Vasa Previa Walk 2007

Yesterday, we did the Sophie's Walk for Vasa Previa in honour of my sister's twin boy that died at birth in 2005. This year it was organized by Mike and Amanda who also lost a baby girl last year.

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.

To learn more check out the sites below:

http://www.ourangelmatthew.com/

http://www.vasaprevia.org/

Introducing ...

Baby Michael. Here is our little bundle of joy.

Baby has arrived!

Baby Michael has arrived and early too! It's been a month and we are all doing great. It's been a very busy month with recovering from giving birth, to breastfeeding issues (yes again!), my toddler adjusting to the new member of our family, getting over a cold, having a molar pulled out and lack of sleep!!! I think the worst is over. Ok gotta get some more sleep! Chau ...

Getting Ready For Baby # 2

Next month we are expecting our little one to join our family. It’s an exciting time for us. I must say this pregnancy was a bit easier in some ways. At first my morning sickness was worse than last time. But physically speaking my body has adjusted comfortably. I hardly used any extra pillows at night and I am sleeping much better this time around. Sometimes I am sleeping some 7-8 hrs straight through the night!! This hot summer has been difficult at times, everyone keeps telling me oh its not so bad but when you are pregnant and have gained … lbs, believe me if its over 20 degrees it’s too hot for me!

Keeping up with my toddler though has been challenging too. I don’t know where he gets so much energy! He has been good though and knows baby is in mommy’s tummy. He kisses my belly and hugs it too. So cute. We have baby’s room ready as well and Nicolas seems to like that room very much too. I’ve learned a lot with my son and I think this time around I am better prepared. People keep telling me that baby # 2 is much easier so we will see. I’ve even noticed a lot of moms with baby # 2 are more carefree in many ways and not so worried all the time and paranoid about things.

It’s time for me to take a break from my PC and finish doing some more cleaning before I go into labour! Stay tuned for next month and I will let you know how things go!

Chau for now,
Mommy Michelle
Oakville Moms

Photo Shoot

I recently did a few photo shoots with some photographers and it was a lot of fun. Being pregnant is not an everyday thing so getting some professionals shots was a bonus for me. I felt like a model and liberated. It's also something I can look back on years to come and say hey I looked like that when I was ...

Pools & Splash Pads

Oakville:
Indoor Pools
Glen Abbey Community Centre
1415 Third Line, 905-815-5950

Iroquois Ridge Community Centre
1051 Glenashton Drive, 905-338-4255

QE Park Pool
2302 Bridge Road, 905-815-5979

White Oaks Pool
1330 Montclair Drive, 905-815-5975

Centennial Pool
120 Navy Street, 905-815-5955

Outdoor Pools
Bronte Pool
2184 Hixon Street, 905-827-9531

Brookdale Pool
1215 Bridge Road, 905-827-1475

Falgarwood Pool
1349 Gainborough Drive, 905-844-4862

Lions Pool
159 Felan Avenue, 905-845-3281

Wedgewood Pool
351 Cairncroft Road, 905-845-9177

Splash Pads
Oakville has eleven splash pads, which are water play areas for young children. Note that there is no standing water. The splash pads are located at:

Coronation Park, Lakeshore Road West, east of Third Line

Heritage Way Park, Heritage Way at Merchants Gate

Millbank Park, Glenashton Dr. at Millbank Dr

Munn's Park, River Oaks Boulevard West

Neyagawa Park, Neyagawa Blvd. at River Glen Blvd

Old Abbey Lane Park, Old Abbey Lane & Dorval Dr

Pine Glen Park, Pine Glen Road at Third Line, S of Dundas St West

Postridge Park, Postridge Drive at North Ridge Trail

Sixteen Hollow Park, West Oak Trails Blvd N of UMR,East of Fourth Line

Valleybrook Park, Valleybrook Drive at Grosvenor St & UMR

Wynten Park, Wynten Way, south of Kingsway Drive

Hours
Splash pads are open 9:00am-8:30pm

Dates
Jun-mid Sep, subject to weather conditions

Mississauga:

