Mother’s Day Gifts

This Mother’s Day, I’d like to acknowledge the gifts of our motherhood journeys. 

One year ago, I launched this site to share a gift from my journey: the inspiration to write Motherhood – Your First 100 Days.  I felt, if my book could help even one other mom, it was a success.  Well, I’ve been humbled by the response, achieved largely through only promoting to friends and family.  I am so grateful for my journey, this book adventure, and all the moms in my life and I have many Thank You’s to share. I hope you will add to the conversation some of your gifts. 

Whether you are in your first 100 days  or 10,000th day - that’s about 27 years – Happy Mother’s Day!

Every Mother Counts

Remember supermodel Christy Turlington? Well, she’s been up to some good – big time.

Check out Every Mother Counts for her documentary and work to support global maternal child health. 

Did you know, a woman dies every 90 seconds of pregnancy complications and 90% of these deaths are preventable?  How can you help?

The Hand that Rocks the Cradle

Between the diaper changes, laundry, feedings, stroller walks, and more it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture of your Motherwork.  Yes, parenting comes with its own rewards and it’s altruistic.  You have made a commitment to raise a healthy citizen — not just for your family, but for humanity.  The poem The Hand that Rocks the Cradle reinforces the value of your work.  Thank you!

New Year, New Career?

Has 2011 started with you in your dream career?  Like many new moms, you may have found your career goals shifted post-baby.  Some women take the 9-5 matter into their own hands: they become the owner.   Read how Lili Meier, owner of My Little Green Shop, re-invented her career to make work work for her and her family.

Good “Christmas” Mom

Year round, we face expectations – our own and others – to be a “good mom”.   Those loaded two words can drive us crazy with endless ”to-do” lists, overactive minds that induce insomnia, and fears of disappointment.  The holiday season amps up the good mom expectations: often, moms are the real elves behind all of Santa’s magic.  This year, put “Mom” at the top of your gift list.  What are you giving yourself: permission to NOT make the cranberry sauce from scratch or to say “No” to one party invitation?  Perhaps there’s a tangible indulgence you buy for yourself?  Moms are always on Santa’s “nice” list!

Hello, my name is…

For many of us, our professional roles pre-baby shaped a large portion of our identities.  While on maternity leave, or in career transition after children, our identities are evolving to integrate motherhood.  At the same time, we often miss the social and the intellectual stimulus of a workplace.  For further discussion on this theme, read Day 58 from the book.

If you are interested in an engaging, professional, mom-friendly event, with on-site child-care,  check out Mom Cafe.  Started in Vancouver and now expanding, their mission is to provide a forum to connect and to inspire women. 

After attending the October 1st event, I’d say they are doing just that!  From the continental breakfast to the table conversation to the guest speakers, I found it thoroughly enjoyable.

What would you tell….yourself?

A B.C. mom asked other mothers, if they could go back to right before the birth of their first child, what would they tell themselves.  The results are beautifully captured in this video: Reflections on Motherhood.  

Reflections on your motherhood journey, your evolution, are central to the design of Your First  100 Days.  Through the book,  give the gifts of self-care and gratitude to yourself or another new mom.

Your Unconventional Village

 

We’ve all heard the adage: it takes a village to raise a child.  Due to life circumstances, many of us new moms must build unconventional villages.  Your First 100 Days repeatedly discusses this need and suggests ideas to create your crucial support network, or village. 

In the Lower Mainland, one way is through Lullaby League (it’s like speed dating…only it’s for parents and babysitters).

Welcome Fit 4 Two Members!

Discovered this site from the recent Fit 4 Two e-mail newsletter? Welcome!  

Learn more ABOUT the book and read the TESTIMONIALS.  

Pregnant or new mom?  Buy the book for yourself.  Already a veteran mom?  Give Your First 100 Days as a baby shower present.

Husband Huddle

Does the totem pole in your nuclear family feel something like this: on the top, BABY; next down, MAMA; at the bottom, DAD?  The mom and baby symbiotic relationship can easily overshadow dad.  How are you and your husband strengthening the home team?  Under TESTIMONIALS, new parents, Tina and Daniel, share how Your First 100 Days helps them connect.

 First time visitor?  Learn more about the book.