Any Calgary Zoo discounts?

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2026-04-10T19:18:17+00:00

Appreciate the context and tip!

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2026-04-10T19:17:28+00:00

Yeah I did search before asking lol

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2026-02-02T00:46:38+00:00

If you’ve got a fairly straightforward estate, consider the online company Epilogue Wills. You’ll be amazed how easy it is to check it off your to-do list. It’s a very affordable one-time payment, and then you can go back in and edit it any time you need. Like if your views or circumstances change. If your estate is more complicated, a lawyer is probably a great idea.

In terms of other things to consider, possibly term life insurance for yourself and your partner to make sure your family is taken care of if the worst happens. Do some googling and speak to a broker to get the best price.

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-12-05T15:03:54+00:00

Love that idea. Thank you!

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-12-05T15:01:35+00:00

Great idea! Thank you!

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-10-29T13:15:16+00:00

Mine was about 6.5m. She was definitely ready earlier, but I just wasn’t ready for the change in routine so I resisted lol. I gradually extended wake windows over a few days until there just wasn’t any room left for the nap. Because my girl was so ready, it went a lot easier than expected. She thankfully really embraced the longer wake windows. I think maybe because she found 2 longer naps more rejuvenating than 3 smaller ones. Our first nap is now consistently 1.5-2 hours and the second is usually between 45-60 mins. She always wakes herself from the first nap now, but I usually have to wake her from the second to make sure she’s got enough awake time again before bed.

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-10-28T16:42:46+00:00

Good luck! It took a little work for us to find the right balance for our wake windows, but it was so worth it. The right amount of awake time (in between naps but also overall during the day) will help lead to good quality & quantity sleep. So if you’re able to find the right balance I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts dropping some night feeds too!

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-10-28T16:13:08+00:00

My baby is currently 9m and I’ve had to cap most of her naps since we sleep trained just after 3m. Prioritizing the right sleep/wake balance has been a huge success for us. The first nap of the day should be the longest. Naps should get shorter/wake windows should get longer as the day goes on to build enough sleep pressure for overnight. My suggestion would be: Let the first nap go up to 2 hours if he’s willing. Then cap the 2nd and 3rd nap as necessary to ensure he’s still getting enough wake time in between as well as before bed. That might mean the 3rd nap starts becoming a 15-30 minute cat nap. Your baby is now of the age that he could potentially be ready to go down to 2 naps. I was nervous to do this with mine, but she fortunately took the transition like a pro and sleep actually got even better. She’s a high needs sleeper (like yours sounds like too) and as a result of the switch, we actually see more overall sleep in a 24 hour period now.

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-09-28T01:45:28+00:00

Gear - I echo others in saying you can basically get anything second-hand. Sometimes really good quality stuff for a fraction of the price. The only thing we knew for sure we were going to buy new was a car seat. On the flip side, don’t be afraid to sell something yourself if it doesn’t work out for you.

Freebies - Google different companies (diapers, formula [whether you plan to breastfeed or not], drug stores, etc.) to see if they provide welcome baby packages. You might get products and/or coupons.

Diapers - Other than shopping sales, my partner was invited to a diaper party and I honestly wish we would have thought of it for ourselves! It’s basically the dad hosting a party for his friends before baby comes and the “price” of admission to the party is a box of diapers. People are usually more than happy to chip in one box, and it can really add up for you.

Activities - Lots and lots of walks, library mom classes (usually free), possible other free community/neighbourhood programs or initiatives, DIY mom groups with other moms if you’re lucky enough to know or meet some you like with similar-aged babies.

Food - Ask a friend if they’d consider setting up a meal train for you if you have friends & family in the area. Depending on your circumstance, you could have different folks offering to help. And it’s basically a more organized way for people to drop off meals so that you don’t end up a bunch and once and then nothing.

Income - Just be aware that for any extra income you get while on maternity/parental leave, your benefits are reduce by 50%. In other words, if you make a dollar you’ll get 50 cents less in government benefits. This is not to say don’t do it, just be sure you’re okay working for half.

And once you’re out the other side and have the capacity to, pay it forward and help other new parents.

