Spoiler alert, it’s the Park & Fifth Fairfax Dress
I always have an eye out for no-fuss long sleeve midi dresses. I’ve found a few great ones at Zara over the years, but I am also trying to shop less fast fashion brands (a work in progress and a post for another time). When I saw Vancouver-based Park & Fifth come out with the Fairfax dress, I immediately added it to my wishlist. Love that these dresses have been made right here in Vancouver and that their pieces are produced with low textile waste in mind. You can read all about their sustainability efforts here.
I recently got to model for Park & Fifth’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection, which was such an amazing experience, especially after being cooped up for a year. Everyone on the shoot was so supportive and hyping me up, despite the fact that I’m not at all a professional model and have felt what I can only describe as ‘blah’ since having a baby and being in quarantine. All of their new dresses are fire, you can check them out on their Instagram and of course, their website.
This is a very roundabout way to say that since we were collaborating, they offered to gift me a few pieces and I just KNEW it was going to be my sweet Fairfax dress. She’s such a beaut that I ended up with the same dress in two fabrics. I love how I can wear this midi so many ways (even backwards for a v-neck), it just fits my lifestyle perfectly! The only piece that isn’t technically mom-friendly is that the python fabric is dry clean only and the delicate black polka dot fabric is hand wash, BUT I hadn’t planned for these to be everyday wear anyway, so it’s all good.
The Park & Fifth Fairfax dress is currently on sale right now and I definitely encourage you to go check it out! If you have any sizing questions let me know or book a virtual fitting with their awesome team to make sure you get the style and size that works for you!
OUTFIT DETAILS
ABOVE LOOK: Park & Fifth Fairfax Dress in Python – Wearing a size 10 and found it true to size. Vancouver-made! Leather Biker Jacket c/o Ted Baker – Wearing a Size 4 and have had this number for years, still holds up. It’s not this EXACT jacket, but it’s very very close. Joe Fresh Chelsea Rain Boots – Available online in grey or white. I am wearing a size 8 and they fit perfectly, I have a very wide foot. I have still seen the black colour in Superstore, so keep an eye out.
The Fairfax Python and Fairfax Betty dresses were generously gifted by Park & Fifth with no obligation to post. How could I not share these beauties with you, though?! Best to scoop one up before they’re gone!
Some Covid-friendly activity ideas to fill your wake windows with your little ones this fall and winter 2020/2021!
(Please note, I will be continually updating this list as new ideas come up and rules change, so please check back)
I’m a first-time mom with an almost 10-month-old baby and am absolutely terrified of lockdown during these shorter, colder days. Pretty stressed about my baby’s lack of in-person social interaction and you know what? I’m also sad that this wasn’t the maternity leave I’d imagined.
I know a lot of parents out there are feeling the same way, so I reached out to my amazing community on Instagram asking for some activity ideas to fill those wake windows and you really delivered! I wanted to share these suggestions because it takes a village and not having full access to that village has been HARD. We’re in this together (but apart) and I hope this list is helpful in some way!
Now, let’s all keep in mind that everyone has different comfort levels during this pandemic. I know we’re all keeping a close eye on case numbers and of course trying to keep our families safe. Most of the below suggestions are online, but a few are in-person, following health orders.
Though I say it’s Vancouver-based, with some of these offerings being online, you can really be anywhere in the world. In terms of age-range, I’d say most of these are for newborns (probably 3m+) to about 2 years.
Are all of these online classes creating way more screentime than I ever imagined for my baby? Absolutely. 2020 has thrown everything off though, so if this is how we learn, then this will be how we learn!
If you have anything to add to this list, please let me know in the comments below.
MUSIC CLASSES
It’s so sweet how much little ones love music. Often songs are the ONLY way to calm Lucy and it has been that way from the beginning. She doesn’t even mind Adam’s off-tune singing LOL.
I’m trying not to purchase from Amazon too much, but I ordered this little musical set for Lucy and she is obsessed! I keep half of it out and will add the other items slowly. Again, if you can find these locally, it’s the better option. I just left the musical instrument purchase until the last minute and we needed it for our classes. Alternatively, if money is tight or you’re wanting to repurpose things around the home, you can also make some instruments yourself. We have a few containers filled with rice that are great little shakers, and two wooden spoons are very similar to rhythm sticks. There are tons of other ideas online, I’m sure.
When I asked the audience on Instagram for ideas, there were a ton of music class mentions. These are some as suggested by you and a few that we’ve joined!
Jumpstart
I signed us up for a Saturday morning Jumpstart Music and Movement Zoom class in the fall. They came highly recommended by my friend who I taught dance with for many years, so I very much trust her suggestion. Cheri was great, I could tell she had a musical background, works well with little ones and her rhythm work was awesome. From her classes, Lucy will actually repeat shaker, drum, and stick rhythms back to us, it’s simply amazing. Cheri of Jumpstart will be releasing her 2021 virtual class schedule soon, so keep an eye on her Facebook page!
VSO Mini Music Makers
The VSO School of Music offers online and in-person class options for little ones. They were doing a covered outdoor music class at Trout Lake, which Lu and I were attending with our Mom Group. Sadly, when the latest provincial restrictions came into effect, the remainder of our sessions were cancelled. Hopefully, things can resume in the new year, it was great doing a music class in-person but outside.
