momstown Edmonton has spent March in space, so our Little Scientists decided to do some exploration of space materials. Two centers were set up for our scientists to explore as they wished. They played with both galaxy play dough and moon sand! It was a very messy and fun science exploration.
Galaxy play dough: Our scientists were given black play dough, glitter, and marbles. Using all of this, they created little galaxies! The glitter was the stars and the marbles were the planets. It was so neat seeing the different galaxies. Some were very planet dense, and some only had a couple of planets.
Moon sand: We found out this is a very messy material (perhaps better suited as an outdoor activity!). Our scientists loved playing with it though, and used cups to make little moon sand castles. Want to make it at home? Just mix 4 cups of all purpose flour with ½ cup of baby oil! It’s a great sensory (albeit messy) activity!
Interested in what else momstown has to offer? Check out our programs with our free trial!
As we're approaching Easter this group of Edmonton moms and babies made some cute Easter Egg Shakers this week! Once a month as a part of our Baby Basics Program we discover our senses so these easy and fun shakers were a great fit! Along with some visiting we had fun getting to know some new members of this awesome group. It's pretty simple to do, just make sure you use really strong tape, as we wouldn't want these breaking open. These are great all year round, and a great inexpensive toy for babies!
In keeping with our Space theme at momstown Edmonton, our Junior Chefs made Energy Space Balls! This is a great recipe that is easy, healthy, AND delicious! The boys had so much fun stirring, the mixture into balls, and, of course, eating it. Here’s the recipe:
Energy Space Balls
Ingredients 1 cup dry large flake oats 2/3 cup coconut flakes 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter (we used almond butter, if there are nut allergies, you could use soy or pea butter) 1/2 cup ground flaxseed or wheat germ 2 T sifted cocoa 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup 1 T chia seeds 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Stir all ingredients together in a large bowl until mixed. Let chill in the refrigerator for about half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week (ours didn’t last that long!).
This month we looked at the letter “J” for Alphabet Play. We talked all about words that begin with J and found out that many of our names begin with J. We also found out that “jump” begins with J so we played a fun little jumping game where we pretended we were different animals that jump. Our “J” craft consisted of a “jeweled J.” With some help from the mamas, the children drew a J on their paper and then spread white glue within that J. Once done, they put glitter all over it and decorated their paper with jagged lines and jewel stickers. It sure was a messy, but fun craft!
Right before we were hit with a massive snow storm here in Edmonton our mom got to enjoy a fun afternoon playgroup sponsored by Fisher-Price! We had such a big group of mama's to come and and we all had a blast signing, dancing and crafting!
First our moms were led by Pamela from Intellidance with songs and rhymes that the babies loved! A huge thank you to her as the babies and mamas really enjoyed it!
Our babies then got to playing and crafting! They were overjoyed to play with the toys provided by Fisher-Price! I think the Say Please Tea Set was a favorite among the babies with the Laugh 'n Learn Click 'n Remote a close second!
We even got to paint our little ones toes to create cute spring bumble bees!! Too bad the weather decided against spring at the last moment!
The Baby Basicsprogram ended on a very high note as the four fabulous Fisher Priceproducts were drawn as prizes! The super lucky winners were:
Did you know that momstown Edmonton mom and baby program - Baby Basics - meets once a week to connect moms with babies 0-12 months? Interested in joining us? Purchase your membership here for just $45 a year. All one year memberships include a 12 month subscription to Today's Parent magazine too!
As you all know I was not happy about the way Liam's birth turned out. After we had planning a peaceful home birth I was whisked away in an ambulance and put under general anesthesia to deliver him by cesarean I'm getting over it, slowly. But there were some things that I was shocked weren't told to me at the hospital. I'm not sure if this was because I am a fourth time mom, but I was literally given no information about what to expect for the coming weeks. Thanks to some other c-section mamas I got a lot of questions answered. Please share this blog with anyone about to have a baby. I know all too well that although you may not want to have a cesarean birth it may just happen!
