Greek – Page 2 – Greek Mom Moments

September 20, 2016September 20, 2016

Ooey, Ooey, Ooey Allergies

Well whenever I heard the Wiggles song, Ooey, Ooey, Ooey Allergies or saw the posts in the mommy groups about children with allergies I felt so bad. Your job as a parent is to want to protect your little one. Well we had a normal weekend, the weather was fabulous so we spent a lot of time outside. Me going on the second week of being sick, must say, enjoyed the fresh air and the kid loved it. We played outside and definitely made the most of the last weekend of the summer. Saying all that Monday morning threw me for a complete loop when the kid woke up with a swollen eye, face and blotches on her face. I did what any parent would do if this happened for the first time and took her to the walk in clinic. After quite the wait we saw the doctor who said it was an allergic reaction to something she either ate or touched. Well shes’ almost 2 1/2 that should be easy to find out, I said to him facetiously. So he gave us two prescriptions and we went on our merry way. I wasn’t feeling his diagnosis so I made an appointment with our primary care doctor for later that afternoon. We went to see him and he diagnosed the same thing but said that at her age he wouldn’t recommend any prescription course of treatment. He suggested some Claritin (seriously I had some at home, why didn’t I think of that) and said that it could take 5-7 days to get out of her system. Fingers crossed this was a one time thing because quite honestly it scared me a bit, especially when she went to bed find and woke up like she did.

Allergies are scary, especially when you don’t know what the trigger factor is. Let’s stop complaining about not being able to bring peanut butter to the classroom, or eggs, or whatever the policy is at your school. Let’s remember that our job is to keep all these little people safe.

Roula

A little ditty about Jack and Diane...no really in all seriousness I'm a daughter, sister, wife and mother. I'm a Greek-American, who has transplanted in Canada. As a first time mom I'm sharing some things as I go along.

September 13, 2016September 12, 2016

Pre-School when the heck did this happen?

So it is official, I have a pre-schooler. Seriously, when the heck did this happen? Wasn’t it just yesterday that they let us take her out of the hospital and go home with her? Weren’t we just getting up at all hours of the night feeding and changing diapers? Well I guess it hasn’t bee as recent as my memory would like it to be. My little one started pre-school, in case you missed it the last couple of times I wrote it. I know it is going to be an amazing experience for her, and for me, as I embark on being able to figure out what I want to do next with my life. She comes home and tells me stories of Miss so and so helping her outside and Miss so and so rubbing her back during nap time. Seriously, my kid hasn’t napped at home for a year and you got her to nap?!? I say alleluia!! The hard part of all of this isn’t letting her go, well that is a little, but preparing for all of the new adventures she will have without me. All of the first that may now not happen with me present. She is growing up into a little lady with a mission to take on the world!

With the 15th Anniversary of September 11th being a few days ago, I think about all of the things that we will have to explain to her. Some in the distant past and some in the not so distant past. I think about what she may face down the road as a female. I think about how early bullying comes into play today. I think about how I was called a minority back in the day for being Greek and still remember how offended I was by that. I think about how much harder work it will be to make sure she has the same Greek values and traditions that I grew up with being one generation removed from the immigration. As I’m told often sometimes I need to just stop thinking!! My baby is no longer a baby, but she’ll always be my baby. So with that I leave you my friends.

The kid’s first day of school outfit.

Roula

September 6, 2016August 28, 2016

One of our summer favourites

The summer roundup wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t write about one of our summer favourites, the Oshawa Zoo and Fun Farm. We had a friend tell us about how much fun they had last year at this local zoo so we decided to check it out early in the season. We had a feeling it would be a go-to for us so we bought a season pass, which pays for itself after two visits (they opened in April and are open until Thanksgiving).

This zoo is small enough where I’m not afraid to let the little lady explore on her own, obviously still within the view of my watchful eyes. We have been at various parts of the days and and it has never been crazy busy. When you arrive you have the option of purchasing a bucket of popcorn, as amazing of a snack as this sounds, it actually is to feed the animals. You can easily spend a morning at the zoo. There are a lot of animals to feed and even baby chicks to hold. There are some picnic tables and a snack bar if you get hungry while you’re there. If you’re in the Durham Region definitely add the Oshawa Zoo and Fun Farm to your list to visit.

