• family

    Ontario Science Centre Visit with my Kids

    September 15, 2009 - By 

    This summer my daughter, now eight, repeatedly asked to do science  experiments and she would often tell anyone who inquired that her favourite subject was science, so we thought it would be the ideal time to plan a trip to Ontario Science Centre. We visited the centre on Labour Day weekend. Admission was free with our membership to London Regional Children’s Museum. A very big bonus incentive for us to visit. And visiting on Sunday meant we could park on a side street nearby for free as well. We stayed at a motel for the night so we could also visit family nearby. This…

  • FASD - Health - Parenting - special needs

    FASD DAY 09-09-09

    September 9, 2009 - By 

    On the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month of 2009 (09,09,09 FASD DAY) we gathered in London’s Victoria Park for a pregnant pause to raise awareness regarding FASD Day. The Number 9 is Symbolic A pregnancy takes 9 months typically. So the number 9 has become a symbol to people in the FASD disability world. Hence the day – the ninth day of the ninth month and this year in 2009 this felt ever so meaningful. The Stats Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, is an invisible neurological disability, affecting an estimated 300,000 Canadians. The numbers are staggering,…

  • family - FASD - Parenting

    Forgetful Frankie Children’s Book and FASD DAY Interview

    September 9, 2009 - By 

    First and foremost, a small disclaimer. Those of you who know me and read me know that I am a Mom of a little girl with FASD fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. So I may be the tiniest bit biased about this one but when I first saw hint of a book for children about FASD I was overjoyed. Anyone who parents a child with FASD struggles with what to tell them and when to tell them about their disability. This book is a way to help parents do that. So what follows here is my interview with Jill Bobula, author of…

  • special needs adoption
    Back To School

    The first day of school

    September 8, 2009 - By 

    Well the first day of school is here and thankfully I slept a bit last night despite stressing over which teacher my child would end up with this crucial grade three year. This year I didn’t embarrass anyone with a tearful good-bye. Payton, my eight-year-old sensitive, bright, mostly easy-going girl, bounced out of bed this morning ready to go, got all suited up in her new Hannah Montana style ensemble. She quickly determined that she was in the class she wanted with several friends she knows well and, bonus, she got the teacher she wanted too. Then she essentially waved me away.…

  • parenting

    Seeing Things/Perspective

    September 5, 2009 - By 

    Some of my greatest insights have come from my children. One of the most important of these lessons has been always remember to stop, get down on the floor and try to see the world through their eyes. What looks insane to us as adults is often very logical or even magical to children. My Payton, 8, is an inquisitive, sensitive and very bright child who asks things that often give me pause and wears her heart outside her clothes most days. She is easily bruised emotionally and a living reminder to me to tread carefully, buffer and protect. Ainsley, 5, somehow sees life with…

  • Travel

    London’s Double Decker Bus Sightseeing Tour

    September 2, 2009 - By 

        For months, we have seen London’s Double Decker Bus Sightseeing Tour around town and thought wouldn’t that be fun to do one day.   This morning, keenly aware of the passing days of summer I woke both of my kids up and told them we were once again going on a surprise adventure. (These are truly one of the best parts of parenthood.) What is London’s Double Decker Bus? I had secretly planned to take them on the Tourism London’s Double Decker Bus Sightseeing Tour. The 1969 Bristol VR leaves every day of the summer through until September 7th…

  • FASD - infertility - Parenting

    Expert Panel on Infertility and Adoption

    September 1, 2009 - By 

    Last week’s release of the highly anticipated report from the Expert Panel on Infertility and Adoption was well worth the wait to many of us labouring in the trenches as adoptive parents and advocates. While much of the public debate around the report, dubbed Raising Expectations, was clearly focused on the fact that the panel recommends the Ontario government’s health plan pay for infertility treatments like in vitro fertilization, we in the adoption community were celebrating. Many of us spent hours consulting on this report whether by phone, in written form or in person appearing before the panel. The Adoption Council…

  • Travel

    Storybook Gardens review

    August 28, 2009 - By 

    I have always loved Storybook Gardens. As a child we used to drive every summer to Storybook Gardens from Guelph Ontario, about two hours, just to visit what was then really just a small park and petting zoo. Storybook Gardens has blossomed and I still enjoy this lovely spot in the summer. I also enjoy skating with my family on the path they flood in the winter to make an ice rink. The new splash pad and the massive renovation that took place several years ago now was an excellent investment. Storybook offers interesting events occasionally and also rides. The pirate climber…

  • family - Travel

    Fort Rapids review

    August 26, 2009 - By 

    Looking for something fun to do in nearby Ohio? In the spirit of Great Wolf Lodge, Columbus, Ohio’s new Fort Rapids Resort and Indoor Water park is a destination in itself. A converted Holiday Inn, at 4560 Hilton Corporate Drive, turned Disney style resort, this water park is a blast. My family and I decided to stay at the water park last week for four nights, while in the city for a conference. After a good deal of research which turned up a great variety of truly lacklustre motels, we happened on this one and took our chances booking on…

  • Travel

    Fort Rapids Waterpark review

    August 25, 2009 - By 

    Looking for something fun to do in nearby Ohio? In the spirit of Great Wolf Lodge, Columbus, Ohio’s new Fort Rapids Resort and Indoor Water park is a destination in itself. A converted Holiday Inn, at 4560 Hilton Corporate Drive, turned Disney style resort, this water park is a blast. My family and I decided to stay at the water park last week for four nights, while in the city for a conference. After a good deal of research which turned up a great variety of truly lacklustre motels, we happened on this one and took our chances booking on…