2020-01-22 00:34
I was debating whether or not this was “good enough.” Right after the photo was taken, I told mike to retake it because-well my ass looks flat, my thighs look huge, my face is s… Read More
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Mom Blog: Tips On Surviving Your First Year Parenting, Preemie Parenting, Step Parenting Blog
nicoleakamommy.wordpress.com
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ECE turned full time mommy
In 2016, I gave birth to my first son 2.5 months early and my life changed forever. I created this blog to not only document his milestones but mine as well as a first time mommy, in hopes to connect and inspire other parents who may be going through the same thing.
Thanks for all your love and support!
2020-01-22 00:33
Our family on the road again!
Hotel rooms with toddlers:
Need I say more? Read More
2020-01-20 12:16
Some may say I can be too hard on my kids but I stand proud and strong by my values and expect my kids to do the same.
The harsh reality is, we are in the middle of an entitlement epidemic… Read More
2020-01-20 12:15
I’ve been trying to find more creative ways to add veggies to our diet!
I got Chase ane Gabe involved in making juice this morning, and I must say, I have never seen them chug a cup… Read More
2019-10-13 00:54
Self portraits are a fun and creative way for children to engage in sensory exploration, practice identify facial features, structure and expression and develop a sense of identity.
The bea… Read More
2018-06-20 13:07
2018-06-19 11:08
Fizzy Igloos – Freeze baking soda and water mixture overnight and explore what happens when you add drops of coloured vinegar! Read More
2018-06-18 16:36
If you haven’t had your kids painting with q-tips then I encourage you to give this simple and creative idea a try this long weekend for Easter! It is really simple to set up and you c… Read More
2018-06-18 16:34
2 in 1 activity: Strengthen those fine motor skills by giving hair cuts! The double ended scissors are great for little ones to start with, found them at Staples! And then use the scraps for… Read More
2018-06-18 16:32
Digging for dinosaur fossils in the snow! Read More
2018-06-18 16:31
This set up for afternoon play using jenga blocks and animal figures. This simple STEM activity can also develop a sense of empathy towards animals by building shelters for them. It would b… Read More
2018-06-18 16:30
I swear this activity kept my toddlers engaged for a long long time! It does require some prep the day before.
I think PENNE pasta would work better than macaroni, but the choice is yours!… Read More
2018-06-18 13:29
When teaching different ages you begin to realisze the importance of being able to relate to what is going on in their worlds. You begin to look back at when you were that age and wonder wha… Read More
2018-06-17 13:44
This play dough recipe has petals from real flowers, so it is pretty to look at as well as having a lovely flowery smell! Read More
2018-06-16 11:23
Excited to announce that I will be opening my homeschool classroom for Letters to Literacy Tutoring Program for stage: Early Development ages 4-6!
I am a registered Eearly Childhood Educato… Read More
2018-06-16 11:18
Keeping cool in the summer activities! Breaking pompom ice cubes! Read More
2018-06-16 11:17
We love our new doctor’s kit from @miniso.canada (and for such a great price-$7) Definitely mommy’s new favourite store lol – Having a doctor’s kit for the kids to e… Read More
2018-06-16 11:15
Had a crazy morning to start the day… I ALWAYS take the kids out especially when they are fussy and I really do find that it calms them down. there is plenty of evidence that nature i… Read More
2018-06-16 11:14
Dressed the boys up like old grandpas hahahah Have you ever used a tree as an easel? It was amazing the difference in how much time and thought they spent on their drawings when surrounded… Read More
2018-02-19 12:05
You know exactly when you’re due for a mommy time out when quality time becomes survival time.
I find it very hard to get myself to take a break or to ask for help. Even 10 minutes to… Read More
2018-02-19 12:00
Thank you for your question.
Haha I always get looks and comments when I go to the store with two babies. “Oh you got your hands full!” or “wow you are a brave mom!”… Read More
2018-02-19 11:53
Happy family day everyone!
We explored this DIY sensory bin this morning! Combining just two simple tools-pipecleaners and rigatoni pasta noodles-made a great opportunity to exercise those f… Read More
2018-02-15 17:30
We have all either hear about or experienced the dreaded tantrum stage in early childhood. As a parent, you deal with a whole lot of feelings on a daily basis right? When tantrums aris… Read More
2018-02-13 13:24
We are with foam blocks this morning! It was quite inspiring to watch the boys engage in this experience as they reminded me that art is a process not a product as they used the blocks to pa… Read More
2018-02-07 17:30
Our children remind us how emotions play a big role in life everyday. To set them up for interpersonal success, it is important to practice recognizing and expressing emotions in our homes e… Read More
2018-02-04 17:45
Thank you for the question.