Roula

August 30, 2016August 28, 2016

Daddy’s taking us to the zoo tomorrow

If you’re like me your car CD changer may be taken over with kid’s music. BINGO, Old McDonald, and a new found favourite for us, Daddy’s taking us to the zoo tomorrow. With all the singing of the zoo when daddy had an impromptu day off we decided to make the drive and visit the Peterborough Zoo. We’ve had friends who have gone to the zoo and said it was great. I mean for a zoo that has free admission and free parking, really what more could you ask for? We knew that there was also a train onsite and little miss wanted to be sure we got on that train, so that was our first stop. We went to the zoo on a gorgeous Sunday when I was expecting it to be super packed and I didn’t find it overwhelming. It is set up where the parking lot could be full but you don’t feel as though people are stepping on your toes to see the animals. The only line we encountered was waiting for the train, which was to be expected. Tickets for the train are $2 and children two and under are free.

The train ride is about 8-10 minutes and it takes you around one area of the zoo. The ‘conductor’ tells you about how the zoo came to be and how some of the animals got to the zoo. There is also a beautiful view of the lake.

FullSizeRender

Roula

March 3, 2016February 27, 2016

On the road again…

So as I mentioned earlier in the week we survived the flight to our destination and certainly had learned a lot for our return flight back. On the road again…this time we decided to pay the extra money and check in all of the suitcases. We just each kept a backpack with us and the diaper bag. The diaper bag had less toys for the airport. Since this airport was larger than the one we flew out of in Canada I knew I could find things to keep her entertained. But pretty much the same amount of food, clothes, diapers, wipes, etc.

We got to the airport early and were the first in line to check in when we were allowed to. This gave us ample time to go through security, even though dad somehow go stuck behind us which caused a screaming frenzy from the child who thought we were leaving daddy behind. We spent a chunk of time closer to the food area as our gate was towards the end of the airport and we figured more for her to see and be entertained by.

We boarded the plane first and were able to secure our car seat in. This time I sat with the child and all was well with the world when the amazing steward told me that I could give her the iPad and didn’t need to take it away for take-off. I think everyone on the plane loved him at that moment. In all honesty, the rest is pretty boring. She drank a bit of water and fell asleep as we were taking off, iPad in hand. I took it away and she woke up as we were descending in Toronto.

I know you’re saying that’s it? Well it was for the moment. Hubby and I decided that we’d let the others out first and then we’d get off the plane since we had our bags, the car seat, the kid, etc. There were only a few people left way in the back and we started to get our stuff together. I remember putting the child down for a second to grab the bag and next thing I knew there was vomit all over the floor. I look up and then there is more vomit all over me, the kid and the bags. At this point the kid is crying and if you know me, I’m not good with vomit. I tend to gag if it is happening around me. In all honesty I don’t know how I held it together but thank God for the crew of our flight. They were so quick with the towels, packets of wipes, bags for the clothes, shoes, etc., this is where all of the extra clothes I packed in the diaper bag came in handy. In the future note to self pack a pair of slippers or indoor shoes. I didn’t have any and so it became a bit tricky when later on the kid wasn’t allowed to walk at all. Of course you’re mortified as a parent and can’t believe this happened. The steward told me that he’s done it and the pilot came out and said this happens more often than you think. Because of the delay we got caught in between two domestic flights which meant we had to wait for about 10 minutes as international people can’t mix in hallways with domestic people but we chatted it up with the staff and honestly everyone was amazing!

One lesson learned that I never thought of was to throw in an extra piece of clothing for mom and dad. I ended up having to drive home in the vomit stained clothing but honestly my kid was fine and in amazing spirits so I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

A big thank you to the crew of Porter Airlines, if you ever have a chance to fly them do not hesitate. They are amazing and continue to be my carrier of choice!

Roula

February 28, 2016February 27, 2016

Up, up and away!!

Well it is official. We’ve taken off on our first airplane ride. Now let me tell you flying with a toddler is 100% different than flying solo in case you didn’t know. It is the little things I think that I took most for granted, like going to the bathroom before the plane took off.

So the biggest difference is the stuff. Now as a fairly frequent flyer before having my child I had perfected the carry-on bag. One carry-on approved size rolling suitcase and off I went. With a child one rolling suitcase is just the beginning. You have to start with the diaper bag. My diaper bag was a mishmash of things. From extra clothes in case of who knows what, to toys to keep her entertained in the airport, to of course diapers, wipes, creme and trash bags, we also had snacks. Now the strawberries and breakfast bar were eaten in the 40 minutes we we’re waiting to check in. The downside to having a crazy long name is usually a letter is misplaced or doesn’t fit which throws everything off. Now there was the issue of the child having to be attached to a parent, based on FAA regulations which was fine until boarding when we realized my husband and child were assigned the same seat. The good thing is we were flying a Canadian Regional carrier and everyone was amazing. A big thank you to the man whose seat we took, thanks for switching one window seat for another! I hope your 16 month old son, who I got to hear all about during the flight, realizes one day what an awesome dad he has and thanks for going with the flow.

