How Does She Do It?

29 Jun

We want to hear how you do it, Moms!  Are you a mom in Edmonton, a career mom, a stay-at-home mom, an entrepreneur mom, something somewhere in between?  Contact us (hello@urbaninfant.ca) to be profiled!

 

Tell us about you, your children and where you live

Holly Baker - I have a fun and playful 3 and a half year old named Wren. We live in Edmonton.

What do you do?

My job would best be described as jack of all trades, but if I have to pick one besides wife/mother it would be blogger and decorating/renovating maven. I love my job because it is something I am insanely passionate about but have the flexibility to work when I please or have time, or even include my child in. On average I work 40 to 50 hours a week.

Do you have help? (incl childcare, housework, personal assistant)

I have a wonderful extended family that not only help with child care from time to time (usually an hour here or there throughout the week) but they also help me immensely with whatever project I am focused on at the moment. Right now I am renovating and selling a townhouse and they have made countless trips to the dump and Home Depot for me!

Best hobby?

Photography. In a sense it is a critical part of my job as a blogger, but I find it to be a really absorbing hobby as well (although on the pricey side!). It is so rewarding to capture your family’s special moments.

Extracurricular activities for you?

I love grabbing a coffee with a friend or spinning if I find a free moment.

Extracurricular activities for your babe/children?

We have done many family centered dance/music classes at J’adore Dance but with our first year of preschool starting in September I am a little nervous to enroll in anything new. Once we establish our new routine I look forward to getting her back into dance because she loves it so much.

What does a typical family day look like to you (Saturday/Sunday)?

We always hit the park for an hour or two and grab a treat after like ice cream or a donut. We LOVE heading to the splash park on a hot summer afternoon. Then we usually try to all do one project around the house together whether it is big like renovating a bathroom or small like washing the car.

Who cooks dinner?

Usually me! I am slowly learning some new meals but I am not all that creative in the kitchen. We also rely heavily on preassembled meals at places like Sun Terra and Simply Suppers, because it is still ‘homemade’ we just didn’t buy the ingredients.

How does the grocery shopping get done, by whom, with the kids, and do you use coupons?

Everyone who knows me that the one place I hate to shop is the grocery store. HATE IT. I don’t even know why. So I usually have my husband pick up whatever we need on his way home from work for little things, but Wren and I also make one big trip every week or so for the basics. I would love to be better at using coupons but I rarely remember where I put them and usually don’t have time to flip through flyers for them.

How often do you buy something for yourself?

Way too often! I am a treasure hunter by nature. Thankfully my job allows me to easily sell items when I have had my time with them!

Do you exercise and if so, how/when do you fit the time in to do that?

I spin at home 3 to 5 mornings a week. I don’t set aside a time but once I am on the bike I try to reach a distance goal I set for myself. I am lucky because Wren likes to hang out with me and dance to the music as I spin!

Favourite movie?

Marie Antoinette, or any movie by Nancy Myers (It’s Complicated, The Holiday, etc.)

Favourite nookie song?

I’m blushing! ‘Speechless’ by Beyonce. It just has such a smooth vibe, I listen to it in the car when I’m having a hectic day.

Favourite beverage special coffee, cocktail?

I am a Café Mocha addict. I really need help with it now that I have a Keurig actually.

Favourite pair of shoes?

Flip flops. I know they are bad for your feet but I love how fast I can get out the door! I also cherish a pair of Chanel ballet flats I bought but am scared to ruin them so I save them for evenings out or meeting up with friends. But I would wear them everyday if I could!

‘Cannot leave home without it’ item?

My iPhone. I hate that answer, but it is crucial my contractor can reach me if necessary (usually several times a day) and I can try to stay up to date with my emails.

 

Thank you for sharing with all of us, Holly!  Thanks for being an Urban Infant reader!

· Filed Under: Uncategorized

Urban Family Events: Canada Day Weekend

28 Jun

Dominion Day Celebration (July 1st at Fort Edmonton Park) – Enjoy music, games, a parade, free cake (while supplies last) and more fun!

