Pink About to Pop

Check out a very pregnant Pink, out and about, enjoying the beautiful weather with her hubby, Carey Hart. She is absolutely glowing!


Pink looks happier than ever, as she awaits the arrival of her first child, and by the looks of it, she wont be waiting much longer! Sending good wishes for the hot mama-to-be!

Let's Go Fly A Kite!

We finally saw the sun today, here in Montreal! After all the rain we’ve been getting for the last little while, it was such a refreshing change to see the sun shining bright, on a nice, warm day. Of course we had to take advantage of the wonderful weather and what better way than to spend it together, with our sons?

Kion & Jagger

We met up at a beautiful park that borders the lake and laid in the grass taking in the view, and getting our vitamin D on. We even ran around flying these awesome, inflatable kites we picked up at the dollar store for just $2 each. A great, inexpensive way to have fun in the sun, and feel like a kid again! It was glorious!

Jagger even took hold and flew his own kite like a pro, with mom's assistance of course.

Yussie & Kion

Joanna & Jagger

It was a wonderful day spent with our little love bugs!

Stella McDermott Clothes Blog

Celebrity mama Tori Spelling has just recently collaborated with the people at Suri Cruise Clothes Blog to launch the brand new, Stella McDermott Clothes Blog, dedicated to her daughter’s fashion picks. Tori will provide the site with exclusive family photos of her daughter and include all the info on what she’s wearing, while the blog editors fill their posts with additional commentary.

As a result, we are sure Tori and Stella will be sent tons of free designer clothing to promote on the new blog. Which leaves us to question... Is Tori doing it to share Stella’s fashion tips, or simply to reap the rewards?

 

Check out the blog dedicated to Stella's wardrobe here, and let us know what you think! Will your daughter's next fashion pic be inspired by Stella's style?

Are We Poisioning Our Own Children?

Summer is approaching quickly (yay!) and we will be spending plenty of time outdoors soaking up some rays of sunshine. Finally! One way to keep our children safe from some of those harsh UV rays is sunscreen. Or so we thought! Could we be poisoning our own children with the very product we buy to protect them? 　

I was reading CanadianParents.com's 'cpo daily' blog when I came across this startling news. They mention that the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released their annual sunscreen report as a part of a campaign they are currently running called EWG's Skin Deep. A chemical called Oxybenzone, which they claim is "the most common active ingredient in sunscreen", is one chemical to worry about. Experts are concerned with the use in our children's sunscreen because it has the ability to penetrate into their skin and potentially cause allergies and hormone disruption. They also mention to stay away from sunscreens that spray-on because of they can easily be inhaled. Good to know! Click here to see EWG's Hall of Shame for some sunscreen products we should be avoiding, not only for our children but for us as well.

So what are we supposed to do to avoid burns? For one we should avoid peek sun hours and always make sure your child is wearing a hat. Oh and don't forget a pair of sunglasses to protect their sensitive eyes. I also purchased a swimming shirt for my son to protect him while he is splashing around in the pool or at the beach. As for sunscreen I am stumped. Are there any home made remedies you know about? Or any good mineral based sunscreens? Please share!

A Mom is a Mom, is a Mom

If you haven’t already seen it, or just can’t help but check it out again, here is an ADORABLE viral video of a Mommy cat giving her kitten some love and protection, while they rest.

No matter what species, we can relate, because a mom is a mom, is a mom. <3

Snag Her Style – Charlotte Grace Prinze

Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Freddie Prinze Jr’s 20-month-old daughter, Charlotte Grace was spotted shopping with her mom in LA, looking extra cute in a perfect for spring, floral blouse.

Turns out the painted rose dolman top is not only fabulous, but affordable!

Snag this style at babyGAP for only $25.50!

Painted rose dolman top

Wide round neckline.

Dolman sleeves with slit detailing and button cuffs. 

Gathered along elastic waistband. 

Large floral print. 100% cotton.

Wouldn’t even mind one in my size! ;)

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Happy 7 months Jagger!!

It’s really amazing how fast our children grow. It seems like just yesterday I gave birth to him, and he’s changed soooo much in just this short time. Sometimes, I wish I could keep him sweet and tiny forever, but at the same time, I love to watch him grow and develop into a magnificent little human being.