I became a step mom at the same time as becoming a new mom to Chase, and just like adapting to any role in life, there were challenges, but also alot of reward th… Read More
2018-02-04 12:40
It’s another indoor play day!
This is a super easy sensory bin that you can put together at home! All you need is rice, food colouring (optional), and scooping tools! Read More
2018-02-01 18:20
Juat sharing another healthy snack recipe that is toddler approved!
Ingredients
1 carrot (pureed)
1 sweet potato (pureed)
2 eggs
1 cup almond milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup melted coconut… Read More
2018-01-30 11:26
Thank you for the question.
They say the perfect metaphor for parenthood is trying to stand on a hammock while holding a glass of wine hoping not to spill it. I laughed out loud when I first… Read More
2018-01-29 20:51
Children are little people with big emotions. As they go through their early years, they are learning to recognize their thoughts and feelings. Our journey as parents/guardians begin by help… Read More
2018-01-21 13:04
Being a parent is one of the most rewarding things in life but also the most difficult. There will be times our kids will go to great lengths to test our patience. Any signs of general disre… Read More
2018-01-15 11:08
And in a blink of an eye, my babies aren’t babies anymore.
We have bags and bags of clothes, toys and accessories to donate to families in need. I saved a few items and added them to o… Read More
2018-01-09 13:35
Children remind us how emotions play a big role in life everyday.
BIG emotions such as anger, sadness can be overwhelming for little people and are often accompanied with physical sensations… Read More
2018-01-09 12:22
Raising kids has always been a dream to me. I feel so blessed and grateful for this life I have with my hubby and 3 boys. I look forward to being the loudest mom cheering you guys on at spor… Read More
2018-01-08 12:19
I am HUGE on aromatherapy for myself and I thought, why not share my journey with my kids?
A safe way to incorporate aromatherapy is to use a VERY diluted form, ie. a spray (mix 1-3 drops o… Read More
2017-12-30 13:18
Happy Holidays everybody and thanks for following my journey as a mommy!
May your coffee be stronger than your toddler Read More
2017-12-01 13:13
I was 4 months pregnant when I first flew on a plane with my 5 month old and 11 year old.
Throughout the year of moving and settling in a new province, the kids and I flew back and fourth fr… Read More
2017-11-30 13:25
As a former early childhood educator, I have had my share in experiencing some pretty epic tantrums, especially now as a mom of 2 under 2.
The first step to conquering a tantrum is to take… Read More
2017-11-29 13:15
We have been potty training Chase for about 2 weeks now! We have alot of good days, and some bad days.
Here’s how to make it easier for everybody!
Make it fun. It is unrealistic to ex… Read More
2017-11-28 15:28
With the holidays just around the corner, I finally had the time to go through our Christmas bin from last year. I found Christmas scraps and used them for a learning experience that sparked… Read More
2017-11-28 14:58
I am a stay at home mom, raising an infant, toddler and preteen (all boys!) and they LOVE to EAT.
I find that I spend most of my day in the kitchen, making meals and snacks for them I try m… Read More
2017-11-27 12:50
This activity increases eye hand coordination and fine motor control. It also gives your toddler the opportunity to engage in sensory exploration.
To promote simple math skills, count the nu… Read More
2017-11-26 15:28
Sensory Christmas Tree!
With the holidays approaching, I am scrambling to make our home feel more “Christmas-y” for the kids.
This learning experience gave the babies the opportu… Read More
2017-11-26 12:04
How adorable is this snow family portrait?! You can make one for less than $10!
Here’s how
All you need:
picture frame
hot glue gun
roll of burlap
various sized buttons
construction… Read More
2017-10-21 10:09
Chase has been getting pickier with his food lately and has shown a huge interest in more carbs and fruit and less on veggies (typical ) Here are some veggie rich recipes that got him eating… Read More
2017-10-11 23:35
Any mom knows that when you’re raising a family, it’s really hard to stick to the beauty regimen that you followed religiously when you were…well, not raising a family.
Pe… Read More
2017-09-27 21:48
A healthy all in one snack for families with an infant, toddler and school ager to feed!
– Applesauce for the infant
– Cinnamon spiced soft apple cubes for the toddler
– Ap… Read More
2017-09-25 10:41
This is a very easy and quick learning experience to strengthen those gross motor skills and increase body coordination and balance!
