Izzy & Ollie'z kid stuff blog

Telus Attacks

2010-11-18T14:33:00.000-08:00

Telus is freakin' EVIL! When we first opened our small shop 2 years ago, Telus was our only option for phone service. We grudgingly signed up even though we had some serious misgivings. In our experience Telus does not ever put their customers first so we wanted to use Shaw but were unable to get them in our area. So Telus it would have to be. We were paying alot of money each month for very little in the way of services ($70 simply because we were a business) so we continued to communicate with Shaw in the hopes that they would be able to accomodate us in the future.
Fast forward to 18 months later and we're in talks with Shaw to switch over when Telus emails us a new promotional offer, it was sent in PDF form and when we went to open the attachment it asked for a registration name. Thinking nothing of it because we have been in business with this "reputable" company for some time we typed in a name. Bear in mind that at this point we are unaware that this email is a new contract and we have not yet been able to view the terms and conditions of this new contract. The file fails to open and we get distracted by customers/kids/work whatever, now the email is forgotten and unread because it would not open or download. It has been forgotten, assumed that it was just junk mail anyway. Remember that we were planning to switch phone companies so we would NEVER sign a 12 month contract at this point, that would be stupid.
Fast forward another 4 months and we call Telus to cancel our phone service because we have decided to shut our doors only to be informed that we have recently signed a 12 month contract and in order to break the contract we would need to pay $380 - WHAT? We frantically go back through our records looking for a contract, a letter or anything with information. Nothing in our files... and we keep everything so we're totally stumped. Next, we try to get in touch with a rep from Telus to clear up what is obviously a huge mistake. Guess what Telus says:
By registering a name on the email (when we tried to open the file) we have in effect signed a 12 month contract, nevermind that we were uninformed and mislead. Too bad so sad.
Telus generously offered to cut the cancellation fee by 50% but we asked them to do better; to void the deal entirely as we were not aware of it. It seemed that it was the "friendly" thing to do. They responded by first refusing to call us back, then dodging our phone calls when we tried to get in touch and then finally (three days later) telling us that we could take the 50% off deal or they would prorate us 18 months back and charge us $900! They say without this promotional deal we would have been paying $96 a month which is absurd - believe me, we would NOT have been paying $96 a month for a one line phone with no voice mail, no call waiting, no business listing and no fax or internet. In fact someone named Marissa from the Vancouver office asked us: "Well, what would you do if someone tried to break a contract with you?" Our answer: Listen to their reason, assess the situation and do everything in our power to keep our customer happy. But thats just us.
So whos right here? We made a mistake by not following up on what we thought was just promotional junk but they are taking it too far.
Do you think Telus would fold because we closed our account and didnt pay a cancellation fee? Of course not, but by threatening us and throwing crazy charges our way they have lost even more customers for good. If you google Telus and cancellation fees and complaints the list is endless, this is their racket, and they dont care who gets hurt.
Please pass this blog post around so that other people can see it and hopefully learn from it.
In themeantime, we're going to tell everyone we know about this and begin consulting with our lawyer.

Still Here (for now)

2010-10-18T14:30:00.001-07:00

Hi Guys!
We just wanted to let you know that we are still operational for the next month. Starting Nov.1 we will have some really exciting sales events at the shop so stay on the look out for more news coming soon!

Healthy indoor environments

2010-09-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

Last week we got the carpet in the store cleaned by a new company called Healthy Indoor Environment which is operated by one of our consignors; Margaret Sherran.
Sherran's new venture has been something she has been thinking about for some time. She has been a professional cleaner for many years and over time had come to realize just how toxic and frankly, unnecessary most cleaning agents actually are.
Sherran uses a low moisture method when cleaning carpets and upholstery which means that the carpet is dry in about an hour. She uses no solvents or harsh chemicals. Her cleaners are plant based biodegradable and non allergenic.
We were thrilled, the carpet looks amazing and the shop even smelled better, that's because Sherran used high grade HEPA filters and dry vapor steam to remove allergens, pathogens, chemical vapors and gasses (!) safely.
For a free in home or business demonstration and estimate call:
(778)429-2212 or toll-free 1-877-429-2212.
All services including mattress sanitation are backed by a 90 day gaurantee.

Better Off Buying New

2010-08-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

We are asked, from time to time if we carry infant car seats and the answer is regrettably, NO. I say regrettably because we hate to turn people away from buying consignment. We firmly believe that it is a much more economical and green way to shop but alas, this does not apply to car seat sales. To clear this matter up I will offer a few points regarding our lack of car seats.

1- Car seats have expiration dates. If a seat is more than 6 years old you can rest assured; It has expired. This is to do with changing technology and outdated safety requirements. (Hint - car seats have stickers with this information on them)

2- When people want to consign items they usually wash them first (Yay - this is a good practise, wholeheartedly encouraged by us) However, if a seat's straps have been washed with a fabric softener the flame retardant's ability to do its job in the event of a fire is greatly diminished.

3-If a seat has been in a car that was involved in an accident it is very likely that the seat had sustained damage and its effectiveness in protecting your child is reduced. Even if you can't SEE any damage there could be microscopic fractures and stresses on the plastic. Car seats can also be weakened by changing seasonal temperatures in a car so even if it hasn't been in an accident, just the fact that its been used can be enough of a reason to look elsewhere for a deal.

4-You will want to have the seat's instruction manual as some seats can be a bit tricky to install and you'll want to be sure you've done it correctly. With consignment, quite often by the time people are ready to sell they have misplaced the manual.

5- The final reason we don't sell used car seats is the simplest: Our insurance doesn't cover it.

If you are worried about recalled car seats you can get information here:
Check for recall listings or public notices on the model by calling Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0371 or going to tc.gc.ca.

Sleepy Sale

2010-08-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

Its baaack! Time for our famous SLEEPY SALE once again!

All gender neutral sleepers, slippers and diaper shirts are only .50 each!

If you or someone you know is expecting, now is a great time to stock up on essentials!

Everything Nice

2010-08-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

What is the difference between boys and girls? Are girls really made of sugar and spice while boys were created using puppy dog tails? Are we fundamentally the same or are our differences more a matter of nurture over nature? Maybe its all to do with mothers. My children have the same two biological parents but their mothers are different.
Huh?
Well, I am mama to both bambinos but I mother them differently.
When my boy was born I was swept away in a tidal wave of love and the need to provide aggressive mama bear protection. He seemed so helpless and tiny. So new and fresh. So sweet and vulnerable. My heart aches when I think of him and his eventual departure from my embrace. He is my little man, a dude that I can mold into a lovely, strong, intelligent and creative person. When he hurts or feels pain I am beside myself with agony. I can’t keep my hands from caressing his head, his back, his feet. I am wrapped around his little pudgy finger.
With my daughter, my baby, my second and also last born child I felt slightly different. It took me awhile to figure out what those subtle differences were and what they meant to our relationship. Actually, I’m still adjusting my thoughts and feelings but this is what I have so far; Having a daughter has been a wild experience for me. I have wrestled with my fear of little girls and how that translates to my daughter. Being a former little girl myself, I am aware of how cruel girls can be. There is the unnerving ability to ostracise and humiliate one another that far too many young women develop. I will need to try to teach her the value of strong female friendships and that she mustn’t take them for granted or devalue them. There is the pressure that they put on one another and themselves to attain a level of beauty usually reserved for digitally enhanced supermodels. Then there is that very special time in a girl’s life, somewhere around the age of 14 when her mother becomes her enemy. This is what I am afraid of. I remember my own attitude during adolescence and the way I argued with my mother. I wonder how I will react when my own little princess tells me that she hates me and that I have ruined her life. The life that I have given her.
Based on absolutely no scientific or anecdotal evidence I have gotten it into my head that my boy will love me genuinely and wholeheartedly for his entire life while I am quite certain that at some point in her life my daughter will despise me and all that I stand for. I’m readying myself but I doubt I will ever be prepared for when that happens.
That being said; I also know how sweet and tender girls can be and I understand how girls have been getting a bad rap for as long as girls have been around. After all, some people would have us believe that Eve persuaded Adam into chomping that apple therefore invoking the wrath of an apparently vengeful God who has made us all pay for it ever since. Clearly Adam’s hands and conscience are clean because he was tricked, seduced by a woman.
Riiight.
I view my daughter less as a tiny little ward who needs my eternal care and protection and more as a new me. A bright and shiny version, a Gill 2.0 in a way. She is my vanity project I suppose. How she handles life and its unexpected adventures and her various relationships will reflect the work I have invested in her. I also think of her as a woman in the making and I feel very aware of what sort of hurdles and heartbreak she will face in her life. While she does need my loving care and attention every bit as much as her brother does, I also feel like its my job to prepare her for what is ahead. She is naturally stronger and tougher than he was because she will be a woman and we will hear her roar. However, I’m sure that the first time her heart is broken mine will break too.
Will I teach her to cook and clean? Yes, but I will teach him to do those things too. I want her to be able to throw a punch, a ball and a dinner party. I can’t wait to help her celebrate becoming a woman and telling her all my feminine secrets. I picture us whispering over steaming mugs of tea, day dreaming aloud about clothes and boys and career prospects while getting mother/daughter manicures. When her Aunt Flo comes to town for the first time I intend to take her out for a grown-up, fancy dress lunch somewhere with linen table clothes and multiple forks. Sometimes I think we will spend time in the forest under a full moon talking about how as women the moon rules our lives in a way neither of us will ever fully understand.
She will be cool and confident and in control or at least I hope she feels like she is some of the time. When she decides that I suck and we can’t find a way to get along and her eyes roll around in her head when I enter a room, I will temporarily back off and let her remember that I will always be here for her with a hug or an answer or a cup of tea.
My son may be my golden boy who shines like the sun and warms my heart with his special laugh and his yellow curls but my daughter is the other half of my full moon circle. I am a part of her and she is a part of me.
She is snuggled against my chest, curled into her sling and I peer down at her angelic face with her tiny, delicate features and I imagine that she will be my quiet child. The blue sky to my son who is a whirling tornado of energy. She is the one that will not require words to understand what our bond is. At least, that is my hope for her.

Ch-ch-ch-Changes

2010-07-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well here we are. At a crossroads. A turning point. A new beginning. New life equals new beginning.
Izzy & Ollie’z has reached a point that, for me, may be far enough.
For the last few decades women have been trying to find the balance between work and family. The women who paved the way for us had it really hard, they faced opposition not just from men in the workplace and at home but from the voices in their heads. Myself and other women of my generation have so much to be thankful for, grateful to those first brave workplace warriors. I am truly lucky that I only have to battle the voices in my head. It’s still a gory war though.
I know the mamas out there know what I mean when I say Mama Guilt is a strong thing. Deserving of capitalization. It drives you to be the best lullaby singer, the tastiest dinner chef and the most proficient monster chaser. It also encourages us to be incredible artists, businesswomen and public figures. We must do our best at whatever we do so that our sons and daughters can look up to us. Sometimes we are even called upon to contribute money to the household. This is just another straw on the camels back. How do we pay the bills, keep the house running, kiss the boo-boos, cook the food, get up for work in the morning and maintain a professional attitude throughout the day? All that, plus we’ve gotta look hot too?
I am so tired.
If you’ve been reading this blog for awhile you’ll know that we are “breast is best” folks but we don’t discriminate against bottle feeders either. Both things are hard to do at 3 am, especially when you have to be at work by 9. I have been trying to nurse my baby while at work because I am lucky enough to be able to bring her to work; Or because I am unlucky in the sense that I do not qualify for maternity benefits. Depends how you look at it. Let me tell you, nursing in front of strange women can be weird enough but add to that the stress of trying to sell them something while at the same time their husbands mill around trying not to make eye contact with me and you have a recipe for awkwardness! I have lost big sales because when my baby needs me I need to be there, sometimes at the expense of customers. It’s the best way I know how to mother an infant but a terrible way to run a retail business. If my boob is going to be out on display at work I think I’d like to get paid for it! No matter how many times I tell myself that folks will understand, its hard to feel professional with my nipple looking some stranger in the eye.
I am surprised at how quickly I began to resent having to choose between my flesh and blood baby and my brick and mortar baby. There is a vast difference between bringing to work an older baby who can be distracted by toys and a new baby who doesn’t give a hoot about playthings, unless that plaything is me. Then the flip side is trying to keep an older baby entertained for hours on end in a small space. Toddlers need to explore their worlds and when that world is only the size of a small sales floor and an even smaller stock room exploration can’t go on long enough to keep everyone happy.
When Bowie sang: “Don’t want to be a richer [wo]man… Just gonna have to be a different [wo]man” I’m sure he was talking about momprenueurs and the choices we have to make.
As I’ve been writing this post, my young son said to me: “I’ll stand behind you Mama.” To the casual observer he might have appeared to be talking about his location preference, but I suspect he meant that he supports my choice.
I am going to have to choose family and new opportunities that make lots of quality family time possible.
Stay tuned: Ch-ch-ch-changes are coming soon.
To be continued…

Water Fun

2010-07-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

When I saw this video (thanks to @SaltsClothing on twitter)all I could think was: Never, ever, EVER would I do this! Not for all the money in the world! But, I'm kinda a scardy cat...
For your little daredevil in the making Izzy & Ollie'z has TONS of water toys, life jackets and snorkels right now! What crazy stuff are your kids up to this summer?

A Great Place to Take the Family

2010-07-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

I am so totally in love with Port Renfrew and all it has to offer. The town is located at the very end of Highway 14 or smack in the middle of the Pacific Marine Circle Route. Known mostly for the fishing and of course hiking (Port Renfrew is the start of the West Coast Trail and the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail) you'll also find many other activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. For example; beach combing on Pacheedaht Beach, bird watching, kayaking, biking, tidal pool poking at Botanical Beach (don't actually poke the tidal pools, its not recommended) whale watching and of course the surf is becoming legendary here. Keep in mind, this is not Tofino so there aren't surf schools or board and suit rentals, that's up to you to take care of but the good news is that you wont have to pay Tofino prices or wait in Tofino traffic jams or line ups.
If you have youngsters with you there is a rock climbing wall at the playground which is located at the aptly named PARK in Lower Beach Camp, I highly recommend the yoga class on Cerantes Rd taught by Roslyn. All this info is available at the visitor info centre on the main drag if you can call it that. That's the beauty of this place; its simple, its small and the locals are friendly, there is fantastic food and great swell.
There are so many places to stay but if you are looking to park an RV or rent a cabin I'm a big fan of Salt River Cabins. http://www.bctravel.com/saltrivercabins/
Very quiet, very peaceful, its closer to the big beach than to the restaurants and a skip and a hop from the marina where you can easily charter a fishing guide.
On more than one occasion, I have seen Elk wandering around the property and hawks and Osprey flying overhead. Rates are reasonable and the area is well maintained and cared for.

How To Swaddle Your Baby

2010-06-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

Infant swaddling may not be a particularly common practise here in North America but it is a tradition in many cultures around the world. Parents have been using this technique to help soothe and calm babies for centuries.

We learned to swaddle when our son was just a couple of months old and would not settle down to sleep. By swaddling him, we created a snug, cozy environment similar to the womb that he had so recently vacated.

All babies have a natural startle reflex that often wakes them from sleep. They flail their tiny arms and legs and it startles them awake. To avoid this, the swaddle must be snug. Seriously snug. Baby's arms and legs need to be inside the wrapping and they should not be able to "break free", this is a safety thing. You don't want the blanket to ride up around baby's face because this could cause baby to overheat. Also if their arms are out, it is counterproductive as far as preventing the startle reflex.

Swaddling is also a fantastic way to calm a baby who has become over stimulated and cranky. Swaddling has been shown to reduce crying time in infants. In fact, in many countries where parents regularly swaddle their babies colic is virtually unheard of. For us, it was hard to get past the idea of our baby feeling restricted. I wouldn't want to be bound tightly, so why would he? Then it was put to us like this: Our baby spent months inside me, bound by the walls of my uterus. Total freedom may seem awfully scary not to mention breezy and cold. A swaddle provides comfort when done right. It is recommended that babies only be swaddled until about age 6 months and only to sleep from about 1 month on.

To properly swaddle a baby you will need a blanket bigger than the typical receiving blanket. It should be square shaped and made of cotton.

The first thing you'll do is fold down one corner of the blanket and lay baby with his shoulders on the crease and slightly off centre. Next, take the shorter side and wrap it around baby and secure under his back on the far side of his body, make sure you've tucked his arm in. The point at the bottom of the blanket will come up over baby's feet and tuck in behind his shoulder securing the second arm. The third point will bundle baby tightly and this is important; The blanket should wrap all the way around and get tucked into a fold in front of baby again.

Baby might struggle and push against the fabric a bit but rarely will a baby dislike the sensation of being swaddled once they are used to it and have figured out the limits of their cozy new sleep environment.

If one area of the wrap is going to be loose I would suggest that it be the feet, but you might find that your baby prefers to have his arms out, mine would just fling an arm out and wake up so we always bundled them in and he seemed fine with that too. You'll know when to stop swaddling because your child will either be able to wriggle out on their own or they will be kicking the covers off.

As I mentioned earlier, you'll need a larger square of fabric than the typical receiving blanket, don't worry, you can pick one up at Izzy & Ollie'z!

