Shoes With Soul

I'm going to barf. I spent $45.00 on shoes for my one year old. I am convinced that the right shoes will get Levi walking in no time. Actually for $45.00 I think they might enable him to fly, ski and swim.

Although the price I paid for these little shoes is steep, I swear Levi is taking steps with more confidence and gusto. According to the nice saleslady with the soothing voice, the rubber soles of the shoes are thick enough to give grip and support, but not so thick Levi wont be able to feel the safety of the ground under his feet.

The brand is called Tip Toey Joey and I'm sold on them. However, don't just take my word, read a review on Canadian Natural Mama Product Reviews. To find Tip Toey Joey shoes in Vancouver check out Crocodile Baby.

Wanderlust

Wanderlust. It defined my young adulthood and there is still a deep longing in my heart to travel the world. I love this editorial. The model is portrayed as a lone traveler which reminds me of some of my own journeys overseas. The stunning blue sky as the central focus of colour draws me into a reverie of when I would look up at the sky, feeling overwhelmed by how the different tint of it was a reminder that I was in the opposite hemisphere from my loved ones.

I also love how the model's jewelry does not change throughout the shoot. When I was traveling, I always wore the same jewelry. There was security in wearing one ring, given to me my parents, to remind me of home. And then once home, the ring reminded me of my adventures abroad.

While traveling alone had its' romanticism, I would much rather explore the world in the company of my family. Even if that now includes a toddler. After all what is an adventure if you have no one to share it with?

*Bruno Tenorio by Jacques Dequeker for Vogue Brazil June 2010 via fashiongonerogue.com

Life is For Living

Whew! May was crazy busy with a family wedding, relatives in town and Levi's first birthday! Yes, my little man is one!

When I reflect on the first year of my life as a mom I would say it was the hardest year I've lived through. Ever. But when I look at these pictures what I see is joy. Life, even its most difficult seasons, is always full of beauty.

For example, look at those eyes! Even when Levi has been a terd all day, those eyes make me smile.

And nothing is better than mommy hugs!

I love watching Levi try things for the first time, like dipping his feet in the ocean, or nom, nom chowing down on pizza.

Does anything beat a beautiful, evening picnic at the beach with family?

And then there was Levi's first birthday party. Umm, I may have gone crazy and invited 40 people. It was a superhero theme and for some reason I felt passionate about dressing up as spiderman. I never reflected on what it would be like to be a spider mommy making my way through the crowds at Granville Island (Yes that was me). Oh, and how flippin' gorgeous are my mom and sister in this pic!

Do you see the resemblance?

Proof. Minus the mask but I swear I wore it!

Very excited about presents!

Levi's thank-you speech.

How sweet is life? 

*All photos by Esther Gadd

One Man's Trash....

Clothing swaps are the best idea. Last weekend I met up with some gal pals at my friend Tammy's  loft apartment. We emptied our bags of clothes on the floor and started digging through each others' cast offs.  Surprisingly I found some great treasures in the accessories department. I have a hard time spending money on accessories so I was thrilled to come away with some gorgeous, vintage pieces for FREE!

Eventually I'll figure out what outfits they go well with but for now, here's a picture of two of my great finds.

Levi's Got a Line

I think Levi may be the coolest baby in town for having a whole line of guitars named after him. My father-in-law recently launched a new guitar business and was inspired to name the company after his first grand child. Very fitting considering that Levi's daddy is a musician, as is his grandpa and many other family members. One of the models is named after me. I was thrilled considering any music I make has an uncanny resemblance to a lobster in boiling water.

It gives me great joy knowing that Levi will grow up in a world full of art and creativity. He already rocks out on his toy guitar, drums and xylophone but what I love best is when Levi announces his arrival at the super market with a kazoo. People always peer into his stroller to see what's making the noise. I think they're relieved to realize it's a baby and not a small animal.

Levi Guitar's is still in the early stages but for contact info. visit  www.leviguitars.com. 

Mommy Musing

It was so weird to have people say, "Happy Mother's Day" to me. Mother's Day always feels like a vain attempt to thank the woman who selflessly gave herself to raising my siblings and I. My mom deserves more than one day to know that we appreciate all she sacrificed for us. I struggle to imagine that I could ever be as selfless as her when it comes to raising my own children.

My mom still loves me even though I didn't let her sleep through the night until I was three years old. As a young adult living at home when I had insomnia, I would call to my mom in the middle of the night and she would come to me, sometimes rubbing my forehead until I fell asleep. My parents have always slept with their bedroom door slightly open in order to hear us kids if we needed them.

These are photos of me lying in a hospital bed. After long, grueling hours of labour, I had finally given birth to Levi. I hadn't slept in ages. My mom is leaning over me, rubbing my forehead and giving me a kiss. My eyes are closed and I remember feeling so at peace. Life had just burst forth from me. Life that I was responsible for. It was an overwhelming  and terrifying sensation yet I felt such security knowing that my mommy was by my side.

I can only hope and pray that I will have the same strength to be there for my children as my mom has been there for me.

Let Me Off the Nook

What you are viewing is a disgrace. Wasted space. This is the little nook off my kitchen. Notice the big windows letting in the glorious light of day as well as the lovely trees in the background. How do I enjoy this area of my house? I plop myself and Levi on that little mini-freezer in the corner and take in the view.  This nook is also used for clothes drying, random suitcase dumping and general baby debris.

When Levi's in bed for the night, I magically transform our nook into a place of awesomeness.