Kandoo helps toddlers gain independence

Hannah turns two this month. She talks non-stop and gets frustrated when she can't do things herself. But when she is able to accomplish something the look of pride on her face is priceless.

That's why I'm such a fan on the Kandoo line of personal care products designed specifically for toddlers.

I love the scents. Hannah loves the foaming action. We both love that she can easily use the pumps all by herself.

Top 5 Things I No Longer Care About

After you become a parent, a lot of your priorities change. As do things that you care about - or find a necessity.

Here is my list of the top five things I no longer care about:

1. Making the bed.

I used to have this OCD-type thing when it came to making the bed. I would get mad at Chris for not making it. Now he makes it more than I do. If people come over, I just shut the door. I have time for that, but not making the bed.

Image: http://www.thebodyshop.ca

2. Bathing on a daily basis. 

A shower has become a privilege not a necessity. Unless I am leaving the house and am forced to look presentable, sometimes I don't even get dressed. I'm sure the Purolator guy loves it when I answer the door in sweat pants and an old Backstreet Boys concert tee. I know I do.

3. My hair.

I used to blow dry my hair every day and style it as best as I could. It was nicely highlighted. Now it's roots-arama, and gets thrown in greasy pony tails (see showering is a privilege above) more than I'd like to admit. Also Hannah likes to pull on it, so up is better (and less hurtful). (Full disclosure - I'm getting my highlights back on Friday - just in time for our first family trip. Yay!)

Image: http://www.beautyatskindeep.com

4. Wearing make-up.

I started wearing make-up in OAC (back when Ontario still had grade "13"). This obsession grew slowly, but eventually I refused to leave the house without foundation, lip gloss, eye shadow or eye liner. Now sometimes I go out sans make-up, even sans eyebrow plucking. This is also cost-effective as I buy less make-up. Although, my skin isn't any better regardless of the foundation hiatus (even if I DO moisturise daily - that's something I haven't given up).

5. Going out...to dinner, the movies, the bar.

Most of my friends visit me at home. Occasionally, I get out to meet them at a mall. Even rarer: I get to dine or have drinks with them alone. While I miss my friends, I'm so obsessed with my baby I don't notice my lack of social life as much as I should. And my bank account is more focused on buying things for Hannah now than for myself.

I bet most of these things will become things I care about again when I go back to work and am out in the "real world" on a daily basis. But for the rest of my mat leave I'll enjoy PJ days, greasy ponytails, no makeup and unmade beds.

But I'll still be a hermit after work. I know I'll want to spend every waking hour I don't have to be at work with Hannah. She's my life now - not dinner and a movie.

What did you stop caring about after you became a parent?

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.