Maternity Clothes for Sale

2010-06-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

Are you pregnant? Are you looking for cute, great quality and reasonably priced maternity clothes? Yeah, I know how frustrating it can be. If you live in the Cowichan Valley you are probably having a hard time shopping for yourself. Not many shops sell maternity clothes any more. Winners? Nope. Wal-mart? Nope. Old Navy? Nope. If you have cash to spare you can outfit yourself at one of the sweet little boutiques in Duncan but if like me, you're on a never ending quest to save money you might only be able to treat yourself to something small. This is where Izzy & Ollie'z can step in to save the day! We recognize that being pregnant doesn't mean giving up your sense of style or that you need to alternate between two or three outfits only. We have tons of maternity clothes in a wide range of sizes and styles to suit every need.

we are getting new stuff in all the time so there is always something new to see. Stop in and check out our maternity "department" today!

Seeking Strollers

2010-06-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

We need to amp up our supply of strollers at Izzy & Ollie'z. We are looking for good quality, gently used or new clean strollers. All styles are welcome; single, double, umbrella, jogger etc.
If you and your child have outgrown your stroller(s) and you're interested in selling, please call us at 250-749-3229, email at izzyandolliez@gmail.com or simply stop by.

Father's Day 2010

2010-06-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 20 is Father's day in Canada. All over the country kids are gluing glitter to homemade cards, building birdhouses and wrapping up ties and cuff links or BBQ equipment or golf balls.

At Izzy & Ollie'z we would like to propose another idea. Rather than kids spending all their hard earned allowance on something for Dad, why not try your hand at creating a gift specially for him?
Here are some of our favourite ideas:

Pencil Holder
You will need: A clean tin can, old magazines, glue, construction paper and coloured paper.
How to: Cut words and images from the magazines that best describe your Dad and how you feel about him. Cut a piece of construction paper to fit your can and glue it on. Glue the clippings from the magazines to the construction paper. Get creative and fancy!

Dad Rocks Picture Frame
You will need: A camera, card stock, coloured pencils and glue
How to: Take a picture of yourself or your family. Cut out a frame from the card stock and fit it around the photo. Decorate as you see fit.

King Dad Crown
You will need: cardboard, aluminum foil, construction paper, glue and glitter glue, newspaper, scissors and foam letter stickers.
How to: Using a strip of newspaper measure the inside of one of dad's hats to determine the size of his head. Then take that measured strip of newspaper and use it to get a long enough piece of cardboard, if necessary glue cardboard pieces together to create enough length. Cut another strip of newspaper about 5 inches tall and then fold it in half. Fold in half again and continue to do so until you have a piece about 2 inches wide. Cut a "V" into the top of the short end and when you open it you will have a pattern for a crown. Use the pattern to trace the crown onto the cardboard and cut out. Cover the crown in aluminum foil.
Cut out jewel shapes from the construction paper to glue onto your crown. Using the foam letters spell out "King Dad" or a similar title and glue on. Once the glue has dried you can staple (get help from a grown up) the ends of the crown together. Now you can present Dad with his crown.

If none of these ideas appeal to you you can always pop in to Izzy & Ollie'z and pick up an "I Love Dad" photo frame or a "Daddy's Girl" t-shirt to wear on the big day!

Recall Info

2010-06-05T07:42:00.001-07:00

A new recall has been issued that will affect millions of promotional Shrek 3 glasses that have been sold at McDonald's in the last month. The glasses have been painted with paint that contains a highly toxic substance called Cadmium. Cadmium, as you may recall was also the culprit behind the Miley Cyrus jewellery recall at Wal-mart recently. It is a terribly toxic ingredient used to make batteries among other things. If you have any of these glasses in your house immediately stop using them and return them to McDonald's for a refund.

Somewhere in my sleep deprived brain there is a rant about children's toys and items being manufactured with toxic paint and how we unfortunately need to be so suspicious and vigilant about not buying into this crap for our kids... But I had a baby 4 days ago so I'm going to let it go for now because I'm sure you all feel the same way - disgusted and fed up with big business selling out our kids just for profit.

Mans Best Friend? My Best Friend?

2010-05-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

Today I am tired. I was awake last night from about 2:30 to just after 3am. It had nothing to do with my toddler and nothing to do with my huge pregnant belly, which does wake me up a couple of times a night anyway. It did, however, have everything to do with my dog, Lu. Lu was sleeping on our porch last night. He can't get off the porch because it has a gate so its a perfect place for him on warm spring nights. There must have been a bear or a deer in the yard because he began whining to get out and that's what woke me.
I finally let him inside only to have him pace up and down the hardwood floors with his nails click-clicking. Then he began to lick himself and I just couldn't take it anymore. He was banished to the basement for the remainder of the night, but by this point I was so riled up it took me ages to fall asleep again.
There is a point to this post; Ever since I had my first child I have found slowly but surely that there is less room in my heart for pets. Anyone else feel this way? Show of hands people... I can't be the only one.
I find that I spend so much time and energy on my toddler, my pregnancy, my business, my house and my hubby that when the dog starts prancing at my feet and the cat starts meowing for attention all I can think is that they would be better off somewhere else. I hate the fur that accumulates on my carpet or in the corners of the wood floor.
I hate the extra expense that these animals are suddenly costing me. Lu in his ninth year of life can now only consume the $80-$100 dog food or else his skin gets all red and rashy. My cat has developed allergies that require expensive injections from a vet. A vet who is a 20 minute drive down the highway which is an impossible mission with Houdini-Cat. She can get out of any carrier, usually when we've hit the 100km section and then she runs around the car, terrified until she finally explodes in poop. Its awful. I hate that trip.
I hate that when the cat food dish is empty they run around my feet until I either trip over them or accidentally kick them.
I hate that I don't completely trust them alone with my child (You should never leave a baby or toddler alone with a dog).
I hate that at the end of a long work day I have to get dinner on the table, Oliver needs a bath and some Momma time and then usually its time to start winding down for bed, but oops, the dog needs a walk. I am so tired right now that his walk usually consists of me shoving him out in the backyard and then feeling guilty about it. What can I say, I'm something like 11 months pregnant, still working and my hubby is away at work on the mainland. Something has to give and its usually the dog.
Sometimes Lu just sits and stares at me, its really creepy and irritating, I hate that too.
I hate the throw up that happens when one of them eats too much grass.
You know what I hate the most though; the sound of licking. Licking and scratching. It drives me insane. It sickens me beyond anything else. I don't care what body part is getting licked, be it foot or crotch. I really, really hate it.
There once was a time that I loved these animals, that I welcomed them into my life, my house. I would even go so far as to credit Lu with introducing me to my hubby. If it weren't for Lu, we may not have met. Now, I want him out.
The thing is, I don't think I have the cojones to actually follow through with my ever increasing threats of disownment. So what do I do? Who knows how long these beasts will continue to live, I can't believe that I am even writing those words but I must admit, sometimes I think to myself that life would be so much easier if they just slipped away...
Since I can't face giving them away and I would never actually be able to hurt them I will have to simply tolerate them and try to be as nice and loving as possible. I do want to leave you with this thought though. If you or anyone you know is considering getting themselves a furry friend I think an important question to ask is: How long will these creatures be lovable? I didn't have babies when I got my pets and I had no idea how much I would later resent them. Just something to think about...

Johnson & Johnson Recalls

2010-05-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

Its deja vu for Johnson & Johnson. For the second time in 2010 the company has had to issue a recall of its products. This time the recall mostly affects children and infant Tylenol, Zyrtec and over the counter cold and flu medicines.
"McNeil Consumer Healthcare is initiating this voluntary recall because some of these products may not meet required quality standards. This recall is not being undertaken on the basis of adverse medical events. However, as a precautionary measure, parents and caregivers should not administer these products to their children. Some of the products included in the recall may contain a higher concentration of active ingredient than is specified; others may contain inactive ingredients that may not meet internal testing requirements; and others may contain tiny particles. While the potential for serious medical events is remote, the company advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use."
-McNeil Consumer Healthcare
I will include a link to the total product recall list as it is far too long to include here. Consumers are urged to discontinue use immediately and contact the company for further instructions.
In the meantime, what should parents give their children in place of Tylenol or Zyrtec?
*The following advice does not come from a medical professional and as always you should check with your health care provider before using any new medications.
If you are giving Tylenol or Motrin to reduce pain from teething, consider using a homeopathic instead. Izzy and Ollie both benefited from Hyland's Teething Tablets which are available at most health food stores and pharmacies. One to four tablets can be administered at any time and they melt instantly on the tongue. In my personal experience, these worked just as well as Tylenol for restlessness, irritability and pain due to cutting teeth.
For fevers doctors commonly suggest acetaminophen, look for it from any other company or try something different such as strongly brewed elderflower of peppermint tea. Serve several cups until the fever breaks, you can also freeze these into Popsicles for a frozen treat. Offer lots of drinks to help the child stay hydrated and use products such as Emergen -C.
If your child takes Zyrtec, which is is an antihistamine that reduces sneezing, itching and runny nose a possible alternative would be nasal irrigation. Nasal irrigation offers these great benefits; reduces swelling and increases airflow in the nose, clears allergens and irritants thereby reducing their impact and it clears mucus from the nose. With younger children and babies you no doubt used a nasal bulb aspirator (or snot sucker). Well, break that out again! Quick and easy if a little yucky, it gets the job done.
Calamine lotion is fantastic for itches and frankly, much less scary than a medicine chock full of hard to pronounce ingredients... Just sayin'.
Do you have any home remedies that you use? If so, please tell us about them in the comments section. For now, here's the link to the recall list so check it out then go clean out your medicine cupboard.

http://www.mcneilproductrecall.com/page.jhtml?id=/include/new_recall.inc

Little Tikes Basketball Hoop

2010-04-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

Perfect for summer fun!
Only $14.99
Call, email or drop by today!
250-749-3229
izzyandolliez@gmail.com
84 South Shore Rd. Lake Cowichan

Moxibustion and Acupuncture

2010-04-22T14:12:00.000-07:00

This morning I had an appointment with Kim Cooper of the Natural Harmony Clinic just outside Lake Cowichan (www.naturalharmonyclinic.com). She is an acupuncturist with lots of experience dealing with pregnant women and children. Her clinic is clean, comfortable and quiet. Kim had me fill out some forms detailing my health history and then asked me to lie down. She looked over my forms and asked me some questions, I really got the sense that she was paying attention and looking for ways to help me.
She began by inserting 2 needles (disposable) into the top of my feet between my second and third toes. Then she added two more to the outside corners of my elbows. These points are meant to help diffuse some of the heat in my chest and reduce my heartburn. I don't get nauseated often, but I do get unyielding, unrelenting, esophagus melting heartburn from day 1 to the end.
Then she showed me how to light the Moxa rolls as I will need to be able to continue this practice at home twice a day until baby turns. For 15 minutes she held the lit end of the thick rolls which look not unlike liquorice cigars, very close to the outsides of my little toes. The point to look for is the outer corner of the little toenail. The heat was soothing and nice, but inexplicably I had an urge to jerk my foot to the side risking a nasty burn. I don't know why, luckily I had the foresight to know not to do this.
After a few minutes of small talk and soothing heat Sprout began to move around. I didn't feel any majors changes or indicators of a head down repositioning but it was a pleasant experience and I will have no problem repeating it at home. Plus, Sprout moving around leads me to think that perhaps we're onto something here!

WANTED: Outdoor Toys

2010-04-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, this is just a quick note to remind everyone that with warm weather coming we are looking for lots of outdoor toys for the shop. This includes things like climbers, little basketball hoops, ride on cars, tricycles and bicycles and swings. If you have anything like this and your interested in consigning with us please drop in or give us a call at 250-749-3229!
We need lots of stuff because anytime outdoor stuff does come in, it goes out again really fast!

The New Hula Hoop Craze

2010-04-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

When is the last time you slung a hula hoop around your hips? I think for me, it was elementary school P.E. class...

Well, look out guys 'cause Hooping or Hoopdance is back! Its a bit different than how you may remember it though, hoops are heavier, fancier and sometimes can even shoot flames! The new hoops are often made from polyethylene tubing and covered in fabric, or have LED lights inside. They are sometimes collapsible making for easier travel, and can come in a variety of sizes to suit all body shapes and trick producing needs.

Its important to get a hula hoop that is the right size for you. A child sized hoop will not work for an adult intent on learning new tricks or getting a great workout.
What's the right size? Try this: Stand with your hoop in front of you. The general rule of thumb is that a hoop should be between stomach and nipple height, although some compensation should be made for your waist size, too. General rule of thumb: The bigger you are, the bigger the hoop should be. Larger hoops will rotate slower, making getting started easier. Smaller than that will make the hoop rotate faster, which is more challenging, but also better for doing tricks and exercising according to Hooping.Org
Hooping is a fantastic form of exercise that really works your core and can help you target and isolate areas like your thighs or biceps.

Caution: Hula Hooping can cause bruising. Izzy's mom who is a new but enthusiastic Hooper can attest to this. She has shown me multiple blue and purple splotches on her hips, calves and even her hands! She says it all worth it though and I've read that as people get better at Hooping they eventually develop a sort of serpentine way of moving and thus the impact of hoop meeting body is less likely to cause injury.

The band The String Cheese incident http://www.stringcheeseincident.com/ is most often credited with bringing sexy back to Hula Hooping. This band has been throwing hoops into their audience for years and often incorporate showy Hoopdance into their concerts, suddenly Hoopers were showing up at underground dance parties and raves and even at Burning Man, now you can find Hoopers performing with the Cirque du Soleil shows Alegría, Quidam and Wintuk. The Cirque show Zumanity features hoop performer and aerialist Julia Kolosova. On youtube.com you can find all manner of Hooping videos. Here's one you can enjoy now:

Turning Breech Babies

2010-04-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

At my last midwife appointment it was discovered that "Sprout" is still in a heads up position. Normally, this wouldn't be cause for concern but I am now 33 weeks + 3 days along. Babies usually begin to turn between 28 and 32 weeks and I've heard that a baby that hasn't turned by 34 weeks is a lot less likely to do so on their own. Baby needs to get into position soon. If not, at 36-37 weeks my midwife will attempt an external version. This is a procedure where they try to manually move or turn the baby from the outside of my abdomen. It can be quite uncomfortable (I've heard it "friggin' hurts!") Sometimes it even leaves bruises and can sometimes lead to spontaneous rupture of the membranes (water breaks), placenta or cord damage. That's why they wait until baby is full term before attempting this. Failure to turn a breech baby can result in what I consider a scary vaginal birth or an even scarier Cesarean birth... (Note; that is not a dig or attack on anyone who choose a Cesarean or had to have one for emergency reasons, I'm calling it a scary option because to my mind, it quite simply is.)
Being a take action kinda girl I have been reading up on various tricks and techniques to help Sprout out. In case you or someone you know finds themselves in a similar position I will share these tips with you here. Remember that at this point in a pregnancy it is also a good idea to begin trying to coax baby into a backwards facing position as well. When baby leaves the birth canal facing forward, mom experiences a labour that is often up to 50% more painful and much longer too. To coax baby into an ideal position, remember to practise great posture, no slouching on the couch and try to do some yoga moves like the cat stretch where you are on all fours and you alternate between a relaxed spine and a rounded spine.
Okay, back to flipping babies. Here are some very simple and easy to do at home tricks. Most of these are pretty effective especially if you're not full tern yet;

1- Pelvic Tilts. Lie on the floor and prop your hips up with cushions so that your hips are elevated about 12 to 18 inch's. Hang out for a while.

2- While you're hanging out on the floor, have Dad or anyone talk to the bottom part of your belly. Familiar voices can sometimes encourage baby to head south. Remember the speaker should be closer to your pelvic bone than your belly button (Talk through the door not the window). You can play music through headphones down there too, that is said to work as well.

3- Massage. With one hand at the top of your abdomen and another at the bottom, slowly move your hands in a clockwise pattern, pair this with visualizing your baby turning and the power of positive thinking/touch just might do the trick!

4- Headstands. Can you do a headstand? Can any heavily pregnant lady do a headstand? If you're at the pool you can! Grab a friend to hold your legs and start doing some fancy (but not too fancy 'cause seriously Lady, your pregnant) upside down moves.

5- Flashlights. Shine a light at the bottom of your belly or start at the top but use it to guide baby downward. Everyone likes bright, shiny things right? Well, babies often do!

6- Hot & Cold. A bag of frozen peas will do more than just feed you. Place it at the top of your uterus and chase baby down and away from the chill. Maybe you could have a nice hot water bottle waiting just above your pelvis to greet him or her.

7-With your midwife or doctor's OK you could try taking Pulsatilla. A homeopathic that has been used for centuries to turn breech babies. It doesn't taste like medicine, actually, it tastes like sugar, yum.

8-Speaking of sugar, sometimes a glass of O.J. is all you need to kick start baby into action. Drink one down then try to encourage movement with one of the above techniques.

~For these next options you will need to leave the house~

9-Acupuncture. Finding a practitioner experienced with expectant moms is crucial.

10- Chiropractor. Seek out an experienced Chiropractor who is familiar with something called the Webster Technique. It is said to be effective 30% of the time. Here is a video showing you what you could expect:

For kicks lets look at a video of an external version as well:

In case you're wondering how things are going for Sprout, we've actually seen some progress. The first night I spent some time with my hips up high while my husband chatted and coaxed Sprout from my pelvic region. I began taking Pulsatilla 8x a day as well and that night baby went from heads up to head on my left side, kinda like (s)he is in a hammock. I have another ultrasound coming up to verify Sprout's position and once we've done that we'll decide if we need to see any other specialists. For now though, the homeopath and tilting route seems to be working wonders. Oh yeah, I also massage my belly periodically throughout the day - it feels nice and I think that many pregnant ladies do this subconsciously anyway.
I have also been told over and over that many second and third babies tend to turn later in pregnancy so I'm feeling a little calmer about the whole thing.
I hope this post helps anyone out there who might be in the same situation, if you have any other tips to share please do so in our comments area!