Music Together
One of you mentioned Music Together and it looks like they’re also doing online classes! I haven’t attended their classes myself but have bookmarked to possibly try in the future.
Chorus and Clouds
Of course, Chorus and Clouds came up as well! Since it took me so long to write this post (ahh, sorry parenting and working during a pandemic is mission impossible), we’ve juuuuust missed their winter 2021 class registration. My friend Leslie and her daughter attended the in-person small and distanced fall baby music class and she said it was great. Sorry again for not getting this out in time to sign up for the winter classes, but follow @chorusandclouds on Instagram so that you don’t miss the next one!
FREE ACTIVITIES
Check The Library
A lot of libraries are doing virtual programs right now, so it’s definitely worth it to look into the public library in your area. The VPL has a Zoom Babytime with songs and stories for your baby, which we enjoy on Fridays. We also do a little Mom share time so it’s a nice way to feel connected to other local Mamas. We’re wrapping up the Vancouver Public Library Nov/Dec sessions and I’m sure they’ll soon be doing sign ups for the Jan/Feb groups!
Strong Start
The school districts here have a program called Strong Start, which is designed for early learning development at no cost to families. Though usually drop-in, they’ve opened their in-person classes again but do require you to pre-register and follow their Covid-19 safety protocols. They do have virtual experiences as well.
Postpartum Drop-in Group
The South Community Birth Program (where we went for our pre and postnatal midwife care) offers weekly drop-in postpartum classes that are so great for new Mamas! They have gone virtual, hosted on Zoom, and I believe now open to the public (you could always check with them). A variety of topics are covered and I really enjoyed the connection and learning some new things, especially in those wild early days with a newborn.
Community Centre Parent and Tot Gym
Some community centres have opened up their gyms again for Parent and Tot playtime. I’ve seen varying information about these and I’ve personally haven’t been yet, but if it’s not free, looks like it is under $5. Your local community centre likely has other activities as well, best to check in with them and see if any programs are running for your little one!
LEARN NEW SKILLS
BABY SIGN LANGUAGE
I wasn’t sure what to expect from a baby ASL class, but Lee Ann of @signingbabies is an absolute delight. We just completed her 6-class Beginner Baby Sign Language Virtual Course and loved it. We opted for her Facebook course because then we weren’t committed to a set time. It has been so useful having access to the videos any time we want, we’ve definitely gone back and re-watched a few already. Lee Ann teaches at a great pace, repeats songs so they’re easier to memorize, and includes the names of class attendees so that the little bbs feel included. Lucy lights up every time Lee Ann is on the screen, she simply adores her. We’ve already registered for the next level in the new year, you can check out her virtual class options here.
SWIMMING LESSONS
A TON of parents on Instagram suggested swimming lessons. The pools seem to have strict protocols that follow the latest health orders and some of the lessons are as small as 2 or 3 people. The two most popular suggestions were definitely Pedal Heads and Aquaventures Swim, so if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, let me know how it is! Lucy loved our outdoor pool adventures in the summer, so I’d be keen to try lessons at some point. Public pools are still open, so that is always an option for some unstructured time in the water as well!
Mandarin And Cantonese Classes
My friend just sent me these awesome Rhythm ‘N’ Rhyme Musical Adventures classes! They offer baby sing-a-long, storytime, and song and conversation classes in both Mandarin and Cantonese for ages 0-8 years. Looks like there are paid classes as well as some free drop-in. They are offering virtual classes over Zoom that came recommended to my friend. I will definitely look into some of their intro classes for us, would love for Lucy to be in touch with her heritage and able to learn some Cantonese. Maybe I could learn a thing or two along the way as well!
ART CLASS
Collage Collage has some very affordable and fun online art classes for the toddler crowd! I simply love how each class is inspired by a book, I might actually gift a few of these classes to my friends this holiday season. Everyone needs activity ideas during lockdown!
We’ve also signed up for a small and distanced in-person Chorus and Clouds art class for January. They call it the Infant/Toddler Art Club and I cannot WAIT to see what kind of “art” my baby will create. They do specify that this particular class is best suited for kids 10 months-2 years.
BABY REFLEXOLOGY
Suzanne (an RCRT) of Foot Guru Reflexology has a few great online resources for parents! Her Baby and Me Reflexology Course covers relief for teething pain, digestive upset (gas, colic, constipation, etc), sleep struggles, cold and virus symptoms, as well as skin conditions such as eczema, baby acne and rashes). So helpful and would make a great gift to a new parent or even to yourself! She’s also added a simple Baby Snooze Button guide, you can follow @footgurureflexology on Instagram for more (bonus, she’s also running a huge baby giveaway right now)!
BABY FOOD CLASSES
I still don’t know what I’m doing with this whole solids thing. It’s actually been the ONE thing I feel least confident and relatively insecure about on this parenting journey. Everything else I’ve managed to remain fairly chill about, but when it comes to feeding Lucy, I find myself comparing a lot to other moms, anxious in the moment, and feeling a bit lost. Basically, it sounds like I’m selling myself on some baby food classes LOL. I’ve seen the Solid Starts guides recommended, as well as Feeding Littles classes. A few on IG were even enrolled to get certified to consult for pregnancy, postpartum and baby with Oh Baby. I know I’ll figure the food thing out, the journey just hasn’t been what I thought it would be, which is just so spot-on for 2020.
