Hip Teacher Mama

PERFECT SANDALS

2010-02-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

We cancelled our Christmas cruise because of Hannah's illness, but this didn't prevent her from wearing the cutest and most comfortable sandals she has. She wears them around the house as she practices her walking and they have helped her find her balance while staying fashionista chic.

See Kai Run is a line designed by a mom who has kept quality and the cool factor in mind. With a wide range of colours and styles, the flexible rubber soled shoes are great for beginning walkers like Hannah. We had the opportunity to try on the gorgeous Cameron Sky design, but there are so many to choose from. Got so many compliments for it and we wished we could have only been on a cruise ship to show them off. We'll have to get another pair the next time we sail!

If that's not enough to convince you of the hip factor of this collection (they also have boots, Mary Janes, etc.), you're in good company when stars like Nicole Richie, Halle Berry, Salma Hayek, Tobey Maguire, and Julia Roberts all slip their little ones' tooties into See Kai Run.

Check out their site and purchase some of the cutest footwear around.

DINNER WOES

2010-02-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Now that Hannah is officially a walker, dining out is a much more challenging experience. We had dinner with my mom and grandma on Friday evening. It was at the Chinese restaurant where we held our wedding reception. Luckily it wasn't that busy (despite the Chinese New Year season) for half-way through the dinner, Hannah decided that she had enough of the highchair and it was time to do some walking. Around and around the restaurant we went. We thanked our lucky stars that this was a restaurant where we knew the staff well and the patrons were all dining along the edge of the restaurant.

We remembered the good old days where she was happy to nurse and sleep in her carseat afterwards. There were also the days where she was just learning to hold her bottle and would watch the rest of us chat and eat. Now her legs are constantly going and her desire to explore is ever-growing. I'm so happy that she's curious and she's not afraid to wander around even in the presence of strangers (in fact, she greets every wait staff with a bubbly, "Hi!"), but I wish she'd hold back...at least, until after dessert.

NEW STYLE FOR 2010

2010-01-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Having been sick for over a month and having a sick baby has not been fun. It's made me reevaluate my life and what I can handle for 2010. So Hip Teacher Mama will still be here for product reviews, personal experiences, and educational tidbits, but not on a Monday-Friday way. Simply put? I'm exhausted. My Grade One's are a handful, Hannah is starting to become more of a handful, and there's other handfuls of stuff on my plate. So HTM will be around, but in a much more sporadic way. Hopefully those generous companies out there will be understanding and continue to support my love of reviewing their amazing products even if not on a weekly basis.

Let's go back a few weeks to Hannah's illness. It started on November 25, with her one-year shots. We expected a bit of fever, but after four days, ranging from 99C-104C, where Tempra/Motrin didn't help, we rushed her to the ER one early Sunday morning. We were told that it was "just a bad cold" and we were probably over-reacting. After my own optometrist's appointment that afternoon, we came home and found Hannah waking up from her nap. This time she was shivering and her lips turned blue. Back to the ER again, where we were told that it was just an upper respiratory infection, just a cold. There was nothing to be done and to wait it out.

The next day was more of the same, high fevers that would come and go, and none of us got any sleep. My husband and I would wake up every 1-2 hours in the night to take Hannah's temperature to make sure it wasn't going any higher. During the day, the ear thermometer was our bible and truly, we used it at least twenty times a day. I was diagnosed with bronchitis by then (I became sick a few days after Hannah did) so I wasn't feeling the most motherly, but as everyone says, motherly instincts take over and your own illness takes a backseat (maybe that's why I'm STILL fighting a bit of a cough). We went back to the ER late that afternoon and after another few hours of waiting, they said she had pneumonia. We were given some antibiotics, which she had difficulty swallowing even when we mixed it with apple juice. Long story short, we were back to the ER the next night when the temperature went past 105F.

The thing I remember most about that last visit was the really rude triage nurse named Trish at Markham-Stouffville. First she told us that we were hysterical and then she said we weren't listening to her. I was quick to point out that yes, we were listening and she was the one in fact tuning us out. I said that Hannah was having a hard time with the anti-biotics and was immediately told, "Who's the mother here?" Excuse me!?!?! We are bringing our daughter to the ER for the fourth time in 3 days and I'm being insulted. If I wasn't so weak from my illness, I swear I would've knocked her silly. Keeping my composure, I explained we did give her anti-biotics mixed with juice, but her fever has been higher than ever.

A few days later, we ended up at Sick Kids because even after the anti-biotics ran out, her fever persisted. The after-hours clinic in North York said she had a pneumonia has well. Turns out she had Kawasaki's Disease and then had IVIG for treatment. We stayed at Sick Kids for a week and Hannah came home on December 11. She has to have her upcoming shots delayed so we have to try and prevent (laugh) her from getting sick. Happy to report though, she's her chatty, happy self and this Christmas holiday has been a gift simply because she's home.

BREAKING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

2009-12-21T06:35:00.001-05:00

Hip Teacher Mama's personal reflections, product reviews, educational insights, recipes, and videos will return on January 4, 2010. Happy Holidays!

HEALING HANNAH

2009-12-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

4 Markham-Stouffville Hospital ER visits, 1 Children's After-Hours Clinic Exam, and finally 5 days at Sick Kids in Toronto...Hannah is finally home! I, however, am still dealing with my bronchitis (not surprising) so this week will be the early start to our Christmas blogcation. We shall return in 2010, happy and healthy, with more personal experiences (none this scary), great product reviews, easy recipes, and educational inside tips.

Wishing all the Hip Teacher Mamas and their babies out there a very warm and safe holiday. Sadly, we are cancelling our cruise vacation to keep Hannah close to home and immediate medical care should the need arise. We'll just have to make the most of this winter staycation. Let me know how you plan to spend the rest of 2009.

BAD WEEKEND

2009-11-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Two visits to the ER for Hannah and a major cold and eye infection for me. Not a great weekend. Hip Teacher Mama shall return next week...keeping fingers crossed and building my immune system back!

WINTER WONDERLAND

2009-11-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

Jessica Simpson and Ozzy Osbourne's version of the song always heard at malls during this shopping season. Have you made your wish list yet?

VEGGIES IN A PAN

2009-11-26T19:02:00.002-05:00

Here's my husband's recipe for a quick veggie fix. This is what we've done for the past two weeks to help us get our vitamins, but not have to worry about all the work that goes into it each day after work.
1) Wash and slice one eggplant, two large zucchinis, two red peppers, two green peppers, four onions, and two sweet potatoes.
2) Drizzle some olive oil on the veggies. Mix and put into a deep baking dish.
3) Bake at 400C for 45 minutes. Mix the veggies and baked for another 45 minutes.
4) Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS CONCERT SEASON

2009-11-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's one month until Christmas and teachers everywhere are preparing their students for the annual Christmas concert. As much as I know parents love these shows, the practice time it requires makes teaching time suffer. Really how can I find enough time to organize twenty grade students for a show while teaching curriculum?

It's beyond tough and that's why I believe the concerts should be optional. I know that I would love to see Hannah perform when she's of school-age, but in the long run, I would also rather her dedicate time to science experiments or work on her language. Although it's really just a few weeks of class time, the amount of stuff the kids are expected to learn (and us poor educators trying to teach) really does require every minute to be spent on that.

Though Christmas concerts are fine and dandy and make lasting memories, it's sad that teaching time has to suffer.

HATS OFF TO YOU!

2009-11-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hannah hates wearing hats, but for some reason, any winter hat with ear flaps, she doesn't mind. I recommend the ones from JOE FRESH found at Loblaws. Lined with fleece and super soft, the hats come in a range of hip colours and designs. Ranging from $6-$10, they are colourful, hand-knit, and warm. We found a white one with brown and gray, a perfect accessory for her winter gear.

SHOPPING!

2009-11-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

To celebrate the end of report cards (writing them, not distributing), my husband suggested a weekend away to shop! Who am I to argue? Away we went right after work on Friday and it took a little over two hours to get there. Traffic was crazy, but NOT even close to what we endured on the way home.

Anyway we checked into the hotel around 7pm, visited the nearby Fallsview Casino Resort, and grabbed some pizaa for dinner. Chilled in the hotel room while my husband finished his report cards via the free wireless internet. Technology's great! :P

The next morning we got some Starbuck's and Timmy's and headed over the border. Did some major damage at the outlets and had time to swing by Boulevard Mall. LOVED LOVED LOVED the Gymboree Outlet as well as Esprit. Unfortunately we got stuck on the border along with the other deal seekers and got home about four hours later. We also got taxed (this has never happened to me in about ten years of Buffalo shopping), but still the deals were awesome! Can't wait to go back again...perhaps to celebrate Term 2 reports? Ha ha...

CHICKEN LASAGNA

2009-11-19T22:30:00.002-05:00

Decided to substitute creamy mushroom soup for a regular tomato sauce and what a hit! Less sour for Hannah and more healthy with an added dose of milk. Instead of using extra lean ground beef, I also decided to use chicken. Added an ample amount of carrots, peas, onions, and green peppers, the recipe was full of vitamins! Try it yourself and see how your little one likes it!

REPORT CARD FRUSTRATIONS

2009-11-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Raise your hand, teachers, if you've experienced this. You hit a key and wipe out your previous comments created during the past ten minutes. You don't have enough days in the week and you give a unit test two days before report cards are to be finished. Your school board is doing reporting on-line and the site crashes. As you choose from the comment bank, you realize that they are so wordy, NO parent can fully comprehend what these comments mean. Sound familiar?

I know it's mere exhaustion and frustration this time of year, but it is report card season and all my teacher friends know what I'm talking about. Colleagues who are usually out the door by 3:31 p.m. are in their classrooms in front of the computer. People who go out on weekends to go lounging are at home marking final exams with their laptops. Bedtime is no longer 10 p.m. but midnight, and you grab a rare coffee (don't normally choose caffeine) on the way to work. Ahh, the season of class averages and next steps.

As much as I don't mind writing reports (I type fast so it really isn't too bad, just harder with a baby nowadays because I can't get to work until after 9 p.m.), I enjoy interviews more. It's the time of year I get to talk to the parents and I mean really talk. I get to explain my expectations of them NOT just the students. Sometimes notes and ten-minute phone calls don't do justice to what I need to say. I also love for them to see exemplars of Level 4 work and then show them their child's work in comparison to it.

I remember one year when a parent asked why their child received a C in Writing and I was happy to explain. "Your child doesn't start her sentences with a capital letter, she doesn't end them with any punctuation, and she doesn't print her letters correctly or neatly on the line. It's been three months of school." The parent seemed surprised, but much less taken aback when she saw her child's work presented in front of her. Personally, I think a C was generous and only given because this student tried to print familiar words and sounded out her words phonetically with some success. Despite some poor spelling attempts, her sentences more or less made sense.

