Is it possible to find that perfect balance?  Where you can leave your child, go to work full time/ part-time and not cry all the way there?  Our first daycare was a disaster.  Not because the caregiver was mean and nasty, but because it just wasn't working well.  I would drop off my son- he would scream and cry as soon as we pulled into the driveway, then I would proceed to head to work- tears dripping off my face onto the steering wheel.

He was the youngest child there, and the caregiver I think forgot what that age was like.  He was 12 months old, and still needed some assistance with eating. She had high expectations for him to eat with fork and knife a huge plate of spaghetti. When I would pick him up, he would be strapped into a wagon watching all the other children play on the snowbanks. I interviewed 12 dayhomes within 1 week.  My husband made a graph with the top 3 and what we liked and disliked ( he is an engineer..they like charts). The top 3 were all great, but at that point we chose a live out "nanny" "babysitter", and never regretted it.  From the first day my son walked in, with no crying, ate well and napped for her.  For me it was bliss.  It was wonderful to go to work with one less worry. I was a little jealous of the "teas" she made him for lunch- grilled salmon with wild rice and veggies ( none of which he would eat at home).

There will always be questions to ask, police checks to look at, and certifications, however the biggest part of finding the one that works for you, is following your gut.  Do you like it there? Does that person make you smile and feel comfortable? Below is a list of questions that you might already be asking your potential care giver, or maybe you will find a couple to add to your list.

1. Where are all the chemicals locked up? Is there a fire extinguisher? Is there working fire alarms and CO alarms?

2. Are there safety gates on the stairs- are they pressure mounted or bolted in ( esp for a basement stairs).

3. what is their policy on discipline? on television? on giving meds? on sleep routine? Do they do cry it out? Will they contact you if a child gets hurt? Potty training?

4. How many sick days do they take? Are you paying for them? How many vacation days do they take? What if they have an apt- who watches the children?

5. What is a sample week of meals look like? Do they supply snacks? Do they cook organic? How often do they sanitize the dishwasher/ plates?

6. Will they do cloth diapering? Do you supply the diapers or do they? Do you supply wipes? Do you supply sunscreen/ bum cream?

7. Does caregiver drive the children in their Car? Do you supply carseat or do you? What is the expiry date on the carseat being used? Has it been properly installed by S.E.A.T.S? Do they take the carseats in and out?

8. Do they do trips to the park? Do they bring a first aid kit with them? How many parks are nearby? Do they go to playgroups? Do they ensure all children have a sunhat and sunscreen on? Do they reapply sunscreen? Do they bring water for children?

9. Do they have a police check done? is there a police check for everyone in the house that is over 18 years of age?

10. How long have they been doing this? Are they doing it just until their children are in school full time? What is the ratio of children? Does it follow ministry guidelines? Are they licensed?

11. What are the hours for drop off & pick up? Are you flexible on those at all? Is there a fee if I am late?

12. Do I pay if my child is away or ill?

13. How do you comfort a child? Is there a transition period to get them used to daycare?

14. Where do the children sleep? Do you supply playpen or do I? If a child is having problems falling asleep with others around do you separate?

15. Is there smoking allowed in the house?

16. Do children need to be immunized in order to attend this daycare?

17. Are the doors safe and secure? Do you have a sign in/ sign out policy for security? How do you communicate with the parent? Daily Logs?

18. Do you have pets? Are all their shots up to date?

19. Do you have a fenced in yard? Do you have a pool? If there is a pool what are the policies with using it?

20. Do you have a list of references I can check? Are we able to stop in and see our child?




Sometimes the prettiest house will be the worst daycare? Our first (ie the terrible one, had 1 room for a playroom, children were allowed in the kitchen and living room, and there was a sectioned area off they weren't allowed). That same caregiver also said they were building a fence and it would be done in 3 months. 6 years later there is still no fence. Do an interview, and also drop in at one of their worst times ( ie lunch/ pick-up or drop off's).  This will give you a good indication of how they are really interacting with the children and parents. Check out nearby parks, get feedback from other parents. When I was off with my son, I saw caregivers screaming at children. I won't recommend those to anyone. The caregiver we had for 6 years, and both my children went to her, we still see.  I bring her gossip on Cornation street- as she is british and loves the show. My children run up to her and give her big hugs, and she is a part of our family. It will take time to find the right place, but when you do you will know it.

