Showing posts with label West Island Knits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label West Island Knits. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

february three :: 85 weeks old

84wkstongueS
Mack is 85 weeks old today. He’s quite the funny guy.
roarprog

Roar is coming along very nicely & quickly.
seanknits

This afternoon I picked up Sean early from daycare.
He had an appointment for his flu shot.
seanroar

He tried on his Roar while we waited and it so far fits him very nicely.

seantryroar

Looks good!

seanpayphone
He tried to call daddy after he got his shot so that he can tell him the he didn’t cry, though daddy wasn’t at his desk when we called. I couldn’t believe that it’s .50 cents now for a phone call. I remember hearing it went up back in 2007, but with having a cell phone it didn’t really register to me. Anyhow, Sean didn’t want to use my cell phone to call daddy, he wanted to use the pay phone. Luckily I had some coins in my wallet.

I ran a few errands before going back to daycare to pick up Mackenzie from school. When we got there Sean was upset that he wasn’t going to have afternoon snack with his friends today. His teacher saw him upset and brought him over a snack to take with him – which was very nice of her. I am glad that my kids like school. Mackenzie is still having a little bit of a tough morning drop off, (which I’m assuming is due to pulling him out of daycare for a week to go to Florida), but we’ll get back on track to where we were before Florida.

Tonight I had West Island Knits/Crochet and had a good time. It was nice to get out of the house for a bit. We were a nice group, Madeleine, Eugenie, Jocelyn, Amy, were amongst those out with us. I finished the hat part of Roar and then started to work on the spikes. I should have this hat finished tomorrow. It’s starting to look great!

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

january six :: 81 weeks old

Mack is 81 weeks old today!

I worked at home today and then ran a few errands in the afternoon before having to pick up the kids from school. I needed to do some groceries, and went to one that has an entire clothing section. I picked up a few shirts that were on liquidation, as I have a birthday party to go to in 10 days and wanted a new shirt to wear since I don't have any winter dressier shirts to wear after losing all the weight last year. I've gotten by without needing one until now, but all my dressier shirts are fortunately packed away because they no longer fit! I also found on liquidation a pair of pj's in sizes for both the kids. They'll probably hate me later on for dressing them in the same matching outfits/pjs, whatnot, but I really don't care! I picked them up in size 2 and size 4, and I am hoping they'll both be in those sizes at the same time (Mack's in 18 months size and Sean's currently in size 3 - so they SHOULD fall into those sizes at the same time).

I am having an issue with pants. I don't have very many pairs right now, as I can't find many pants that I feel 100% comfortable wearing. I have a very love hate relationship with pants. It's also very hard when you're in between sizes...! After losing the weight last year, I do find that because I've had 2 kids, that my body, my hips are just different than they've ever been before. I tried Reitmans, as they usually have well fitting pants, so I found a pair that were on sale as they were from last year's collection (which is a-okay with me) though, I am not sure if I 100% love them and 100% feel comfortable in them, so we'll see. I cannot wait for the spring though, so I can pull out last year's wardrobe again. Capri pants and me go together very well. Ah... I'm already counting down the days until spring weather.

I popped into the swim suit store next to my dad's shop. I am still on the hunt for a size 3 (two piece or one full body suit) swim suit for Sean. I did not find a size 3 there, but I did find a size 4 that doesn't seem to be that much larger than what Sean would wear. I am going to try it on him this week. If it's too big, I'll put it away for next year when he's in that size, but if it works well now, then I have found him something - that would be great. At this point, I'm just hoping to find him something his size, as I'd like to have at least 2 suits for him, in case we're out at a pool for a couple of days and he has an accident in one, or that type of thing and I need a second one for him.

When I picked up the kids from daycare today, Mack blew a kiss to his teacher when we left. I'd never seen him do that before. He's not big into kissing at all. I'm working on him! (Sean's a huge kisser/cuddler)! Anyhow, it was really cute, and I've been trying to catch him blowing a kiss on video, but so far he won't do it in front of the camera! Bugger!

