Mom...I'm Sorry (Happy Mother's Day)

Each year I reflect on some of the more challenging and humorous moments with the kids.  A snapshot of my experiences as a mother.  I then think about all of the crap I put my mom through and form an apology letter. Some of these are specific to my life, but I am likely guilty of some pretty comparable crimes from when I (or my darling siblings were seven...

Dearest Mom,

I am sorry for...

• waking you up by projectile vomiting all over your bed at 2AM
• breaking my armoir door by stuffing so much of my random crap in it when I'm supposed to be cleaning my room 
• scratching your cornea with the corner of a comic book and leaving you unable to function for two and a half days
• watching the dog eat your laptop charger cord (and doing nothing about it) because I was busy watching TV
• faking sick from school so I don't have to go to an after school activity that you paid a lot of money for me to attend
• pretending I was a superhero, falling down the stairs because I was leaning on the baby gate, and knocking out my tooth, on Christmas
• confessing all of my urgent problems to you (hysterically) an hour and a half after bed time (when dad is out of town and you have a work deadline)
• telling people that I was the one who taught you all about 'the eff word' because I say it so much
• snacking on goldfish crackers in your bed because 'I felt like it'
• telling you about those things that kid did to upset you, two weeks after the fact, when I can do absolutely nothing about it
• borrowing your jewelry and immediately losing it/breaking it
• making you sit through school concerts that are longer than Avengers End Game (even when my performance is less than 10 minutes long) 
• reminding you that it's library/swim/permission form day once we already arrive at school
• waking you up whenever you nap because I need a snack that I am perfectly capable of getting myself

P.S. Still not sorry for the black lipstick I wore as a teenager!

P.P.S I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!

To see the first ever apology note click here To see the 2017 apology note click hereTo see the 2016 apology note click hereTo see the 2015 apology note click hereTo see the 2014 apology note click hereTo see the 2013 apology note click here

Life Thru A Lens - A Mother's Day Post

Last year on Mother's Day I was gifted with one of the greatest presents I've ever had; photos with me and my children.  Since I'm the primary photographer in our family and I'm not the biggest fan of how I look in a lot of pictures I tend to avoid them (or quickly delete them).

Here's the thing, looking back I wish that there were more pictures of me and my kids at every age imaginable, and they're only five.  When Chris told me last Mother's Day that my present included a walk along the Lakeshore and him snapping dozens of pictures with the kids I was thrilled.  After dozens upon dozens of pics taken we walked away with about three photos that I loved (after I photo shopped out some graffiti).

Mom's this Mother's Day and any day, jump in front of the camera and be as present in the photos with your children as you are in their lives each day.  These don't need to be professional photos, or formal posed ones at special occasions.  You can find them every day.  While you may not love them, keep them.  You and your kids will cherish them, closed eyes, double chins and all!

Here are some of my favourite photos snapped of me and the minions over the years - TBH there aren't that many of just me and my kids and it makes me a little sad.  I'm hoping to add some more to the batch this weekend!  Be well, be happy and celebrate your family together.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Getting to know each other 1 month in

1st Christmas, I can't get over how exhausted I look here 

8 months in, finally confident for outings on our own

A rare moment with quietly sleeping baby Molly

Mother's Day 2016

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Meagan's Walk 2016 - A Mother's Day Tradition

A few weeks ago, while at a children's birthday party, it really hit me how lucky we all are.  As I sat back and watched the excitement build in a room full of pre-schoolers as they hit a giant pinata, hoping that they'd be the one to release the cornucopia of sweets all over the floor I couldn't help but smile.  At the centre of the crowd, with a focus, hand eye coordination and brute force that would rival many kids twice his age was Birthday Boy, Emmett, determined to get his hands on the candy....cause what's better than candy when you're three?