I can’t believe I only have a few more months of being a full time, stay at home mom, and then, back to work I go! I don’t know how our friends down in the good ol’ US of A manage with having only a short few months to spend at home with their babies. Fortunately, here in Quebec we get a 1 whole, wonderful year off.

How long is maternity leave where you’re from? What are your thoughts on the amount of time you get? Leave a comment and let us know!

Fun Family Day

It's been quite rainy here in Montreal for the past few weeks, with only a few lucky days of gorgeous sun. Tomorrow is no exception as the forecast is rain, rain and more rain. Why not get the kids out of the house and hit up one of Montreal's awesome museums?

Well it's just your luck, because tomorrow the Board of Montreal Museum Directors (BMMD) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. In honor of this special day, 32 museums are offering free admission to the public from 9 am to 6 pm. How amazing is that? Even better, there will be 7 free bus routes to 32 museums, so you can hit up as many museums as your heart desires. Start your tour at the museum of your choice or at the promenade des Artistes (Place-des-arts metro).

Promenade des Artistes



To make this day even more fun the museums offer free access to their permanent and temporary exhibits and run special activities for the whole family. From outdoor activities to concerts, tastings and games, historical re-enactments, guided tours and much, much, more!

I for one, will be checking out the Biodome. I have never been, and even though my son is a little young to understand or remember anything that will happen tomorrow, it will be nice to get out of the house and see some cute animals from all sorts of ecosystems. A perfect way to spend a fun, rainy Sunday afternoon with my family.

Adroable penguins at the Biodome! photo: Michel Tremblay

Will you be checking out any of the museums tomorrow? Let us know if you do, we'd love to know which one(s) you've checked out.

Click here to see which 32 museums are offering free admission and check out the website for more information on this special day.

The Fuzzy Pack

The Muppets are back!

Check out the latest Disney released trailer for the upcoming Muppets movie, due out on November 23rd, 2011.

We can’t wait to see this film! We’re sure it will bring lots of laughter to both parents and kids alike.

Happy Birthday to Shiloh Jolie-Pitt!

Happy Birthday to the cutie pie Shiloh Jolie-Pitt. She has transformed over the years and is now a big girl at the ripe ol' age of 5... hehe. She was such an adorable rosy cheeked baby, almost doll like. Now at 5 years old she is always dressed in her famous androgynous chic style. We can't wait to see this little girl grow up!


Here she is at almost 1 year old, March 2007

Shiloh here with mom Angelina Jolie, May 2011

Photos: www.celebuzz.com/

Casting Call - Bloom Maternity

Are you more than 6 months pregnant? Westmount's fashionable maternity shop Bloom Maternity is looking for a brand new, fresh and fabulous face to represent their shop, and it could be you!

The very lucky winner will receive a $300 shopping spree at Bloom Maternity and a free photo shoot that will be featured in 9 PLUSBEBE MAMA Maternity Magazine this Fall. Get you belly ready to Vogue!

See store for details, deadline June 5th, 2011.

BLOOM MATERNITY
4937-B Sherbrooke St. West
Westmount, Québec - H3Z 1Z2

Tel: 514 481.5151
Fax: 514 482.5757
E-mail: info@bloommaternity.ca
Website: http://www.bloommaternity.com

GOOD LUCK!! 

Crying It Out

It seems every time I have subconscious questions floating around in my head, What To Expect drops me an email answering my question. As I previously mentioned, my son just started sleeping in his crib. Last night he woke up twice, crying and I was unsure how to console him. As I sat listening to the baby monitor, I thought to myself, should I pick him up or let him cry himself back to sleep? The only thing is when my son cries, boy does he cry. In his 4 and half months of being on this Earth, I have never heard him calm himself while crying, that could quite possibly be my own doing, I rarely let him cry for more then 5 minutes without tending to him. So last night, he woke up at 8:50, only 20 minutes after he fell asleep. I pushed his Gloworm Seahorse that plays lullabys, held his hand and he fell back asleep. I tried this again at 1:45am, with absolutely no success. I fed him, put him back in his crib and played the lullabys again. As I lay in my bed, I listened to him fuss and fuss and fuss. I went back in after 5 or 6 mins and pushed the toy again. I did this until about 2:30am. Finally, I picked him up, rocked him and put my sleeping baby back in his crib. Ugh, I know I should have not picked him up.

