more specific information.

And The Winner Is...

Congratulations Serena Agueci - You are the winner of our June contest! We hope you enjoy your $50.00 gift card to Once Upon A Child Ajax!

Beating the Rainy Day Blues

This past week started off gorgeous, but very quickly the rain came and put a damper on things. If your child is anything like my toddler, then they've been suffering from the rainy day blues syndrome. Today  we've been focusing our energy on beating the rainy day blues.

We've been channeling our inner picasso's by painting with oatmeal and exploring the textures of dried pasta.

To do this activity all you need is:

• Construction paper
• Oatmeal
• Water
• Food colouring
• Dried pasta
• Glue
• Paint brushes

Simply make the oatmeal, add in a bit of glue and food colouring and let your child get as messy or artistic as their heart desires!

Once we finished up with our impromptu picassos session, we decided to have a dance party. My toddler enjoyed busting a move and tearing up the dance floor to some top 40 music.

It's been such a fun morning, and even better we've burned off so much energy that nap time is bound to be a huge success this afternoon... Leaving time for Momma to enjoy a much deserved break!

Want to check out some more fun ways to beat the rainy day blues, head on over to momstown Arts & Crafts. Get inspired and have lots of fun!

My Journey to Home Birth

It's now been a little over 4 months since I gave birth to my son at home... Yes, I said it... AT HOME!! It seems whenever people find out that I had a home birth that they either assume I'm crazy or that I just didn't have time to get to the hospital. Neither apply to my situation. My home birth was simply my decision and birth plan.

My pregnancy with Cameron had been a rocky one, and not always had I had the home birth vision. Being put on bed rest at 20 weeks as result of complete placenta previa led me to believe that my hopes for a natural birth had been crushed. The midwives and doctors all prepped me for the inevitable c-section. You see with complete previa, the chances of a placenta moving are slim. At 32 weeks, I took a bad spill down a flight of stairs while holding my one year old daughter. This spill brought on contractions, and found me in the hospital for fetal monitoring. It was at that time that I received the news the placenta had cleared! Woot!!

At 32 weeks, I had to start making decisions on my birth plan. Home birth was something I was very weary and skeptical of, but the midwives had really wanted me to consider it given my fast 5 hour labour with Cadence.

Did I always want a home birth? Did my family agree? Was the decision to have one easy? No... no... and no. Plain and simple. My conscience pulled me in every which direction. I constantly reminded myself that my epidural never took during my horrible back labour with Cadence. I reminded myself of the horrible experience I had at the hospital and that the hospital was 45 minutes from my house. Really I think for the longest time I had my mind made up that I wanted a home birth, but I couldn't bring myself to admitting it. Most of my family didn't agree with my decision to have a home birth, which has been hard for me to swallow... To this day it is something we just don't speak of.

I was 3 days overdue when I went into labour with Cameron. I had been feeling off all day. It felt like I had the case of the flu. Come 8PM my husband insisted I page the midwives. Just my luck the midwife clerk was in the area. She came by with my main midwife and checked me. I was 3cms. They performed a stretch and sweep, went out to dinner, came back a half hour later... When they returned I was 8cms, and I was going through the emotions and stages of active labour. My Mother-in-law had come to pick up Cadence and I broke down, fearing I'd never see my daughter again. The midwives and my husband decided at that point that keeping my daughter home during my labour was the best decision. I spent most of my labour in the water; it was the only place I could find my zen. The midwives vigilantly monitored the baby. Around 10:35PM they decided to move me to my bed to try and get things to progress. I had stagnated at 8cms for too long, and was in a lot of pain. At 10:40PM, I had the urge to push. The midwives wanted me to restrain, but I couldn't stop myself. They quickly broke my bag of waters and I pushed the remaining cervix out of the way (very dangerous... this was why they were trying to restrain me from doing it). At 10:42PM... just 2.5 hours after my initial page to the midwives... Cameron was born, his arm was delivered first followed by his head. I'll never forget the moment. Heck, I'm getting teary right now thinking about it! It was phenomenal experience to be in the comfort of my own home, giving birth to my son.

The bond my son and I share is unreal; Whether that be from the home birth or not, I really don't know! Cadence had been taken from me straight after delivery by NICU and respiratory nurses, so perhaps I feel the stronger bond because Cameron was placed upon my chest immediately following his delivery. Who really knows. What I do know is that given what an amazing experience I had, I'll definitely consider home birth for any future bundles that I may be blessed with!

Having experienced both a hospital and home birth, I'm happy to say that I have both experiences under my belt. I know home birth isn't an easy decision, nor is it for everyone! If it's something you're considering or you'd love to hear more about don't be shy to drop me a line!