BABY AND MAMA YOGA
Brenlie of Nurture Natal Yoga is the best, I adored her prenatal classes as well as her Baby and Mama distanced outdoor classes at Dude Chilling Park in the summer. I really, really miss it. Brenlie has an online Baby & Me Musical Yoga package with 3 full-length classes that you can do from home. Do you have any baby and parent workouts that you love to do at home?
THE DAY TO DAY
Walks, Walks, Walks
Yes, of course, we all KNOW that fresh air helps us, but knowing and doing are two different things. On those days when it’s miserable out and you don’t feel like leaving the house, I promise that as long as it’s not so cold and stormy that it’s unsafe to do so, getting out for even just a short walk will be great for all. Honestly, I’ve even just opened the sliding door and stepped onto our patio for a few minutes for a little reset. Getting outside when you can is a must!
Lucy has always loved to watch the older kids play so we often take her to the park and she just watches them and babbles. We also do time on the baby swings if it’s nice enough out and have been using our handy Swing Thing insert which makes it a comfier seat for Lu. Now that it’s the holidays she also very much enjoys an evening light walk, which helps us with that last wake window.
Besides our usual neighbourhood stroll, my favourite local walks lately are Trout Lake (great for distancing as well), the Seawall (can get very crowded, I encourage wearing a mask), and Pacific Spirit Park (the perfect rainy day forest walk). Where do you love to go for your walks?
Step Up Your Home Play
The amount of creative Mamas out there is so wonderful! Y’all have the best ideas. There are a ton of posts on Pinterest with ideas for new at-home play and I started following some new accounts like Crafty Moms on TikTok (though, a lot of their stuff is bookmarked for when Lucy is a bit older).
There are apps with ideas as well, like BabySparks (someone on IG suggested it, I still need to give it a try) and Playfully. If your budget allows for it, a toy subscription, like Lovevery is an idea as well. We were lucky enough to receive one as a gift from my in-laws and it has been awesome. I don’t really buy much else and I love how all the toys were created with intention. It’s definitely made my life easier in terms of choosing toys.
If you have space in your home for it, there are cool options for older babies who are climbers. A friend on IG mentioned she was getting a pikler triangle for her little one and I also saw that Cushy Couch launched their play couch, which is made in Canada!
FaceTime Friends
I’m sure many are already doing this, but I definitely love to try to catch a grandparent, family member or friend on a video call if our wake window is dragging on. It’s sadly considered our social time these days, but a win-win for loved ones to get some Covid-friendly quality time with the baby and a moment for me to chat. Honestly, a lot of the time they just like to watch Lucy play. It’s extra fun for Lucy when we can FaceTime with other kids, she likes to watch them play and chat/laugh with them!
ANYTHING TO ADD?
Solidarity to all the other parents out there trying to make it work and keep your sanity (or at least some of it) while parenting during a worldwide health crisis. This is a hard year for everyone, but this gig is challenging in a unique way. Try not to let the guilt get ya, we’re all doing the best we can.
I hope this little list helped somehow and if you have any advice or ideas to add, please let me know!
This post is in partnership with Ketch, but as always, opinions are my own!
Ketchshoes.ca has arrived for all of your online Canadian shoe needs and I am so here for it. They’ve shown up just in time for those of us who aren’t as comfortable browsing in stores at the moment but need a more personable shopping experience in order to make a successful purchase.
Some of my absolute favourite shoes from over the years are from brands that Ketch carries. Like my supportive Vionics including these sneakers and these flats (I love this whole outfit, must recreate it soon). These Wittner Dafina sandals are still my go-to summer heel and I see that Ketch has them on SALE, wow run don’t walk. I’ve had a long, beautiful history with Miz Mooz and as you’ll see below, I adore their Django and Juliette line!
The concept of the ketchshoes.ca Shoe Guide is brilliant. A community of artists, creatives, and professionals there to provide honest opinions and help you find the best shoes for you. I was initially drawn to the Django and Juliette Ferras Ankle Boots in black. How cute with black tights or skinny jeans, right?! The problem is that, though I adore the look of them, I had a feeling my wide feet would reject this slim looking boot. Usually a size 8.5 W in boots, I suggested that maybe if I sized up I could maybe even perhaps make them work? Well, one of their Shoe Guides who wears the same size tried them on for me and confirmed that they simply wouldn’t work. Talk about helpful! This is how we ended up with these gorgeous Jinks Ankle Boots. In another life, I think I would have gone for the bright standout Hernan Boots and if I had petite calves, I’d be all over the Inkjet Lace-Up Boots. Pretty much I want all the shoes!
If you sign up for their newsletter, you can get free shipping on your first order and Ketch has also just started a Rewards program! It’s so refreshing to see a customer focused, supportive feeling online shopping experience.
THE GIVEAWAY
That being said, I am so excited that Ketch wanted to partner and gift one of you a pair of their shoes. You literally have the option of any pair from their site! Whatever your heart desires. How freaking awesome is that?