Back to the email I received from What to Expect. They sent an email suggesting you to let your baby cry it out. At first I was majorly apposed to this, it's just so mean I thought. I believe one of my problems with Ki is that I nurse him to sleep. Some say it's ok, some say no. With so many different opinions out there, it's hard to know what the right thing to do is. I definitely want my son to be able to fall asleep on his own without being rocked or nursed, as this will making sleeping easier for everyone, especially as he gets older. I researched a bunch of sites and they say feed your baby, read and/or sing and put your sleepy, but awake, baby in the crib. Then when they cry, pat their back and walk away. Let your child cry for 5 mins at a time, go back and start the process again, and eventually they will fall back asleep. The research suggests that sometime between day 4 and 7 your baby will learn to sleep on his own. I was interested in this process so I further researched and found a staggering number of sites suggesting that letting your baby cry it out may actually cause brain damage. Yes, brain damage. If the research is true (and even the suggestion scares me), I certainly can't let that happen. How do I decide whats best for my son? I want him to have good sleeping habits, but I don't want to do him any harm in the process. Our current night time routine is we all go into our room with dimmed lights. I nurse, as dad starts to read a book. I hold him and rock him lightly (if he is still awake after eating) while the story is being read. Once he is sleeping, I put him down in his crib and close the door. 

Moms, I need your help. How do I get my son to sleep at night (and even naps) on his own, without hurting him in the process? And not associating nursing with sleeping. HELP!

To Splurge or Not To Splurge

To splurge or not to splurge, that is my question. When it comes to our kids we will do anything for them, including buying them new toys when they have enough, purchasing adorable outfits and sometimes picking up items you really don't need, but they are sooo cute, you just have no choice. Today was a good example of that. I was at Winners (for NO reason, just to get out of the house) and I came across a pair of Dr. Seuss Converse with the Grinch on them, for $22.00. SOOO CUTE! I remember seeing them online when I was pregnant and thinking I have to get those for my cool little dude when he's born. Well, I bought them. They aren't even his size (he'll fit in them sooner or later, haha!), I just couldn't refuse. They even glow in the dark (sooo necessary, right?). OMG.

Then I saw two Dr. Seuss onesies that would look so adorable on him. They were $7.00 each. He now has way more clothes then me, and I am running out of space in his drawers. I'll be in real trouble once Target arrives. Sigh.

Moms, do you buy your children nonsensical items? Like cute shoes even though he can't walk. Or more clothes when he clearly has enough? If not, how do you gain the self control to just say no? Or is it ok to splurge on your children once in a while?

Let us know what you think!

Sophie Celebrates her 50th Birthday!

Ms. Sophie Giraffe celebrated her 50th Birthday yesterday, and the famous teething toy, surely did it in style!

A fabulous celebration was held in her honor at Los Angeles based, designer baby boutique, Petit Tresor.  The party was full of fun activities, sweet surprises and famous fans, like Ali Landry and her daughter Estela, as well as Cortney Mazza with her daughter Gia (Mario Lopez’s daughter).

Ali Landry & Daughter Estela

Cortney Mazza & Daughter Gia

Sophie also had the honor of being dressed by Escada to celebrate this milestone anniversary. The “Red Carpet” dress was designed by Daniel Wingate, and inspired by actress Sophia Lauren.  It is made of silk and satin, and adorned with Swarovski crystals. Nothing less fabulous for the Giraffe from France, of course!

Check out this great video all about Sophie and her journey around the world for the last 50 years, to become the trendiest, most famous children’s toy, loved and cherished by so many.

Happy Birthday Sophie!!

Target Announces Canadian Stores

We all heard at the beginning of the year that Target spent 1.8 billion dollars to acquire and convert most of the Zellers locations across Canada, for a much anticipated move to the Great White North. Well, now Target Corp. has announced the first 105 locations on their first wave of stores to hit our country in early 2013. We are so excited!!

Target will also be opening its Canadian headquarters in 180,000 square feet of space in Mississauga, Ontario. The Canadian leadership team will be moving to Canada this summer.