Reports are due next Monday. I think my own personal deadline is tomorrow. Just want to get them done. Out of my hands, out of my mind, and of course, I need to get out and celebrate on the weekend...

FISHER-PRICE SONG AND STORY LEARNING CHAIR

2009-11-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

Sit down. Stand up. Sit down. Sunday mass? No, it's the Fisher Price Song and Story Learning Chair that teaches colours, shapes, and reads a story to your child when you don't have time too. Suited for 12-36 months, this chair engages your child in learning while promoting physical activity.

Hannah loves to flip the book back and forth to listen to the story. She doesn't necessarily wait for each page to be read before doing so either and thus far, the chair hasn't been frazzled enough to glitch. It's made of colourful, sturdy plastic, tough enough to withstand any infant's abuse. The singing crayons teach colours and provide catchy tunes that will stick in your head.
It's about $100 on Amazon, but can often go on sale at Toys R Us or Walmart for much less. If you can wait for a sale, it's a good long-term investment and many of Hannah's friends love to play with it when they come over.

HANNAH'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

2009-11-16T07:00:00.003-05:00

Balloons? Check. Juice? Check. Lootbags? Check. GIANT birthday cake in the shape of a cupcake? Check.

All these items and more went to the success of Hannah's first birthday party on Saturday. Thanks to family and friends who came out, near and far (thanks Banks), so early on a Saturday morning to celebrate my baby's special occasion. Normally, I'm not one to make such a big deal about a birthday, but I guess it's different when it's your own child and the first anniversary of her birth. There were high school friends, co-workers, and mommies I met at Baby Goose. It was an amazing celebration and everything went off without a hitch.

I was exhausted from the running around though. There wasn't too much time to set up at Lil Explorers, but Listra was amazing and she made me feel better by being super calm and efficient. We quickly set up the tables in 10 minutes and she had decorated for me that morning. Golden Griddle arrived on time and brought the yummy breakfast we requested - pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs. We added some danishes, turnovers, muffins, and fruit to the mix.

Guests began to file in shortly after ten and by eleven, all the guests were accounted for and the party was in full swing. The kids had a great time: climbing and playing in the houses, imagining with puppets, swinging in the huge tree fort, and riding around in the cars. Babies climbed over and around each other and probably more than a few accidents occurred - none too serious! Adults mingled and I tried to chat with everyone there at least for a minute before I had to rush off to do something else.

We ended the event with a slideshow (I almost cried twice) and the cutting of the giant cupcake. Thanks to Nancy's Sweets for such a delicious centrepiece. I was asked by at least eight guests where it came from (clearly, I'm NOT that talented). One friend texted me to say she had already placed an order for her son's first birthday next week and she hadn't even seen my cake yet!

We finished up and packed two cars full of leftover food (thanks friends who took some home, you helped my waistline more than you know) and presents. Off we went to the mall for some relaxing family time and to buy some new clothes for Hannah - after all, she's one now. She'll need a new wardrobe. :) (Ha ha, my close friends know this is sarcastic - Hannah has a wardrobe ready should she have a 10 inch growth spurt!)

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY!

2009-11-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hannah turns one today. It's been a year of laughs and awesome memories. From one of my favourite childhood shows, here's Ernie and his silly ways. Happy Birthday, Baby Girl! I love you.

WAR CAKE

2009-11-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

In keeping with the Remembrance Day theme, here is a recipe that was made years ago during war times when eggs, butter, and other "luxuries" were scarce. This heavy dark cake is a reminder of all the good things we have today and for that, we should be grateful. However, seeing as how this recipe has no eggs or milk, it could suit some babies' palates perfectly.

War Cake

Combine and boil for 5 minutes only:
1 lb (about 2 cups) raisin

1 cup water

1 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup lard

1/4 cup butter

1 tsp each cinnamon, ginger, ground cloves

1/2 tsp salt

Let cool to lukewarm, then sift together and add:
2 cups flour

2 tsp baking soda
Flavour with vanilla.

Pour into a well-greased pan, about 8″ square.
Bake at 325°F for about one hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake doesn’t come out sticky.

REMEMBERING

2009-11-11T06:42:00.004-05:00

Easily the most famous war poem in history, John McCrae, a Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel, wrote it after seeing his best friend lose his life during World War I. The poppy grew in abundance in Flanders where many soldiers were buried. It's a symbol of Remembrance Day and important we take a moment to thank and mourn those who lost their lives in battle.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.

Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders Fields.

BEBE AU LAIT REVERSIBLE DOUBLE BIB

2009-11-10T09:00:00.003-05:00

Function or style? How about both? When it comes to bibs, parents know that it is a must-have especially if you've spent lots of money on those too-cute-to-be true outfits. Bebe au Lait has the amazing Reversible Double Bib that satisfies this hip mama's need for fashion and practicality. One side has a cute design for the mini-fashionista while the other is a white terry cloth that just screams, "Wear me! I'm soft." The magnetic closure makes it easy to put on and off and the size of it is awesome. It overlaps to cover Hannah's entire upper body so any strays dribbles or accidents don't concern me much. This bib is $16, but really it's two bibs in one and the styles are awesome. My personal favourites are the YOKO, SEVILLA, and SOFT SPOT styles.
Check out Bebe au Lait's site to find your favourite design or drop by a local store for more of this company's innovative products: Babyland (Vaughan), Baby on the Hip (Toronto), Dearborn Baby (Thornhill), and more. Check out their site for more locations in Ontario. They ship internationally!

"MASS"IVE SUCCESS

2009-11-09T08:00:00.001-05:00

On Sunday we went to the early mass at 8:45 a.m. and the auditorium (known as the "Baby Room") wasn't open or set up so we had to go into the main section of the church. It's official, Hannah is all grown up and sat through one mass without being (too) fussy. My husband had to take her out once, but only as a precautionary measure. We're not quite sure if she was just in a good mood or we had the nap timed just right, but Hannah was successful...perhaps it's because she's almost one?

We had the usual books and toys to distract her, but for the most part, even without props she was excellent. Sure at times, she dove into me when Daddy held her, wagged her tongue at the lady behind us, and tried to grab the shoulder of the person next to me, but other than those little things, she was an angel. While other babies whined and wailed, Hannah's sounds only amounted to "ahh" and "Mama". She was extremely attentive when the music played and the constant standing up and sitting down helped. She also liked the buttons on my new vest. She discovered velcro on one of her old toys and played with her new hair clip. Anything to keep her occupied was good for us.

I have to admit the slightly shorter service helped. We were out of the parking lot by 9:45 a.m. and headed to run our weekend errands. Happy to report that our little girl is growing up and her church behaviour was certainly worth some praise.

PEACE

2009-11-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Remembrance Day is on November 11. Take the time to think about those we've lost to war and the honour they brought to their country. We're grateful for their sacrifices so that our country is safe.

BABY BIRTHDAY CAKES

2009-11-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

If you are planning to make your baby's first birthday cake, remember to keep in mind that babies and sugar still shouldn't mix.

Try substituting regular frosting with cream cheese frosting or applesauce. Instead of chocolate or vanilla flavours, you can always do a carrot cake. Add fruit instead of sugar for sweetness. If it's a cold cake you're leaning towards, why not do an ice-cream or a sorbet cake? Even better, for smaller babies, try a cute little cupcake.

HAVE A BALL!

2009-11-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

New parents will be interested in the site created by Ontario's Child Development Resource Centre called "Have a Ball". This site provides resources for new parents and activities for 2-5 year olds. It has nutrition information and suggestions for a healthy lifestyle. As childhood obesity is an on-going problem, it's best to start your youngster with a healthy regimen of good foods and physical activity as soon as possible.

BLUE CELERY

2009-11-03T08:00:00.003-05:00

Continuing my journey through the world of baby-wearing, I've discovered a cool product by Blue Celery. It's unique design consists of two pull-on pouches and for heavier babies, you can add a waist band for extra support. The design can be used to wear your baby in several different ways because the weight is evenly distributed over the upper body.

Blue Celery Baby Slings come in three neutral colours so it goes with any outfit. Without any rings or bands, it is user-friendly and gender neutral. It's machine-washable and the stretchy soft fabric fits comfortably over your shoulders.

Hannah loves to be held close and has grown more attached to me since I've started baby-wearing. In fact, despite a new stroller, she still prefers to walk with me while we shop rather than sit down. She falls asleep with her head on my shoulder and I assume likes to listen to my heart beat. It makes me smile to think that's the exact sound she heard while in the womb.

HANNAH'S HALLOWEEN

2009-11-02T06:40:00.000-05:00

After weeks of begging, I finally gave into my students' wishes and Hannah came to visit. It was a surprise and my kids were so excited and happy to see her. She came on Friday afternoon just in time to see my kids at their most hyper. She was dressed up as a lion and charmed them with her smile. The girls were more interested than the boys who would rather stay in character as Transformers than ooh and aah over a little baby. It was hard to get the kids to maintain personal space especially when Hannah began to touch them on the heads. I can see babysitting in their near future. They were so attached to her!

On Saturday we had to meet my in-laws for lunch so we decided to hang out at the mall while we waited. They decided to come meet us there and they I got a call from my God-daughter's mommy. Would we want to trick or treat in the mall? Sure, why not? Unfortunately, this year the shops decided not to hand out candy so after an hour of walking around we went to run some errands. My husband got a special treat, an afternoon of napping, while Hannah and I played downstairs.

After dinner, we visited our neighbours for some candy. We said some hellos, got some treats, and of course, took a dozen pictures. I was so amazed at the weather. I remember the past few years were wet and dreary. I think Hannah's first Halloween was a great success. How was your Halloween?

MONSTER MASH

2009-10-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Halloween just isn't Halloween without this classic! Hope it doesn't rain and stays relatively warm. Can't wait to see how Hannah likes trick or treating. Happy Halloween!

HALLOWEEN SWEETS

2009-10-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

Who says your baby can’t have sweets for Halloween? You won’t serve them the regular chocolate bars and lollipops, but your sweetie can have something special for the day.

Idea #1: Scoop out an orange and carve a mini-pumpkin for your baby. Fill it with some fruit and you’ll have a Halloween Fruit Bowl.
Idea #2: Make some orange Jell-O and mix in bits of peach. Drizzle with milk just before serving.
Idea #3: Using an English muffin as a base, spread with tomato sauce, and sprinkle with cheese. Add bits of cooked shredded chicken and mushrooms while making a jack-o-lantern face. Bake in a toaster oven at 350F for ten minutes.

HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES

2009-10-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

From math sheets to crossword puzzles, this week is all about Halloween. Check out these links for activities, games, and lesson plans for your lil' goblins.

http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Halloween/

http://www.theteacherscorner.net/seasonal/halloween/

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/Halloween.htm

BEST BOOTS FOR BABY

2009-10-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

After several tries, my husband has given up on Hannah's winter fashion sense. He doesn't think boots are for babies, but I'd like to give my opinion. They can work if they have the following features:
1) laces that can tighten and not just for style
2) velcro up the entire ankle and foot
3) deep treads and not soft soles

After trying boots from Baby Gap, Joe Fresh, Babies R Us, and H&M, the winner is ... H&M! Hot pink and with velcro from top to bottom of the boot, Hannah's foot slides in easily, but does not slide out easily. They are warm, but not hot. The treads are great for indoor use and provides a non-slip surface for beginning walkers. Boots for babies range from $10-$30.

CHRISTMAS BEFORE HALLOWEEN

2009-10-26T07:00:00.001-04:00

It’s fall and a fact of life that kids get sick. Mix in daycare and parents who are teachers, and stuffy noses and sore throats are inevitable. Hannah has had a little cold for the past week or so, but nothing too serious. She’s still active and playing and only cranky because she’s teething. Luckily her appetite hasn’t dwindled and that’s keeping up her energy. I,however, can barely keep up with her.

This weekend we hung out at a couple of malls scoping out the situation for the holiday season. It’s amazing, but two months before Christmas and people were already working on their Christmas lists. I thought we were good just to go and get inspired, but people were way ahead of us. There were so many so many new stores and new products! New boot styles, cool electronic toys, warm citrusy smells for the home, check check check! I made my own list as we walked.

On Saturday night, we wanted to get into the Halloween spirit (how much can one really think about Christmas before the trick or treaters come around) so after Hannah went to bed, we settled in to watch the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning. Just as gruesome and disturbing as the previous movies in that series. I’m surprised I didn’t get nightmares.

Hope you had a great weekend too. Did you buy your candy yet? Is your house all decorated? Have a great week and Happy Halloween!

THRILLER - LEGO STYLE

2009-10-23T09:00:00.002-04:00

Who isn't familiar with the thirteen minute video by Michael Jackson? Check out this version of Thriller made with Lego pieces.

ODE TO ORANGE FOODS

2009-10-22T08:00:00.002-04:00

We've done carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash. They are orange-coloured vegetables that provide plenty of betacarotene, antioxidants and Vitamin C. Do you have an easy-to-make recipe you'd like to share?

Here's a quick idea involving another wonderful orange food: cantaloupe. It can be cut into tiny pieces as part of a fruit salad for a baby or shredded and mixed with its juice and diluted with water for a toddler fruit punch. Don't add extra sugar. When it's ripe, it's sweet, just like your baby!

TRIBES

2009-10-21T07:00:00.001-04:00

After three long Saturdays spent in a freezing elementary school library, I've decided that Tribes Learning Communities have been taking place in my classroom long before I took the course. Now I have a certificate to prove it, but it's reassuring to know that I've been doing things right for a while. Even after eight years of teaching, it's good to know I'm on track. However, why the need to have teachers trained if they already do what Tribes suggest? Don't you teach to a variety of needs? Don't all teachers encourage inclusion and positive language in the class and school? Am I wrong to assume yes?

Tribes is a process that encourages collaborative learning and was established back in the 1970s. Recently, this movement seemed to gain more followers and supporters and has spread like wildfire in Canada. It's composed of four main tenets: mutual respect, attentive listening, appreciation/no put downs, and the right to pass. By having a Tribes classroom, its creator Jeanne Gibbs believes that more work can be done and the teacher spends less time on discipline. Students work together in tribes helping each other succeed thereby eliminating the need of a "teacher-centred" attitude.

Although the Tribes process is ideal, a lot of my colleagues at the course discussed the reality of our classrooms. In a class of twenty students, you'll have a quarter who are English as a Second Language learners. Another two to three will have a learning challenge while another two or so have behavioural issues. Working in groups and assigning roles such as a "Recorder", "Task Master", "Editor", etc. will work only if the kids aren't bound by some of these restrictions. Can you imagine a Grade One class doing this on their own? Not too likely...at least not in the first five months of the year. What about maturity level? Does Gibbs realize most teenage students don't act the way they do in a Tribes video?

Although I love the idea of Tribes, I think it can only work in an ideal world. Unfortunately, many of us don't teach in an ideal classroom. So like with each day, you do your best and hope some of it gets through to your students.

I'd love to hear if you use TRIBES in your classroom and how has it worked so far. Please drop me a line at hipteachermama@gmail.com.

PRODUCT RECALL INFORMATION

2009-10-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's been several months since Tuesdays has been my days to review products, but this week, I'm going to let you know where to look for product recall lists and information. You may wish to buy the newest carseat or the most expensive toy, but it's also important to know its history, consumer reviews, and professional testers' opinions.

For Canada, visit Health Canada's site at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/child-enfant/index-eng.php and look under Consumer Product Recalls on the right-hand side for an up-to-date list. You may also wish to report a product on this site too.

For the U.S.. please visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission's site at http://www.cpsc.gov/.

PUMPKINHEADS

2009-10-19T08:00:00.001-04:00

Our weekend wasn't too eventful. We spent Friday evening at Vaughan Mills where we shopped till we dropped. Technically it was until the doors locked up, but it felt like we were going to drop. Darn you, mid-autumn sales!

On Saturday, I was taking a TRIBES course so my husband spent the day with Hannah at Markville Mall. At night, we went to my mom's for dinner and watched bits of The Sound of Music. Hannah apparently loves those songs (thanks to my mom's exposure to it) and began to sway from side to side when she was singing, "Doe a deer a female deer..." Hilarious!

On Sunday, we ended up at Scarborough Town Centre (again, darn you, discounts) and then to Whittamore's Farm. We met up with Hannah's god-parents and spent about an hour taking pictures and posing the little girls for their model shoot. We had planned for them to wear their striped sweaters and cutest little moccasins. The girls didn't seem to know what was going on except for a lot of large round orange things surrounding them. Both girls also have colds so we couldn't get too many smiles out of them. What do you think?

AUTUMN

2009-10-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

Frosty mornings, damp air, and leaves all over the driveway. We are truly in the midst of autumn. Enjoy some Vivaldi as you get ready for your day. Have a great weekend!

THANKS FOR THE LEFTOVERS

2009-10-15T21:15:00.000-04:00

Lots of leftover turkey and don’t know what to do with it? Make a variety of meals for your baby and toddler including: turkey congee, turkey stew, turkey subs, turkey rolls, and turkey soup.

Turkey bones provide a good foundation for soup because they’ll have a naturally delicious flavour. Strip off the meat and chop finely to make sandwiches or subs. Peel the turkey and add crunchy celery or cucumber for fresh turkey rolls with pita. Asian families may enjoy the warmth of turkey congee as those nights are getting colder. Enjoy the leftovers!

For more ideas, please visit all.recipes.com.

ASSESSMENTS IN ONTARIO CLASSROOMS

2009-10-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

It’s just been over one month of school and the “A” word has been discussed many a time in the staffroom. Yes, the dreaded “assessments” and reporting on the first term report card. In another month or so, all the assignments, tests, and in-class participation marks will be averaged out to create the marks for the Ontario report cards. This is when parents receive concrete information about their child’s performance and see if they meet, exceed, or fall below the provincial expectations. Along the way, there have been phone calls or notes home, but this is the first legal document that will be retained in the child’s school portfolio, the OSR (Ontario Student Record).

Parents can check out curriculum at www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum. Levels 1 to 4 are assigned based on the child’s performance. For detailed understanding of the grades and comments, please check out Ontario's website on education.

IN THE POCKET BABY

2009-10-13T06:00:00.002-04:00

My fondness for baby-wearing continues with the best padded sling I've used to date! In black and stylish, In the Pocket Baby's sling is compact and practical.

This sling is extremely easy to slip on and off and the best features are two-fold. First, you can tighten the front and back by simply pulling the straps without any assistance from anyone. Reaching behind you and pulling down, the pouch tightens and pulls your baby in closer to you. Tightening the front is the same way: one quick pull and it's done. To release, just loosen the other way. Buckles help secure your tiny bundle of joy even further.

The second best feature is the padded sling on the shoulder so that you can wear your baby for longer. Created by Swedish designers, this sling is good for babies from birth to 20kg. You can place your baby right in the pocket or after about ten months, wear your child on your hip or back. Personally I love Hannah on the hip so I have one arm around her while I type, shop, or hold a phone with the other hand. Check out their website for more hip products.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2009-10-12T10:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving and I hope all you Hip Teacher Mamas out there are enjoying your well-deserved day off!

Hannah’s first Thanksgiving and it wasn’t a traditional one by any means. My mom’s side didn’t want to celebrate and when they finally decided to do something, our family had already made plans. Our Thanksgiving dinner took place on Sunday evening at my brother-in-law’s new condo in downtown Toronto and it wasn’t turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes on the menu. Instead, we ordered Japanese because he had just moved into the new place with my sister-in-law on Friday. How awesome were the miso soup, seaweed salad, agetofu, and maki rolls? Amazing!

With a few boxes among us and furniture laying around, we celebrated by talking about their move, how Hannah was doing at daycare, and watching Raptors TV. Their new place has an awesome view of the Air Canada Centre and the waterfront. We had time to look at their wedding photos and by seven o'clock, Hannah had passed out in the spare room for she missed her afternoon nap. Family and food was what her first Thanksgiving was all about.

I WILL SURVIVE

2009-10-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

I LOVE this video! Happy Thanksgiving, Hip Teacher Mamas!

THANKSGIVING FOR BABY

2009-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

Our baby will be 11 months old when Thanksgiving rolls around and I'm wondering if it's safe to give her what we'll be eating. As we've had turkey, potatoes, and carrots before, I know those will be alright. What about cranberries?

Cranberries can be introduced between 8 and 10 months of age. They are quite acidic so they aren't a good starter food, however, they do not trigger true berry allergies like strawberries may. Think of cranberries like blueberries, which are often safe. They are a great source of Vitamin A and calcium. Try them mixed with applesauce or served with pork or chicken. Start your baby with a cranberry puree and move onto strained cranberries.

Cranberry Puree

1) Boil water and add one cup of cranberries (fresh or frozen).

2) Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.

3) Blend with a food processor.

NO NUTS, NO SHELLFISH, NO EGGS! NO FUN?

2009-10-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

Parents seem to be surprised when they see the "NO NUT" signs at school. I'm not sure why. Over the years, the prevalence of food allergies has grown and innundated the press or so I thought. While I continue to justify why this is the rule in most (if not all) schools, here is a heads-up for new parents.

Students can have severe allergies to nuts and other foods. While most have reactions only when consuming these food products, some have such severe reactions just by touching or smelling the food. If they are anaphylatic, their body systems can shut down and result in a rapid heartbeat, shock, hives, and even difficulty breathing. Unfortunately sometimes we don't know about these reactions until it happens. Hence it is safer to avoid the issue by preventing certain foods from entering the school grounds.

