Hop in to Spring With These Cool Finds for Baby Girl!

I don't think there is person out there who doesn't get excited about spring! Warmer weather, bright colours, and new fashions! I have found great local finds that will help you transition baby into Spring! All these item are available in London, Ontario and I have attached links to all sites so you know exactly where to get them.

Happy Spring! Happy Shopping!

Baby Legs- As Seen on Oprah!
  Baby Legs helps protect the gap between to sock and the bottom of the pant, keeping legs warm and rash-free! They help keep the sock on feet and don't interfere with diaper changes. Baby Legs offer an extra layer for baby's sensitive skin, protect knees from harsh surfaces and allow baby to stay barefoot for balance when learning to walk.

   Baby Legs can be bought at  both Cheeky Monkey locations in London, Ontario and online with their convenient shopping cart. Cheeky Monkey offers a wide variety of styles and colours for both boys and girls! Cheeky Monkey even carries Newborn Baby Legs that are smaller, organic and latex free!
       Cheeky Monkey

Baby Wisp Tulle Tutu
  Layers and Layers of Tulle and a satin petticoat for added comfort! This gorgeous skirt will have your little girl dancing and twirling in glee! Give your little ballerina the beautiful she deserves! This beautiful Tutu can be bought at both Cheeky Monkey locations and online.






      Cheeky Monkey

Beanies by Petal Babies!
  These adorable HANDMADE hats are perfect for spring! Keep your little one's head comfortable while it warms up outside! You can order has many colours and sizes as you wish and each hat come with 3 interchangeable attachments. Attachments are flowers of all shapes and sizes, they are just beautiful! You can order online or visit the Petal Babies location in London, Ontario. Petal Babies has teamed with momperks to offer 10% off to all momperks card holders.





      Petal Babies

Little Miss Clips
These Slip-proof hair clips designed for the little girls with barely-there and very fine hair! they are guaranteed to stay put and are made to order. There is an adorable selection of colours and varieties available. Your princess is guaranteed to get compliments with these clips! Little Miss clips is working with momperks to provide a discount to every momperks card holder. Little Miss Clips offers 25% off every order and free shipping on all orders over $20.



  If you have an item you would like me to feature on the Learn 2 Sign blog contact me details! shawneen@learn2sign.ca. Don't forget to sign up for spring baby sign classes for something fun to do !

"We Need Each Other"

A grade six pupil at Robarts School for the Deaf in London, Ontario is concerned that she will have to move again to pursue a deaf education if the school is closed. A recommendation from Economist Don Drummond to close the school was made last week. The recommendation was one of 300 aimed at combating a $16 Billion provincial deficit.

this 11 year old's concern caused her to write a letter to Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Jeff Yurek. In her letter she expresses her pride in deaf education and her battle with Mainstream school. "I fell like I really belong at Robarts because there are deaf staff and students". She wrote. "When I was in mainstream school (regular school) I only had to friends because everyone thought I was weird because I had hearing aids... I got C's and D's because I was very angry, sad, depressed and because I could not understand my teachers". She continues to explain that she is concerned about losing her small community of friends if they have to move to pursue education options.

There is no doubt that the closure of this school will result in lack of accessibility to those deaf, hard of hearing and persons with special needs. Deaf people have fought so hard to be treated as equal to the hearing and this will be a huge blow.

More information and updates on this letter and the recommendation to close Robarts School for the Deaf can be found in the London Free Press.

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2012/02/16/19391411.html

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2012/02/21/19406936.html

Sweet Signs for Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Learn 2 Sign

In celebration of the sweet holiday I have outlined my 4 favourite “Sweet” signs. Some of these signs have been my all-time favourite for years! These signs can used to express your love or fondness to all special ones in your life! Valentine’s Day is for all the people you love!

I LOVE YOU- There are 2 ways to represent “I LOVE YOU”. Number 1 is to point to yourself (Representing I), then cross both arms over your chest (As if you were giving a tight hug), and finally point to your loved one (Representing YOU). The second way to represent “I LOVE YOU” is to hold your dominant hand upright with Thumb, Index, and Pinky finger extended.

