When Ryder first arrived almost five years ago, I did what every new mother does.

I obsessed.

I obsessed about sleeping, pooping, feeding, changing, bathing, swaddling and the like. I obsessed over what my baby was doing, not doing, watching, feeling… you name it, I Googled it.

(You too? High five, sister.)

It didn’t end there. Shortly after he was born, I was introduced to one of the most feared words known to parents around the world: “Milestone”. Although seemingly harmless, the word is loaded with meaning. It can invoke joy, paranoia – even downright depression – depending on how your child fares against the perception of when a milestone “should” be met. And so I spent too much time fretting over why Ryder couldn’t point by the age of 6 months, or join two words by 15 months… which I now realize was terribly unproductive behaviour. Looking back, I should have spent my time celebrating the quirky, lively, healthy little baby who was already growing too quickly, and trusted that I would have recognized if there was something to be truly concerned about. Today, at almost 5 years old, he’s completely ordinary – and extraordinary – in so many ways, regardless of what the ol’ milestone chart says.

You can say I overreacted about a few things. Okay, everything.

When Reid joined the family two years later, I was ready for him. And I was ready to monitor his progress, trust my intuition and go on with my day. You see, I’m not suggesting we stop measuring milestones completely, because it’s very important to have a sense of typical child development, especially if it’s your first little one. But please, don’t be so hard on yourself – or your baby – if you find gray areas amongst the black and white.

(P.S. Reid – can you go back to being 8 days old, if only for a moment? It’s hard to believe that daddy could once hold you in his hands. I miss those fresh baby days. Photography: Sharon Navarro Photography.)

Of course, if you still find yourself overreacting to the different milestones, here’s a little help:

1. Back away from the computer. Frantically searching the Internet based on fear is the path to the dark side.

2. Stop comparing your baby to others. “There is no indication that minor variations in the achievement of milestones have any relationship to later abilities or disabilities.” (Parenting Magazine).

3. Seek help from your pediatrician if you need reassurance. But you’ll know when there’s something to be concerned about. Trust me.

This year, I wish you and your family a multitude of happy milestones, and less overreacting!

You too can share your “OVER” moments by uploading a photo and caption during Fisher-Price’s A Million Moments of Joy campaign. Parents who share their moments will be entered for a chance to win a weekly prize packs (valued at ~$200), including:

1. My Little Snugabunny Bouncer ($89.99 CAD)
2. Laugh & Learn Dance & Play Puppy ($59.99 CAD)
3. Ocean Wonders Aquarium ($54.99 CAD)

The contest will run from March 5, 2013 to April 19th, 2013. Tell me, what is your “OVER” moment this month?

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Ambassador program and I receive perks as part of my affiliation. 
The opinions on this blog are my own.

Last month, I shared a teaser of Fisher-Price’s NEW A Million Moments of Joy campaign with my post entitled OVERconfident. In it, I chronicled those foolish little assumptions that new moms often make – and invited readers to share their own “OVER” moments.

This month, my inspiration comes from a Facebook photo that I posted on Sunday morning.

Caption: Just had the most glorious sleep! Alone in my big bed; no little feet kicking my ribs, no tiny hands on my face. Today is dedicated to my awesome husband, whose current sleeping arrangement is this:

As only parents will tell you – OVERnight takes on a whole new meaning once you’ve had children. OVERnight can include screams, cries and padded feet across the hallway. Wet beds, dry coughs and hollers of I’m thirsty! Tooth fairies, closet monsters and kicks in the back while you co-sleep. Midnight feedings, bedtime stories and resisting the urge to take their temperature just one more time.

And once in a blue moon, on nights like the one above, OVERnight means a restful sleep. (For me, anyways.)

You too can share your “OVER” moments by uploading a photo and caption during Fisher-Price’s A Million Moments of Joy campaign. Parents who share their moments will be entered for a chance to win a weekly prize packs (valued at ~$200), including:

1. My Little Snugabunny Bouncer ($89.99 CAD)
2. Laugh & Learn Dance & Play Puppy ($59.99 CAD)
3. Ocean Wonders Aquarium ($54.99 CAD)

The contest will run from March 5, 2013 to April 19th, 2013. Tell me, what is your “OVER” moment this month?

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Ambassador program and I receive perks as part of my affiliation. 
The opinions on this blog are my own.

That’s me on April 13th, 2008.
The photo was taken on my 30th birthday!
There I was, 34 weeks pregnant…
…rocking pink David Dixon high heels.

It was my baby shower, and I was on top of the world.