School staff even suggest we remove our Hot Lunch programs just in case restaurants cook with peanut oil or the like. However, what makes the rule a challenge is that parents are still buying lunches for their kids and dropping them off at the lunch table. For example, how are we to know what each fast-food restaurant cooks with? Do we know? For that matter, how do we guarantee that ALL parents are conscientious about what foods they pack in their child's lunch? Unfortunately, we can't guarantee anything and just hope that parents educate themselves and be responsible for their child and others.

EASY DAYSIES MAGNETS

2009-10-06T07:00:00.001-04:00

I've always used a daily schedule in my room to keep myself organized and to alleviate students' anxieties. Students love to see what's coming up and what they've just done. I've always used a pocket chart system until this year when I moved into a new classroom with minimum wall space and not enough room on the chalkboard. What to do?

That's when I discovered the awesome power of Easy Daysies. These teacher-created magnetic schedule pieces gave me the chance to list our Grade One activities on the board without taking up precious blackboard space. Teachers, you know how important that is!

Easy Daysies provides important subjects such as math, science, art, and gym in the Classroom Kit while also leaving some blank ones for you to fill in your own subjects. Colourful and simple, the font is easy to read for all ages. Matched with a descriptive drawing, these must-have organizing tools are good throughout the elementary school years.

The same company also provides magnets such as Chores & Rewards, Family Activities, and Potty/Washroom Routine. Check out their site for descriptions and prices.

THOSE DAYCARE DAYS

2009-10-05T06:00:00.001-04:00

It's official. Hannah is a daycare baby. We were lucky to get in since we were on a waiting list for such a long time. She did three days of orientation last week and then started full-time on Thursday. The daycare seems to take good notes and record the times she eats, what she eats, her diaper changes, and her naptimes. She has her own private corner crib in the darkened nursery and every weekend, we take her blankets and stuffed animals home to wash. They rotate the food menu on a weekly basis and each day the food is different. They provide a variety of foods incorporating all the food groups. Should we have a problem, we can substitute our own food or an infant item. Having daycare take care of her breakfast, lunch, and snack certainly helps me out. I don't miss cooking fresh veggies or popping frozen pureed cubes!

We're waiting to see if the daycare has a significant impact on Hannah's social skills. She sometimes plays by herself and sometimes interacts with other babies by touching their heads. The only good thing so far is that she hasn't hurt anyone nor has she been too upset when being dropped off. When she's picked up, she's really happy and excited to see us.

The daycare instructors seem caring and willing to answer questions and exchange notes when necessary. I hope to meet the other parents soon and attend some daycare events. It's crazy to think that just a couple of months ago, Hannah was just learning to sit on her own and starting to crawl. Now she's cruising and making new friends, hopefully learning through play and going for morning strolls with nine other babies her age. It's certainly another meaningful milestone.

This daycare takes daily pictures and creates a scrapbook page so that parents can see what went on during the day (much like what I do for my students except I do it in DVD format). It's great because even though I'm not with Hannah, I want to read about it and experience it as if I was there. It's comforting to know that if she's not in my capable hands, she is in someone else's.

TURKEY IN THE STRAW

2009-10-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

Turkey time is approaching soon...you know it just by looking through your weekly flyers and walking down the grocery aisle. Teach your little one this popular song performed here by The Wiggles.

CHEESY SQUASH

2009-10-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Time to have more orange-coloured foods in your baby's diet! Squash provides essential amounts of fibre and Vitamin C while cheese is a great dairy choice with ample calcium to build up your baby's bones and teeth.

Butternut Squash with Cheese
1) Cut the butternut squash in half. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits.
2) Bake at 350F for about an hour (depending on the size) with about an inch of water at the bottom of the pan.
3) Wait for the flesh to cool a bit before scooping out the flesh.
4) Grate some mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle on top and the residue heat will continue to melt the cheese.
5) Serve.

PICTURE DAY

2009-09-30T06:00:00.001-04:00

It's coming around the corner at every school or perhaps your school already had it. The big Picture Day! Be sure to send your child to school with a hairbrush because alfalfa sprouts and bad combovers last forever. Wear bright colours, but not too bright. If you're short and end up in the front row, it's good to know you're wearing matching socks.
Teachers, bring your best smile. Know that you are now a part of some child's memories forever. And for that silly staff photo, the sillier the better!

ORGANIZING BEAST

2009-09-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

I love to organize. I absolutely LOVE it. It can be my drawers, closet, desk, or shelves, whatever it is, I like having things grouped, separated, and stored. Hence, finding binders, racks, and all those storage solutions is a thrill and challenge. Before school began, I wanted to revamp my whole classroom system so of course, I headed to Staples. Although they had what I needed, it was also at a ridiculous price (for which I would never get reimbursed). I decided to check out the Pickering Markets (formerly known as the Pickering Flea Markets).

There I was able to get large blue and black 2" binders at a deal. I negotiated from $3 each (at Staples they were about $12-$16 each) to less than $2 each. Some vendors had plastic sheets to store your blackline masters, plastic crates that would be perfect for the puppet centre, and Tupperware ideal for manipulatives.

So before heading to the regular teacher stores, try your local markets. It may take longer to find the items you need, but you will save a lot of money and we know how much we spend in the classroom already.

KIDS EAT FREE IN SEPTEMBER

2009-09-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

After a long day at a TRIBES course, I didn't feel like cooking and my husband wanted to go out. Already stuffy and tired from a cold, I couldn't fight the temptation. We went to one of our faves because of its proximity to our home and endless salads and delicious bread, Eastside Mario's.

Near the end of the meal (which Hannah slept through, yay), the waitress offered us the Kids' Menu so we could get something for the baby. I explained that we brought our own food for her as she was only ten months old. I began to feed her from the Thermos, but gave her bits of bread. The waitress came back again to ask if we wanted the kid's item to go. I was confused, but clued in later...kids eat free in September so she wanted us to take advantage.

I'm all about the freebies (and surprised I didn't know about this one) so we got some chicken strips and grilled veggies for later (my husband wanted fries, but I went with the healthier choice). Great promotion especially in the month of September when school has just begun and who couldn't use a special treat? Each item off the kids' menu comes with ice cream! Hip Teacher Mamas, bring you and your family out for a delicious dinner. You still have a few days left of September to enjoy it.

WHIP IT

2009-09-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

Didn't manage to score TIFF tickets to Drew Barrymore's Whip It, but can't wait to see it when it comes out in regular theatres. We did manage to see Jennifer's Body, The Road, and Bad Lieutenant, two of which are chosen for Telluride's Film Festival in the fall. Seems like we made great picks as they are very selective about their films. Yay to another successful year of movie premieres and star gazing! What a great way to ring in the new school year!

BABY FOODIE

2009-09-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Inspired by this weekend's visit to a trendy Toronto restaurant, here is an idea for a fancy meal for your baby. Foodies will be familiar with the use of purees and small dollops of food here and there, but the portion is actually perfect for your tiny tot and not just aesthetically pleasing to Mom and Dad.

Don't forget that mango is one of those foods that trigger allergies so be extremely careful. Wash the skin thoroughly or use a separate knife to remove the meat after peeling. Mangoes are high in fibre and vitamins A and C while salmon is great for calcium and omega-3 fatty acids, which is essential for brain development. Sweet potatoes are great for energy, beta-carotene, and vitamin B6. This B vitamin is necessary for fighting infections and maintaining a healthy sugar level in your body.

Mango Glazed Salmon with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
1) Peel a ripe mango, simmer, and puree.
2) Spread half the pureed mango on the salmon. Bake for 10-12 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish at 450C.
3) Spread the rest on the salmon about halfway through its cooking time.
4) Peel and boil the sweet potatoes. Mash.
5) Serve.

CLASSROOM CODES

2009-09-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

Code red! Code black! Severe weather! Back in the day, I don't remember having to practice these alerts, knowing to stay away from windows, or to curl up like a ball in the hallway. It was just how to line up and exit safely in case of a fire. Wow, how times have changed . . .

Teachers, as it is the third week of school, your principals are gearing up to test you on your knowledge of emergency procedures. Brush up and get a new safety card for the room. Practice often and drill it into your students. Do it in the morning, after lunch, and before you leave. After a few days, they will be experts. There may be a time this year where you'll have to put those skills to the test and there isn't time to say, "Okay, Johnny, you actually go here right after Lisa...and sit like this boys and girls...no like this, like this...good, right, okay."

Two years ago we had a Code Red at our school. There was a robbery in the neighbourhood so our school was shut down. Since it wasn't a drill, I must admit I felt some panic. However, knowing that I had to be brave and model proper behaviour, I calmly shut the door, turned off the lights, and sat on the carpet. Minutes felt like hours. I can't remember how long we sat there, but I remember wondering what could be happening outside. So many possibilities went through my head and having a great imagination does not help. When it was all over and I found out that there was a police chase and the suspects were teens, I felt relieved. Still it could have been something more serious. However, I thought we were well prepared and I was so proud of my Grade 2's for sitting so quietly for so long.

I hope you never have to experience a "real code", but if you do, stay calm and do as you've always done. Be a great leader, keep calm, and smile. The kids feel better when you smile.

BRUIN STACKING CUPS

2009-09-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

Simple concepts develop simple ideas, but lifelong learning. That’s how I feel about the Bruin Stacking Cups. Made in a variety of sizes and colours with imprints on the bottom of animals, it’s a great set to teach your child the basics. Right now, Hannah is picking them up and hitting them together, but I know soon she’ll be able to put the cups into each other according to size.

These cups help develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. The bottom of the cups have different cut-out shapes too so they can be used in the tub or pool for water play.

Recommended for 9 months and above, this nesting set can be found at Toys R Us and many other toy stores for about $10.

HANNAH AND HER ANIMAL FRIENDS

2009-09-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

As mentioned on Friday's post, we were going to spend the day at the Toronto Zoo on Sunday. My husband changed his mind on Saturday night (the four-hour tasting menu at Colborne Lane drained us much to the delight of our palates), but then gave in to the temptation of the gorgeous sunshine on Sunday morning. We did the zoo in record time because we both had a lot of errands to run and things to do at home. It was Hannah's first trip to the zoo so of course we each had our cameras ready.

We arrived about 20 minutes after it opened and spent only a few minutes in line. Throughout the day I received calls from friends saying how long the lines were. I figured we had beat the "sleeping in crowd" and would be leaving as people were entering. We discovered later that we were right...thank goodness!

