momstown Milton's Art & Play Program - Balls of Fun

 Our momstown Milton tots had Balls of Fun at our Art and Play Program. This month the theme of our educational curriculum was "At the Circus" so we decided to juggle, roll and bounce our balls through gobs of paint to see what would happen.

We started off with a variety of balls that were different in colour, size and texture - sensory overload! The kids were hesitant at first because they were unsure about getting the balls dirty. With a little bit of prompting, they soon began to get right into it and discovered the different types of prints that a golf ball made in contrast to a fuzzy tennis ball or a big smooth plastic ball.

Other learning concepts came into play such as sharing as the little ones rolled the ball back and forth across the table to each other.

When all was done, the mamas were very thankful to have the Huggies Simply Clean wipes in reach to clean up their little messy artists.

Join us next month when we make fishing rods and go put them to the test in the creek for our On the Pond theme.

Why Do We Feel So Guilty?

I can't speak for everyone else, but I feel more guilty now as a mother than I ever have before.  Just off the top of my head, I bet that I can come up with at least ten things that I feel guilty about:

1.  I feel guilty that my house is a mess.

2.  I feel guilty that Eric cries when we drop him off at daycare.

3.  I feel guilty that I don't cook fancy meals.

4.  I feel guilty that I've lost touch with a lot of my friends.

5.  I feel guilty that I give Eric a bottle in his crib.

6.  I feel guilty that I don't remember that last time I took an    exercise class.

7.  I feel guilty that I didn't breastfeed.

8.  I feel guilty that I don't spend enough quality time with my husband.

9.  I feel guilty that I don't read to Eric more.

10. I feel guilty that I let Eric watch television when I need a breather.

I suspect that I'm not alone.  Even Johnson & Johnson's has a marketing campaign (you're doing okay, Mom.) based around new mothers' feelings that we aren't doing enough for our babies.

But why do we feel so guilty?  Is it all the unsolicited advice that we receive?  Is it some ideal that we see in the media?  Or are we doing this to ourselves?  What can we do to overcome it and truly know that we are doing our best for our family?  We are so forgiving of everyone else, how can we be a little more gentle with ourselves?

This blog was written by Karen Bivand, a first time mother of 20 month old, Eric.  Karen's goal for motherhood is to survive it! 

(Photo From:  Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

My Journey to a Healthy Lifestyle

My name is Lori-Ann McLeod and I am the owner and lead instructor at Oxygen Yoga and Pilates.  I am a wife and   busy mother of two beautiful active children living in Milton, Ontario...

After the birth of my first child I not only felt overwhelmed with the responsibilities of being a first time mom along with having a completely different body then I had pre baby, I started having severe migraine headaches along with other health issues.  These symptoms became increasingly worse after the birth of my second child. I spent most of my days moving from one doctor’s office to another trying to find answers to my ailing health.  I ended up having some major surgeries and spent most of my time feeling physically and emotionally depressed. I felt that I was missing valuable time with my husband and children which made me even more depressed.   I finally hit rock bottom when I was told that I would need a complete hysterectomy. It was after that surgery lying in that hospital bed for what felt like the 100th time that I opened my eyes to see my children, husband, brother and parents looking at me with such worry and distress in their eyes that I decided that I had enough. I remember looking into my father’s eyes that day and saying “Dad, that’s it I’m done with this, no more”.

From that moment on I made it my mission to change my life and joined a gym and started making better food choices I started noticing my health improving slowly and realized that I was on to something.  I became fitness and Pilates believer by experiencing it transform my own mind, body and soul. Being able to move free of pain, with ease and confidence gave me a new lease on life. This transformation fueled my desire to learn and share my love of fitness and nutrition with others.

With a background in dance I fell in love with the Pilates method and decided to become certified with Body Harmonics.

I have been teaching privately for the past 4 years and decided to open my own studio in May of 2011.  I was honoured to find out that my studio won the Milton’s Choice diamond award after just 5 months in business. In the past 5 years I have  helped many people and Mom’s like me ease anxiety, shed those unwanted extra pounds and take time out of their busy lives to do something good for themselves. 

I initially created Oxygen to be a fitness studio but soon realized that it has become way more than just that.  It has become a place where people can get away from their crazy hectic lives to improve their fitness goals and connect with others in the community in a comfortable inviting atmosphere.

Oxygen Yoga & Pilates offers all kinds of fitness classes for every ability level. I also offer a Mom & Baby Pilates class that will help you reconnect with your post-partum body I encourage you to come and try a class and start your journey to feeling and looking better today.