I was OVERconfident.

The baby would arrive shortly, I knew.
No need for formula, I’d be breastfeeding, of course!
Maternity clothes? Pu-lease.
I’ll have my pre-baby body back in weeks. If not DAYS.
And what sleepless nights?
Baby would surely be a perfect, slumbering angel.

Reality check.

I gave up on breastfeeding after 3 days.
I wore my maternity jeans until Ryder was 10 months old.
I haven’t enjoyed an uninterrupted night of sleep since.

Truth is, before I was a mom, I was OVERconfident in my abilities to raise a child. Deluded into thinking that I’d naturally be the best mother in the world, I realized in a hurry that nothing comes naturally – unless you counted my penchant for breaking down into uncontrollable sobs.

Every day or so.

And through my experiences I can offer this shard of wisdom to first time moms-to-be: Having a baby will rip away every confidence, every ounce of pride, every moment of boastful foolishness. Having a baby makes you vulnerable. It’s the opposite of confidence; it’s a badge of uncertainty that will follow every fever, every missed curfew, every time your child happily skips away from you. Before I had a baby I was recklessly arrogant in my parenting abilities.

Now, I know better.

Next month, Fisher-Price will be launching their OVERjoyed campaign – a program which celebrates the Real Joys of Motherhood. The moments where we as mothers are OVERjoyed, but also those moments when we are OVERwhelmed, OVERhugged, OVERdue, OVERtired and of course OVERstimulated! (And all those other OVER… moments.)

The campaign will consist of mothers submitting photos with a one-line caption to really bring the photo to life. These images will be on the FisherPriceMoms.ca website, where moms can come to celebrate, commiserate, remember and support by looking through (and adding their own!) photos of the good, the bad, and most importantly, the REAL moments of motherhood that we’re all experiencing.

So, we can all have a laugh, a cry, and a sigh of relief knowing that we’re all there, together.

What are some of the OVER… moments that you’ve experienced as a mother?

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Ambassador program with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

When I first met my baby, my sweet little Reid, I fell hard – and fast.

Perhaps it’s because he was so tiny – at 6 lbs, he was on the lighter side for a full-term (40 weeks) baby. Or maybe it’s because he was just such a good little boy: he latched on with practically no assistance from me (I was sleeping off the c-section drugs, and woke to find a little baby breastfeeding while the nurse held him to my bosom. Talk about a self-starter!). Could it be because he slept through the night with no fuss at 4 weeks? That might be it.

But to tell the truth, the REAL reason I fell completely, head over heels for my baby boy? It’s because that first day, when he opened his big, shiny eyes and stared at me with love and wonder, I said to my husband,

“He looks like E.T.”

And so I made a vow then and there to protect my little alien child, whose future would surely be filled with requests to phone home and make bicycles fly.

Of course, Reid outgrew his awkward little extra terrestrial phase, and turned out to be a very cute little dude. Seriously, he’s one of those kids that all strangers smile at – because they really can’t help it. He’s just got that face. And I’m proud to declare that he’s my Mini-Me! Yup, we call him Little Leno (pronounced Lee-no) around here, cause he’s the spitting image of his mama. Lena and Leno, we make a great combination.

Of course, he did get some traits from his daddy – namely, his coordination. Let’s just say that if I go through the day without tripping over my own feet, it’s a good one. I’m sure you’ve seen me post videos of my budding Baryshnikov here and here – trust me, he gets it from his father.

Speaking of his father, yeah, that’s him <<- busting a move on the dance floor at a party. My husband has been cultivating Reid’s love of dance ever since he first expressed the tiniest interest – shaking his little bon bon to the oh-so-catchy (shoot me now) tunes of Treehouse TV. It’s my husband who takes him to toddler dance class every Saturday morning at the ungodly hour of 8:00am, guiding him through the moves and perfecting his routine.

(Thankfully, Reid is too young to care that he is the only boy in the class; in a sea of tutus, I always make sure to dress him in Star Wars or monster machine-inspired tops.)

In fact, if there’s one milestone we’re looking forward to this year – beyond the normal goodies that a 3-year-old picks up, like language, potty independence and fine motor skills – it’s his continued sense of rhythm and freedom within dance.

So why is dance so good for children? Well, because dance classes are structured to help children continue to progress and build upon what they have previously learned, they are educational in nature and provide ample opportunity to develop a variety of both motor and mental skills. The learning environment of dance is key here.