As my husband hadn't been to the zoo since his own second-grade trip, I took the opportunity to show off my knowledge of the lay of the land. Threw in a few facts here and there and I'm sure it was like having a zoo guide right there. Having taught Grade Two for many years, I know the zoo like the back of my hand. Surprisingly the renovations and me missing last year's class excursion (I was on maternity leave) didn't throw me off track.

We took my usual Round the World tour. Some of the animals we saw included the polar bears, tigers, camels, alligators, stick insects, zebras, jellyfish, giraffes, elephants, flamingos, lions, and numerous species of monkeys. Surprisingly 90% of the animals were awake! That almost NEVER happens. We skipped the Canadiana part as we weren't really in the mood to go up and down that large hill just to see a raccoon, bison, and the grizzly bear. I think five out of six years that bear was always asleep anyway.

Hannah watched in fascination as animals fifty times her size chewed their food or slowly walked across the field. She never seemed to be afraid even though we were right next to a huge emu or in front of an alligator. Babies have no fear. So great. We tried to tell the peacock how beautiful it was so that it would spread its wings...no luck!

It was around 1:00 p.m. when we left. We'll probably be back the next time there is a Teacher's Day. Thanks to the zoo for recognizing that teachers need a break (albeit educational) too!

WILD FOR THE TORONTO ZOO

2009-09-18T07:00:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year again in Toronto! Free day for teachers at the Metro Toronto Zoo on Sunday, September 20. All you need is your OCT i.d. and you can check out the wildlife along with ONE guest. See you there!

STRAWBERRIES ARE IN SEASON

2009-09-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Before those sweet red berries disappear for the winter, get your little one some strawberries as a savoury snack. Packed with Vitamin C and anti-oxidants, they are the simplest way to get some sweetness into your diet. Alone or sprinkled on top of plain yogurt, it's one of my favourites! Since they are a potential high allergen food, doctors recommend waiting until around 12 months of age.

Strawberry Puree
1. Wash 1 cup of strawberries and remove leaves and stems

2. Slice strawberries in half.

3. Mash or puree as needed for your baby.

ONE WEEK DOWN...SO MANY MORE TO GO!

2009-09-16T07:00:00.001-04:00

It's been one full week of school so how are you holding up? Has caffeine been your best friend? Getting used to the same questions again and again?

Thought I'd share a couple of tips for keeping the room organized and yourself sane.

Number your children instead of memorizing their last names in alphabetical order. That way, you can quick put work in order or have helpers find out which kids didn't submit their assignments. It's easier to teach numerical order than alphabetical to your young student helpers.

Practice for a fire drill or code red alert. There's bound to be something in the first couple of weeks of school. Remember to assign someone to close the classroom door and prepare the kids in case they are not with the class when a fire drill happens.

Take the time to label everything in the class. Although it may be time consuming, it will save you the trouble of pointing out where the scissors, glue sticks, and recycling twenty times throughout the year.

BABY LEGS

2009-09-15T08:00:00.004-04:00

Hannah has spent lots of time crawling on our floor mats and the hardwood. Ten months old and ready to explore the world! Knowing how hard the floor must be, we slapped some cute Baby Legs on her and vroom, vroom, vroom! Off she went! Great at protecting her knees and shins, Hannah liked having her mobility without any ounce of pain. We loved having the choice of putting them on when she was just wearing a onesie or making her fashion forward when wearing a denim skirt! Excellent for those warm end of summer days, but cool nights.

Baby Legs are adorable leg warmers that are the perfect size for the littlest legs. They are great for using around the house when your little one is only in a diaper, but you'd like to keep the legs warm. They are stylish when worn with skirts or can be used to cover up legs under the hot sun. Some even choose to use them on their arms! Whatever you choose, you're surely going to receive compliments on the design. They have dots, stripes, animal prints, plaids, hearts, and even organic. You name it, they've got it.

Hannah tried on some stylish Baby Legs and we both loved it. Cute, easy to put on, and most importantly, functional (protective), we can't get enough. The plain colours are easy to match with outfits while special ones like an Easter pattern puts anyone in a festive mood. Baby Legs work just as well for the boys especially the ones who are eager to explore the world around them. They also work well on carpet to save you and your little guy the heartache of rug burn!

Check out their website for colour selection. You'll be hooked! Get those little legs into a pair today!!!

IT'S TIFF TIME AGAIN!

2009-09-14T19:16:00.007-04:00

Sorry to my friends and readers who have asked why this post is sooooo late! I promise that this won't happen again...well, maybe...but only in September of each year. It's TIFF and I'm star-gazing, star-chasing, and just plain star-obsessed. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a picture and autograph hound and will line up for hours to get a good picture or signature. I'm proud to say that my goals were achieved this weekend.

Saw the second showing of Jennifer's Body and managed to get the director's autograph. Long story short...her name is Karyn Kusama. She signed one auto and was about to leave, but I called out, "Karyn! Karyn! (pronounced Car-in)" so she turned around, gave me an auto, and a smile before leaving. Yes, I felt special! (See the importance of names? Just like I teach the kids.)

That same day I waited three hours just to get autographs outside the theatre for Up in the Air. Managed to get George Clooney, Jason Bateman, Jason Reitman, Norman Jewison, and several other B-listers...yes, George is just as hot in person as he is on camera. I forgot to give him my friend's number...sorry E.

On Sunday, we went early for The Road, much hyped about flick chosen as one of Telluride Film Festival's selected few. We got Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee's autographs who play The Man and the Boy in this post-apocalyptic tale of survival. Robert Duvall came to the show, but left before the Q&A. Unfortunately, Charlize Theron and Guy Pearce didn't come at all. I got a seat in front of Viggo's three reserved ones, but he shifted down a few seats. None the less, he was still behind me.

One more film to go and I hope to report some good success. Hopefully we can instill the love of film in Hannah. Otherwise, we'll have to take her to a 4 Square show somewhere.

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN

2009-09-11T06:37:00.001-04:00

Ah, TGIF...and I REALLY mean that! Never have I been so exhausted after a week of work. For seven years, I've taught the 2nd and 3rd graders so this week of teaching Grade One has been quite the experience. The marking has taken less time, but the prep and daily activities are draining. Hopefully the parents will also help out at home reminding and reinforcing skills learned at home.

OMELETTE

2009-09-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

To avoid allergies, try not to give your baby any egg white before one year of age. Although the allergenicity of eggs is reduced by cooking, some babies have severe reactions. Symptoms that mean your baby is allergic to egg white protein include: hives, flushing, itching/rash around mouth (sometimes spreading to the rest of the body), facial swelling, ummy pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomitting, runny nose, wheezing, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure.

Eggs are excellent sources of protein. The egg yolk has vitamins A, D, and E and has about 60 calories.

Omelette Recipe

1) Separate egg white and egg yolk.
2) Add 2 teaspoons of water to the egg yolk. Whisk.
3) Cook diced green pepper, mushroom, and tomato.
4) Add the egg yolk to the hot pan.
5) Sprinkle some cheddar cheese and let it melt.

FIRST DAY

2009-09-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

So how was your child's first day at school? Jitters? Excitement? Fear? Yeah, I had those feelings too.

Teachers: There is one month until Thanksgiving weekend. The first month will fly by as you get to know the twenty to thirty personalities in the class. Take the time to chat with them. Do interest inventories and keep them on file. It's a great ice-breaker especially for those shy ones who need a little push to come out of their shell.

Students: I know school may not be #1 on your Fun List, but give it a chance. Starting a new grade means new challenges, meeting new friends and catching up with old ones. This may be the year you'll try out for the basketball team and make it! You'll discover new strengths and work on any weaknesses. The year will be what you make it! Good luck and have fun.

HUG YOUR MONKEY TODAY!!!

2009-09-08T08:00:00.003-04:00

Babywearing has been practiced for decades. It's wearing or carrying your baby or child in a sling, carrier, or pouch. It helps the baby and mother bond quicker. The baby becomes more independent as well as calmer because the mother's scent, heartbeat, and movements are so close to the baby, reassuring the young child that Mom is always accessible. Wearing a baby also gives the mother her hands back which allows her to do simple tasks like carrying bags, washing dishes, or folding laundry.

I love love love my hugamonkey sling. It's easy, light, and washable. The colours are neutral so it makes it easy for mommies to hug their monkeys, but daddies are welcome to hug too! I love holding Hannah close and she clearly prefers being held rather than sitting in her stroller. She loves falling asleep in my arms while we're shopping and having the freedom to walk around with my baby and sorting through the sale racks is a dream come true!

Easy to use and starting at $24.99, the hugamonkey is a convenient and hip way to carry around your little one. I've received lots of envious looks when I'm hands-free while others are struggling with a little one and trying to answer a cell phone and steer a stroller. Get chic and buy your own baby sling today! I promise that it is the MUST HAVE for any mom who loves to cuddle with her little monkey while getting things done.

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES ME . . . A TEACHER

2009-09-07T07:00:00.001-04:00

It's the last weekend before school starts and although I wanted to spend the last weekend doing nothing, it ended up being a weekend jam-packed with everything. On Friday, I spent eight hours in my classroom doing my final preparations for Tuesday. I put up my bulletin board displays, labelled books, and laminated more posters. At night, my husband, Hannah, and I went to Promenade Mall to relax. Contemplated some winter coats for those cold yard duties in the near future...TNA or Community? Opinions, please.

On Saturday, we beat the weekend rush to get groceries. Time to think of healthy lunches to pack. Gone are the days of dining out and mall-walking during lunch hours. Yes, summer is over. I spent the rest of the day doing my day plans and finishing my printing books. Now I know why Grade 1's require much more preparation than Grade 2's...just laying out the letters to trace is enough to drive anyone nuts....or to push them to teach high school!

On Sunday, we went to mass and received an intention from our priest. It was a short but poignant moment as we looked around, knowing some of those faces looking back at us would be our students or parents of students. We spent the evening with family who were visiting from the States. We celebrated my youngest aunt's 50th birthday. Everyone commented on how much Hannah had grown since they last saw her in July and it's true. Since then, she has learned a couple more words and can now stand up with minimal assistance. They think she'll walk by Christmas. Time will tell.

It hit me hard on Sunday evening that I won't be with Hannah 24-7. In the past few months, all of my friends' babies have experienced some sort of separation anxiety. I waited anxiously for Hannah's nervousness, crabbiness, or fussiness to hit. It hadn't. However, during the past few days, Hannah has become extremely clingy and searched for me often. She now grabs onto me hard and wants to be held a lot...even Dada won't do. Perhaps this is her anxiety or sixth sense in knowing that Mama is going back to work. I hope to do most of my work at school so home time is QUALITY time. I am excited about returning to work after my year long hiatus, but I also know how much I'll miss witnessing every moment of Hannah's life.

MAKE IT A GOOOOOOOD FRIDAY!

2009-09-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

It's the last Friday before school starts so make the most of it. See your family, chill with friends, enjoy the outdoors, and pray for sunny days! Have a great weekend.

