My 1st Single Mother's Day

Today I celebrated my fifth Mother's Day. Today also marks my first Single Mother's Day. This is the first Mother's Day I woke up without my daughter under the same roof. And this is the first Mother's Day Hannah truly understood.

Spring has sprung at Hallmark Canada #LoveHallmarkCA #Review #Giveaway

It's officially less than two weeks until spring! Whether or not the winter weather will completely ease up on us is to be seen, but we can dream of spring - especially Easter and Mother's Day - with great new plush toys, books, home gifts, stationary and gift bags from Hallmark Canada.

Spring has always been my favourite season - notably because my birthday is in April. As I got older I also became a big fan of Easter, and of course, when I was blessed with Hannah I now like spring best because of Mother's Day.

For all the occasions that occur in spring, Hallmark Canada has you covered.

Lindsey's Cakes for Miracles - DQ Cakes support Children's Miracle Network

Do you know what you're getting your Mom for Mother's Day? I'm not sure what I'm giving to my Mom yet (she keeps flip flopping), but I know what I'd love - to share a DQ Cake with Hannah, and here's why.

During the week leading up to Mother’s Day (May 4-11), $1.00 from every DQ Cake sold at participating locations will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network. The funds raised stay local and will be used for life-saving equipment, research, community outreach events, educational tools and much more at the local Children’s Miracle Network member hospital.

Lindsey’s Cakes for Miracles was created by Lindsey and Sadie, daughters of Vancouver, BC DQ franchisee, Tony Lourenco. Lindsey was diagnosed with leukemia at age 12. During Lindsey’s fight, the Lourenco family experienced first-hand the crucial care provided by the medical staff at the BC Children’s Oncology Unit and felt compelled to help other children in need at Children’s Miracle Network member hospitals across Canada. Lindsey and her twin sister Sadie hatched the idea to help kids like Lindsey and give back to the community by executing the campaign in their father’s DQ restaurant. The success of the girls’ idea led Dairy Queen Canada to launch Lindsey’s Cakes for Miracles across the country.

This Mother's Day, Give the Gift of Netflix (Giveaway)

My Mom truly is the 'Mother Who Has Everything'.

Case in point, this past Christmas? "I'd like you to pay for my Internet for the year, please."

This Mother's Day? "Can you and your brother paint my living room?"

Don't get stuck painting your mom's living room - give her the gift that keeps on giving, Netflix.

Pamper Mom for Mother's Day (#PGmom Review and Giveaway)

When I was little I had the gull to ask my Mom, "How come if there's Mother's Day and Father's Day there's no Kids' Day?"

She responded, "EVERY DAY is Kids' Day!"

Now that I'm a mom, I get it. My whole life is based around my daughter, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Even if sleeping on the floor beside her crib kills my back, and bending over to pick up food underneath her high chair breaks my back, and her constant demands of "Up!" result in my lifting her up...which kills my back.

Some days the only time I get alone is a quick shower, and even then Hannah sometimes bangs on the bathroom door. That's why this month I was especially excited to receive an Olay Body Bar with Massaging Design from P&G. I love the Silk Whimsy scent - for a few moments I get to feel pampered and relaxed.

Reflections on a first Mother's Day

Yesterday I celebrated my first Mother's Day. My Mom, Hannah and I went to Red Lobster for lunch.

It was a nice time to reflect on how lucky I am to be my Mother's daughter and how lucky I am to be Mother to Hannah. It also made me realize how much closer to my Mom I've become since Hannah was born and I became a mother myself - probably because once again I am seeking her advice.

After post-secondary school when I moved out, I didn't really "need" my Mom. After a year in the working world, paying your own bills and living on your own, you don't really inquire and check in with your Mom to see what shoes you should wear out to the bar, or how long is an acceptable amount of time for the guy you are dating to text you back. When it comes to life, it seems like your Mom has stopped being the person you go to and your friends are the wise ones when you have problems that need to be solved.

But as soon as Hannah started to grow and move in my belly, I was all questions with my Mom. Apparently I got some just desserts - when my Mom was pregnant with me I wouldn't stop kicking her ribcage. Hannah was the same way in the womb. I hated to nap, but was quite content in my stroller soaking everything in. Hannah also hates to nap for fear of missing out on anything.

I'm also very lucky in that my Mom only gives me advice when I seek it. I was formula-fed. My Mom supported my breastfeeding Hannah, and I know she will stand behind all my decisions even if she would do (or did do) things differently. My Mom has definitely eased my transition into becoming a Mom. And I am sure she will remain steadfast even into Hannah's teenage years, where I am sure to receive even MORE just desserts.

I hope all the Moms out there had a great Mother's Day! It's the cherry on top - to be recognized for doing the best job in the world.