Mummy Madness

I got married and had two children all in 3 years. My son, also my first child, was born with a health condition that required surgery and we spent our first 6 weeks of parenthood in a NICU at a children’s hospital. It was the most difficult time of my life. Even after he came home I struggled with anxiety, depression, fear and anger. I turned to writing and my words slowly allowed me to crawl out of the hole I had dug myself into. I was forever changed. I began to realize that I had the ability to help others who were struggling with their journey in parenthood. As parents, we all have moments where we aren't sure what we are doing. I continue to write and share my experiences in hopes that I can help part the clouds for someone who is struggling.

It was just before she turned one. It’s something that I had been putting a lot of thought into since my daughter was born. Every woman in our family had their ears pierced. Most of them had their ears pierced when they were babies. In our family, babies often received tiny golden hoops as welcome to the world gifts. The tiny golden hoops I had received as a baby were safe and sound in my mother’s jewelry box just waiting for my...

I never realized just how precious time was until I became a mother. Not just in the sense of how fast time flies when they're growing up, but also time in general. A comedy skit that I recently watched covered the difference between going out when you're not parents vs going out when you are. It was hilarious and so very true. Before kids you decide you're going out; you get dressed, do your hair and makeup, grab your purse and keys and...

Wow... did I have a rude awakening when we potty trained T. Yes, I can’t believe it, we are officially DIAPER FREE PEOPLE!! He took longer to train, but really we never forced the issue at all. No crash courses or pressure. He was in pull-ups for about five months (and doing #2 on the potty) but we had to wait for him to get the whole “I need to pee” business. Let me tell you though, once he “got it” that was it, full force no diapers...

Colorful critters and kid-friendly handles of the Baby Bogs Classic Animals Boot will capture their imagination - soon enough they'll say, "I can do this myself!" 100% waterproof, machine washable, snuggly warm, and available in a host of fun colors and designs. http://www.bogsfootwear.ca/

We've all heard the phrase "The Terrible Two's." After wrapping up the 2nd birthday party shenanigans we all know that it's just around the corner. But for those of us who are first time parents, we have no idea what it means. And boy are we in for a treat. Every day our toddlers (who I swear were just babies yesterday) are learning new emotions and new ways to express themselves, and along with those new skills come temper tantrums. Tantrums...

Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo, recently announced that she is not only pregnant with twins but that just as she did after her last baby was born, she will take a limited maternity leave after the birth this time around again. Of course the internet world has to object. Apparently the rest of us seem to know what is best for Ms. Mayer and her life. A mother of twins is quoted that Mayer has no idea what she’s in for. People are questioning her...

Babies are able to hear from birth, and respond to sounds starting from a very young age. In order for speech to develop normally, a baby must be able to hear. The first two years is the time during which hearing develops in children. It is important be able to recognize signs of a hearing problem as early as possible and seek medical attention if there are any concerns. Here is a guide of signs of normal hearing development by age through the...

I know that the general consensus is to not hide healthier foods in less healthy foods as it doesn’t teach kids to enjoy their veggies. But, I have two boys who are very finicky eaters at home and sometimes I want to make sure they’re getting some green veggies in their diet of mostly bread and fruit and yogurt. To resolve their issues (for me), and to use up some fresh-from-the-garden zucchini before it went bad, I concocted what we now...

Every child grows and develops in steps, going from one milestone to the next. Here’s a quick look at milestones for ages one, two and three. By age one, most children: Interact with their parent or caregiver. Are curious about objects in their surroundings and will try to figure out how they work. Begin to understand that people and things still exist even when they are not in sight. Say at least three words, and can identify...

Since having kids, we haven’t really been able to take any trips as a family. Finances, work and the like have precluded us from the few trips a year we used to take. So, when one of my best friends informed me that she was getting married this year, I immediately started planning our trip. Yep, that’s right, a trip with a 4 year old, a 2 year old and a 3 month old. In a car. For a day. When we first started planning our family,...