Nursery No More / Toronto Life / Grandpa

Nursery No More

One of my readers requested a peek in C Monster's space how it is set up and so on. I though a great way to start the series on the Monster's space would be with his room. In the next few days I will follow this up with another post about his play areas in our home.

I uses the title for this section as Nursery No More because well his room definitely is no longer a nursery; the crib is long gone and so is the rocking chair and baby mobile. These have been replaced with a big boy bed and a reading corner.

I have to say if we ever have a second baby we will probably not use the crib; C Monster ended up co-sleeping with us until he was old enough to be on a mattress on the floor. When we first got the mattress he rolled off a few times and then that was that - he seemed to understand were the edge was and now pretty much never rolls out of bed. I have to say he is a pretty lucky boy this is a premium bed: all natural organic cotton mattress an sheets with shredded rubber pillows (matching mom and tot). The main large blanket is mine from childhood my grandmother made it; the knitted blanket at the foot of the bed was a gift from my sister and the 2 little throw pillow I made from 2 cloth bags we received with pj's from grand-mama.

I have to mention that the little rocking chair in the picture was found on the side of the curb - it was too cute to leave there.
















I use the same bins in C Monster room; the kitchen and living room to sort his toys; that way once every two weeks I can rotate the bins so that he does not always have the same toys downstairs. However we make sure to keep an abundant supply of books and puzzles in his room as these are his favorite before bed activities. The rocking horse was a gift from my mom and travel to Toronto all the way from Moncton - she found it at a yard sale for 2$.

As you can all see for yourself his nursery is now a little boys room...

Toronto Life

During my blogging hiatus I kept busy - and I also got interviewed for Toronto Life. If you want to take a look at the article - http://www.torontolife.com/features/totally-freaked-out/?pageno=1

Grandpa Roy

C Monster was trilled today to spend the afternoon and evening with his Grandpa. I love watching him interact with other members of the family - I think it's so important for him to know his grandparents. Maybe this comes from the fact that I probably spent more of my childhood at my memere's then any-where's else.

Grandpa also brought us to Mahar one of the locale Indian restaurants on the strip. C Monster is getting a bit more eventurous with food - typically he would have only eaten naan but today he had some samosas and barfi along with his naan.

Looking Forward To

Music Class.

Wednesday; Thursday; Friday All Wrapped Up In 1 Pkg

Wednesday

Sprig

I feel like all I am talking about these days is Sprig Toys. This morning I realized that C Monster's Discover Rig was no longer playing music or lighting up - needless to say C Monster was devastated. So while he napped I sneaked out to exchange it at Winners. ( Geoff works from home - so no I did not leave a 2 year old home alone) I did not have my receipt so I was a bit nervous that they would not do the exchange but nope they were fantastic; 5 minutes after I was in the store I had a new Discover Rig for the C Monster.

Also in response to a comment previously made on one my entries regarding Sprig; I have sent Sprig the follow letter:

"Hello, I am an avid blogger and parent of a 2 year old. I recently found out that Sprig was purchased by Wham-o. I also heard from one of the shops that sells the toys that the intentions is to close the Canadian plant and move the operations to Mexico. I know some of the toys are already produced in Mexico is their truth to this rumor?

baAlso as a very concerned parent and activist I wanted to understand in greater detail the current practices in the Mexico plant. Are the workers paid wages equal to the same wages the Canadian workers get. Do they receive benefits such as health care and so on. Do they get paid vacation? Does the plant have measures in place to ensure the worker safety and are all properly educated on the dangers of heavy machinery? How long of a shift do they work? Do they get brakes?

Thank you very much for your help in this matter."

Play Dates

Often "play dates" are a highlight of the week. Christophe gets to play with his friends and I get to have tea with mine. All so very civilized. Who ever though that I would like "play dates" so much.

Baby-wearing - dangerous?

So the hot topic out there these days is that slings = death. I know that is harshly put. I think one has to be careful before they speak; slings if used properly are 100% safe and an amazing way to care for your child. I used one with C Monster from the time he was 1 month old.

"The head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Inez Tenenbaum, said Tuesday that her agency is getting ready to issue a general warning to the public, likely to go out this week, about the slings." - taken from Govt to warn on baby slings because of deaths by the Associated Press.