Check out the list below to see if there is a Target store opening near you! If not, don’t worry too much, a second wave of stores will be announced in September. Yay!!

Alberta
•       Chinook Centre, Calgary
•       Forest Lawn Shopping Centre, Calgary
•       Market Mall, Calgary
•       Shoppes at Shawnessy, Calgary
•       Signal Hill Centre, Calgary
•       Sunridge Mall, Calgary
•       Bonnie Doon, Edmonton
•       Kingsway Garden Mall, Edmonton
•       Mill Woods Town Centre, Edmonton
•       Prairie Mall, Grande Prairie
•       Bower Place, Red Deer
•       St. Albert Centre, St. Albert
•         Sherwood Park Mall, Sherwood Park

British Columbia
•       Abbotsford Power Centre, Abbotsford
•       Metropolis at Metrotown, Burnaby
•       Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre, Campbell River
•       Cottonwood Mall, Chilliwack
•       Coquitlam Centre, Coquitlam
•       Driftwood Mall, Courtenay
•       Tamarack Mall, Cranbrook
•       Scottsdale Mall, Delta
•       Willowbrook Shopping Centre, Langley
•       Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge
•       Nanaimo North Town Centre, Nanaimo
•       Pine Centre, Prince George
•       Oakridge Shopping Centre, Vancouver
•       Village Green Mall, Vernon
•       Tillicum Mall,  Victoria

Manitoba
•       Shoppers Mall, Brandon
•       Grant Park, Winnipeg
•       Kildonan Place Shopping Centre, Winnipeg
•       Polo Park Shopping Centre, Winnipeg
•       Southdale Centre, Winnipeg

New Brunswick
•       McAllister Place, Saint John

Newfoundland and Labrador
•       Corner Brook, Corner Brook
•       Cabot Square, St. John,s

Nova Scotia
•       Bedford Place, Bedford
•       Mic Mac Mall, Dartmouth

Ontario
•       Durham Centre, Ajax
•       Aurora Shopping Centre, Aurora
•       Bramalea City Centre, Brampton
•       Shoppers World Brampton, Brampton
•       Trinity Common, Brampton
•       Burlington Mall, Burlington
•       Millcroft Centre, Burlington
•       Cambridge Centre, Cambridge
•       Woodbine Centre, Etobicoke
•       Gates of Fergus, Fergus
•       175 Stone Road W., Guelph
•       Centre Mall, Hamilton
•       South Hamilton Square, Hamilton
•       Hazeldean Mall, Kanata
•       Cataraqui Town Centre, Kingston
•       Lindsay Square Mall, Lindsay
•       Masonville Place, London
•       Westmount Shopping Centre, London
•       Milton Mall Shopping Centre, Milton
•       Erin Mills Town Centre, Mississauga
•       Square One, Mississauga
•       Meadowlands Shopping Centre, Nepean
•       Upper Canada Mall, Newmarket
•       1899 Algonquin Ave., North Bay
•       Centerpoint Mall, North York
•       Orillia Square Mall, Orillia
•       Place D,Orleans, Orleans
•       Five Points Mall, Oshawa
•       Bayshore Shopping Centre, Ottawa
•       Billings Bridge Plaza, Ottawa
•       RioCan St. Laurent, Ottawa
•       Hillcrest Mall, Richmond Hill
•       Bridlewood Mall, Scarborough
•       County Fair Mall, Smiths Falls
•       Niagara Pen Centre, St. Catharines
•       Stratford Mall, Stratford
•       Sudbury Supermall, Sudbury
•       Intercity Shopping Centre, Thunder Bay
•       Cloverdale Mall, Toronto
•       Shoppers World Danforth, Toronto
•       East York Town Centre, Toronto
•       Flamborough Power Centre, Waterdown
•       Conestoga Mall, Waterloo
•       Taunton Gardens Power Centre, Whitby
•       Devonshire Mall, Windsor

