amw | amotherworld

Celebrities

Cameron Diaz Will Star in What to Expect When You’re Expecting

May 31, 2011

by Mariana Morales

Cameron Diaz may not be married, but she is on board for the film based on the pregnancy guidebook series by Heidi Murkoff, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. It has been on the New York Times best-seller list numerous times.

It will be a series of connecting stories of five couples who go through the joys and troubles of the childbirth process. It is said that it will be similar to Love Actually and Valentine’s Day. Diaz will play a host of a weight-lost fitness show who most likely gets pregnant and we follow her story as well as the other couples.

It will be a comedy-drama by Lionsgate and Phoenix Pictures. Kirk Jones who did Nanny McPhee will direct based on a script by Shauna Cross, and Heather Hach.

There has not been any more cast members announced yet, but it is expected to release sometime next year. Diaz was last seen in The Green Hornet, and is already creating buzz around her role in Bad Teacher.

Check out Heidi Murkoff’s website here on pregnancy and parenting.

Mariana Morales is a full-time student at Conestoga College studying Print Journalism. She enjoys photography and is a volunteer at the Snap KW newspaper. What makes her different? She loves video games. In her spare time, she writes articles for a gaming website called Hooked Gamers. She hopes one day to work in the video game industry. Follow her on Twitter.

Kids

Why I’m Not Sad About My Kid Starting Kindergarten

May 30, 2011

by Kelli Catana

It’s that time of year when most elementary schools have their Kindergarten information night for all the parents whose children will be attending kindergarten for the first time in September. As such, I’m hearing lots of comments from anxious parents who can’t believe the time has passed so quickly and who are nervous, anxious and sad that their babies are going to be going to school in September for the first time.

But, not this mother. Nope.

There may be tears in my house on the first day of kindergarten but they won’t be sad tears! I can practically guarantee you that tears of joy and relief will fall from eyes as I send my last one off into the kindergarten yard.

I think I’m one of the only mothers I know who’s ready to bring my kid to kindergarten now! I mean really, they must have room for one more, right? I didn’t even go to the kindergarten information night confident in the fact that I might be tempted to try to sign him up right then and there. You see, my last child, my fourth, will be attending kindergarten next year and while some parents are mourning the loss of their ‘babies’, I’m celebrating the end of babies in my house.

So while I’m anxiously awaiting the start of the next school year before this one is even done, I’m already dreading the inevitable ‘phase in’ schedule. You know, when you get to send your child for one morning in the month of September to ‘get them ready’ to attend kindergarten all while teasing me with some long awaited alone time. Where for one day of one week I get to actually send all four of my kids to school at the same time, only to not be able to send two of them again for another week. Seriously – I truly believe that this phase in period benefits the teachers more than the students, and definitely more than the parents.

When I see those parents who are sad about sending their child off to kindergarten, I can completely empathise with them. After all I remember my eldest’s first day at school and the pit in my stomach as I sent her off into the playground. But even then I wasn’t sad – I was excited for her. I was excited at all the fun things she would get to at school and the new friends she would meet. And at that time I also had two younger children at home vying for my attention, so I was happy that she was able to go somewhere where she wouldn’t be fighting for my time.

Also, after having four children in give years, next year marks the first time in NINE years that I will have all of my children in school at the same time, for give days a week. And even though I’ll only have the hours of 8am to 10:30am off, those will be the most magical two and a half hours of my day!

I will not miss having my son home with me. Rather I will enjoy the time that he’s at school, playing with friends and learning something new. And I can finally get that gym membership that I’ve been planning on as well some much needed me time.

I will enjoy the fact that he’s growing up and getting ready for new adventures in his little life while getting ready for some new adventures for myself. Nine years of being home with little ones was amazing, but I am definitely ready for my little guy to start school in September. Heck I even considered switching to one of those lucky schools that has full day kindergarten.

So I might be the mother crying at the fence of the school yard on the first days of school, but you can bet those won’t be tears of sadness. Oh no, those will be tears of joy, and I’ll do my best not to dance a jig as I say my goodbye’s and go off to enjoy my well deserved me time.

