Baby on Board Sign

When we went to a car seat clinic we were told we had a lot of projectiles in our car. One of them was the Baby on Board sign that we bought at a retail store. Apparently the plastic edges can act like a knife. So it went to the garbage. We then designed our own and printed it on clear decals. It goes right onto the window itself. Totally projectile free. But I still have issues with the sign itself. I am questioning whether I should kept it on or not. You see other drivers don't seen to respect the Baby on Board sign. People would figure you have a baby or toddler in your car and you can't go 30 km over the limit like some people do. I say to these people change lanes and be on your way. Unfortunately people are always in a hurry and can't respect the Baby on Board sign. Just my thoughts ...

The Baby Files #2

Nicolas' first hair cut:
Where: Chez Mama & Dada (a.k.a. "the basement")
Cost: FREE!
Duration: less than 10 min
Why: Nicolas is now over 1 and his hair has grown a lot, specially at the back. Its very curly. We also had a few people ask us if he is a girl?!?! I laughed at the question but at the same time I took it as a compliment. Believe me my son looks very much like a little boy. So that was when we decided to cut this hair. He took it pretty good and I sang some nursery rhymes to entertain him. Overall a very good experience.

The Baby Files #1

Here is Nicolas at a Halloween party. We had several ideas for his costume and then decided that a cowboy was just perfect for him. The hat didn't last long on him. He decided to trade his horse for a Mercdes.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

Stay tuned for the Daddy files ...

Sophie's Walk for Vasa Previa

On Oct 1st, 2006, my sister organized the Sophie's Walk for Vasa Previa in honour of her twin boy that died at birth last year in 2005. It took place in Woodbridge, Ontario (North of Toronto). In total 20 adults and 7 children attended the event. We stopped halfway at a park, the children ran around and we took many pictures. It was a proud and special day for the family and friends of vasa previa angel Matthew as we also met the family and friends of another vasa previa baby angel Katarina that had just passed away a few months ago.

Vasa previa is rare condition, one in every 2,500. If it goes undetected, it has a high fetal mortality of 50% to 90% because of the hemorrhage that occurs when the vessels are torn when the membranes rupture, either at labour or delivery. Some of the risk factors include a low-lying placenta, placenta previa, multiple pregnancies, in-vitro fertilization pregnancies, a history of uterine surgery, painless bleeding or a D&C. A D&C is considered a risk factor as this procedure has the potential to cause uterine scarring. Anything that can cause uterine scarring can potentially cause a low-lying placenta which is the main risk factor for vasa previa as velamentous cord insertion and multi-lobed placentas are thought to develop as a low-lying placenta moves up.

Suggested management for women with vasa previa includes hospitalization in the third trimester and delivery by c-section at 35 weeks. It can be seen with the help of a trained technician and the use of transvaginal sonography. However, strongly suggest to your doctor to send you to a location, such as a hospital, where they can combine the use of a color Doppler as this increases the chances of detecting it immensely.

Unfortunately my sister didn’t get that due to poor medical attention from her OB. Basically told her she would treat her as if she was having one baby!!! My sister and our family are still coping with the loss of baby Matthew but the point of this walk was to raise awareness. That was another goal of the Oakville Moms site. I want to raise awareness of Vasa Previa. So on occasion I will insert news on this topic. Babies are still dying unnecessarily due to undiagnosed Vasa Previa. With today’s medical advancements and technology this shouldn’t be happening. If we could save one baby’s life, it would make all the difference.

To learn more check out the sites below:

http://www.ourangelmatthew.com

http://www.vasaprevia.org/

Welcome to Oakville Moms

Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I recently completed my maternity leave and went back to my day job! I've been there for a month and it feels like I never left!!!

Last August we had a little boy and his name is Nicolas. I've had to learn how to breastfeed, change diapers, understand what each cry meant, and care for my little baby. Everyday was a challenge, learning new things and growing with my little boy. Some things you just can't learn in a book, it all comes from experience. I would say after the 3rd month, things got easier.

The past year have been amazing. I totally LOVE being a mom. He is such a joy! Motherhood is awesome! I went to many classes with my little guy. Part of it for me to meet new moms, get out of the house and the other part for Nicolas to interact with other babies. I've met some great Oakville moms! Now some of us have returned to work but we still manage to meet once a month and have a girls night out.

I had the Oakville Moms site idea from the time I started my mat leave. I wanted to create a site specially for moms & babies in Oakville where they can stayed informed, stay connected and interact. Some features of the site are the Mom's Story, Free class listings, Resource links, Business Feature, Contest, Where to Shop directory, birth announcements & birthday baby, and the Forum. I want the Forum discussion to be open to all moms. Whether you are a mom-to-be, a new mom, or a mom with lots of kids, it's a place where we can meet and discuss different topics, post questions and give advice. Just when you think you are the only one with the problem, you are not alone. We all go through the same things. The bottom line is that we all want to be the best mom possible.

So please take a look at my site and enjoy the experience! It's all about sharing and learning.

Chau for now,
Mommy Michelle