Prince Edward Island
•       Charlottetown Mall, Charlottetown

Quebec
•       Galeries d'Anjou, Anjou
•       Faubourg Boisbriand, Boisbriand
•       Carrefour Angrignon, Lasalle
•       Mega Centre Notre-Dame, Laval
•       Galeries Chagnon , Levis
•       Place Longueuil, Longueuil
•       Place Alexis Nihon, Montreal
•       Place Vertu, Montreal
•       Terrarium Shopping Centre, Pointe Claire
•       Les Galeries De La Capitale, Quebec City
•       Place Fleur De Lys, Quebec City
•       Place Laurier, Quebec
•       Le Carrefour Rimouski, Rimouski
•       Promenades Saint-Bruno, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
•       Carrefour Saint-Georges, Saint-Georges
•       Carrefour Richelieu,  Saint- Jean sur-Richelieu
•       Carrefour du Nord, Saint Jerome
•       Carrefour de L'Estrie, Sherbrooke
•       Les Rivieres Shopping Centre, Trois Rivieres

Saskatchewan
•       Northgate Mall, Regina
•       The Centre, Saskatoon

Surprise for All New Mommies and Mommies To Be

Are you pregnant or a new mom and living in the Westmount, N.D.G or West Island areas? If so, you're in luck! Welcome Wagon delivers great gift baskets to all new moms, who have a baby under 1 year old. They are a community service that informs new mommies on what their community has to offer (recreational, cultural, educational, local businesses…etc.). Sounds great to us! 

The gift baskets are filled with amazing goodies from local businesses, and there is absolutely no charge to receive the basket! The only criteria is that your baby is less than 1 year old. If you are currently expecting, sign up now, and your basket will be ready to be delivered to you after you give birth. 

Here are some examples of what you can find in the Westmount Baby Basket, (items vary for each area to best suit your convenience): 


· Gift Certificate, coupon book, breast pads and natural bum cream from Bummis (www.boutiquebummis.com)

· Gift from Melons et Clémentines plus a FREE muffin and coffee at their cafe boutique (www.melonsetclementines.com)

· Gift Certificate and Baby towel from Baby Auric Diaper Service (www.bebeauric.com)

· Picture frame and gift certificate from Mellanie D Photography (www.mellaniedphotography.com)

· Gym passes and info from YMCA Westmount

· Gift & gift certificate Mama Zone (www.babyecodiapers.com)

· Gift certificate and toy from Discovery Toys (Educational Toys)

· Gift Certificate Massage Therapist

· Info from Yogaspace from Clearlight Gerald

Westmount Welcome Wagon Flyer

Amazing, right? Spread the word and take advantage of this amazing offer! If you're not pregnant or a new mom, spread the love, tell your friends, family members, colleagues or employees.


Check out the Welcome Wagon Facebook page or contact them by clicking here. If you prefer, you can even contact the Westmount rep, Catherine, directly. See her contact info below.

Date Night

After having a baby, date nights and carefree adventures with your significant other become somewhat obsolete. Sometimes even the thought of planning and executing a night away from your child is just downright exhausting. Babysitter or family member? Did I pack the bottles? Finding his fave toys to put in the baby bag. Should I bring his bouncy seat over? Opps I forgot his extra set of PJs (because you never know). See what I mean? Ugh so many things to think about.

Tonight I took the initiative and got my friend and my child's future godmother to watch my son, while me and my other half went to see a movie. Cheapy Tuesday, yes that's how we roll, new parents are on a budget, lol. While I sat in my seat munching popcorn I wondered how Ki was doing and if he missed me, oh geez I am such a sap. After obsessively thinking about him for 10 minutes, I found my man's hand, held it tight and let my mind be free of baby thoughts for about 2 hours. It was really, really nice. On the way out we contemplated sneaking into another movie, as we would have done with no hesitation prior to baby. Then we shook our heads and headed back home to get our son.

Our friend let us know he had a meltdown, refused his bottle, screamed bloody murder and overworked himself so much he feel asleep in just a diaper. Her voice drowned out as I stood there staring at my sleeping angel. I thought to myself, date nights are special and definitely necessary for the health of your relationship, but God do I love coming home and seeing my precious boy.

Do you get out for date nights? Monthly, weekly, randomly? Let us know how you unwind with your partner. 