GRILLED FOR THE GIRL

2009-09-03T07:00:00.001-04:00

Hannah looked curious when I was having lunch the other day so I decided to make her a version of what I was having. High in fibre and calcium, this was one recipe she thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. Check out how we hit all four food groups!

Open Face Grilled Cheese Sandwich
1) Toast 1 slice of whole wheat bread.
2) Place thin slices of cheddar cheese on the toast.
3) Microwave for 10 seconds or until the cheese melts (not so grilled, but same idea).
4) On top, sprinkle some shredded broiled chicken and cooked green peppers.

You can easily substitute cheddar for mozzarella or marble cheese. Your baby may also enjoy mushrooms, tomatoes, or cucumber on the sandwich. Protein alternates include turkey, ham, salmon, or ground beef.

VOILA! You've got all four food groups in a quick and fun meal. I like to cut it into very tiny pieces so that Hannah can practice picking them up herself.

WORK STARTED WEEKS AGO

2009-09-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

I get really annoyed when people make comments like, "Teachers have the cushiest job in the world. You just babysit all day." "It's the best job because you have two months off." My favourite is, "I want to be a teacher. It's easy, right?" I guess it can be "easy", but some of us don't just sit at home all summer and rest. Some of us plan and prep during July and August. I know some of my friends are just as hardcore as I am so they've been their rooms cleaning up, organizing, and yikes, the scariest thing of all, throwing things out! (It's true, teachers are pack rats).

Here are some things that I came across while in my new classroom and wanted to remind all teachers out there to do the same:

1) Label the books. Each student needs to take ownership in this year's learning materials.
2) Provide games and activities for indoor recess. The local dollar store has chess, checkers, snakes and ladders, and dominoes for just a buck.
3) Keep hand sanitizer nearby. Self-explanatory.
4) Post a class list by the door. Students always seem to get lost on the first day.
5) Label the hooks. The last thing you need is someone fighting for the "best hook".
6) Wear a lanyard. You'll never lock yourself out of the classroom.
7) Provide extra pencils, crayons, scissors, rulers, and glue. Your students will thank you.
8) Assign chores within the classroom. Students love to help and develops responsibility.
9) Word Walls and Personal Dictionaries are great for their self-confidence. They don't need the teacher as much.
10) Label as much as you can in the room. Students learn while saving you time in the long run.

SANDY'S DIAPERS

2009-09-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

Among my circle of friends, I'm known for having a knack for finding the best baby items in terms of quality and value so the Mother-Ease diapers and covers are no different. Since 1991, Mother-Ease has been creating cloth diapering systems in St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada with for their loyal followers. Their strong belief in protecting the environment has lead them to use 100% green power since 2007. Cheers to a leak-free diapering system and a passion for taking care of our world!

This company was generous enough to allow for a testing of their Sandy's Cloth Diapers as well as the Air Flow Covers. The cotton and bamboo diapers were both very soft, comfortable, and form-fitting. No chaffing at all! The covers were very light (extremely important during these hot summer months) with a variety of buttons to adjust for size and had adorable patterns on them. Hannah loved the animal theme the best!

The diapers have an excellent absorption factor and can hold about 15 oz of liquid. As with all cloth diapers, their job is to draw moisture away from the skin. Cloth diapers tend not to absorb as much liquid as disposables so frequent changing is necessary. However, as your baby grows up, diaper changes become less frequent.

Check out the Mother-Ease site and their large range of cloth diapers. Be kind to your environment and your baby. Consider cloth diapering!

FINAL FUN WEEKEND

2009-08-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

I know summer is ending when Fan Expo comes around. We wanted to bring Hannah to see what we affectionately call "The Freak Show", but the amount of people and the length of time we wanted to spend there wasn't the best situation for a nine-month old...it was however, AMAZING for two adults who think like kids!

On Saturday, my husband, Hannah's godfather, and his seven-year-old attended the annual convention that unites comic fans, horror enthusiasts, and collectibles seekers alike at the Metro Convention Centre. They hadn't been there before so I was pumped to show them around. I was so excited because I had missed the show last year when I was pregnant. Luckily the show didn't disappoint. We spent over six hours among Storm Troopers, vampires, anime characters, and superheroes, all with one passion: imagination. Obviously you had to have imagination and creativity to even think of what we saw!

Unique and fun, we saw participants dressed up as we went up and down each row looking at amazing artwork and admiring all the things one can buy. There were comic books, monster dolls, caricatures, movie posters, and more. I met Polywhirl, Halo, Spiderman, Green Lantern, Michael Myers, True Blood characters, and even the Hulk! I was lucky enough to get bitten! Stars such as Lou Ferrigno (Hulk), Linda Hamilton (The Terminator), and Emma Caulfield (Anya in Buffy the Vampire Slayer) were also there to sign autographs (what a great warm-up for TIFF).

We found RAK, the artist whose cards we've been collecting as well as meeting several new artists, some of whom are teachers themselves. One company started a comic featuring "Heroes Around the World" which I thought was awesome especially from a teacher perspective. How cool would it be to end a unit about traditions and heritage if every student got a T-shirt featuring heroes from their country of origin?

At the end of the day, we discussed going again next year (this was our third) and what Hannah could dress up as. We saw an entire family dressed up and thought that was so great....awesome spirit! We could only imagine what Hannah would be thinking if she saw so many characters walking around. Would she realize that they were characters? Cartoons come to life? How awesome is that? Only at Fan Expo.

DANCING IN THE STREETS

2009-08-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

There may be some dancing in the streets by St. Lawrence Market in Toronto this weekend. From August 27 to 30, the Toronto Buskerfest welcomes everyone to come out and celebrate the end of summer. Entering its tenth year, it's a street festival that helps raises funds for Epilepsy Toronto. You'll see jugglers, mimes, magicians,clowns, and even fire-eaters! There will be giveaways and many play areas for kids including making your own T-shirt and blowing giant bubbles.

I had a great time with Hannah on opening day and it's something we'll enjoy each year. Come on down for this free celebration, but donations are welcome and encouraged!

FISHY SITUATION

2009-08-27T07:00:00.006-04:00

Hannah tried another protein last week and she seemed to enjoy it. We broiled some salmon, which is a great fish to start with as it didn't have any bones. Salmon has high amounts of calcium and omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for brain development. We put some sweet potato and green beans as her side dishes and dinner was a great success.

Fish is great when pared with baked potato, rice, and tofu. Since fish has a tame flavour, add these veggies for a wonderfully balanced meal: carrots, zucchini, celery, or bell peppers.

As with all foods, try it out for 3-5 days. Allergies may show up as a rash, hives, or eczema.

THE WAITING GAME

2009-08-26T06:00:00.003-04:00

I'm teaching Grade One in a couple of weeks so my mom will look after Hannah until her full-time daycare plans kick in. We're very excited to get the call into this daycare as it's the best one in the neighbourhood and everyone I'd told so far is excited that we got in. If you are contemplating what type of childcare is right for you, look now and sign up quickly. Chances are you are going to be on a waiting list.

If you don't have childcare lined up yet, figure out what you'd like for your child. There are basically two types in Ontario, Canada: informal and licensed. Informal would include relatives, neighbours, friends, or nannies. Licensed childcare is regulated by law and is monitored by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

Ask yourself:

1) Do you want your child to have programs that will make school transition easier?
2) Is socialization an important aspect of the day?
3) How important a factor is cost in your child's safety and education?

Find out the regulations that pertain to you including the maximum number of kids per venue, maximum number of kids per age group, fee subsidies, etc. at:

http://www.childcarecanada.org/ECEC2001/ON.pdf

http://www.childcarecanada.org/CPAG_CCEF/moms_welfare/appena.html

Finding the right childcare for you is not an easy decision so take the time to research before settling. After all, you want someone who is nurturing, encouraging, and patient while teaching and coaching...essentially someone who is you when you aren't available.

LIL SUGARPLUM

2009-08-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

Hannah's hair adventure continues with our exploration into the best baby hairclips on the market.

We discovered Lil Sugarplum by looking on the Internet and reading that stars like Jason Priestley and Brooke Burke adorned their daughters' heads in these clips. We decided to give it a try and Hannah loved them and so did we.

The clips are available in a variety of awesome designs such as butterflies, flowers, Hello Kitty, tiaras, fruits, and hearts. Prices start at $5. You may also be interested in buying sets of clips for a reduced price.

If your baby has very fine hair, try the snap clips as the velcro strip ensures that the clip will stay on. For thicker hair, an alligator clip will be extremely secure and your little one can happily show off her pretty clip.

You may also wish to purchase headbands, ponytail holders, or necklaces at Lil Sugarplum. Check out their website and when ordering, let them know Hip Teacher Mama sent you.

COURTESY REQUIRED

2009-08-24T08:00:00.003-04:00

As I spent this weekend hitting up the malls for my own Back to School shopping, two things really irked me. Both had to do with common courtesy, common sense, and public space. It's almost silly to write about because it should be soooooo obvious, however, it's still bugging me so I thought I'd post it and get it out of my system. I'd love your thoughts.

Annoying Thing #1:
People who don't need to use the elevator take up space for those who need it. Teenagers walking around bouncing to their iPods while drinking bubble tea clearly don't need to use the elevator. Couples walking hand in hand on a date don't need the elevator. People who work in the mall when the escalator is there and much faster really don't need the elevator. Parents with strollers, shoppers in wheelchairs, and those with canes really do. I know sometimes you may decide to hop on the elevator because it's there, maybe you're tired from a long day of shopping, or just for the novelty of it, but really, if you see someone in line for the elevator who NEEDS it, step aside and smile. We would really appreciate it. The escalators are for those who can go up and down freely and strollers aren't going on those.

Annoying Thing #2:
People who go into the family washroom and don't need it. Again, I've seen singles come out of the family designated area (sure you may be a parent, but if you are childless at the mall, it doesn't count). I don't know about you, but for me, when nature calls, I need to answer! I can't wait for a whole slew of teens to come out of the family washroom after checking on each other's make-up. Family washrooms are especially made for those with strollers and little kids who simply can't fit into a regular-sized stall. Be thoughtful and go to the regular one.

On another note, I did have a couple of pleasant experiences at the various malls this weekend.

Markville Mall: WINNERS has a great selection of items to get teachers and kids back in the mood for school including: agendas, knapsacks, pens, magnet/whiteboards, and of course, new clothes and shoes! Final clearance sale goes until August 30, 2009.

Pickering Town Centre: Excellent sales at COLES with many kids' books on sale from $2-$10.

Yorkdale: Great clearance section at GYMBOREE with the friendliest staff at any store thus far. 30% on top of the sale prices were great and yes, earn those Gymbucks!