Yours in health,

Lori-Ann McLeod
Oxygen Yoga & Pilates
348 Bronte Street South Unit 10, Milton
loriann@oxygenpilates.ca

momstown Milton: Tales for Tots - Finger Play with Scholastic's Old MacDonald Had a Farm Puppet Book

Today was a great day to be on the farm! Well, actually, we weren't at the farm, but we pretended we were at our momstown Milton Tales for Tots program at Chapters Indigo. It was a real 'hoe-down' with some children bringing farm animal toys from home, and most just excited to be doing things that have to do with their favourite subject in the whole world: Old MacDonald Had a Farm!

We started off looking after the little children by organizing a bit of colouring of different animals you would see on the farm that was found and printed from the Internet.

The older children got into the groove, the farm groove that is, by prepping themselves for the craft that day which was construction paper pigs.

             
              Craft items included:

              -pink & black construction paper
              -glue
              -Google eyes
              -pink pipe cleaner

               Voila! A pink pig!












Afterwards we of course sang Old MacDonald Had a Farm and many other farm animal songs (there are SO many!) And when it came to reading, the little ones were very excited because today's book donated by Scholastic Canada was Old MacDonald Had a Farm, the finger puppet version! Their little eyes smiled with enthusiasm.

Our grand prize winner for this book was Zachary! Perfect: he is 18 months and looooves animals!

Thanks everyone for coming out! Our Early Literacy Program - Tales for Tots is just one of many educational based programs that momstown Milton offers on a monthly basis!
 
Sign up today for our free trial membership and see how much fun and interactive learning can be!

Mom of the Month - Jennifer Romualdi - July 2012

Name: Jennifer Romualdi

Age: 34
Born In: Brockville, Ontario

Children’s name and age: Adriana 28 months and Tristan 9 months


Childhood Ambition: To be an artist or Olympic gymnast

Fondest Memory:  I always loved Christmas Eve, my sisters and I would all snuggle in my parents bed while my mom read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.  I've started the same tradition with my kids!

Wildest Dream:  I'd love to go ziplining in Hawaii!

Proudest Moment: Holding each baby skin to skin immediately after having natural births - the happiness, amazement, and relief I felt is a moment I will never forget! It's bringing a tear to my eye as I type...

Biggest Challenge: Raising a 2 year old ; )

Perfect Day: Would start off with breakfast in bed followed by playing outside with the kids and daddy, heading out for a run and then being pampered at a spa with a nice glass of white wine, ending with a yummy dinner and a sleep filled night! (and coming home to a sparkling house and sleeping children - is that to much to ask??)

First Job:  Babysitting the neighbourhood kids

Indulgence:  Chocolate and Ice Cream

Last Big Purchase: hmmm - our house?!

Favorite Movie or Favourite Sport?  I love to play field hockey

How long have you been a member of momstown Milton? 6 months

Describe your experience as a momstown member? I've loved every minute of being a momstown member!  There are multiple events each day so there is something for everyone.  I've met so many wonderful moms and babes, it gets me out of the house and keeps me sane!  The message board is such a great resource and the perfect place to let off some steam!

Splattering Fun with the Red Cross Society

Our momstown Milton, Burlington and Oakville chapters had a splattering good time at our Picasso's program. This month we had a special visit from the Red Cross Society to talk about Water Safety so we decided to be on theme with our craft by creating paint puddles for the little ones to splash around in. Bright blue paint with sparkles to simulate  shimmering water was mixed with water and then poured in to containers.

 The little ones could chose to dip their feet into trays and pitter patter their way across the rows of craft paper that was laid out or sit at the tables lined with paint in cookie sheets to smack at and smear for tactile stimulation. They especially enjoyed reaching into the puddles trying to catch & gather the gold glitter that was floating around.

The moms were very thankful to have the Huggies Simply Clean Wipes on hand to scrub off the paint and sparkles. They were very impressed with the thickness and durability and how few they had to use to get the job done.

While the kids settled down for snack time, the moms listened to a brief info session about water safety. It covered topics such being alert and aware of the dangers present, how to minimize backyard drownings and addressed the effectiveness of various floatation devices.

 After the discussion, we pulled out the parachute and had circle time. Its always fun to see the expressions on the kids faces especially when they are running under it.

Overall it was a fantastic event! I look forward to our next Picasso's in the Park where we will be doing "paint ball" and marble drawings. If you would like to join in on the fun at our next Art & Play program please register for your 6 week FREE trial membership on our momstown Milton website.

