Category: Daily Life as a Parent

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Winter….Oh Man…

Posted on by Mama

Well, winter is here and frankly I am not thrilled in the slightest. Having to layer myself was always a pain, now try to layer a slightly defiant and fiercely independent fourteen month old.

Not an easy feat I have to admit.

Though, I will say that some days are easier than others and she actually helps to dress herself; grabbing her socks, boots, jacket, etc. But going anywhere, even a walk, and having to throw on layer after layer is exhausting.

Plus, Valeria hates the snow. It’s kind of comical to be truthful because this is the first year she is really getting to experience winter and all it’s bone chilling, yet mildly beautiful, offerings. We bought her a full snow suit so that she can play in the snow; her snow suit, boots, hat and gloves were wrangled onto her and we stepped outside. Mind you this was about a week ago.

We had been getting some winter storms, so we had a lot of snow in the yard. My husband and I thought, she is going to love this! It was packing snow too and for anyone who doesn’t know what that means, it’s perfect snow to build snow men and have snowball fights; it essentially holds together really well and is slightly heavy. We popped her down in the snow and she immediately started crying. To be fair, the snow was about chest high for her. We began to show her to throw around the snow with her mittens, to make a ball in her hands and even made a mini snow man (more like a little snow tower, but eh!) and she stopped crying. We had to dig around her so that she had room enough to turn and walk the little bit that she had. Needless to say, she wasn’t really enjoying it much, but I did capture a very cute photo of her at that moment in time. Pretty sure my husband had more fun in the snow then she did!

The snow has slowly began to melt, but I still find it difficult to do much with her outdoors. The weather is a bit deceiving because it could look sunny and beautiful, but you step outside and you are freezing your ass off!

So, I’m trying to find indoor activities to do with her and we do take her for walks during the day. But you know how it is, that gets very boring after a while.

I thought about getting her one those little coloring boards that you can wipe it away after and they can doodle again, but then I thought she may be a little too young. She loves music, so we’ve been putting a lot of music on for her lately. It’s just, she is such an active little girl, that I want her to get as much energy out as possible and to be able to use her creativity and to learn all at the same time.

I might do a little research and see what other parents suggest, and any suggestions in the comments would be so appreciated!

But that’s all I have for today and I hope you have a wonderful day or night wherever you are in the world!

Ciao!!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Realizations

Posted on by Mama

I haven’t written in some time now, if I’m correct, since after my daughter’s first birthday. Though don’t quote me on that since I didn’t exactly go back to check. Sorry! But I’ve missed the writing.

When I started this blog, it was basically for me to have an outlet; to share my experiences as an everyday mom, what I went through (and still going through) emotionally, physically and well, everything in-between. To be honest, I never thought it would be anything and I really never thought anyone would actually be reading it, let alone on a regular basis.

But than, I started getting follows and comments and I felt….amazing that I was actually being read by someone in the world. Slowly but surely it began to grow, but than what was joyful in the beginning began to feel like….a bit of a job. Posting everyday, trying to come up with interesting and not boring tidbits from my life as a stay at home mom and wife, well it was becoming tedious.

There were days when I felt like I didn’t want to blog at all because we had a boring day at home just playing in the house or going for a walk around our block. Or emotionally I wasn’t having the best day, postpartum depression is great, isn’t it?! So, as the year went along, slowly but surely I pulled away.

But tonight, as I was laying on the couch watching a teen television show from the early 2000’s (*cough* One Tree Hill), I realized I really miss writing, I missed my outlet. Now, I won’t lie, I have started a personal written journal where I state all my deepest and darkest thoughts I don’t want anyone online to read. Y’all don’t need to see that! But I do miss documenting my daughter’s milestones, achievements, what she’s learned and so on. That really meant a lot sharing those moments.

So, I’m not promising I’ll write every day, but I will promise to write at least once every week. I’m going to aim for Wednesdays, but there will definitely be potential for more posts. And, I’ll be writing for me and I won’t give in to the pressure I put on myself to write for everyone else.

So, I hope you stick around, enjoy the future content of my blog and I would love to hear from you guys in the comments.

Have a wonderful night or day wherever you are in the world!