You'll feel numb around the incision site. Not for a few weeks or months but permanently. At 5 months postpartum I still do not have feeling around the incision Apparently this is normal, some people get the feeling back eventually, some never do especially if you have multiple sections so don't hold your breath.
You might grieve. Planned or emergency be prepared to deal a little grief. Whether it's those moments you missed after the birth, or the c section wasn't what you expected. It's perfectly normal to grieve.
You'll want to carry a pillow around. Sneezes and coughs can come out of nowhere and using a pillow to put pressure on the area can help with the discomfort.
Your incision site could break open - I know, gross right? But it happens. It's more common than you'd think. Usually you'll know because you'll start having some bleeding or seepage at the incision site. Make sure to see your doctor in case it's serious but most of the time it will just take some extra time to heal.
It's a good idea to massage the incision site (once it's healed). I've with a few c section mamas and no one is aware of this at all. Small adhesion's can form around the scar connecting tissues to places they shouldn't be. These adhesion's can cause pelvis and lower back pain and can even keep you from flattening your tummy, even with exercise! Here's a great site that explain how, when and why you should massage your c section scar.
I am not a quitter. I am really good at finding excuses to get me out of anything that I find too challenging...okay that sounds like a quitter doesn't it? I just like to succeed and if I can't see success on the horizon I quit before I fail. I've always been that way. I like to be good at what I do and if I sense that I'm not, I don't push to get good at it - I just quit. With this 1/2 marathon training I absolutely cannot see the finish line. I don't know if I can do this. I am training and working hard to raise a lot of money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. But I cannot see the light at the end of tunnel. I am not "good" at running. I am slow and am finally just to a point where I can run without trying to come up with excuses to stop. But I won't quit this time. I'm doing this thing whether my quitter soul wants to or not. It's been 4 months since we started this crazy journey. I started this 1/2 marathon training 6 weeks post c-section, maybe not the ideal time to start a training program like this. I have delivered 4 children in just 5 years, that a lot time spent pregnant, recovering, nursing and most of all not getting much exercise. I was weak. I am shocked at what my body can do now. I ran 10 km's on Saturday morning. I never thought I'd ever run 10 km's but I did it.
Our group on a very cold night of training!
I am SO incredibly proud of the 10 momstown mamas that have shown their determination, drive and willpower throughout this journey. We're 1/2 way to our fundraising goal that's over $15,000 raised in just 4 months for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. That is amazing. On top of working, owning businesses, and raising 21 children combined! We've ran countless kilometers together and I know we will all finish this race and reach our fundraising goals together. I am proud to be where I am today. I am excited about challenging myself beyond what I actually believe I can do. I know that on May 5th as I cross the finish line I'll be exhausted but this group of moms are running for those who can't. For those lives destroyed by these debilitating diseases. Those affected by Leukemia and Lymphoma can't quit, they don't have a choice but to fight, so my gloves are on and so are my runners. I won't give up. Not this time. To help us reach our fundraising goal click here!
We will have a ballet class for the kids, a performance by a REAL Ballerina, plus crafts and hairstyles for the kids (boys included!)
Our event is also BYOB! BRING YOUR OWN BARBIE™
We encourage everyone to dress in pink, wear your tutu and come for a very fun
Barbie™ and Ballet music & movement event!
How do you find out all the details? Check out the momstown Edmontoncalendar of course!
We will have a copy of Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes DVD to giveaway as well!
We have another chance for you to win your own copy of Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes! Check out the contest page to enter and for an extra entry share a photo or video of your little ballerina on our facebook page!
Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes is the latest release which will be available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on February 26th, 2013. Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes is an exciting ballet movie in which Barbie™ stars as Kristyn, the hard-working dancer, who wows the big ballet company in her performance of Giselle and Swan Lake. Through this journey Kristyn learns that when you dance from your heart – your dreams can come true.
Barbie has introduced a line up of dolls, accessories and a playset which allow girls to recreate some of their favorite scenes from the film. A must have is the Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes as Kristyn Farraday™. Two in one, girls can simply twist the doll and her skirt reverses for a magical transformation!