Tag your favourite shopping buddy in the comments on this Instagram post (the photo in my feed where I’m in this exact outfit)
BONUS Entry if you comment on this blog post and tell me which pair you’d get if you won because I love to know these kinds of things.
The giveaway is open to Canadian residents only (sorry, international friends) and ends on Dec 22, 2020, at 9 pm PST. The winner will be picked at random and announced soon after. The contest is not affiliated with Instagram. Good luck xo
OUTFIT DETAILS AND FIT NOTES
Django & Juliette Jinks Ankle Boots in Tan (c/o Ketch). These beauties are so soft and the colour is really gorgeous in person. Heel height is ideal (2 1/3″) and I love the pointed toe. I think these would also look great with a skirt or dress and maybe even under straight leg jeans if you are into those. My large calves ✨could never✨. I’m normally a size 8.5 Wide and the 39 fits perfectly (with only v thin socklets).
H&M Mama Cotton Jersey Top in Black. I live in this top, in fact, I just ordered another one even though it’s technically ‘maternity’. I find that I live in jeans or leggings and this cotton long sleeve shirt at home. It’s the perfect length and the cotton is super soft. I would say it’s fairly true to size. When I was pregnant, the large was best, but my re-order had to be a medium because it’s all they had left and it works too!
TOPSHOP Long Herringbone Check Coat (previous season). Different colours, but similar styles here, here, and here.
TOPSHOP Jamie Jeans. I sized up in these for my postpartum bod, I believe these are a 34. Not sure what the exact wash is, but the linked pair is v similar.
UPDATE: The True North Bracelet sold out in a few weeks! Y’all are amazing, thank you so much to everyone who purchased.
I am so excited to introduce you to this stunning limited-edition True North Bracelet. This 14k Italian gold beauty isn’t just a pretty face, the meaning behind the design makes it the perfect thoughtful gift to yourself or someone you love this holiday season. The designer, Tori of True Curated Designs, created this as an homage to adventure, a reminder of the journey and the destination, a way to wear your north star on your wrist.
All net proceeds from the sale of each bracelet will be going to BC Women’s Health Foundation, so beyond the special personal significance, wearing one of these bracelets also means you are supporting both a small business as well as donating to an important cause. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with this one!
My true north star has influenced me every step of the way this year. That intuition and guiding light are what have helped centre me amidst the chaos of 2020, especially as I’ve navigated my new role as Mom.
My interpretation of the compass is also unique this year, as I’ve found a new simpler sense of adventure. Who knew that staying in our 700 square foot apartment could be such a fun journey? We were able to explore some lovely spots close to home in the summertime and now I look at the compass with an appreciation for where I currently am and as a promise that we will travel abroad again one day.
This VERY limited-edition True North Bracelet is $169 CAD and all net proceeds will be going to BC Women’s Health Foundation. You can purchase one here.
An honest review of the TOPSHOP Straight Raw Hem Jeans
I missed denim so much, that I bought jeans online at 2 months postpartum. Was this a great idea or an epic self-sabotage?
Taking the pressure off myself for this strange body moment right after having a baby, I had planned to size up in some basics. Unfortunately, thrifting is out of the question right now, so I have been looking at other budget-friendly online options.
The first mission was jeans. Oh, how I missed them! My maternity denim worked for a few weeks, but now they fall down without the bump to hold them up. A few pairs of my stretchy skinny jeans fit me now, but only while standing LOL. The moment I sit down they’re so tight, I worry my stomach will pop the button right off and it’ll go flying. It’s a safety hazard, really.
TOPSHOP Canada recently had a denim 2 for $100 sale and I still had a gift card, so I decided to put it to good use. Let me start by pointing out that I do own these jeans already in my “regular” size. Who really knows what that size will be going forward, but if you’re new around here, I was previously a size 10/Size 30 or 31 in denim. I own these TOPSHOP Straight High Rise Crop Jeans in a 32 waist (I always have to size up slightly in TOPSHOP denim) which you can see here and here. Basically, I wasn’t going in completely blind when I ordered these online. I knew I liked these jeans already and I hoped that just jumping up a size would work for now.
I absolutely adore these jeans. The length is a perfect raw hem crop (I’m juuuust shy of 5’5″ for reference) and they fit my hourglass figure like a glove. They are snug and the denim is sturdy enough that I feel supported and not like I’m spilling over the waistband. They do have a small amount of stretch which is necessary for movement but does mean I have to wash them a bit more often because the knees bag out slightly after a few wears.
The size 34 worked well with my lingering postpartum bump that could very well be here to stay, only time will tell. You know I loved my high waist bottoms before, so thankfully the cut still works now. I’m happy with the purchase and hope to begin to phase out daily leggings and to feel a little more like myself soon.
SHOP THE LOOK:
OUTFIT DETAILS + FIT NOTES:
Denim | TOPSHOP Mid Raw Hem Straight High Rise Jeans The way TOPSHOP sizes their denim, I usually size up (previously was a 30/31 and got a 32. Post-baby, I got a 34, pictured above). These are a good quality fitted denim with a touch of stretch. Being so structured, I definitely wouldn’t classify these as go-to postpartum denim. As an option, I wanted something slightly fitted as a personal preference and I also know that all of you reading this aren’t in the same spot right now. So, if you didn’t just have a baby a second ago, I highly recommend these jeans!