I think this is a big hit to the attachment parenting community as many of us use slings on a regular basis or have in the past. I feel for all the families that have lost a child due to an accident using a sling or a carrier however it is important to note that there are tones of various carriers out there - not all of them might be safe. If we compare slings to another hot topic lately cribs.

"I definitely feel for the families of the infants who have died. But when a baby tragically dies in a crib, we don't say "all cribs are dangerous" and stop using them." - taken from Baby-wearing is safe by Momlogic.

When a child dies in a crib we identify the problem and remove those cribs from the market. The same needs to be done in regards to slings. Some sling violate all basic baby-wearing rules like the Infantino Slingrider; I felt this way about that particular carry from the first time I saw it even before I had a child.

"Baby should be close enough to kiss.

Baby should never have his chin resting on his chest.
Baby's head should be above the rest of her body.
Baby's knees should be higher than his butt.
Baby's face shouldn't be covered by fabric.
Baby's head should be supported."
Taken from Babywearing the real deal on safety by Undercover Mother

In summary:
Do I think Baby-wearing is dangerous? - No
Do I think some carriers are badly designed? - Yes
Will I baby-wear even if the government says not to? - Yes (there are many thing I think the government is not always right about)
Have I had a scary moment with baby-wearing? - Yes (but I was practicing all the safe baby-wearing guidelines so all was OK in the end)
Do I still baby-wear C Monster? -

Thursday

Shopping Score

C Monster has been more and more drinking from cups; but I find our cups are a bit too wide mouth for him and had been keeping an eye open for some glasses for him - of course they had to be made of glass. When I was in IQ Living today looking for mini-loaf pans that do not have any non-stick coating on them (did not find any so if anyone out there knows were to get some please let me know) on the sales rack I found these by Leonardo from Germany. They were half off so that made them $5 each.

Red Tent Sisters

I have often mentioned in my blog Red Tent Sisters as I was in the shop today one thing came to mind.

Where else can someone: rent a porno; buy condoms; stop to nurse their baby; buy baby bottles paraphernalia; browse books; by a book; purchase a vibrator; pick up some sanitary napkins; and lets not forget have some good conversation with a great gal.

Sexy Voice - or not so

It's official I am sick - I am loosing my voice so as I like to say I have a sexy phone operator voice. Just in time for our trip to Guelph.

Friday

Guelph

We arrived last night with a sleeping C Monster in the car. Just enjoying a lazy day with Grandma.

Slings again

As I am finishing this post my phone vibrates, it's an email notification the email is from Health Canada and reads:

"Provided here for your convenience is a link to 1 advisory:

Health Canada Reminds Parents to Exercise Caution When Using Infant Slings
and Soft Infant Carriers
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_36-eng.php


See also: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cps-recalls"

Looking Forward

I though I would start ending my post with a Looking Forward section just a quick note about something coming up that I am excited about.

To seeing our friends Nancy, Ivy, Kim, Basil and Sebastian.

Ah Mondays..

Smells Like Home Continued...

Yesterday I mentioned I was making maple baked beans well 3 meals later they are all gone. They were not my best beans yet or my worst. It's been 3 years now that I have been trying to find the perfect baked bean recipe. Do you have a favorite? If so please share...

Toronto Botanical Garden

Thanks to my awesome friend Debra and her pint size companion F Monster; the C Monster and me got to hang out in The Children Center at the Toronto Botanical Garden and drop in on a Sprout Club day.


Every Monday (except next week due to March Brake) the Toronto Botanical Garden has a free drop in Story Time in their library at 11am. Their story teller John is so amazing with the kids definitely worth to check out. C Monster quite enjoyed it today; however as always his short attention span for anything that demands him to sit down caused him to wander off after 2 stories.

They also have a Sprout Club for kids 0-3 on Monday mornings at 10am; cost is 55$ and registration is required due to limited spaces. We arrived half way threw their class but from what I saw C Monster would definitely like this. The Children Center were the Sprout Club is an Attachment Parenting dream; lots of nature themed activities; crafts; nature items to play with; dirt play; sand play; and on and on... I think I might sign him up for the May session.