Before I left to go knitting tonight, Sean asked me to knit him a Team Canada Sweater. I was very happy! My three year old requested something for me to knit him! Well, I will figure out how to knit him a Team Canada Sweater... and at this point, it'll be for next winter. I don't think one exists yet, so I'll definitely be designing him one.

This definitely looks like a kid who wants a Team Canada Jersey. The kid is obsessed with hockey - that's for sure!

Have you heard? Cascade Yarns has sued Knit Picks for trademark infringement. The complaint is available here. The jist of it is, that Knit Picks is accused of using Cascade’s trademarks as keyword triggers, so when you Google “Cascade 220” the Knit Picks website shows up in your results.

Tonight I went knitting with my knitting group and it was a full house tonight. I worked on my Mara Shawl, as I am honestly sick of knitting ripple afghans. I've now made 3 and the 4th in progress, and I'm done with those for a while. I don't want to see another ripple for a very long time. (Here are the other three I made (one, two & three). Yep, I'm done. Over & out with the ripples!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

december sixteen :: 78 weeks old

Mack is 78 weeks old today.

I ended up going into work today instead of yesterday. Though, I went to Mack's last swim class for this session. We actually made it this morning. It had been a few weeks since we'd been to his swim class, due to runny noses, eye infections and even sometimes too much going on, that we just didn't make it. It was nice to see a friend that we had made in that class, and I got their number and we said after the holidays that we'd get together. They're from Argentina and their son is 15 months old now.

I got some wonderful stitch markers in the mail today from a knitter on Ravelry. We did a trade. I sent her some of my Scrabble Letter Earrings in her name initial, and she sent me these really cool tatted stitch markers in exchange. Knitters rock. She has no website for selling her markers, but I ams ure you could contact her via Ravelry if you were interested in some. I just have an address and email with the markers.

Tonight I went knitting/crocheting with my knit/crochet group. I actually crochet tonight! I was working on some last minute touches on some gifts for Christmas/Stocking Stuffers. Such as:

Specs:
Pattern: Hackie Sack (My Ravelry Link)
For: My nephew for his stocking at Christmas
Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Stripes
Hook: 3.5 mm (E)
Size: Just Right.
Timeline: December 16 2009
Modifications: Didn't make the hackie sack as large as the pattern called for, as I eliminated 2 of the increase rows. I felt it was too big if I would have continued.
Opinion: I hope my nephew likes it. I will let you know after Xmas!

Tonight was our 2nd annual "secret santa" style holiday gift exchange. Eugenie had gotten my name, and this is what I received. A really cute bagel plate (Can't wait to have a brunch), some tea, and a really nice book called Childhood Treasures: Handmade Gifts for Babies and Children by Caroline Zoob and Caroline Arber. It's a really nice book, I cannot wait to sit down and read it. Thank you so much Eugenie! I love everything. Though, I do have to admit, the bagel plate is my fave. It's just perfect and really neat!

:: :: ::

I was nominated for Best Canadian Craft, Cook & Other Activities Blog for 2009! Please vote for me in 1st place here! You have until Saturday, December 19th, 2009 to vote. Thank you in advance! And thank you for reading my blog!

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

december two :: 76 weeks old

Mack is 76 weeks old today.

I kept the boys home this morning from daycare as we had their check-ups with our (sub) doctor this morning at 11:45 am. Our doctor is on maternity leave. Had I known that Dr. L is VERY thorough with her patients, I would have fed my kids lunch before going. Dr. L was very late seeing us, and our 11:45 am appointment became after 1pm and we were only out of there just shortly after 2pm. I was not happy. Sean had his 3 year old check up. He is doing great. He's now in the 50th percentile for both height & weight. He's 32 lbs and 3 feet 2 inches tall. (38 inches). Mack is doing well as well, and I need to schedule him to get his 18 month vaccines at the local CLSC since Dr. L won't administer shots like our doctor (who is on mat leave until October 2010) will. Mack's still in the 10th percentile for weight (22 lbs 5.5 oz) and 75th percentile for height (33.4 inches). My boys are doing well, so that's great. I also got some more info that I needed for my questions in regards to the H1N1 shot. Still debating whether to get all of us vaccinated or not. We'll see. Did you get your kids vaccinated? Yourself? Are you NOT going? If not, why then? I also had the doctor listen to my lungs as I wanted to make sure that I wans't coming down with anything, but she said that whatever I must have had I was fighting it off, as my lungs sound perfectly clear. Phew. That's good news.