Plus, in addition to the fact that dancing is an excellent form of exercise and all-around fitness, when it comes to the all-important fun factor, dance for kids is a very fun activity, plain and simple. (And having  fun is always a good thing!) Finally, did you know that dance and music has been shown to improve the ability to learn? It’s true – kids who participate in activities like dance are apt to do better in school. (Source) (more…)

Picture it: There are 5 shopping days left until Christmas. And, you’ve got a few toddlers left on your shopping list. Now you could run to the stores and just pull toys off the shelf – or Google “Top Toys 2012″ until you find a doable option. But in the end, chances are you’ll be no closer to making a decision on that perfect gift. Well, I’m here to help.

(Technically, my assistance here today is only relevant for those shopping for toddler boys. Because really, that’s all I know. But don’t fear! Simply head on over to the Fisher-Price Moms website, where you’ll find top picks for boys and girls of all ages from my fellow Play Ambassadors.)

So what do I recommend this Christmas? Easy peasy – let’s just revisit some of Ryder and Reid’s favourite Fisher-Price toys from 2012! (Clicking on the links below will take you to my full review – you’re welcome!)

Little People Wheelies Stand ’n Play Rampway - $45.00

Looking for a “wheelie” fun way to play with Little People Wheelies? On the Stand ’n Play Rampway, they zip and zoom up and down and all around! It’s over two feet tall, so the “wheelies” really zoom down each of the two spiral ramps. Plenty of lights and sounds as kids “drive” around, with a mechanic’s lift, a place to fill ’er up, a sign that spins when a car drives through and more!

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Okay, so you’ve got a few toddlers to shop for this holiday season. You know – those little people who aren’t quite old enough to drum up a wish list, but are way past the “Oooh, it’s shiny!” infant phase. They’re about 2-to-5 years old and they like their cars and their dolls and that’s about all you know. Oh, you don’t have kids? No worries. You’re exactly the demographic I’m looking for.

Here’s my UnParent Guide to Shopping for Toddlers. For every aunt, uncle, Godparent or family friend who will be hitting the toy stores this Christmas, I’d like you to stop and take a peek at the following awesome information which is sure to help you find the perfect gift. Bonus: All the toys featured today are Fisher-Price, a brand that is universally loved by every child in the, um, universe.

So here’s the deal. In 2013 and beyond, the icons below will be displayed on all Fisher-Price packaging, so that parents can fully understand how that product can aid the individual areas of growth for their child. Think it’s beyond spectacular? I agree!

Now listen up gift-givers: I’ve taken much care to find a few examples of the perfect toddler gifts based on the Elements of Enrichment above. All you have to do is place a phone call to the parents, asking which skill they’d like to see developed. Does the child have trouble sharing with siblings? No problem – there’s a toy for that. Need to work on his/her gross motor skills? It’s almost too easy. Take my suggestions below – and Happy Shopping! (more…)

It happens a lot when children are young. Often, it brings a smile to your face and warms your heart. And, if you happen to catch it, it’s the BEST THING EVER.

It’s that moment of pure joy when a child discovers a toy for the very first time.

Oh yeah – it’s THAT moment right there ->->->

Then, it’s the little moments of anticipation while the toy is unpacked. It’s the squeals of delight and laughter and the rapid succession of “Thank you Mommy!”s and flying kisses.

We surprised Ryder and Reid with the Fisher-Price Imaginext Eagle Talon Castle – just one of the very awesome toys from our latest press drop. Ryder is just a sweet, innocent little guy and he never really believes that something is for him unless we assure him that it’s his to play with and keep. The picture on the right was taken just seconds after I placed the box in front of him.

“Who’s this for?” he asked.
“It’s for Ryder and Reid!” I replied.
“For me?!! Promise me Mommy?”
“I promise!”
“I’m much too happy!” he exclaimed.

Fun times ensued, and it was such a joy to see him and his little brother “decode” the toy – that is, figure out where all the pieces go, understand the juxtaposition between the guards and the castle, and of course, make a few rowdy canon noises. BOOM! (more…)

Hey there girls, my name is Ryder. I’m a 4-year-old, totally single dude from Ontario, Canada – who just happens to be tall, dark and handsome.

(Oh, and that’s Reid, my brother. He’s only two and Mommy makes me take him everywhere. To tell the truth, sometimes he cramps my style – but I can’t deny Reid’s a fabulous wingman. He’s a ton of fun on playdates and has been known to make girls “ooh” and “ahh” cause he’s so funny looking cute.)

