The Hicks in Istanbul Part 2

For our second day in this bustling city we headed back to Sultanahmet square to take in Topkapi Palace.

The grounds were a breath of fresh air with a large lawn area and towering trees.

 There was detail in everything, even the walkways.

Our girls could have played in this meadow of clover for hours.

We have learned that sometimes travel with kids means taking your time and giving them a chance to run.

We eventually did convince them that a palace would probably also be pretty fun.

 I came out of this day with hundreds of pictures, there was beauty at every turn. 

Some of it seemed opulent like this ceiling.

 And others felt clean and simple like these mini skylights.

 When going through the pictures I found I was more drawn to the simple, even run down, aspects of this centuries old building.

I wouldn't say this surprised me as that usually seems to be my taste but at the time I don't know that I realized it.

I was awed by the intricate designs and over the top marble and tile but now find it falling short so am sharing very little of it.

I find that many europeans live with less than perfect architecture.  

Coming from a place where building code is strict and homes are built on sweeping expanses of land to fairly unoriginal specs, I find this refreshing.

It could, however, be that I feel this way to excuse my own home's imperfections.

Here is a little taste of that marble.

I wasn't originally going to share this picture since it shows my sweet Fiona mid meltdown.

"I don't want our picture by the tap, I want it on the stairs!" she cried.

Living in close quarters can make for a disagreement or two but it quickly resolved.

And yes Fiona did eventually get that picture on the stairs but it was much less interesting.

 And just look at this handsome boy sucking on his bottom lip.

This is Cedric's soothing method of choice.

I see braces in our future.

 In all our travels this is the first time we had the whole gang in a photo.

Next time maybe we'll get one with the whole gang smiling and looking at the camera.

 From Topkapi we headed to the Blue Mosque, first getting a glimpse of it out the window.

 It broke my heart to hear of the recent attack in this area.

 We felt very safe here and spent some time walking around the area.

I have been asked since if we would have gone to Istanbul had the attack happened prior to our visit.

I must say that when in Istanbul I had moments of doubt and my inner fear bubbled up time and again.

I try to appreciate my fear as a mechanism to keep me alert but wouldn't want it to rob me of such a beautiful experience.

So in the end the answer is yes, we would absolutely have gone.

 The Blue Mosque was beautiful of course but what sticks out in my mind about it was the glimpse at the Muslim rituals of prayer.

There were taps lined up outside for the ritual of purification.

We were also required to remove our shoes due to their retention of impurities.

 We were constantly aware of the 5 prayer times as we heard to call throughout the day.

The direction of prayer was made obvious since mosques had been built or retrofitted to face Mecca.

 Another ritual we were able to participate in was covering.

Men are required to cover from their navel to knee so no challenge there.

Women on the other hand are required to cover all but their face and hands.

Tourists were held to slightly different standards but were still given a head covering if needed upon entering.

They also had long wraps for those with short skirts or tight pants.

Children were excluded from the rule but Fiona was eager to participate.

I actually found that the kids were excited by the unfamiliar.

Quite different from at home where if I cut their sandwich at the wrong angle you'd think a fairy died.

Travel seems to bring out some adventure and a little bit of malleability in them.

Which begs the question, why have we not booked a trip yet this year?

The Night in Which I Attempted Our First Real Standoff

Once in a while I reach my toy breaking point.

A couple of nights ago that point was way beyond reached.

We have a toy dumping basket.

It's the equivalent of a "junk drawer". 

The toys that go there aren't junk of course, there's some great stuff in there.

If it just doesn't fit elsewhere it gets tucked away in this basket and my sanity stays intact.

Fiona, however, decided to empty this basket {for no particular reason} all over the floor.

Our hidden collection of small misfit toys was spread out on full display.

My sanity wavered.

This is ridiculous of course, I do realize.

I could clean this in 30 seconds but in this particular moment I was done cleaning up after her.

I reminded Fiona that anything she takes out must be put away by bedtime.

We were an hour and a half away.

Lots of time.

She could get it done, no problem.

This was not how she saw it.

The whiny voice immediately came out with "It's too loooong Mommy, can you help meeee?".

