2011: A year in review

Its tradition around here to review the year via blog posts... and you know how much I love traditions, so this year will be no different!

2011 has been a fabulous year... a year I got spend with my boys at home being a Mom and only a Mom. I loved it so much so that I am dragging my feet into the New Year (but I know returning to work will remind me of my passions before I became a mother). I feel like 2011 was a blur and that's why I like to blog... to keep a quick memory of days gone by.

So let's review!

January
Things I've forgotten in two short years
Aww Sh#t
I remember when 30 was old

February
Baby Huddy
My LOVE for Keurig
A day on the Rideau Canal

March
Family photo that I love
You're in the right place
Three months: first quarter down
Packing lightly... with kids!

April
Mama Bear pushes back
Walking on sunshine
It's Easter

May
The royal wedding: where were you?
Not just any bowls
Love to my Mom
A little dose of tulips

June
Old MacDonald had a farm... (an Experimental one)!
New purchase... NOT a Mini van
Six months: Teeth, Fingers, Toes
Happy Father's Day... Dear Old Dad

July
Cottage Life
Its hot so why not paint!
It was a Wiggley good time

August
R & R

September
6 Years BABY
E CAN-SKATE!

October
Emery: Age 3
Look at these kids!
Halloween Memories

November
Shop til you drop
Munchkin Music Graduation Day

December
2011: A visit with Santa (@Carlingwood Mall)
Hudson first birthday party: kinda a big deal
A letter to Hudson: Happy First Birthday
Baking Christmas Cookies
Have a holly jolly Christmas

There you have it.... 2011 was a good one at From the Desk of Sara! Thanks to all of my faithful readers and even my steady lurkers for stopping by every now and again.  I hope you enjoy your last night of 2011 and I wish each of you good health and happiness as 2012 greets us.

Cheers!

E's Third Year Memory Book

Every year since E was born I have made an effort to record his milestones and annual events in a memory book with the help of Shutterfly.com.

This year's book came in just in time for Christmas... as it makes a great gift for the grandparents! 

Click here to view this photo book larger

Break-ups and daycare relationships...

Breaking up with anyone is not an easy thing to do... you have a relationship, and no doubt there have been some great things you've experienced with that relationship, but some relationships change, circumstances change, people change, expectations change... and before you know it, you're headed towards a break-up.

And let's face it, break-ups are awkward, and uncomfortable, and hard to do, but when its done, the feeling of relief, and new beginnings is enough to assure you that you did the right thing.

Back in November, we had to break up with our daycare provider. It was not an easy decision, but in the end it was the right decision for the boys and us.

We had a relationship with our daycare provider since October 2009 and it was one of those situations that went swimmingly good for a while, but then, as time elapsed, we got a little too comfortable with each other, and before you know it, things derailed quickly, and the business side of things lacked a lot of professional courtesy in the end.

Deciding it was time to cancel our daycare services was probably one of the more stressful mothering experiences I've had to date... and ending the relationship has since left a lasting impression of what not to do in future daycare relationships.

I write this post as the conversations on Twitter regarding the number of people who are switching daycares seems to be more common than not.  From talking about my experiences, I've learned that many people change their childcare arrangements from time to time, and while circumstances differ, I think there are a few pieces of advice I can pass onto others who may be in a similar situation.

So here's my personal opinion... and its speaking from my own experience on how best to keep a daycare relationship going strong.
 
1. Don't mix business with friendship. Daycare providers have hearts of gold and are extremely friendly, but at the end of the day they are a running a business. You are the client, they provide the service. You can have a friendship with the daycare provider, but it is in your best interest to keep your relationship business oriented, much the same way a real estate agent would do with a couple trying to sell their home or purchase a new one. You can send Christmas cards, or buy them something special here and there (or vice versa) but you're still the client and there still providing you a service for a fee.

2. Speak up. Relationships with daycare can be great one week and make you doubt your choice the next week. If you don't like something that is happening at your current daycare, whether it is meals, activities or lack their of, tv consumption, discipline, travel arrangements, etc. the best thing to do is address it the first time you feel uncomfortable so that you don't come off as too easy going or accepting of the procedures at the daycare. If you are up front with what is important to you from the start, then it will be less likely that any major surprises will be thrown at you as time elapses.

