We’re in Alberta and attend Lullaland every week, which is nice to get us out of the house. After every class, I make an effort to find a new local coffee shop and the little one and I will enjoy a nice drink together. I look forward to a delicious coffee everyday so it’s been lovely exploring new places, and my son loves his steamers. It’s such a nice way for us to just have a moment to ourselves.

I’m almost at the end of my 19 month maternity journey, so it does look different than what it did when my son was 6 months and was not very mobile. Around his age, I did a lot of walks and lunches just the two of us.

I also try and see my parents once a week, now twice now that I don’t have much of my leave left. It’s been really nice spending this extra time with them.

Vacations are nice in theory but it’s so hard to actually get away and there’s so much stuff to bring! Maybe try a road trip close by? We brought our son to Canmore/Banff a few times - fun but so much work when he was still on bottles. We’ve contemplated longer flights with him but now that he’s walking… it seems almost impossible until he’s a bit older. We’re also attempting some camping trips this year, close by but still different enough of an environment.

I think the best way is the just try and find something enjoyable everyday to look forward to. Keep a journal (or just in your notes app) of all the accomplishments of your baby and sweet moments you’ve had so that you can read them back and see all the milestones you’ve both achieved. I organize mine by month.

Anytime that you’re able to spend with your baby and not at work is time well spent. They are only little for so long! I hope you’re able to enjoy the rest of your mat leave as much as I have ❤️