T-Shirt | TOPSHOP Roll Sleeve T-Shirt I have this t-shirt in 5 different colours, it’s that good. Slightly cropped and boxy, I sized down and got mine in a S/M (I’m normally a L).
Jacket | Joe Fresh Duster Coat This is an older style from their S/S 2019 Collection, but they have a very similar duster currently in stock that might be even better (I find the bows on this one to be a bit cumbersome). I love this kind of soft mid-length light jacket to throw on with a t-shirt and jeans, it’s a must-have!
Shoes | White Keds Champion Originals Leather I got these for our babymoon to replace my worn-out canvas Vans and I love them! Soft, slightly cushioned insole and the leather outside is much easier to clean that canvas.
Scarf | One Wednesday Leopard Universal Throw Currently on backorder, but they have other great styles in stock! This is such a great piece to have on hand. It’s a stylish layering piece for me or a chic blanket for baby!
Accessories | Black Scrunchie (similar) Turns out that having a hair elastic on-hand at all times is a must as a new Mom 🤷🏻♀️
I’ve always hesitated to do an Ask Me Anything on Instagram. I think I worried that someone was going to troll me with a mean question. Which is ridiculous, you guys are the best and wouldn’t do that. My first Q&A went well and not surprisingly, was mostly focused on baby-related questions. I didn’t get a chance to get back to everyone, so I wanted to take the time to answer a few more and to repost some of my other responses so that they can live on the blog.
Q: Post baby must-haves? Having my second but curious anyway.
Okay, these are some off the top of my head. I will sound like a broken record, but I have a blog post coming up for pp and newborn essentials. Otherwise, here’s what I came up with on the fly.
For Mom Postpartum:
Depend Disposable Underwear. I know it’s a tad wasteful, but they made life easier and I only wore them for about a week.
Once I was back in my regular undergarments, my reusable pads were very comfortable and nice to have. I have a pair from Aisle that’s amazing and some from Amazon that are okay.
Pretty much everything in the One Tough Mother box! Nipple cream, stool softeners, peri bottle, etc.
For Newborn Baby:
Every baby is different, but our Snuggle Me Organic Infant Lounger has been a saviour! She loves it and it’s the only place other than our arms or the fabric carrier that she’ll sleep!
I’ve been loving these footed sleepers from Carter’s. Zipper is essential and the built in mittens are great. Just ordered some more in the next size.
Lucy haaaates a swaddle because she prefers to have both arms up and the ability to move them around (felt this in utero). The Love To Dream Swaddle Up has worked wonders.
You’ll also need Vitamin D drops and can never have too many blankets!
Q: How much has your life changed after the baby 🙂
Well, I had a baby and then two weeks later, a global pandemic forced us all into quarantine, so my life has been completely flipped upside-down. Besides the obvious strangeness at the moment, this baby immediately gave me a sense of purpose in life and even career that I now realize I’d been after for the last few years. I know that I needed to sort some of my own issues out beforehand, so I’m glad I put that time in, but the timing of having this baby has felt meant to be. I am, understandably, forever changed in the best way.
Q: What’s one of the best things and most surprising about being a mom?
The best thing right now is just the honour of even being a mom. I can’t stop looking at Lucy and marvelling at the fact that we created this beautiful baby.
What has surprised me so far:
How I don’t even care about what my body looks like right now
The inner strength that moms possess. It’s truly impressive, you Mamas are amazing!
How much I can accomplish on such little sleep
Q: How was delivery and labour? Only share if you’re comfortable of course!
It really went really well! I know that not many people get the labour and delivery they’d imagined, I was extremely lucky. Don’t get me wrong, it was still the most painful and intense thing I’ve EVER gone through, but I realize what a gift it is that she arrived in a relatively routine way. I’ve been writing out the whole story and will hopefully finish that to post soon!
Q: What are the best “new mom” or sentimental baby gifts you’ve received?
Every single gift we have received has been incredible. I am continually blown away by how thoughtful people are and that people we don’t even keep in touch with sent something to let us know they were thinking of us. So let me start by saying that anything you give a new parent is appreciated! It should be noted that I am also the kind of person that loves practical gifts. That being said, a few suggestions I’d make are…
Food! Anything food related was a massive help those first days. Especially for those who just dropped it off and we didn’t have to host them or worry about how their visit impacted our schedule. Although, now in lockdown, I suppose this would be protocol anyway, so there you go.
We had friends send baked goods. The surprise vegan cinnamon bun delivery was especially amazing, as was the fresh handmade loaf of sourdough bread. And this was before everyone was making their own bread LOL. Adam’s Aunt was super creative and made an assortment of 12 mini jars of overnight oats and I cannot tell you how great that was. Oats help promote milk production, so they were good for breastfeeding and being mini-sized, they were the ideal healthy snack throughout the day. Seriously, overnight oats are a brilliant gift idea!
Once you know the name and/or birthdate there are some really lovely customized things you can get like a baby book with their name, or something personalized from Etsy.