Weighty Issues

2010-04-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

Have you seen any of these magazines in your supermarket lately? Maybe its because I am about to give birth at the start of bathing suit season in a town that revolves around water activity in the summer, but I am noticing this message everywhere!

"Its great to have a baby but the sooner you drop the weight the better off you'll be!"

Ugh, like I need any more pressure right now!
I get it, these women make their living from their "image" and that image needs to be svelte, slim and trim. I make my living from my image in a different way, I need people to like and respect me, but it doesn't really matter what they think about my body... Having said that, lets be frank here. I grew up in a time when celebrity worship was going insane... I spent my formative years pouring over Seventeen and YM magazine, then those were replaced by Cosmo and then Elle and Vogue. I love these magazines but thankfully, I know that as a mere mortal I am not expected to look like Gisele. Not all of us realize this though.

However, I can't help but feel badly for these celebrity women who are pushed and goaded into what is quite possibly a dangerous way of life. Ok, VERY possibly dangerous, even with all the experts and personal trainers that money can buy, having to shed ALL the baby weight in a matter of 3 months sounds like torture. When did these women get to hang out with their babies? How did they master breastfeeding and sleep deprivation? It was weeks before I could leave the house without feeling raw and exposed in a new born kinda way after O was born. It was at least a month before I was able to carry on any type of intelligent or insightful conversation and then only about such topics as poop stains and whats on TV at 3 am.
The thought of attempting to lose the weight that quickly never passed through my addled mind. I assumed it would come off the way it went on; slowly and continuously. That is how it happened, Oliver was 7 months old when I finally dropped that last pound. I was happy, yes, but probably not as "happy" as these gals. I had a lot less riding on it then they do.

Its really important for new moms to understand that gaining weight is a natural part of pregnancy. Your body will change, some times for the better after having a baby and sometimes in ways you don't really like. Get used to it and get over it.

If you are really hell bent on getting back into shape asap there are a few sure fire tricks and tips I've picked up over time:

1- Breast feed. Seriously, breastfeeding burns up to 500 extra calories a day!

2- Take baby out for a walk every day. You'll burn calories and probably find its a great way to soothe a fussy baby, plus fresh air is like a sleep drug to most kids - knocks 'em right out!

3- Eat lots of fruit and veggies. Fibre is so good for you and keeps things moving along in a timely manner...

4- Water, water and more water. Flush it all out of your system and fight bloating. Bottoms up ladies. Plus if your breast feeding you'll probably find you're really thirsty anyway.

5- If you can, try not to gain excessive amounts of weight during your pregnancy to begin with. 25 to 35 lbs is the recommended weight gain for most women. Of course its tough to stay in that bracket, but don't fret if you go over, just make sure you stay away from processed, sugary foods and you'll be fine. You don't want that crap in your system anyway and some studies suggest that unborn babies that are exposed to these foods might face weight issues later in life. Do your baby a favour and start them on a healthy nutritious path right away.

Next time you see one of these magazines with its siren call of diets that work fast and don't leave you curled up in hunger induced agony just keep walking and maybe raise your fork at dinner in a toast to the poor unfortunates who need to submit to self torture for our entertainment. Then be glad its not you!

Pink Shirt Day 2010

2010-04-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, April 14th you’ll have a great excuse to wear a bit of pink; It is the third annual Pink Shirt Day in Canada. Pink Shirt Day is a way to show your support for the anti-bully movement. A way to say “we’ve had enough, bullying will not be tolerated any more”.

The movement was started by two grade 12 students in Nova Scotia. David Shepard and Travis Price got wind of a boy in grade 9 at their school who was harassed for wearing a pink shirt the first day of school. They went out and bought 50 pink shirts then emailed all their friends about their idea. They called their campaign the Sea of Pink. The next day, they handed out the pink shirts and found that many more kids had heard their plan and come to school dressed in pink already. That was the last that anyone has heard from those bullies. Now it is an annual event through Nova Scotia and much of Canada.

This is an incredible example of how one simple act can snowball and generate much excitement and change. Since then the movement has taken on a life of its own, with schools across Canada getting in on it and encouraging students to wear anything pink on the designated day. Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has expressed interest in the story and there are multiple websites and facebook pages devoted to the issue. This year, the Boys and Girls Club of Canada has decided to lend their support and organizers expect more partners in the future, hopefully making this one of the largest anti-bullying movements in North America.

The colour pink is generally thought to signify gentleness and new birth, both very fitting examples of what these kids are trying to achieve with their stand against bullying. Let’s start anew and erase old stereo-types to embrace a happier, healthier attitude in our community.

Easter's Power Outtage

2010-04-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 2 2010 was a day that saw some of the stormiest weather the central and south island has seen all year. We woke that morning to a dim light provided only by the sun which was battling to pierce through the thick clouds.

Lake Cowichan residents lost power at approximately 6 am that morning. Like most of us, I quickly decided that the morning coffee ritual was too important to skip so I packed up my toddler and we went in search of caffeine and breakfast. We drove through the quiet, windswept downtown to the grocery store. At 8 am the deli was bustling. Coffee was brewing and muffins and doughnuts were displayed tantalizingly on glass cake stands. It seemed that half of Lake Cowichan was there in the semi dark, sipping mugs of hot coffee or tea and discussing the weather. Ollie and I choose what we thought were blueberry muffins (turned out to be chocolate chip - but what the hey it kinda felt like a special day!) and sat down at a table to enjoy our breakfasts.

I quickly realized that there was no place I would rather have been. While cold rain alternated with hail and a gusting wind rattled the windows we sat inside, warm and happy as we watched the line up at the counter grow. I noticed that the people working on the other side of the counter were cheerful and friendly despite the long line and the nuisance of having to work with very limited power.

People stopped by our table to say hello or chat with Ollie who had brought along his collection of little frog toys and was busy charming everyone within 20 feet of us.

The whole time I was silently congratulating myself on having picked such a friendly, happy community to raise my child in.

When Patty from the bakery came over to take Ollie off to find a cookie I took the opportunity to call my mom in the next town over to see if she had power. It turned out that she did (thank goodness because I was at a bit of a loss as to how to entertain him all day in the dark!) so when Ollie got back with his monster sized cookie we decided to hit the road and free up our table for someone else to use.

As we drove along I saw that crews were already out clearing debris from the roads. Power was restored around 8 pm and life went back to normal, but the positive experience from the morning stayed with us all day.

Policemen are Your Friends - You can Trust Them...

2010-03-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

The video above is a short clip, taken by a by-stander in Victoria a few days ago. We don't know much about this incident; why these guys are being arrested, who they are, who the cops are etc. It has been reported that the officers are responding to a bar fight, but its important to note that the victim of the crime is not pressing charges against these men. I think its plain to anyone who watches it that this is EXCESSIVE and could easily be labeled as police brutality.

I have always been of the school of thought that they will give a badge and a gun to anybody. I think that psychological evaluations are just as important as basic physical training when it comes to new police recruits. We don't want someone with anger problems, drug problems or authority issues to be out on the street trying to be large and in charge. That helps no body.

The point I want to make about this video is that obviously these officers don't have any respect for the guys that they are attacking and yes, I do think attack is the right term here. We're supposed to teach our children to trust the police, to turn to them for help... I would be horrified if my son were one of the boys in this video. Police officers work for us; The citizens, the tax payers, the home and business owners. We employ them to protect our property and our families. Especially our families. When was the last time you felt that you could turn to your friendly patrol officer to help you find your lost purse? Do you think that if your teen-ager had too much to drink at a party and needed to get home, they could flag down a cruiser and expect actual help? No. Victoria police are notorious for abusing kids who have been "up to no good". Remember Willow Kinloch who in 2005 was a 15 year old taken to the drunk tank in Victoria and once there was imprisoned, bound by her ankles to a door knob with her arms handcuffed behind her. Why the excessive force? She was a kid, she was tiny little girl who apparently needed two full grown men (Const. Brian Asmussen and Const. Ryan O'Neil) to "subdue" her when she resisted being imprisoned. A jury at a civil trial agreed that these two men were out of line and had violated Kinloch's rights and falsely imprisoned her. More recently a 15 year old boy was picked up for violating his curfew after a mischief charge. He kicked out at the officers (yes plural) who decided that for their own safety they should taser him. When he kicked the inside of the cruiser door (gasp, how did they escape injury?) they tasered him AGAIN - in the chest. Since when does a 135lb boy present such a challenge to multiple officers that they need to resort to such extreme measures? The boy's lawyer says that his client is too scared to file a complaint as he fears police retaliation. A fantastic lesson was obviously learned by this young man. Don't trust the cops. Back in 2004 a motorcyclist who had pulled over for police was run over and killed by a 10 year veteran of the Victoria police department. Wow, he must have been a really bad guy to have the cops so scared of him they couldn't leave their cruiser to approach him. For the record, he was a suspect in a b & e. In 2008 a young man was left permanently brain damaged after being picked up for the heinous crime of public drunkenness. A video captured Const. Greg Smith forcibly throwing the young college student to the floor of a concrete cell while his hands were cuffed behind his back, leaving him unable to defend himself.

I am so thankful that the Victoria Police are cleaning up the riff raff and making this city a safer place for all of us. I'll be sure to encourage my children to feel comfortable in approaching these men and women who have swore to protect us.

Homeschool Community in Lake Cowichan

2010-03-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

(This article was originally printed in the March 23rd edition of the Lake Cowichan Gazette http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/lakecowichangazette/community/88885137.html)

For those of us who know nothing or very little about home school and in honour of education week I’ve done a bit of digging into this “alternative” option that is gaining popularity all over North America. Here is a run down:

Currently in British Columbia there are about 40,000 students enrolled in home school or distance learning programs. What is home school? How does it work? In a nutshell; While home school curriculum is the parent’s responsibility, students must still be registered at a school (public, francophone or independent) in the province by September 30th of each year. It is important to note that parents who wish to home school their children but fail to register them in a school are committing an offence according to the BC Ministry of Education. The principal of a school where children have been registered to be taught at home is obligated to offer evaluation and assessment services in order to determine educational progress as well as the use of educational resources. It is the right of the parents to accept or refuse either offer. A home schooler’s syllabus need not follow the provincial curriculum or outcomes if the parents decide against it.

A student in a distance learning program such as Self Design Learning Foundation, is taught by his or her parents but also has a teacher and his or her studies are subject to inspection by the Ministry of Education and are expected to meet provincial standards.

There are numerous resources available for home schooling parents to take advantage of and in Lake Cowichan we actually have a rather large community of students being taught happily and successfully by their parents. There are support groups in Duncan for local families and the BC Home Learner’s Association has a fantastic website with lots of answers to all queries from the legalities of home school to the best places to find new resources.

So why would a parent decide to teach their child at home? There are advantages to home school that appeal to many parents. Whether it has to do with wanting to make your family’s religion a central part of education or to instil a moral belief system that better suits your family. Parents are in the unique situation of being able to have more control over their children’s environment and moral and learning development when they decide to home school. Sometimes the reasons are as simple as seeing our public school system as lacking or overburdened already. In a traditional classroom setting a child rarely has the opportunity to learn much faster than the slowest child in that class, at home you can set the pace together; choosing projects that spark an interest and joy in learning. Bullies are non-existent in the home setting and so is the pressure to conform. Some would say that the socialization that naturally occurs during our school years is missing but when I asked parents of home schooled students about that they all assured me that their children still went to play dates, participated in sporting events and attended extracurricular activities like music class or youth groups where they have plenty of opportunities to meet and socialize with other kids. The difference is just that gossip, emphasis on class, sexualisation, fashion and general coolness or lack there of is minimized at home, the focus being on studies instead.

A survey report conducted in 2008 by Learning Is For Everyone found that 80% of the families it surveyed were home schooling for non-religious reasons. One parent is quoted as saying: “My lovely, caring, sweet boy was turning into a dark angry monster from daily negative feedback from staff and peers. My daughter is dyslexic and wasn’t bothering to learn spelling because they didn’t mark off for it because she was dyslexic” Another said: “The public school lifestyle was too fast paced for our family. We got the crumbs of our daughter, what was left after a tiring day. She was grumpy and tired most of the time, and didn’t have time to do all the activities she wanted to do.” This conflicts with a recent AP article entitled Top Homeschool Text Dismisses Evolution which sent anti-home schoolers into a tizzy by claiming that many parents choose to home school based on religious standpoints. It seems there are as many different and diverse reasons for choosing home school as there are families involved, so another important question to ask is: Are home schooled students accepted into higher education institutions? “Many colleges and universities actively pursue home schooled students because of their self-motivation, maturity, creativity, and independent thinking skills. There are also many ways to enter universities or colleges.” - BC Home Learners’ Association.

The list of home school alumni is remarkably impressive with names like Agatha Christie, Ansel Adams, Albert Einstein, Florence Nightingale, Leonardo Da Vinci, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Walt Whitman, Whoopi Goldberg, Serena and Venus Williams and even the hugely popular Jonas brothers among many others.

So now you can add another option to the list of ways to educate your kids.

Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price

2010-03-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

This week only....
All PJs and Diaper Shirts are buy 1 & get another for half price*

*Equal or lesser value

Scary Mom Face

2010-03-17T16:06:00.001-07:00

Do you have a Scary Mom Face? This is the face you make when you mean business, when you are SERIOUS. When there is no more mucking about, you WILL instigate a time out/take that toy away/unplug the TV etc.

When did you realize that this was your scary face and by that I mean, when did you stop testing new facial expressions to see which one best conveyed your point?

I am the mother of a very rambunctious but for the most part well behaved little two year old boy. He is generally observant of the laws that I lay down, but has recently begun to test the limits. He does so with humour and excitement, its a game to him. However, I am 29 weeks pregnant and TIRED. It is not a game to me. I want to be a mom who can, with a single look silence a grating whine, stop a trespassing toddler or put the kibosh on colouring on the wall.

A couple of days ago I was attempting to be the boss and was nearing my wits end. I realized that arguing my point was futile and I needed to put my foot down. I thought maybe I could get my way by looking at Ollie and telepathically sending him the message that I had had enough. I figured he would get my drift when he saw my face which was flushed, slightly bug-eyed with my jaw set so tight you couldn't pry it open with a crowbar. As he stared at me in shock and wonder perhaps trying to figure out a new game plan for himself, I thought a slight head tilt would drive my point home. Unfortunately, it came across more like a chicken when she jerks her head to the side looking for bugs. It was an angry and quick motion, so I tried to fix it, but over corrected the other way. Now I looked ridiculous... and Ollie knew it. He giggled. The battle was lost. My only recourse was to remind him of what I wanted and then pick him up and suggest quiet time in his room so that I would be free to practise in front of the mirror for a few moments. I'm still working on it but in the meantime I have Scary Mom Voice down pat.

Hey! Thats My Name!

2010-03-09T10:39:00.000-08:00

Lets talk about baby names for a moment. I am expecting my second child and I do not know whether it is a girl or a boy. We have long ago settled on a boy name and are just now starting to feel comfortable with our girl name choice. So, obviously, naming children is on my mind.
This morning I read a really ridiculous piece of "news" on a popular gossip website. (Yes, I love celebrity gossip, it makes me happy). This is the story I read:

During the Superbowl, Internet financial company E-Trade aired another one of their talking baby commercials, this one featuring the little boy video conferencing w/ a little girl who refers to another little girl as a "milkoholic". The milkoholic is named Lindsay. According to what I read this morning Lindsay Lohan has taken this as a personal attack. her lawyer argues:

"Many celebrities are known by one name only, and E-Trade is using that knowledge to profit. They used the name Lindsay. They're using her name as a parody of her life. Why didn't they use the name Susan? This is a subliminal message. Everybody's talking about it and saying it's Lindsay Lohan." She wants $100 million for her pain and suffering.

This can't possibly be true, can it? What a silly argument. While it has decreased in popularity over the past few years, Lindsay is still a very commonly used name. I saw this particular commercial and did not automatically link it to the actress. I'm going to file this article under "untrue" and hope I'm right.
On a related note, the girl name that my hubby and I have chosen is also the name of a character in an extremely popular book. While she is a more minor character it wasn't long before people linked the two. A name is just a name and I really hope that in time people just notice how lovely the name is and don't think that I'm obsessed with the book, even if by coincidence I have been!
Either way, I will not assume ownership of the name nor will my possible future daughter.

P.S. I like these talking baby commercials!

Dealing With a Sick Baby or Toddler

2010-03-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

The dreaded stomach flu has hit our household and it seems to be getting comfy. With my hubby away and my big pregnant belly to contend with I am grateful that I seem to have missed out on the worst of it. I wish I could say the same for Ollie. The poor little tyke has been a real trooper through these last 2 days and hes handling it like a big boy, with a minimal of fuss and an uncanny ability to communicate his needs and wants to me while still taking it easy. The thing about the stomach flu, or Norwalk Virus or Winter disease (whatever you want to call it) is that there is no way to treat it. You need to just ride it out while keeping your patient as comfortable as possible. Fluids are the most important element as dehydration can become a real problem when diarrhea and vomiting are taking place. So in the hopes that this helps another Mama out there wondering what to do for her baby here are some tips I've learned in the last couple of days.

1) Fluids, fluids and more fluids. Keep water or watered down sugar free juice handy and offer it often in small amounts. If your baby or toddler can't keep any liquids down you need to replace what is being last and so frequent sips are a better idea than a belly full of juice.

2) Keep an electrolyte drink on hand in case your child begins to show signs of dehydration. You can't replace electrolytes with water alone so when they are being lost from the body you do need a special drink. Pedialyte and other brands are available at all pharmacies. Do not substitute sports drinks like Gatorade because those contain sugar which your baby doesn't need right now. You can also get electrolyte Popsicles which you might find are more easily accepted, perhaps the cold will feel good on their throats.