I held firm. "No way Fiona, you took them out, you put them away."

Then the real melodramatics. "I can't dooooo iiiiiit" she said, throwing herself down in a heap of sobbing toddler.

I walked away.

An hour later, still no progress and dangerously close to bedtime, I snapped.

"Fiona, I have given you plenty of time to clean, this is your last warning and anything on the floor at bedtime goes in the garbage!"

Then I thought better, "No, not the garbage, we will give the toys to other children who will appreciate them and treat them well.  We are not treating them well at all right now."

"I don't want to give theeeem."

"Then what needs to happen?"

"Clean them."

"Exactly, it's your choice what happens to the toys."

"But I don't waaaant toooo."

And repeat.

I cringe typing that because it's so mean but it felt so necessary at the time.

There was also a little part of me that really did want to give them all away.

With Christmas fast approaching I feel we need to reevaluate our current belongings.

Thankfully I have a pregnant Sister-in-Law who I hope will happily accept some baby items.

This should fulfill my current need to purge.

You will be happy to know that Daddy came home just in time to save the day.

I was able to keep my word and his arrival and guidance gave Fiona just the shift she needed to get it done and keep her toys safe. 

So I ask you, when did you start really enforcing clean up with your kids?

Maybe it's still too early for me?

Any tips you can offer?

Green Boy Leggings

Jeff would argue that there is no such thing.

Boy leggings that is.

I disagree and I'm in charge of wardrobe so I guess I win.

{Right?}

Anyways I decided to hand down a couple pairs of Fiona's old leggings and wanted to boy them up a bit.

I think if Cedric wore these with the heart buttons it might just push Jeff over the edge.

I had already cut up the shirt for another project that I'll share some other time.

This one went a little something like this.

1. Cut the bottom hem off the pants {in this case all the girly stuff}.

2. Cut the sleeves off the shirt {measure the width cuff you want + 1cm}.

3. Pin right sides together, matching raw edges.

4. Sew with at least a cm seam allowance.  {I turned mine inside out so I could sew along a stripe.}

Done, easy.

You could obviously buy fabric for the bottom but this way the cost was $0.

And then you too can show off the cutest little chicken wing legs.

PS. Don't judge my cobwebs.

The Ups and Downs

Upside to owning your own business:

When your childcare doesn't pan out you don't have a boss to tell you that you can't bring the kids to work.

Downside to owning your own business:

When your childcare doesn't pan out you don't have a boss to call in sick to so the kids have to come to work.

I'm So Surprised You All Look So Nice...

These were my Mom's sentiments when seeing us at my Grandad's service.

Ummm, thanks?

We did look pretty nice if I do say so myself.

And she insists the surprise was not due to our regular appearance.

Rather, our lack of luggage.

Yep, let's go with that.

If you've travelled with either of us you know that Jeff and I hate to check a bag.

We did a week in Paris carry-on and never looked back.

I'll admit it got slightly more challenging with children.

When they're too young to carry their own you have to be extra picky with what you bring.

Now that Fiona has a seat though she carried all of her own clothes.

{She also insisted on pulling mine half the time and I put up no argument.}

I was so proud.

We often get shocked reactions like my Mom's above.

It's because of this that I'm sharing my packing with you today.

First up: Fiona

 I may have mentioned before that Fiona will only wear dresses right now.

It would have been a battle if I had packed anything else so she was pretty easy.

She's finally to the age where she can keep clothes clean so one pair of shorts and leggings was enough.

One of my main rules {let's call it #1} is that you can only bring one extra pair of shoes.

Wear your casuals and pack your dressier.

Summer is great because you can get away with one sweater and of course the clothes are smaller.

Next up: Mama

Ok, I broke the one extra pair of shoes rule so that I could run, sue me.

Rule #2 is bring basics in basic colours.

Fortunately this is all I own really.

Rule #3 is stay at a place with an iron {or wear wrinkly clothes, I won't judge}.

Sometimes you just have to roll up your clothes and stuff them in some shoes you know.

If possible, do this with pjs and underwear.

Last allowed piece of carry-on: Daddy

I actually don't even think Jeff wore everything here.

Boys. 

Am I right?