Luv U Zoo Musical Activity Mat

We LOVE our Fisher Price Luv U Zoo Musical Activity Mat! ... er... Let me clarify... My 4 month old son, Cameron, loves it!

Last month we were selected to review the Fisher Price Luv U Zoo Bouncer, which we had an amazing experience with! So when I found out I had the opportunity to review the Luv U Zoo Activity Mat I jumped all over it.

The mat was delivered to us a few weeks ago. Upon deliver, I cracked open the box and set-up the mat right away. The set-up was easy-peasy. It took not even 10 minutes to get everything in working order. The only problem I had once I set it up was that a part was missing. The musical mirror that hangs from the middle of the overhang structure was missing. We notified Fisher Price. They were quick to rectify the problem, and sent out a new part!

My son loves this mat. He loves to lie in the center of the mat and stare at himself in the mirror. He also recently discovered the art of rolling. He loves to roll on to his tummy and chew on the monkeys attached to the side of the mat. The monkeys are perfect for teething infants!

This mat is geared towards infants of all ages. The toys are in easy reach, and if your baby is rolling the bright colorful mat is sure to keep them entertained.  I've encountered one too many playmats for infants that have toys attached to the overhang structure that are ridiculously out of reach for the infant. With this playmat you don't have that problem.

If you are looking for a shower gift for an expectant Mom, I would highly recommend purchasing this mat. There is a deluxe version at Babies R Us for $99, which is an amazing deal!

My family and I love this product, and I'm sure you will too!

Wine & Frozen Meals = One Happy Mama!

Today momstown Whitby-Ajax hosted our second Big Cook! Our Moms were very excited to gather for a morning of exchanging meals, adult conversation and wine tasting. This fantastic event was sponsored by Chateau des Charmes.

A few days prior to the event, we decided that rather than prepping the food at our event that we'd prep the meals prior to the event. This way when we got together today we were able to sit back, relax, enjoy wine and allow our little ones to enjoy some play time. 

It was such a nice and welcomed break!

The kids all got to play and bond while we sipped an amazing tasting wine! It couldn't have been any more perfect!

Two of our members were lucky enough to walk away with a bottle of wine from Chateau des Charmes. We had been given one prize pack, but the Moms all wanted to open it up and contest off each bottle. Want your chance to win your own prize from Chateau des Charmes? Check out this great contest over at momstown.ca!

We all walked away from today with so many great meals! Now we comes the task of finding the freezer space to accommodate them!

If you want to join in on our next Big Cook make sure you are registered on the momstown Whitby-Ajax site! Our momstown chapters everywhere are celebrating with their own Big Cooks!

Once Upon A Child Ajax Clearance Blow Out

Clearance Blowout Sale

Once Upon A Child, Ajax

Saturday June 4th from 8am-8pm

Save up to 60% off entire store!

Fabulous prizes & giveaways including tickets to see The Wiggles!

75 Bayly St West, Ajax

905-427-4194

www.onceuponachildajax.com

And The Winner Is...

Congratulations Nicola McVeigh! You are the winner of our May contest! We hope you enjoy your 1 year membership to momstown Whitby-Ajax!

Little Picasso's

Now that the warmer weather has returned, so has the momstown famous Picasso's In The Park. Picasso's in the Park gives children the chance to get outside and enjoy the sunshine; all whilst letting their imaginations run wild and their creative juices flowing. At the odd occasion we will host Picasso's in someones yard or indoors, all depending on availability and the weather.

Today momstown Whitby-Ajax mamas took the Picasso's event indoors. It's a scorcher out there, and we didn't want to risk the youngsters overheating. We wanted them to be comfortable and having fun. And so they did!

This month's curriculum was based around Butterflies & Bullfrogs. We set up two different crafts, as well as lined the tables with paper so the toddlers could let loose and paint.

The first craft was painting butterflies.

For the second craft we set-up stations for children to design and decorate a caterpillar. For this craft you need: scissors, washable paint, glitter paint, pom poms, glue, foam butterflies, 2 different colours of construction paper.

First you'll want to assemble the caterpillar. Choose a construction paper as the base, and use the other colour to cut out 3 circles. Glue those circles to the main sheet of paper. From there have your child draw on the feet, and whatever other 'parts' they wish for their caterpillar to have. Once done let your child run wild making their caterpillar colourful through the use of paints. There is no limitations on how much paint or colour to use!

It's so much fun to watch the children's minds flow when they are partaking in crafts. They really come alive in their creative and artistic moments.

I captured one child interested in the paint that was all over their hands as they finger painted.

Adorable.