Splash pads in Mississauga are open 7 days a week from June to September (weather permiting)

Brickyard Park
3061 Clayhill Road (E. of Mavis Road & North of Dundas Street West)
Open 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m

Churchill Meadow Community Common
3370 McDowell Drive (W. of Tenth Line & S. of Britannia Road W.)
Open: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Clarkson Community Centre
2475 Truscott Drive (E. of Winston Churchill Blvd & Truscott Drive)
Open 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m (Clarkson C.C - 905-615-4840)

Fallingbrook Park
5135 Fallingbrook Drive (E. of Creditview Road & N. of Eglington Avenue West)
Open 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m

Floradale Park
2424 Confederation Parkway (N. of Queensway, E. of Hurontario Street)
Open 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m

Fieldgate Drive (S. of Burnhamthorpe Road E & East of Dixie Road)
Open 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Frank McKechnie Community Centre
310 Bristol Road East (E. of Hurontario & Bristol Road)
Open 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m

Huron Park Splash Pad
830 Paisley Boulevard West (Mavis Rd & Paisley Blvd W)
Open 9:00 a.m. - 8:00p.m.

Jack Darling Park
1180 Lakeshore Road West (Lakeshore Road W, West of Hurontario/Hwy 10)
Open 9:00 a.m. - 8:00p.m.

Lake Aquitanine
2750 Aquitaine Avenue(Aquitaine Avenue E. of Glen Erin Dr.)
Open 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Lakefront Promenade Park
800 Lakefront Promenade (Cawthra Road & Lakeshore Road E.)
Open 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Malton Community Centre Splash Pad
3540 Morningstar (Morningstar Drive & Darcel Avenue)
Open: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Mississauga Valley Park
1275 Mississauga Valley Blvd. (South of Burnhamthorpe at Central Pkway)
Open 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m

P-443 N.Y.N (Park Not Yet Named)
635 Kaiser Drive (E. of Mavis Road & N. of Derry Road West)
Open: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Serson Park
1095 Fourth St. (N. of Lakeshore Rd. E.. W. of Dixie Road)
Open 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

South Common Community Centre
2233 South Millway (S. of Burnhamthorpe Road West, W of Erin Mills Parkway)
Open 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. ( South Common - 905-615-4770)

Happy Canada Day

Have a Safe and Happy long weekend!

Happy Father's Day to my Daddy!

Pregnant and the GO Train exprience

Being pregnant and having to commute to Toronto on a daily basis can be challenging at times. Having to carry my laptop among other things can make it tricky too. It's interesting to see how people react to a pregnant woman. Some people make eye contact while others pretend you don't exist. I've had some good and bad experience on the GO, besides from the fact that the train is late half the time, some people have been very courteous to me when they see me and offer me their seat. While others continue reading or pretend they are sleeping. The other day it got to a point where another commuter made an announcement that there was a pregnant woman standing and needed a seat (that's me). I told her not to worry but then another woman said you need to sit. No one really jump at that second but it took 30 sec or so for someone to get up, and it was a woman! However, I was pleasantly surprise in the past month by 2 acts of kindness. I had my carry-on and laptop bag and to my surprise the escalator wasn’t working. So here I am getting ready to carry my stuff up when a gentleman came back down from the escalator and carried my carry-on. This actually happened on 2 separate occasions. I was greatly appreciative and the gentlemen were just as happy to do this favour for me. So thank you to all of you who have been considerate when you see a pregnant woman on the GO Train!