Now once we got on the plane we had to install the car seat (we got the kid her own seat even though she was under 2). There were three other little ones who were lap babies and quite honestly I’m not sure how they did it. Two women were flying alone alone with their little ones and one toddler was with both parents. I think being a toddler changes the game. They were chatty, yelling and wanting up. There was a couple directly behind my husband and the child, she wanted daddy and not mommy to sit next to her, who you know we’re judging our every move. The rolling of the eyes, the dirty looks when the kid yelled out, etc. I’m not sorry that my kid was being a kid. I’m sorry you were stuck behind us but it is the luck of the draw. You probably would have been giving me nasty looks even if you were no where near us. For the most part I think the kid did well. The iPad was our saviour, as was the short flight.

Now must haves for flying:
1) The Go-Go Babyz Travelmate car seat carrier. The kid just sat in this and we rolled her around the airport. It was perfect for my curious child who wants to be part of the action and see everything going on around her. If you want to see what it looks like you can check out their website here.

2) The iPad, iPod, something electronic. Now I admit my child knows her way around a phone as most curious creatures her age. Being able to hand this to her as we were waiting to get through security or for the suitcases was huge.

3) Food. Even though the carrier we were on served snacks and drinks, we still brought our own. Our favourite freeze dried yogurt bites and cheerios saved us a couple of times. Also something to drink during take off and landing. We had a fairly easy take off as it was all new and quite honestly she was too busy yelling trying to talk louder than the sounds coming out of the plane. On the descent though she didn’t want to drink anything and I know it hurt her a bit. It was the one and only time I was begging my child to take a pacifier (which she threw away on her own around four months). Just something to help relieve the pressure. But even though she didn’t, we survived.

4) Stickers, books and a blanket. Things to keep her entertained and keep her comfortable. She ended up wanting her shoes and socks off so having the blanket helped.

5) Going with the flow. Seriously it was a pretty easy flight looking back. Obviously as a first time mom and this being the first time flying with the kid you come up with all of these scenarios in your head but at the end of the day being able to just go with it and enjoy it!

Now the flight back was a whole different can of worms. More to come on that later in the week. Up, up and away!!

Roula

February 10, 2016February 10, 2016

What did she say?

Well as we embark on yet another month of growth so expands my little one’s tongue. The Greeks have a saying that translates to something like, ‘her tongue is ready to be untied,’ meaning she’s getting closer and closer to being able to form many full words (in both Greek and English) and small sentences. I’ve mentioned before that we’re bringing her up in a bilingual household. We both speak Greek so it obviously makes it easier. She herself can be found switching from the Wiggles to the Zouzounakia on YouTube. It’s amazing to see her begin to switch between the two languages. Truly I wish we spoke more languages so I can immerse her in more. Although she is getting a touch of Spanish in her Salsa class that we participate in once a week.

It is funny to see people’s reactions when she gets on a roll and is talking. You can tell they are trying so hard to understand her. Of course it isn’t always easy. Being with her for a good chunk of the day I can say that I’m well versed in her language and can pull out the important words to help others, especially when she’s talking in Greek words to a non Greek. 🙂 The biggest thing this has taught us is patience. It is so easy as a parent to get frustrated because your child is still too young to fully be able to communicate to you in a way in which you’d like. Remember lesson #1 they are only this young once. Lesson #2 once they get going there is no way to stop them. I had an acquaintance tell me yesterday her son doesn’t stop talking. He’s always asking questions, interrupting, etc. So in short be careful what you wish for. Lesson #3 make sure you’re teaching them the words. Are you sitting down with them reviewing picture books so they can associate? Are you asking them questions and talking to them consistently. And the most important lesson #4 be patient. Remember you know the words and what you want them to say but they are still trying to figure it all out. I know my little one’s brain is on overload when I hear her falling asleep to, “no Peppa Pig,” and waking up to, “Greg lives down the street.” Now we don’t watch Peppa Pig in our house and the only Greg(s) we know live either a town or a country away, so I’m not sure where she picked that up. I know this is a whole new adventure for us both and I’m just happy to be along with her for the ride.