3) My mother-in-law swears by toast with butter and a sprinkling of salt. It helps the body to retain water and its bland enough to not really upset a tummy. Also avoid dairy products which might cause cramping and more diarrhea.

4) If your child won't take any food or liquid try some baby Tylenol to ease any pain they might be experiencing in their throat from damaged and raw tissue. Or warm drinks such as weak tea with honey or soup broth.

5) Soup broth is a great way to get some nutrients into their systems while also getting in more liquids.

6) Tie your hair back and away from your neck and shoulders. Vomits dries quickly and smells terrible and you may not be able to get away from your child to wash it out right away. I learned that the hard way.

7) Jammies that unzip or unbutton are a better idea than those that pull over the head. Limit the mess as much as possible. This tip applies to you as well Mama, Ollie tends to lean toward me when hes getting sick so as a result I have had to change a few times in one night. Make it easy on yourself and be able to slip out of your sweat pants or tshirt easily without spreading the mess around.

8) Put a clean towel over their pillow and an empty bowl next to them Ollie is still too little to aim so a towel is a quick way to catch the mess and get it out of the way.

9) Wipes or a damp cloth are great to have within reach for quick chin or nose wipes. Sometimes throwing up makes the nose runny and you don't want to have to scramble around searching for something to wipe them with.

10) Get some sleep! When this bug first hit, he was up every hour getting sick and while he went back to sleep I was awake cleaning, panicking, and googling. I really regretted it the next day when his energy returned and I had to chase him around on only a couple hours of sleep. Actually another tip is to call for help. If you have family nearby (like grandparents) don't be a hero, call and ask for the help you need. Caring for sick toddler is hard work and can be emotionally exhausting. Accept help where and when you can. I don't know what I would have done without Grandma's support and experience. If you don't have anyone you can call, then clear your schedule and stay home for a day or two, rest, regain strength and eat good food.

Here are some signs that your child might be getting dehydrated:

- No wet diaper for 6 to 8 hours

- No tears when crying

- Parched lips and mouth

- Lethargy

- Urine that looks dark or smells stronger than usual.

Mamas Right of Passage

2010-03-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

Do we ever really relax into motherhood? At what point does it begin to feel comfortable and old hat? When will my first reaction to a new problem not be to call my mom and ask her? Perhaps when my children are asking my advice on child care? Hopefully much sooner than that!
I would like to trust my kids and the universe to take care of them a little more. I tend not to let Ollie try new things on his own because I am frightened that he will get hurt, I am worried that I won't be able to fix the hurt or respond properly and as a result he has had to resort to telling me to back off and let him do things himself. He is very young and requires a lot of attention but I am beginning to realize that he doesn't need me to be so hands-on with him. In the past I've been stunned by his father's relaxed and cavalier attitude; "What do you mean you took your eyes off him for a minute while out in the back yard?" Could I one day do that too?
As my second pregnancy progresses and we come closer to having little Sprout join our family I have come to realize that I will not be able to do everything for Ollie for much longer. When Sprout has arrived s/he will require much more of my attention and then I will also need to set aside some time for taking care of me, something I did not do well when Ollie was a newborn. I've learned that lesson though and will be sure to get more sleep/eat/bath time this time around!
So while I'm nursing the new baby Ollie will need to entertain himself from time to time, he will need to be able to play in our yard as I sit nearby, not follow on his heels. Seems like a small change, but I struggle with it even now.
I was speaking recently with a mom friend of mine about my tendency to hover over Ollie while he plays, she said that she was that way with her first as well. She reminded me of a saying; "Your first child is made from glass, your second from plastic and the third from rubber."
This one simple phrase made me feel so much calmer. Of course I will relax a bit more with each child, right? Of course enough other women have felt this way that there is even a saying about it! Of course its totally normal to feel the way I do! Even as I write this, I have twice resisted the urge to get up and help Ollie retrieve his ball from under the table, knowing that he is perfectly capable of doing it himself, and he is and he did.
I really appreciate that mom friend of mine helping to calm my worries and I know that with this second baby there will be less panicky phone calls to my mom and more faith in myself that I can do this and do it well.
I urge all new mothers out there to find a support network that they can rely on. Whether its a group of friends, a La Leche League group or a local playgroup. Find that group of people who can help to assure you that you do know what your doing and your babies will be fine if you let them play at a distance further than 3 feet from you.
Early motherhood is a time of incredible confusion and second guessing and it doesn't help that every time we turn around we are bombarded with people who disguise their fear mongering as well meaning or authoritative information rather than let women use their own judgment and get used to to new situations on their own. We are told to blindly trust medical professionals who want to inject drugs into our babies with out explaining what each ingredient is, we're told to trust baby food companies to maintain a level of integrity and accountability even while they are clearly struggling to do so. We are told over and over that the choices that we make are wrong, don't fit the standard and we are risking everything just to have a homebirth/breastfeed and because we question just what is in that vaccine that the nurse is wielding.
It is my right of passage as a mom to be scared of the world for awhile as my children are young and while I gain experience. As long as I keep things in perspective and remember that my babies will be scaring the beans out of me for a long time to come I should be able to relax into motherhood and enjoy the ride...

Whats in My Dinner?

2010-02-27T15:05:00.000-08:00

There have been two reports of foreign substances found in baby food jars in the area in the past couple of weeks. Have you heard about this?

On Feb. 24th the Cowichan Valley Citizen reported that Stacy George from Cowichan found a glass bead in a jar of butternut squash baby food from Heinz. When she reported it to the company they sent a representative out to investigate. Ultimately the rep from Heinz decided that the glass bead was indeed a foreign object but that it couldn't have been mixed in with the food at the manufacturing plant which is in Ontario.

The Communications & Corporate Affairs Manager for Heinz (Joan Patterson) is quoted as saying; " its likely that there was enough evidence that it didn't originate in our plant." Stacy George was given $21 in coupons as compensation.

Hm.

I wonder what sort evidence they found that suggested that the bead didn't fall into the jar when it was being bottled?

I also wonder who decided that $21 in coupons would be sufficient compensation for exposing helpless babies to potentially deadly foreign objects?

Patterson sounds oddly defensive when she says "Heinz has been making baby food for Canadian babies for 75 years and we've been the most trusted brand and you don't get there without having a pretty good track record." Sure, but the fact is a choking hazard was found in a jar of product and perhaps an apology to this mother and all parents would be a better response. Especially in light of what comes next;

On Feb. 26 the Cowichan Valley Citizen reports that a couple in Colwood very nearly fed their infant daughter a spoonful of sweet potato & mixed veggies with a side of glass shard. This came out of a jar of Parent's Choice which is of course owned by.... Heinz!

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is looking into the situation now but as of yet there has been no recall.

So what happens if it is determined that Heinz can be held accountable for these two situations? A recall, an apology, more coupons? Will there be any lasting damage done to the company's reputation? Has there already been any damage done? I would hope so. This is food meant for our children after all. Not everyone has the luxury of time available for making baby food and we need to be able to trust totally whomever it is that is feeding our babies.

Food for thought, scary thought anyway.

A note to all parents, if you are interested in making baby food yourself, it is actually very simple. Food does not need to be pureed, just being able to mash it with a fork should be enough, babies need to learn to deal with textures in their food and as long as everything is soft and cooked enough to be gummed by your baby it should be fine. Gone are the days when paediatrician's and nurses recommended purchasing special food mills or choppers, simply take some of whatever you are eating and mash it up really well. Use your judgment, don't give baby a chunk or carrot unless it has been cooked. If its something you would normally buy in a jar, you should be able to prepare it at home yourself. You might even save some cash that way... All the better for checking out the deals down at Izzy & Ollie'z!

we're still here

2010-02-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, I just wanted to let you know that while its been nearly a full month since our last post, we are still here! Computer is down and so our blog has been neglected, we're sorry for that.
Right now at Izzy & Ollie'z we have tons of clothes and toys being offered at 25% off the last ticket price, come on in and check them out!
Also, if you're looking to stock up on hats and mittens and boots for next year, now is the time as all our remaining winter is 50% off!

Featured Item - Hannah Montana Doll

2010-01-26T15:21:00.001-08:00

Hannah Montana Light Up Dance Party doll comes with a DJ booth, A cool booth to chill out in and a light up dance floor that has 10 different light shows! Check out all the accessories that come with this doll!
Featuring the hit song Nobody's Perfect and 3 dance mixes!

Only $24.99.
We ship within Canada, add $10 in BC and $20 across Canada.
Just email or call and we'll ship it out straight away!

Tell us why you love us!

2010-01-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

Its mid-winter and we need a lift, tell us why you love Izzy & Ollie'z and you could win a gift certificate! Don't live nearby? Thats okay, use your winnings toward an online purchase! We'll ship to anywhere in Canada, 'cause we love YOU!
Just visit our FaceBook page and become a fan, tell what you think we're doing well and we'll enter you in our contest draw box!

http://www.facebook.com/business/dashboard/?ref=sb#/pages/Lake-Cowichan-BC/Izzy-Olliez-Childrens-Consignment/39159687314

Featured Item

2010-01-23T13:45:00.000-08:00

This fun horse stands a sturdy and strong 29 inchs and will hold the heftiest cowboy or cowgirl! His saddle and reins are a supple leather and his stirrups are steel.
Its not yet time for this pony to go out to pasture he's got plenty of life in him yet!

For only $69.99 you can take him back to your homestead!

Featured Item - Rocket Roller

2010-01-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

The Rocket Roller from Discovery Toys is a budding engineer's dream! Lots of tubing that can be twisted and stacked in many directions to propel a ping pong ball from one end to the other! We have TWO sets that we are selling together. Brand new this, a single set retails for 34.99... We are offering both for the LOW price of $25.99! The rocket roller is recommended for kids aged 4-6 and as with all Discovery Toys it comes with a lifetime guarantee from Discovery Toys!

While we're at it, any Discovery Toy that you find on our shelves will be 50% off the ticket price!

Biodegradable Potties!

2010-01-19T11:56:00.000-08:00

In all the reincarnations that potties have undergone over the years I have to say that hands down, this is our all time favorite! Its small, lightweight, portable, a molded comfy seat made from one piece which makes cleaning it super easy and best of all... Eco-friendly!

Seriously green, this potty is made from waste plant material, so while they last for years in your home they will start biodegrading as soon as you plant them in your garden. A becopotty starts its life as bamboo and rice husks which are left over materials from farming. The natural fibres are ground into a fine powder, a biodegradable resin is added and its pressed into a hot mold to form your child's new potty!

When your finished potty training simply plant the potty in your garden, add some beautiful seeds and watch the flowers grow!

Maybe the best part is actually the price... Are you ready for it?

Becopotties are only $19.99 each! Save the earth and your wallet in one simple step! Now if only potty training were that easy!

At Izzy & Ollie'z we are so excited to offer this amazing new product, check them out today!

Featured Item - Chubby Bubbies Leg Cozies

2010-01-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

In light of our recent potty training attempts at home I want to take a moment to mention one of my favorite kid products. I have always loved the leg cozies from Chubby Bubbies, a Vancouver Island, Mom-run business. They are made from organic, sustainable fabrics, they come in plenty of cute patterns and colours and they fit nicely from about 3 months well into toddler hood. I got Ollie his first pair when he began to crawl so that his little knees wouldn't get carpet burn. This past winter when temperatures have dropped I've been layering them under his pants and PJ's for extra warmth. Now, with a toddler in the midst of potty training we've fallen for them gems all over again!

My method of training is to let Ollie run around sans pants at home so that he can identify the urge to go and then be able to do something about it. Being January, it is a fair bit cooler than I would prefer so he wears a long sleeve shirt and his leg cozies to stay warm while leaving him ready to peepee or poopoo at a moments notice!

These babies have paid for themselves! I love a product that has multiple uses and Chubby Bubbies most definitely does! I can't wait to see what else we'll love about them!

Priced at $14.99 a pair you can afford to pick up a matching Chubby Bubbies Noggin Cozie (also $14.99) to go with them! Available at Izzy & Ollie'z in Lake Cowichan on South Shore RD.

A Great Start To The Year

2010-01-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

2010 is here and most of us have made our resolutions, watched fireworks and drunk our champagne and now its time to get down to business!

One of my new years resolutions is to buckle down and really start encouraging Ollie to potty train. For months we've talked about it, we've looked at the potty, given it a home in our living room so it would be accessible and even had a couple of thrilling pee pee moments.

However, during the last months of 2009 I found that I was just phoning it in with Ollie. I know that consistency is key with anything new that you are trying to teach your child so I realized that I needed to either back off or really make a strong push toward potty independence. Obviously Ollie will eventually learn to do his business in the potty, all children do at some point. I also recognize that Ollie is still quite young (Not quite two years old yet) and so to expect this of him might be asking too much just now. The thing is, We use cloth diapers at home and disposables on the road and in the store and frankly, I'm tired of buying diapers, throwing diapers away and also tired of washing diapers. The laundry is FULL! With another one on the way, I decided that while having two kids in diapers wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, its not the best option either. So, we've given ourselves plenty of time and Ollie is getting lots of encouragement and we're going for it! I've read a few articles on potty training, and I've spoken to a few mothers about the techniques that they used. I've taken the ideas that I think will work for us. This is my plan:

1- Talk about the potty - a lot. We read books like Everybody Poops by Taro Gomi, we let Ollie see us use the potty, he sits on his all the time, to read, watch a movie or put his socks on etc.

2- Leave the potty in a place that you can get to it easily. For awhile, it was in the bathroom, but it was a struggle to get there in time, once we were there, there wasn't much to do... It wasn't fun, it seemed like work. So now, the potty is in the living room.

3- Bribery. Ollie discovered chocolate over the Christmas holidays and is a fan of the sweet stuff. So, if he pees in his potty he gets one chocolate raisin, if he poops, he gets two. He loves to shout "Chocolate Time!" and shows off his potty accomplishments proudly now.

4- Develop a potty dance. When something good happens we dance and sing and give each other high fives, then its time for the chocolate. Positive reinforcement and encouragement goes a looong way!

5- Don't be afraid to try different potties. We have been through three different models and have finally settled on one that is comfy and fuss-free. No bells of whistles for us, but some kids might prefer to sit on something more throne-like. By the way, very soon, Izzy & Ollie'z will proudly be offering a new potty made from corn husks and bamboo that can be planted in your garden once it has served its purpose... Good for the kid, good for the earth and great for your wallet because this potty only costs about $20.00! There will more info about this soon...

6- Don't stress! Just don't get worked up about it, if we act all crazy then Ollie will be scared of the potty, if we act like its the most normal thing in the world, then so will he. When ever we are at home, he can hang out in the buff and then take himself to the potty when he feels the need, don't worry about puddles, they clean up easily enough. So far this method is working better for us than when I try to guess when he'll need to go. He gets annoyed with me taking his pants off every 30 minutes and starts to rebel. Of course if your toddler is cool with that then its a great method to use. When Ollie is clothed, I do ask him all the time if he needs to go. Its good to remind them, keep them aware of their bodily functions...

The best part is that this morning all our efforts appeared to be paying off... Papa noticed Ollie doing a little squat and reminded him that he could sit on his potty if he needed to poop. Ollie ran over and sat down (This was between diapers luckily) and sure enough... He pooped in the potty! We made a really big deal bout it and have been boasting about Ollie's poop all day! He feels good, we feel good and 2010 is off to a great start!

4 Days Left!

2009-12-21T10:19:00.001-08:00

There is only 4 days left to go until Christmas! Which also means that there is only 4 days left in our super, massive, holiday blow out sale!

50%off the ticket price on all kids clothes (NB to size 16) and 25%off toys, books and clothes as well as diapering equipment!

Izzy & Ollie'z on South Shore Rd in Lake Cowichan is open monday to Saturday 10 to 5

and on Christmas eve 10 am to 3 pm.
250-749-3229

Give the Gift of Knowledge

2009-12-19T11:24:00.000-08:00

We have an extensive library of pregancy and child-related reading materials. Whether you are expecting a baby or trying to figure out what your teen is saying to you, check out the many titles we have available. Priced from 5.99 to 17.99.

A Fun Twist On A Classic

2009-12-18T11:07:00.000-08:00

Remember playing hide & seek? Racing around trying to find the best possible hiding spot to elude your seeker? I've recently learned about a fun variation on that classic game. H&S 2.0 is called Sardines and its the reverse of the original. Instead of one kid having to search for all the others, there is only one hider. Everyone else seeks him out and as each child finds the spot, he or she squeezes in and stays hidden until all but the last seeker have joined in at the hiding spot. The last kid then gets to start a new round by being the first hider! Sounds fun, and I think we'll give it a go at our next big party!

Featured Item - Hot Wheels

2009-12-16T09:37:00.001-08:00

What better gift for the car lover and possible future race car driver? A large transport truck all tricked out with cool flames and enough storage room for 24 hotwheels cars (which are included) all for only $24.99!

Featured Item - Traditional Ring Stacker

2009-12-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a traditional holiday so why not offer a very traditional gift to the little guy/gal in your life? FisherPrice's Ring Stacker is always a crowd pleaser and at $3.99 it very budget friendly!