All you need are various textures and sized balls!… Read More
2017-09-14 17:51
All you need:
1 ball of yarn
piece of cardboard (spare a couple because it gets a bit soft after a while and working with a stiff piece is better)
scissors
grip mat with holes
bobby pin (o… Read More
2017-09-14 11:37
A very simple filling and dumping experience will help build strength and coordination of small motor muscles for babies and tods.
Today’s activity requires:
a couple of buckets (vario… Read More
2017-09-13 21:16
When something becomes routine or familiar to young children, they respond to it better. So I like to start the day with a focused table activity. For example, if I observed that their inter… Read More
2017-09-07 21:01
Now with three boys at home, I knew I needed to come up with ways on how to manage my time and energy efficiently. Here is how I survived the first week back to school:
I send Haven to… Read More
2017-08-20 20:05
In our home, we want each child to see themselves as valuable members of this family so that they can develop into confident individuals. A simple way we show them is to display their work… Read More
2017-08-17 13:25
Here’s another way to add an art experience in your day for babies!
Tummy time will become a position for moving and exploring! These benefits of Tummy time will be achieved thro… Read More
2017-08-15 13:09
The thought of pulling babies out of their most comfortable environment and routine makes you want to faint, right? Me too!!
We visited our family friends for two weeks and now settlin… Read More
2017-08-03 01:51
This summer, we decided to go on a road trip instead of a plane with the kiddies. The drive is about 12hrs…sounds like trouble? It wasn’t as bad as I expected. He… Read More
2017-07-27 15:03
Besides playing with mom, music is one of baby’s favorite activities—and one of the most natural things your baby can do.
Making sounds with easy-to-grasp instruments… Read More
2017-07-26 12:55
My friend Amanda shared an article with me that made me chuckle (and cry at the same time.) I enjoyed this article so much that it inspired me to write a response!
So what’s my s… Read More
2017-07-26 11:51
I have been really committed to letting Chase eat independently and it really paid off because I can leave him (and trust him) with a plate of food to explore and munch on while I prepare fo… Read More
2017-07-21 09:58
This is now my go to smoothie! Chase devoured it
1 cup coconut water
1/2 avocado
1 banana
1/2 cup blueberries
2/3 cup oatmeal
ice
Blend and enjoy! Read More
2017-07-20 11:20
A plate with a variety of different foods is a great way for your toddler to learn about food’s texture, color, and aroma.
Eating finger food is fun for your toddler, and an important… Read More
2017-07-19 14:16
I really encourage parents to bring their kids outside when it’s not too hot. Fresh air is always a good idea.
We usually head out and play on the back porch but we don’t have sh… Read More
2017-07-19 13:50
It’s made with whole wheat flour and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup. You can easily make this banana bread vegan or gluten free.
MAKE IT VEGAN: Use maple syrup instead o… Read More
2017-07-18 14:26
A very simple outdoor gross motor activity to keep your toddler busy!
For older toddler/preschoolers you can add an action to each colour! Or play follow the leader what happens when you ad… Read More
2017-07-18 10:39
I was in a rush this morning because we had an appointment at 8:30AM so I threw this quick and surprisingly mess free breakfast together for Chase.
I just left him to eat it all… Read More
2017-07-15 23:03
Storybooks are designed to help children explore and relate to life experiences.
Once you have read a book together, reflect on experiences that the children might share with the cha… Read More
2017-07-13 16:00
The babies did not want to nap this morning, so I was scrambling for a quick activity to keep Chase out of trouble while I go back and fourth from making brunch for my step son and nursing m… Read More
2017-07-13 13:51
Ever feel like it’s impossible to be in three places at once? That’s because it is impossible. This summer has been hectic. It’s actually non stop all day everyda… Read More
2017-07-13 12:25
I like to make my own cleaner so that I know it’s safe for the babies to be around.
Here’s a simple recipe that I use
2 cups of water
1/2 cup vinegar
1 tsp essential oil… Read More
2017-07-13 12:25
I like to make my own cleaner so that I know it’s safe for the babies to be around.
Here’s a simple recipe that I use
2 cups of water
1/2 cup vinegar
1 tsp essential oil… Read More
2017-07-10 16:40
Nature presents ways to follow child’s interest and boosts curiosity. Being outside offers infinite ways to support child’s cognitive, physical, and emotional development b… Read More
2017-07-09 10:59
I have been recieving requests on allergy friendly breakfast ideas! Here are a few recipes
Banana Toast (egg free)
Ingredients
1 piece of bread, sliced into ‘fingers’
1 ripe bana… Read More
2017-07-09 10:48
These egg muffins are easy and delicious!