Dad & Emmett at the 2014 Meagan's Walk

Emmett's Story

Just three years ago, in April 2013, my friends had their first child, the above mentioned candy loving little slugger named Emmett.   After a remarkably uneventful pregnancy and a straightforward home birth, everyone was ready for an equally smooth transition into their new lives as parents.  Within a few days after Emmett was born it became apparent that something was wrong.  Their son was born with Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula (EA/TEF). In short, his mouth pipe didn't connect to his stomach pipe.  A few days after he was born he underwent surgery to connect the pipes.

As new parents they essentially moved into Sick Kids hospital waiting and hoping for Emmett's recovery, all while learning how to cope with parenthood and deal with everything that had just happened. After a successful surgery they set to work getting Emmett to take milk (an excruciatingly slow process). They soon realized that they would be celebrating Gwen's first Mother's Day at Sick Kids. As the day approached they were confronted with bittersweet emotions. The love and support of friends and family helped, but most parents don't envision celebrating their first Mother's Day inside a hospital.

When Mother's Day came they were both feeling pretty low. As they sat in Emmett's room an announcement was made that all parents and kids who were able should gather at the exterior windows at 11:45 a.m. for the end of Meagan's Walk.  Welcoming the distraction they bundled up Emmett and wheeled his IV/feeding pole down with them to the atrium windows.  They watched as the street below was filled with people in Meagan's Walk t-shirts. Adults and children, many from inside Sick Kid's who could make it outside, stretched as far as they could see. It felt as if everyone on the street was looking directly up at their family.

At 11:45AM everyone below joined hands, took several steps backwards, then wrapped the hospital in an enormous hug. Instantly, they felt a rush of calm for the first time since Emmett became a Sick Kid. Waving to everyone below, it was impossible not to feel hopeful.  The participants seemed to know how much everyone in that hospital needed love on Mother's Day.  It was that moment when they decided to join Meagan's Walk, an annual tradition that they (alongside Emmett) have participated in for two, going on three, years now.

Doc and the McFlys at the 2015 Meagan's Walk

About the 2015 Walk

Each year, shortly after Emmett's birthday, the entire family (Emmett included), along with some of their friends, walk Meagan's Walk as "Doc and the McFlys" in the hope that their love and participation helped and comforted others as they'd been.  Highlights from last year's Meagan's Walk include:

• In 2015, we were part of 4,000 participants who helped Megan's Walk raise over $530,000 for SickKids.
• Team Doc and the McFlys raised $720 in 2015.
• It was a gorgeous day for the walk and we all got a little sunburned, what with forgetting what the sun looked liked over the winter.
• Standing strong as a family in the hug around the hospital. 

What's in Store for the 2016 Walk

The money raised from Meagan's Walk goes towards the Meagan Bebenek Endowment Fund and awareness, research and treatment of paediatric brain tumours at Sick Kids.

This year Doc and the McFlys have set their sights high and are aiming for $2000 in total donations.

If you would like to support Doc and the McFlys on their third year of an annual Mother's Day Tradition (this year held on Saturday May 7th), they would greatly appreciate your donation: click here.

To learn more about Meagan's Walk click here.

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!

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Meagan's Walk - A Mother's Day Tradition

In our home, Mother's Day is a time when we celebrate family.  It's an excuse for parents to spend time with their children and enjoy each other's company focusing on togetherness, health and the wealth of the relationship they have together.  The four of us have been blessed with a remarkably happy and healthy time together and holidays often remind us of how fortunate we are.

In April 2013 my friend gave birth to her first child, a little boy named Emmett.   After a remarkably uneventful pregnancy and a straightforward home birth, everyone was ready for an equally smooth transition into their new lives as parents.  Within a few days after Emmett was born it became apparent that something was wrong.  Their son was born with Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula (EA/TEF). In short, his mouth pipe didn't connect to his stomach pipe.  A few days after he was born he underwent surgery to connect the pipes.