He probably could have packed only socks and underwear and been happy.

{I didn't included any of our skivvies in the pics, you're welcome.}

We also opted for a vest instead of jacket for the formal outfit, much smaller.

Last but not least: Cedric {aka the smuggler}

Since this guy was flying free he had no luggage allowance.

His stuff went mostly in my suitcase, a little in Jeff's and a couple of items in Fiona's.

He pretty much requires a new outfit every day but luckily his stuff is tiny.

I did end up washing one pair of pants in the sink which was not a big deal at all.

I would actually wash my own clothes in the sink to get a second use if we were gone longer.

Rule #4 remember that you can usually buy stuff at your destination.

For example, with the babes, bring only enough diapers for a day or two and buy the rest when you get there.

Car seats and strollers often come up as an issue, don't you have to check those?

Nope, they'll check them at the gate.

Plus, if you have a stroller you often get to go through the express line at security.

But I need to bring a bottle/sippy for my little and can't take that much liquid.

Maybe you can't but the baby can, they'll make an exception.

Don't forget that you can also bring a personal item.

I bring my massive Mama purse and Jeff his backpack.

We always have tons of room left in these, even after we pack the ipad, books and snacks.

But why? you may be asking.

Checking isn't a big deal and I would usually agree.

However, I always know without a doubt where my luggage is.

I also know that it won't get banged up. 

{The scuffs on mine are from the one time I was over the weight limit for carry on and had to check.}

Most importantly I don't have to wait around desperately trying to convince my kids that the baggage carousel does not look like a super fun ride.

And I must admit I really do love when others are shocked that we did it.

Kids and Crowds

Last night we finally made it to Taste of Edmonton.

It was packed as usual but with our 3:2 ratio of adults to children and lack of stroller it was a breeze.

Cedric showing off how much he enjoyed the food.

Am I the only one who finds having a stroller at festivals a huge stress?

When I do have one I feel apologetic to and begrudged by my fellow festival goers.

Also at Churchill Square you need to be able to navigate over curbs, lawn and the occasional stair.

Granted, I am very lucky to have a toddler who listens well and stays close.

{Talk to me again when I expect this of Cedric, I feel like it may be a smidge different.}

But I really feel like Fiona should be able to walk with us in a crowd at 3 years old.

I will admit that my expectations of her can be high for her age.

I've said before that I may have urged her to grow up before her time when Ced was born, this is just another example of that fact.

It wasn't intentional.

I researched and planned to purchase a double stroller when pregnant.

I was waiting for a deal or maybe even a used one to pop up when I was forced to make it work with the single one day.

I was nervous but was pleasantly surprised by my then 23 month old.

{She does this a lot you know, surprise me.}

After that I never looked back, Fiona graduated to a walking companion.

As I said, I'm not sure that Cedric will be ready quite so early.

He has all the tell-tale signs of a runner.

Luckily, at almost 17 months and only 21 lbs, I can still easily wear the little guy.

I'm certainly less eager for him to grow up.

Just One More Stop Kids

I will start by saying again that I have great kids.

I don't ever want anyone to think otherwise.

The bottom line is though, I have 2 kids under 3.

This week I have picked up a couple extra shifts to help out my pharmacy.

So today, being my only day working way harder than I do at work off, is an errand day.

I dragged the kids to 4 {very uninteresting} stores before lunch.

Aside: I just had to look up the past tense of drag because that sounded so wrong.  I almost changed it to drug which gives the beginning of that sentence a whole other meaning.

Anyways, it was actually a very smooth trip.

 And I got home feeling so thankful for certain retailers.

I used to be one of those people who would roll their eyes at these types of signs.

 "Why do they get a special spot?" I would think to myself.

"I mean, is it really that hard to get two kids out of a car and into a store?"

Yes, yes it is.

Words eaten.

Younger self's kick in the pants delivered.

{My younger, childless self gets many of these.}

Some days these spots are a major contributing factor to a successful shopping trip.

So thank you {in this case Save-On} to those stores who have this.

The most effective of these factors I speak of though?

The free chocolate chip cookie {at Superstore} for good behaviour.

PS.  I know it's not the healthiest thing to bribe your children with treats.