Welcome to momstown Edmonton's The Grange edition of The People In Your Neighbourhood! Edmonton is a city made up of many beautiful neighbourhoods and it is our goal that this blog series will provide you with many great reasons to get out exploring the city, fall in love with Edmonton and the people in your neighbourhood!
The Grange is full of beautiful neighborhoods designed with families in mind! The Grange, although sitting on the edge of the city is accessible through many main highways, providing an easy commute to just about anywhere! With great parks and a ton of single family homes this neighbourhood would be a great place to visit or call home! Location The Grange stretches south of Stony Plain Road all the way down to 45 avenue and is bordered by the Anthony Henday to the east and 215 street to the west. The Grange encompasses the following neighbourhoods; Lewis Estates, The Hamptons, Suder Greens, Granville, Glastonbury, Potter Greens, and Breckenridge Greens.
What's A Mom To Do?
Playgroups
West Meadows playgroupruns every friday from 10-11:30 a.m at West Meadows Baptist Church (9333 – 199 Street). All parents and their children 5 years and under are welcome. Lots of fun for mamas and tots with singing, nursery rhymes, crafts, snacks and health talks.
Quick Bites
CAREIT Urban Deli is a modern deli using local fare providing unique meal offerings for the customer to pick up and take home to enjoy. They also do made to order sandwiches, homemade soups and salads that are fresh and easy to prepare!
Spa-aahhh
Epic Beauty Boutique is a new upscale destination in Edmonton, Alberta, offering a complete high-end retail and spa experience. They offer one ultra-chic, ultra-comfortable treatment room, for facials, body treatments, and more (and in the near future also laser hair removal).
Shopping No need to go far to find amazing shopping when you live in The Grange, right across the Anothony Henday you can access West Edmonton Mall. With lots of grocery stores and even a brand new costco, this area is sure to be a hit with local families!
Health
McCormack Optometric Centre enjoys a knowledgeable staff with a wealth of experience and education that allows us to offer our patients the very best in vision care. Their passion for and expertise in vision care makes their office the perfect choice for you and your family's vision care needs. It is what drives them to reach out to the community of Edmonton as they open their doors each and every day.
Heart of the Hood
Edmonton Community Leagues Community leagues are truly the heart of the Edmonton neighbourhoods. We are so lucky to have these resources in our communities - they offer special events, soccer for kids and fun right on your doorstep! In The Grange there is a community league in some of the small neighbourhoods like Glastonbury and Lewis Estates, which offer great incentives to be a part of the community!
Check out this link to the Edmonton Community League Federation to find the community league for your neighbourhood - http://www.efcl.org/
Check out the listings below for some great options!
This Blog Series is sponsored by proud momstown Edmonton member, Nicole Cooper of Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate. Nicole has no shortage of enthusiasm when it comes to helping her clients realize their home ownership goals and only jumps with two feet in when she is working a client. Whether it’s finding that perfect house to call a home or selling the property that has housed years of memories, Nicole will work with you to find you the best solution for your needs with service that'll move you.
We had a great afternoon with our momstown Edmonton Baby Basics group! 15 busy mamas came in from the cold to chat with Janelle from Mother Haven about being honest about motherhood. Mother Havenfacilitates sharing circles in Edmonton that allow mothers to open up to each other. By the end of the session there wasn't a dry eye in the house; I definitely feel that as a group we were able to bond in knowing that we are all feeling such similar emotions and anxiety. We have such brave mamas to openly share their real struggles and frustrations.
After those tears were shed we moved on to make a sensory bags for our little ones! With only a few materials we were able to create beautiful and stimulating bags for babies to touch and interact with. Here's a photo of the finished product! My older kids loved them too so they would be great for any age.
This craft needs little explanation as it was so easy to make! Just add hand sanitizer to a ziplock baggie (we've used hair gel in the past but it's honestly just stinks and leaves your hands sticky so we preferred this). Then we added some little nick knacks from the dollar store to the bag to make it interesting. You could use anything for this from marbles to rubber animals, whatever you think would catch their interest and have a neat texture in the bag. We then added some food colouring and sparkles and sealed the bag with extra tape. Join us at our next Baby Basics for baby picassos where we'll do a fun Easter craft!
