The Tale of Stinky Children’s Place PJs

There was one thing my daughter specifically asked for at Christmas: cozy fleece PJs. My daughter, likes most kids, loves polar fleece anything.  This year, her Grandma K gave her a super cute pink set from The Children’s Place, where for the past few years PJs have come from. W received a lovely pair of blue ones.

 

However, the pink PJs came with something that the blue ones didn’t – a stink! The tags were on, they were new and had been wrapped for some time (Grandma K is organized!).  The first night she wore them, we thought there was a gas leak in the house. My husband’s stealth nose identified the offending item: her PJs. We washed them 3 times with Tide Febreeze and dryer sheets. They still smell.

A review of the item from The Children’s Place shows that I am not alone.  People across North America are reporting the same issue – they smell. I can’t help but think of W’s old Pottery Barn Rug with toxic off gassing taking place.  My guess is that  TCP have used a new type of dye. It’s simply not acceptable.  These are garments designed for children to sleep in. Safety is paramount.   I’ve noticed that this garment is no longer on their web site .. curious.

Right now, the PJs are sitting in the trunk of my wagon waiting to be returned. Yes, they have been worn and washed, but I simply will not have my daughter sleeping a garment so foul that her entire bedroom smells.  And yes, my car smells from the PJs.

 I feel sad that S can’t keep her warm cozy PJs. However, I think that a trip to local Snug As A Bug store, where the PJs are made on site,  should make sure she stays extra warm and stink free.

Looking ahead to 2012

Happy NewYear!! It’s official – 2012 is here. Looking back at 2011, I can’t say that it will be missed. There were many amazing moments, almost all of which related to family. Our children really are the centre and focus of our lives. I hope to look back at this blog, having forever frozen moments in time, that may have otherwise been forgotten.

Right now, we are in the midst of sorting out ear problems/infections with both kids. Nice I catch my breath, I hope to post my goals and new directions for 2012. Hopefully, the kids bounce back soon.

Clubfoot Foot Wrinkles Almost Gone

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Tonight, while watching a movie in my daughter’s room with the kids, I couldn’t help notice W’s feet. His Clubfloot seems to have grown into his “foot wrinkles.” The wrinkles are the result of his Ponseti treatment. The serial casting left him with loose skin on the outer side of his right foot. The skin on the inside of his foot was stretched and the foot was shifted into place.  He used to look like a puppy waiting to grow into his big dog coat.  It’s one of those dead give aways when trying to guess what foot was treated (medical residents take note!).

Something so insignificant is yet another reminder that W is growing quickly. In looking at the photos, I also noticed that his toes still have a tendency to overlap and rest in odd positions. At times, they lay perfectly flat.  His nails remain funky, growing upwards - yet another Clubfoot hallmark I gather.

Perhaps the hallmark of being a Clubfoot mama is the endless fascination that such otherwise dull matters have over me.  That being the case, I am endlessly thankful for the Sick Kids team and family support, that have resulted W is the busy, happy, walking, running, jumping, playing boy he is.

 

 

Birthday Boy and Santa Updates

December 27th – ahhh … I can breathe again! The whirlwind of the holidays is easing, though there seems to be lots more eating and entertaining to be done still. Nonetheless, I am feeling healthy and relaxed (for the moment). 

Mr. W turned 2 recently and is progressing in all the big boy ways. His language skills continue to develop, making me laugh almost daily with his insights.  Physically, he is thriving, going almost non-stop. However, he’s starting to find a focus – trains, trains and more trains.  Thomas and James, toy trains, join him almost everywhere. I am so thankful for the generous complete Thomas the Tank hand me down collection from my nephew.  

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Big sister S thrived on stage at the Winter Concert. She loved being in the front row singing and bopping along in her Santa hat to the festive songs. She wore her grandest dress and did very well, despite being under the weather.  

And of course, Mr. Santa came to visit recently. Big sister S was 100% into Christmas this year. We tried to steer a focus on philanthropy and giving back. Next year, I hope to involve her in more elements, an important balance such an intense time of wants.  The message resonated and she learned the lesson of how good it feels to give.

Overall, a great holiday season filled with friends and family. To everyone who follows this blog, happy holidays and all the best for 2012. to you and yours as well.

Christine

Toddler Word of the Day: “Huggle”

Since W has ongoing ear issues, we have kept close tabs on his language development.  The words are coming, and like most little ones his age, the “baby talk” a bit cute and creative.  Overall, he’s right on track.

One of W’s favorite new words is one he came up with on his own: “huggle”. A huggle is now a special thing at home – a cuddle and hug (arms around my neck), in a favorite place (in bed or in the big squishy chair), ideally with his “Baa an Banket” and always a cup of milk.  He’ll ask to huggle every morning and usually in the evening, talking time to slow down, snuggle up and recharge.  It’s just wonderful.

Can you imagine my surprise when I found an Urban Dictionary listing for it. Everyone is along the same lines as little W.  The big difference is that he came up with it all on his own, no internet interventions or pop cultural infiltration of his vocabulary! And really, it’s impossible to say no to any huggle requests.