It is no secret that I hated pumping.  Loathed it. It maybe was due to working full time at a workplace that wasn't supportive of it. My daughter was at daycare full time, but I still was nursing ( quite common & recommended to age 2years +). Part of the reason I detested pumping, was I wasn't able to produce very much, and yet my daughter breastfed just fine. It was in the middle of winter when I returned to work, and I would pump in my car. I would move my car to the attractive spot near the dumpster, crouch over and try to will my body to stay warm enough while I pumped. My manager called it " my lactation issue", as if saying the words nursing, pumping, or heaven forbid "breast" might make him break out in hives. He tried to convince me that I needed to start my work from my office, as then I could pump before going on the road to visit clients.  However anyone who has done any long term pumping knows, it is better to have a schedule that mimics the baby. I pumped daily at 11am, and 2 pm. Venturing out to the car, moving the car, and pumping, was still quicker then the 15+staff members that took smoke breaks.

 If you are planning to pump when you return to work, set up a room that you can pump in. Even better if it has a lock on it, and isn't a bathroom. Bring a picture of your baby to help with letdown, think about your birth & memories that you have of it. The above picture is the pump I used pump in style from Mededa, and a cooler bag for bottles. Even if you are unable to pump great amounts ( I was able to pump 1 oz from each side- so not a lot at all!), you are still stimulating your milk production for your child.  Keep in mind as well that your child will always be able to get more from you then your pump. My schedule looked like this:

Morning cluster feeds 6-7:30am- my daughter would nurse 2-3 times during this time, plus eat breakfast ( keep in mind she was quick nursing 5 min)

7:30-11- drop off at daycare, drive to work ( I know someone that used to pump on the way to work, I don't recommend this)

11- pump in car

2pm- pump in car

4:30- pick up from daycare ( often my daughter would want to nurse at daycare), snacks in the car, cluster feeds till bedtime at 6:30-7pm

I continued to pump at work for 2years.  This wasn't something I planned out, nor did I get any pleasure from doing it. Sometimes you do what needs to be done, to make your children happy.  My daughter liked "milkies", it kept her healthy, and that is what kept me going. I do wish that in future years companies will see the importance of healthy moms & healthy children.  This means less sick time, and healthier communities.  I wish that it wasn't such a fight to ask for a "pumping room", and that just because a mom asks for this it isn't considered preferred treatment. That just because that mom doesn't want to pump in a bathroom, this doesn't make her demanding. I also wore a nursing tank under my work clothing to make pumping easier ( ie less skin showing).

2 words that will have you running for rags and carpet cleaner..or maybe not.  Every child potty trains at a different age.  I found it frustrating when the child isn't ready.  When they are ready, and show a keen interest it is much easier. Using cloth diapers helps with potty training, as the child feels wet.  However it is important to note that if you are using a pocket diaper, the fleece inside will wick away the moisture and the child doesn't feel wet.

Some signs that show the child is interested in potty training:

*mimicking you when you go the bathroom- pulling down pants

*sitting on the potty without being asked

* having a dry diaper for 2 hours or more

*showing cues, and signs when making movements or about having to pee ( think the pee pee dance, or hiding because they have to poop)

Girls tend to potty train faster then boys, but again this depends totally on the child.  If there is 3 older sisters, then chances are the youngest boy will potty train fast due to wanting to be like the older siblings. You can start off potty training slow, by just placing the child on the potty every night before bath time. The running water noise will also assist in the encouragement of peeing. You can keep a stack of books near the potty to read when sitting on the potty.  You can also search on google  for potty training ideas..everything from building a racecar for the potty to a throne and castle will be there.

We found rewards that worked, and used them until they weren't needed any longer.  Some ideas are : smarties, matchbox cars in a bag under the sink, chart with stickers, bag of special toys.  You can however get suckered into buying bigger gifts ( ie my son liked Disney cars- so after spending my life savings on ebay buying- mater/ sally/ and hard to find cars), I wouldn't recommend this! (see below for picture)

Another tip is to coordinate with your daycare so that you are both on the same page, and tackling potty training together. Try several potties to see which work the best for you.  You might also go for the smaller seat on the toilet with a stool. I would suggest to avoid the "singing" potties.  Our experience was they go off in the middle of the night. Like 2am.."oh boy you used the potty..yippee and then a song..Sometimes pants and underwear can give children the false feeling of diapers.  I personally found it easier to potty train in the summer, where we could let my son run in the backyard with a t-shirt on, and potties on the deck. Keep in mind as well if you encourage your son/ daughter to pee on the trees in the backyard, this will continue at preschool ( yes from past experience).