Kelli Catana is a wife and mother of four who has a healthy obsession with celebrity gossip and coffee. You can find her imparting her opinion on all things pop culture over at KelliDaisy.com. Follow her on Twitter.

parenting

Mother May I? A Guide To Help Parents Make Real (Funny) Decisions

May 27, 2011

by Kathy Buckworth

Who remembers the game Mother May I? By simply asking this polite little question, the “Mother” of the game would allow her “children” to take baby steps, giant steps, even sideways steps in an attempt to get to the front of the room and win the opportunity to be Mom.

But is being Mom really “winning”? Even in the Charlie Sheen sense of the word? And what’s better? Having Tiger Blood or being a Tiger Mom who controls every step her babies take? It’s hard to know whether or not to let our kids take steps big or little or even those ones that careen off sideways or diagonally (“No, sweetie, I don’t think building a own bike ramp out of Dad’s snowboard was a good idea.”). Sometimes we just have to let them think they’re moving upwards and onwards, while we continue to protect their interests and still forming skulls.

Here’s a handy guide I put together which might help you sort through the May-I-Maybe-Maybe Not decisions, which will make them think they’re going one step forward, instead of two steps back:

• May I just eat dessert? Of course! Oh, you mean today? No. But when you’re an adult and every spoonful of pudding goes straight to your thighs, as long as you have your stretchy pants on , go ahead!

• May I not wear a helmet? Absolutely! But wait are you going to ride your bike? Then yes. I thought you meant in order to get past your tantruming brother in the front hallway. He’s only three feet tall so his fists can’t reach your head. You’re good there.

• May I wear this to school? Why not? Oh shoot. I just remembered. We forgot to send your enrolment into the Royal Academy for Stains and Crud so that uniform just isn’t going to work at regular school I’m afraid.

• May I punch my brother? I would! In fact, I often did. Have I ever shown you the cute scar he gave me on “Now I’m Bigger Than My Sister Day”?

• May I borrow your smartphone? Here you go. I’ll just kill time on your Facebook page here. That I have access to. Always have. Always will. What, done already?

• May I stay up late? Yes. In fact, let’s all stay up late. It’s about time we figured out trigonometry as a family. Honey, you get the slide rules and I’ll get the timer.

• May I get down from the dinner table? You can not only get down from it, you can take all the dishes with you. They want to “get down” with the dishwasher.

• May I skip visiting Granny? Not a chance. We’re all in this one together. (I can only go so far with these.)

Kathy Buckworth’s latest book, “Shut Up and Eat: Tales of Chicken, Children and Chardonnay” is available everywhere. Read “Funny Mummy” every month. Visit www.kathybuckworth.com and follow Kathy on Twitter.

Books & Music

American Idol Season 10 Winner is Scotty McCreery!

May 26, 2011

by Mariana Morales

On Wednesday night, after a two-hour special with many surprising appearances, Scotty McCreery, the 17-year old country singer, became Season 10’s American Idol.

With over 122 million votes, it was a nerve-wracking time for both McCreery and finalist Lauren Alaina. They remained close friends throughout the entire season, and shared a kiss at the end when the winner was revealed.

Many of the finalists also appeared during the show performing various songs as well as many popular singers. Comedian and singer Jack Black appeared unexpectedly singing along with Casey Abrams.

The Top 13 Girls sang some of Beyonce’s famous songs and then Beyonce herself appeared performing with them. The fierce diva performed later debuting ‘1+1’, a song from her forthcoming album ‘4.’

In a similar order, the Top 13 Boys sang various songs from Tom Jones and he actually came out on stage singing ‘It’s Not Unusual.’

Throughout the show, they added humour by showcasing some of the moments that the judges had in the season. Randy said the phrase “in it to win it” to many contestants, and they showed a montage of how many times he had said it. Jennifer Lopez wins the hearts of many of the male contestants, and Steven Tyler’s quirky sayings and behavior.

Marc Anthony also performed along with Jennifer Lopez dancing around. Lady Gaga made an appearance performing a song from her new album ‘Born This Way.’

Before Ryan Seacrest announced the winner, the surprising ending everyone was waiting for, was a song by Steven Tyler. Without the band, he sang “Dream On” and hit those high notes no problem.

You could see the nervousness in both Lauren and Scotty’s eyes before Ryan announced the winner. The audience screamed in happiness and stood on their feet when Scotty was announced as the next American Idol.

He hugged his family, all his friends, and thanked the crowd. Scotty truly has a musical career waiting for him.