3. Be respectful. If you have an issue with the daycare provider, address it in a respectful manner and in person.  Sending emails is an easy way to get out of the face to face interaction, but conversations in person or by phone can resolve issues much easier than by email.  Often times you don't see your daycare provider long enough at drop off and pick up to bring up a difficult issue but find a time that works for both of you to discuss things in person or over phone so that the tone of each others words are heard and not implied.

4. Get it in writing.  Its nice to think that your friendly nature with the daycare provider is enough to be able to make little adjustments to the contract here and there without having to get things in writing (and sometimes that is the case), but for the safety and protection of all parties involved, you should really work to negotiate the contract so that both sides are comfortable and neither side is being taken advantage of. If things come up throughout the relationship, and it isn't in the contract, don't expect special treatment (and that goes both ways).

5. Stick to the contract. As with any business relationship, a contract is in place for a reason. If you've agreed to something, and its in writing, stick to it. If the contract specifies late fees for every 5 minutes you are late, and you show up late 4 times in a month, offer to square up with the daycare provider at the end of the month, don't wait for the daycare provider to get annoyed and feel taken advantage of. Vice-versa, if the daycare provider is allotted special paid holidays or sick leave in the contract, and exceeds it, bring it to the provider's attention and seek reimbursement before the month is out so that you aren't left keeping a side tally of freebies you are owed.

As mentioned above, this is me speaking from my own my experience with our recent daycare provider. Yes, there are many daycare relationships that last for the entire duration that you require daycare services, but there are also many relationships that only work for so long.  I have come to realize that sometimes its not so much about the daycare provider as it is what you want from a daycare.  What is right for one year, may not be the best thing in subsequent years, but with any luck, you'll develop a fantastic relationship with your care provider for the duration of your needs, and have a lasting, respectful, business relationship, with a little friendship on the side!

Good luck to those Mommy's (and Daddy's) out there who are contemplating switching daycares.  If your on the daycare search I can assure you there are options... and just when you think you've exhausted every avenue, something fabulous will turn up! Hang in there.

As a side note... we completed an extensive search for a new daycare provider, and we have found something that suits our current needs and that we are very happy with! Based on the trial days, the boys have both come home happy campers and with CRAFTS!!! Looking forward to having them start full-time in the New Year.

Have a holly jolly Christmas!

Just wanted to take a moment to wish my readers a very Merry Christmas and all the best for a wonderful holiday with your loved ones near and far.   Have a great day!

Design by Dolcetto Designs, photos by Sara McConnell Photography

Merry Christmas Eve!

We're spending Christmas in the North this year with my family and we finally got a little bit of the white stuff to make this day a little extra special! It just wouldn't be Christmas to me without snow.

It's a low key kind of day here. We are all resting up for the excitement tomorrow morning will bring with two excited little boys who are expecting a visit from the big guy. 

I took a few minutes last week to take some official Christmas tree portraits of each of them.  It looks as though they are both making their final pleas to be put on the nice list!

I guess we'll find out tomorrow if they've been 'good enough'!

What about you... what list are you going to be on this year?

Countdown to Christmas

As a little girl there were always things to me that signified Christmas was drawing near - whether it was baking cookies with my Mom, lighting the advent candles every Sunday with my Dad, gobbling up the chocolate of my daily advent calendar, or hunting for the perfect tree (pine not spruce).

I loved Christmas as a child and so naturally I want to have some Christmas countdown traditions with my own boys that I hope they will look forward to each year and maybe someday take forward to their own families (one day, far far away)!

The advent calendars are a given... I had them, loved them, and this year the boys each got one from my parents, and again from PC's parents - which is fabulous as PC and I get a little piece of chocolate heaven everyday too!

I also found a fun non-chocolate, non-expensive countdown to do through the fabulous world of Pinterest. Thanks to Inviting Printables it was a free .jpg download of a bare Santa's beard, and it looked easy fun, so I thought we'd give it a try. 

 

E has been absolutely loving this one... all it requires is the 8 x10 print, some cotton balls, and some scrap-booking tape squares (or a glue stick would work just as well).  E likes it because its easy for him to do and its an awesome visual for him to see Ho-Ho's beard filling up as we get closer to Christmas. 