Elimination Communication is another form of potty training, but at a much younger age. You can start at any age- some start right from birth other's wait till baby can hold head up, others when baby is 6-7 months old.  The method is to communicate with your baby- ie make the peee noise when they are going, ask if they have to go pee, wait 10-15 after nursing/or bottle and hold over potty or sink. Lots of diaper free time, time playing in the shower just in case there is accidents, lots of praise for dry diapers.
Also if your baby has a red face & is grunting that is the perfect time to place on the potty, or ie older edge of toilet seat. The extraordinary Baby shoppe holds ECing drop in's/meetings in their basement.  Call to see when the next one is.

Other tips to remember:

*when potty training always get the child to attempt using the toilet before leaving the house

*bring a change of clothing for child

*children will often be afraid of the loud automatic bathrooms in malls, find places that you can stop that are more comfortable

*keep toilet paper/ wipes in your car, often when they are at the park is when they choose to go

*have more patience, then you normally have.  For me this was a struggle..I already have low patience!

Just part of the stash of Potty training rewards..

Wool soakers are excellent as an overnight diapering option.  This also allows for the child to feel the wetness.  You put a prefold with a booster, or a fitted diaper under the wool soaker.  Wool is lanolized so it is waterproofed.  You don't need to wash wool after each diaper change, but rather I washed ours ( we used longies) every 3-4 weeks.

Sometimes hotels overlook the little things...not at Great Wolf Lodge.  They have thought of everything you could ever need, or want. And there is friendly staff.  Not just when you check in, but all the time. When your child is waving a wand at the raccoon in the dining room, so that the critter's eyes light up, the server smiles and points out other creatures.
Suites are designed for families.  A privacy wall separates the tv, from the beds.  Beds are comfy, spacious rooms, hot steamy showers ( to ease muscles from climbing stairs for waterslides), fridge, and microwave. Have a larger family- they can accommodate that too.  There is a loft suite that has 2 beds downstairs, a pull out sofa, fireplace, and the stairs lead to a private bedroom, and bathroom.
Great Wolf Lodge has made it possible for you to never have to leave the resort.  Which is perfect as you won't want to.  Tons of restaurant choices ( pizza-you can get takeout to your room, poolside food, sandwiches, healthy buffets), great gift shop with amazing staff that teach you how to do Magicquest, Scoops spa ( for little ones), Elements spas for older ones, storytimes, Pj parties, and yes a huge/giant waterpark.
How does the Waterpark compare to others?  Great Wolf Lodge surpasses all of them.  The safety is top notch, it is clean, helpful & friendly staff, and fun. We have been to Atlantis in Bahamas before, and while it nice to look at, it lacks the safety & fun of Great Wolf Lodge. At Atlantis the bucket in the kids area actually dumps water onto children, at GWL the huge bucket dumps water onto the roof of the structure, keeping children safe. There are areas for all ages, huge area for toddlers and babies( no children over 5 allowed), a wave pool, the interactive structure- see above with squirt guns, dumping water areas, 2 slides, sprinklers.  The flooring in the waterpark is all non-slip.  To my knowledge lifeguards can say "please walk" until they are blue in the face...but little ones will be so excited they take off at high tilt. The non-slip flooring keeps them protected at all times.  There is a pool with giant lilypads to jump to with a rope ladder to hold onto.  Another pool boasts basketball nets, and a large snake to climb onto. There is a lazy river that you can float down in tubes, while buckets dump water onto to you.  Numerous waterslides cover the entire park.  My son's favorite was rapid river which has a conveyer belt that pulls the tube along- making it very fast ( but safe as there is netting over the entire open areas).

The above pictures are to show all the care and concern Great Wolf lodge shows its cliental.  The nursing area for moms- you can make private or not.  The nursing area is located in the cub care room.  My youngest spent 1 morning decorating in the cub club ( she didn't want to leave).  Cub Club has a special time from 10:30-11:30, that you can drop your children off with a small fee, to do crafts ( which also the time of checkout). Ideal! You drop children off, search under the beds for lost stuffies/gather all your belongings, check out and then scoop your children up on the way out.  Genius.

Bathing suit dryer.  Loved it.  Also once you bring your bathing suits into your suite, there is a retractable clothesline in the shower you can use to hang them to dry further. All lifeguards wear fanny packs with a face mask in it. As a past lifeguard ( I worked in BC at a waterpark/ beaches, and pools) I was admiring the GWL lifeguards ability to have enthusiasm, energy, and no yawning. They also have a fake "timmy" doll that can be put in the water at any point to simulate a child drowning.  This information is posted near the bathing suit dryer so that guests do not get startled about a plastic doll in the water.