Ciao!!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Happy 1st Birthday Valeria!!!

Posted on by Mama

This will be short and sweet.

It was exactly one year ago today that I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl and my husband and I were absolutely blessed. Time has flown by in a flash because honestly, it felt like just yesterday I was coming home with her from the Midwife clinic after birth.

What an absolute world-wind it has been, to watch her grow, learn, struggle, become more beautiful and watching her little personality develop. It has been such a beautiful time. A time filled with all kinds of emotions; excitement, happiness, pride, comforting, and a bit bitter sweet.

All I want to say is Thank you God for blessing us with our beautiful, intelligent little girl and we couldn’t have asked for anything better.

Love you always Bubs (my baby girl) ❤️❤️❤️

Ciao!

P.s. – We did have a party/Thanksgiving and will write about it this week!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Cottage Stay….Not So Much

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I would love to dwell and reminisce about the wonderful weekend I spent with my cousins last weekend, however it didn’t end up happening. It was sadly cancelled due to the weather, which turned out to be only a cloudy day instead of storms.

It was mildly disappointing because we were really looking forward to seeing everyone in one place, especially my cousin Antoinette, but such is life.

The weekend turned out fine and Valeria had a blast riding around on her little bike that grandma and grandpa bought her. We ran around doing errands and just out with her for the weekend.

So pretty boring but it kept her busy. All in all, a great weekend!

Ciao!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

First Steps

Posted on by Mama

It happened! Today was the day and Valeria finally decided to walk!

She has been crawling for quite a while now and she has taken one or two steps, but today at my mother-in-law’s house, she decided to full out walk. I was shocked, my husband and mother-in-law were over the moon excited. We couldn’t believe it, she just decided to start after she figured out that a mini trampoline was for jumping that she would begin to walk.

She did it a few times, so we were able to capture the moment on film. Thank goodness I got my new phone and actually had room to film it. My old phone was filled with photos and videos of Valeria’s milestones. It was so exciting and I sent it to my mom back home. She seemed a little sad she didn’t get to witness it for herself, but I honestly think the little bike she got Valeria helped A LOT!

On the little bike she has to use her legs a lot, and after she mastered going forward, backward and turn (within two days might I add) she began to get off the bike herself and push it around from the back. Impressive if you ask me.

It’s the most incredible sensation to watch your kid grow and learn right in front of your eyes. I still can’t believe I grew this intelligent and beautiful little girl inside me, and I am such a proud mama. She is growing up so fast and sometimes I wish it would slow down just a little.

We are so elated about this massive milestone and we know we’re in trouble now because she is going to want to toddler run/walk everywhere. Better start getting my cardio up!

Proud mama and papa over here.

Have a wonderful day wherever you are in the world!

Ciao!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Apple Farm Adventure

Posted on by Mama

We’ve been home for a few days before we have to head back to my husband’s hometown to house sit for his sister. However, anyone with little ones will understand that they get a bit stir crazy being indoors all day long and my baby girl is no except. Along with my husband.

So, we ventured out to a local apple farm, my husband and I attended before, to go exploring with Valeria for the first time. It has all sorts of play areas, a toddler corn maze, animals (which you aren’t suppose to pet, but we did) and photo opportunities galore! Not to mention the opportunity to pick your own apples or buy from their store on site, we opted to buy some at the end of our visit. There was really no one there and we pretty much had the place to ourselves.

We took some family photos, went through the toddler corn maze, Valeria got to play in this area with bouncing animal things she could ride (she isn’t that coordinated yet so she just pushed and pulled them around. We went on this big jumpy pillow thing, I don’t even know, but my goodness it was fun! The kid in me came out, let me tell you! Also, when we went on the swings. As an adult, I’m truly still a kid at heart for certain things.

After that we went to see the animals; pigs, chickens, quails, bunnies, sheep, mini horses, goats, cows, a horse and a donkey. The horse took to me immediately, even watched me from the barn window until I came over to the pasture area. It would only let me pet it and whenever Anthony or Valeria tried, the horse would pull away. However, the donkey LOVED Valeria and kept nuzzling the fence for pets and attention. You aren’t suppose to pet the animals, but come on, how could you not? I know, shame shame on us. The horse and donkey even followed us along the fence as we left, it was a bitter sweet moment.

