Starting March 28th-May 1st, severeal different locations are hosting (weekend) out grow out play sales. 


"An OutGROW OutPLAY sales event brings together parents who want to sell gently-used children items with parents who are looking to buy excellent quality at affordable prices!" 

Basically, it's a giant garage sale except better! 

CLICK HERE FOR DATES

I just wanted to share a delicious way too increase your milk supply

Lactation Cookies Recipe
Lactation Banana Bread Recipe

As you all know, babies grow up WAY to quickly! If your planning on heading back to work after your Mat leave ends it won't be long before your starting to think about daycare options. 
Many parents don't realize just how early you need to start thinking about daycare options for your new baby. You literally want to get on Ottawa's centralized waiting list  immediately after your childs birth (even if you only intend on using a before or after school program once your child is in kindergarten). If your not on the centralized waiting list this can lead to some serious distress when trying to find before and after school care programs.

I also was fortunate enough to interview, Salina, the mom who run "The Kangaroo's Pouch Daycare". 
CLICK HERE to read her take on home daycare vs. daycare centers. 

Not sure what's right for you, check out this article.

Congratulations to our milkface draw winners!

Winners:
Jen Boyd
Salina Sunderland
Tina Pilz
Emily Porter
Natasha Nichol

Also, a big thank you to milkface for donating 5 $20 off coupons!

Michelle, MomMeFit Owner & mother of four, answered several questions about MomMeFit's program and pre/post-natal fitness (See below for full interview). I also signed up for a Winter session of the Mom and Baby Bootcamp so I could give you my take on MomMeFit.

The Mom & Baby Bootcamp is the most intense workout option MomMeFit offers. The Bootcamp combines "cardiovascular training, intense drills and full body exercises".  The class is challenging, exilerating, and truely geared towards moms in all stages of post-pregnancy recovery. Though the workout can be EXTREME the instructors always provide less demanding options (for newer moms, those who've had a ceserean or those just looking for a milder workout). The trainers encourage you to push yourself, though they also encourage you to take care of yourself (take a longer rest if you need to and stay hydrated). As a new mom I find that this type of motivation is critical. This workout is perfect for those looking for a "serious" workout that still allows compensation for the plight of post pregnancy recovery!

I don't think I would have been ready to do this workout until about 3-4 months post-partum (but I had a difficult post-birth recovery). Several moms attend who have babies only 2 months-old and they keep up just fine! It's all about judging your own body, just keep in mind MomMeFit provides tons of other options if your not quite ready for something this intense.

MomMeFit "offer[s] all kinds of classes such as Mom and Baby Bootcamps, Pre-natal Yoga, Mom and Baby Zumba and Strollercise. [They] offer [there] classes at various city of Ottawa locations and at the new yoga studio that just opened in Orleans, called Align Wellness Studio." and they "focus primarily on the core muscles but we also add in a good measure of cardiovascular conditioning to burn off the fat that covers up those muscles". Michelle is trained specifically in pre/post-natal fitness as well as I "spinning, yoga, personal training, ZUMBA, and of course [she] also update[s her] First Aid and CPR every year".

Homemade babyfood is becoming increasingly popular and it's not hard to see why. Making your own baby food not only gives you control over the quality of ingredients, but it also allows your child to experience a wider variety of foods. Homemade food can even be more economical (especially if you make it in large batches and already own preparation supplies).
Since making your own babyfood can be a little tricky to figure out I've decided to make a simple and easy guide to preparing your baby’s first purees! When baby first begins to eat you may think you have to start with a rice cereal (it's a good choice as it's extremely non-allergenic, but it tends to be constipating and a little hard to digest) but that isn't the case, babies can begin with almost any fruit or vegetable. So here are a few ideas!

Preparation:
Almost all fruits and vegetables (with the exception of banana & avocado) need to be cooked. I highly recommend steaming them to preserve the most nutrients. Then, after steaming, they must be pureed.