There is a conveyor belt to bring up the large tubes. Huge Bonus.  For anyone who has tried to walk their child up many steps, with a tube in hand, it is simply torture.  This made the experience of riding tubes fun, exciting, and easy.

Magiquest is a must if you are visiting GWL.  Children will beg for the magic wands that open chests of gold, light up crystals, and hunt for all the clues.  Available in the gift shop, children can pick out wand colours, wand toppers, and characters.  They then pick an adventure, and are given instructions by the staff.  The aim is to find the final clues, by finding the right crystals in order. At the beginning of each hallway there are crystals, and interactive props that will react when children point their wand at them.  You carry around a booklet, that will assist you in finding the right order.

Great Wolf Lodge is located 5-5.5 hours from Ottawa. We had an amazing time, tired tuckered out children on the way home, and great memories. If you are looking for a vacation that will please the entire family, this is it. 





Please note: When this blog was written Nov.2013, I was part of the Great Wolf Lodge "ask a wolf mom team".

We often get asked " how do you manage to do organic if it rains for a straight week?"  First off diapers go outside regardless.  Even on the rainiest days, there is pockets of sunshine.  The diapers need very little direct sun to bleach out any stains.  Sometimes as little as 30 min is long enough. If there is a monsoon for a week, then we turn to our backup supply of diapers to use until there is sunshine again.

If your delivery day is Tuesday, but it rained all weekend, then bright and early Monday morning I would be, hanging diapers. All this before hitting the road to deliver.

The winter poses a bigger problem then the rain.  In minus 30 weather the diapers freeze the moment they get outside.  The diapers need to be watered down in baskets, then hung outside when it is sunny out.  We can't just leave the diapers out all day, and hope it will be sunny.  So in the wintertime, it is more " chase the sun" game. The other drawback with winter, is prying the diapers off the line.  Majority of the time diapers are removed from the line, mid-day as the temperature is warmer.  This ensures that the clothespins don't snap, and the diapers don't rip taking them off the line.
After the diapers are brought inside they are re-washed with The Laundry tarts(all natural laundry soda) to ensure there isn't any tiny handprints or bird poop on them.  Diapers are then placed in the dryer with wool felted dryer balls.  The boosters are hung to dry near the woodstove.  The booster are made of hemp and bamboo and they take usually 2 dryer sessions to dry.  By using the woodstove, they dry quicker, and then fluffed in the dryer.

Let us know if you have any questions about sunning your diapers out, and we will be happy to help!

In the middle of summer we decided to take a quick road trip.  It had to be close (my children don't enjoy long road trips/ and we were aiming for cheap & cheerful).  We chose to go to Peterborough.  Using Hotwire (you don't get to pick the hotel), we booked for 1 night.  The total cost of the hotel was $93.00.  The hotel was Holiday inn (which was perfect as it had a indoor/outdoor swimming pool). We packed up-much easier to do when you are staying at a hotel, and not camping.  The big attraction in Peterborough is the Riverside zoo.  It is FREE.  Yes that isn't a typo.  There is a huge playground, splash pad, and animals to visit. Also a train that is affordable.  Under 2 is free, and everyone else pays $2.00.

If you plan this road trip on a weekend, you can also take in the festival of lights.  This is a free concert that Peterborough puts on in the marine park.  Some of the past concerts include- Sloan, Great Big Sea, Leahy, Natalie Macmaster, and others.  They pass a bucket around, and people throw in money-whatever they can afford.  After the concert they do the lighted boat show (sailboats with lights on them) to music, and fireworks as well.

You can also take in the Farmer's market which is located behind the Memorial centre. One of the last weekend's in August there is also a free folk festival.  Again they pass the bucket at this event.  There is a kids area with instruments, lots of food vendors, and some amazing musical acts. 

Recently in the past 2 years there has been an influx of  Big Box stores where I live.  By  Big box stores I mean: Walmart, Mastermind Toys, Toys R us, Value Village,  Starbucks, Bushtaka, and so on. There has also been more pressure to shop local,
as if you don’t all the smaller mom and pop stores will disappear.   In the past 2 years this is what has happened. Over 10 local smaller  businesses have gone under. Some say “well they weren’t doing a good job  otherwise they would have survived the big box moving in”, others say “yes I  support local”-however the only time you ever see them in smaller store is when  there is a huge sale.