I always think it’s nice to get something a little pricier that perhaps mom might not splurge on herself. Things like soft organic sleepers and blankets from local companies. If you’re in Vancouver, I love Parade Organics sleepers, Silkberry convertible layette gowns, and Numpfer blankets.
We had a few flower deliveries that put a smile on our faces and made our apartment a whole lot prettier!
And finally, a gift card to somewhere practical might seem boring to some, but I love it. Babies are super expensive, so any little bit helps. We’ve already used up the Amazon gift card Adam’s co-workers kindly gifted us. Same with the GC to Shopper’s (a CVS equivalent). Covered our latest diaper haul because wow she goes through them like crazy!
Oh, also we had tons of friends pass baby items down to us and it’s such a special gift. I hate the idea of having everything brand new, so getting previously loved items from friends and family has been seriously amazing!
Q: Do you and your husband take shifts at night?
Adam is a really light sleeper, so when Lucy gets up in the night, he also stirs awake. He will usually take her to the living room for the diaper change and then brings her back for me to feed her in bed (side-lying is amazing for dream feeds if you can figure it out). Lucy is a champ and a really great nighttime sleeper, so this only happens once, sometimes twice a night.
Q: How is Reggie around Lucy?
From the get-go Reggie has been curious but cautious. He’s definitely warming up now though. This quarantine has actually really helped fast-track his comfort level with Lucy, as we’re all together, always. He’s licked her face a few times and cuddled with her twice, which is huge progress for the 6-week mark. Basically, he’s now acknowledging her. I think he just realizes that she isn’t going anywhere LOL.
Q: Do you have a nap/feed schedule?
Definitely don’t have a schedule since we stopped the 3 hr feed. I’ve been using an app to track feeds, diaper changes, and sleep and we just follow her cues. The only routine we have in place at the moment is an 8 PM bedtime. I look forward to a routine soon!
Q: How big is Lucy now?
Unfortunately, we haven’t weighed her since her second week. Once social distancing became protocol, our midwife appointments have been over the phone. We don’t own a scale (body positivity and all that) and I really don’t want to purchase one just for this. Lucy gained really well at first, so it’s not a worry. Trust me, she has absolutely been getting heavier! If I were to guess, I’d say she’s over 10 pounds? One friend on IG suggested we use a luggage scale to weigh her, which is a great idea! My parents have one, so we just have to drive out to their place to get it (they’ll leave it outside, of course).
Q: How’s your baby’s temperament? Fairly easy? Any colic?
Lucy is a gem! This first leap based on the Wonder Weeks app was challenging, especially in quarantine, but I think we’re out of it now. As babies do, she struggles with a lot of gas. Been trying different things and it seems to have improved slightly? Lucy is an amazing nighttime sleeper, but she’s not into sleeping in the day. Naps are short and sweet, she must have FOMO like her parents. Can’t win them all!
Q: How are you doing?
I’ll pretty much copy this one from my Instagram answer.
Mentally, I’m okay. As I shared with you guys, I had depression and anxiety in the first trimester that luckily tapered off in the second tri. I was in SUCH a good place postpartum and then when Covid-19 became a global pandemic, my anxiety came back. I’m feeling better lately, as I’ve been trying to change my mindset. Since they’re talking about this lasting into summer, I’m making plans on ways to cope in order to feel slightly more “in control” of the lockdown. We are VERY privileged in our situation, just wanted to be real about my mental health. I think we all have our own struggles in these unprecedented times, big and small.
Physically, I would pay good money for a massage right now. My stitches and stuff healed up really well, it’s my back that still hurts from labour and delivery. And now my neck and shoulders from breastfeeding and carrying this heavy baby. I should really get some Yoga with Adriene going again.
Update on this: A lovely follower messaged me to point out that I could purchase a neck massager to get some immediate relief. I went for this one on Amazon (I’ve been trying not to order online during the pandemic, but you guys, I was desperate) and it is worth every penny. It’s no RMT, obviously, but it’s pretty darn great.
Q: How has social distancing been with a baby?
Sometimes it’s hard. I’ve had to mourn some things. I’m sad that our families aren’t getting time with Lucy like we’d all envisioned. She is the first grandchild in my immediate family and the second on Adam’s side (but the first, her cousin/future BFF in Chicago, is only 7 weeks older than her). Some days I just wish that someone, ANYONE could hold her for even just an hour. I haven’t felt this motivated to write in years and now that I have this drive, I can’t really get anything done without outside help. It’s little things about being a new mom as well. Not pushing myself to be out and about with a new baby. I would have been running errands with her, going to restaurants, visiting friends and family, attending new mom meetups, etc. Just takes some time to adjust these expectations and embrace our new normal.
Overall, we are so lucky. We are healthy and together. I love that saying, “we aren’t stuck at home, we are safe at home.” As mentioned, I have been shifting my mindset and am in the acceptance phase of all of this. I’ve been planning for a few more months of isolation by rearranging the furniture in our living room to accommodate Adam working from home. We’re also going to clean up and refresh our patio space so that we have a welcoming outside space to use. It all seems insane at the moment, but I know I will look back on this time we’ve been able to spend together and be grateful. How unique for Adam to get all this extra time with Lucy.
To the questions about nursing bras and breastfeeding, I have two blog posts about each of those topics coming up soon! Actually, a bunch of these questions are posts I have in the works, so I will expand on some of these topics for sure.