Free classes for the little ones

Check out some of the classes available this summer for the little ones and it's FREE:

Babytime
This storytime features simple stories, songs, puppets and bouncing rhymes to help develop language skills. Babies wil enjoy the peek-a-boo games, animal sounds, rhythmic language and more from popular books for babies. For babies and their caregivers.
Age: 6 to 12 months
Cost: FREE/6 classes
Course code: 80320, 80318
Starts: July

Born To Read
It is never too early to introduce your child to books and reading! Parents are the best teachers to inspire the love of literacy in their children. Come and learn some techniques with us that will give your child the jump start to their love of literacy!
Age: up to 6 months
Cost: FREE/6 classes
Course code: 80370
Starts: July

Storytime (Unparented)
Children are invited to listen to stories, participate with musical instruments, flannel rhymes and other reading activities.
Age: 3 to 5Y
Cost: FREE/6 classes
Course code: 80346
Starts: July

Tales for Twos
A delightful program to nurture the love of reading through tales, songs, fingerplays and rhymes. Be prepared to stimulate your imagination. For children and their caregivers.
Age: 2 to 3Y
Cost: FREE/6 classes
Course code: 80350
Starts: July

Walkin' Talkin' Todders
Stories, rhymes, songs and more for you and your toddler to enjoy together.
Age: 1 to 3Y
Cost: FREE/6 classes
Course code: 80664, 80424, 80352
Starts: July

We're ONE-derful
Rhyme and repetition! Rhyme and repetition! Our ONE-year-olds love Rhyme and Repetition! Stories songs and wonderful FUN, designed especiallly for those who are ONE! For children and their caregivers.
Age: 12 to 24 months
Cost: FREE/6 classes
Course code: 80354
Starts: July

Drop-In Programs

Family Storytime
This program features stories, rhymes, songs and more to help develop a love of reading and early literacy skills. For all ages, parents or caregivers.
Cost: Free

Central Branch:
Thurs July 5 - Aug 9
10:15 to 10:45

Iroquois Ridge Branch
Tues July 3 - Aug 7
10:15 to 10:45

Wed July 4 - Aug 8
7 pm to 7:30 pm

Woodside Branch
Wed July 4 - Aug 8
11 to 11:30

Glen Abbey Branch
Thurs July 5 to Aug 9
11 to 11:30

White Oaks Branch
Wed July 4 to Aug 8
10:45 to 11:15

Hopedale
Mall - Story Times
Join us for stories, songs and more!
Time: 10 am
Dates: June 7th & 21 st, July 5th, 12th,
19th, Aug 2nd, 9th, 16th
Location: Rebecca Street and Third Line.

Baby & Tot Circle Time
Tuesday, 2:15 - 2:45 pm
203 Georgian Dr, Post Inn Village

Toddler Storytime
Nurture the love of reading with your toddlers. Wiggle and
giggle and learn something new. Stories and rhymes picked
just for you. For children and caregivers.
Cost: Free
Ages: 1 to 3 Y
Glen Abbey Branch: Thurs July 5 - Aug 9
10:15 to 10: 45

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing you all a beautiful Mother's Day.

"Happy Mother's Day" means more
Than have a happy day.
Within those words lie lots of things
We never get to say.
It means I love you first of all,
Then thanks for all you do.
It means you mean a lot to me,
And that I honor you.
But most of all, I guess it means
That I am thinking of
Your happiness on this, your day,
With pleasure and with love.

March is finally here ...

and March break is around the corner. One of the things I love about Oakville is that there are so many things to do in this community. Check out some of the free events offered in our community for the kids:

Iroquois Ridge Branch - Cat in the Hat 50th Birthday
Date: Mar 13, 2007
Time: 10:00 AM - Noon
Description: Fun crafts, games and activities, at Iroquois Ridge Branch.
Address: 1051 Glenashton Drive, Oakville, ON
Cost: FREE - Drop in - All ages
Phone: 905-338-4247

Glen Abbey Branch - Bob the Builder
Date: Mar 13, 2007
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Description: Build skyscrapers, match tools and fix it together, at Glen Abbey branch.
Address: 1415 Third Line, Oakville, ON
Cost: FREE - Drop in - Ages 3 - 5Y
Phone: 905-815-2039

White Oaks Branch - Family Storytime
Date: Mar 13, 2007
Time: 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Description: Stories, rhymes, songs and more. For children with parents or caregivers.
Address: 1070 McCraney, Oakville, ON
Cost: FREE - drop in - all ages
Phone: 905-815-2038

