Today whilst roaming around the city of Penticton we ventured into the mall. The main items we were looking for was Canucks memorabilia for TG to get autographed.
The mall itself is not impressive, all the stores in it we either have in out own town or in a town that's only a half an hour away. We walked through The Bay (a Canadian department store) and of course I had to check out the baby section.
I found something perfect that I didn't even know I was looking for! The Baby Food Grinder by Munchkin.
I plan on buying a Magic Bullet to make large batches of baby food for my freezer but the Baby Food Grinder is perfect for going out. Once Monster is able to eat more and more table foods the small, portable grinder will be easy to throw into my diaper bag.
It's important to me that Monster eats fresh nutritious meals, and I don't want to rely on jars of baby food for travel, meals at other peoples houses or restaurant purposes. No need for batteries or plug in, just shear mommy (or daddy) power. We tried it out tonight when we went to dinner. We brought a fresh banana and the grinder (and a baby spoon) and TADA! Fresh dinner for Monster too!
My big $12 purchase was a smart investment in my Monster's future and love of healthy fresh foods!
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Friday, September 17, 2010
Day One: Family Vaction
Well it's Friday evening and we're safe and sound in our Penticton hotel.
The trip went well, I've had a happy angel baby all day! After driving from our home to Penticton (with a quick stop off in Kelowna at Monster's great grandmas house) we packed him around all over town to the mall, Sport Check and Pizza Hut for supper.
(See above for an adorable baby butt in overalls picture. Monster playing with his Baba)
The highlights of our adventure so far have been:
1. Finding a practice Canucks jersey for yours truly and only having to pay $50 for it! Practice jerseys are green, my favorite color!
2. Our hotel has an indoor pool, we're pool side! We literally have a sliding glass door separating us from a carpeted patio located right above a salt water indoor pool! I am a fish, Monster is a fish so we are happy!
More great fun and awesomeness to come tomorrow!
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The trip went well, I've had a happy angel baby all day! After driving from our home to Penticton (with a quick stop off in Kelowna at Monster's great grandmas house) we packed him around all over town to the mall, Sport Check and Pizza Hut for supper.
(See above for an adorable baby butt in overalls picture. Monster playing with his Baba)
The highlights of our adventure so far have been:
1. Finding a practice Canucks jersey for yours truly and only having to pay $50 for it! Practice jerseys are green, my favorite color!
2. Our hotel has an indoor pool, we're pool side! We literally have a sliding glass door separating us from a carpeted patio located right above a salt water indoor pool! I am a fish, Monster is a fish so we are happy!
More great fun and awesomeness to come tomorrow!
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Thursday, September 16, 2010
Family Vacation
Well, the countdown is finally over! Tomorrow morning (Friday) we hop into the truck and head towards.... The CANUCKS!
If you know my Hubbs, you know he loves his hockey, even more so he loves our "home team" the Vancouver Canucks. Their training camp this year is being held only 2 and a half hours from us in Penticton. Of course we have to go!
It's our "family vacation" this year. Ok, so we weren't very brave when it came to planning an extravagant family vacation knowing we'd have an infant with us.
The huge draw to the training camp isn't just Hubbs love for the team but also our suspicion that Monster will follow in his daddy's foot steps. Honestly, we plan on putting Monster in skating when he's 3, then eventually into hockey when he's old enough from there he can decide if he wants to continue playing the sport.
We plan on trying our hardest to meet some of our star players, and hopefully even getting photos and autographs! We have two Canuck style outfits for Monster to wear, and jerseys for us.
Stay tuned for updates from the road!
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If you know my Hubbs, you know he loves his hockey, even more so he loves our "home team" the Vancouver Canucks. Their training camp this year is being held only 2 and a half hours from us in Penticton. Of course we have to go!
It's our "family vacation" this year. Ok, so we weren't very brave when it came to planning an extravagant family vacation knowing we'd have an infant with us.
The huge draw to the training camp isn't just Hubbs love for the team but also our suspicion that Monster will follow in his daddy's foot steps. Honestly, we plan on putting Monster in skating when he's 3, then eventually into hockey when he's old enough from there he can decide if he wants to continue playing the sport.
We plan on trying our hardest to meet some of our star players, and hopefully even getting photos and autographs! We have two Canuck style outfits for Monster to wear, and jerseys for us.
Stay tuned for updates from the road!
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Wednesday, September 15, 2010
New Breakfast and/or Snack!