I like chocolate milk, splashing in my kiddie pool and playing with die cast cars. In fact, I normally spend a lot of time making car engine noises and am seeking a playdate who can emulate the sounds effects of a car speeding around a racetrack. Of course, I’m open to suggestions and enjoy a variety of activities: I am quite the artist; have a heavenly voice like Adam Levine, and even dig a good doll.

You may have also noticed that I have my own ride. Yup, it’s pretty sweet. It’s a Signature Cadillac Escalade loaded with luxury features! Fisher-Price sent it to us because Mommy is part of their Play Panel (which is funny because she doesn’t play at all – we do! It’s REALLY awesome). (more…)

Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to tour the Fisher-Price Headquarters in East Aurora, New York. Along with three other #FisherPriceMoms, we were offered the chance to go behind the scenes and witness everything from the history of the company, child photos shoots, the famed Fisher-Price Play Lab (a toy testing facility) and the design and innovation behind the brand.

(We also stayed at a “haunted” hotel. No kidding. The concierge had a few stories he was dying to share with us; I opted not to hear them, but fellow bloggers had a great time learning about the Roycroft Inn’s colourful – and sometimes eerie – past!)

Going through hundreds of photos, I couldn’t decide how I best wanted to sum up the experience. Should I spend time chatting about the Play Lab? How about the competition surrounding “Making a Box?” And I definitely wanted to touch on how Fisher-Price always puts child safety first – above and beyond any other toy company. In the end, I decided to divvy up the posts for a later date, and let the pictures do the talking for now (with a little help from photo captions).

You should know: Photography was forbidden in many areas of Fisher-Price HQ – understandably – as they have trade, patent and design secrets that they don’t necessarily want to make public. So although I’ve alluded to several awesome aspects of the tour; alas, it will remain for #FisherPriceMoms eyes and ears only :)

And so, without further ado, I welcome you to the Fisher-Price Headquarters… (more…)

Fisher-Price Headquarters
East Aurora, New York
June 29th, 2012

I looked at the showcase of vintage toys with polite disinterest. They were magnificent, of course, yet unsatisfactory in some vital way. Perhaps it was because I had already judiciously studied them the day before, reveling in the wonder and delight of Fisher-Price toys from as early as the 1930′s. Perhaps I was even slightly overwhelmed, taking in literally hundreds of toys that were once found in the nurseries, living rooms and kitchens of homes around the world. “What is missing?” I wondered. “What am I not seeing?”

Admonishing myself, I tried to generate the appropriate level of enthusiasm. Not everyone is lucky enough to receive a first-hand introduction; visiting the Fisher-Price headquarters was more than a special invitation from a toy company – it was the history of play unveiled before my eyes. And for that, I was both fortunate and grateful.

Still, I was dissatisfied.

Searching through the toys, I heard the audible gasps of fellow Fisher-Price Moms as they recognized a childhood favourite. Peals of laughter and screams of astonishment as they came across toys from the 1980′s; jostling each other gently in an effort to get a better view. And that’s when I knew what was missing: although I recognized toys that I had myself played with as a little girl, I didn’t have a special connection to them. I was like watching a foreign movie without the subtitles; I got the gist, but didn’t appreciate the nuances of the story line.

And just like that, it happened.

My eyes trained on a toy that I hadn’t seen the day before. How had I overlooked this? I stepped in for a closer view and instantly, memories flooded my mind.

Memories of turning the pieces over, studying the patterns, texture and colours. Rolling out the clay and cutting triangles, circles and flowers – being sure to gently ball up the scraps to repeat the process all over again. Putting the pieces back in the caddy so they were just so; tracing the pictures on the outer edge with my finger in admiration for such a fine specimen.

Without doubt, I instantly recognized my very favourite toy from childhood – one that I had long forgotten about. I played with this toy every day, and for far longer than was socially appropriate. Because to me, this was my little craft station – my escape from an annoying older brother, much too much math homework and often dueling parents. I would huddle in my room and roll out piece after piece, methodically perfecting my technique.

Back in the present, I excitedly asked if anyone could identify the toy, yet received a few sympathetic shrugs and guesses, but nothing concrete. I made a mental note to corner a Fisher-Price employee and demand more information, but sadly, the day progressed so quickly that the opportunity never arose.

Later that night, at home, I Googled every description of the toy I could think of – to no avail. Was the toy to remain in my past – and live only in my memories – forever? In desperation, I noticed the numbers “787″ under the Fisher-Price logo and instantly, I found it.

Fisher-Price Creative Clay Tool Set.