Woodside Branch - Family Storytime
Date: Mar 14, 2007
Time: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Description: Featuring stories, rhymes, songs and more at Woodside Branch Library.
Address: 1274 Rebecca Street, Oakville, ON
Cost: FREE - drop in - all ages
Phone: 905-815-5954

White Oaks Branch - Cat in the Hat 50th Birthday
Date: Mar 14, 2007
Time: 10:00 AM - Noon
Description: Activities, games and crafts, at White Oaks Branch.
Address: 1070 McCraney, Oakville, ON
Cost: FREE - drop in - all ages
Phone: 905-815-2038

Glen Abbey Branch - Cat in the Hat 50th Birthday
Date: Mar 15, 2007
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Description: Crafts, games and activities.
Address: 1415 Third Line, Oakville, ON
Cost: FREE - drop in - All ages

Woodside Branch - A Cat in the Hat 50th Birthday
Date: Mar 16, 2007
Time: 10:00 AM - Noon
Description: Games, activities and crafts, at Woodside Branch Library.
Address: 1274 Rebecca Street, Oakville, ON
Cost: FREE - drop in - all Ages
Phone: 905-815-5954

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Hopedale Mall (Rebecca Street and Third Line)
Free Activities in Centre Court

Monday March 12
Clown School 11 am to 3 pm

Tuesday March 13
Magical Crafts 11 am to 2 pm
Wednesday March 14
Little Pet Shop Carnival 11 am to 1 pm

Thursday March 15
Magicans Magic Crafts 11 am to 2 pm

Friday March 16
Princess Karma's Magic Show 11:30 and 2 pm
Saturday March 17
Irish Dancers
11 am and 3 pm

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Discover Science Series - Mad Science

Saturday, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Event Location: Discovery Landing at The Waterfront at Downtown Burlington
Phone Number: (905)335-7766
Cost: Free!

Every Saturday in the Observatory at Discovery Landing, Mad
Science will present an interactive science themed program
related to the three themes of the waterfront: weather, water
and the ecosystem. 25 spaces are available per session and
are offered on a first come, first serve basis. For more information
call 905-335-7766. To register call

905-335-7600x7391

In Memory of ...

My nephew Matthew who passed away at birth 2 years ago due to undiagnosed Vasa Previa. His twin brother Steven survived and is a beautiful and playful boy.

A lot of people say that they never heard of this condition. Neither did we. It's not in any of the pregnancy books. We're hoping this will change soon.

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.

The reduction in the fetal mortality from this condition depends on prenatal diagnosis; this is the key to a baby’s survival. When vasa previa is found before labor, the baby has a 100% chance of surviving. Vasa previa can be detected during pregnancy as early as the 16th week. 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 wasn't considered high risk even though she was carrying twins. A very bad judgement from her OB.

There is nothing we can do to bring back Matthew. Instead we honour his memory and we are doing everything possible to bring awareness to this condition.

We created a site: http://www.ourangelmatthew.com
Here you will find the full story of what happened.

The site has been very successful and we are getting hits from around the world, just to name a few: Canada, US, Netherlands, Mexico, Switzerland, Australia, Virgin Islands (U.S.), Cayman Islands, Germany, Argentina, Philippines, Brazil, Norway, Seychelles, Italy, Sweden, China, Hungary, Israel, Taiwan, United Kingdom.

Please spread the word of Vasa Previa, we have so much medical advancements at this time, this condition shouldn't be taking the lives of innocent babies. If we can save just one baby then we have accomplished our goal.

We miss you lots Matthew! May the angels in heaven be loving you and taking care of you.

-----------------------------------------------------------
A child that loses a parent is an orphan.
A man who loses his wife is a widower.
A woman who loses her husband is a widow.
There is no name for a parent that loses a child,
for there is no word to describe the pain.
- Author Unknown -
-----------------------------------------------------------

Happy New Year!

Today is the first day of a New Year.
Let the past be the past.
Live today and move forward with the future.
May everyday be a positive experience and hold no regrets.
Just when you think things are going wrong, look into the eyes of your child and see the hope and future that lies within ...

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!

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