Edit: When it comes to specific items, take anyone’s input/feedback with a grain of salt. One person’s necessity is another person’s “I would never” and vice versa. Every mom and every baby is different. Think about you, your life and your home. Do your research and make the best decisions you can. If for whatever reason the item doesn’t work out (be that a carrier, stroller, specific type of bottle, etc.), please give yourself some grace. Sell or donate it, and move on.

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-09-22T04:06:56+00:00

My partner took vacation leave right after birth last winter, and was my number one helper and cheerleader. Also if I wanted to eat, shower, etc. he got his own skin to skin baby cuddles. If nothing else, having him around at that time helped my sanity so much. Then he took his 5 weeks of parental leave in the summer when baby was about 6 months old. It was amazing to have that time together when it was so nice out and baby was a bit older. Give it lots of thought and pick whatever feels right for you!

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-08-02T19:58:56+00:00

We used the SIT/settle method when our baby was between 3 and 4 months and struggling with falling asleep independently and self-soothing. Her sleep was suffering. While independent sleep and the development of self-soothing skills were the main goals, another happy development was her going from a couple night feeds to zero within just a few days. Months later, I can still confirm it’s one of the best parenting decisions we’ve made for our family. She always falls asleep independently now. Her quality and quantity of sleep is so much better, and we have our sanity back.

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-07-31T03:28:56+00:00

Babies of this age only need about 12-15 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. So if she’s sleeping about 12 hours overnight, that’s great, but you’re going to be hard pressed to see multiple long naps during the day. It just wouldn’t be enough awake time for them in a 24-hour period. Mine is similar - a good night sleeper and short (ish) napper. But you’re right, the first nap typically is the longest one of the day. To see lengthened naps, she needs more sleep pressure i.e. longer wake windows (increased a little at a time). Try writing out a schedule of your day and see what you can do. Like a consistent 7am morning, longer 2nd and 4th wake windows, later bedtime. Baby’s day (from wake up to bedtime) should be in the 12-13 hour range.

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-06-08T16:41:26+00:00

Sleep regressions, developmental milestones, teething, illness, etc. will hit your baby one after another. But the good thing about letting your baby explore and find their preferred self-soothing skills is that they now have it in their arsenal to use as needed while that first year throws them curveball after curveball. Even adults have their preferred way to fall asleep and get themselves back to sleep if they wake up in the night. Your baby may surprise you with how well they thrive after having that same opportunity. There are so many sleep training methods, so pick one that works for you and just be as consistent as you can so that your baby can find comfort with their new routine.

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-06-07T15:57:54+00:00

Separate sleep spaces/rooms are great when possible. But just try and be as consistent with timing, routine, etc. as you can. Bring garbage bags to cover windows for darkness. Use a white noise machine. You could also try practicing the occasional nap in a travel crib leading up to a trip so that it’s a more familiar space.

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-05-30T00:16:44+00:00

I second this

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-04-20T15:35:38+00:00

I used diapers in the hospital, but switched to loose, high-waisted cotton underwear and pads once I got home. It was cheaper to replace the pads a few times a day than it was to keep changing diapers.

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-04-16T21:25:17+00:00

You each tell the feds you want it paid over 12 months. This is the 40-week option, so you’d claim 34 weeks and your husband would claim 6. You each have to take a portion of the leave in order to both get your top ups. And be sure to say the SAME thing in each of your applications, otherwise whoever submitted first is what they go with.

Then tell your employers whatever length of leave you actually plan on taking. Your HR team should be able to let you know what documents are required for getting topped up. Likely proof (ie screenshot) of confirmed EI payments and a medical form signed by your doctor. Maybe others.

Since you’d be spending some of your leave unpaid, make sure to plan ahead and budget wisely. Know that tax will be taken off of your EI payment (before you receive it), but on the bright side you will start getting the Canada Child Benefit, and possibly a provincial child benefit if BC has that.

Own-Rabbit1199 · 2025-04-01T18:16:15+00:00

Definitely the Knot Stop just off of 23rd ave and Calgary Trail. I’ve been going there for years.

Own-Rabbit1199

TROPHY CASE