Watch Scotty and Lauren perform “I Told You So”.

Mariana Morales is a full-time student at Conestoga College studying Print Journalism. She enjoys photography and is a volunteer at the Snap KW newspaper. What makes her different? She loves video games. In her spare time, she writes articles for a gaming website called Hooked Gamers. She hopes one day to work in the video game industry.

Entertainment

Oprah Final Show: Inspiring Quotes From Oprah

May 26, 2011

After 25 years and 4,561 episodes, Oprah Winfrey bid farewell to her daytime talk show.

“There are no words to match this moment,” she said on the final episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

The final episode had no guests, no celebrities – just Oprah herself – which was a perfect way to say goodbye.

After all, Winfrey was an inspiration to so many people for the past 25 years and has taught us so much, brought so many issues to light, opened the door for so many women.

Her final episode was her ultimate platform to thank her fans and share some of her wisdom.

Here are some of her inspiring quotes from her final episode.

It is no coincidence that I always wanted to be a teacher. I ended up with the greatest classroom in the world. And this, my friends, will be our last class for this stage.

Nobody but you is responsible for your life. You are responsible for your life. What is your life? What is all life? What is every flower, every rock, every tree? Energy. And you’re responsible for the energy you create for yourself, and you’re responsible for the energy that you bring to others.

Don’t wait for someone else to complete you. ‘Jerry Maguire’ was just a movie.

Live from the heart of yourself.

I wait and listen to the guidance that is bigger than my meagre mind.

The only time I ever make mistakes is when I don’t listen.

What are the whispers that are in your life right now? And will you hear it? Your life is speaking to you right now. What is it saying?

I believe every single event in life that happens is an opportunity to choose love over fear.

There’s a difference between thinking you deserve to be happy and knowing that you are worthy of being happy. Your being alive makes worthiness your birthright. You alone are enough.

I’ve talked to nearly 30,000 people on this show, and all 30,000 had one thing in common — they all wanted validation. … They want to know, do you hear me? Do you see me? Does what I say mean anything to you?

This is what I was called to do…Everybody has a calling, and your real job in life is to find it.

I’m talking about the same one you’re talking about. The Alpha and Omega. The Omniscience, the Omnipresent, the Ultimate Consciousness, the Source, the Force, the All of Everything There Is, the one and only G-O-D.

You also have to know what sparks the light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world. You have the power to change somebody’s life.

I’m truly amazed that I, who started out in rural Mississippi in 1954, when the vision for a black girl was limited to being either a maid or a teacher in a segregated school, could end up here. It is no coincidence that a lonely little girl [and here Oprah tears up] who felt not a lot of love, even though my parents and grandparents did the best they could — it is no coincidence that I grew up to feel genuine kindness, affection, validation and trust from millions of you all over the world. From you whose names I will never know, I learned what love is. You and this show have been the great love of my life.

Well, I say, all sweet, no bitter. And here’s why. Many of us have been together for 25 years. We have hooted and hollered together, had our a-ha moments, we ugly-cried together and we did our gratitude journals. So I thank you all for your support and your trust in me. I thank you for sharing this yellow brick road of blessings. …I thank you for being as much of a sweet inspiration for me as I’ve tried to be for you. I won’t say goodbye. I’ll just say, until we meet again. To God be the glory.

Photo: Oprah.com

Celebrities

Khloe Kardashian and Kim and Kourtney Kardashian: Who Will Be Pregnant First?

May 25, 2011

Kim Kardashian is engaged! Which means another Kardashian wedding will happen which means another baby will be born into the family.

Which means another spin-off? First there was Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Its success resulted in Khloe and Kourtney Take Miami and Kim and Kourtney Take New York.

Kim’s engagement ring is – get this – about half as much as her Beverly Hills mansion! The 20.5 carat diamond ring is apparently valued at $2 million. Excessive much???

Now that Kim is engaged to basketball star Kris Humphries, the big question is… when is the wedding? And who will be pregnant first?

Khloe Kardashian is feeling the pressure from her fans to start a family with her husband Lamar Odom. She’s getting the most pressure from her own mom, who seems to have made it her mission to get more grandchildren.

“My family would love me to have a baby, but my mom is completely obsessed,” Khloe says. “Once, she asked my assistant to find out when I was ovulating. Mom had her call my gynecologist and then told me to plan a time to have sex with my husband.”