After the appointment we met my dad's mother for lunch so she could see the boys. We had a quick lunch (boy are the boys lucky, two days this week they get treated to McDonalds!) and then my mom & I headed back to the west island to finish up some errands. My mom came with me to the doctor's appointment to help out with the child not being seen by the doctor. It's super hard to go with them alone since Mack's still really young.

This evening I went knitting with my group, West Island Knits. We were a small group, but I love the small group as I love our large group as well. Good conversation, nice mochaccinos and I got to finish my first Bella's Mitten and cast on the 2nd one. All I had to do was finish the thumb on the first one. I think I should be able to finish them by tomorrow. They are THAT fast of a knit. And I love them. So much!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

november twenty-five :: 75 weeks old

Mack is 75 Weeks Old Today.

Today after dropping the kids off at daycare I headed into work. I had to go in today. I am definitely feeling a lot better today than I was yesterday. Staying in yesterday definitely was a good decision. Though, when I got to work I realized the heating wasn't working. The heat guy was called and he came pretty quickly but I still had to be there as I had too much work to do and at one point my fingers were blue from being too cold. Not so good when you have just gotten over a cold, and you're not 100% back to health yet. I did get a lot of things accomplished as I really had to get it done. I missed work on Friday as I was home with Mack who wasn't feeling well and I missed yesterday because I wasn't feeling well either.

Tonight we had knit(crochet) night. Madeleine brought along a surprise visitor, her granddaughter Andrea, who is super nice. I really had a good time tonight and it was good for me to get out of the house. I really love the yarn that Madeleine is using - the self-stripping is gorgeous. It's the skein that Madeleine won at the knit-a-thon during our raffle. I have to inquire about getting some for myself. I just love it.

Eugenie tonight was working on embroidering a cowl she made for one of her kid's teachers for Xmas. I was intrigued at what she was doing and want to learn how to do that as well. It's so pretty. I've seen some other stuff that Eugenie has embroidered and just love it.

Tonight I worked on Jordyn's Blanket. Chugging along on it. Hoping to get it done on time... it's what I'll be working on all weekend long.

I've been searching to replace my Canon SD1100 that is finished. I've saved the battery (hoping it's still fine) and the memory card still works (I have successfully downloaded what was on there and it works in my Nikon D60). I really am feeling lost without a pocket camera, and the SD1100 is no longer the current model. I'm looking into what else is out there, but I don't want to start buying new memory cards, etc, so I am looking to see what else takes the SD card, and has very similar features to the camera I had. I'll let you know what I decide to do - because I also have a monetary budget to the replacement. However, I do want to replace it. I'll keep you posted.

Off to go hop into bed and read a bit more in the book I'm reading - Julie & Julia.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

november eighteen :: 74 weeks old

Mack is 74 weeks old today.

Mack is quite Mr. Personality. I love it.

Today I ran a lot of errands. And I mean a lot. I had a lot of places to go and things to check off my to-do list. I did get them all checked off, so I am very happy about that. I just felt like I was running around the city today with too much to do and so little time.

Sean's been such a good boy at school lately, getting all happy faces in his agenda book in his cubby. I love it. I promised him that if he was a good boy I'd get him a surprise. I found this pizza set yesterday that I had to get for him. He loved it. And apparently he loves to wear my headbands as well.

The newest thing in our house that both boys love is to color before dinner. It's good because it keeps them both entertained while I make dinner. Keeping them busy works. I like it. And I'm glad Mack's no longer eating crayons!

Tonight I had knit night and we sat at a cozy table near the fireplace. It was nice. (And a little warm). We were a nice size group. At one point, this chick at the table behind us tells her friend to move over so that she could pretend to take a picture of her friend, but take a picture of us. (I heard her tell her friend). Apparently knitters are funny and picture worthy. Anyhow, I said very loudly looking right at this chick "You know, taking a picture of someone without their consent is illegal"... and she said "Are you kidding me?" and I responded with "Uhm, no. Definitely not kidding". She then said "You actually think I was going to take a picture of your group"... And I repeated to her that taking a picture of someone without their consent is illegal. I don't get it. Why is knitting in public so funny?? Apparently this jap thought it was.