Monday afternoon we got a special email from an organizer of the Yeggies letting us know we were nominated and short-listed in the Family and Parenting category for an Edmonton New Media award. The Yeggies were created to recognize and celebrate outstanding social media content creators in the capital region.
"The Best in Family or Parenting award is given to those who share insights into their own families or family in general online. They let us into their homes, and allow us to get to know their families — and perhaps even our own — through storytelling."
What an honour. The other nominees are incredible writers and contributors to this fine city. We're in amazing company and just to be on a list with the likes of Red Neck Mommy, City and Baby and Frugal Edmonton Mama is a blessing. As most of our friends know we can barely have a conversation without saying "I should write a blog about this!" Our lives have become a part of this blog and we are so incredibly grateful for the nomination.
Our blog has allowed us to give you a sneak peek into the wonderful work we do withmomstown. It has allowed us to open the lines of communication about the struggles and victories in motherhood. But most of all this blog has allowed me to share my story. It has healed me immensely to know my words have helped or touched another mom struggling with depression or the loss of a child. I am eternally grateful to have an outlet such as this and readers to relate to. A enormous THANK YOU to those that nominated us. We are so touched by your words. Below is just one of many kind words that were said about this blog, it's an amazing feeling to connect with people online and we hope to continue to share our lives with all of you as long as we can.
"momstown is deeply personal. Some of their blogs have brought me to tears - these girls open up in ways that I couldn't imagine myself doing, even online. It's more than inspiration - it's assurance of bravery, of safety in a community of strangers. momstown is a great thing for Edmonton, and it shows in everything they do."
Check out the link below to read more about the Yeggies as well as find out if your favourite Edmonton blog or social media personality was nominated as well!
Polar animals have been on our minds at momstown this February. So, our Little Scientists got to explore how polar animals keep warm! We decided it would be pretty silly if polar bears and walruses wore jackets and mittens, so they must keep warm some other way. How? Blubber! We talked about blubber and how the fat insulates the animal from the cold. Then, we did a little experiment to show our little scientists just how that works. First, we filled a plastic bag with Crisco (any oil or lard would work here!).
Then, we put a second bag inside that bag to make a sort of glove. The kids squished around the Crisco so that it covered their hand completely. The Crisco simulated a polar animal’s fat! Each kid then placed their hand in ice water (a benefit of being in cold Edmonton is that there was plenty of snow around to use!). Some of our scientists were brave and put both hands in the water—one in the “blubber glove” and one bare hand. They quickly found out that the fat keeps their hand much warmer than without it! It was so neat to see their faces as they each made this discovery!
Want to join these fun experiments? Check out momstown Edmonton for your free trial!
This group of momstown Edmonton mamas had a great afternoon celebrating Valentines Day with some adorable babies! We read "Welcome, Baby" by Barbara Reid in English and French! 4 lucky mamas got to take home a copy this sweet book thanks to Scholastic Canada!
We then moved to the floor where the babies (and mamas) got messy painting with pudding! What a great way to let these little ones bring out their inner picassos without the use of toxic paint! We used vanilla pudding and added 1 drop of food colouring and the babies made some beautiful Valentines Day Canvasses!
We get asked all the time, What is momstown? Our answer, momstown is the leading event and media company for moms in Edmonton. But what does that mean? It means that for the past 5 years momstown has been providing moms an incredible platform to connect, vent, and get out of the house! We host amazing educational based programming in every corner of Edmonton as well as, Sherwood Park and St Albert!
Click here for details on our programming!
In person, our moms have access to 30+ programs per month starting in pregnancy until your child goes to school. Online, our message board allows moms to chat, ask questions and get support from one another. This organization provides the best of both worlds to moms. For only $45/year you get all this plus a subscription to Today's Parent magazine, does it get any better than that??