As new parents they essentially moved into Sick Kids hospital where they hunkered down for Emmett's recovery, all while learning how to cope with parenthood and deal with everything that had just happened. After a successful surgery they set to work getting Emmett to take milk (an excruciatingly slow process). They soon realized that they would be celebrating Gwen's first Mother's Day at Sick Kids. As the day approached they were confronted with bittersweet emotions. The love and support of friends and family helped, but most parents don't envision celebrating their first Mother's Day inside a hospital.

When Mother's Day came they were both feeling pretty low. As they sat in Emmett's room an announcement was made that all parents and kids who were able should gather at the exterior windows at 11:45 a.m. for the end of Meagan's Walk.  Welcoming the distraction they bundled up Emmett and wheeled his IV/feeding pole down with them to the atrium windows.  They watched as the street below was filled with people in Meagan's Walk t-shirts. Adults and children, many from inside Sick Kid's who could make it outside, stretched as far as they could see. It felt as if everyone on the street was looking directly up at their family.

At 11:45AM everyone below joined hands, took several steps backwards, then wrapped the hospital in an enormous hug. Instantly, they felt a rush of calm for the first time since Emmett became a Sick Kid. Waving to everyone below, it was impossible not to feel hopeful.  The participants seemed to know how much everyone in that hospital needed love on Mother's Day.  It was that moment when they decided to join Meagan's Walk.

Emmett and Dad Participating in the 2014 Meagan's Walk

Last year, shortly after Emmett's first birthday, the entire family (Emmett included), along with some of their friends, walked Meagan's Walk as "Doc and the McFlys" in the hope that their love and participation helped and comforted others as they'd been.  Highlights from their first year as a team on Meagan's Walk included:

• 2014 was the most successful Meaghan's Walk to date raising over $100,000
• Exceeding their team fund raising goal of $1000
• Standing strong as a family in the hug around the hospital 
• When Emmett met Snoopy

The money raised from Meagan's Walk goes towards the Meagan Bebenek Endowment Fund and awareness, research and treatment of paediatric brain tumours at Sick Kids.

If you would like to support Doc and the McFlys on their second year of an annual Mother's Day Tradition, they would greatly appreciate your donation.

You can see where your donations go here.

Happy Mother's Day!

Meagan's Walk

Last year, as I've talked about in great detail, many of our friends entered the world of parenthood. Last April my friend gave birth to her first child, a little boy named Emmett.   After a remarkably uneventful pregnancy and a straightforward home birth they were ready for an equally smooth transition into their new lives as parents.  Sometimes an event that takes just a minute can change a lot in your life.  Below is a story about friends of ours and their new Mother's Day tradition inspired by one of those minutes.

Within a few days after Emmett was born it became apparent that something was wrong.  Their son was born with Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula (EA/TEF). In short, his mouth pipe didn't connect to his stomach pipe. Only a few days after he was born he underwent surgery to connect the pipes.

As new parents they essentially moved into Sick Kids hospital where they hunkered down for Emmett's recovery, all while learning how to cope with parenthood and deal with everything that had just happened.

After a successful surgery they set to work getting Emmett to take milk (an excruciatingly slow process). They soon realized that they would be celebrating Gwen's first Mother's Day at Sick Kids. As the day approached they were confronted with bittersweet emotions. The love and support of friends and family helped, but most parents don't envision celebrating their first Mother's Day inside a hospital.

Emmett Celebrating his first birthday last month.

When Mother's Day came they were both feeling pretty low. As they sat in Emmett's room an announcement was made that all parents and kids who were able should gather at the exterior windows at 11:45 a.m. for the end of Meagan's Walk.  Welcoming the distraction they bundled up Emmett and wheeled his IV/feeding pole down with them to the atrium windows.

They watched as the street below was filled with people in Meagan's Walk t-shirts. Adults and children, many from inside Sick Kid's who could make it outside, stretched as far to each side of the hospital as they could see. It felt as if everyone on the street was looking directly up at their family.