Once we were done all our activities, they had a sanitation station where you could wash your hands after playing (and sneakily petting) the animals. Very smart and convenient might I add. Bonus, it was not in a stinky building either, it was a cart that was near the entrance to the farm, absolutely fantastic for families with multiple kids.

Next up was the store, which be browsed and I got a compliment on my outfit from one of the stay members. Hurray! It was great in there, however they upped their prices just a smidge from last year, and their bakery has been cut down to half. A bit sad because their baked goods, both sweet and savoury, are to die for! I’m not a pie person by any means, frankly I hate it for the crust, but their apple pie is done with like puff pastry and oh man….so good. But we settled on an 8lb bag of Sunrise Apples, I believe that’s what they were called and left. Anthony ate two in the car and I had one, giving small nibbles to Valeria as we headed home. We just couldn’t resist honestly and the taste difference from a farm compared to a store, well…I’ll take farm fresh any day of the week.

I’m thinking I might make an apple crisp since these apples are good for baking and eating as is. So stayed tuned for that! The day was wonderful, cool and a bit overcast, but it was perfect for our little outing. We will definitely be making another trip out there before Autumn ends, but today was perfect. I couldn’t have asked for a better family day.

Hope you all had a wonderful day wherever you are in the world!

Ciao!!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Tough One for Valeria & First of the Season!

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Well it’s been a crazy few days getting ready for my sister-in-law’s wedding, so I apologize for all the WordPress Prompts!

However, we came back to the apartment last night with Valeria during the wedding reception. Sadly we weren’t even able to stay for dinner or dancing. Valeria wasn’t feeling well all afternoon and it progressively got worse so we made the call and it wasnt a question, Valeria came first over our need to celebrate the happy occasion. Once she was home, she wanted to go straight to bed. As you wish, a line gladly taken from Thr Princess Bride.

This morning was an early one, but she still wasnt 100% and the slight fever was still there. We tried to play with her and make her laugh, but she really wasn’t having it. We opted to put her in the bath for a bit to help with the fever. However, it was shortly lived because soon after she wanted to go back to sleep. She had only been up an hour, but I wasn’t going to deny her. My husband napped with her.

She has been on and off sleeping most of today, but at least her mood increases positively each time she wakes up.

My cousin and I were texting in between  Valeria’s playtime and nap times and she mentioned she finally found the Starbucks in her new town. Well, with the exhaustion and heat in the apartment, Starbucks sounded amazing! I kindly asked my husband if we can order one and he said yes. Score!

I had the pleasant surprise of finding out Pumpkin Spice had come out already so naturally I ordered a Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew. Yup, I’m that girl! Needless to say, it is delicious!

So is it time to break out my Uggs, leggings and sweaters yet?

Ciao!!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Godparent Fun and Cousins Reunion…

Posted on by Mama

This past weekend was jam packed with quite a bit of family time and travelling.

Friday morning we left for my cousin’s house, Valeria’s Godparents, for the night because the next day we were all heading to a cousins family reunion. We arrived at about noon in town, stopped at the grocery store for some lunch and I had to pick up a few things to make a pasta salad and than we headed to their house.

My cousin works from home on Fridays and her husband usually comes home early. We got there and spent lunch with her before she headed back up to her office to finish up her day. She was done at 3 PM, so it worked out. Valeria went down shortly after work and my husband napped with her, he needed it after the long drive. I just hung out outside on their newly finished back deck until my cousin was finished. She joined me outside and we chatted as she did her nails, her husband come home shortly after she joined me. The three of us chatted and checked out their very plentiful herb and vegetable garden, I was seriously astonished how much they had grown and still had in the garden.

I swear Valeria sensed the fun and woke up not long after. We changed her into her bathing suit and she got to get into their pool for a short time before the weather finally decided to rain. Short rain, but we went inside; dried and changed Valeria and than she got to play with her Zio and Zia and chasing after their cats. Once the rain eased up, the boys barbecued some burgers and hot-dogs while we got the rest ready and I prepared my pasta salad for tomorrow. The rest of the night was just fun, they were playing and walking with Valeria up until she went to sleep. Valeria is absolutely obsessed with them and I’m so glad. Anthony opted to stay with Valeria in bed (best husband ever), but he was definitely missed that night with us. We wouldn’t be doing that next time; guard rails and camera are coming with us so he can spend some time with us.