This mommy is striving to eat more healthy, be more active and ultimately get into better shape for myself, my Hubbs and my Monster.
Today I "invented" a new breakfast or afternoon snack designed to keep you feeling full and energized for the day (Forgive me because I'm sure I'm not the first to combine these foods).
In a bowl I combined 1/2 cup Fat Free Vanilla Yogurt, 1/3 cup Fiber 1 Honey Cluster Cereal, 4 tbsp Hemp Hearts and 4 sliced Strawberries. I didn't stir it all together because I like to design eat bite and yes, I am aware of how strange that sounds.
See Photo:
And close up (Note: My strawberries were thawed from frozen, hence the unappealing look)
The strawberries and vanilla yogurt are just enough sweet that I might be able to talk myself out of a chocolate bar. The fiber cereal is to hold you over until your next meal or snack and the biggest benefits of hemp hearts is its ability to help fight fatigue.
It was my first time trying hemp hearts and I'm pleased to report that they aren't as seedy or grainy feeling as I thought they'd be in the yogurt.
Of course I'm sure granola would be great in exchange for the cereal and the strawberries would be interchangeable with different fruits.
I dare ya to try it! :)
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Today I "invented" a new breakfast or afternoon snack designed to keep you feeling full and energized for the day (Forgive me because I'm sure I'm not the first to combine these foods).
In a bowl I combined 1/2 cup Fat Free Vanilla Yogurt, 1/3 cup Fiber 1 Honey Cluster Cereal, 4 tbsp Hemp Hearts and 4 sliced Strawberries. I didn't stir it all together because I like to design eat bite and yes, I am aware of how strange that sounds.
See Photo:
And close up (Note: My strawberries were thawed from frozen, hence the unappealing look)
The strawberries and vanilla yogurt are just enough sweet that I might be able to talk myself out of a chocolate bar. The fiber cereal is to hold you over until your next meal or snack and the biggest benefits of hemp hearts is its ability to help fight fatigue.
It was my first time trying hemp hearts and I'm pleased to report that they aren't as seedy or grainy feeling as I thought they'd be in the yogurt.
Of course I'm sure granola would be great in exchange for the cereal and the strawberries would be interchangeable with different fruits.
I dare ya to try it! :)
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Infant Clothing Style
One of my favorite parts of being a mommy is dressing my Monster in freakin' adorable infant clothing!
I often joke about how if Monster doesn't slow his growing down I might end up bankrupt with only an awesome infant wardrobe to show for it. That might be an exaggeration, but I want what's best for my Monster, and sometimes that means not saying "No!" to my inner shopoholic.
Last week I was browsing Orchard Park mall in Kelowna with KK for the first time since Monsters birth. They have some children's clothing stores that I've never shopped in like, The Children's Place. I was so impressed with this little store that I want to go back and buy Christmas gifts for my younger nieces!
The biggest draw to that store for me was how their infant clothing looks like "little-big kid" clothing. I only like to dress Monster in clothing that looks like it could be warn by a big kid or adult even. Basically, I hate baby blue and little squishy Teddy bears everywhere I look.
I knew that Hubbs would love this sweater, but I couldn't talk myself into spending $25 on one article of infant clothing... Even though it's freakin' rad!
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I often joke about how if Monster doesn't slow his growing down I might end up bankrupt with only an awesome infant wardrobe to show for it. That might be an exaggeration, but I want what's best for my Monster, and sometimes that means not saying "No!" to my inner shopoholic.
Last week I was browsing Orchard Park mall in Kelowna with KK for the first time since Monsters birth. They have some children's clothing stores that I've never shopped in like, The Children's Place. I was so impressed with this little store that I want to go back and buy Christmas gifts for my younger nieces!
The biggest draw to that store for me was how their infant clothing looks like "little-big kid" clothing. I only like to dress Monster in clothing that looks like it could be warn by a big kid or adult even. Basically, I hate baby blue and little squishy Teddy bears everywhere I look.
I knew that Hubbs would love this sweater, but I couldn't talk myself into spending $25 on one article of infant clothing... Even though it's freakin' rad!
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Mesh Baby Feeder = Teething Relief!
Finally I've found relief for some of Monsters infant teething!
Yesterday I blogged about my day, and Monsters horrendous time with teething. Really, it wasn't the worst day we've had together in a long shot, I assure you!
Today I did not give up the fight in relieving his pain. I refuse to use Tylenol unless it's a complete last result, I'd much rather find other ways. Today brilliance struck me!