Pregnancy Friendy Moon Salutations

2009-12-15T11:12:00.000-08:00

Yoga is a great way to exercise especially for expecting mamas. Lots of women wonder which poses are safe for baby and what variations need to be made to your regular routine. For example, Downward Facing Dog is not recommended for pregnant or menstruating women. The idea is that your uterus should not be above your head as this generally a cleansing pose. Same goes for any inverted postures or head or shoulder stands. It should also be pointed out that as your belly grows, your centre of gravity shifts which means that you may need to widen your legs in some stances or just be aware of new limitations and practise Ahimsa, or being non-harmful to yourself.
Anyone who has done any level of yoga is bound to be familiar with Sun salutations. They are a wonderful set of Asanas that really strengthen the core, arms and legs. During pregnancy I like to practise Moon Salutations more often than I would Sun Salutations. They really help me focus on my hip flexers and inner thigh strength. During childbirth you'll be glad you took the time to work these areas!

Just as there are dozens of variations of Sun Salutations, there are many versions of Moon Salutations. The offering below is based on the Kripalu tradition as adapted by the Ra-Hoor-Khuit Network. Please the picture above as a reference to the poses I talk about here, start at the top centre. As always, please consult a midwife or doctor before beginning any new exercise programme during pregnancy. I am not a health care professional, just a yoga and pregnancy enthusiast! Enjoy!

1. Anjali Mudra: Stand in Tadasana. Root your feet, hug your thighs together, and lift your crown to the moon. Press palms together at elbow level in anjali mudra (prayer).

2. Half Moon: Lift arms overhead, interlacing fingers, and pointing index fingers upward in temple position. Root left foot and left hip, extending torso and bend to the right. Root right foot and right hip and, extending the torso, come back through center - bending to the left. Root left foot, return to center.

3. Goddess: Step to the right and point feet slightly outward. Soften knees and squat, lowering your sitting bones and your bent elbows downward, but raise your hands and fingertips upward.

4. Star: Root feet and straighten legs, keeping feet wide apart. Hug thighs to the middle and lift your crown skyward. Extend fingertips and arms at shoulder level.

5. Triangle: Turn right toes to right, left heel to left, and press hips left, extending torso to right. Lower right hand as you raise left hand

6. Pyramid: Lower both hands toward right foot, folding over the right leg. Rest your hands on leg, foot, or on the floor. Root your feet and tighten your thighs, lifting your kneecaps.

7. Lunge: Bend the forward (right) knee, bringing hands to floor on either side of front foot, and lower your back knee to floor (or optionally, keep the knee raised for more challenge). Root the right foot and top of the left foot into the floor.

8. Wide Leg Squat: Bring both hands to the inside of the right foot, and lower your tailbone as you pivot the right foot to face forward, rotating the left leg so that toes point upward (more challenging is to point left foot forward). Bring your hands together in anjali mudra. If that is too challenging, keep the palms on the floor.

9. Squat: Bring the right leg toward center. Root your feet, lowering your tailbone. If flexibility allows, bring palms together at your heart. If your heels are lifted, don't worry about it; you could try keeping the feet a little wider apart. Keep the knees and feet pointing in the same direction.

10. Wide Leg Squat: With hands once again on the floor, extend the left leg to the left. Slide your torso toward the left foot. Bring your hands together in anjali mudra. If that is too challenging, keep the palms on the floor.

11. Lunge: Pivot to face the left knee, with hands on either side of the left foot, rotating the right leg and bringing the right knee to floor (or optionally, keep the knee raised for more challenge). Root the left foot and top of the right foot into the floor.

12. Pyramid: This time fold over the straightening left leg. Rest your hands on leg, foot, or the floor. Root your feet and tighten your thighs, lifting your kneecaps.

13. Triangle: Sweep right arm upward and back, sliding left hand along the left leg toward the ground.

14. Star: Bring both arms to shoulder level, turning toes slightly outward. Root feet and straighten legs, keeping feet wide apart. Hug thighs to the middle and lift your crown skyward. Extend fingertips and arms at shoulder level.

15. Goddess: Soften knees and squat, lowering your sitting bones and bend your elbows downward, but raise your hands and fingertips upward.

16. Half Moon: Straighten the legs and turn the toes forward. Step the left foot toward the right foot as you lift arms overhead, interlacing fingers and pointing index fingers upward in temple position. Root right foot and right hip, extending torso, and bend to the left. Root left foot and left hip, extending torso, come back through center - bending to the right. Root right foot, returning to center.

17. Anjali Mudra: Complete the cycle by coming back to Tadasana. Root your feet, hug your thighs together, and lift your crown to the moon. Press palms together at elbow level in anjali mudra. Repeat the moon salutation as many times as you feel necessary.

Here is video demonstrating the sequence:

Featured Item - NB to Toddler Rocker

2009-12-14T12:59:00.001-08:00

Fisher-Price Rocker is a wildly popular chair that takes baby from NB to toddler-hood. Toy bar comes off and seat can be either stationary or rocking with a simple flick of the legs. Can vibrate to help soothe baby as well.

We have simple vibrating or bouncy chairs availble too. These make gifts, keep one at Grandma's or take it with you... it weighs next to nothing so travels well!

Featured Item - Tommy Hilfiger Dress

2009-12-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

Stunning designer dress for baby 3-6 months. Perfect condition, comes with cute check diaper pants. Only $12.99 and yes, the 50% off deal does apply to this item!

One of a kind cards

2009-12-13T09:23:00.000-08:00

If you ever find yourself looking for a unique, beautiful and charming card to send or include with a gift, look no further than Izzy & Ollie'z own line of exclusive art cards with childlike illustrations and blank insides, perfect for conveying any message. You will not find another card like them anywhere else as they are designed and manufactured specifically for Izzy & Ollie'z.

$4.99 each.

Featured Item _ Thomas the Tank Engine

2009-12-13T09:19:00.001-08:00

Wooden railway expansion packs. These make fantastic stocking stuffers for your budding engineer or conductor. New and in the packaging these packs are reasonably priced at $6.99 ea.

Price Reduction!

2009-12-12T10:51:00.000-08:00

Bounce & Spin Zebra from Fisherprice

Previously priced at $39.99 now only $29.99! Great Deal!

Have You Heard?

2009-12-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

Izzy & Ollie'z is a wonderful store! If you haven't stopped in yet to experience our unmatched customer service you can read what others are saying about us:

Stephanie, Nanaimo - Great store. The support programs are fabulous.

Helena Poll, Lake Cowichan BC -
A store like this is a real god-send in a small community.

Caroline Laura, Duncan -
I can't believe that they have such good and low prices. The items are very clean & in good shape.

Vera, North Bay - I’m a Grandma and my Granddaughter loves Izzy & Ollie’z

Stop in today and be wowed by our selection, prices and friendly staff!

BLOW OUT CHRISTMAS SALE!

2009-12-12T09:10:00.001-08:00

With less than 2 weeks to go until the big day we are offering an incredible deal for gifts and stocking stuffers at Izzy & Ollie'z!

From now until closing time on December 24th all clothing is 50% off and everything else is 25% off! Now is the time save money and we want to help you do it! Find that perfect gift and we'll give you the perfect deal!

Featured Item - Christmas DVD

2009-12-09T09:52:00.000-08:00

Miracle on 34th Street DVD. Bring home some Christmas magic to enjoy with the whole family!

DVD only $4.99 at Izzy & Ollie'z!

Featured Item - LOVE YOU FOREVER

2009-12-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

New, hardcover copy of LOVE YOU FOREVER by Robert Munsch, $17.99 down from $27.38!

Baby's first tear jerker is a classic and makes a great guft for the holidays!

I can't get past page 3 without getting all choked up....

Determining Gender

2009-12-01T14:28:00.000-08:00

If you are pregnant and have decided against finding out the sex of your baby, you have probably engaged in a few of these games and old wives tales to determine the sex of your baby. If not, we'll outline them here so you can have loads of fun trying to guess!

1- I hear this one all the time; If you are carrying your baby high its a girl, belly is low, its a boy!

2- This one is similar; If you gain weight all over, its girl. If only your tummy grows then you'll have a little boy on your hands. I once heard someone say: "If you get all fat and ugly, its because your baby will be a girl and she is taking your beauty!" I thought the words were harsh, but the idea behind them very funny!

3- Chinese gender chart. By using the mother's age at conception and the month of conception, supposedly you can determine with 100% accuracy if your baby is a boy or a girl. Here is a link to a chart:
http://www.webwomb.com/chinesechart.htm
*Note* This one was true in my case!

4- Some say that if you look at the fetal heart rate that you can predict the gender of your baby. The old saying is that above 140 is a girl and below is a boy. I was obsessed with this idea, it seems like the most scientific way. I used to count with the midwife at all our appointments to try to figure out Ollie's sex.

5- A customer told me about this technique and I thought it was cute. Its only for mother's who already have at least on child. If you look at the hair line on your older child's neck and see a straight line your next baby will be a girl, a pointed hairline is indicative of a boy.

6- I was told if you put a needle on a piece of thread and lay down and hold it over your belly if it moves in straight lines you're having a boy and circles you're having a girl. I should say also that this test was done on Izzy's Mom and I when we were both pregnant and I was told to expect a girl, while Aunty C was told she'd have a boy. Obviously, the needle was a bit mixed up. I had Ollie and she had Izzy soon after.

7- Have you been paying attention to your cravings? Apparently craving the sweet stuff means pink and craving meat means blue.

8- Are your feet colder now than before you got pregnant? Your having a boy!

9- If the hair on your legs is growing faster and the hair on your head is fuller you probably have a boy in your belly!

10- If you are asked to show someone your hands and you present them palms up then its a girl.

11-what were the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy like? Did you have morning sickness? Morning sickness in the first trimester is thought to be the result of a girl baby. For the record, I never had any morning sickness and wound up with a bouncing boy.

12- Your having a girl if you combine your age at the time of conception with the number of the month you conceived and the resulting number is odd.

13- If your skin is drier than normal you count on a boy.

14- Which direction does your pillow face? Southern facing women have girls, while northern facing women have boys.

15-Your having a girl if your previous child's first word was "mama". Hmmm, Ollie's first word was "Uh-Oh!"

Shop Consignment For BIG Savings This Christmas

2009-11-21T10:56:00.000-08:00

Saving money is a huge deal to most people. Anyone with kids in the family knows that the price of toys can really add up especially if you also plan to buy necessities at Christmas time as well.

A great way to combat wallet exhaustion is to shop in your local consignment stores. You will find many beautiful toys and games all in excellent condition for a fraction of the original retail price. Consignment stores are generally very picky about the items that they keep in stock. For example, at Izzy & Ollie'z you won't find any clothes with stains, rips or missing buttons. These things are weeded out right away. You won't find dirty toys or questionable stuffed animals. If we wouldn't want our own children to play with these items then we wouldn't dream of trying to sell them to you. We clean all toys regularly and check for missing or broken pieces. Battery operated toys are tested and can be cheerfully done again at your request. After all, if the product looks bad, so do we.

Its a very good idea to begin shopping early and continue to do so often as most consignment stores have few duplicate items so if you see a great deal, snap it up! If there is something in particular that you are looking for we can either find it for you or add you to our WISH LIST and call you when it comes in.

Another point to consider is the environmental factor and the effect you are having on our planet when you choose to reuse and recycle items that have been loved previously. How many of you have found that your child's toy was still in fantastic shape when she was done with it? Is it really so important to have a brand new plastic car or exersaucer manufactured when you could easily and inexpensively pick one up at the local children's consignment? What a great lesson to teach your kids!

Most consignment shops are small, locally owned endeavors and there has been a large movement lately to support these types of businesses over the big box stores, its all about community. I know it is a popular theory that the big stores offer lower prices but this is not always the case, its worth checking out anyway. often a smaller business will be willing to negotiate prices a bit. Try that with Walmart!

Now that we've made our case why not check us out and see what its all about! We invite you to come on down and see how much moohla you can save shopping with us!

Formula Fed America

2009-11-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

A new movie to look forward to!

"the politics of money, power and influence mean that few people understand the critical importance of our first food, breastmilk."

http://www.formulafedamerica.com/site/index.html

Anyone who knows me, knows I enjoy a good documentary, especially if its subject matter is something I feel strongly about i.e. breastfeeding and its benefits. I look forward to this film as it promises to be frank in its discussion of why more mothers need to look for and expect support when it comes to learning to breastfeed their babies. It is crucial. Breastfed babies have way less allergies, ear infections, preventable illnesses and I believe that there is a link between formula and obesity. For many people it is a commonly held belief that formula is second to breastmilk. The World Health Organization actually puts it further down list... at #4 behind breastfeeding, expressed mother's milk served up in a bottle and then another human woman's milk. Its about changing our mindset, about realizing that just because something seems difficult or unpopular doesn't mean it shouldn't be done. Ask any breastfeeding mother and she'll tell you that she wouldn't have it any other way. Thats not to say that formula doesn't have its place. Like ceasearen sections, it can be a lifesaver when used properly.
The sexualization of breasts has been such a hinderance for healhy breastfeeding relationships. women report being harrassed for nursing their babies, made to feel uncomfortable around others and sometimes, its our own family members who act this way! Thats what they (boobs) are there for people! Anything else is just a great bonus!

Why do so many health care professionals awknowledge that breast is best yet suggest formula to any stressed out mama who is experiencing difficulties establishing a breastfeeding relationship? Why is it okay to send packages of free formula to new mothers buts its considered weird to go to a milk bank? Why arn't there more nurses and doctors prescribing a visit to a local La Leche Leauge meeting? This film's website asks: "If infant feeding is a choice, why are we not making an informed one?"

When this movie is available we will hold a showing at the shop so be on the lookout!

Featured Item - Simplicity Bassinet

2009-11-09T14:17:00.001-08:00

This just in! A basinet from Simplicity. Has a light and vibrating motion that can be adjsuted to taste, mobile, music, underneath storage and the locking wheels flip in to convert to a rocker! Beautiful and compact. Handy and affordable! Other consignment stores would ask more but we have this gem priced at.....

$109.99!

This item won't last long!

The Swine Flu Scandal

2009-11-07T10:27:00.001-08:00

If you haven't yet received your H1N1 vaccine, please, please think long and hard about weather or not you really want to inject unknown and untested substances into your body and the body of your child. If you can say that you recognize all the ingredients listed and understand their purpose and believe that they are safe... By all means, do what you wish. However, if you are like me, and don't recognize most of the listed ingredients and on an instinctive level simply do not trust in this then PLEASE do your research. Find out what people in other countries are saying. We live in a bubble, we are often only exposed to the news that someone else wants us to hear. The medical community can only tell us what they are told. Don't be a guinea pig, don't be a lemming. I know that this sounds harsh and I apologise for possibly offending anyone but this is a topic that means alot to me. Watch this video.
Doctor Rauni Kild, Finland's retired minister of Health is not a quack, she is not conspiracy theorist. She is simply telling the truth as she knows it.

You know how to prevent seasonal flus; wash your hands, take vitamin C, eat well and get enough rest.

Featured Item - Shopping Cart Cover

2009-11-04T11:31:00.000-08:00

Its cold and flu season and everyone is talking about the dreaded H1N1 virus. Weather or not you choose to get the vaccine, everyone should still be washing their hands regularly and thoroughly, avoiding crowded places and a lot of physical contact especially with anyone who appears ill. Stay home from school or work if you have a cold or flu and don't give others a hard time for staying away when ill.
Another thing you can do for your little one is invest in a shopping cart cover. The retail anywhere from $10 - $25 and can be found at your local children's consignment shop like Izzy & Ollie'z.
Shopping cart covers work very simply. They are a machine washable fabric bag with leg holes cut out. The top is usually elasticized to fit snugly around the top of the seat in a cart. They provide a nice warm, dry cozy spot for Jr. to sit that will also prevent him from touching the handle and picking up any germs from it.

Famous Breastfed Babies

2009-11-03T16:11:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Jordan, Michael Jordan's mom breastfed
him for 3 years and said "I feel that is why he is
the athlete he is."
Sound far fetched? We know that
breastfeeding improves cognitive ability, so it
really isn't that far of a stretch to think that it
may play a role in muscle development as well.

Thought Of The Day

2009-11-03T16:08:00.000-08:00

Don't think of it as a woman's right to breastfeed.
Think of it as a baby's right to eat.

In our culture...
It’s ok for a calf to drink its mother’s
milk.
It’s ok for us to pump milk from a
cow’s breasts and feed it, not just to
human babies, but to adults as well.
Yet, it’s not ok for human babies to
drink their own mother’s milk.
Think about that the next time you
pour a glass of “milk”.

WARNING! Dangerous Product on the Market!

2009-11-02T12:36:00.000-08:00

It has come to our attention recently that the Infantino bag style sling (SlingRider) has been implicated in numerous infant deaths in the past few years. Consumer Reports has reported two suffocation deaths in the Infantino sling THIS YEAR. Any bag style sling will be dangerous when used as directed. There are tons of companies that produce similar designs; Boppy, Lamaze, JJ Cole Premaxx, Munchkin and Balboa Baby. All of these slings force baby's chin to her chest and may enclose her head causing re-breathing or carbon dioxide.
Infantino is aware of this problem but so far has failed to do anything or voluntarily recall the product. The label in the Infantino sling and on its box says that it “Meets or exceeds ASTM F2236.” That’s the voluntary safety standard on soft infant carriers, but that standard specifically excludes slings. There is no current ASTM safety standard for slings, so such labeling is very misleading.
When using a sling to maintain baby's airway, ensure that her face is not covered and her chin isn't pressed to her chest. If your baby snores, squirms, turns red, cries or grunts take her out of the sling and reposition her. Ring slings and pouch slings are still considered safe when used properly. Follow this link for more info on safe baby wearing.
http://babyslingsafety.blogspot.com/

Moms Against Climate Change

2009-10-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

If you follow the link to the Take Action on Climate Change site you can upload of photo of your child. The photos are going to be projected (no names, just faces with locations) on walls all around Ottawa -- wherever our Prime Minister hangs out -- to try to remind him that he should be governing with the future in mind. And that means pulling our weight internationally solve climate change. Stephen Harper has been singled out as the worst leader internationally for delaying action on climate change. Canadians need to speak up. We're hopefull that our children's beautiful faces might turn the guy around. (Sorry dads - apparently politicians listen to mothers, so that's why its about moms, but you can certainly upload photos too).
http://takeactiononclimatechange.com/

Gloria Allred is Looking Out For Jon & Kate's 8

2009-10-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

Watch CBS News Videos Online

I have mixed feelings about this. Instictivly, I distrust a person who questions a woman's ability to mother her own children. It seems that every time I hear Ms. Allred's name this past year it is in connection to her judging other families.