SOAKING UP THE LAST OF SUMMER

2009-08-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Summer is almost over (for teachers and students anyway) so this is what I'm doing for the next couple of weeks. I'm gonna soak it all in and treasure every moment!

PASTA, PLEASE!!!

2009-08-20T07:00:00.001-04:00

After a few months of rice, congee, potato, and toast for Hannah's carbs, I thought we'd venture into the world of pasta. She LOVED it! We tried some spaghetti first and then moved onto macaroni and both went extremely well.

Pasta is often made with egg, wheat, or gluten, so be aware of allergies before attempting pasta. We made it extra soft so that Hannah could eat it easily. Most babies are introduced to pasta around 8 months of age. If you choose to add tomato product, wait until your baby is 10 months old.

Hannah's Favourite Pasta Recipe
1) Boil pasta until well past al dente.
2) Saute ground meat, diced green peppers, and diced carrots with a little olive oil.
3) Drain the oil. Add the meat and veggie mixture to the pasta.

READ READ READ!

2009-08-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Reading to your child at an early age is a great way to promote literacy and a love for learning. Even if your baby is only a few weeks old, listening to your voice and looking at the pictures is a great way for a baby to learn. Babies begin to understand that words have meaning and they tell stories. If you read the same books again and again, they'll know what comes next and be really proud of themselves when they can tell you. They'll point to the pictures, giggle at the funny parts, and even turn the pages themselves. Most importantly, you're helping to build memory while giving them information about the world around them.

Check out these sites about babies and reading:
Top 5 Baby Books
Sharing Books with Babies
Baby Center: Reading to Your Baby

My Lil Melonhead

2009-08-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

We decided to give Hannah a real haircut by professionals before our NY trip. We took her to visit Melonhead at Markville Shopping Centre. The experience was fun and memorable.

We first picked out her special seat and then the stylist draped a smock over her. Hannah was good for the first fifteen minutes, probably because she didn`t really know what was going on. She sat up and was quite still, but soon began to wiggle around, slipping off the seat a few times.

We moved her over to the Spiderman car where we finished the rest of her haircut. The whole process took less than half an hour. The stylist was friendly, patient, and careful. After Hannah was neatly coiffed, we were presented with a certificate and a litle baggie containing her tiny locks. What a great souvenir of a fun experience! The stylist even took a picture of Hannah and was happy to use our camera to take a family portrait for us. The other kids in the salon seemed to have lots of fun and for $20, it was a great investment for a first (professional) haircut.

SCIENTIFIC SATURDAY

2009-08-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

With the temperatures feeling like 35C on Saturday, we decided that an indoor activity would be great for our little girl. Since my husband and I are teachers, we decided to take advantage and present our Ontario College of Teachers cards for free admission to the Ontario Science Centre. We saved $36, but paid $8 for parking. It was well worth it for four hours of non-stop fun and learning.

Our first stop was devoted to our first love: food. Not only did we meet Colborne Lane's owner and executive chef, Claudio Aprile (we are going there in September, hence the excitement), he put us into his Blackberry and promised, "We'll take care of you." That means a lot coming from someone whose ingenious food prep techniques wowed the crowd for an hour. Using liquid nitrogen and many organic ingredients, we saw Chef Aprile and his sous chef create sponge cake, frozen fruit, and mini ice-cream balls (much like Dippin' Dots). If you love food as much as I do, check out Food Science: Unearthed!

We then explored KidSpark, where Hannah toyed with plastic food, measured her hand against different animals', and played with musical instruments. We were all fascinated by the bubble lady. We found a machine that created our picture using only beads of water. Then we went to see who could jump the highest.

The Lizards & Snakes: Alive! exhibit was extremely busy. Not surprising, since it featured over 50 different lizards including pythons and water monitors. After the lizards we moved onto another part of the science centre where numerous hands-on activities were too inviting to walk by. We tried to match the face after listening to a pre-recorded voice. Then we played a game that forced us to cooperate or compete. We memorized faces and tried to pick one out of a line-up. We made sentences out of spinning blocks and followed a path to test our personal space comfort level. We even blended our faces into one using a one-way mirror. It was around 3pm when we decided to pack it up, but we'll be back! The science centre has always fascinated me and I've always walked away learning a few new facts. Although Hannah is only nine months old, it's never too early for someone to wonder the hows and whys of something.

I CAN'T STAND THE RAIN

2009-08-14T09:00:00.001-04:00

If my memory serves me correctly, this is the rainiest summer I've ever experienced. From flash floods to hail to lightning storms, it's been a wild weather ride, and I for one, would like to get off. It's probably the reason why beach volleyball dates have been few and far between and I've only attended one barbecue. From my mouth to Mother Nature's ears, let's hope for the last three weeks of summer vacation to be sunny and dry. Hannah hasn't had many days at the park.

New Edition was talking about love in their classic song, "Can You Stand the Rain", but my answer to that title would be, "No, I can't. Bring on the sun!!!!!!"

LIKING THOSE LENTILS

2009-08-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

Introduce your baby to lentils when they are 6-9 months of age. Closely related to the pea family, lentils are a great source of protein, calcium, iron, and carbohydrates. You may worry about the gassiness of lentils, but if given in small quantities it should be fine. To make digesting them easier, soak them, remove the water, and then cook them. Another suggestion is to cook the lentils very slowly (1-4 hours depending on the type) such as in a stew or soup.

Cooking Times

Red lentils - 15 minutes

Green lentils - 20 minutes

Brown lentils - 35 minutes

Lentils can be mixed with other vegetables (e.g. carrots, broccoli, squash, etc.) to make a delicious puree.

CMOM

2009-08-12T01:00:00.004-04:00

One of my favourite outings in NYC last week was the Children's Museum of Manhattan in the Upper West Side. With five floors of colourful interactive centres, this museum is the perfect place for those who love the indoors on a rainy day. This museum targets kids from 6 months to 12 years old. Current exhibitions include Amusement Park Science, Gods, Myths & Morals: Discover Ancient Greece, and Little West Side. Each floor caters to a different age group and provides creativity and analytical thinking centres for all.

My husband and I enjoyed the area geared towards the older kids and spent time with the logic puzzles while our baby napped. Hannah had fun making music and gathering groceries at the make-believe store. She also enjoyed pushing the buttons on numerous displays and crawling on the carpeted floor. The older kids enjoyed the obstacle course, dressing up as firefighters and Greek gods, as well as exploring a special section devoted to Dora and Diego.

If you go, be sure to bring a baby carrier (sling, Baby Bjorn, etc.) as strollers are not allowed in the museum. They are checked at the front which makes the museum quite clean. No food is allowed either (babies can have their bottles) so you may wish to schedule your visit around feeding times. You can always pop outside to feed and come back in, but there isn't much in ways of a sitting area. You can try Cafe Lalo (where "You've Got Mail" was filmed) across the street for lunch or afternoon snacks (food was delicious).

If I lived in Manhattan, I would get a membership and be there everyday. There is so much to do and the constant stimulation was great. Hannah had lots of fun and I can't wait to go back there again. I highly recommended it for any parent who wants to provide an interactive experience for the little one.

Children's Museum of Manhattan is located at 212 West 83rd Street.
For subways, take B or C to 81st Street or 1 to 79th or 86th Street Station.
Children's Museum of Manhattan Admission:
$10 per person
$7 for seniors
Free for Children under 1
Free for Members
Buy one, get one free admission with Entertainment Book
Children's Museum of Manhattan Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Also open the first Friday of every month from 5-8 p.m. with free admission as a part of Target Free Fridays

HOW TO TRAVEL WITH A TODDLER

2009-08-11T07:00:00.002-04:00

Taking Hannah on her first trip went pretty smoothly (other than the airline losing her car seat, but that's another story). I was really worried about how we'd get around because we had to lug around her food, toys, blankets, and clothes. How did we manage to walk around the airport with just two adults and numerous bags and oddly-shaped objects? Let's just say it took some creativity and well-toned muscles!

You may wish to use this week's featured product on your next trip if you have a child who needs a car seat.

The Traveling Toddler is a simple T-shaped strap that connects your car seat to your luggage. You can then choose to put your baby in the car seat or not as you wheel around the airport. Just attach the LATCH and top tether straps of the car seat to the Traveling Toddler to your suitcase and you're ready to go. Made from heavy-duty polypropylene, it can withstand hundreds of pounds of force. It works with Graco, Eddie Bauer, Cosco, Evenflo, and Britax car seats. Click here to find out where to purchase this innovative product. Brilliant!

TWO-YEAR ANNI WITH A BABY

2009-08-10T09:00:00.003-04:00

Last year's anniversary, we celebrated in Niagara Falls with a weekend stay at Doubletree Hotel by Hilton. I was six months pregnant and round as a ball. We spent the days shopping, gambling, watching the live UFC event, and enjoyed a couple's massage. Although there were three of us, technically we only had to do what two of us wanted.

This year we wanted something even more low-key and relaxing. The baby was a factor, but also our week-long New York trip had exhausted us and we needed a few days to relax.

This year we celebrated with an outing to Vaughan Mills (large outlet mall in Ontario, Canada) and surprisingly, my husband was the only one who came out with anything. Perhaps I was holding back because I had done all my shopping in the U.S. outlets! We attended afternoon mass so we could have a slower-paced Sunday morning. It began to rain so we ordered pizza and watched movies at home. Although not a typical Saturday night date (we spent more time playing with Hannah than watching the movie), it was fun. Got a much needed night's rest for an eventful Sunday.

I had a lot of babysitting offers to watch Hannah while my husband and I went out on our own, but for us, we didn't mind. It seemed natural to have her come out with us. We know we'll have chances in the future to go out without Hannah. We also know that there will be a day where she'll want to go out WITHOUT us. Until then, our fun twosome has become an unseparable threesome.

Ah, how a baby changes everything . . . how about you? How did you celebrate your first anniversary with a baby?

I MISS NYC!

2009-08-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Had a wonderful time in NYC and can't wait to go back! Didn't have any NYC hot dogs (we all know Toronto has grilled ones and are WAY better), but we did grab some pretzels in Central Park and fresh nuts in Times Square. Enjoy this funny song from the Great American Road Trip:

APPLECHEEKS WINNER!

2009-08-06T23:59:00.003-04:00

CONGRATS to Dee in South Carolina on winning the AppleCheeks Cloth Diaper Giveaway! Happy Diapering! Thanks to everyone who entered and stay tuned for further contests and giveaways in the future.

EATING EASY WITH EGGPLANT

2009-08-06T08:00:00.002-04:00

Eggplant can be given to your 8 to 10 month old baby. When it's steamed, it is easily digested and can be mixed with other veggies and meat. You may also choose to bake or fry eggplant, but steaming is easiest and lowest in fat content. High in fibre, eggplant also has vitamin A, folate, and calcium.