It was a lot of fun chatting with you guys, will have to do another Q&A again soon!
From prenatal classes to massage and even yoga. These are the places in Vancouver that I went to during my pregnancy and postpartum.
They say it takes a village and I believe that starts even while you’re growing that little baby. There are so many ups and downs during pregnancy emotionally, but also physically. It’s important to take care of yourself as you grow a little human! I carried very low, which meant I faced a lot of pelvic pain and had to seek help to manage it. A happy tradeoff though, as I didn’t have much heartburn or kicks to the ribs with her settling so low for so long.
I had such great experiences throughout my pregnancy, I wanted to share where I went for a midwife, prenatal classes, massage, acupuncture, prenatal yoga, pelvic floor physio, and labour/delivery. In terms of postnatal care, please note that I am only a few weeks postpartum and will likely have more to add to this list as time goes on!
I live in East Vancouver, so I will say that most of the places mentioned are on this side of the city. I hope you still find this list helpful and if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below or shoot me an email.
Midwife Group Care at South Community Birth Program
The South Community Birth Program came to us highly recommended by many friends. Adam and I already see a Doctor at South Hill Family Health Centre, which is attached to SCBP, so it was really a no-brainer for us. We loved how medical-based the Midwife group is and we opted for their group care option. That included attending a monthly (and later on, bi-weekly) prenatal group/checkup with other couples who were due within a few weeks of us from 20 weeks onward.
I’ll admit that I was skeptical as things began about the group and sometimes wondered what was “so great” about it. Now that I’ve had a baby in the program, I can honestly say that they are the best of the best. The care and attention we received during labour and the support they offered us afterward is incredible. I love that they always have a midwife on rotation at the hospital, I knew we were in good and familiar hands as soon as we arrived. There was a nurse from SCBP at our place the first morning we got home to check on Lucy and I, and we’ve since been to a handful of appointments, so I have confidence that Lucy is doing well. I also love that they have lactation consultants readily available and you can book in as much as you need to! I’ve felt completely supported by the SCBP from the moment we arrived at the hospital, which has helped my mental health immensely.
The prenatal classes were informative enough, learning the science behind childbirth helped ease some anxiety, but I see now that it’s the connection with those people in the room that is far more important. We started a What’s App group chat with everyone, as well as a separate one for just the Mamas and as babies began to arrive, the chat became so important. You realize that we’re all in this newborn haze together and people are asking great questions and/or sharing helpful advice. I love that we can all be breastfeeding in the middle of the night and messaging, you just feel less alone. I appreciate everyone in the group so much and I don’t know what I would do without them!
They also offer a Doula program, where they match you with an amazing local Doula and we honestly couldn’t have done it without our Doula Shania. She knew what I needed even when I didn’t and was a calming presence while I laboured. She was friendly but very professional and I absolutely have her to thank for coaching me through pushing and for being a large part of how I was able to have the birth experience I’d hoped for.
Acupuncture at Acumamas in Olympic Village
Acumamas came highly recommended by the local women on Instagram. I was nervous, having never tried acupuncture, but Renee made me feel very comfortable. She also did some cervical softening acupuncture points at my last appointment and that, combined with walking and my sweep is definitely what I think jumpstarted my labour!
Prenatal Yoga at Uphoria Yoga
The timing couldn’t have been better, with Uphoria Yoga opening so close to me while I was pregnant. They largely focus on yoga for the family, including pre/postnatal, childcare, kids yoga, etc. The prenatal yoga instructor, Brenlie, is simply amazing! Her classes are incredibly insightful and give you a real sense of community with fellow expecting women in the neighbourhood. It was the perfect place to meet up with fellow pregnant friends from our SCBP class and beyond as well!
I have to say, Brenlie of Nurture Natal was actually extremely influential in my birthing experience. She always weaves in lessons and topics to do with childbirth into her classes, as well as faux contraction work, pelvic floor exercises, and plenty of helpful yoga poses. While I was in the throes of contractions, her teachings and mantras were repeating on a loop in my head and I was desperately hanging onto them like a lifeline. Her words gave me hope and comfort while I survived contraction to contraction. She always says that her goal is for women to have an empowered birth and it was definitely the case for me!
RMT Massage at Healing Tree and Acumamas
I already went to Healing Tree for RMT treatments, so it was an easy transition for me to get some prenatal massages there as well. I went for a slew of appointments at the end of 2019 to use up my health benefits and it was a real treat. Unfortunately for me, I needed some more appointments at the very end of my pregnancy because I was so sore those last weeks and was kicking myself for not pre-booking a bunch of appointments in anticipation of that. Hot tip for any pregnant ladies out there, book massage appointments the month leading up to your due date. You can always cancel if baby arrives early!
Luckily, Acumamas, where I already went for my acupuncture, offers specialized prenatal massage therapy. I was able to put myself on a waitlist and got an appointment before it was go-time. I desperately needed that massage and Cassidy was a very talented RMT!
