When I started this blog it was with the purpose of sharing some of the adventures my kids and I have here in Ottawa. I had no idea how much it would grow and connect me with my new community. We have been living in Ottawa for almost four years now, and ‘Embracing Ottawa’ has introduced me to so many awesome people here in the city – who are doing such awesome things! So, I’ve decided to start a monthly blog feature where I profile one of these moms (or dads). So, welcome to my first blog post in my profile series – Maggie Archibald of Wee & Charming.

Maggie is a local ‘mompreneur‘ (I both love and hate that word…how does everyone else feel about it?).

She was born and raised in Parry Sound, Ontario but moved to Ottawa with her husband 13 years ago. It was always her dream to start up her own business, so after the birth of her second child, Maggie decided to quit her marketing job and launch Wee & Charming.

The Baby Charm Blanket idea came to Maggie when her first born was about 8 months old and she was having a hard time documenting her daughter’s special milestones in a baby memory book. Then when baby #2 came along, she found it only got harder! Maggie says every few months she would feel guilt as she tried to recall exactly how old her son was when he laughed for the first time, ate solid food, and attended his first playgroup. Ahhhh second born children (I can certainly relate to this failure to mark milestones!)

Maggie created the Baby Charm Blanket as a quick and practical way for parents to record the special milestones in their baby’s first year. It features a calendar border that starts at “born” and goes all the way around to the 12 month mark. The border opens up with hook and loop fasteners on the inside to attach the Wee Charm milestone ribbons.

In addition to learning all about her growing business, I got a chance to ask Maggie about what she loves most about living in Ottawa with her family.

 “What I love most about Ottawa is how active it is and all of the outdoor spaces for biking, running, hiking, and skiing. We live in Westboro close to the Ottawa River and bridge to Gatineau, so we try to take full advantage of these paths and parks. This winter we introduced our kids to cross country skiing and would take them to the Sir John A. Macdonald (SJAM) winter trail, a multi-use pathway groomed and maintained by local volunteers and donations. We feel extremely lucky to have these recreational opportunities so close by.”

“My daughter Fia is 7 years old and my son David is 5. Our favourite spot to visit as a family is Valleyview Little Animal Farm. We can easily spend 4-5 hours there with all the animals, train ride and play structures.”

“ Our kids LOVE sushi! Which is handy because my husband and I do too. Any sushi spot in Ottawa is a big hit but the one our kids currently enjoy the most is 168 Sushi Buffet on Merivale.”

It’s awesome to hear of a local mom like Maggie, who has come up with such an adorable and practical baby item. It makes for an awesome gift. If you are interested in checking it out visit Wee & Charming website. Embracing Ottawa readers can use the discount code “BABYLOVE” to receive 20% off your entire order. Ottawa residents can select “free local pickup” and Maggie will deliver within the city.

Stay tuned for next month’s feature profile….can’t wait to introduce more awesome Ottawa parents!