Defeating Disney

2009-10-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

So it has recently come to light that children who were exposed to Baby Einstein DVDs are not that much further ahead than was promised.Under pressure from angry parents and their lawyers, Disney has agreed to refund all the videos purchased since 2004.“We see it as an acknowledgment by the leading baby video company that baby videos are not educational, and we hope other baby media companies will follow suit by offering refunds,” said Susan Linn, director of Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, which has been pushing the issue for years. In 2006, Ms. Linn’s group went to the Federal Trade Commission to complain about the educational claims made by Disney and another company, Brainy Baby. As a result, the companies dropped the word “educational” from their marketing. But the group didn’t think that was enough.“Disney was never held accountable, and parents were never given any compensation. So we shared our information and research with a team of public health lawyers,” Ms. Linn said.In 2008 they threatened a class action law-suit against Disney which resulted in the refunds being offered. For more info on this see: http://babyeinstein.com/parentsguide/satisfaction/upgrade_us.html

My thoughts on this are simple: the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time at all for children under 2. The Australian government has recently issued a similar suggestion and it just seems like common sense to me. Ollie has recently fallen head over heels for a Fisher Price movie and wants to watch it constantly. I did not expose him to TV until he was 18 months old... I wish I'd waited longer. It drives me insane to see him transfixed on the television. I worry about his precious brain cells being killed off and his muscles dying from inactivity. Yes, its a bit melodramatic of me but it pains me to see my little tornado sitting so quietly and staring, never hearing me when I speak to him. His time with this movie is very limited and when I saw a toy commercial on Tree House recently that activity was immediately terminated.
NO COMMERCIALS!
Some studies suggest that exposure to TV between the ages of 1 and 3 are associated with attention problems at age 7. That scares me. In fact as I write this I am rethinking my own viewing habits, perhaps its time to turn off the cable again?
At the very least this refund is generating enough buzz to remind parents about the more negative arguments concerning TV and children. Perhaps we will all start reading more and channel surfing less? I know its hard, especially since movies tend to offer parents a few minutes of quiet, an opportunity to shower or make a phone call. These are the promises that lured me to the children's section in the video store. I don't know what the answer is, everything in moderation I guess.
How much TV is your little tyke watching? Did you buy Baby Einstein videos? Did you notice anything to suggest an educational element?
Leave a comment and let me know what you think of this.

Dr Admitts H1N1 Vaccine is Dangerous

2009-10-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

Sharing is Caring

2009-10-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

Anyone with toddlers will tell you, they aren't always the first to offer up a favorite toy to a friend. If a coveted toy is left alone too long (a.k.a. held in a too loose grip) it will be grabbed and yanked and pulled away. Screaming won't change any one's mind. When a fight breaks out over a plaything the best solution is to remove the item in question until everyone is calm again.

If you can't share, no one gets the toy! If you haven't said that sentence yet, don't worry, you will! With that in mind we've compiled a list of tips and techniques to help you teach your toddler to share and play nicely:

Children learn by example, little Suzie needs to see you sharing and giving so that she understands that it is a normal, expected social interaction.
Maintain a calm demeanor, don't yell at Jr. if he refuses to let his pal look at his book, just explain why sharing is good. Then sit down with the tots and read the book together. That's if they haven't totally lost interest by then!
Always thank your little monkey when she exhibits good give and take skills. My little guy responds especially well to applause and sometimes I throw in a "GOAL!!!!!" when he does something truly awesome.
When you know that another child is on the way over, you can suggest that your child put away any favorites that can't be shared. This works better with older toddlers who have a grasp of the concept of future activities and planning.
Don't be afraid to take the novelty away. You are the boss and toys are privileges, not rights.
Remember that its very difficult for toddlers to voice their thoughts. Help Johnny ask Timmy for the truck. Help Timmy hand the truck over to Johnny. Explain that the truck will be back, its not gone for good.
Experience is key. Don't think of play dates as potential war zones. Look at them as the fantastic learning experiences that they are.
Should things turn violent its a good idea to soothe the victim before you address the assailant, negative attention is attention none the less and shouldn't be considered a way to get Mommy to come over and hug/talk/whatever.
There's nothing wrong with a timeout. Just bear in mind that most 2-3 year olds have a very short attention span. You can't expect them to sit on the naughty chair for more than a few seconds. After that, they may not even remember or understand why they are there.
Create situations where your child will need to share. For instance, next time you go to a friend's house bring cookies and put your child in charge of handing them out to the other children.
If its just not happening and every toy causes another explosive fight its time to give up for a bit. Turn on some tunes and have a dance party instead.

Questions that I would LOVE to have answered honestly

2009-10-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

1- If the US has one of the highest c-section rates and at the same time one of the highest infant mortality rates (universally) how is that ppl are making the claim that home births are to blame when home births make up only about 1% of births?

2- A hospital in Page, Arizona in the United States says that they have a policy against VBACs as they pose an unnecessary risk. The same hospital says that they do not have the resources to perform an emergency C-section should the vaginal delivery go wrong. My question is: if they can't do an emergency c-section... why are they delivering babies at all?

3-The medical community is urging pregnant women to get seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines. How can I be assured that this relatively new and very untested shot won't harm my baby or myself? How can you tell me that it is in my best interest to inject myself with mercury when I'm also told to abstain from eating too much fish because it has naturally occurring mercury?

4-Studies have shown VBACs carry with them an increased risk of a uterine rupture compared with births in women who've never had a C-section, but the risk is less than 1 percent, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. 1%? Is that all? I thought the risk was much greater, it sure was made to sound that way... Why are mothers being terrorized like this?

5- C-section risks include breathing problems for the baby and infections and bleeding for the mother, according to the Mayo Clinic. What is the real percentage of c-section related problems? Follow the link to see a list of very real possible problems that can arise from a c-section.

Can anyone else think of any questions that haven't been answered properly? I'm sure I will, stay tuned....

New Zealand's Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign

2009-10-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

Small Business Week at The Gazette - A look at Izzy & Ollie'z

2009-10-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

When Caitlyn Letson and Gill Polard met more than a year and a half ago, they were both pregnant and soon became fast friends.
“We found out we have a lot in common,” said Letson. “We both have backgrounds in retail.”
“And we were both about to lose our maternity EI, so we started talking about possibly starting a business together,” added Polard.
The talk turned to action and they decided to start a consignment clothing store for children and teenagers, called Izzy and Ollie’z, named after their two children.
It allowed them to take their kids to work, rather than send them to day care. Izzy and Ollie can play to their hearts’ content.
The store, located in Lake Cowichan on South Shore Road beside Cowichan Fly Tackle, allows parents to make some money from their children’s old clothes as well as buy inexpensive clothes.
“We’re really picky about what we take,” said Polard. “We want to be able to dress our own kids in the clothes from here.”
In addition to that, the store also helps raise money for the Kaatza Day Care and Providence Farm through two separate clothes racks.
As they approach their first anniversary on December 1, Letson and Polard are thrilled with the success of the store, which has expanded once already.
“I think it’s a store the community really needs,” said Letson.
Izzy and Ollie’z is also an affiliate of the La Leche League of Canada and holds meetings in the store on the first Wednesday of each month, starting at 7 p.m. The meetings attract parents from across south Vancouver Island.

Thought Of The Day

2009-10-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

There is a secret in our culture and its not that birth is painful, its that women are STRONG. ~Laura Stavoe Harm

Find My Mom's Book

2009-10-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I have a special challenge for all our friends and readers out there!
In 1980 my mother wrote a children's book called Peas Again For Lunch under the name Caroline Beech. it was published by Annick Press. I had a copy at one time but over the years all of our family's copies have disappeared! I want my son to be able to read his Grandma's book so if anyone out there has a copy or knows where I might find one, please let me know!
I will make it worth your while with a $20 Gift Certificate for Izzy & Ollie'z.

Nursing Cami Giveaway!

2009-10-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Want to win a nursing cami from Hotslings? Check out the link below to follow to the Simply Living On A Budget blog for a chance to win one of these fantastic Milkdaze Camisoles, no buttons or hooks, fabric that holds its shape and no need for a bra! Sign me up! I want one in black!
http://simplylivingonabudget.blogspot.com/2009/10/hotslings-milkdaze-cami-review-and_06.html

Featured Item - The Girlfriend's Guide to Toddlers

2009-10-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Girlfriend's Guide to Toddlers by Vicki Iovine

Our Featured Item this weekend is this parenting book directed at mother's of toddlers. Well-written with humour and humility. An honest look at life with toddlers with simple and down to earth advice on everything from the big bed move to potty training to temper tantrums and so much more. I especially enjoyed the chapter that deals with the social life of a toddler and what to realistically expect from your budding party goer in terms of behaviour, sharing, fighting and everything in between.

Both Izzy's Mom and myself (Ollie's Mom) have referred to this easy read for quick advice.

Available at Izzy & Ollie'z in gently used condition for $7.99.

Octo-Mom

2009-10-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

I realize that perhaps its a bit late to be weighing in on this particular topic, but hey, I've been busy.

By now, I imagine that most of you have heard of Nadya Suleman, the single woman who has had 14 children by in-vitro fertilization from donor sperm. She shot to "fame" last January when she successfully carried and delivered 8 babies. The Suleman octuplets are only the second full set of octuplets to be born alive in the United States and, one week after their birth, surpassed the previous worldwide survival rate for a complete set of octuplets set by the Chukwu octuplets in 1998.

Both Ms. Suleman and her physician, Michael Kamrava have come under fire for what many people are calling an irresponsible and dangerous pregnancy. Why would her doctor implant her with 6 embryos when she already had 6 children at home and no partner to speak of? Why would Ms. Suleman undertake such a difficult task?

Isn't she tired?

Ms. Suleman said that she considered all her embryos to be her potential babies. Nadya Suleman had six embryos remaining from previous IVF treatments transferred, despite being informed that for a woman her age the recommended guideline limit was three. She claims part of her reasoning for attempting another pregnancy was so that the remaining embryos would not be destroyed. Six embryos were transferred. They all took root and developed. Two of those embryos each developed into identical twins, resulting in eight babies. The mother's health and gestational status were followed from her first trimester. Five fetuses were evident after one month and Suleman was offered the option of selective reduction, which she declined.

This is where for me, it gets weird.

I absolutely see why this was not a smart idea. With no partner, no income and 6 other children to care for, Nadya Sulman appears to be in over her head. WAAAAYYYY over.

I am definitely someone who calls herself pro-choice. The important word here is choice. Ms. Suleman made the decision to keep each of her babies. I think it would be very hard to select an embryo for reduction. No matter how clinical the terminology, the out come is the same. Hard to do, especially for a woman who did not want any embryos destroyed before they were given a chance to grow in her womb.

Why now, is every Tom, Dick and Mary going on television to call this woman mean names and demand her children be removed from her care? Because she choose to keep them alive? Huh?

Why do we, as a society think that it is our right to picket outside the home of a woman who is simply trying to live life the way she sees fit? Why do we think that because Nadya Suleman did something that most of us would not do, she should be publicly shunned, criticized, attacked, spyed on and be given a demeaning name such as Octo-Mom? In what world are these actions considered grown-up and fair? Why is Ms. Sulman being treated like a convicted child molester? Has she tried to sell her babies? Has beaten her babies? The interest generated by her story is inevitable, she didn't ask for it. Shouldn't we be wishing Ms. Suleman well and perhaps sending her good vibes and happy thoughts? Surely she did not do this for the fame. Any mother knows that the attention over a newborn will eventually die down and then she is left to raise her child. I don't think that Nadya Suleman had visions of Hollywood glamour when she decided to go forth with this plan and to say that she did it for the freebies is simply ridiculous. That is a lot of work for some free pampers.

Since the birth of the Suleman Octuplets, the Chukwu children have made several media appearances. I haven't heard a single nasty thing said about them. Is it because there is a Mr. Chukwa at home? Is that it? Are we angry that Ms. Suleman is is Ms. and not a Mrs.? Is it because there are other children? Both of my In-Laws come from huge families. Both had between 10 and 13 siblings. Both come from farming families and my Father-in-law, Jack, loves to tell stories about the one room cabin they all lived in, fighting over food and shoes. The stories may be exaggerated, but I've seen pictures of the family homestead, it was more like a shed. Nobody ever said nasty things about Jack's parents though.

I guess I just feel disappointed in all the public figures who have joined in the lets hate Nadya Suleman party. I want to support and cheer for all mothers, no matter how they decide to live their lives. Its not for me to judge and I do not believe that those children would be better off in foster care than with their biological mother. I have seen no evidence to prove that she is unfit and so I think that everyone should just back off and leave her alone.

A New Mama Group is Born

2009-10-04T10:19:00.000-07:00

Happy "birthday" to the Cowichan Valley Crunchy Mamas, brain child of Airiane and her friends who saw a need for some social time with other Mothers, but with less structure.

We have offered to host the first "meeting" at the shop this afternoon.

Its more of a meet & greet, a social tea party and an opportunity to get to know some like-minded ladies in our community while your kids play with all the toys at a toy shop! Fun!

So who are the crunchy mamas, you ask;

Well, in a nutshell they are Healthy, Nature Loving, Independent, Feminist, Earthy Mama's who meet up for activities, share stories, recipes, parenting tips and friendship once per month in the Cowichan Valley region of Vancouver Island.

Needless to say, I am uber-excited. I've even made muffins!

I think groups like this one are so important in small communities. Sure we have various playgroups and baby groups, but my child is 19 months old. I don't want to sit in a circle and sing the wheels on the bus (I never did enjoy singalongs), or be lectured about immunizations, or have to sit quietly and listen to someone else tell me stuff about my child. Don't get me wrong, those groups are invaluable, especially for new, first time Mamas. The only problem for me is that they never really fostered a sense of friendship, community or peer support, all the things I crave right now. Just because two women have babies does not mean that they will be buddies. By finding a parenting group that shares your own philosophies you will most likely also find some new friends for yourself and your child. The other great thing: Its not just for babies. Toddlers, preschoolers and "big" kids are all welcome to accompany their Mamas and hang out.

The group has some really cool activities planned for the next few months including a clothing swap for the Ladies on November 15, a cookie exchange on December 13 and a Crunchy Family New Year/Solstice potluck lunch on December 31. Plans for the new year include a slumber party, hikes and more swaps. The Crunchy Mamas can also get guest speakers in to talk about topics that everyone has an interest in.

So, if you are interested, we would love to meet you. Come on down to Izzy & Ollie'z today between 1 and 3, have a cup of tea or coffee, chat to the others, let your kids loose and chill out with us.

I'm hoping to see lots of wonderful, inspiring, creative and fun new friends!

What To Do When You See Boob

2009-09-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

This is an open letter to those who find themselves in the most uncomfortable position of actually witnessing a mother nursing her child. This letter is intended for those of you who find this to be an immoral, disrespectful and obscene act on the part of the mother. I get it, you don't want to "have to see my naked boob" or "nipple in the morning" or whatever your complaint is. Instead of having to complain to a manager or be nasty to the mom, you can do one of the following things. I have devised a list of alternative actions that you could take to ensure your own comfort levels remain high and that you don't have to watch any more of this deplorable act.

Avert your eyes. Seems simple and it really is, just don't watch for a nip slip and you probably won't have to be exposed to her exposed breast.
Remember that if she is a new mom, young mom, first time mom or just generally exhausted, grumpy, unsure of herself or scared and lonely, there is a good chance that you complaining about her feeding her child might make her feel much worse. Does it really matter? In the long run is your life going to be altered by being near a naked boob for a few moments? The thing is, she will probably remember anything negative that you have to say for a long time.
Why not head to the relative privacy of the bathroom for a short while. When the baby has finished eating you could return and no one will be put out.
Think about what you watched on TV last night, did you witness a sexual act? A violent act? How did it make you feel? Did you call the TV station to complain or simply changed the channel? Perhaps you have grown so accustomed to this sort of thing that you are numb to it. How dare this mother attempt to feed her child in front of your virgin eyes! You should immediately return to your home and the safety of your TV.
Look around you. Who else is there? A young couple in love, forcing you to witness their gooey PDA? Someone eating a huge double cheeseburger? Reminding you that animals were mercilessly slaughtered for this guy's lunch? A toddler picking her nose? Gross, go pick on one of them!
Drape a flannelet over your head so that you can't see the nursing baby. Its cozy and warm under there, you will be left in peace. You can buy a nice flannelet at any reputable maternity shop.
Remind yourself that studies show that breast milk is the very best food for babies and congratulate the mother on nourishing her child even in the face of such hostility.
Consider this, one day you might find yourself out in public with a baby who decides suddenly that they are SO HUNGRY! Plan your argument with baby and explain to them that they will need to wait to eat because strangers near by might be upset by visible cleavage. Prepare your argument about why Baywatch boobs are appropriate and nursing mama boobs are not. Baby will understand if you explain it like that.
Pull your pants up, no one wants to see your ass crack in public.
Think about your own mother. What would she say to someone who complained about her feeding you in public? How would you approach her about this topic? By the time you have finished thinking about it, baby will probably be finished feeding.
Calm down and get over it, you've seen more explicit stuff during the Superbowl/in magazines/on muchmusic etc. Its not as big a deal as you think it is. Mothers have been doing it for as long as the human race has existed, why are you so offended now?
The milk won't get on you, if it does, it wont hurt you. It is not the same as poo, pee, semen or blood. Stop worrying about it, you'll get an ulcer.
Remember that when you complain about breastfeeding, you sound kinda lame. Just don't say anything and no one will laugh at you.