If you have kids and don't ever do this then you are a parenting ninja, kudos.

If you don't have kids, someone very wise once told me: "I did all of my best parenting before having children too."

We Go a Coffee Shop Mama?

Fiona asks me this at least daily.

This has become a favourite outing of ours {though not too frequent for financial reasons}.

We aren't really picky, most cafes do the trick.

As with everything though, we have our preferences.

I wanted to share our current top 3.

1. Cafe Tiramisu.

Kid-friendly coffee shops have become big business.

The first we went to in town was Cafe-o-play.

The place is fantastic for the kids but it's really an indoor playground that serves coffee.

Cafe Tiramisu is different.

It's a beautiful cafe {& much more} that has a play room in it.

It's a treat to go for the kids but also for the parents.

2. Wild Earth

This is our neighbourhood cafe and we feel very fortunate for that.

I was prompted to do this post because of the great stop we had here today.

They have amazing coffee but what we really can't get enough of is their bakery.

{Try the White Chocolate Raspberry Scone, trust me!}

There is no kids area but they have a great little basket of kids books.

And really, if we get some baking and a seat by the window, that's plenty of entertainment.

3. Da Capo

We only go to the smaller location on Whyte because it's closer to our place, I have heard great things about their 109 St location though.

I wanted to mention this one because their product is great.

I am also a big fan of the Roots on Whyte Building that it's in.

I also should really mention that if you haven't tried Transcend it's worth it.

Another great cafe is The Wired Cup {a favourite of a good friend}.

This is also a great gift shop.

When I was getting prenatal acupuncture at Whole Family Health {to attempt to turn Cedric} we also were really taken with The Quirky Art Cafe.

They do caricatures on site and have a bunch of art supplies to keep the babes busy.

These ones aren't on our list because the locations aren't really on our usual routes.

If they're on yours, lucky.

Any that you want to add?

The Pursuit of Their Happiness

I really want my kids to find their thing.

You know, the activity that you can't wait to go to.

Not the one that you like but you fake sick once in a while to get out of.

The one that you go to anyways and try to cover up the illness.

I liked playing soccer as a child {for fun} but didn't enjoy the games.

I played the flute as a pre-teen and really enjoyed playing {for fun, at home, by myself} but lessons were a drag.

When I found my "thing" {at 15 years old} it changed my life.

I thought about colorguard everyday all day and couldn't wait for rehearsal nights.

{For those of you who are all "color-whaaa?" check this video out.}

That's what I want for them, whatever it may be.

Now, confession time.

Although all of the above is true, I also really hope that one of them choose ballet as their "thing".

We started a parented dance class and the moment I put those little pink slippers on Fiona I was sunk.

The world of ballet is so appealing to me, from this outsiders perspective at least.

I am well aware of some of the negatives to this art form, particularly body image issues.

It just warms my heart to think of her little body achieving such beautiful movement.

So far Fiona's a much bigger fan of hockey and gymnastics but I'm not throwing in the towel yet.

Besides, if she opts out I can always hope Cedric has a mini-Baryshnikov waiting to jete out.

Baby Led Weaning {Cedric's Story}

This is not a professional review, nor is it a sponsored post {getting paid to do this is still but a dream}.

This is my opinion based on our experience with Baby Led Weaning.

Now that that's out of the way, here's what I think.

Baby Led Weaning {aka the most natural child transition I've ever seen} is great.

I started offering Cedric purees {I use that word loosely} at just before 6 months.

It was canning season so I used some cooked fruit {before turning it to jam} and stewed tomatoes.

I also cooked and processed some peas, squash, sweet potato, carrots, broccoli, chicken, chick peas, lentils...you get the idea.

All good stuff, all fresh so really tasty.

Then just like I did with Fiona, I would heat it slightly in the oven {this is a no microwave house, I know} and attempt to spoon feed it to Cedric.

He was utterly uninterested and unimpressed.

I even let Fiona give it a go.

The crazy part was that he was so interested in food.

If I held him at the table he would be grabbing for my meal, my plate, my fork.

I knew he was ready to eat solids.

I had heard about Baby Led Weaning from some women in the Mom's group I joined after Fiona was born but hadn't ever looked further.