SWEETHEART- This sign became an immediate favourite the day I learned it as a child! Hold 2 fists together on your chest in front of your heart with knuckles touching and Thumbs extended upwards. Squeeze both thumbs downward twice (Representing a heart beating).      

KISS – Touch Thumb to all 4 fingers on both hands and hold them together in front of your body. Twist both hands in opposite direction.

CUTE/CUTIE – Hold Index and Middle fingers up together with knuckles pointing outward. Bring hand up to the chin and sweep fingers downward twice. 

5 Free Things to do with yours kids in London, Ontario

Well Christmas and New Year’s break is now over and the excitement has wined down. Now what? January and February are the two hardest months for many. Let’s face it Christmas is over, it’s cold and gloomy outside and March break seems like ages away. Fortunately London does offer some great places and activities for free or nearly free! Below our top 5 activities to keep you going until the spring and summer months come to the rescue and offer us those dog days of summer we all dream about!

1)      London Children’s Museum( Free Friday Admission)

The London Children’s Museum does require a membership fee or fee per visit but they are currently offering FREE Friday evening admission between 5-8pm. The Children’s Museum is the perfect why to play, learn and wear out your little ones before the weekend! Some of my favourite exhibits are Jellyfish Junction, Dinosaurs, Arctic Discovery and the limited time Egypt of the Nile.

www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca

2)      The city of London runs an outdoor skating program each year. I have been skating at these 2 London locations for as long as I can remember. I remember skating at Victoria Park amidst the holiday display, buying a hot chocolate and watching other skaters when I felt like my feet were going to fall off! Victoria Park and the Covent Garden Market locations have specific hours of operation. Be sure to call ahead for closures due to weather!

519-661-4529

3)      The London Public Library offers many different activities for children of all ages. One particularly interesting program is Storytime. Storytime has different sections based on the children’s age group (Books for Babies, Storytime, and Family & Friend Storytime). The focus of this program is to introduce reading a lifelong practice.  All programs are free and each branch has their own schedule. Check your location for times and dates!

www.londonpubliclibrary.ca/kidsprograms

4)      Kidscape is an amazing indoor playground offering stories of fun, mazes, slides and excitement. There is a fee to play at kidscape but you sign up their FREE BIRTHDAY PASS. This will allow your birthday child entry for free!

www.kidscape.ca/registration

5)      The Little Gym is a great way to play, interact and get your baby moving! They offer great parent/child classes that teach you and your little ones about Bugs, Birds, Beasts and Super Beasts. The Little Gym also charges a fee for services but do offer a free introductory class.

www.thelittlegym.com/LondonSouthCan/Pages/Trialclass.aspx

Pick one these activities each week and it will spring before you know it! Allow your child to be a part of planning these activities and ask what they thought about it afterwards. This will get you and child talking about what interests them and what doesn’t. You might be surprised at what you learn! Be sure to contact each company prior to visit to be sure they are still offering these activities and services

London, Ontario Santa Claus Parade

Well Halloween is over and now it’s time to gear up for Christmas! What better way to jump into the Christmas spirit than with a Santa Claus Parade! Each year thousands line the Streets of downtown London with little ones all bundled up to see if they can catch a glimpse of the big guy himself. Who is the big guy? Well Santa Claus, of Course!

Each year the parade offers new and exciting floats to capture the spirit of Christmas. Keep a look out for dancers, clowns, firefighters, and elves! This year’s Parade will also feature Baton Twirlers, Stilt walkers, the Town Cryer, Dora the Explorer and Santa Claus. As usual Santa’s little helpers will be there to collect letters to Santa! Have your little write Santa a letter and Address is to: Santa Claus, The North Pole, HOH OHO.

Each year the Santa Claus Parade collects non-perishable food items for those in need this holiday season. They also collect teddy bears for the Salvation Army and donations for various charities in London. Please donate! Everyone’s small donation helps create a Christmas to remember for all of London’s families. Last year 14, 742 lbs of food was collected in London!

This year’s Annual Santa Claus Parade offers a great and memorable experience for your little ones. Pack them up with warm coats, hats, and gloves. Don’t forget an umbrella for rain and hot chocolate and snacks for the kids! Please be kind and allow little ones in front, do not smoke in the parade line and consider others around you!

Have a great time!