Loulou's views

There are many things my children do that melt my heart every day. When I hear them talking to one another, when they tell me they love me, and when I see them drawing, making crafts, or writing new words. I cherish my children's doodles, and proudly display the best pieces of 'art' in their playroom. It's amazing how at the tender age of five my son is able to write anything he wants, in nice, neat penmanship, (most of the time) asking for help to spell words correctly. The other day, as I was yelling telling my children to stop fighting, I overheard my son ask his dad something. "Daddy, how do you spell shut-up?" This made me giggle. For some reason, hearing my children say inappropriate words always makes me laugh. A few minutes later, my son presented me with this: Aww, right? I'm thinking I should hang this up in my office, so I can constantly be reminded of how much my son loves me. It will also serve as a reminder of why I work outside the home fiv...

In three days, I will be soaking up the sun in south Florida with my boys and family. But first, I have to GTL! You know... hit the gym, go for a tan, and oh yeah, tackle that huge pile of laundry! I cannot wait to leave this cold, miserable weather behind! I'm really not a huge fan of winter, if you haven't been able to figure that out yet. And lately, it has been really cold here—minus 40 degrees cold! However, on the days that I do manage to bundle up my children and go to the neighbourhood park for some fun on the skating rink, I do enjoy myself. For about 30 minutes, max. Then I'm bribing the kids with hot chocolate and extra whipped cream, telling them it's time to go home. Once we get home, we start the process of taking off all our winter gear, leaving a trail of soggy mittens, snowpants and snow covered hats in a pile, as we rush towards the fireplace to warm up... of course, getting our socks all wet as we unavoidably step in the mushy snow. I can't say I...

A few months ago, after showering, I felt something in my right breast that wasn't there before. I felt a lump. That night, I was nervous and worried and stayed up for hours examing one breast, than the other, to make sure I wasn't imaging things. Yes, there was definitely something there. Although I am a huge hypochondriac, I tried to put it out of my mind, and somehow, I didn't think about it again, until three nights ago. Lying in bed, I felt it again. A definite lump. I went to the doctor on Wednesday, and after a thorough examination, I was told it was probably not cancer, but I should go for further testing, to rule it out for sure. Thanks to our health care system, and thanks to very special doctors and nurses, I was able to go for a mammogram and ultrasound yesterday. The day went by quickly, and was filled with emotions, tears and concern from my entire family. My mom came to be with me, and my husband stopped by to see me from work. At the imaging clinic, I had a ...

On this cold day in January, three years ago, I was admitted to the hospital to give birth to my second son. Having had the easier labour and delivery ever when I delivered my first child, I was confident things would go just as smoothly the second time around. However, I went into that delivery room much more prepared than the first time—I didn't bring a suitcase filled with novels with me. Not only did I pack more appropriately, I was wiser as a mother, with over two years of experience under my belt. After my son was born my sister brought me fettuccini alfredo from my favourite Italian restaurant. I ate my dinner and watched CNN as my new baby slept soundly beside me. This time around, I wasn't afraid to close my eyes, and I didn't jump with each sound or movement my baby made. I even managed to sleep that night, something I didn't do for 72 hours after my first son was born. I was so much more relaxed. And very blessed, to be the mother of these two little boy...

I'm sure you've read it by now—the article in The Wall Street Journal called "Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior" , by Amy Chua, ( exerpted from her new book called "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother".) The writer lets us in on the secret of how Chinese parents raise such "stereotypically successful kids." She says her children were never allowed to: attend a sleepover; have a playdate; be in a school play; watch TV or play computer games; choose their own extracurricular activities; get any grade less than an A; not be the number 1 student in every subject except gym and drama; play any instrument other than the piano or violin and not play the piano or violin. I had countless numbers of sleepovers, and playdates every weekend. I was in school plays, I watched TV, and I was allowed to choose my own extracurricular activities. I played the guitar, after a few years at trying my hand at the recorder and violin. Clearly, this mom would have disowned me...

That's great, it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, an airplane... It's the end of the world as we know it, It's the end of the world as we know it, It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine. So apparently the end of the world is near. And here I was, naivly thinking we had at least until 2012. Well, turns out the ancient Mayans weren't as smart as we thought. Doomsday is, in fact, upon us, one year earlier than expected. Why do I know this? Because BIRDS ARE FALLING FROM THE SKY AND DYING. All I can think about is the The Birds by Alfred Hitchcock. I gotta say, I'm a little spooked. As if that's not enough, FISH ARE DYING IN RIVERS. Next up? Be prepared for a massive earthquake. Apparently, that's the 'next step' to the world coming to an end. A few days ago, Arkansas was in the news. Even on CNN! Clearly, the fact that Arkansas was in the news was an indication that something was not right with the world. Just kiddin...

It's the first Monday of 2011 - Happy New Year, everyone! The year has started off well, and for the first time in as long as I can remember, I rang in the new year at home, with my loved ones. Usually, I'm out at some party or another, totally dressed up, but this year, it was the complete opposite, and it was totally awesome. Drinks, great food, more food, more drinks, card games and me in my lulu's - seriously? Perfection! Christmas was filled with wonderful moments and new memories. It was joyful, festive and happy. For me, it is all about family, and our special traditions. My children are so fortunate to spend almost every day with their grandparents and great-grandparents, and to see old Greek traditions carried on to my boys is very heart-warming. Christmas at my parents house is always so much fun, and of course, a little crazy, too! Family and good friends and parties and a surprise visit from an out-of-town best friend, a completely unexpected visit that had a ...