Canada Day at the Edmonton Valley Zoo (July 1st from 11am-4pm) – There are so many fun activities you are not going to want to miss! Make sure you check the full listing for time-specific activities. Festivities include: a Preschool Pitstop (stories, puppets, songs etc. for preschoolers), Adventure Bus, scavenger hunts, crafts, Lucy-the-elephant’s birthday celebrations and even more activities!

Canada Day at the Muttart Conservatory (July 1st from noon-4pm) – Celebrate Canada Day at the Muttart by taking part in Canada Day crafts, a scavenger hunt, face painting, cake & more!

Canada Day at Your AGA (July 1st from 11am-5pm) – Enjoy free admission to the Art Gallery of Alberta all day on Canada Day!

Canada Day at the Alberta Legislature (July 1st) – Take part in this annual event featuring free family entertainment, live music and activities for children.

Canada Day at City Hall (July 1st) – Enjoy a variety a free family activities located at City Hall including: balloon fairies, stilt walkers, face painters, Spider-Man, kids crafts and more.

Canada Day at Northlands (July 1st from noon-4pm) – Grab your free hotdogs, pop & cake and enjoy a variety of live entertainment and family-friendly activities.

Silly Summer Parade and Picnic in the Park (July 1st on Whyte Ave) –  After enjoying the Silly Summer Parade, take part in carnival games, horse & wagon rides, a baking contest, children’s activities and taste lots of treats!

Canada Day Weekend Kids Fest (June 30th – July 2nd at Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm) – Included in the price of admission, participate in straw bale mazes, hula hoop contests, crafts, puppet shows & more.

Canada Day (July 1st at Devonian Botanic Garden) – Free with admission, enjoy activities and crafts for children, live music, birthday cake and more activities.

Canada Day in St. Albert (July 1st in Lions Park) – Enjoy a variety of activities including horse & wagon rides, live entertainment and end the day with fireworks starting at 11pm.

Canada Day in Spruce Grove (July 1st in Jubilee Park) – Celebrate Canada Day in Spruce Grove by taking in the street performers, live musicians, browse the vendors and let your kids enjoy the RE/MAX KidZone featuring bouncers and other activities.

Canada Day in Leduc (July 1st in various locations) –  For those in Leduc, enjoy a Canada Day parade, pancake breakfast, free children’s activities, an outdoor movie & concert, fireworks and more!

Canada Day Festival in Strathcona County (July 1st in Broadmoor Lake Park) – So many family-friendly activities such as the Mammoet’s Building Blocks of PlayDay which has different supervised play zones for kids, indoor skating, kid chuckwagon races, petting zoo, pony rides and so much more.

Canada Day in Fort Saskatchewan (July 1st in/around Legacy Park) – Start the day with a pancake breakfast and end it with fireworks. In between those times, visit the Kids Corner with inflatables, a petting zoo, face painting and other fun activities for children.

Canada Day Fireworks Finale (July 1st at 11pm in Edmonton’s River Valley) – Pull up a lawn chair or picnic blanket and enjoy the fabulous fireworks display!

Ongoing Festivals:

The Works Art & Design Festival (June 21st to July 3rd in Downtown Edmonton) - Be sure to visit this festival celebrating art and design and showcasing artists from all over the world.

Edmonton International Jazz Festival (June 22nd – July 1st in various locations) - Enjoy this festival celebrating jazz artists from all over the world including the Edmonton Jazz Orchestra.

Freewill Shakespeare Festival (June 26th – July 22nd in Hawrelak Park) - Enjoy many of Shakespeare’s most popular works under the Heritage Amphitheatre tent.

 

As always, if you have a family-friendly event that should be featured on our Calendar, please send the details to kjristen@urbaninfant.ca
Times, locations and details are subject to change. Please ensure that you confirm details with event organizers/websites prior to attending.