The three of us sat outside on the front porch, because we were covered from the rain, and talked into the night about everything and anything. Occasionally running up bottles for Anthony and making bottles so they were ready for the night. We all ended up going to bed around 11:30 PM – 12 AM.

The following morning, Valeria decided she wanted to wake up at 5:30 AM, and we tried getting her back to bed for about an hour but no luck. Eventually, she got fussy again and trying to keep her quiet while she is over tired is next to impossible. So again, my husband to the rescue and was about to put her back to bed for a little bit longer. I apologized to my cousin and her husband for waking them, but they were really understanding. I adore them. Once Anthony and Valeria came down, they started breakfast and than we had to get ready for the reunion.

We left the house around noon and driving in a downpour thunderstorm on the highway was terrifying. You couldn’t even really see in front of you at certain points, but we made it in one piece, thank God! We arrived at my zio & zia’s house and not everyone has arrived. The weather had delayed everyone, but we said hi to everyone who was there and Valeria was clinging to Anthony.

The reunion was…interesting. There were cousins I hadn’t seen in 15-20 years, but now I realize there is a reason for that. The cousins I do see often, it was great seeing them and we do need to make plans outside of this to spend some time together, but the rest….well frankly was a little bit awkward. We had asked that no one hug or kiss Valeria, she’s teething and it’s just personal space. This would be the most people she’d been around so far. Well, doesn’t one of my cousin’s wife come up and kiss her arm, even though I said not to….

I was not thrilled and neither was my husband. Like no offense, WHY!? Respect our boundaries and frankly, I don’t care if it offends you. Be respectful. *Huffs frustrated*

To say the least, my zio and zia hosting did a fantastic job, but I probably won’t go again. I would prefer to hang out with the cousins I normally see and well…like. We left around 4:30 since the weather had cleared and Valeria was a fuss pants. Fine by us to be honest.

The drive home was good, Valeria fell asleep almost instantly once she got in the car and had the bottle. There was a bit of traffic on the highway, but nothing major. We made it home in good time.

The rest of the evening was pretty uneventful so I’ll spare you the details, but that was it! Weekend over. Back to the daily parental grind.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend wherever you are in the world!

Ciao!!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Short and Sweet

Posted on by Mama

Not much to report today really….

To be honest I’m not in a writing mood right now. So I will keep this short and sweet.

Went and bought some things at Michael’s; yarn, a moon wreath frame,  some coffee cups, a little Halloween statue  and a feather Valeria liked. Spent way too much money as always there.

Valeria ate really well even though another tooth seems to be coming in. Can’t wait for that sucker to come out. All in all a good day.

Have a good night!

Ciao!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Long Weekend Outing

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It was a long weekend here in Canada, Civic Holiday, but we don’t really celebrate that to be honest. However, mama needed a new laundry basket and thank goodness Walmart was open today! One of few stores that were.

So, we hopped in the car (I got to drive yay!!) and went on a little outing to Walmart and well…

We couldn’t resist putting Valeria in the laundry basket that was in the cart, however our daughter wants to stand all the time and be a little daredevil, as you can see below.

Now, we normally get a lot of smiles and awes from other customers (she’s adorable what can I say!), but everyone looked at us like we were terrible parents or that they were just miserable. There was only one older woman who stopped and was interacting with her and telling us how cute she was.

But I promise she was safe, I wasn’t going fast with the cart and making sure to carefully turn corners. We were always right next to her as she was standing up. But she was having a ball just cruising around; smiling, laughing and even growling a few times.

Yup, growling is her new favourite thing to do right now, she thinks it’s the funniest thing. I think it’s so cute to be honest!

Anyway, it got us out of the house before the rain hit and it wasn’t bad just walking around the store. Bonus, we got everything we needed….and then some!

Hope you had a wonderful day wherever you are in the world!

Ciao!!