I also have another fun surprise filled countdown going on at our house too... its a bit more time consuming, and requires a bit of thought, but the excitement level for E is high, and I have to admit I'm having just as much fun with it.

Each day since December 1st, I have a spot upstairs with numbered pouches.... inside there is a clue that leads E to the special surprise.  Some days its just a sweet treat or small book, other nights its something pretty good like a puzzle or a little game. We usually do it before bedtime (unless its candy) and it gives E something to do first thing the next morning when I am still sleepy-eyed.  One of the surprises a week ago was our gingerbread kit... E was pretty pumped about it, and H loved displaying his brother's hard work!

I have made it my mission to have the clues rhyme, and some nights its a challenge, but 22 days in, I am on roll lately! This is one that I don't know if I can keep up with every year, but I will do my best! Next year, H will be able to participate too, so that will mean double the surprises (or perhaps alternating will be better).  This one can be a little pricey, but I had bought stocking stuffers for the boys and when I realized I wasn't going to need a lot of them (as the Grandma's spoil them with stockings) I decided to turn it into a surprise countdown. I have a feeling the only downfall to this one will be ... December 26th when its over!

One other little activity that has also be fun as we lead up to Christmas is Elf on the Shelf. Our elf is named Elvis (chosen by E who is a huge fan of Fireman Sam and friends). I wasn't sure if E would be into the concept, but let me tell you, he is all about Elvis and his whereabouts.

The first night we got it,  we watched the little story that goes along with it, and then read the book.  We named him, he got his magic, and the next morning when E woke up he was in tears as Elvis wasn't where we left him. I had to laugh! As I re-explained the concept to him, he was quick to catch on, and from that point forward its been a huge highlight of the day discovering where Elvis is lurking. He seems to like the light fixtures at our house!

 
All of the countdown to Christmas activities has been fun so far...  but they wouldn't be half as fun without the excitement and curiosity of a 3 and 1 year old. I think one of the exciting things about having children is reinventing the magic of the season when it comes to Christmas. It some much fun... and in a sense it renews my beliefs in the spirit of Christmas.

Baking Christmas Cookies

Every year growing up, my Mom made a point of baking Christmas cookies with my sister and I. It was one of those festive occasions I always looked forward to... and something I have always wanted to do with my boys.

Last year, when my Mom was down patiently waiting for Hudson to make his entry, she and E baked some cookies together and he loved it.  This year, although she was down for H's first birthday, cookie baking was not on the agenda!  I decided awhile back that this was the year I was going to have to go it alone (and by alone I mean with some very detailed guidance for the master herself).

In the fall, on a separate visit, my Mom gave me a tutorial on her secret 'cross between sugar and shortbread' dough recipe. At the time, we made a batch of dough and froze it so I'd have it on hand and ready to roll (no pun intended) when the time came.

Last Friday was rainy and wet, and the perfect day to do it. E was eagerly awaiting this activity and as head decorator and official taste-tester, he did a great job. H on the other hand was also eager and as quality control for the pre-cooking side of things, he swiped up two mitt fulls of cookie dough before we had a chance to scream 'Stoooooooooop'! What a boy.

We had a fun afternoon carrying on an old tradition for me, and making it a new tradition for the boys and I in our household. As per usual, the dough was perfect Mom, and I had two happy cookie monsters at the end of it.

What about you... do you bake Christmas cookies or have any other special traditions you like to carry out with your families during this season?

A letter to Hudson: Happy First Birthday Sweet Boy!

 Today, my sweet boy, you are one.

A year ago today, we were up bright and early heading to the hospital for an induction, only to have to wait 12 hours (in addition to the previous 11 days) for your arrival.  But... you were well worth the wait. You actually surprised us by making us think your birthday was going to be the 17th of December, but then deciding in a flash that you were making the 16th!

And here we are a year later... I could not imagine my life without you. And I could not imagine our family without you in it. You were the missing piece of the puzzle, and now we are complete, because of you!