 

Image: dbhumphrey | Flickr.com

· Filed Under: Uncategorized

Mom In The Know: Edmonton Valley Zoo

26 Jun

It has taken me awhile to get to the new exhibit at the Edmonton Zoo. I had seen plans for what they were putting in last year when we visited but to be honest I had very low expectations. I have always enjoyed taking J (age 4) to the zoo but it was something we did once a year because it was close. We went last week with our family and I was very impressed!

If you have a child that loves construction and big equipment you need to go sit in the parking lot for an afternoon. J could have sat there all day watching the excavators and big dump trucks pushing dirt around. If the lure of Grandma waving to him inside the gate wasn’t there I’m sure we wouldn’t have even gone into the zoo!

The weather was rainy and cool which made it perfect weather for seeing all the animals. They were all outside and active. Even the Snow Leopard came down off his bed and walked around for a bit.

The new exhibit is fantastic! There are so many things for the kids to learn about, climb on, and find. The zoo did a great job of creating tunnels to crawl through, placing statues of small animals inside for the kids to find. This kept J busy for a very long time while I sat and fed Baby G. The skeleton was also a big hit along with the vertebrae seats! The sea lion tank is huge and has ample room for people to sit and watch them swim around.

On previous zoo trips I would spend an hour or two wandering around, go see Lucy, go for a train ride, and leave. This time I was glad we packed a lunch and spent the time to fully look around and enjoy everything the zoo has to offer.

Top tips for a successful zoo visit:

  • Go at 2:30-3:00. This allows for enough time to see everything before it closes but also ensures that you miss the crowds of school groups and day camps.
  • Pick a cooler or rainy day to go. The animals are way more active which keeps the kids entertained longer. The monkeys were running around and chasing each other which kept Baby G very entertained!
  • Pack a snack/lunch. There are great picnic areas with good climbing trees for the kids to burn off some energy and act like monkey’s themselves!
  • Avoid the petting zoo if there are rambunctious kids in there. Your kids will not get close to any animals because the animals all run and hide in the ‘off limit area’. You are better off to come back later when the animals have calmed down.
  • If you are going on the train get tickets at the front gate. This allows you to hop on as soon as you see the train coming, avoiding waiting in line with impatient kids. Also the train stops running an hour before the zoo closes so get there before 5 to avoid a melt down!
  • One of the Sea Lions gets a little territorial about her water tank. Scared the munchkins (and the Sister-in-law!!) when the sea lion popped up against the glass and hissed at them. Don’t press your face up to the glass!
  • Take time to talk to the staff. They are very friendly and knowledgeable! They answered all of J’s questions about zoos and the animals that live there. If you have a four year old you know how amazing this is!

 

Deanne Ferguson has spent the last five years caring for her three boys Jack 4, Gavin 8 months, and Chris 29. She is passionate about helping families find ways to enjoy Edmonton without having to spend lots.  She has also found a way for her shopping addiction to become a business by becoming part owner of Stayinyourjammies.com an online children and maternity consignment store. 

· Filed Under: Motherhood

I Don’t Understand My Kids – Part 3: Interesting Methods of Play

25 Jun

Our kids soak things up, and that includes roles and personalities they have seen or observed doing things they feel are important.

Abigail, our oldest, has a care-giver personality. She loves looking after things, especially if she is helping where there is a need. Therefore she often plays nurse. Her auntie and one of her cousins are nurses, and there is no doubt that she wants to be one. But occasionally it does get depressing. Because when you come in her room, the entire joint has been converted to a critical-care unit. Every single doll, teddy bear and anything else that mimics a living thing is being treated. And every single one of the worst maladies known to child have befallen each and every one of these victims.

Me: “Oh, nice room. What’s up with Cheese?” (Cheese is one of her teddy bears.)

Abigail: “Oh, he broke his leg.”

Me: “Oh my! That sounds serious. Are you helping him?”

Abigail: “I am. He also has cancer. And his eye fell out.”

Me: “Goodness! That’s a lot of suffering for one bear. I see there are others in this hospital room too. You must be busy.”