My problem is this: I like the smaller stores.  I like that they usually and in most cases go above and beyond to make your experience better. I like that they give back to the community. I like that they support WAHM’s(work at home moms) selling homemade goodies/crafts. I like that they are orginal.

Perhaps this comes from years of my mother bringing me to the one of a kind show in Toronto.  It is a full day event with artists from all over Canada- it is breathtaking and mindblowing. Perhaps it comes from my parents owning an organic farm(before it was cool to do so) over 36 years ago. Whatever it is, I am proud that I support local. I do understand that people will shop where the cheapest  price is. I do understand what it is like to have 2 screaming children with you, and you want to get all your shopping done in 1 place. HOWEVER: I am afraid. I fear that in 20 years we will live in a town like the Lorax. Doom/Gloom..and
only this huge big box stores looming over us.

When you shop local you are supporting the people you  live with. These are people that might be your neighbour, they don’t live in Toronto, and they most certainly don’t live in China. Shopping local means they are employing local people to work at their store, and as well they support  local charities as well. A consignment shop close to home is donating all their unsold clothing to a local clothing bank that people can access. Many stores donate their time/energy/and goods to local schools, and fundraisers. I have failed to see a lot of the big box stores do this. Even if you are a diehard walmart shopper- there are ways to shop local.
Below I have listed just a few of my favorite ways to support local.

http://www.ottawagoodfoodbox.ca/?page_id=14&lang=en This program supports local farmers.  You purchase a box 1 time a month. $10, $15, or $20 boxes are available. Also there is an organic option as well.  Month to month it varies depending what is in season.  This month it was see picture below:

http://www.tagalongtoys.ca/ extensive toy selection, play areas for children(craft tables/water tables/kitchen-so parents can shop), discounts to teachers & grandparents, and above all staff that know their toys really really well.

Local places to grab grub..and most times you will see the owner cooking and serving..
http://robzbistro.com/

Play places for children:
http://www.brinkeetos.com/ owner takes all feedback and makes changes asap. My children love date night here where they can watch and movie and share popcorn.

http://www.agymtale.com/ tons to see and do for all ages. Safe & Clean play structure. Secure area where children can't wander off and parents can talk and sip a coffee.

https://www.facebook.com/elmhillkids local Kanata clothing store, excellent quality clothing for babies and children

Local shop to purchase cloth diapers. Also hosts a used cloth diaper swap every couple of months where you can sell your own diapers by renting a table, or consign them, and receive store credit. http://www.extraordinarybabyshoppe.com/

Best shop to purchase nursing bras, nursing tops, baby carriers (including my favorite Manduca!). Also hosts mom & baby groups to support breastfeeding, as well as toddler & mom groups.  https://www.milkface.com/

By shopping Local, you are supporting YOUR community. You are supporting local sports teams, employment, and your child's future. By supporting local you are making a statement that it isn't okay to pay foreign workers .10cents to make a Joe fresh t-shirt. Think about what you want for your future, and your children's, and your grandchildren's future.

 Currently I am an Ask A Wolf Mom for http://www.greatwolf.com/niagara/waterpark.  Great Wolf Lodge has a contest on this summer I thought I would share with Ottawarians(is that even a word).
During the Wolf Your World Tour, three new  characters – Rachel the Raccoon, Brinley Bear and Sammy the Squirrel – will join  Wiley the Wolf, Violet the Wolf and Oliver Raccoon in “wolfifying” America by handing out tens of thousands of wolf ears at each stop on the Tour. Consumers  will have the opportunity to enter the Great Wolf Lodge Ultimate Getaway sweepstakes. At the end of August, one lucky family will win a two-night stay for 25 family and friends plus a banquet for their entire “pack” at the Great  Wolf Lodge of their choice. Fans can visit www.wolfyourworld.com to enter the sweepstakes, take part in  weekly contests and follow Wiley the Wolf and friends on their adventures. 

To enter to win..wear your wolf ears (which you can get from me) everywhere..baseball games, eating a beavertail, at the splash pads, grocery shopping, family outings and so on.  Take a picture on and post it on facebook with #hashtag #wolfyourworld, tweet pictures using #wolfyourworld, and you could win a trip to Great Wolf Lodge for you and 25 of your closest family/friends.

Want ears?? Let me know and I will drop off while I am doing deliveries.