After the story time in the Library John (on of Debra's friends) opened up the Children Center for the F and C Monster to play; they had so much fun.

Thank you Debra and John for a great time.

One of the many reason I love of husband....

We compliment each other in many ways...one of these is that we both think it's important to keep things simple when it comes to home life. We do a lot of baking as we try to limit the package goods that we purchase - I make muffins, scones, biscuits, deserts and so on; however the only bread I have patience to make is in the bread machine. Geoff on the other hand loves making both bread and crackers the old fashion way. Geoff for every time I have complained that the kitchen exploded after a baking adventure by you - remember I love you and the fact you make bread the way it was always meant to be.

Sprig Toys

Most of you know that I love Sprig Toys, toys manufactured in Canada made from a combination of reclaimed wood and recycled plastic. This great company recently got bought out by Wham-O and the rumor mill has it that they will be closing their Canadian plant and moving the operations to Mexico - reason to cut down on cost. Just another company that fell casualty to the big corporations - once the toys are label made in Mexico I will no longer purchasing them for the C Monster. We have nothing against purchasing toys made outside of Canada; however we do not purchase any toys made in countries that do not treat their workers ethically.

Everyday Something New

I just realized today that C Monster can fully complete this puzzle all by himself. He has had this puzzle since his first birthday and used to put the pieces in all mixed up; then he started matching a few of the obvious ones. Today he got them all - when he got to the cat he looked at it brought beside the fish and said "Ummm No" then put it beside the cat. How I love you C Monster.

Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly Toys Talk in Toronto

On April 20th, I will be leading a discussion on non-toxic & eco-friendly toys at Red Tent Sisters in Toronto.

In this discussion I will share all the information I have gathered in regards to toy selection for my son; I will also be bringing in loads of examples to show and your little ones can test drive them while we talk.

If you are interested check out the Red Tent Sisters Meetup Page - cost is $10 at the door or $8 in advance.

Toy Thursday - Easter Presents for baby

We decided that since Christophe will be 13 months at easter we are going to let him try chocolate for the first time on that day. One tiny organic chocolate egg from Kakayo. If you live in Toronto and have not tried Kakayo you must, once you go there no other chocolate will ever compare.

We also want to do an easter egg hunt with him. Instead of using the traditional plastic eggs we ordered these beautiful fabric eggs (Jelly Bean Easter Eggs) from thepolkadottotspot on Etsy. She can make them with or without bells. I figured after easter these are going to be a great addition to his play food collection.

Image by the polkadottotspot.

Toy Thursday

Make your very own robot. "Readymechs are free, flatpack toys for you to print and build. They are designed to fit on an 8.5"x11" page and printed with any printer. You’ll need double-sided tape, thick matte paper, and 10-15 minutes for build time."

These are great for older kids, a fun craft that almost anyone can do.

These would also look super cute lined up on a bookcase in an (older child's room). I say older child because some of them are a bit "grown up".

These can also be part "eco-friendly" if you use recycled paper or reuse paper that would have otherwise been thrown out.

Image by Readymech

Toy Thursday: Under the Nile Fruits & Veg

Christophe's got a pretty complete collection of Under the Nile fruits and vegetables:


When he first started to babble, we got quite a few laughs out of him by holding up the banana and saying "B-b-b-b-banane!".

HealthyToys.org

I think it is absolutly sad that we need a website that helps parents navigate trew all the various azards that comes with choosing a toy for your child. When you are shopping of a toy for your child you should not have to think those this contain lead, cadmium, chlorine, arsenic, bromine or mercury? Those are the chemicals this site will inform you about. The site is still a work in progress therefore it does not have all toys however I was able to find many items Christphe has at home and was very please that the majority of his toys passed the test. However we had one with a red flag - his Whoozit Activity Spiral.

The only thing that would be great is if this site also talked about what toys have BPA, vinyl and Phthalate.

Toy Thursday

Christophe is now 9 months old and we though he would need a few 9 month old toys to help stimulate his development.