Two months ago my mom bought Monster a Munchkin Mesh Baby Feeder so that he could try eating different fruits and veggies on his own. He learned quickly and can easily guide the mesh into his mouth. Here is the teething relief brilliance: I filled his mesh feeder with semi frozen banana hunks!
Every time Monster eats bananas he vocalizes the only way he knows how ("umm muuummm mmm") to tell us just how much he loves them. Today the bananas were just cold enough to offer some teething relief for his gums.
Another day, another success!
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Yesterday I blogged about my day, and Monsters horrendous time with teething. Really, it wasn't the worst day we've had together in a long shot, I assure you!
Today I did not give up the fight in relieving his pain. I refuse to use Tylenol unless it's a complete last result, I'd much rather find other ways. Today brilliance struck me!
Two months ago my mom bought Monster a Munchkin Mesh Baby Feeder so that he could try eating different fruits and veggies on his own. He learned quickly and can easily guide the mesh into his mouth. Here is the teething relief brilliance: I filled his mesh feeder with semi frozen banana hunks!
Every time Monster eats bananas he vocalizes the only way he knows how ("umm muuummm mmm") to tell us just how much he loves them. Today the bananas were just cold enough to offer some teething relief for his gums.
Another day, another success!
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Tuesday, September 14, 2010
A Teething Monster Invaded our Home!
A teething Monster is a miserable Monster!
It's funny, when I had a drooly 2 month old I was sure all his crankiness had to be teething. That theory was fine and dandy, until he actually started teething!
Teething makes an otherwise adorable, content baby an absolute wreck. Today was certainly this mommy's test of patience. I had a puffy red cheeked Monster who's only form of communication today was whine. Not cry, not happy infant blabble, but incessant whine.
The only thing that made him resemble his happy self was to sit on the floor between my legs playing with his toys. Oh, the relief for his gums? Taking gnawing breaks on my thumb knuckle. It was cute, he chewed like I was cob of corn.
Nope, not every single day with a 6 month old is sunshine and sunflowers but at least every single day has good, hilarious moments too. The worst part was hearing my mom telling me "Oh, this is nothing compared to what you were like!"
Thanks Mom! :)
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It's funny, when I had a drooly 2 month old I was sure all his crankiness had to be teething. That theory was fine and dandy, until he actually started teething!
Teething makes an otherwise adorable, content baby an absolute wreck. Today was certainly this mommy's test of patience. I had a puffy red cheeked Monster who's only form of communication today was whine. Not cry, not happy infant blabble, but incessant whine.
The only thing that made him resemble his happy self was to sit on the floor between my legs playing with his toys. Oh, the relief for his gums? Taking gnawing breaks on my thumb knuckle. It was cute, he chewed like I was cob of corn.
Nope, not every single day with a 6 month old is sunshine and sunflowers but at least every single day has good, hilarious moments too. The worst part was hearing my mom telling me "Oh, this is nothing compared to what you were like!"
Thanks Mom! :)
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Monday, September 13, 2010
B. Curious - B. Toys Brand
A couple months ago I blogged about a toy brand that I had found by accident and absolutely fell in love with.
B.Toys. I found one by chance at Costco and knew from the first second I lied eyes on it that it was a must have.
Things to love about this toy brand: The colors are amazing. Ok, so this might not seem like an important feature, but esthetically speaking I am sick of everything baby related being bright red, blue, white, etc. Just like the fact that I am reluctant to dress Monster in day clothes that are baby blue.
Reason two: The toy makers make a distinct effort to incorporate learning. I guess if I was a good mom this reason would probably be number one.
Reason three: I can really only speak to the piece that I purchased (Times Square) but along with learning the square accents different ways of learning. One side of the square is a press and play piano. Perfect for me because I'd really like my Monster to be musically inclined. Along with the piano, it also features a clock, numbers, alphabet pieces and shapes.
I'm not doing the toy justice, click here to see Times Square.
The reason I've brought the toy brand back up in my blog is because *pauses for suspense* Zellers has started carrying them! I stumbled across them in the "learning toy" aisle and almost shrieked with delight. When I say almost I mean, I did!
I know what I'm spending some money on around Christmas time! Not only for Monster, but the other children in my life. This is the second B. Toy I'll be purchasing for Monster! Parum Pum Pum.
B.Toys. I found one by chance at Costco and knew from the first second I lied eyes on it that it was a must have.
