According to an article that a friend sent me, parents of new babies lose 6 months of sleep in two years.  I certainly feel that way…however, I am not sure if the stats derived by this British survey are reliable.  That being said, the article did make me feel good and it legitimized some crazy things I have done recently (like put diesel in my car by mistake).  Read the article here.  And please, don’t write to me about confounding variables, this site is meant to be fun

I first heard about Haircuts on Wheels shortly after having The Baby.  The Girl & The Boy needed haircuts and nothing seemed more daunting (and annoying) than getting them all in the car on time, waiting for the hair dresser (because let’s face it, we always have to wait), keeping one kid busy while the other is getting the haircut…and intermittently nursing an infant.

I called Kimberly and set up an appointment (I also rescheduled a couple of times which didn’t phase her because she is a mom and knows what it’s all about).  She arrived on a sunny afternoon with a huge smile and it was like Mary Poppins landed in my house.  With stool in hand, she set everything up in our family room and all was calm, easy, convenient.

Her magic bag included a cover for my floor, a DVD player for the kids with a great selection of DVDs that they each chose from,  Organic hair products (!) and an awesome dust buster.  My kids, who are not easy when it comes to new experiences and people, were so comfortable and it was the best haircut experience we have ever had.

Haircuts on Wheels is a brilliant concept just as it is, but Kimberly also cuts kids’ hair in schools and daycares to save parents even more time.  She also arranges school fundraisers and a portion goes back to the schools.  So come September, if you are on the PTA, remember this great fund-raising option.  Last but not least, Kimberly has been nominated for Savvy Mom’s Mompreneur of the Year Award and your vote can help support her!

…for waiting till after my third pregnancy to come out with what will likely be a really lovely line of maternity clothes.

Simple: Have the kids wash Dad’s car.

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Common:  Hand prints on a shirt, apron, or made into framed artwork.  This year, I will be cutting out my children’s handprints from Japanese paper to make a greeting card that can later be framed.

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Creative: This idea is from the folks at Skip To My Lou.  Buy a simple pill box at the Dollar Store and fill it with small goodies, quotes of love and appreciation or coupons for hugs, kisses, back rubs etc.

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Original:  Use your kids to make human letters that spell the word DAD or LOVE.  Have your kids lay down on a surface to make it easier for them to stay still and take a picture of each letter individually as you stand well above them to get a bird’s eye view.  Print out the single photos and put the word together in a frame or laminate and make into fridge magnets.  I tried this with my kids by laying them on a large blanket a few weeks ago and it was really hard for them to keep still…so if your kids are under 5 yrs., don’t try this at home.

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True: Leave Dad alone.  Everyone says that Father’s Day is for family time but I have a feeling that if you were to incorporate some alone time for dad, he would be super happy.  Wouldn’t you have wanted your husband to take the kids away for a few hours on Mother’s Day?

If  you did something fabulous for Father’s Day, send me a photo or link!  I would love to publish some of your ideas.

Do any of you have that one friend who’s stomach is so flat, you can use it as a cutting board?  You know…the one who just had a baby and is all ready for bikini season?  Don’t resent her.  Be inspired.  Summer hasn’t officially begun and with hard work and self-discipline, we can all feel better about ourselves.

Mamapicks is signing up for a two-week bootcamp and thought you might be interested as well!  Spots are filling up quickly.  Here is the info:

Location: Newport Square Park in Thornhill (close to Bathurst & Hwy 7).

Cost: Each 2-week session is $100, which includes six 1-hr morning classes (6:30 am or 9:30am).   In addition, you will receive a one-on-one consultation & fitness test prior to the start of the camp, free of charge.  If you bring a friend, the cost is only $75 for all of the above.

The start date for the first session is June 7th 2010.  Sessions will continue throughout the summer so if you can’t start now, you can register for subsequent sessions.

It’s going to be fun, challenging, and exciting!   There’ll be lots of sweat…and a lot of laughter.  Call Yael Young for more information: 416-797-2670.

Mamapicks readers who register, will receive their choice of free bussing or lunches for a 2-week session!  Just say Mamapicks.

The following is an excerpt from a blog called Playborhood by a dad named Mike Lanza.  His blog is all about nurturing outdoor play in our neighbourhoods and providing our children with this important opportunity that many of us  had while growing up.   I find his blog informative and inspirational and I hope you will too.  Mike Lanza’s goal (below), will tell you what it’s all about.

My Goal

I want my kids to play outside with other neighborhood kids every day.
I want them to create their own games and rules.
I want them to play big, complex games with large groups of kids, and simpler games one-on-one with a best friend.
I want them to decide for themselves what to play, where, and with whom.
I want them to settle their own disputes with their friends.
I want them to create their own private clubs with secret rules.
I want them to make lasting physical artifacts that show the world that this is their place.
I want them to laugh and run and think.
Every day.

That’s what I had.  It’s my standard for a good childhood.  It’s my goal for my kids.

Mamapicks says AMEN.

Read the Globe & Mail article for more info.  Details, including NDC numbers, are available by telephone at 1-888-222-6036 or on the web at www.mcneilproductrecall.com.

One of our best vacations ever was a cruise vacation…but that was before we had kids.  I sometimes wonder if and when it would be appropriate to take the kids on a cruise vacation.   The travel company who we booked our cruise with was incredible and I often recommend them to friends.  VacationsToGo has great prices and the service is immaculate.  They have compiled information on all of the programs and services available for kids (ages 2-17) by each cruise line.  What a great resource!

Carnival
Celebrity
Costa
Disney
Holland America
MSC Cruises
Norwegian
Princess
Royal Caribbean

The Honda recall that you may have recently heard about, affects 24,680 Odyssey minivans and 4,137 Element sport utility vehicles from the 2007-08 model year in Canada.  The recall follows complaints that brake pedals begin to feel “soft” or have to be pushed lower and lower over time before the vehicle would stop.  The problem is very gradual and Honda claims that this is due to air leaking into part of the anti-lock braking system over a period of months or even years.  So…nothing sudden to worry about, however you may want to contact your nearest dealership for more info.  I sorta wish that the recall would include auto detailing.  My Odyssey is a direct extension of our family room and kitchen.