Eggplant and Brown Rice

1. Wash and peel eggplant. If you wish, you may remove the seeds.

2. Cut into one-inch pieces and steam until tender.

3. Cook brown rice until soft.

4. Mix rice and eggplant together using a blender or food processor.

HAVING A BALL!

2009-08-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

Have you played ball with your baby yet? It's a simple and fun way for a baby to learn to touch, catch, roll, squeeze, and toss an object. My baby girl loves to play ball and always guaranteed to bring a smile to her face.

Start with a plush ball like TAGGIES and eventually move onto cloth, foam, and rubber balls. Whether big or small, your baby will be amused by the ball's movement and interesting shape. Some balls have bells in them while others may light up.

A simple game can be sitting across from your baby and rolling the ball to him or her. Have a partner sit behind the baby and guide the baby's hands to the ball and to push the ball back to you. Eventually your baby will learn to do this independently. As your baby gets older, you can teach bouncing skills and different types of tosses. Ball games are great as they can be adapted for indoor or outdoor play.

IT'S A SNAP WITH BUMMIS!

2009-08-04T07:00:00.001-04:00

My cloth diaper experience has been pleasant so far and I've found more two products to support my positive feelings about cloth diapering.

BUMMIS Super Brite diaper covers are waterproof and easy-to-clean. For any small leak, the laminated interior made it very easy to wipe. The velcro sides were adjustable and fit perfectly around the legs and did not cut into the thighs. Since the material was thin, it did not make the bottoms any bulkier than the cloth diaper itself. The sizes start at Newborn and go to XL, which is well into potty training age. You can use a flat or form-fitted diaper with this cover. They come in white, but also in adorable patterned colours. Check out their site and support a Canadian company!

They are available in Toronto and surrounding areas at Nature's Emporium, Baby on the Hip, Once Upon a Child, Moms to be...and More, Universal Diapers, Barks 'n Giggles, Jolly Tots and more.

The other important part of cloth diapering is that safety pins are out and easy-to-use Snappis are in! The Snappi Diaper Fastener made cloth diapering easy. No worries about poking myself with a pin as a squirmy baby lay on the change table.

Simply hook onto the left side of the diaper, stretch over to the right and hook, and lastly, pull down. The unique T-shape design can allow you to change a diaper almost with one hand. The final shape should now look like a Y. You can even get a variety of colours to match your diaper covers if you wish! Totally HIP!

These cool fasteners are available on-line and at Parenting by Nature, Diaper Days, Cheeky Monkey and at bummis.com.

THE BIG APPLE

2009-08-03T08:00:00.002-04:00

I am in NY and unfortunately, unable to access my blog today. Stay tuned tomorrow for another wonderful product review and you'll hear all about the NY trip upon my return. Have a great day!

FIRST PLANE RIDE

2009-07-31T07:00:00.001-04:00

Chantal Kreviazuk's version of the classic Leaving on a Jet Plane is in honour of Hannah having her first plane ride this week. I wasn't looking forward to the air pressure, all the luggage, and how she would handle her trip. So how did it go? Stay tuned to find out...

COOL AS A CUCUMBER

2009-07-30T07:00:00.001-04:00

You may wish to introduce cucumbers when your baby is 8-10 months old. Great as a summer snack, it should not be a main part of your baby's diet as it has a high water content and few nutrients. However, it does contain vitamins A and C as well as calcium and potassium. Be sure to watch if your baby gets fussy after consuming cucumber as it may cause babies to be gassy.

CUCUMBER AND SQUASH

1) Wash and peel cucumber. Remove seeds. Dice.
2) Wash and peel squash. Cut into small cubes.
3) Boil both for about 10 minutes on medium heat.
4) Mash together until you get a strained consistency.

DINNER TOYS

2009-07-29T08:00:00.003-04:00

My husband and I love going out to eat and having a baby hasn't stopped us. It was, however, much easier when Hannah was younger and slept a lot more. She would come to the restaurant a little drowsy, I would feed her, and then she'd go back to sleep or at least be content with being held. Now, she's more fussy and wants to practice standing or rolling around. At a restaurant, that's simply not feasible. Here are a few suggestions to keep your baby happy at the table while learning at the same time.

1) Books - Cloth books are especially great because you can wash them if food gets on them. They provide a good chewing stimulus if the little one is teething.

2) Rings - Long rings can hook around a booster seat or a table leg and provides hours (okay minutes) of enjoyment. You can teach colours, shapes, patterns, and numbers using this simple toy.

3) Squeaky Toys - If you can stand the quacks and moos for half an hour, then any stuffed toy that makes a noise is perfect for your little one. It distracts, entertains, and teaches your baby that animals have dinner conversation too.

DINING TIP: Time it so that you can feed your baby while your meal is being prepared. Once your baby has finished his or her meal, your meal should be ready. Your satisfied baby can now (hopefully) spend thirty to forty minutes entertained by the above toys. If not, order something you don't need to cut with a knife and be prepared to hold onto your little one. Happy Dining!

BETTY'S HAIR CLIPS

2009-07-28T06:00:00.004-04:00

Hannah's always had a full head of hair, but the main problem was finding the best clips that could adorn her head and STAY there. From dollar stores to accessory stores, I've tried many. Finally I managed to find a local producer of hair clips which are cute and affordable.

Betty's Hair Clips are made of 3/4" alligator clips lined with colourful ribbons and a non-slip grip. The clips stayed in Hannah's hair until recently when she's discovered her hair and started to pull at it. Barring her wandering hands, the clips were excellent and could go in before we went out and last the duration of an outing. They didn't slip off when we pulled a hoodie over her nor when we got her in and out of the carseat. We also received many compliments on the clips' colours and designs.

Betty's clips are fashionable and as we found out, functional and practical. They work on thicker hair like Hannah's, but the non-slip grip made it work for thinner hair as well. Since they are not snap-on clips, they don't damage the hair shaft and are quite gentle. They certainly kept the hair out of Hannah's eyes so we could see more of her adorable face. There are numerous patterns to choose from including dots, stripes, flowers, and even seasonal ones that are perfect for Halloween or Christmas! Prices are quite reasonable starting at $1.75 each. With every 10 purchased, you can get 1 free. Check out Betty's clips and when you order, be sure to let her know that Hip Teacher Mama sent you.

MANY MILESTONES

2009-07-27T08:00:00.003-04:00

In between unpacking (from staying downtown) and packing (for a trip to NY), I had time this weekend to fill in my Hannah Calendar. I didn't realize just how many significant firsts she's had in her young life already. Time certainly has flown by. Those tough months in the beginning with a couple of hours of sleep a night is so different now. She'll sleep at least nine hours straight and I'm so grateful. Her bedtime routine is set and despite the summer nights and unpredictable outings, we try our best to stick with our "bottle, book, and bed" routine.

Hannah is eight and a half months old now. She already has three teeth, holds her own bottle (when she refused bottles before), rolls around from belly to back and back to belly, and is now starting to crawl. Currently she drags herself forward commando style, but in those rare moments, she'll rock forward and back and move ahead. Just over the weekend, I saw her go from her belly to a full sitting position. She's beginning to pull herself up using the side of the couch which means we had to lower her mattress in her crib. My in-laws warned me that soon she'll stand and get out. My husband and I can't believe that our little girl is growing up quickly. We sometimes swaddle her in a blanket and say, "Oh, our baby! She's just one day old." Then we laugh and realize just how the days have gone by too quickly.

The most exciting milestone for me happened many times on Saturday. She's done it before, but not throughout the day. She finally said, "Mama." Although not always in context (she said it while sucking her toes and also playing with my purse), it's the word that matters. It's her first word, loud and clear, and she likes to repeat it often. I can't wait until she says it and understands the meaning behind it. Just hearing it though makes me smile and it couldn't sound sweeter. I know that in less than two months, I'll be going back to work and I'll likely miss more of her firsts. For now, I'll treasure the days I have left with her and keep recording these special moments.

SUMMER NIGHTS

2009-07-24T08:00:00.001-04:00

From the 1978 Grease, you can't hear this on the radio and pretend you don't know the words. You also can't stop laughing at the hair and mocking the clothes, but it's also a classic and one that you must share with your kids when they hit their teens.

MANY FACES OF YOGURT

2009-07-23T06:00:00.005-04:00

I love using yogurt for my baby for many reasons. Not only does it have a natural sweetness, it also provides calcium for building strong bones and teeth. It also provides protein, B6, B12, and riboflavin. You can start your baby on yogurt before the one year mark because unlike cow's milk, the fermentation process makes it easier to digest. For those with milk allergies, there is also soy yogurt.

Here are some ways to add yogurt to your baby's diet:

Mix yogurt with baby cereal to give it a smoother texture and extra flavour.
Combine yogurt, fresh fruit, and ice for a refreshing smoothie.
Mix yogurt, green onion, and sea salt for a veggie dip.
Add yogurt to a pancake or waffle recipe for a thicker, creamier taste.
Use yogurt with granola and dried fruit for a healthy snack.

KOOL KATZ

2009-07-22T09:00:00.004-04:00

Karen Katz has always been at the top of my list of favourite children's authors. Not only are her books simple to read, but lift-the-flap books are especially fun. Her cute drawings and positive messages are excellent for very young babies and brings a smile to Hannah's face whenever we grab a board book and settle down for a good story. I love books that are humourous yet teach a lesson. Hence, kids learn without even realizing it.

Here are some recommended ones that many babies seem to enjoy.

Little Dos and Don'ts Gift Box Set includes I Can Share, No Hitting!
and Excuse Me!
This set is a great way for little ones to learn what to do and what's faux pas in the world of social interaction. Bright illustrations demonstrate perfectly what we want kids to learn.

No Biting!
Along the lines of No Hitting! this book tells us ways to redirect a child he or she acts out inappropriately. Unfortunately, when they're young and can't speak yet, their teeth become their main (dangerous and sharp) tool of communication. This is a funny book that illustrates alternatives to biting, hitting, spitting, and kicking.

Karen Katz books are available on-line and at most bookstores including Chapters, Indigo, and Barnes and Noble.

DR. BLOOM'S CHEWABLE JEWELERY

2009-07-21T08:00:00.001-04:00

If you want Hannah to sit happily in your lap, wear a necklace and you're set! The problem is that after a few minutes of fondling the chain in her wee hands, the charm goes in her mouth. Not sure of the metal content in my necklaces, but I'm sure it's not how Hannah's supposed to get her iron.

Then came Dr. Bloom's Chewable Jewelery, where it's all BPA, PVC, and Phthalate free. Created by a dentist, these pieces are dishwasher safe, waterproof, and most importantly, HIP! This line includes necklaces, bracelets, keychains, and necklace+bracelet sets. Very chic, affordable (less than $20), and great to dress up jeans or after maternity leave, matches your suits perfectly.