But she’s gone even further by making suggestions on how to make the baby-making process more, um… successful. “Mom calls me all the time with different sex positions to try, she’s crazy,” the Khloe & Lamar star also said.

Kourtney Kardashian is probably going to have a second child with Scott Disick at some point, now that they son Mason is officially a toddler. The two are getting along well now, after dealing with Scott’s partying ways… will they go for round two?

Who do you think will be pregnant first – Khloe, Kim or Kourtney?

parenting

Bugaboo: Why the New Donkey Makes an Ass Out of You and Me

May 25, 2011

by Julie M. Green

When it comes to decadence and rampant commercialism, I’ll be the first to admit there are a lot of things I don’t get.

I’m not a ‘bling’ sort of person. Naturally clumsy, I’ve never been one for heels. So the whole Sex in the City shoe fetish was lost on me.

I would sooner spend what little disposable income I have on a family trip or a spa treatment. When it comes to pampering, that’s something I not only understand but wholeheartedly endorse. A timely massage or pedi can do wonders for a mother’s ravaged body and soul.

Needless to say, I’m mystified and more than a little ‘bugged’ by the latest Bugaboo craze. There are cars that go for cheaper than the new stroller, which is the ultimate status symbol of the urban mama and papa.

In New York City alone, there’s already a waiting list, and in one store you had to book an appointment just to view the wheeled beast. For that sort of cold, hard cash, I would expect a test drive at the least, a hood ornament, valet service, even.

I mean, let’s get some perspective, people — we’re talking about a stroller here. The thing you use for pushing around a baby for the first two or so years of its life.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand the need for quality. And I’m sure the Donkey doesn’t depreciate much over a few child-bearing years.

Besides, I’m not about to start pitching things at glass houses. I own a jogging stroller. I don’t jog.

But being Canadian, I needed a reliable, hardcore stroller that could plough through all the seasons my native land would throw at me. My jogger not only copes, it thrives. And at $50 in a yard sale, it was a steal.

Of course it’s none of my business what mamas and papas choose to spend their money on. Heck, wouldn’t that bankroll be better plugged into an RESP for the child’s education?

It seems to me, in a world where austerity is the order of the day for most of us, the new Bugaboo is sticking up a smug finger and we are buying into its needless decadence en masse.

Julie M Green (aka Little Green Mom) is a novelist and freelance writer who rants and raves about all things mommy at Little Green One. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two-year-old son, Jackson. Visit her website or follow her on Twitter.

lifestyle

More Vaccines Covered: More Savings For Families in Ontario

May 24, 2011

by Mariana Morales

Better protection against serious infectious diseases can mean more money in your pocket.

As part of its immunization program, the province will offer two new vaccines and increase the availability of two others.

There will be a new oral rotavirus vaccine that protects children from the rotavirus. This virus causes severe diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. Around 140,000 infants will benefit annually from the vaccine.

Around 36 per cent of Canadian children see a doctor with the rotavirus, while 15 per cent are found in the emergency room.

A combined Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella (MMRV) vaccine will help with the amount of immunizations that children need. To better protect against chicken pox, a second childhood dose of varicella vaccine will be available.

There will also be a lifetime dose of pertussis (whooping cough which can be a disease passed on to children) vaccine to adults age 19-64.

It is part of the government’s Open Ontario Plan to provide better access to health care services. It also provides improvement in quality and accountability for patients.

According to the Ontario Minister of Health and Long Term Care, Deb Matthews, it is their priority to make sure that children have the best start in life as possible. “Today’s announcement not only prevents serious childhood illnesses, but it also puts more money in the pocketbook of Ontario’s families.”

As a result of this announcement, Ontario families will save up to $350 per person. Thanks to the improvements in the vaccine program, since 2003 there have been five vaccines that are publically funded. Families will save more than $1400 per child.

Through its publically-funded immunization program, Ontario has 14 vaccines protecting against 17 diseases that are preventable. These new vaccines will be available from local health providers such as family doctors, nurse practitioners and public health units in August 2011.

Remember, it is important to keep an immunization record. They are needed when transferring to a school in another area, starting university or a job, receiving emergency health care, or travelling to other countries. You can get a yellow immunization card from your family doctor or local public health unit to keep a record of all shots and it is best to keep it updated.

