greekmommoments – Greek Mom Moments

July 18, 2017July 17, 2017

I need a vacation…

There I said it. I need a vacation from my kid’s vacation. We had the opportunity to give notice to our pre-school in the Spring if we wanted any time off in the Summer. Hubby and I thought it would be great to keep the kid home on two separate weeks. Of course life happened and the first week didn’t turn out as expected. First off it rained every single day the kid was home. That’s right 10 days of rain in a row. We were able to sneak in some outdoor time here and there but it was limited. Secondly it was humid as all you know what. The kid is a hotbody, not like the hashtag with the half naked woman on social media, she gets overheated easily and hates to be hot. Needless to say this mama had to punt and make the best of the cards that were dealt to her. All in all the kid didn’t complain, obviously, but here’s to hoping that the rain stays away later in the summer when she has her second week of vacation.

We were able to do some fun day trips including on to the Oshawa Zoo and Fun Farm, the local carnival, Whittamore’s Farm, our favourite Danforth Pizza House and of course the Big Apple. No my American friends I didn’t make it to Times Square but rather literally a big apple (see photos at end of post).

Bottom line the important thing for her was to be able to get out and explore. Whether that was at a new park we hadn’t visited ye, going to a carnival for the first, second and third time, feeding the animals at the zoo with her friends or building houses for the Paw Patrol pups while it poured outside. Thanks for a great week Miss K. Looking forward to many more adventures with you!

The sheep lining up to be fed at the Oshawas Zoo and Fun Farm. Waiting in line with her friend A to board the strawberry ride at the carnival.Making pizza at our favourite spot, Danforth Pizza House. First time in the corn jumpy castle at Whittamore’s Farm.Swinging for days, she literally could sit there for hours. The Big Apple, this is as close as I’ll get for a while.

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.

February 7, 2017January 27, 2017

Three years and counting…

Three years ago today I sat down for the first time in front of my computer to write. I had no idea what I would really write about or honestly if anyone would read my blog. All I knew is that I was pregnant, in my third trimester and had this crazy idea. My husband who is my biggest supporter purchased the domain name, my good friend who is my go to techie helped me set it all up and there was no turning back.

It is hard to believe that today is my three year anniversary of blogging because so much has changed. I went from a scared pregnant woman to a mom of a toddler. I went from questioning could I do this to being confident in my parenting choices and decisions. I went from doing what I wanted when I wanted, to being mindful of this little person that was now my responsibility and changing my life in ways I had no idea she would. I went from searching for a group of mommies who were in the same situation as I, to creating a group of mommy friends that I wouldn’t change for the world!

Life, regardless of the stage has ups and downs. I’m grateful to be in a place where I can sit behind a screen and write about mine. I’m grateful for my upbringing so that I can share those ideals with my little one. I’m grateful for you, each one of you taking the time to read, comment, send me a text or email letting me know that you got something out of my blog. And of course I’m grateful to my hubby and the kid. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have the content to keep doing what I’m doing.

Roula

January 13, 2015January 13, 2015

Super mom

It is amazing the things that can be discussed over coffee. Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting up with a friend that I had not seen since I was pregnant. Considering the little one is almost nine months old, it has been a while. We met at our favourite Starbucks and after catching up on work and the family our conversation included life, death, and the pressures of motherhood. One thing that she said that stood with me was how hard the first couple of years of being a mother truly are. Here you are, responsible for this life that really can not communicate to you. You are still expected to be a stellar employee, the sexy wife and a super mom. Even A type personality women can be sent over the edge by this pressure. I am sure at one time or another all women have felt this pressure subconsciously but until I had someone actually admit it to me of course I thought I was the only one.

Now I know women talk about everything and anything and usually so much more than men but I think when it comes to being honest about their situations, many don’t admit this or if they do it is to their closest confidantes. I don’t know why, perhaps it is because they think they’ll be judged by others or that they’ll look weaker in front of their counterparts. I say the only way we can be better mothers and role models for our daughters and sons is by having these conversations. Admitting that we don’t need to be superwomen in the office, the bedroom and the kitchen. We sometimes need 15 minutes to ourselves to just think and gain our composure so that we can take on the world the other 23 hours and 45 minutes of the day! And for this we should not feel guilty. The underlying guilt that comes with motherhood was one that no one prepared me for. You feel guilty for decisions you make, you feel guilty for situations you can’t control, you feel guilty for going back to work, you feel guilty for not going back to work and having your other half be the breadwinner. Whatever the issue we need to learn to let go of the guilt as it will eat us alive. Be comfortable with the decisions you make. Apologize if they don’t have the outcome that you hope for and move on. Be stronger for both yourself and your family. And if all else fails, go in the bathroom, unbutton your shirt and look at that ‘supermom’ tee that you’re wearing. Everyone else thinks you are so you better start believing it yourself mama!!

Roula

December 16, 2014December 16, 2014

Preparing for Christmas

Well it is official with less than 10 days left until the big day the Christmas Season is upon us. This time is filled with family, friends, food, drink and panic in many households. Panic of how one will get through these crazy days. Spending time with family members perhaps you don’t like. Pushing through the dreaded shopping mall to buy that gift for your dear aunt. Waiting in line for hours for that one picture with St. Nick just to have your child have a meltdown as you get to the front of the line. Some people love it and some people hate it. Personally I love it!

I am very much an A type personality if you haven’t figured it out yet. I used to like the house to be decorated just a certain way. Everything had its place on the mantle or under the tree. The cards were ready to go in the mail on December 1st. I hand wrote every card and have over a hundred person Christmas card list. Well all that went to shit when my little one came along. The house is still decorated, just not how it used to be. The cards are going in the mail, just a week before Christmas instead of almost a month before Christmas. The waiting in line for St. Nick wasn’t so bad, just an hour of my life that I’ll never get back. I was lucky the little Miss could have cared less who was holding her and truly was unimpressed by the man in red. As she told one auntie, “I’m being good because people say he’s a big deal around here.” I have half opened presents around my tree because we didn’t put the gates up fast enough and she ripped open a few. Luckily they were hers or yiayia’s (who will find it endearing).

Today a friend and I will tackle the Christmas baking (Canadian/American style). I’ll let you know how we make out next week. With a 10 month old and an almost 8 month old in the house, it’ll either be a disaster, or the best treats you’ve ever had in your life!

As I look back it is amazing the difference from this Christmas to last, yet I wouldn’t change a thing!!

A big shout out to my hubby for watching the little one last night so I can go to my first Paint Nite. I admit, it isn’t great but for someone who can barely draw stick figures…I’ll take it 🙂 To find a Paint Nite near you click here.