Things to love about this toy brand: The colors are amazing. Ok, so this might not seem like an important feature, but esthetically speaking I am sick of everything baby related being bright red, blue, white, etc. Just like the fact that I am reluctant to dress Monster in day clothes that are baby blue.
Reason two: The toy makers make a distinct effort to incorporate learning. I guess if I was a good mom this reason would probably be number one.
Reason three: I can really only speak to the piece that I purchased (Times Square) but along with learning the square accents different ways of learning. One side of the square is a press and play piano. Perfect for me because I'd really like my Monster to be musically inclined. Along with the piano, it also features a clock, numbers, alphabet pieces and shapes.
I'm not doing the toy justice, click here to see Times Square.
The reason I've brought the toy brand back up in my blog is because *pauses for suspense* Zellers has started carrying them! I stumbled across them in the "learning toy" aisle and almost shrieked with delight. When I say almost I mean, I did!
I know what I'm spending some money on around Christmas time! Not only for Monster, but the other children in my life. This is the second B. Toy I'll be purchasing for Monster! Parum Pum Pum.
Bath Time - Toys
Monsters bath time has always been one of the highlights of my day, he always enjoys himself in the tub.
I can't say that I was surprised to realize that my Pisces fish baby enjoyed the water (Note: Yes, I am one of those crazy "New Age" folks... Thanks mom!). Bath time fun only increases as Monster gets older.
Just over a month ago monster started sitting up with minimal support, but I was hesitant to let him sit in the big tub until he could really keep his balance. The last couple of weeks, even if we lie him on his mesh bath thing he just tries to sit up anyways. I decided to stop fighting it and just let him sit in the tub on his own.
Just last week I purchased more tub toys for Monster because in the beginning he only had a rubber duck. Once he lost interest in that toy, the tub was rather boring for him, sitting, staring up the tub walls (can't say that I blame him). Now we have a bunch of soft plastic sea friend toys that squirt water!
The sea friend toys are by Munchkin, and Monsters favorite thing right now is to be sprayed by the colorful, squishy little creatures. That or chew on the soft plastic turtle.
What are some must have tub toys for the babies that just can't get enough of the water?
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What are some must have tub toys for the babies that just can't get enough of the water?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Becoming a Hypocrite
It wasn't long ago I was lurking on my home board over at whattoexpect.com and came across more then one thread regarding infant modeling.
I read the threads with an open mind thinking "To each their own..." and moved on. However, my lovely friend enyo (click here for blog link) blogged about how she was choosing not to pursue anything like infant modeling.
I read the blog and enthusiastically agreed commenting something like "I already know I have the cutest baby in the world, I don't need to win contests to affirm that. It just wouldn't be fair to all the other average babies.". No, I'm not a terrible person, I'm just bias about my child. ;)
Then it happened. I stumbled across a contest that I just could not pass up. Whilst walking in my local big box store I came across a pad of applications for the "Zellers Baby Face Contest". You submit 2 photos and a 50 word essay about why your child should win. The prize that attracted me to the contest was a $10,000 RESP for the winning child, along with your child representing Zellers by being on the cover of their Biggest Baby Event Flyer (set to run this January).
To me entering the contest isn't about giving my infant a big head, or huge ego but about the potential prize money for his future education, and perhaps assistance in world domination.
Who wouldn't choose this face?
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I read the threads with an open mind thinking "To each their own..." and moved on. However, my lovely friend enyo (click here for blog link) blogged about how she was choosing not to pursue anything like infant modeling.
I read the blog and enthusiastically agreed commenting something like "I already know I have the cutest baby in the world, I don't need to win contests to affirm that. It just wouldn't be fair to all the other average babies.". No, I'm not a terrible person, I'm just bias about my child. ;)
Then it happened. I stumbled across a contest that I just could not pass up. Whilst walking in my local big box store I came across a pad of applications for the "Zellers Baby Face Contest". You submit 2 photos and a 50 word essay about why your child should win. The prize that attracted me to the contest was a $10,000 RESP for the winning child, along with your child representing Zellers by being on the cover of their Biggest Baby Event Flyer (set to run this January).
To me entering the contest isn't about giving my infant a big head, or huge ego but about the potential prize money for his future education, and perhaps assistance in world domination.
Who wouldn't choose this face?
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Fall Fair Parade - Photos
Saturday was the Fall Fair Parade. Here are some photos from our family of threes first time attending!