Feeding Fiona was a breeze.

She would have her mouth open before you could get more food on the spoon.

I mean, does this look like a baby that refuses food?

I thought it would be the same with Cedric.

Ha ha ha, sigh.

To think my two kids would do anything the same.

I laugh at my naivety.  

Then, out of the blue my friend Irma Coumantarakis comes over with a copy of this book.

I'm not saying she endorses this method but she was intrigued and looking into it.

I opened it that same afternoon and was immediately hooked.

It was like I was reading what I already knew.

Initially I thought I would read the whole book and then give it a try.

I couldn't wait, I was fired up.

I was going to put this into action, now.

I made sure to read the section on anything they don't recommend.

{I, like most are, was concerned about choking.}

Then we did this.

I gave Cedric a perogie {cut in half} a large piece of turkey sausage and a wedge of cooked cabbage.

That's it, put it in front of this then 8 month old and let him at it.

I couldn't believe the difference.

He actually ingested a good portion of it.

But the best part was how happy he was.

Don't even get me started on the fact that I ate my own meal {with both hands you guys} 

And I had a conversation, a real dinner conversation {as real as it gets with a 2.5yo that is}.

The point is, we were ALL happier.

We have since had the same success with {from top left to right}.

Tofu Thai noodles

Turkey and avocado sandwich

Homemade Pizza {somewhat healthy I promise}

Cucumbers/snowpeas

Tacos {just gave him a full one slightly baked so it crunched easily}

Yoghurt

Beans and hotdogs

Oranges

And many many more that I didn't photograph.

In fact, I have not changed the way we eat and have not yet come across a problem meal.

Last night we have shrimp risotto and he was able to eat the rice easily.

**It has always been my belief that following natural instincts is best.
My mantra for childbirth was "I trust my body, I trust my baby."
So why stop now?
That sentiment is repeated throughout this book.
Trusting that your baby is choosing to eat what he needs to is so important.
Of course you decide what to put in front of them so it's not like they'll be going for the cake and chips.
They wrote about a study in which they monitored multiple babies and what they chose to eat.
Some days they would eat only vegetables, some days only meat, some days almost nothing.
The outcome, however, showed that in the long run, they were choosing a balanced diet.
There is even evidence that if we let our children control what they are putting into their mouths from the beginning that they will be more willing to try new foods {aka less picky}.

As I said above I was concerned that Cedric would choke on the large pieces of food that are recommended.
In fact, the opposite is true.
He learnt very quickly how to "chew" {no teeth at the time so "gum" really} and manipulate food in his mouth.
The book also goes into other skills, such as dexterity, that they learn but I won't go into that.

The bottom line is that I was so impressed with my little guy.
I'm sure this isn't for everyone but I would do it again without thinking twice.
{No that was not a pregnancy announcement, 2 is good thanks.}

P.S.
One of my favourite lines from the book was in the FAQ section about cost.
{Because a lot of food ends up on the floor at first.}
My experience is that it still costs less than preparing separate food.
They also pointed out that if you have pets you can reduce the amount of pet food you buy because they will eat what's dropped.
At first I laughed at this but it has proven to be too true.
Our dogs have set up a permanent camp under Cedric's highchair.

Christmas Crafting: TP Reindeer

I got this idea from this TP Roll Owl that has been all over Pinterest.

{I chose one of the many links but can't guarantee it's the original.}

Just a Christmas-y twist on this cute idea.

We started by folding the top of the roll over a piece of pipe cleaner {about 1/2 of a piece}.
If you put a dab of glue on top it prevents the antlers from popping out.
We cut the other half of the pipe cleaner into 2 smaller pieces.
Then we used those 2 pieces to make the antler branches.

We glued 2 eyes and 2 pom poms on for the nose.

We then put a bow and eyelashes on one to make it a girl.

I am fully aware that females would not have antlers but this is a toddler craft ok?

**Correction: See Diana's comment.**

That's it.

Fiona thinks they're pretty cute.

 Speaking of pretty cute, Fiona brought this home from school.

I have been dreading looking forward to the day we have school crafts on our tree.

Now it feels complete.