Roula

January 19, 2016January 18, 2016

To the lady at the gym…thank you!

We’ve all had them, those days that you just want to give up. When we aren’t seeing immediate results from our hard work and figure what is the point of it all? I’ve been working out now for almost six months. I went through a phase where I was at the gym five to six days a week and there were a couple of weeks where I didn’t go at all. At the end of the day I realized that I needed to find a proper balance. For me that is three workouts a week and one workout which consists of the kid’s swimming lesson. You try holding a toddler and getting them to do what the instructor says. I swear some weeks that is the hardest workout! Lately the scale hasn’t been moving. I know I’m gaining muscle, the fancy shmancy scale at the gym tells me so but I want to see it in different ways.

Last Thursday, I was wrapping my hands for kickboxing when a lady who was finishing up her personal training session came up to me and said, “I have to tell you that you look great, keep up the good work!” I was shocked and thanked the woman. She looked phenomenal and I let her know so. They say timing is everything. The night before I couldn’t sleep and I was thinking why am I doing all of this since nothing is happening and really why should I keep doing it? The lady, in essence a stranger as we’ve never spoken to each other before, did what we should do for each other, she helped to build me up. One of the toughest things I’ve learned being a woman is we’re the first to criticize, critique and bring people down. One of the lessons I’m trying to instill in my daughter is that we must help each other and bring each other up. Life is hard enough with the daily trials and tribulations, the least we can do is help one another. We all need a cheering squad on our side. I didn’t realize that sometimes our biggest cheerleaders are sitting on the sideline observing and coming in at just the right time. To the lady at the gym…thank you! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to build me up that day. I know many of you have seen this photo flying around especially as we’re newly into the year but it is a good reminder.

I have friends who are marathon runners, other who swear by Zumba and others who should have been professional swimmers. My point is regardless of what works for you, taking the first step is very important but sticking with it is the most important. You have the power and control to change your life. For some of you that may be healthy eating, for others it may be working out, for some it may be quitting smoking or drinking less, whatever it is that you’re working towards just remember it is one day at a time.

Roula

January 7, 2016January 6, 2016

A year full of luck!

Well its official my kid is the luckiest of all. She was the one who received the coin in her Vasilopita on New Year’s Day and is granted a year full of luck! A big thank you to my mother in law for making another fabulously yummy vasilopita this year….’για στα χερια σου και του χρονου να σαι καλα!

Our 2016 has started off well. We saw our first bitterly cold days this week, but the sun is still out and the major snow is staying away. I’m not sure what will be happening in April but for now, we’re good. I’m not one who is big on resolutions because I don’t think you should wait for once a year to make them. I believe in setting goals for every day, every week and every month. My goal for 2016 is to be the best that I can be. The best mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, etc. I may not always be perfect, let’s be honest who is? I want to be the best me. Go big or go home as they say! What are your 2016 goals?

Roula

December 31, 2015December 31, 2015

Happy to you…

Happy to you…a new phrase the kid has been practicing. It could mean different things to different people. For her it is easier to say than Happy New Year, which is what we were practicing. As she was saying it, it got me thinking how my life has changed over the last year. I went from having a baby to a toddler. I went from being able to put my child in a playpen, to barely being able to go to the bathroom alone. My phenomenal eater is now surviving on breadsticks and hummus. Oh and my house is gated better than Fort Knox. Regardless of all this I am happy. Yes we all have our bad days, whether it is hers or mine, but all in all we are making daily memories and of course learning everyday.

Tonight as we ring in the New Year, we will cut the traditional Vasilopita. Or as my friend and Greek food guru and blogger, Kalofagas puts it, the Billy bread. We always cut a piece for God, Jesus and for the Virgin Mary, and then we cut a slice for the home. We proceed to cut a slice for each member of our family present. There is a coin in the bread and the symbolism is that if you find the coin you will have good luck all year long. If you still haven’t made your Vasilopita yet it isn’t too late, pop over to Kalofagas’ recipe here.

As I sit and reflect on 2015, I want to say Thank You to each and everyone of you who takes the time to read this blog. I hope once in a while it makes you laugh, makes you think and above all makes you feel connected with my little world. As you embark on your festivities tonight, whatever they may be, please be safe. And as you wake up tomorrow, remember that you are starting with a clean slate…be sure to make the most of it and live it YOUR way!!