For more information about these vaccines, diseases, and other health topics, talk to your family doctor or your local public health unit or visit the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website.

Mariana Morales is a full-time student at Conestoga College studying Print Journalism. She enjoys photography and is a volunteer at the Snap KW newspaper. What makes her different? She loves video games. In her spare time, she writes articles for a gaming website called Hooked Gamers. She hopes one day to work in the video game industry.

Motherhood

Leaving Your Kids: They’ll Be Fine and So Will You

May 23, 2011

Mother’s Day Tea: The Sequel by Danielle Christopher

read the first part here

I hit the road after the tea. I breathe slowly as I turn the corner to pick up my younger daughter from the neighbor’s house. With all my trepidation about leaving her, my older daughter loved having me to herself. The Tea went great. The songs the class performed were beautiful. The tea and strawberry shortcake at the tiny tables was precious. I felt very guilty that all the while I was having time at the pre-school, I had one eye on the clock.

I place the homemade gift my pre-schooler made in class for me on the passenger seat. The bookmark with her picture and drawing is the best gift I have ever received. Her pride shined so bright when she handed it to me. It washed away my worry and mixed guilt that has plagued my heart once the invite came home from school. I knew I owed her this time. Life is too busy trying to balance it all.

I do trust the house that is taking care of my younger girl. In fact, we are trading play dates and taking care of her younger child that afternoon, that way she can take her son to the afternoon tea. I felt such a worry during the whole hour. I pictured her crying and wailing looking for me. I left her quickly to not have a long good-bye. In my pocket was my cellphone which I discreetly checked frequently.

With all my restraint, I carefully parked the car in their driveway and locked the car. I ran up the stairs and tapped on the door. My ear is on high alert expecting to hear her cries. Silence. My neighbor answers and invites me in to stay for a bit. I go up the stairs scanning to where she is.

I say hello as she races by to the next box of toys. The other kids say hello to me. All three kids are playing with delight. After talking for a few minutes my daughter realizes I am there and clings onto my legs motioning to be picked up. I squeeze her tight looking for any signs of a red face. Seeing none, I breathe with a huge sigh of relief. She is okay. I let her down so she can play a bit longer.

We say our goodbyes and pack up in the car. I slip into the driver’s side and look back at her. Her happy face is the balm on my heart. She was, and is okay. I back out of the driveway and laugh at myself.

After all that worry of accepting help, we are both just fine. By accepting a helping hand I broke out of my comfort zone.

Danielle Christopher is a stay-at-home mom of two daughters, ages one and three. She blogs for The Momoir Project and writes book reviews for Women’s Post. Her teen story is in the collection “Parent/Teen Stories: Without Judgement”. She lives with her husband of seventeen years and her girls in Langley, B.C.. Follow her on Twitter.

Big Kids

Water Safety: Wear a Life Jacket!

May 19, 2011

by Mariana Morales

The Canadian Red Cross encourages the use of lifejackets as it marks its annual campaign this May 19, 2011 as National Lifejacket Day.

As summer is just around the corner, Canadians love to take advantage of the weather and take part of water-related activities such as in lakes and pools. The Canadian Red Cross is hoping to get the message across early this year to prevent drowning.

Unfortunately, each year hundreds of Canadians die or have injuries in water-related fatalities. With just reviewing and learning how to properly put on a lifejacket and other safety equipment, it would definitely reduce the numbers.

Around 200 Canadians drown every year while boating and from those, about 88% are not wearing or wearing properly a lifejacket.

The Red Cross suggests ensuring all passengers on board boats are equipped with lifejackets, even the skilled swimmers. You should always be aware of the weather and that alcohol is not consumed while boating. Lifejackets come in a variety of colours, and it is recommended to wear bright colours so you can be easily seen.

Visit The Canadian Red Cross for safety tips and how to properly wear a lifejacket.

Also visit Life With a Baby, non-profit organization for new and expectant parents, who will be having water safety workshops this summer.

Mariana Morales is a full-time student at Conestoga College studying Print Journalism. She enjoys photography and is a volunteer at the Snap KW newspaper. What makes her different? She loves video games. In her spare time, she writes articles for a gaming website called Hooked Gamers. She hopes one day to work in the video game industry.