I asked our own members what they liked about momstown. I expected responses like, the message board, Art and Play, Baby Basics and of course they love those things. But their responses tied into the whole reason why we are so passionate about this organization and why momstown is making a difference in the lives of moms across Canada.
Here's what they had to say:
Message Board "I could be up at 3 in the morning and having a mommy crisis or even just posting a funny post that I thought would make someone else's day better, and the chances of me being on there alone are pretty slim. I never feel alone." Moms Nights Out "Mom night outs, To get out and visit with moms going through the same things as you. Adding new friends to your array of old ones to keep you fresh and young!"
Acceptance "For me it is how accepting everyone is. I felt like I was always being judged as a new mom for all my decisions from nursing to formula feeding to what kind of solids I introduced and when to where I put her down to sleep. When I joined momstown I felt like I had finally found a group of women who are there to support each other and help each other no matter what and not trying to one-up each other. I feel like although everyone has made different choices, everyone is willing to support each other through their challenges. It has helped me tremendously in my confidence as a mom."
Baby Basics "Baby Basics is my favourite part!!! The moms in the Baby Basics group have been so welcoming and open to sharing and listening. They offer advice and are open minded to different ways of doing things. They have a wealth of knowledge and I have never felt like I was being judged when I asked them a question or said how I do things."
Diversity "The diversity in the group, you can have one question and expect a whole array of tips and tricks to pick and choose from and make your own."
"Mom" Friends "I feel like it is such a great outlet to meet more "experienced" moms being a new mom and getting advice on things as they come up. I find myself saying more and more " well at momstown they said this or we did that" and I say it with confidence and really take every ones opinions and suggestions to heart. I don't have any friends with kids so being able to connect with other moms has been a really great outlet for me and I'm so grateful for finding this group"
Awesome Events "The awesome playdates, especially crafty ones. Having someone arrange great ideas and get it set up make uncrafty moms like me feel like their kids got to do something cool."
Support "I love that momstown is there for the highs and the lows. When I was going through my miscarriage I was just waiting to be swallowed up but it never happened. Janine, Kristin and all the other momstown mamas rallied around with support. It meant the world to me then and it still does now. We also rejoice in the highs...be it first smiles, movements, words or use of the potty. It makes being a mom so much easier when you know there are others out there to lend a hand and laugh with you." Cream of the Crop "What I've always loved most? Is that everyone is just so darn NICE. I've never, ever felt intimidated at an event or outting ever. momstown Edmonton is seriously made up of the best moms in the city, the cream of the crop."
Sponsored Events "I also like how they introduce or create paths to other activities. Like the music class I signed Noah up for (thanks to a baby basics demo) and running in Team in Training"
Passionate Owners
"I think Kristin and Janine do a great job setting the tone of acceptance. I have heard them SEVERAL times say how important their 'moms' are to them"
"My favourite thing about momstown are how real Janine and Kristin are. Life happens and they are the most supporting and genuinely caring people. From my first outing they were warm and welcoming, and still it amazes me that they always remember my face, my name, my son's name, and even where I live!" Want to be a part of this amazing community and join the cream of the crop?? Join us here to be a part of the fun! Here's a video recap of the fun we had in 2013!
We are so excited that coming up on March 13th Fisher Price is sponsoring our momstown Edmonton Baby Basics infant playgroup! momstown Edmonton mamas generally meet every Wednesday at Birthsource for our infant art and sensory program but this event is extra special! There is no other mom's group where you can try out, and potentially WIN, toys from Fisher Price. That's right, we're raffling them off at the end! This is an open event to give you an opportunity to see what momstown is all about!
momstown Edmonton is a community that provides fun and friendship for moms. If you would like to get connected check us out! A membership is only $45/year - you even get to try us for 4 weeks FREE!!Register here.
Moon sand: We found out this is a very messy material (perhaps better suited as an outdoor activity!). Our scientists loved playing with it though, and used cups to make little moon sand castles. Want to make it at home? Just mix 4 cups of all purpose flour with ½ cup of baby oil! It’s a great sensory (albeit messy) activity!
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