I am still amazed at how we function as a family of four. You are such a good little boy, a happy baby, and a boy that knows what you want! At 21 lbs, you wake up with a smile every morning, and you go to bed at night just the same.  You sleep like a rock, and you have given Mommy an easy go during her time off with you (some might say too easy)!


You and your brother have a budding friendship. He entertains you to no end, and he is teaching you many things. He has been so generous in sharing his things with you, and you've done the same in return, but I have a feeling as you both grow older your generous ways may tighten up just a little!

Over the last year you have taught me so many things about myself. I can hardly believe that last year at this time I was terrified to be left alone with you and your big brother, but now, I absolutely adore the time we have together, just us.  I can't wait for you to grow... and for you and your brother to do boys things together, and for our family to experience all things Canadian.

I rocked you before bed last night and I was clinging to you as I feel your baby days are quickly fading. You are becoming more independent each day, not yet walking, but eager and persistent at trying to pull yourself up on every piece of unstable furniture we own.  You have the army crawl down to a science, and are always running time trials to see how quickly you can disappear on us when we turn our back for a second. 

Your favorite things to do right now are roll a ball and chase it, play with the dirty broom, or crawl around with a hockey stick in tow! You also love to play peek-a-boo and watch your big brother bust a move.

You are babbling up a storm... and while we can't quite make out the words you are saying just yet (beyond Ma-Ma and Da-Da), you definitely have a persistence about you, ensuring we understand you.  Your pointer finger is always in action whether it be at your brother, a specific food you want, a cup, a light fixture or a car on the road. You love to point and you make sure we get the point before you put that finger down!

You are a good eater, and are quickly discovering that finger foods are the way to go. You no longer like to be served your meal, but rather love the self-serve option. You still like to let us know your finished eating by dramatically throwing your food on the floor and giggling yourself into hysterics when we tell you not to do that.

And that laugh... it is the highlight of my days! You got that gene from your Daddy, but you are sure making it your own. You love to giggle and your laugh is infectious to those around you.  When you get going, you get an extra twinkle in your eye which surely means you are destine for mischief but that's okay (for now) as we know you are discovering the world and learning about life.

I am so thankful for the special year we have spent together.  You have made me realize that being a mother is a big deal, and it is a gift to have not only one but two special boys in my life.  I love you to pieces little man, and I want you to know that no matter what, Daddy and I will always be here for you - to love you, guide you, protect you, and support you in everything you do.

You are our special little boy Hudson, and on your first birthday you are loved more than any words could express.  I wish for you a year of health and happiness in all the new adventures your second year will bring.

I love you today and always.

Mom
xoxo

H's First Birthday Party (kinda a big deal)!

Invitation designed by Dolcetto Designs

Although the birthday boy won't officially be 1 until Friday, we celebrated his ONE-derful milestone with a cupcake party a little early.

I tried to keep the party simple and low-key so that the birthday boy could just enjoy his visitors and not be too overwhelmed by all the party hoopla, and it seemed to work well!

H was a perfect birthday boy... he had a decent nap before the party guests started arriving, and he was pretty into his presents and cake too, which put a smile on my face.

I decided a few weeks ago that I was going to attempt to make his first birthday cake.  I did a trial run and it went pretty well so I put on my baking hat and took on the pressure of making a first birthday cake and 30 matching cupcakes for the big day. The cake was by no means perfect, but I was happy with how it turned out and seeing my baby boy dig into it was such a treat! It served its purpose well!

H was spoiled! He is now in toy heaven (and his big bro has discovered that 'sharing' toys isn't such a bad thing when your baby bro comes through with a new haul of boy entertainment)!  The only question now is... what will Santa bring the boy who just got everything?!

Here are some fun pics from the party! I can't hardly believe he is going to be a year old tomorrow - its kinda totally a big deal!

25 Questions about Christmas: GO!

I found this fun Christmas meme somewhere online - the link I had for it no longer works so I can't link back to it - but anyways, I thought it was fun, so here it is!

25 QUESTIONS ABOUT CHRISTMAS

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper... all the way, unless of course I don't have suitable box, then its a gift bag!