Come help us celebrate momstown's 5th Birthday!

We are having a party and EVERYONE is invited!

If you thought last years birthday celebration was a Blast......

you're going to be BLOWN AWAY by the party we've got planned for our 5th year celebration!

When: Saturday August 18th

Where: Victoria Park

Address: 100 Mary Street ( right beside City Hall and behind the Post Office)  

Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm 

National sponsors such as Today's Parent, Kids CBC, Fisher-Price, Britax, Melitta, ConAgra, Scholastic and the Red Cross will all be helping make this our BIGGEST BASH yet!

That's just the start! We have tons of local businesses sponsoring our event including: Milton Eye Care, Snails n Pails, Tiny Hearts 3D Ultrasound Studio, Sharkeys Milton, Pick of the Crop and the list continues to grow.

The icing on the cake..........PATTY SULLIVAN FROM KIDS CBC will be hanging out in our Literacy station - Reading nook sponsored by Milton Optometry and interacting with all of our guests - WOW!

There will be lots for everyone to do.

Demos: ( 20 min presentation throughout the event)

10:20am    My Smart Hands - sing and signing

10:40am   Harmony Is - Kindermusik - leading our circle time

11:00am   Heart and Soul Salsa Babies ( please bring your baby carrier along to participate)

11:20am   Guayita Zumba - leading family zumba

1I:40am    Infant Diaper Derby by CozyKidz

Activity Sponsors: ( ongoing through the entire event)

  

ConAgra Snack station- led by So Charming - Tea Party with some very special princess guests

Popcorn Station - Sponsored by Michelle Hawco - Remax Agent

 

Drinking Water station - led by Bullseye Child Safety

Fitness and Adventure Station - led by Monkeynastix - fitness area for tots

Fitness and Adventure- led by Grow, Play Share - toddler play zone

Play & Social station - led by Lisa Roach from Century21 - Mega Blocks

Play and Social station - led by Gallinger Ford - Colouring Station and Vehicle Demo

Play and Social station - led by Milton Wee Piggies & Paws - Fisher Price Infant play zone

Play & Social station - led by Oxford Learning - Face Painting

Play & Social Station - Sponsored by Face the Art Entertainment - Face Painting & balloon animals

Play & Social station - sponsored by the Sanctuary - Bouncy Castle and Snow Cones

Science & Craft- led by 3D Health Solutions - Human anatomy craft

Picasso's in the Park - led by Tutor Bright - Fun with paint and stamping

Science and Discovery - led by Wee Ones Childcare Academy - Sensory Tables

Red Cross Info Station

Child Identification Station - led by MASONICh.I.P.

10am - Registration: begins - Wrist bands required to join in on activities, draw tickets will be issued and Loot bags (to the first 100 guests) 

12:15pm - cake cutting ceremony - sponsored by Longo's

12:30pm door prize draw ( must be present at event to claim your prize) 

Let us know you're coming by signing up today on our momstown Milton Facebook Fan Page - A great way to keep up with all of the latest and greatest announcements leading up to the main event!

It's a month long celebration across Canada with parties taking place in:

If you're a business and would like to help us celebrate please contact sam.kassam@momstown.ca for details of our sponsorship packages.

Fisher Price selected my son for a very special mission!

My son was assigned a very special mission last week from our friends at Fisher Price. His mission was to play and discover all of the ins and outs that the Imaginext DC Super Friends Batcave has to offer. He took this assignment very seriously right from the get go and assigned his Daddy as his right hand man to help in the task. My hubby couldn't refuse the opportunity to play (after all it was Batman) and so they both began eyeing up the various features that revealed hidden elevators, side doors and secret portals.

You could hear the squeals of delight as they discovered how to attach batman to the hook line and raise him through the portal or peeking through the draw bridge to check and see if batman was on his way to the batcave riding his super cool batcycle. I think both of them agreed that pressing the button to launch the grappling hook from the cannon was the best part. My son would do the count down  3-2-1  and then screamed  Blast OFF at the top of his lungs as it soared though the air! The both of them were so absorbed in making up stories about how Batman and Robin were saving the world from the villains and planning their escape routes if any of them made it past the draw bridge that they didn't even realize that an hour had passed by and it was time for dinner.

The feature I love the most is that all the accessories pack up neatly  into a closed carry case that is portable for us to take over to share with our friends in order for a new adventure to begin!

If you think this would be a terrific addition to your child's toy collection, don't forget to enter our momstown contest page for a chance to win.