At 11:45AM. everyone below joined hands, took several steps backwards, then wrapped the hospital in an enormous hug. Instantly, they felt a rush of calm for the first time since Emmett became a Sick Kid. Waving to everyone below, it was impossible not to feel hopeful -the participants seemed to know how much everyone in that hospital needed love on Mother's Day.

It was that moment when they decided to join Meagan's Walk. Both feel that this is something that really makes a difference for parents who find themselves scared and uncertain how things will go for their child, no matter their reason for being a Sick Kid. A "hug of hope" goes a long way.  They are thrilled that this year the entire family (Emmett included), along with some of their friends, will be walking as "Doc and the McFlys" in the hopes that their love and participation will help and comfort others in the way they were.

The money raised from Meagan's Walk goes towards the Meagan Bebenek Endowment Fund and awareness, research and treatment of paediatric brain tumours at Sick Kids.

If you would like to support Doc and the McFlys, they would greatly appreciate your donation.

You can see where your donations go here

Please Forgive Me & Happy Mother's Day...I'm So Sorry - Part 1

Last year on Mother's Day I was 5 and a half months pregnant.  When I suggested to Chris that we celebrate my first Mother's Day he just smiled at me and informed me, "You don't know what Mother's Day is yet sweetie." and gave me a condescending squeeze of the knee.  I protested (mildly) and informed him how I'd given up drinking, reduced my caffeine consumption from a giant tub of coffee in the morning followed by a series of smaller cups of liquid energy through-out the day to one small coffee in the morning and one small tea in the afternoon and how my 5 foot 1 frame was going to be carrying two full term babies in a matter of months.  He wasn't buying it.  So I brought out theories on how pregnancy is like running the world's longest marathon.*  He reminded me that people don't celebrate their performance in a marathon until they finish.  Defeated.

Source: flickr.com Via: Loozrboy On: creativecommons.org

This year, I'm getting my Mother's Day, having been a mom for over 9 months now, I know that I've earned it.  It's been a wonderful, but challenging time since I've officially earned the rank of "Mom", so I'm going to start what I think may become an annual Mother's Day tradition, A year in Motherhood - things I now feel that I owe my mother an apology for:

Dear Mom,

I'm SO sorry for:

• Being a month overdue....I only had 38 weeks of pregnancy, I can't imagine what another 6 weeks would have felt like.
• Any back pain you have ever experienced, from pregnancy & beyond, apparently one of my pelvic bones is re-aligning much slower than the other, Thank You Molly!
• Morning Sickness, that lasts all day, for nearly 5 months.
• Heart burn and acid re-flux
• The hottest summer in the history during pregnancy!**
• Colic...after experiencing over 400 hours of constant screaming that you can not calm, cannot diagnose, cannot explain, but can set your watch to, I finally get it.  I feel lucky and loved to have survived it.
• Sleepless nights
•  Poo in the bath tub.  I don't want to know how many times I have had to fish out and flush, followed by intense scrubbing of the baby bath and my own tub.
• Terrible timing for disgusting things like blow out diapers and spit up everywhere mere moments before the sitter arrives and a formal event is waiting.
• Hair Pulling
• Eye Gauging 
• Finding disgusting things and putting them in my mouth.***
• Necklace & earring pulling
• Goober marks on shoulders
• Sneezing in your face
• Coughing in your face
• Tantrums or pouting of any kind, ever.****

And thank you for giving me a break whenever I need it and for never saying I told you so!

P.S. I'm still not sorry for wearing black lipstick as a teenager.

*This blog entry has a great comparison: http://www.runnerstrials.com/2011/07/11/pregnancy-vs-marathon-training/
**Thank you to my mom for clipping a newspaper article confirming how hot it was last summer, so I can prove to my children that I'm not full of it.
***Keep your minds out of the gutter people!
****I was unaware, until the birth of Molly, that pouting is a facial expression that is not learned and comes naturally to babies.