Pelvic Floor Physico at The Cheerful Pelvis
I am SO glad I began my pelvic floor work while I was pregnant and that I consulted with Rachelle at The Cheerful Pelvis. She assessed me (I didn’t do an internal assessment, we’ll see how my recovery goes over the next month and where I’m at 6 weeks pp) and gave me really helpful exercises to help minimize my pelvic pain. I only had a few appointments beforehand, but she did provide me with information and a helpful document about perineal massage and what to expect postpartum and I look forward to our follow up next month.
For additional pelvic floor and postpartum work I love following Kim the Vagina Coach on Instagram. She has lots of great exercises, pelvic floor and pp advice, as well as fun pelvic floor challenges!
Labour and Delivery at Women’s Hospital
I also have to give a shoutout to Women’s in general. Every single nurse and staff member we interacted with at BC Women’s Hospital was incredible. Even when they were short-staffed and the admitting nurse was scrambling, she made sure to stop by, provide me with a bouncy ball and heat pack, and reassured us that we’d get a room soon.
We opted to stay over for a night and all the nurses who checked on us throughout the night and into the next day were incredibly helpful. My friend advised me to enlist as much help with breastfeeding as possible while in their care and I’m so glad I did! Every time I would demonstrate a feeding, each nurse had different tips and tricks and combined, Lucy and I learned what a good latch was and got some really solid practice. She eats like such a champ now!
What do you think, any places I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments below if you have something to add!
I’m so excited to introduce you to our daughter, Lucy Ryan Winnett. Born on February 22nd, 2020 at 11:40 am, weighing 7 lbs 6 oz.
Lucy means ‘light’ and she certainly has been a bright light in our lives already. Her middle name is after her cousin Ryan who we know he would have adored her.
So far she’s a mini Adam and my heart can’t handle it. A full head of blonde hair and blue eyes! I never would have guessed. We’ve been enjoying these first days and navigating the newborn haze, but I wanted to share some photos from the hospital. For a newborn photoshoot, we opted for a ‘Fresh 48’ session with Mads form These Days Photo and I am SO glad we did! Such special memories that I know I’ll always treasure.
The full birth story is on the way soon! It’s tough to find time to write it all out with a baby on one arm LOL. For now, here we are as new parents with our little Lucy.
Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible yoga bed and breakfast on Bowen Island, just an hour away from Vancouver!
This was a gifted stay with Nectar Yoga B&B, but as always, opinions and my obsession with Nectar, are my own.
I have such a special place in my heart for Nectar and the beautiful people who run it. Alex and I visited their original Bowen Island location back in September 2016 and had the most amazing few days away (I even made a vlog about it, you can watch that here). That had been my first yoga retreat and it was such a delight.
They’ve since moved to a larger piece of land and built a stunning upgraded Nectar 2.0. I swear you can feel the tension in your shoulders dissipate as soon as you turn down the gravel driveway. Their brand new location sits on 20 acres on beautiful Bowen Island and features various Instagram-worthy cottages, large Yoga Dome, a stunning main cabin/common area, walking trails, and an overall feeling of being in nature amongst the tall Pacific Northwest trees.
The Accommodations
The part that gets me, is how much love and time and energy went into building it by the owners themselves! I was blown away to learn how hands-on they were in building Nectar Yoga, talk about multi-talented. Pretty sure my marriage barely survived us building all our new IKEA furniture last month. We had to bring my brother in as a buffer LOL. The amount of thought and detail that has gone into the accommodation and overall experience is incredible. Even the email communication beforehand made packing for the retreat and getting to the island incredibly easy.
This time around, we stayed in the Quartz Cottage. It’s a gorgeous large A-Frame building closest to the Yoga Dome and had more than enough room for two of us. The beds were super comfortable, I swear I sleep better in a peaceful forest setting. The room was spectacular, it feels like a getaway, but with the comforts of home.
The Yoga
I cannot say enough great things about yoga at Nectar. Andrea is one of my favourite yoga instructors, and trust me, I’ve done a loooooot of yoga. She always seems to know exactly what you need in each class and provides the perfect mix of getting a sweat on, but also keeping you zen. The Yoga Dome also provides such a unique and memorable setting for your practice. If you stay for two nights as we did, you get 4 yoga classes total, along with morning and/or evening meditations. Andrea is also incredible at guided meditation, she revealed to us that she meditates for an hour nearly every single morning. Her calming energy and vast knowledge make your sessions with her extremely effective and restorative.
The Food + Main Lodge
We had the most delicious breakfasts! I am a vegetarian and allergic to eggs, so vegan food is ideal for me, which is exactly what Nectar offers. It was so lovely sitting down in the main lodge, getting to know the other guests over a drool-worthy vegan meal and fresh coffee. I’m still thinking about the grilled grapefruit with rosemary!
The main lodge is a new addition that the old location didn’t have and it’s such a perfect new feature. The lounge area is a great place to hang out in the afternoon if you’re not into exploring the rest of the island. We did our morning meditation there, as the dome was quite chilly that early, especially in January.
The overall experience was 10/10. If you’re into yoga or even the idea of a recharging local getaway, Nectar is a must. It’d be awesome as a reflective solo trip, bonding with a friend, partner, or small group, and if I worked at a company, I would absolutely suggest it as an option for a team retreat!
Also, I’m thinking of doing a guide to Bowen Island, would you be interested in that as well? Let me know in the comments below!