Featured Item - Leap Frog Baby, Little Leaps

2009-09-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

Little Leaps™ Grow-with-Me Learning System
Appropriate for Ages 9 Months to 3 Years

Comes with 2 DVDS

Helps to encourage Baby's hand eye coordination.

$19.99

She Planned It That Way?!

2009-09-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

There is a new trend in baby birthing. The unassisted home birth.

Okay, okay, this is not at all new or a "trend" and my calling it that was more about having an opening line than about this being the "cool" new way to do things. I don't actually want to trivialize it like that. However, the concept is totally new to me. Its not something I have ever considered, nor had I heard of other women who had. I thought birthing at home was kinda extreme and when I think of doing it alone, I have always thought of a cold blizzard night with highways shut down and a really quick labour process. It never occurred to me that some (really tough) women choose this option beforehand!

I heard about a friend of a friend who decided to go this route. She felt that with her previous baby she had done most of the work on her own with her midwife arriving as the baby was crowning so she was comfortable enough to go the distance alone. When asked what she would do in an emergency situation she reportedly said "I can dial 911" or something to that effect.

Whew. Wow. I tip my proverbial hat this Lady. What an incredible, hard core, confident Mama.

Of course, as is usually the way, once my interest was piqued I started hearing the term all over the place. I have found countless accounts of women's unassisted births and found midwives who advocate this option. I wonder if this is something I could do.

I do agree that child birthing is the most natural and wonderful ...and private thing a woman can do. I do agree that most women in our culture face far too much intervention that medically is unnecessary. And I LOVE the idea of my baby's father catching baby as s/he arrives. From what I've read though, tons of women catch their own babies!

Can you think of anything more empowering?

Or mind blowingly scary?

The thing that I love best about having a midwife is how female run the whole thing feels. It feels to me that this is the way it was meant to happen. Birthing babies is woman's work and it is best accomplished by a woman who is calm, comfortable and secure in the knowledge that she has a skilled, trained and calm woman by her side helping her through the contractions and making sure that all is well. I adored my midwives and actually missed them when our time together was over. I look forward to "working" with them again.

There are some that say that home births are irresponsible and needlessly dangerous. I think that the same can be said for all choices when it comes to birthing. However, I would prefer to not have medical intervention if possible. I do not believe that simply because a surgery exists it is the best option for an everyday birth. I do not believe that pitocin is a good idea nor do I think it is a responsible thing to chemically speed up the labour process. I would rather my child enter this world when both of us are sober and clear headed and can see and smell and touch each other. For as long as I have a say, there will be no Cesarean for me. Of course that doesn't mean much in the long run. If baby is breech, a c-section is the best way to go. That cannot be planned before hand.

It seems to me, that anyone planning an unassisted home birth would be wise to first take an infant CPR course and do your research, read books such as; Unassisted Childbirth by Laura Shanley and read other people's stories. BE PREPARED!

As for myself, I think with my next I will most definately be with my midwife, hopefully my hubby will be an active participant (though that will be his choice) and I will stay home as long as possible, but I will not rule out a visit to the hospital. I do know that I dont want to go it alone, I do want to have a cheering squad nearby and someone to hold my hand and be in charge. I remember from Ollie's birth that I was totally unaware of anything going on in the room. I was very focused on myself and getting through the contractions. I don't think I was in a place mentally where I could have been on my own. Then again, when you haven no other choice, you do what ever you gotta do.

If anyone reading this has had an unassisted homebirth, please, I invite you to share your story on our comments page. This is an option that more women should know about.

Super Energy Kale Soup

2009-09-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

One thing you hear all the time from Mothers and pregnant women is that they just don't have enough energy. Since caffeine is something you should consume in moderation and very little of if you are pregnant it can seem as though your options are very few. Sugar is never a good choice, tempting as it may be and those energy drinks are just choc full of sugar and other crap. Why not try something tasty and good for you?
Kale is my new super food favorite. This leafy green is full of calcium, beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Kale, as with broccoli and other brassicas, contains sulforaphane (particularly when chopped or minced), a chemical believed to have potent anti-cancer properties, you can't go wrong there! Its really tasty steamed with a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes but its also very good in soup. I'm posting a simple and affordable recipe for Kale soup, give it a try and see if it helps!

1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 medium carrot diced about 1/4 inch cubes (about 1 cup)
1 cup diced celery
2 red potatoes, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
3 cups kale, rinsed, stems removed, and chopped very fine
2 tsp dried thyme 2 tsp dried sage salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
1. Chop garlic and onions and let sit for 5 minutes to bring out their hidden health benefits. 2. Heat 1 TBSP broth in a medium soup pot. 3. Healthy saute onion in broth over medium heat for about 5 minutes stirring frequently. 4. Add garlic and continue to saute for another minute. 5. Add broth, carrots, celery, and bring to a boil on high heat. 6. Once it comes to a boil reduce heat to a simmer and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. Add potatoes and kale and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 more minutes. 7. Add rest of ingredients and cook another 5 minutes. If you want to simmer for a longer time for extra flavor and richness, you may need to add a little more broth.

New Stuff For Momz

2009-09-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to announce that we now have a small line from the Vancouver Island label Salts Organic! We have stretchy, comfy, sexy stylish choices from this fantastic company. Salts uses all sustainable fabrics and does their own screen printing in Sooke BC. With fabrics like hemp, bamboo and organic cotton the skirts, shirts and hoodies are unbelievably soft and I've found that they accommodate a growing or shrinking belly very nicely. Look good, feel good and do something good for yourself for a change.

Where are all the mommies?

2009-09-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

I was chatting with some Mama friends last night and we were talking about Disney films. I biggest complaint has always been that most people have no idea who wrote the most famous fairy tales. People think it was Walt Disney! And really, what can you expect? It never says: Written by Charles Perrault at the start of Cinderella... Does it? Anyway, that's another rant and another day.
Today I want to draw your attention to something that my friend D pointed out; There are very few mother characters in Disney films. If there is a Mother figure she is often killed off (Bambi's mom) or is an adoptive to replace a missing mother (i.e. Cinderella's fairy godmother). Often there is just no mention of Mom. Where was Ariel's Mom? Snow White's was long gone before the story begins, same for the aforementioned Cindy. Wendy and her brothers had a mom but the story centred around the kids leaving home where they met up with the Lost Boys, again no Mom. Father's are prominently figured and are often very heroic (Ariel's dad) or spineless (Snow White's dad). Why are so many mother figures portrayed as terrifying? I'm sure most step-mothers out there are sweet and gentle and loving. Couldn't Disney find a way to make movies where the Mom is strong and supportive and kind? What was Walt Disney's mother like? Did they get along? Is this a formula that the company has established purposly? What do they have against Mommies?I did read an article that claimed that it is rumored that the reason for the absence of the mother figure is that Walt Disney's mother's death triggered his own withdrawal and depression.
After reaching a status of significant wealth, Disney purchased a large home for his parents. Shortly after his parents moved into the home, his mother, Flora Disney, died from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty furnace. It is believed that Disney felt responsible for his mother's death because he bought the home where she died. Because of the loss of his mother, he removed the presence of a mother figure from his movies. He reportedly never spoke of his mother again after the accident. At http://members.fortunecity.com/rowansterling/rolemodels.html the question is asked:

In some strange, backhanded way, is Disney cooberating the moralist idea the the mother is not necessary nor responsible for the healthy upbringing of a child? OR...Does Disney make the assumption that as long as there is a good feminine role model present (such as a Fairy Godmother) that a child can grow up without benefit of a mother?

Some say the mother is missing to so that the viewing child may see and understand the importance of friendship, as many characters befriend someone who can help get them out of the jam that they are in. The argumant is valid, however, most movies are aimed at very young kids. Kids that most parents would prefer have come to them with problems.

I do admit that I haven't watched many Disney movies, just the "classics": Sleeping Beauty Cinderella, Snow White, Bambi, Little Mermaid, Beauty & The Beast, and Lady & The Tramp (This one is about grown dogs, and doesn't apply here). However, even if your kids have never seen these older movies, they are still getting the message, Hannah Montana doesn't have a mother and neither did Nemo. I guess its just one more thing to consider when you are deciding on appropriate activities and lessons for your children. Following is a list of Disney Characters and weather or not they have a mother figure. Its pretty surprising!

Pocohontas ~ Mother died

Belle ~ Mother never mentioned

Aladdin ~ No Mother

Jasmine ~ No mother

Sleeping Beauty ~ The Good Queen is her mother

Cinderella ~ Mother died

Prince Charming ~ Mother never mentioned

Snow white ~ Mother never mentioned

Ariel ~ Mother never mentioned

Simba ~ Mother is named Sarabi

Bambi ~ Mother has died

Dumbo ~ Mrs. Dumbo or Jumbo

Esmerelda ~ No mother

Penny the Orphan ~ No Mother

Peter Pan ~ No Mother

Wendy has ~ Mother Darling

Quasimodo ~ No Mother

Hercules ~ Mother is Hera

Alice ~ No Mother

Pinocchio ~ No Mother

Tasty Dishes

2009-09-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

I was looking through an older cookbook I have called Company's Coming Casseroles by
Jean Pare and I noticed this one. It looks super simple and pretty tasty, plus theres' wiggle room to play with the ingredients to suit your tastes and whatever's available in the cupboard!

Lazy Perogy Casserole pg. 88

Lasagna noodles 15

Cottage cheese 2 cups
Egg 1
Onion salt 1/2 tsp

Shredded cheddar cheese (or substitute) 1 cup
Mashed potato 2 cups
Salt 1/4 tsp (optional, I think)
Onion salt 1/4 tsp
Pepper 1/8 tsp
Butter or margarine 1 cup (Way too much for me I used 2 tbsp of veg. oil)
Chopped onion 1 cup (I added red & green peppers here)

Cook noodles as directed on the package. Drain. Line the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan.

In a medium size bowl mix cottage cheese, egg, and onion salt together. Spoon over noodles and spread. Cover with a layer of noodles. In the same bowl mix cheddar cheese with potato, salt, onion salt and pepper. Spread over noodles. Cover with a layer of noodles.

Melt butter in frying pan. Saute onions slowly until clear and soft. Pour over noodles. Cover. Bale for 30 minutes in 350 degree F. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. Serve with yogurt or sour cream. Makes 8 servings.

Notes; I would use a lot less salt... but only because my hubby gives me a hard time about my love for salt and its just not good for Ollie.

Conceive & Feed

2009-09-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

Can you conceive while breastfeeding? Of course you can. Many women do either on purpose or as a surprise! However, when you breastfeed your body releases Prolactin a hormone that suppresses ovulation. Even when your menstrual cycle returns, you may have high levels of prolactin that could prevent conception. Studies show that women who breastfeed exclusively, without supplementing with formula, may enjoy a short period of relatively effective contraception.

Breastfeeding gives you a chance to have "natural" spacing of your children. With exclusive breastfeeding for the first couple of months, you allow your body to recover from pregnancy and childbirth. It's when the menstrual cycle returns that you can become pregnant again - and of course, possibly right before because ovulation can occur before you see your first menstrual bleeding. This happens at different times with each woman. It can come back right away - or it can be suppressed the entire time you are breastfeeding.

Okay, I get it, there is a chance of me getting pregnant while I nurse Ollie but the thing is...(sorry if this is TMI) I haven't. I've been trying and trying and trying and its just NOT HAPPENING! I'm surprised, I honestly thought that my biggest dilemma would be trying to tandem nurse or nurse while heavily pregnant. I thought it would be like last time and as soon as we decided to go for it, it would happen. So here we are, three months of disappointment behind us and now I think I have to do what I really don't want to do. I do not want to wean my son. I had originally planned to breastfeed for 9 months, then when that deadline rolled around I realized that I would rather let him continue as long as he wanted to. I figure that the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for a minimum of 2 years, who am I to scoff at the WHO? I realized about a month ago that breastfeeding is what is most likely preventing me from conceiving and in a half-hearted effort, began to wean Ollie. We have gone a maximum of two days without nursing and then something will happen; a cold, a new tooth, a particularly challenging night of wakefulness and I resort to what we know and love best - boob.

But I long for another baby. I want to finish off our Little family and be who we plan to be. So what do I do? Well, I take prenatal vitamins, I drink raspberry leaf tea, I abstain from alcohol... I continue to reduce Oliver's breastfeeding and I continue to WILL myself to get knocked up.

I have much more reading to do on this subject but if anyone reads this and knows anything that might help please leave a comment and wish us well. For any other mamas out there going through the same thing, well, good luck to you and may you find yourself with child as soon as possible!

How Formula can Hurt a Baby

2009-08-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

There is overwhelming evidence that artificial feeding is harmful in emergency situations. Often when there is a natural disaster somewhere in the world donations are sent to help those who have been displaced. These donations are often things like medical supplies, clean water or water filtration systems, clothes, rice and other food supplies, and baby supplies such as bottles, jarred baby food and infant formula. Herein lies the problem. Take, for example, the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. After the water had receded and people could begin to rebuild, they found that the water was contaminated. When mothers were given formula to feed their babies with, they were not aware that using contaminated water would be detrimental to their children's health.
In conditions like this, access to clean water, sanitation and fuel for boiling is limited. Preparation of infant formula is unsuitable and should be avoided.
“Donations of powdered milk in an emergency situation can literally increase the rate of death
of young babies, while the people mean to do good.”
Anne H. Vincent,
Head of Health and Nutrition,
UNICEF Indonesia

This is where the boycott Nestle campaign has gotten its steam. Knowing that breast is best and that in most developing countries babies are exclusively breastfeed, Nestle has time and again sent samples of their formulas to hospitals, refugee centres and villages. Often the labels are not printed in the local language and instructions for preparation are not included. It is not explained that once Mother's milk supply has diminished, she will be dependant on the formula and when she can no longer afford to purchase something that she previously had at the ready, her child will go hungry.

“Although Sri Lanka is a country with a high exclusive breastfeeding rate, there was a myth among mothers about the inability to produce enough
breastmilk when under stress. A major problem was the distribution of infant formula and feeding bottles by donors and NGOs without the appropriate
controls to breastfeeding mothers. Donors acted emotionally without any scientific basis, disregarding the dangers of artificial feeding in disasters.
Additionally the mass media was very keen on feeding babies so made a public appeal to supply artificial milk and feeding bottles. There was also some
difficulty in getting appropriate complementary food to mothers post tsunami. The ministry of health faced many challenges to ensure that breastfeeding
mothers continued to do so and did not swap to unsustainable and potentially dangerous infant formula.”
Statement from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

After the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China, truckloads of formula and bottles were delivered within 2 hours.

93% of infants admitted to hospital with diarrhoea following serious floods in Botswana in 2006 were formula fed. Of all the children admitted 21% died. Risk factors for death included not
being breastfed. 25% of babies who received formula after the 2006 earthquake
in Jogyakarta, Indonesia had diarrhoea, compared to only 12% in
babies who did not receive formula.

“Our maternity hospitals were flooded with breast milk
substitutes brought in by humanitarian aid agencies.
This nearly destroyed our breastfeeding programmes.”
Dr. A. Demirchian, Chief, National Programme of Promotion and
Protection of Breastfeeding, Armenia, 1996

Breastfeeding keeps babies close to their mothers and is a lifeline during emergencies. Mothers must be supported to breastfeed. One of the best humanitarian efforts I have read about is the story of Jian Xiaojuan, a mother and policewoman, she contributed to relief efforts in the
2008 earthquake in Sichuan, China by nursing as many as 8 babies in need. It was the most instinctive and the best thing she could do. Wet-nursing is a viable infant feeding option in emergency situations. Milk banks are also a wonderful idea although may pose some problems logistically. Milk must be transported frozen and then the milk from several donors is pooled after thawing, and then heat-treated to kill any bacteria or viruses. In the absence of the infant's own mother's milk, donor milk offers many of the benefits of human milk for the infant, including: optimal nutrition, easy digestibility and immunologic protection against many organisms and diseases.

So what do we do to help? The public and well-intentioned donors need to be informed of the hazards of unsolicited donations of breast milk substitutes. Lets inform ourselves and those around us about the risks of speading rumours about formula being a viable and healthy option in these situations. Donate money, if you can, to the Boycott Nestle campaign to help fund research and the sharing of information. http://boycottnestle.blogspot.com/search/label/Safer%20formula%20campaign

Remember, that things arn't always what they seem and often, for these large corporations, the real goal is monetary gain rather than saving lives. Women instictivly know what the best choice is for their children. Lets help empower women who have suffered a major disaster.