Family Photo: Me, Hubbs and Monster
Monster's girlfriend Buneez checking out Hubbs new beard.
A healthy treat! Fit for a baby! Once its pureed of course. ;)
A dog from the parade stopped by for some baby lovin' in exchange for a super slobbery kiss.
Fall Fair Parade
... Continued from Fall Fair -- Family Traditions
Saturday morning was the Fall Fair Parade. Something Hubbs and I have attended just to see our nieces and nephew lunging for flying candy and other goodies.
We got up early and went for breakfast just the three of us. Monster had a couple bites of my pancake, I think he liked everything but the textures of them. We arrived early at the fair to get a good spot on the street and saved some spots for others.
Family friends of ours were also with us, so Monster got to spend time with his girlfriend Buneez (her nickname for blogging purposes). Buneez investigated Hubbs new beard and spent some time getting to know her "in laws".
Monster fell asleep in his aunties arms just in time for the parade to start, needless to say he was startled awake by police sirens! He got to pet dogs, received slobbery puppy kisses, waved to the floats and people in the parade, he also got treats of his own that he can actually eat! Some floats this year were giving out fruit, a fantastical welcome change.
Once it ended I knew we had to continue to bring Monster each year not only so that it becomes a family tradition but so that he can plant is childhood foundation in our town.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday morning was the Fall Fair Parade. Something Hubbs and I have attended just to see our nieces and nephew lunging for flying candy and other goodies.
We got up early and went for breakfast just the three of us. Monster had a couple bites of my pancake, I think he liked everything but the textures of them. We arrived early at the fair to get a good spot on the street and saved some spots for others.
Family friends of ours were also with us, so Monster got to spend time with his girlfriend Buneez (her nickname for blogging purposes). Buneez investigated Hubbs new beard and spent some time getting to know her "in laws".
Monster fell asleep in his aunties arms just in time for the parade to start, needless to say he was startled awake by police sirens! He got to pet dogs, received slobbery puppy kisses, waved to the floats and people in the parade, he also got treats of his own that he can actually eat! Some floats this year were giving out fruit, a fantastical welcome change.
Once it ended I knew we had to continue to bring Monster each year not only so that it becomes a family tradition but so that he can plant is childhood foundation in our town.
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Fall Fair Photos
I thought I'd take a break between my Fall Fair Post, and my Fall Fair Parade post for a photo op! They're slightly out of order.. but cute just the same!
Mr. Monster I'd like to kindly introduce to you, Mr. Chicken.
This is Monster with his Auntie TG checking out the goats. As you can see Monster thinks goats are hilarious.
Turns out, they are absolutely hilarious!
This is my Monster all dressed up and ready to go. It's too bad soon after this photo was taken, he had a poopsplosion, and we had to change him into jeans instead of these adorable overalls. I chose this picture out of the 25 I took because I've never seen him make this expression before! Every single day he changes and gains a little more of a unique personality!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Fall Fair Family Tradition
Our first true family tradition I would have to consider the Fall Fair, and the Fall Fair Parade.
Hubbs and I have been attending the fair yearly since our relationship began 5 years ago. It only makes sense that my love for fall and the fair would result in a family tradition I will carry forth with my children.
This year we went to the fair on Friday and spent the afternoon walking around, seeing the sites and visiting the animals with Monster. He got quite a kick out of the goats, and it must have been because the goats weren't shy. Most of them popped their heads up as soon as thy heard voices in hopes of pets and love.
As always the food booths smelled exquisite, but that's something Monster unfortunately didn't get to experience this year. I ate some mini doughnuts for him though.
I feel so lucky to have a good tempered, happy boy. It makes outings much easier, therefor the creation of family traditions much easier.
To be continued...
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Hubbs and I have been attending the fair yearly since our relationship began 5 years ago. It only makes sense that my love for fall and the fair would result in a family tradition I will carry forth with my children.
This year we went to the fair on Friday and spent the afternoon walking around, seeing the sites and visiting the animals with Monster. He got quite a kick out of the goats, and it must have been because the goats weren't shy. Most of them popped their heads up as soon as thy heard voices in hopes of pets and love.
As always the food booths smelled exquisite, but that's something Monster unfortunately didn't get to experience this year. I ate some mini doughnuts for him though.
I feel so lucky to have a good tempered, happy boy. It makes outings much easier, therefor the creation of family traditions much easier.
To be continued...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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