Champagne ?

In 1985, we did not have the internet, so getting ready for the new baby, i did alot of reading about the baby's first year, sleep patterns, diaper changes, feedings and all of the fun baby stuff. This was a whole new world for me and was just so excited to get started....even though that meant, there would be sleepless nights, night feedings and all sort of action that came with a new baby. I wondered would I be able to change a diaper, breast feed and take care of a newborn when we really had no experience whatsoever. I can assure all of you ladies that once that baby arrives, it's like instant knowing, you just know what to do. It's incredible...babies are so alert and when that little smile is flashed, you forget how tired you really are and how blessed you are and it's amazing how much you enjoy watching your baby change every single day. Yes, motherhood comes with the greatest rewards and one of my biggest one was to have the opportunity to experience the joys of a first time mom and caring for a new baby, I was going to make it my best experience. I can still remember when I heard "mama" for the first time - words cannot really describe that feeling.

So yes, ladies, things are going to be very different with a baby.....you have a companion with you everywhere you go....and that is okay.....just plan extra time for getting the baby ready, getting yourself ready , packing all of your things to take along, load the car with stroller and your bag....and anything else you need to bring along, just add lots and lots of time.

As a new mom, the list of things we do is endless, but my top 5 are :

*Write down all the milestones on a calendar to keep track

*Take lots and lots of photos.....you will enjoy them for years to come

*enjoy your time with baby during breastfeeding, most precious time

*never wake up your baby to feed them...let them wake up on their own

*Make some time for hubby and you - plan date nights !

　

29 years later.....this little boy who gave me a whole new world turns 29 ! Celebrating a champagne birthday !

My firstborn taught me about strong love and all the boy toys like planes, trains and cars. Hockey and Soccer. He was full of energy, never stopped a moment...bouncing around, always on the go, made a few trips to the emergency room for stitches at the oddest of times. Yes....coffee tables and fences seemed to be our favorite things to fall into. He was the one that got extra goofy and told you I love you all at the same time. The one who took charge...made puzzles and built things for hours. Had dreams and made them happen.... a fine young man, an amazing brother and now a loving husband.

Love you as much as that first time I saw you in the morning of july 29th, 1985, only 29 years more !

You make us very proud and parenthood a complete joy.

 

 Happy Champagne Birthday !

 

The dash...

On july 9th, 2014 it was a very sad day for all of us that lost our very dear friend Kosta Yanakoulias.  As a tribute to him, I would like to dedicate this blog to him. He was an inspiration to many of us...

A very long time ago, I came across  reading material from Simple Truth....and I recall reading "It's the dash between those years and what you do with it that count "

Kosta's dash mattered, so much so that has left a void for all of us,

　
I am very proud to have known him for the past two decades.  We met when our boys lawrence and mathiew were in daycare at 18months old. We instantly became friends and throughout the years spent every day together....that's what parents do when you have boys and they play both hockey and soccer.  Kosta was both hockey coach and soccer coach.....like many dads, volunteered his time. Lucky for us, we got to spend lots of quality time on our free time cheering on our kids.
He was a massive contribution to express laval and as a result brought many of us together, who today cherish our time with him and all the fond memories we have of him. Words cannot describe.

Kosta was a great example  and role model of why we were put on earth.

And although his life ended before any of us were ready, we are comforted by his memory of his full and inspiring life in such a short time, so proud of this devotion to others.

He was the one to help others for the better.

Kosta spoke his mind and his values. everyone knew where he stood and what he stood for.

He made each person feel special.

He was one that lived his personal values

He was an incredibly kind man. An extraordinary man admired by so many.

He was a fighter til the end, a loving family and network of friends with him til the end.

Has made an impact on many and will continue to have a profound influence on his kids and those he touched for generations to come.

I saw him for the last time on monday July 7th, his body was ailing, but his mind was as sharp as ever.

He showed us how to live and how to never give up. That is something i will always treasure from him.

No matter how ill he was, that did not get in the way to spend good quality time with all of us - and we had fun times...in the last 3 years, we made each minute seem like an hour, .to make up for the next 50 years.

We admired his stamina, his committment and his drive.

Everyone loved Kosta.

　
What mattered most....was all the time spent alive on earth, and how he contributed and who he was,  and all those he loved  That is the dash.....everything in between.

In the end....nothing matters except how we live, who we love and how we make others feel,

No anger, show appreciation, love to the fullest,
Treat each other with respect, wear a smile,

Remembering his special dash, says it all.

All of my condolences go out to his wife Lisa, his boys markus, jonathon and mathew and all of his extended family and friends who he adored. A  tribute to him and all he accomplished.

Kosta and Lisa

how he impacted all of us...

　
As a tribute to Kosta, feel free to express and share your most fondest of memories...

Night out at Starlight

The boys at Starlight

A very memorable night at Lisa and Kosta

Kosta with our dog Ice






On May 1, 2015 Pink in the City will be hositing a Charity event to raise funds for breast cancer for the Cedars breast clinic. As a tribute to Kosta, we will also raise 25,000 in his memory to benefit Neurosurgery at the RVH of the MUHC where he was well taken care of.

We ask all of our family and friends to join us and celebrate his life.
Join us on our Pink in the City Facebbok page

Reconnecting with family...