Abigail, shaking her head impatiently as she nods me toward the door: “Um, yes! They all have infections in their mouths. And this one’s head was cut off in an accident. We’re very busy here.”

Me: “Head cut off?! Well, it’s a good thing he’s got a well-trained medical professional here.”

Amalie also sees behaviours and mimics them, often taking the transformation to new heights. For the longest time, her personal hero was Ariel, The Little Mermaid. Aside from knowing every single word (and song) in the movie, she would only wear her panties around the house, and a long, red blanket on her head. Because she needed to have long, red hair. It would drag on the floor, but she would perfectly balance it and it never fell off. She’d wear it to the table, and took herself very seriously. Company’s here! Oh look, there’s our child in underwear and a red blanket wig. We just stopped explaining it and told people she’s mentally ill.

Lately, she has taken a real shining to Bethany Hamilton, the teenaged surfing sensation that lost an arm to a shark attack. Amalie is happy in that she can continue to wear little or nothing to dress appropriately for the role, but she is also surfing on absolutely every single surface. She takes a pillow with her wherever she is, and it’s her surfboard. She has all the moves – arms out, balancing, crouching, jumping up. It’s priceless. Until she figured out she can surf down the stairs. On her pillow. On hardwood. With no head protection.

 

Tom Sedens is the husband to his dream girl, the co-founder of 3 kids that make his world go round, blogger at wildsau.ca, and a grateful soul for a life full of blessings.

 

Image:  ddpavumba | FreeDigitalPhotos.net

· Filed Under: Parenthood

How Does She Do It?

22 Jun

We want to hear how you do it, Moms!  Are you a mom in Edmonton, a career mom, a stay-at-home mom, an entrepreneur mom, something somewhere in between?  Contact us (hello@urbaninfant.ca) to be profiled!

 

 

Tell us about you, your children and where you live

Cat, I’m 37 years old, Chinese (born in Canada). I’m a mother (I can’t believe I actually have a baby!!) of a 15 week old boy, Zane, living in Edmonton.

What do you do?

I am a Oracle (IT) consultant. Currently on leave having given birth a few months ago, but teach a couple fitness classes weekly, and have an online startup for a line of iPad sleeves that I designed. (…which I’m proud to say that can be found at the Plaid Giraffe on Whyte ave now.. yay!)….

Do you have help? (incl childcare, housework, personal assistant)

I am very fortunate that my husband is able to run his business from home a lot, so he is very involved in taking care of our little guy.

Best hobby?

Hmm… I enjoy sewing stuff. (home things… not clothes.. I suck at clothes) I just finished re-upholstering my office chair to make it more girly… first time. Was fun!

Extracurricular activities for you?

I love learning. …about a lot of different things. I just took a course on trading Options (a la stock market), and have recently applied for admission to an acupuncture program at Macewan University. I do weights and yoga… various times a week.

Extracurricular activities for your babe/children?

Zane and I are going to a music class that I purchased a few months before he was born. (lol)… We belong to a couple mom’s groups, and hit the trails in the river valley a few times a week with Beatrix, his big sister the boston terrier)

What does a typical family day look like to you (Saturday/Sunday)?

Sunday morning is Lawrence and my breakfast date / family time. We never miss it. We set up on the terrace outside, or at a Chapters, and read personal development books over coffee and pastries, while chill music plays softly in the background. Then afterward, we’ll go grocery shopping, or work on our respective businesses. Toward the evening we’ll make dinner (together, usually), and eat while watching Modern Family, or Nikita. Bed by midnight.

Who cooks dinner?

It’s a toss up.. whoever has a chance to. If he’s busy, then I’ll do it. If i’m busy, he’ll do it. Or we’ll cook together. No biggie.

How does the grocery shopping get done, by whom, with the kids, and do you use coupons?

We go together. It’s something we both enjoy doing. When we were dating, that would be something we’d do on a Saturday night. (weird.. i know)

How often do you buy something for yourself?

