• 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.…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • family

    GForce movie review.

    August 24, 2009 - By 

    When Jerry Bruckheimer meets Disney I am not sure it’s always good. At least not for children. I took my two girls to see GForce in 3D yesterday afternoon at the new Westmount VIP cinema in London and was somewhat taken aback by the aggressive testosterone-fuelled children’s movie, which wasn’t really for children, but more for tweens. Multiple explosions I could stand. The really cool graphics with three dimensional effects were super. But the plot was a bit over the top. When the robots and appliances came alive I thought my daughter, 5, would ask to leave, but she held my hand…

  • family

    Westmount Cinemas and VIP theatre review

    August 23, 2009 - By 

    Although it’s been open for a few months, the exclusive new Westmount Cineplex and VIP experience in London, is a unique addition to the local entertainment scene. Where else in town can a couple slip out for an evening, grab a quick glass of wine or beer, enjoy a tasty treat and take in a movie in style? And all under one roof? The new $5 million dollar complex opened in the spring but today was my first chance to visit and do a VIP tour of the clean, pristine, new theatre. For a $5 surcharge guests over the age of 19…

  • Parenting

    NACAC conference, part 5: Maintaining Connections

    August 21, 2009 - By 

    (This is the 5th part of my NACAC inspired series, which may continue on next week for a bit as I have more to add)  This year’s theme at NACAC, the annual adoption conference held in Columbus, Ohio, was one of family connections and I’ve been giving this topic a good deal of thought since arriving back home. We all have connections. Families formed in traditional ways have connections that are always present, or if not physically, then they are easily accessible through pictures, family trees, photos and major life events. Children and youth in families formed through foster care and…

  • Parenting

    NACAC part 4 Community Champions

    August 20, 2009 - By 

    (This is part 4 of my NACAC inspired series).Chances are many of you have never heard of this great initiative designed to pull the various threads of adoption together. The Community Champions Network exists to motivate and inspire adoption advocates, to spur parent-led support groups on and to coordinate advocacy efforts throughout the various corners of North America. It was created in 2006 with funding by Jockey Being Family, the clothing and underwear company, to help expand post-adoption services. Numerous sites were chosen in various provinces and states, each one because they were lacking in post-adoption services. In Canada, the Atlantic provinces and…

  • childhood_depression_child_leaning_out_car_window
    Parenting

    Childhood Depression, Adoption and Mental Health

    August 19, 2009 - By 

    This Childhood Depression, Adoption and Mental Health post is the 3rd blog post in my series inspired by the NACAC conference last week and the stories shared, as well as the expert speakers. Recently, I spoke about advocating as a parent at the NACAC conference for adoptive parents and children. NACAC stands for North American Council for Adoptable Children. The opriganizatinos provides resources for children, youth and families going through the adoption process. Also, they typically have an annual conference. Advocacy is not optional in my world. It is where I spend a huge amount of my time and resources.…