Be sure to check out our calendar, and sign-up to take part in our next Picasso's event. We'd love to see you there. Not from the Whitby-Ajax community? Check out momstown.ca to find the community nearest you! Other chapters like momstown Guelph are hosting similar events all summer long.

Why I Love The Fisher Price Luv U Zoo Bouncer

Right before the birth of my son, my husband and I spent a good portion of an afternoon lugging out my daughters old swing and bouncer from storage, and setting it up. We had clearly remembered how much our daughter had loved them both, and just assumed that our son would share that same love. Our assumption couldn't have been more wrong.

Since birth our son has dealt with colic and silent reflux issues. He never  liked the swing or the bouncer. Wouldn't sleep on his own. Didn't like being put down. The only place he wanted to be was either on the breast or being held. Showering in peace just wasn't happening.

One day I was at my wits end and decided to head out to the store... I wound up coming home with yet another bouncer. Except this bouncer was different then the traditional one, it had an aquarium attached to it. The bouncer while it lulled Cam, it didn't soothe him the way it should have.

When I found out I was being sent the Fisher Price Luv U Zoo Bouncer to test out, I'm not going to lie... I felt skeptical. It wasn't that I didn't have faith in the product. I did. I just was at that point where I didn't think there was a means to an end.

The day the Luv U Zoo Bouncer arrived, I rushed to put it together. I can't even begin to tell you how easy this bouncer was to assemble. It had a limited amount of parts, and the instructions were straight forward and to the point. My son was having another one of his off days when I received the bouncer, and his mood was quickly enlightened upon being put in the Luv U Zoo Bouncer. He was so enthralled with the monkey, koala and giraffe.

He doesn't care much for the chair vibration or the music, but he loves to smack the koala and monkey to hear them rattle. It's adorable to watch him play and thoroughly enjoy himself in this bouncy chair!

The Luv U Zoo has truly been a lifesaver. I can finally get work done, shower, clean or cook dinner without having to hold, bounce or rock him. Who knew this bouncer would've become my extra set of hands?! Certainly not me!

I would highly recommend this product to anyone. It's the perfect baby shower gift or toy for an infant. You can pick it up at a lot of major stores, including Babies'R'Us; and it's fairly inexpensive.

Better yet... you can enter to win the bouncer over at our very own momstown contests page... So be sure to head on over to momstown.ca to enter to win the Fisher Price Luv U Zoo Bouncer!

It's truly an awesome product! I can't wait to use it at some of momstown Whitby-Ajax's upcoming Baby Babble Playdates.

Finding the 'Me' in Motherhood

As a Mom it is so easy to put yourself on the back burner. Once your little baby enters the world, you've quickly turned your attention to the new little bundle and their needs.You suddenly fail to remember that your needs are just as important, and deserve just as much attention.

How do you find the balance in motherhood? Do you take time away from being a Mom to focus on you? It certainly isn't easy... I know that much for sure! But it's achievable.

With both my children, the method that I found worked for us was E.A.S.Y. - Eat, Activity, Sleep, You. It's a very common sense approach; that allows for a relaxed and flexible routine. This routine is probably what helped me set boundaries and got me through the day. It ensured that I took time for myself... Even if that time was taking 20 minutes to have a shower. It's that 'me time' that got me through. That 'me' time is so crucial and important.

Now that I have a infant and a toddler, 'me time' certainly has a whole new meaning. My body craves 'me time' daily. It took me a while to figure out a way to satisfy the craving without spending too much money. I would have loved to get my hair done more frequently or go to the spa... But let's face it, it just isn't in the budget. One day I was sitting around, having a bad day, feeling like a sloth when it dawned on me... I needed to get out and be more active. I wound up enrolling at a local gym. So now 3 to 4 days a week, I head over to the gym  when the hubby gets home from work... I have my me time all while focusing on getting my pre-pregnancy body back (what is that again?)... I'm tackling two goals at once, and feeling happier and better than I ever have!

What have you done lately to find the 'me' in motherhood?

Wordless Wednesday: Luv U Zoo Smiles

Baby Book Club

Last week we met up for our monthly baby book club.This month's theme was Butterflies and Bullfrogs. In connection with theme we thought it was only fitting to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

 Did you know starting in June that Baby Book Club will be sponsored? Yep, that's right!! Starting in June, Scholastic Canada will be sponsoring our monthly Baby Book Club. Next month we will be reading Hot Rod Hamster by Cynthia Lord.

Be sure to sign-up for this event, as we'll be raffling off an extra copy of this book to one of our attendees. To sign-up visit our calendar. Not a member yet? Visit momstown Whitby-Ajax to register today!