2. Real tree or Artificial?
Artificial - in my adulthood, as I married a man who is allergic to 'real' Christmas trees. When I was younger we always got a real tree and I loved doing that, but I have to say I really do LOVE my artificial tree when I can put it up pre-holiday rush and enjoy it. I love sitting in the living room, nothing but the tree lights on! It honestly makes my house feel like a HOME.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Well, before I had a December baby, I would have said first week in December, this year, though, I put it up the second week in December, and I am thinking that this might be the new norm in our household.

4. When do you take the tree down? 
The later the tree goes up, the later you take it down right?! Usually the first weekend in January its down. I'm not my mother, heaving it out the front door on the 27th of December or anything crazy like that, but the first of the new year I like to see it go!

5. Do you like Egg Nog? 
I LOVE Egg Nog, but ask me to drink a glass in April - no thank you.  I am currently addicted to Starbuck's Egg Nog Latte's, or Green Mountain's Spicy Eggnog Holiday k-cups.  So good!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Hmmm... I have to say the year I got my Game Boy was pretty awesome! I also loved our newborn cabbage patch doll!

7. Hardest person to buy for?
PC has a fabulous great Aunt who spoils us, but I have to admit, she is hard to buy for... not because she is picky or has unique taste, but because the older you get the more you have/the less you need.  I rack my brain every year to come up with something different, practical, useful, and that doesn't scream 'I'm getting older', but its definitely a challenge unless of course you buy her the same thing every year.

8. Easiest person to buy for?
My parents are fairly easy to buy for... they don't indulge in a lot of things, so if they mention something in July, you can bet they won't have it by Christmas, which makes it easy to shop for! And, they are always full of ideas of what would be useful to them.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes... are they up? No. Glass + babies & toddlers = disaster!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail... definitely, and photo definitely.  I love getting Christmas cards of all types... but I especially love photo ones by mail! Or I love the annual letters too... a card with some meat! Those are the best!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I remember the year that my sister and I got the knock-off version of the grown-up cabbage patch dolls. I knew right away they were not "Cabbage Patch" and I was pretty disappointed (but in my adult life I know it was the thought that counts)!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Elf... I love that movie, and can watch it over and over again.  A close second is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? It use to be December 10th or so... but in my mothering years, I have learned to pick things up starting back in the summer! The real challenge is remembering where the gifts are stored come game time!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Christmas... NO!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas and favorite Christmas dessert?
Favorite thing to eat at Christmas is my Mom's stuffing. Since I don't make it home most Thanksgiving's, I miss out on turkey and stuffing, so Mom's Christmas stuffing tastes that much better. Dessert wise, I'd have to go with Mom's lemon squares! So good.

16. Lights on the tree?
Yes.

17. Favorite Christmas song?
Hmmm, so many good ones. I love me some Michael Bubble this time of year and Lady A's Christmas album is a good one, but two that get stuck in my head easily are Bing's Christmas in Killarney and Gayla Peevey's I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Alternate.  Pros and cons to both. Although we don't see both of our families on Christmas morning, we are lucky that we don't have to rush visits and squeeze in appearances on all four sides. Traveling is not fun in the snowy weather, but being 'home' for Christmas is always a treat. No matter where we are though, we always wished we were with EVERYBODY!

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer’s?
Rudy!! Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, "Donder", and Blitzen!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel! But E informed me this year that its suppose to be a star!

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Morning... all the way!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? 
Those hand lotion salesman in the middle of the mall. Annoying all year through, but ten times more annoying at Christmas in the rush of holiday shoppers!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
I love the gold, silver, and reds! Classic.

24. Handmade ornaments or store bought?
Combo. Love the beautiful store bought ones, but as my boys get older, I think I will come to love the handmade!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
In all honestly, I want a simple Christmas - this being my last few weeks of mat. leave, I want to close out 2011 in a low key fashion with health and happiness for all my family and friends!

Now, your turn!

If you'd like play along, feel free to copy and paste, just share the link to your answers in the comment section!

2011: A visit with Santa (@ Carlingwood Mall)!

It wouldn't officially be Christmas in our household without a little trip to see the big guy in the red suit.

You may recall that our attempt to see Santa Claus last year with E was unsuccessful in snapping the traditional Santa & Me photo, but E does love all things Ho-Ho, and this year his excitement should be bottled up and stored for when he is 14.