What do you need?
All-in-one: Beaba Babycook Baby Food Maker (this little gadget is expensive and unnecessary)
OR (one of each)
Steam: Electric steamer, steamer pot, steamer basket
Puree: Fork or Potato masher, Food mill, Food processor or Blender, Magic Bullet (Note* Magic Bullet is not BPA free, so look for something comparable but check 
ALSO
Ice Cube Trays (or other storage containers like baby cubes)
Large Freezer Bags

I prefer to use an electric steamer and my kitchen-aid food processor for large quantities (a blender would also work well), and a magic bullet for small single sized servings. You may also want a small strainer spoon to remove lumps.

How to prepare (Steaming times for different fruits/vegetable listed below)
1. Wash/Peel produce and cut into smaller pieces
2. Steam until tender (see time chart)
3. Puree until smooth
4. Sift with strainer spoon (or fork) and remove any large chunks
5. Portion into storage containers and freeze for up to 3 months (or keep in the refrigerator for up to two days)
6. Thaw and serve (defrost in refrigerator, water bath or microwave)



Steaming Times:
If the produce is not VERY tender, cook longer – below are approximate times. I have grouped similar steaming times together as you can steam different produce at the same time.
Spinach – 3 Min.
Green Peas – 7 Min.
Plums – 7 Min.
Peaches – 7 Min.
Mango – 9 Min.
Papaya – 9 Min.
Pears – 9 Min.
Parsnip -9 Min.
Yellow (Summer) Squash -9 Min.
Zucchini – 9 Min.
Asparagus – 9 Min.
Apples – 15 Min.
Broccoli – 15 Min.
Green Beans – 15 Min.
Turnip – 20 Min.
Beets - 20 Min.
Sweet Potato – 20 Min.
Carrots – 20 Min.
Butternut Squash – 30 Min.
Kiwi Fruit - None
Banana - None
Avocado – None

Note on Storage*
I have tons of baby cubes but I actually prefer my cheap ice cube trays (this way I have better control over portion sizes and I mix purees more easily). Once the food has frozen completely in the ice cube tray I move the cubes into freezer bags (this does not present the same health risks as freezing food inside bags, as since the food does not freeze to the bag the chemicals don’t leach from the plastic into the babyfood). Make sure to label the bags so that if your baby presents allergy symptoms you know what food your baby is allergic to.

*Safety Precautions and Tips*
Do NOT give your baby honey before 1 yr old (this can cause botulism)
Try one food for 4 days before introducing a new food to watch for allergies, once your baby has tried several fruits and Vegetable mix them together for new tastes!
If your baby doesn’t like a food try it again in a few weeks don’t force feed them (this will only make them dislike solid food), their preferences are constantly changing!
Watch your baby not the calendar (all babies develop at a different pace, don’t rush your baby just because he reaches a certain age).
Buy organic foods whenever possible
Consult your doctor before beginning solids and before giving dairy products or any other highly allergenic food (eggs, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, etc)
Watch for food allergy symptoms SEE HERE
Foods don’t lose that many nutrients when frozen, although the taste isn’t superb, their fine to use for purees and often offer more variety in the winter.

RESOURCES:
 www.wholesomebabyfood.com
Cooking Light First Foods: baby steps to a lifetime of healthy eating

My husband had the day off work so we decided to drive into Kanata and have lunch at The Sippy Cup Cafe. As a certified fair trade Cafe they are doing their part socially and environmentally (YAY!!). 

With my daughter snuggled and sleeping in her carseat my husband and I were able to enjoy a wonderful "adult" lunch. Since the child play area is partitioned from the entrance, this coffee-house is fabulous even for those without children.
The entrance to the cafe has a trendy European quality, and although quite cozy, was spacious enough that I could wheel my stroller around with ease!! This coffeehouse emanates relaxation and indulgence; the aroma of fresh coffee, the inviting atmosphere, the dangerously delicious desserts.
The extremely large play room is tucked away at the back. It's bright, spacious, clean and features some really awesome children's toys (ones you wouldn't typically have at home, making it an entertaining play area for the kids)! I only took a quick peak as my little one was snoozing away happily (and as you probably know you don't mess with the naps)!
It was no surprise that even on a Monday afternoon business was bustling and their tip jar was full! Excellent, friendly service and a delicious lunch! 