Not often. We usually take a yearly shopping trip to LA… and we’re good the entire rest of the year.

Do you exercise and if so, how/when do you fit the time in to do that?

I most certainly do! Religiously 3 – 4 times a week. Twice weekly it’s teaching a class, and then I go to someone else’s fitness class on a Monday, or Friday. If I can’t get out to the class, I work out in our home gym. How do I fit in the time? If I’m teaching I have to show up. But I have always reserved 12 – 1 as  my work out time. Doesn’t matter what city I’m in, what I’m doing. This has gone on for years.

Favourite movie?

hm… don’t really have a favourite one… I have lots that I like: the new one is The Avengers!!

Favourite nookie song?

I’m a Gaga girl.

Favourite beverage special coffee, cocktail?

Coffee in the am. Water rest of day.

Favourite pair of shoes?

TEVA’s in the summer. Salomon clogs in the winter.

‘Cannot leave home without it’ item?

iPhone. Definitely. Although now, all bets are off, since I always seem to forget something.

 

Thank you for sharing with all of us Cat!  Thanks for being an Urban Infant reader!

· Filed Under: How Does She Do It?

Urban Family Events: June 22nd – 28th

21 Jun

The Works Art & Design Festival (June 21st – July 3rd in Downtown Edmonton) - Be sure to visit this festival celebrating art and design and showcasing artists from all over the world.

Edmonton International Jazz Festival (June 22nd – July 1st in various locations) – Enjoy this festival celebrating jazz artists from all over the world including the Edmonton Jazz Orchestra.

Summer Solstice Tree Festival (June 23rd at John Janzen Nature Centre) – Features the Kids Tree-athlon where kids (parents can run along side) run 1.5 km from John Janzen Nature Centre to the Fort Edmonton Foot Bridge along a paved trail. Once they finish the race, the kids will then plant a tree and water it.

Family Fun Weekend (June 23rd & 24th in Sherwood Park) – Camp out or just join in on some of the activities including games, activities, a BBQ supper, fireworks and a pancake breakfast in the morning.

Highland Gathering (June 24th at Grant MacEwan Park) – Celebrate all things Scottish on Sunday by sampling Scottish food, enjoying Scottish dancing, and witnessing demonstrations such as sheep dog demos and hammer throws.

Playtime Presents Pirates & Penguins! (June 26th from 10am-noon at West Edmonton Mall) – From 10-11:30am, join Seashore Sally as she entertains your young ones for free with a variety of pirate-themed activites. At 11:30am, the Marine Life staff take over to introduce the kids to the African penguins.

Freewill Shakespeare Festival (June 26th – July 22nd in Hawrelak Park) – Enjoy many of Shakespeare’s most popular works under the Heritage Amphitheatre tent.

Free Admission to the AGA (last Thursday of every month from 6pm-9pm) – Take advantage of the free admission nights each month to introduce or re-introduce your family to all that the Art Gallery of Alberta has to offer!

If you’re still looking for things to do, check out some of our regular listings:

See a movie with your newborn/infant in a baby-friendly environment with the Stars & Strollers features (held in Edmonton on Wednesdays & Thursdays). Also be sure to check out Cineplex Family Favourites where you can see favourite family movies (this week is We’re Back – A Dinosaur’s Story) every Saturday morning for $2.50/ticket at select theatres.

The City of Edmonton attractions offer many drop-in classes over the weekends. Be sure to check out the drop-in classes offered at:
As always, if you have a family-friendly event that should be featured on our Calendar, please send the details to kjristen@urbaninfant.ca
Times, locations and details are subject to change. Please ensure that you confirm details with event organizers/websites prior to attending.
· Filed Under: Uncategorized

Worth It

20 Jun

I love the old adage, “I didn’t say it wasn’t going to be hard, I said it was going to be worth it.” I don’t know who first said that, but they were a genius. I think it perfectly describes parenting, and really, life in general. The hardest things to do are usually the most worthwhile things in life.