H on the other hand has never officially met Mr. Red Suit, and at first he seemed okay with it, but when it came time to hand him over, he had a little freak out. I really wasn't expecting it because E at that age was so content and unaware of strangers, but H is a different baby, and frankly and he and Santa did not hit it off. The best part of the entire scene may have been when E tried to reassure H by saying 'its okay Huddy Buddy', when really E was questioning the whole thing too!

A week or so ago I asked for some advice on Twitter about who had the best mall Santa, and I got several opinions. In the end, we opted to go with Mr. Claus at Carlingwood Mall. I like the photo option with this mall Santa, as it was $10 and they gave you a DVD on the spot of all the photos they snapped during your interaction with Santa.  Santa himself at Carlingwood was also a selling feature.  He was very welcoming and took the time to get to know the boys without rushing them into the photo op. In addition, both boys got a little stuffed toy to take away (not CANDY)!

Overall, the fact that E did not want to do the Usain Bolt 100M dash outta there was a success in itself, and while H was a bit upset about his first encounter, it definitely could have been worse!  E did get to tell Santa that 'I'mah been a good boy' and 'I want a FIRETRUCK'.  I think Santa got it loud and clear by the end... firetruck - Emery - check!

Here are a few photos from the days events! Thank you Carlingwood Santa and your photo elves! We'll be back next year!

As a side... not sure if you saw the article in the Globe and Mail recently about taking your kids to get 'the photo' with Santa, but its worth a quick read if your looking for a chuckle! My colleague, Emilie, is in the cover photo with her son and daughter. Classic photo! If you have time be sure to browse through the photo album that goes with the story.

Videos: Santa's Portable North Pole vs. Magic Santa

You may have heard a lot of the hype over the Santa Claus messages you can have sent to your kids to aid them in keeping the magic of Christmas alive. I did the Portable North Pole video one last year for E, and that is when he fell in love with all things 'Ho-Ho'. It was pretty cool.

This year, I had heard a lot about Magic Santa, so I decided to try it out first, but truth be told, I wasn't as impressed with it, as I am with Santa's PNP version. There are a couple of things that differ between the two, and each one has its definite advantages, but for me, the PNP video was the clear winner because of one basic feature: Santa says my child's name.

E, who's full name is Emery, was not recognized by the Santa Magic system, Santa in fact says 'Oh hello there DEAR FRIEND'. If your child's name is Bob or Suzie you probably won't have a problem, but if their name is not considered main-stream, you'll get 'Dear Friend'!

The PNP system recognizes a wide variety of names, and lets you confirm the pronunciation of your child's name too. When the video starts and he says 'Well hello there EMERY' - E's face was pretty priceless!

The other big win for the PNP video is that is loads rather quickly in comparison to Santa Magic, which took for.ev.er (and a day) to get up and running. We had to watch this mail envelope slowly go from the computer to the North Pole before the video was ready to roll and I'm pretty sure that taking a trip to the North Pole was actually quicker!

Neither system allows you to specify an exact gift. Last year the PNP system let you upload a photo of what the gift was that your child was most likely to receive from Santa Claus, but this year it is kept to categories. E is asking for a Firetruck, and each video just says 'truck' to keep it simple.

The PNP video, does let you reference two special events from the past year and allows you upload extra pictures, where as Magic Santa, lets you reference a special event, but Santa only says it, doesn't show it.
 
I did like the Magic Santa video for explaining what Santa was doing during the video (trying to figure out if the child has been good or bad), and for actually putting 'the order' for the specified toy in with an elf. But I appreciated the elves' role in the PNP video a bit more because of their anticipation of whether the child made the good boy(girl) list, and their added excitement when the machine determines GOOD!

In the Magic Santa video, it does close off nicely but putting a Christmas bulb with the child's picture on it, on Santa's tree, but overall I thought the PNP video was more believable - right down to the Santa Claus costume and beard that is used.

Here is a clip of E watching his Santa PNP video for the first time! If you have a few minutes of your time and have not done this yet for your children, it is truly worth your time - I don't think you will regret it! 



Did you do one of these videos for your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or godchildren? How did they like it?