Here’s how you make them:
Ingredients:
4 Eggs
1/3 cup Milk
Salt/Pepper or whatever seasoning
Toppings optional:
Cheese
Ham
Bacon
Sausag… Read More
2017-07-08 18:19
I work hard every single day to nurture healthy behavior. It helps to know that children learn by example. I act towards my children the way I want them to act with others.
If t… Read More
2017-07-07 13:49
Are you pressed for time but your kids still need to eat? ALL THREE OF THEM, oh yah, and you need to eat too!
Well Gabriel is still exclusively breastfeeding, but that is 15-20mins dedicated… Read More
2017-06-28 15:25
Here’s another tip that really worked for us ❤️
I use a scent patch. I saved it from Chase’s time in the NICU. I wore it all day and before I left the hospital I w… Read More
2017-06-27 14:05
Another easy summer lunch kids can make themselves! Read More
2017-06-26 16:32
Hello Summer! Which means school is out!
My goal is to get my step son involved in preparing food to encourage independence and the basic life skill of cooking while having fun
Benefi… Read More
2017-06-25 20:46
I love having to do all the work yet be told I don’t work. -said no stay at home mom ever
Trust me:
Before you do anything to start the day, do your make up and get dressed as if you… Read More
2017-06-24 16:19
I am happy to share that Gabriel’s cradle cap is nearly all gone! But we tried something else recommended by our family doctor.
Apparently applying oil to the scalp is a huge no… Read More
2017-06-23 23:58
2017-06-23 12:37
Because motherhood is an exhausting cha cha dance where we do our very best to not end the break the same place we started. We continue to strive and persist for consistency, stability and s… Read More
2017-06-22 15:16
Chase loved this!! Here’s how we made it
Ingredients:
shredded cheese
large whole wheat pita
avocado (pureed)
lime juice (optional)
Heat the pita in a round fry pan.
Add shred… Read More
2017-06-22 15:13
Add lights!! Read More
2017-06-21 09:56
Mornings are so crazy for me.
From going back and fourth between making school and work lunches, smoothies, breakfast for baby and my step son, doing dishes from the previous night, br… Read More
2017-06-20 15:34
I have been getting alot of messages asking how it is possible for two babies to sleep in the same room and at the same time! -It is possible! Here are some tips and tricks on how to make it… Read More
2017-06-19 22:33
I was feeling brave today and took both boys to the grocery store! I almost forgot how trips to the grocery store can be a fun learning experience for them
There are so many ways to extend… Read More
2017-06-19 14:10
These muffins are sugar free and perfect for little fingers who like baby led weaning.
Ingredients:
1 banana
1/2 cup blueberries
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups milk
Bake at 350C for 15 mins or un… Read More
2017-06-19 13:58
This activity engaged his senses while promoting problem sovling skills and also cause and effect.
He can see the bright colours of the dinosaur eggs and feel its cold, hard smooth sur… Read More
2017-06-15 13:15
By practicing scooping and dumping, Chase discovered and explored the concept of gravity, weight, muscle control, cause and effect, and self-awareness.
Materials:
Pool
Plastic… Read More
2017-06-15 13:00
Just when I finally got Gabriel on the same day nap schedule, Chase hasn’t been going down for his morning nap! I guess we are going to practice walking up and down our drive way inste… Read More
2017-06-13 23:25
Finally got around to making this! Read More
2017-06-13 15:15
Chase is finally getting his molars and wow the fussy is real. Although this could b a very frustrating time for you, it wouldn’t hurt to just stretch your patience and off some extra… Read More
2017-06-13 14:42
The mirror seems to be Gabriel’s favourite. It doesn’t only strengthen him physically, but also helps bolster his cognitive development by helping him focus, track and observe t… Read More
2017-06-13 12:38
Chase has always had an obsession with string, so I planned a fine motor activity to cultivate his interest where he can exercise and strengthen his fine motor control and coordination.&nbs&helli…Read More
2017-06-13 12:23
Chase engaged in an art sensory learning experience this morning. Here are the materials we used:
jumbo chalk
black craft paper
bowl of water
some music
First, I taped the pape… Read More
2017-06-13 11:15
A simple art experience without the mess! Read More
2017-06-13 00:06
On this morning, where it seems you’ve grown overnight, I want to tell you that you are wonderful. You amaze me everyday – and as I watch you, you inspire me. You inspire me to… Read More
2017-06-12 14:49
So this was an easy activity that I put together that kept Chase busy while I attended to Gabriel.
I set up a tray of real fruits for him to explore. In this activity, Chase had the o… Read More
2017-06-11 11:00
The best stimulation for baby’s vision is using anything with high contrast.
You can totally do this at home! Stick them on a wall next to your change table or your safe play sp… Read More
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