As an example, parenting a small child is often extremely challenging. Long hours, no pay, etc. etc. but it is always worth being there when your little person looks up at you and smiles, or holds your hand, or falls asleep on your chest. That is what makes it worthwhile. Last night, I was up most of the night because my daughter had a bad dream. She needed me to lay beside her while she slept, meaning I got very little rest because she is a VERY active sleeper, and obviously, if I left the monsters came back. Well, all that was made worth it because I woke up from my few minutes of precious sleep, after finally escaping her room at 4:00 am, to her patting my cheek and kissing my forehead. Worth it. Worth every minute of it. And every minute of today, when I am dragging my behind at work.

My husband and I have been together for 6 years. Not long to some, an eternity to others. Our daughter was born in 2010, and is an amazing blessing. As she is almost two now, thoughts and conversations have recently turned to a second child. Do we want one? Can we afford one? Is it a good time for us? Is there ever a good time? Do we have the energy to parent an infant and a toddler? And an opinionated and headstrong toddler at that. I look at our daughter and think about how I have changed because of her. I am sure that I would change again if we were to have another child. Am I ready for that?  Did I lose myself? No. But am most definitely not the same person I was two years ago. Not that anyone really is the same two years down the road, but my life has changed dramatically. Diapers and bottles and binkies will do that to a person. I wonder if I am worn down from the effort I put into making sure my daughter has all she needs and more. I wonder if I could put the same amount of effort into a second child.

But, in the end, I know that my husband and I would put in all that effort because there would be a day when we would know that everything, no matter how difficult, would be worth it. I would take another long labour, and any amount of spit up and poop that comes my way to have my baby say he or she loves me. To know that I am so big and strong that I scare away the monsters. To get that big GIANT hug that only a little person can give you. No matter the changes parenting makes to my life I will always know that while it may be hard, it is definitely worth it.

 

Kristie de Jong is a working mom who enjoys spending her “spare” time with her family and friends. Her addiction to shoes has rubbed off on her daughter, and together they will spend all afternoon trying on every pair in the closet. Kristie loves to relax in her back yard and enjoy the local scenery.

 

Image:  Michelle Meiklejohn | FreeDigitalPhotos.net

· Filed Under: Motherhood, Parenthood

I Don’t Understand My Kids – Part 2: Steep Learning Curves

19 Jun

As an adult, I pride myself in doing something harmful once and hopefully never doing it again. I also pride myself in evaluating circumstances and situations, and perhaps realizing that, even though I’m curious, I firmly believe I will get hurt and therefore I will choose not to do it.

My kid: “I like this fan, Daddy. It’s blowing cold air.”

Me: “Mmm. Yes. I like it too.”

Kid: “I want to stick my finger in the fan.”

Me: “No, no. You don’t want to do that. That could really hurt you, honey!”

Kid: “Oh. OK.”

14 seconds later… a quick staccato of BL-BL-BL-BL-A-A-A-A-A-P-P-P-P-P-P-P.  “Waaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh – oh Daddy, my finger. Ohhhhh, my finger. I hurt myself.”

It seems that kids don’t have enough of whatever it is that lets them make better decisions, even after we advise them appropriately. Perhaps placing an antique fan without safety grilles within reach was partially my fault, but still. I told her!

I also find it weird that they could basically break every bone in their body, and just get up and keep running. UNLESS they see that someone observed the injury. THEN it’s cryin’ time.

Fighting

The incredible, mind-boggling ability to pick a fight over the dumbest stuff never ceases to amaze me. Honestly, I listen to my kids fight over stuff and I often think they must be knitting with one needle.

Abigail: “Let’s play school. I’m the teacher.”

Amalie: “No, I’M the teacher. And I’m a pretty teacher.”

Abigail: “No, you’re not. You’re not the teacher. And you’re not pretty. I said it first.”

Amalie, welling up with tears: “NO, YOU’RE NOT! Well, then I’m not playing anymore. And you’re awkward.”