My parents recently got him NooBoo Pound a Sound from Manhattan Toy. He seems to find it interesting and each time he triggers the sound on the toy; he is like were did that come from. (He does not seem to understand how to make the noise deliberately but he will get there.) I just love the crazy colour and prints on the fabric.We decide to get him the Peek-a-boo barn from Melissa & Doug. So far he seems to like to chew on it more then anything else. When I close and open the flaps it seems to intrigue him; again he will get there eventually.
Images from: Manhattan Toy website and Melissa & Doug website.

Toy Thursdays

What is your favorite microbe?

Ours is the Chicken Pox.

Since we are a bit of geeks I am sure by the time Christophe is 5 or so he will have a dozen microbes from Giant Microbes. Cost is approximately 10$ per microbe.

Toy Spotting

Now now everyone; you guys and gales have to admit Ronronos the cat is absolutely adorable in a weird kinda of way. This is must for Christophe collection. There are 10 adorable little critters you can get from The Delingos family. Since I am a cat and hog lover Ronronos and Pikos are my favorites. They come in 2 styles stuff toy for older kids and Baby Delingos that are flat fabric clutching toys for the wee ones.

Phthalates

I already knew I was not going to use your typical baby products bought at the Pharmacy or Grocery store now with the new information released on phthalates it just reinforces my decision. Our reason at the beginning to chose products that are more natural then the typical ones found in your pharmacy our drug store were as follows: both Geoff and I have sensitive skin which probably means baby will have sensitive skin; mass manufacturing companies tend to put to perfume and dies in there products; I don't believe in purchasing a product knowing it was tested on animals; buying organic is better for the environment. Now we add to that list phthalates free.

Phthalates are derived from phthalic acid and are used in many ways: the dominant plasticizer in PVC; as a solvent in perfumes and pesticides; as a finishing lure in nail polish, adhesives, caulk and paint; in the production of low end sex toys (if you own a rubber sex toy that did not say phthalates-free always use a condom to protect yourself from your toy); modern electronics such as computers, cell phones and MP3 players; and in beauty products to stabilize fragrances.

According to the interview I was listing to on CBC radio last night there is no law in Canada or the US at this time that forces manufacturers to disclose if they are using Phthalates in beauty products including those for children and babies. CBC also reported regarding phthalates: "In the study, they were found in elevated levels in the urine of babies who'd been recently shampooed, powdered or lotioned with baby products"

Now why should we as parents be concerned; well in laboratory testing it was proven that phthalates cause damage to the reproductive system. I know I would like my son one day to be able to give me grand kids.

So the moral of this story is read labels make sure everything you buy is phthalates free; don't trust labels because they don't need to disclose if they use phthalates; don't buy PVC toys especially ones that will end up in the little ones mouth.

If you want to read up more on this subject here are a few interesting articles I found:

Wikipedia Definition

Phthalates found in Baby Care Products Linked to Infant Deformity

How to avoid Phthalates

CBC news article re Phthalates and baby products

CBC news article re Phthalates and obesity

CBC news article

SAFETY

I was sick for a bit so that would explain my absence. Baby and me are both fine, so no worries. I decided to divide these entries by subjects as there is a lot to say.

TOY SAFETY:
The Canadian Goverment released this notice regarding toy safety that I tought would be good to share with everyone.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/advisories-avis/info-ind/toy_lead-jouets_plomb_e.html

Also for those of you that want to keep up to date with recalls in Canada there is a great newsletter from the Canadian government that you can subscribe to.  

On our part, a few of the things we are doing for baby to keep him safe from all the dangers of toxic chemicals out in the world are:

• Use only stainless steel, glass, silicon or wood for meals.  I.E. Glass bottles, silicon trays to freeze milk or homemade food, metal sippy cups,  wood cutlery (once he is there)... If you are wondering why we don't want to use plastic check out this information on Bisphenol A.  You can also check out this great article on what plastics are safe.
• Keeping up to date with recalls both in Canada and in the US.  The US often recalls things a few days before us.
• Choosing his toys wisely, this is probably the over cautious first time parent nerves kicking in but we are doing our best to select toys from manufacturers with none to minimum amounts of recalls.  We will always have few exceptions to this rule as I know we have at lest one Fisher Price toy and we all know they had there shares or recalls. Some of the toy manufacturers that we like are:

Manhattan Toy

Vulli

Kushies

Haba

Natural Pod

Melissa & Doug