 

 

 

The fall has been busy, certainly replete with typical fun autumn activities.  Halloween was fantastic – with S thrilled to be Ginny Weasley (from Harry Potter) and W a tiger.  Raking & playing in the leaves, enjoying the lingering sunshine and getting outside as much as possible have kept us all busy.

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W’s Clubfoot treatment continues, with little new to report – what good news!! W now considers his boots to be a source of comfort. In the morning, he wants them ON while he relaxes in his PJs, with his blanket and stuff lamb. Getting the boots off is a challenge. However, I’ve developed a subtle technique involving cheerios, Dora on Demand and cuddling him in my lap. SLOWLY, I undo his boots while shoving Cheerios into him. If he protests, I let him ‘cuddle the brace’, meaning he can hold onto them as long as he wants. Wearing his braces doesn’t slow him down in the morning.  The pics show how busy he is, it’s hard to get a clear photo. He tries to walk, definitely crawls around and still gets into plenty of trouble.   When not in braces, he’s non stop on the go. Such is the life of a 2 year old!

W’s other most treasured item is a $7.00 Joe Fresh Touque with the cutest pompom ever. He would wear it in the tub if he was allowed.  He wears it to sleep. Try taking his hat off and he will scream!

Part of this new attachment may be due to his ongoing ear troubles and a brutal round of colds and secondary infections. The hat somehow provided comfort when he was unwell.  After weeks of having a miserable toddler, he’s finally turning the corner. The upside is that he is now attached to his hat as the cold weather is setting in!

Leaves

In the leaves

Inspiration at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab

This week, I had a visceral experience that has prompted me to pivot on my life’s current prioroties. Amongst other aspects, it prompted me to put blogging back on my daily routine. This mini-ephiany happened while visiting Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab for a high profile dental event. I think it would be impossible for anyone to visit Bloorview and not be impacted. This stunning world class rehab facility for children who live with a wide range of physical and cognitive issues. While some people are saddened by the presence of so many children facing challenges, I am nothing short of inspired and enthused. Some see disability, but I see potential, success and children achieving their most.

In the days prior to the event, I paid a quick visit to Bloorview to check on inventory and to chat with staff. In the short time from leaving my car and running into the clinic, I immediately was smitten with a chatty little boy around 6 years old. Our conversation was started when I could sense his annoyance with my heavy steps (I was running in heels again!). I explained that I was late to meet a doctor and he said that he was too (his Dad agreeing). Somehow we started to talk about homework, dinosaurs, lizards and the key eras of each prehistoric era (good thing the kids watch Dinosaur Train!). While I can make a guess why he was was visiting Bloorview, what resonated was his amazing intellect, verbal skills and passion for learning. I was uplifted. When at Bloorview, I have to restrain myself from hugging each and every child there.

Part of my revelation was coming to terms with my only regret in life: not sticking with school to obtain a PhD so I could work with children with cognitive disabilities. The thought of 7 more years of school was enough to make me up and move to Toronto to pursue my career goals. Enter more blogging. This blog keeps me in touch with dozens of other Clubfoot parents. Knowing that I can help, be a sounding board and connect with other Clubfoot parents provides a tremendous sense of fulfillment. Not blogging, not connecting, not reaching out results in less sense of accomplishment.

Hopefully, I can realize my plans to put my network of Clubfoot parents together in an open forum.
Yes, there are other sites (the Yahoo group, Facebook, etc.), but another voice can only help. After walking the halls of Bloorview, I know that I *need* to do more.

My time at Bloorview wrapped later than anticipated Friday. Though exhausted from a grueling week, I left feeling positive about my connection to the broader international education event hosted. I spent the afternoon in a surgical observation room, watching a patient benefit from leading edge solutions.

The balance of my mini-epiphany is ongoing. I hope to report back with positive changes, progress reports and triumphs. In the meantime, I plan to clear through my back log of drafted posts and keep the connections flowing in the Clubfoot community.

Christine

P.S.: I am revisiting WordPress on my iPad, it’s a learning curve again. Sorry for any odd formats in advance!

Celebrating a Simple Life – A New Clubfoot Mama Blog

The community of Clubfoot blogging mamas continues to expand across the world. American expat, Monica, recently reached out to me to discuss the ever important issue of socks and bracing. What blew me away is that this mama just learned via ultrasound of her baby’s condition. With just over 100 days to go before her thrid child is born, this mama is getting organized! This includes having nice socks for bracing shipped over from the US to Europe where she is living.

For any newly diagnosed mamas – pregnant or otherwise – I would encourage you to read her post annoucing her child’s Clubfoot status. It’s honest and factual. Her blog is fun and a positive snap shot into the world of home schooling abroad.

I continue to lasp in my blogging – this post woefully overdue! Reading this blog makes me realize how much I like blogging and how much I miss it. Blog, floss, cardio … all things I just simply do more of! The goal of a simple life is inspiring – something to embrace as the hectic September-December season is so close.