This toy is a part of my history. It is a part of me. In an integral way, it sparked my imagination, fostered my creative spirit and likely initiated much of my obsessive-compulsive disorder (kidding – but I did work very hard at rolling out the perfect flower). This is the Joy of Learning. This is nostalgia.

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group.
The opinions on this blog are my own.

… Certainly not me! I’m off to the Fisher-Price headquarters in New York for a couple of FUN-filled days. Along with three other #FisherPriceMoms Play Panel members (Tammi, Caroline and Lisa), we’ll grab a sneak peek of the newest toys, tour the facility, and even get to spend time at the famous Fisher-Price Play Lab!

Hence, this is me signing off for the next couple of days. Have a splendid week, and I’ll catch up with y’all on Saturday!

Only a few things in life are guaranteed. Fun with the Fisher-Price Bubble Mower? Heck yeah, it’s a sure thing.

The much-loved toy – which has been around for ages! – was recently treated to a design improvement: “The all-new one-touch refill system features a bigger bubble dispenser for less fill-ups—and a one-press, no-mess refill. Just press it once and you’re good to go for a yard full of bubble fun!”

Based on the boys’ giggles and gaggles of glee yesterday, I don’t know how we lived without it for so long. In fact, Reid actually woke up at 3:00am this morning, tugged on my sleeve and said: “Mow lawn.” 

(It’s under $30! Just go buy it now.)

I had a hard time capturing the bubbles on camera, but who can deny Reid’s utter concentration:

(Please don’t mind the less-than-pristine grass; we’re ripping it out to create a large patio in June.)

Before I became a parent, I often wrinkled my nose in distaste at the messy, crowded, toy-infested living spaces of friends with children. “Surely their little brats don’t need SO MANY toys”, I’d think disdainfully. And just think about how spoiled they must be! Wanting for nothing and begging for everything.

And for the first few months after I had Ryder, for the most part, I kept my promise to keep him grateful and humble. We purchased only a few toys; a mixture of educational and silly, large and small, in a variety of textures. Ryder truly began to appreciate the intricate makings of each toy, which can only come from playing with it over and over. I held my head high and felt slightly superior to other parents who lavished products at will – which I deemed as vulgar and even detrimental.

Of course, then I started my little ol’ blog, and toys – just begging to be reviewed – were dropped off on my doorstep. And before I knew it, my house was overtaken with products. Big toys. Small toys. Cars, blocks and playsets. Toys as far as the eye could see!

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I’m going to let you in on a little secret.

(I’ve always wanted to say that. Of course, I always thought it would be followed by earth-shattering news, and while Fisher-Price coupons are HUGE, I don’t want anyone sitting at the edge of their seat in anticipation. It’s just a silly phrase, I promise. Sounds pretty mysterious though, no?)

Here it is. We are just a few short months away from JAS-fest.

Confused? I’ll spell it out. Before we know it, July, August and September (JAS) will be here. And they happen to be the three months with the MOST births and birthdays in the entire year. Get ready for birth announcements, baby shower invitations and a slew of kids parties that will keep your social calendar hoppin’ and your children on a three-month sugar high.

(Unless the birthday kid’s parents aren’t serving sugar at the party. Skip those parties.)

So how do you make it through JAS-fest without losing your mind (and money)? Three words:

START. SHOPPING. NOW.

Honestly, it’s the best way to prepare. Look through flyers, clip coupons, find awesome sales and grab those prezzies at a great price now, to be gifted later. It’ll take much stress out of the busy birthday season, and you’ll avoid rushed day-before (or day-of!) purchases where you’ll likely pay full price or worse, end up grabbing the first overpriced item you see – thereby compensating for your lack of planning with an extravagant purchase.

Need some inspiration to get you started? Fisher-Price to the rescue! (more…)

When Ryder was a wee one, I had little knowledge about the toys he would eventually come to love. After all, I spent most of my time trying to prevent him from putting batteries in his mouth (yes, he could pry open every remote control cover known to mankind), and therefore was just happy with him gumming normal, FDA-approved toys.

But seasoned parents knew better.

“Is he into Thomas and Friends yet?” they’d ask.
“Not yet…” I’d respond with hesitation.
“Oh, he will be!” they’d cry with jubilation, rubbing their hands together in delight.

I later learned that their joy was not related to the prospect of my son having an enriching experience with toys, but rather that I too would be sent straight to the poor house trying to afford the extensive collection of trains, tracks and paraphernalia.

(True story: the first time I laid eyes on the $249 deluxe train table, I yanked Ryder so quickly in the other direction, he may have caught air time.) (more…)