Abigail: “Haha. You don’t even know what awkward means. OK, sit down. I’m teaching.”

Amalie, crying and screaming: “I’M A MERMAID!!!  DO YOU HEAR ME?  A BEAUTIFUL MERMAID.  AND MERMAIDS DON’T NEED TEACHERS.”

Abigail, now crying too: “NO, YOU’RE NOT. I’m the teacher, and you’re not a mermaid. And I’m never playing with you again. And you smell like hot dogs.”

Both: “Waaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!”

Andon, the 1-year-old with more sense than both of them: “Cookie! Coooookkiiiiiiieeeeeee!!!”

They just make no sense, and find the strangest stuff to fight over. Also, the sneakiness is disturbing. The hitting in the car has come to a relatively abrupt end, because our minivan has a “conversation mirror” which is just a fancy way of saying “mirror that shows us the whole van and will allow us to dole out accurate beatings based on what we’ve observed first-hand.” But in the house, we will often hear some arguing, followed by the sounds of a scuffle, and then one or both are bawling. Yet we have no idea what caused it and neither will admit to anything. They have a solid sense of when they’re not being watched and commit terrible crimes during those moments.

Temporary and Selective Deafness

Another thing I just can’t understand is my kids’ ability to sit, literally, two feet away from me, look me in the eyes with an unwavering stare, while I tell them something that’s critical to their survival. And they don’t hear a single word of what I said.

Try opening a bag of chips though. They could be two blocks away, in a tornado, and they’d hear it and come running.

 

Tom Sedens is the husband to his dream girl, the co-founder of 3 kids that make his world go round, blogger at wildsau.ca, and a grateful soul for a life full of blessings.

 

Image: David Castillo Dominici | FreeDigitalPhotos.net

· Filed Under: Parenthood

How To Reactivate Your Family’s Natural Immune System!

18 Jun

Summertime is the best time to reactivate and strengthen your family’s immune systems.  Here is how:  help your children have a healthy body through movement, healthy eating, and a healthy mind.  It is crucial that children are outside playing a minimum 1 hour a day.  Even better is 1-2 hours a day, not the average 8 hours spent in front of technology (a staggering statistic by the way).  Our children also need to be fueled properly with the right foods.  The summer is the best time for fresh fruits and veggies, and locally produced meats.  Go check out the local farmers market to get some of the best products.  Choose colour.  Foods that come in a box are a no-no – they are so filled with sugar and even MSG which is shown to affect brain function negatively at any age.  Sugar is the number one cause of unhealthy immune systems out there.  Try making your own snacks from home – use natural ingredients like honey and maple syrup vs. store bought snacks laden with preservatives (toxins) for your children.  Some of the highest glycemic spikes or reactions within our bodies are from the consumption of multigrain breads, and cereals.

Are your children always getting sick? Are you always feeling like you have a cold or flu or is everyone tired all the time?  What steps are you taking to remedy it or prevent it?  Medical research has shown that a few of the key essential ingredients to naturally boost your, and your children’s, immune systems are Vitamin D and Vitamin K.  Another crucial aspect to boost the immune system is Omega 3.  For the body to effectively utilize these essential nutrients, a healthy nervous system is also essential.  So bringing together all of these ingredients, along with healthy eating and exercise, will bring back your body’s innate or natural immune system to do what it does best – fight illness and disease.  How do wee ones get these nutrients? – through mom while nursing. So Mom, not only will it be good for you, but baby as well.

Vitamin D is very affordable in liquid form.  You need to just add drops to water or a natural juice.  The amount required depends on an individual’s age and level of health.  Vitamin K is the other missing link that has been shown to help transport Vitamin D, but also assist with calcium absorption and utilization.