Heidi's World

Heidi Klum is one of our favorite fashion moms, and today is the debut of her new 'world' on AOL. This personal lifestyle website is a fabulous mix of things she loves and real-life insight and demos from experts she’s worked with for many years. Heidi and Full Picture Entertainment, producers of Project Runway, are developing content for the site including blog posts, slide-shows, and video on everything from fashion and beauty to parenting and relationships.

“During my 15 years in the business, I’ve received so many questions on a variety of topics from my favorite toothbrush to juggling family and a busy work schedule. I’m bringing in the experts that have helped me over the years to help inspire you!” said Heidi. “Women are looking for content that speaks to every part of their lives. Right now, advice seems so scattered online. I have created a place on AOL that’s really one-stop-shopping: for women as moms, wives, workers, friends and their most creative selves. “

We think Heidi is a great, down-to-earth, role model for women and moms, and we can’t wait to find out all her insider tips on how she juggles life, work, family, and travel. She is actually said to be a regular reader of other mom blogs, and hopes that her site will become an educational forum for mothers. “Apart from sharing my tips on toys or snacks, I’m open to hearing new ideas from other moms, I want to learn, too.” She said.

Check out Heidi’s fabulous new ‘world’ at http://heidiklum.aol.com/

First Night Away

My sons first night away from me isn't at a babysitters house, or even at my moms... it's his first night sleeping in his crib. Many of you I am sure will wonder why I would wait until my son was 4 1/2 months old, but I find when you are nursing a baby, a bedside basinet is best for both mom and baby. The thought of waking up and walking to feed him in his room multiple times a night was daunting. Also at 4 or 5 in the morning, I bring him in my bed and nurse him on my side and we fall back asleep together, so it was just way more convinient for me. Controversial for some, but this works best for us. As he approaches the 5 month mark, I thought to myself this is only going to get harder and harder, not to mention he will get smarter and smarter, so I have no choice but to get this ball rolling. Right now Kion is sleeping like an angel in his crib. I am typing away and watching an old episode of Oprah on my PVR, the monitor is sitting right beside me and I  am wondering how this night will go. It's going to be harder for me then him I am sure, with the sleepy walks to his room during the night and I won't lie, my heart aches a little as I write this because this means my little baby boy is really growing up. What a bittersweet moment this is. Sigh.

Got any advice for me? I'm praying this goes well, or I'll have to pre-order my own copy of Go the F**k to Sleep to get through this stage. Haha!

Kion sleeping in his bassinet at 12 days old. Time flies.

Does your baby sleep in his crib? Your bed? Bassinet? Let us know your story, we'd love to hear from you.

Go the F**k to Sleep

Ever lose your mind trying to get your children to sleep? I’m sure we’ve all been there, done that. Now, there is a humorous new bedtime book on the subject, just for parents. Written by Award-winning author Adam Mansbach and illustrated by Ricardo Cortés, the book, “Go the F**k to Sleep” is a radically honest, and relatable “children’s book” for parents who go through the nightly struggle of trying to get their kids to bed. I put “children’s book” in quotation marks, because this is clearly not a book you want to read to your child, however it is written in rhyme, and illustrated with sweet drawings, reminiscent of a typical bedtime book.

Here is just a little taste of what you can expect inside:

The cats nestle close to their kittens now.
The lambs have laid down with the sheep.
You’re cozy and warm in your bed, my dear
Please go the f**k to sleep.

The verses perfectly capture the familiar, and often unspoken, tribulations of putting your little one down for the night. At the same time, this book opens up a conversation about parenting, granting us permission to admit our frustrations, and laugh at their absurdity.

“Hopefully, the book is very reflective of what we all feel putting our kids to bed,” Mansbach told TODAY Moms. “We all love our kids – it’s not like we stop loving our kids – but as the minutes tick by, we’ll do anything to get out of that room.”

Go the F**ck to Sleep was originally set to be released in October with 10,000 copies, but due to its overwhelming popularity from word-of-mouth and its rise to the top of Amazon’s best seller list through pre-orders, the publishers have rushed it into print. The initial printing numbers have soared to 225,000 copies, all to be released on June 14th, just in time for Father’s Day.

Interested in purchasing this book to ease your bedtime blues with a laugh, or want to give it as gift for a friend? You can pre-order the book now, online at Amazon.ca

Love the idea of children’s books for adults? Check out these other great titles..