If you haven't tried this cafe you NEED to. In the word's of my husband "it was worth the drive to Kanata". 

On a final note, make sure you get a Brownie!! I kid you not, it may have been the best brownie I've ever had... 

On January 28th MomCafé Ottawa (a networking group for Ottawa area moms) hosts their first event of 2011! 
"Hockey Mamas" at Wild Wood (part of Amberwood Village Golf and country club) will feature two moms who "scored" (honestly, who could resist that pun) awesome careers in the realm of hockey.

The speakers include:

Erin Crowe, Executive VP & CFO, Senators Sports & Entertainment 

Erin is a mom who has truly climbed the corporate ladder. She is thriving in a male dominated profession and still manages to balance family-life and give back to the community.  

Theresa Dostaler, Entrepreneur & Founder of Hockey Mom in Canada.

Theresa left the safety of full-time work to start her own home based consulting business. With more time to explore her interests, this rink culture savant founded Hockey Mom in Canada.

to read more about this event (Speaker details, Cost, Date, Registration).. CLICK HERE

The seminar will also be child friendly (including lattes, a light breakfast & on-site childcare), fabulous!!

If you attend this event make sure to leave me a comment!

I had intended to get my CPR certification while I was pregnant. After all it would be my responsibility to keep my daughter safe, and I, at the very least, wanted to feel confident that I could care for her in an emergency. However I ended up of bed-rest and couldn't attend a class.. and then along came baby, breastfeeding and sleep deprivation (haha). Again, I found myself in a position that wouldn't allow me to attend a "regular" class. 

So instead I set up a Baby & Mom In-home CPR certification course! There was a lot of interest from moms in similar situations or who were opening home daycares and needed certification. 

There are few moms who would consider leaving their kids with a daycare who isn't CPR certified. If we won't leave our kids with someone who isn't, why are we so comfortable not getting certified ourselves? 

Trust me (in the words of our instructor) it's better "have and not need" that it is to "need and not have"!

Our instructor was flexible with baby schedules (breastfeeding, regular (solid food) feeding, diaper changes, playing etc.)! How awesome is that!

Who did my In-home CPR course?
Jordan Turcotte
St. John's Ambulance instructor
hhfirstaid@hotmail.com (helping hands first aid)

My Overview:
45 min. Class
GREAT VALUE - $5 per class
offered at various locations
NO commitment required
Flexible difficulty
**I recommend moms attend this class as their first Baby & Mom class

Have a Ball With Mom is a great way to start your post-baby recovery. It's a fairly ab centered workout so make sure you get the OK from your doctor before trying it out. This is a great starter workout; the small class size promotes great socializing between mom's and the instructor, Jules of(www.fitnesswithjules.com), and the difficulty of the workout can easily be adjusted. Jules almost always provides easier and harder variations of her exercises so you can adjust them based on fitness level.

Also, and this is HUGE, you don't have to commit to attending every week! When you have a really young baby, your feeling like a zombie most days, and your still working on your babies schedule this is PERFECT!
 
Trying to attend  this class a few weeks in a row will be a good indication of whether or not you are prepared to commit to attending a fitness class every week. Also, because it is so flexible in regards to difficulty, this is the perfect starter class for people who are unsure whether or not their ready to start a more challenging fitness routine.

Just a sude note, Jules is a fabulous instructor, she's funny (which helps make those 45 minutes go by a little quicker), motivating, and personable (she recognized me each time I returned to her class).

Starr gymnastics also offers a care program for older children, so if you need to bring an older sibling, not to worry!

This class has definitely has the Savvy Mom Seal of approval!