The most beautiful experience is to reconnect with family you have never met.  In 2007, I was fortunate enough to meet my younger brother. Although I had never met him before, from the day he was born I would receive letters and pictures of him.  Back then, there was no  email, just good old fashion letter writing.  My parents had divorced when I was 11.  My father had moved away to BC and had remarried.  I was fortunate enough to get regular updates about Tasy and kept in contact, so as an only child, I was super excited to have a brother.
Up until Tasy was old enough to send his own letters and pics, I would receive them from his mom.
She really wanted for him to get to know me. Once he was old enough, we started to call each other and talk on the phone, send each other birthday notes and christmas cards.  I was super excited that I now had a brother I can connect with.  Although we had 20 year difference, that did not really matter.  We had become really close.  So close, that when Tasy and Jackie were having their 2nd baby, we were on the phone and he happened to mention that baby was coming soon and if it was a girl, her name would be sophia.  I immediately told him, that if it was a girl, and baby was a Sophia, we would baptize her !  Not long after, we got a message, announcing that we were the proud godparents !  We were ecstatic !

A year later, Tasy and Jackie came down to visit with the girls for the first time.  It was the first time that we were all going to meet each other.  I have to admit, we were all nervous somewhat....but not for long.  It was love at first sight and we all hit it off beautifully.  It was the best 2 weeks we all had.
During that time, we also planned a baptism ceremony and a dinner inviting all of our family and friends to share in this joyous occasion.  The boys were the godparents and could not be more proud.

We did not want for the 2 weeks to pass quickly.  We had so much to catch up an enjoyed each day to the fullest.  We knew that moving forward we had to stay connected.  Meeting Tasy, Jackie and the girls for the first time was absolutely heartwarming.  We realized that we had to talk often and keep in touch.  Thank goodness for social media - we were able to fulfill this part.

When it was time for Phil and Evie to get married in Penticton, we were so happy to learn that they would be there by our side.  Tasia was one of the junior bridesmaid's.  It was just awesome for all of us to be together for this family wedding.  Truly was an incredible experience and one that I will cherish forever.

So, a few things that stand out for me.....it is clear that even at a distance and not knowing each other, you can really become close and create a fun and loving relationship.  So much so, that when I was celebrating a milestone birthday, Tasy came down to Montreal to surprise me for a few days. It was very memorable for me as we spent the day together pampering ourselves.  What better way to spend your birthday and what made it even more special.....this was the first time we were celebrating a birthday together....after 30 years for the first time !  We may live miles and miles away, but when we are together, we make it count !

I am extremely proud of Tasy and Jackie for being such remarkable parents. They work really hard and ensure that the girls are well taken care of and part of every activity possible !  They are a beautiful example of parenting at it's best and the girls are just simply precious !  Love you...

1st picture I received of Tasy

Meet for the first time  2007

We all meet together for the first time  with Dad ! 2007

Phil & Evie's wedding in Penticton 2013

top 10 mom traits...

When I first started out and was thinking about the title of my blog, I wanted it to summarize and represent all the stay at home and working moms.  They have a heavy load of responsibility and the best way to refer to them in my eyes is  CEO in the house !  I know for a fact, that everything goes through you to manage the day to day household.  Women set the strategy and vision. Although you get help in delivering the strategy, we are the ones that ultimately set the direction.  If you have children, you also know it takes a lot of planning and organization to run a smooth household. It makes me think about the family as a company and actions we take as an investment.

As a mom, there is a great deal of stress on you...... to set the example, as your every action shapes  what others do.  You don't realize, but everything you do is noted.  From experience, you need to be upbeat, positive, have great personal work ethics, treat others with respect and thoughtful of those around you. These are non negotiable attributes. Every mom wants to keep her family focused and working together - that is not an easy task as many of you have experienced and live every day.  Sometimes, I wish there was a manual...and you quickly find out, we learn as we go and hopefully we can share our experiences with others. Just remember, there is no right or wrong...we make choices and set our priorities.....they can vary from person to person, and family to family.

Every day we aim at making a difference for our family by creating an environment of trust, honesty and openness.  As a working mom, it was always important for for me to plan a meal at the end of the day for all of us to touch base. I guess the fact that I was balancing both career and family, I wanted to make sure I was not missing out on the family side. It became  more and more difficult as the family grew  to plan these dinners as everyone was heading in different directions.  Although it was a challenge, I also realized that if you were determined,  you do your best to make it happen.

I remember when my family was growing, I would also encourage them to lead by personal example and conduct themselves as good citizens. As a mom, you want to coach them to be the best they can be and have confidence in their abilities.

Every mom's list of responsibilities, tasks and qualifications are endless.  Moms have this unique ability to get you to work hard, express yourself, make good impressions, and reach out for your dreams.  We all have our top traits of an extraordinary mom, here are my top 10....

Compassionate
Courageous
Disciplined
Dynamic
Fun loving
Forgiving
Honest
Insightful
Resourceful
Respectful

Running a household and balancing career and family is not easy, take pride in what you do and accomplish every day.  Mom's have the toughest job ....they are indeed Ceo in the house....what are your 10 top traits ???