Omega 3’s are huge.  They are essential, as are Omega 6’s, but we consume way too many Omega 6’s already we are so out of balance.  You do not need to consume a combination Omega 3-6-9 as it will outweigh the benefit of any Omega 3 you are consuming.  A healthy ratio of Omega Fatty Acids is 1.5/1 to 4/1 of Omega 6/Omega 3.  Today the average individual is around 25/1, causing delirious health problems.  Examples include inflammation, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and allergies just to name a few.  How does this affect our children?  Our children are now showing up with what was once known to be adult illnesses such as heart disease, and Type II Diabetes.  Omega 3 sources are fish oils, walnuts, chia seeds, flex and hemp seeds.

Medical research has proven, especially in the last two years even, how important a healthy nervous system is to stimulate a healthy immune response in the body.  The healthy nervous system supports the immune system and controls it, along with every other aspect of your body.  Every chiropractic adjustment stimulates, and boosts the immune system.

Last, but by no means least, make sure every day you are speaking life into your children.  What does this mean?  Tell them how proud you are of them, share your joy of them in what they have accomplished, compliment them.  We are only as healthy as the amount we move, how healthy we eat, and the positive thoughts that we have on life and about ourselves.  You can help them be confident!

Ensure this summer is filled with fun, frolic, and adventure – get them healthy now by making informed choices for you and your family.

 

For more information or answers to any questions please contact Dr. Wendy Coburn 780-484-2272 or check out our website and blog at www.chiropracticbalance.com.

 

Image: Kittikun Atsawintarangkul | FreeDigitalPhotos.net

· Filed Under: Health, nutrition

How Does She Do It?

15 Jun

We want to hear how you do it, Moms!  Are you a mom in Edmonton, a career mom, a stay-at-home mom, an entrepreneur mom, something somewhere in between?  Contact us (hello@urbaninfant.ca) to be profiled!

Tell us about you, your children and where you live

Irene Spelliscy (Irene Austen), Edmonton – Mill Creek, 2 kids, Macgregor and Finn (4 and almost 3)

What do you do?

Psychologist and Photographer – “part-time” or 40 hours/week

Do you have help? (incl childcare, housework, personal assistant)

House cleaner 2 days/month and day home 2 days per week, babysitter every Monday 4-6pm (wahoo)

Best hobby?

Photography and singing

Extracurricular activities for you?

Same as above, and riding my scooter…best purchase ever!

Extracurricular activities for your babe/children?

Soccer, swimming, hockey, riding bikes

What does a typical family day look like to you (Saturday/Sunday)?

I sleep in Saturdays and my husband sleeps in Sundays. Usually I will have a shoot and the boys are off to visit with their grandpa every Saturday with their Dad. Try to get time outside, chores, family events, and general to-dos as well as personal time with my husband in the evenings.

Who cooks dinner?

Mostly me…but then he has to do dishes.

How does the grocery shopping get done, by whom, with the kids, and do you use coupons?

I hate grocery shopping but my husband doesn’t so he does the larger trips and I do shorter ones – usually with the kids. I try to use coupons and aim to get better at it. Recently signed up for Frugal Mom on Facebook and they have great connections.

How often do you buy something for yourself?

Every day…seriously…might just be a  coffee or lunch but occasionally it’s something bigger like DEODORANT, ha ha.

Do you exercise and if so, how/when do you fit the time in to do that?

I try to get in minimum 2 days per week…but even that seems to be an aspiration for me. Now I try to combine walking my son to preschool with my workouts and had a personal trainer (another amazing Mom, Jen Hamel) come to my house when older one was at preschool and younger one napped. Now I have a program she put together for me and trying to make it a habit…it’s a struggle…e-mail and HGTV seem to appeal more to me…

Favourite movie?

Godfather II

Favourite nookie song?

Van Morrison, Into the Mystic

Favourite beverage special coffee, cocktail?

Red wine…every time, any time

Favourite pair of shoes?

Nine west black kitten heeled sandals from C’est Sera….most comfortable shoes I own next to my Crocs

‘Cannot leave home without it’ item?

Wallet and keys…how do I buy gas or get back into my house?

 

Thank you for sharing with all of us Irene!  Thanks for being an Urban Infant reader!

· Filed Under: How Does She Do It?
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