Touchy Subject

Question for all moms out there. When a stranger sees your baby, do you find that they sometimes over step the boundaries and touch your baby without your permission? Touching their hands or face, even a leg?

Yesterday, I was at Canadian Tire with Ki and a woman, with her two kids, stopped for a second and said "you are sooo cute" to my son and rubbed his leg. She then walked away... I am not really sure how I feel about this. Is it over stepping boundaries or just a kind gesture?

Let us know what you think!

Health Advisory

Following a release issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada is warning parents of premature babies not to feed their child the medicinal supplement, Simply Thick, after 2 unfortunate cases of infant deaths have been linked to the product in the U.S.

Simply Thick is a thickening agent that can be added to liquids such as breast milk or infant formula in order to make them easier to swallow, and is often used for premature infants, to help with swallowing difficulties. It is believed to be the cause of 15 cases of infant necrotizing enterocolitis, which is a serious, and potentially fatal condition that causes inflammation and cell death in the intestines.

The Government of Canada is not currently aware of any similar illnesses in Canada linked to this product, however they are working with US FDA on this issue and are investigating whether there have been any related cases in Canada.

Babies born before 37 weeks are particularly at risk. Health Canada is advising everyone not to feed Simply Thick to premature infants. If you are currently using this product, please stop immediately and contact your health care provider.

For further information visit the Health Canada or the Public Health Agency of Canada websites.

Opening Day at La Ronde

Need something fun to do with your kids this long weekend? Want to take advantage of the sunny weather? Well, just your luck! Today is opening day at Six Flags La Ronde Amusement park in Montreal. Great family fun for you and your kids ages 2 to 18.

For more info on rates, opening hours, rides, etc, visit www.laronde.com

Have fun!!

Awesome Local Discovery

Yesterday afternoon I decided to take advantage of the nice weather here in Montreal, since the past week has been gloomy and rainy. I knew my mom had an eye doctors appointment in NDG so I tagged along with Kion, my sister and my brother. The second we got on the highway all hell broke loose, instead of the instant nap the car gives my son, he went buck wild and screamed his head off from the West Island all the way to NDG. Half way down Sherbrooke I told my mom to stop the car, I took my son out of the car seat and told my fam I would meet them at the eye doctor place in a few. I thought the air and walk would for sure calm him down, I couldn't have been more wrong! There I was sweating, on the brink of a minor panic attack holding my screaming son as I walked up Sherbrooke street. His meltdown was hard on us both as I wasn't sure what the problem was... was it the heat? New diaper maybe? Is he hungry?? Ahh! I searched for some sort of santuary for us, when I stumbled upon a lovely store with baby gear in the window and a small sign in the front window saying "Don't think of it as a woman's right to breastfeed. Think of it as a baby's right to eat" Perfect.
 

I went in and quietly asked the women working in the store if there was back room I could feed my son discreetly. She said of course with such enthusiasm, which I was confused by at the time, and followed her to a cute little room with A/C and lovely white couches to sit on. I fed my son, he feel asleep and I was beyond relieved. I walked out a little while later with my sleeping baby and looked around. I saw lots of women and babies and I stopped at the cash and said "So what is this place?" She then let me know it was a breastfeeding center. I literally laughed out loud and couldn't believe in my panic stricken search for a good place to feed my son I stumbled upon a breastfeeding center of all places! I spent the remainder of my afternoon snacking on a bagel and juice box, chatting with other new moms while my little munchkin played in a excersaucer. This lovely spot is called Melons & Clementines (hehehe great name).



Owners Renée Boudreau and Marie-Maude Grenier



This is Montreal's first boutique specializing in breastfeeding products, which includes a cafe and play area for the babies. They even host workshops and exercise classes. I couldn't believe what an amazing discovery I found, thanks to my son's meltdown. On their website they say "Their ultimate wish to normalize breastfeeding is to ensure the developmental continuum for a healthier society." I'm down with that! It was such an amazing experience, and the owners Renée and Marie-Maude are the sweetest people you could meet. Check out the website, and if you're breastfeeding your son or daughter, stop by for a coffee, chat with other moms, check out their amazing products, sit back and relax in an environment suited for your breastfeeding needs.

  

5659 Sherbrooke Ouest (between Oxford et Harvard)

Check out the website for more details, or contact them here info@melonsetclementines.com

And don't forget whenever you see this sign, the International Breastfeeding Symbol it means you can to walk in, feed your baby and leave, no hassle no stress. Good to know, because I didn't until yesterday :)

Young Versace

Childrenswear seems to be a trending market in designer fashion these days, as Versace has joined Gucci and Fendi, in launching a kids collection for boys and girls aged 0-12. The line, Young Versace, will be true to their signature style with vibrant colors and prints and will include a rock n roll twist. The collection will even incorporate Versace’s iconic Greek Key motif and Medusa head logo.

Young Versace will make its debut at a special event in Florence next month, and will be available in fine department stores and specialty childrenswear stores for spring 2012.

This is not actually Versace’s first attempt at a childrenswear line. Their first children’s label, Versace young was discontinued in 2004, but like most things in fashion, its making a comeback this year. We are sure we’ll be seeing these designs on the most stylish celebrity tots next spring, like Suri Cruise, Kingston Rossdale, Nahla Aubry, Romeo Beckham and others.

You may not want to spend so much on designer duds that your children will probably grow out of in a few weeks (or maybe a few minutes), but it sure is fun to check out the latest trends in kids fashion!