Much of this information is from http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/images/icdc_%20focus_english.pdf and http://boycottnestle.blogspot.com/

Tickles

2009-08-30T15:48:00.001-07:00

Ollie loves the rhyme; "Round and round the garden, like a teddy bear, one step, two step... tickle you under there!" When anyone finshes this peom, they must immediately begin again. He prefers the "garden" to be on his belly rather than palm. He stays so still while you sing and then when you begin to take the steps he gets all antsy with anticipation and excitement.
I was curious about the origins of this poem and so I looked it up. According to Wikipedia it is thought to be no older than 70 years, although it probably came from another similar rhyme.
Most nursery rhymes were not written down until the eighteenth century, when the publishing of children's books began to move from polemic and education towards entertainment, but we have evidence for many rhymes existing before this, including to market, to market and Cock a doodle doo, which date from at least the late sixteenth century.
I have included the lyrics for those two below:

To market, to market, to buy a fat pig,
Home again, home again, jiggety-jig.
To market, to market, to buy a fat hog,
Home again, home again, jiggety-jog.
To market, to market, to buy a plum bun,
Home again, home again, market is done.

and

Cock a doodle do!
My dame has lost her shoe,
My master's lost his fiddlestick,
And knows not what to do.

Breastfeeding in Hollywood

2009-08-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

Amongst all my other personality quirks is this one: I love cheesy celebrity gossip. This US Weekly cover makes me so happy, because it combines my love of high gloss cheese and my love for all things baby and breast feeding related. In this exclusive new interview with the magazine both ladies (Kendra Wilkinson & Kourtney Kardashian) discuss breastfeeding:
“I was so scared that I wasn’t going to be able to nurse that when I saw stuff come out of my nipples the other day, I was like, I can breast-feed?” Wilkinson, 24, tells Us Weekly in an exclusive joint interview with Kardashian, 30. ” And I asked my doctor, who said, ‘That’s fine, but it’s not milk yet!’”
Adds Kardashian (who, like Wilkinson, is also due in December), “They say usually you can [breast-feed with implants]. I want to.”
Yay for Us Weekly for talking about such a topic! Yay to the ladies for their candid answers! Yay to breast feeding! I wish wholeheartedly that more high-profile Mamas would publicly discuss breastfeeding and how they are/did do it. Young women need to see other beautiful women proudly nourish their babies. Formula companies have a strangle hold on new frightened moms and for some it is not an option to breast feed but unfortunately, for many, formula seems like the more acceptable/safer/easier/cleaner way to go and we need to debunk that nasty rumour!By the way, the "stuff" Kendra saw coming from her nipple was colostrum and is 100% normal and will give way to milk within a couple of days after her baby is born.

Feminism and Equality For Breatsfeeding Moms

2009-08-26T09:32:00.000-07:00

I did not write this blog post, but I wish I had. Please read, think about and enjoy this well written piece today on Women's Equality Day

http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com/2009/08/feminism-and-equality-for-breastfeeding-women/

Soothe a Sting

2009-08-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a really interesting little tidbit I picked up this morning on Twitter from Airiane at Little Inkers: A cut onion will soothe bee stings! Fantastic news for anyone who's noticed the bees and wasps hanging that are around this time of year.
This is said to be a good home remedy because an ingredient in onions breaks down the chemicals responsible for inflammation and discomfort. Another favorite DIY bee-sting remedy: toothpaste and/or ice.

The Best Travel Snack

2009-08-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were on the road for about 10 hours. We stopped every few for a run around and a diaper change or whatever we needed. I have a fantastic tip to share with anyone else who might be planning a road trip with a toddler in tow.

One of the BEST snack ideas I've found is peas in the pod. Nothing fancy added, just peas straight off the vine. I love that I can take these anywhere, just toss them in my purse because they come pre-wrapped, they are small, bite-size little morsels that are the perfect size for little fingers. Peas are sweet when they are raw so I have no trouble getting Ollie to eat them and when we're done, we can throw the "wrapper" out the window with zero guilt!

2009-08-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the start of our family holiday! We are driving way up past Quesnel so that means that we need to be on the first ferry in the morning! ARGH! Early morning start time means we need to be ready to go tonight! So, here is a handy list for anyone else attempting to do something similar. for more travel tips visit the babycentre website.

Packing checklist for a toddler
Here's a checklist of things you'll need on the road, plus tips for easy, efficient packing.

-Diapers Bring extras in case of emergencies or delays
-Baby blanket(s)Bring at least one for comfort, shade and warmth
-Resealable plastic bags Pack some medium ones for stashing dirty diapers, clothes and bibs
-Baby wipes
-Toddler bath wash and shampoo
-Tissues
-Toys and books Your child's favorites, plus several new toys for surprises along the way. Bring sturdy toys that don't have easy-to-lose parts
-Clothes One to two outfits per day. Denim and dark colours are good for hiding dirt and stains. Prepare for all weather by dressing your child in layers
-Swimsuit Lightweight and easy to pack, you never know when it will come in handy
-Bibs, bowls, forks and spoons
-Sun hat and sun screen (with sun protection factor of 20 or more)
-Sippy cups and bottles Encourage your toddler to drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration, especially when flying or in hot weather
-Snacks Try breadsticks, rice cakes, fruit (dried or fresh), cereal bars and packets of dry cereal. Bring more than you think you'll need, as snacks can distract a grouchy toddler. Plus, you may have travel delays
-Nightlight For nighttime diaper changes
-Socket protectors and other safety equipment For toddler-proofing your room or apartment
-Play yard, Not all accommodation supplies cribs. You'll probably need to take crib sheets, too
-Car seat for travel by car, plane, train, or bus It can double as a toddler seat, too
-Collapsible or umbrella-type stroller Lightweight, convenient, and can be stored in the overhead lockers on a plane
-Start preparing to pack a few weeks before you travel. Keep an ongoing list of items to bring, or put items to one side as you think of them

Tips for packing:

*Use a baby bag with a waterproof lining and a shoulder strap
*Pack an extra shirt or top for yourself in your hand luggage (earlier this summer, Ollie & I went to Kelowna for a few days and on the way to the airport, he threw up EVERYWHERE! Thank goodness we hadn't arrived and already checked our luggage!)
*Prevent leaks by packing medicines and toiletries in re-sealable plastic bags
*Bring a square of plastic or a diaper-changing mat for diaper changes
*Keep an energy-boosting snack handy for yourself
*Bring your camera and plenty of film/digital memory cards
*Bring a clip-on reading light so you can read without disturbing your baby

A doll that promotes breastfeeding

2009-08-11T15:52:00.000-07:00

A new doll made by Spanish toy manufacturer Berjuan is causing much controversy in North America. The life-like baby doll is available in either gender, measures 19.6 inches long (comparable to a real newborn) and comes with a floral halter top for its owner to wear. The top has strategically placed flowers to represent breasts so that when Bebe Glotan is hungry she can "nurse" and will actually make suckling sounds.
So people are in an uproar over this doll because they are afraid that it will "sexualize" our children and is inappropriate for young girls.
Posting a comment after watching a demonstration video online, one user wrote: 'This toy would never work in the U.S. because the public would sexualize the act of breastfeeding, thereby deeming it inappropriate for little girl to engage in." Another wrote: "Honestly, I think this is awful. Now let me just be clear, I think breastfeeding is wonderful and wholeheartedly encourage it, however, it is completely inappropriate to allow a young girl to mimic it. 'Yes, breastfeeding is completely natural, but it is something that only adults do, not children. It would actually disgust me if I were to see a child using this “toy”."
Honestly folks, that pains me so much. I feel very strongly that breast is best and that breastfeeding is a smart, safe and happy choice. I won't begrudge you if you choose another method, we all have our reasons for doing things, but you can't honestly believe that telling young girls about nurturing their babies is bad can you?
We encourage little girls to dress their dolls up, change their diapers, push them around in teeny strollers and give the doll babies bottles. Now, suddenly showing them how to breast feed is wrong? Isn't this something that they will one day do? Will they see their Mamas nurse younger siblings? Or is that wrong too? The people who say this toy is sexually inappropriate must not be the same people who dress their toddlers up in cute 2 piece bikinis... or comment how cute their young sons are when they hold hands with the Little girl next door, proclaiming them to be boyfriend/girlfriend! I would much rather my daughter play with this doll than with a Bratz or a Barbie, both are dolls that I find sexually inappropriate for any child.
Some people did have positive things to say about this doll, for instance; One poster wrote: "I think is great because there are so many teenage mothers like myself that won't breastfeed because of the way society has put it in their heads not too." or my personal favorite review:
'This isn’t gross. What’s gross is a doll that poops.'
What do you think of Bebe Glotan?

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1204486/Meet-Bebe-Gloton-breast-feeding-doll-comes-nipple-bra.html#ixzz0Nv5hOiZd

Saturday Scare

2009-08-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

"Can a product which requires clean water, good sanitation, adequate family income and a literate parent to follow printed instructions, be properly and safely used in areas where water is contaminated, sewage runs through the streets, poverty is severe and illiteracy is high?"

In 1978 Nestlé admitted, "No". Sadly when the same question is asked today, the answer remains, "No".

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF about 1.5 million babies die every year because they were not breastfed. In many parts of the world, not breastfeeding means the difference between life and death. Where water is unsafe, preparing formula means exposing children to the harmful bacteria found in untreated water. This causes many infants to become infected with bacterial diseases, the most feared of which is diarrhoea, which yearly leads to dehydration and death for thousands of infants. Many more millions suffer from infectious diseases and malnutrition, never reaching their full potential because they were not breastfed. The global decline in breastfeeding and the subsequent ascent of "commerciogenic malnutrition" has been attributed in part to the aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes by the babymilk and babyfood industry1 . To Counteract this dangerous trend, the World Health Assembly ratified an international marketing code2 designed to protect breastfeeding and ensure the proper use of artificial feeding when necessary.

The International Code imposes strict guidelines that prohibit the promotion of infant formula to the public, the promotion of infant formula through health care systems, direct contact between formula companies and mothers, and ensure proper labels on all products describing the benefits of breastfeeding and the dangers of bottlefeeding (see the International Code page on this website for more information).

Despite the fact that Nestlé has promised to comply with the WHO Marketing Code, the company disposes of large quantities of free formulas to maternity hospitals and birthing centres, distributes free formula to pregnant women and new mothers, misinforms about infant feeding, and tries to entice health care workers with enducements and gifts. In Bangladesh, Brazil, Mexico, Russia and South Africa, mothers of newborns receive free Nestlé infant formula samples in hospitals. Health care workers receive gifts such as pens, calendars, and desk sets in Chile, Colombia, and Spain, and in Zimbabwe, health care workers receive Christmas hampers from Nestlé.3 .

Nestlé knows that artificial feeding in the poor areas of the world is dangerous. So why do they promote their products there? The awful reality is that every breastfeeding mother represents competition for formula companies. In what has become a deadly zero-sum game, Nestlé is trying to convince mothers all over the world to engage in dangerous feeding practices.

As the world's largest babyfood company, Nestlé sets the marketing standards for the industry. Currently, rather than setting a good example, it is the single most prolific violator of the International Code. Participants in the Nestlé Boycott refuse to let Nestlé carry on business as usual while they are at the same time endangering the health of millions. Boycotters refuse to buy any Nestlé products in order to put pressure on the company by creating bad publicity and lowering sales. The Boycott will be promoted and publicized until such time as Nestlé is forced to change its marketing practices and begins to act ethically.

REFERENCES
1. Joint WHO/UNICEF Meeting on Infant and Young Child Feeding. WHO, Geneva, 1979.[back]
2. International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes, and relevant resolution of the WHO World Health Assembly, Geneva, 1981. IBFAN Resolutions. [back]
3. Breaking the Rules 2001. International Baby Food Action Network, 2001. IBFAN Web Site [back]

http://www.infactcanada.ca/index.htm Infact Canada website

Big Guys Go After The Little Guy

2009-08-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

Read about how the corporate giant Gerber is attacking this small, Lake Cowichan family.

http://www.p2pnet.net/story/25803

Sunday Smile

2009-07-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

I realize that this blog is meant to be dedicated to kids, parents and kid stuff in general, but when I was a kid Michael Jackson was HUGE and I loved him. In the past ten years I'd sort of abandoned him and I only occasionally listened to his music and never practised the moves. Not like when I was younger...
This morning I was watching these guys do another tribute to the King of Pop and it made me happy on a couple of levels.
I was enjoying the music and dance, I was thinking about how from such a negative place (a jail and a death) something so happy and positive can come and I was really loving watching Oliver bounce around to the songs I used to bounce around to.
The death of M.J. has affected so many people around the world and even though there are those of us who couldn't care less and those (like my hubby) who are just sick of hearing about it, for the ones who loved him its really great to see this type of tribute; pure of heart, honest and complimentary.
I wonder what type of performers Oliver will love one day. I promise to try to enjoy them with him as well as expose him to some of the groundbreaking, iconic and revolutionary artists that I have admired my whole life.
So, for those of you haven't yet seen these videos follow the link to watch the 1,500+ inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Centre in Cebu, Philipines perform.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=OK25cfzdTTg&feature=fvw

Nursing Nursing Mom told "you can't be here" in Langford Wal-Mart.

2009-07-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

We, at Izzy & Ollie'z are all about support for breastfeeding moms. In our eyes, a child should be able to eat whenever and where-ever the need may arise. The need to feed a hungry child should not be looked at as inappropriate, and anyone that asks a nursing mother to move or stop, so as to not "offend" others is violating the mother's personal rights. When we came across this story published in the Victoria Times Colonist, we were appalled, but also excited. No mother should ever be made to feel bad or embarrassed for feeding their child. Every time a story hits the pages of a newspaper or makes headlines on the news, or online, it makes the breastfeeding community that much stronger. So we are more than happy to share this story with you.

Nursing Mom told "you can't be here" in Langford Wal-Mart.

July 18,2009 Victoria Times Colonist

When Tanya Constable's 11-month-old daughter, Myra, started to cry yesterday morning while she was shopping, Constable did what any mother would do: she fed her.

The only problem? She was in a Langford Wal-Mart store, where her breastfeeding raised the ire of at least one employee.

"You can't be here," Constable, 27, says a female employee told her, suggesting she breastfeed in the washroom instead.

Constable, a child-care worker on maternity leave, asked to speak with a manager. "The manager said that if someone complains, the store's policy is to ask them to move," she said. According to Constable, there were no other customers in the baby section where she was nursing who could have complained.

So she decided to leave the store.

Kevin Groh, director of corporate affairs for Wal-Mart Canada, apologized on behalf of the store, saying that for the employee to suggest that Constable move to a washroom or changeroom was "wrong."

In fact, Groh said, Wal-Mart's policy for years has been "absolutely black and white." "Customers can breastfeed in whatever manner they see fit anywhere in the store."

Groh said yesterday's incident was a result of miscommunication. The employee who initially approached Constable did so not because she was breastfeeding, but because she was doing it on a rocking chair meant for display purposes only, he said.

Still, Groh admitted, Constable shouldn't have been asked to move to a washroom or changeroom. Groh said he's arranging for stores across Canada to remind their staff of the company's policy.

The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal does not have a policy regarding breastfeeding, although it does state that no person should be denied services based on their sex.

Last year, a Vancouver woman launched a complaint with the tribunal against H&M clothing store for asking her not to breastfeed. The complaint was later dismissed after the store apologized for the gaffe.

Rebekah Smith, a program coordinator for the Toronto-based Infant Feeding Action Coalition, says the group receives several calls a month from women across Canada who've been asked to relocate or be "discreet" about breastfeeding.

"Breastfeeding in public is not a crime," Smith said. "People need to start realizing that mothers have a legal right to nurse."

As for Constable, she said she was happy with the apology, but disappointed the incident had to happen in the first place.

"My baby has a right to eat," she said, adding Myra needs constant feeding because of a bladder infection that results in frequent urination.

"If people can walk by eating cheeseburgers from McDonald's in the store, then my baby can nurse," she said.

ahui@tc.canwest.com

Don't forget that Izzy & Ollie'z Children's Consignment hosts monthly La Leche League Meetings the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm in the shop. Located at 84 South Shore Road. Come join us for Tea and cookies, and breastfeeding support as well as other parenting issues, stories and support. They also have an extensive library that you may borrow books from on all sorts of parenting topics. Meetings are always child friendly, of course.

Playground Review ~ Arbutus Park

2009-07-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

Arbutus Park in Youbou is a fantastic place to spend the day! So great, that I almost didn't write this post for fear of it becoming so popular that there is no room for me anymore! You can find the park just past the Youbou Pub on the highway. There is ample parking, a large grassy area with tons of trees for shade, a sandy beach with clearly marked swimming areas. The dock runs parallel to the beach and features a slide (!) and a diving board. There are life guards on duty 7 days a week during the summer, a first aid room and public washrooms. I didn't get to check it out, but someone told me that there is a room you can go into to borrow life vests from. There is plenty of room for large groups at the picnic tables and even though there were quite a few people there at the same time we were, we did not feel crowded at all!

In the centre of the grassy area is a decent playground with swings and a big curvy slide that Ollie fell in love with. You can climb stuff, glide on other stuff and run around to your hearts content! It doesn't cost anything... not even for parking! I love this place and honestly, couldn't think of anything less than complimentary to say about it. I could continue gushing, but I think I would rather just go back and enjoy it first hand!

Green tip - Recycle Gift Bags

2009-07-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

How much wrapping paper do you throw away after a birthday or Christmas? I bet it tons. I bet you feel a twinge of guilt about all that waste too, right?

One thing I've always done is save gift wrap. To the utter annoyance of my hubby, I carefully open each gift, saving as much paper as possible. This drives him nuts because its not exactly a swift process, so to compromise, we have begun to use mostly gift bags. In fact I even go so far as to always buy gender and holiday neutral bags for ease of reuse.

At Izzy & Ollie'z we've taken this idea and made it even better. We offer FREE recycled gift bags to every customer and also accept recycled gift bags from people who are tired of having them lying around in their homes. This makes us feel good and it provides a lovely, thoughtful service to our oh-so-valuable customers who, frankly, are busy enough already. Why add another stop to their list of errands?