I actually got no knitting done tonight. I had some other work to do, for the shop, so I took care me tonight, so that was nice. I like my weekly knit nights. I'm so glad that I started this group when I moved to the west island. I don't know what I would do without these lovely crocheters and knitters in my life.

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

november four :: 72 weeks old

Mackenzie is 72 Weeks old today.

I got some yummy mail yesterday that I forgot to show. I got the Fiddlehead Mitten Kit. (I linked a sold one, but she does have them for sale in the shop). It's enough yarn to make the Fiddlehead Mittens (Non-Ravelry Link). I've been dying to for the longest time, and just never wanted to buy full skeins to make them to have a ton of yarn leftover. Well, since I just LOVE Tanis' yarn, I purchased her kit. And since I was too lazy to go pick it up from her, I just had her ship it to me, and it arrived in yesterday's mail. I forgot about it, and it wasn't even opened up until today. I am in love with her Jewel Tone kit - which is the one I got. (She hast them in different 'tones'). This is me suporting local! (150%)! I have a ton of deadlines I'm finishing up - so I will definitely be casting these on after those deadlines are done.

And I definitely should not be casting on for Mara, but I so want to. However, I still don't know what yarn to use. I emailed my friends at the LYS where I bought the other yarn to see if they maybe had another skein of the purple, or even the teal that I bought from them (though the teal I'd need another 2 skeins since I only bought 2 at the time, and I would need 4)... and still haven't heard back from them - probably only tomorrow. The other 2 in mind are:

Dream in Color Classy Happy Forest

or Dream in Color Classy Gothic Rose.

I wound these skeins today while Mack napped, but Sean was awake. (Sean at home does NOT nap anymore. They can get him to nap at daycare, but I cannot get him to nap at home, not one bit. I even tried lying down with him today and he told me no - I totally would have taken a nap with him!) Anyhow, I had to fight Sean off from wanting to use my ball winder (he's obsessed) and wind these cakes. Though... I'm not sure I want to make it with this yarn even... I'm still drawn to the other yarn I want to use. And I've already checked on Ravelry - no one else has it stashed that I could ask to sell me some. I'm hoping for an answer. I bought it from Ariadne, so I emailed them to see if any more is in existance. It's their "house" yarn - dyed by them. Crossing my fingers.

I had a long-ish day with the two of them home. My mom went this morning to pick up the extra Nunu that Sean brought with him to daycare yesterday, as I wanted to wash it, and his teachers told my mom that Sean is not allowed back to school without a doctor's note. Uhm, that's nice. They tell my mother this - but not me when I called this morning to ask where the Nunu was? (For those of you wondering, this is Nunu. There are actually 3 of them in existence in this house). Anyhow, so now I need to figure out how to get a doctor's note for Sean, since our family doctor is on maternity leave until next fall. I am not going to the clinic where all the people are actually sick, so that I can bring home even more germs. I am waiting to see if I can see my dad's friend who is a doctor tomorrow night, so I'm crossing my fingers. I can't believe that Sean needs a doctor's note to go back to daycare. I've never heard of this before. It's not as if he had the flu and they want to make sure it's not H1N1 and whatnot - but I guess they want to make sure that he doesn't have the eye infection anymore. I understand, but can't believe it is more like it. You know?

I had knit night tonight and it was a small little group. I worked on some test knitting and made some progress. The food was good, as was the conversation. The service on the other hand sucked - but not for me. It seems we can't get good service, decently priced food and good lighting anywhere in our area. I keep joking that we need to open up a knit café. If only I won the lottery...! I would.

I'm keeping the kids home tomorrow again, but at least I have a 3 hour window to get out of the house, I have my sewing class. I've managed to secure my mother for babysitting duties as my Step-MIL has to work and my MIL has a doctor's appointment so I begged my mother to do it. How can she say no? My kids love spending time with her - as she does with them.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

october twenty eight :: 71 weeks old & 34 Months Old

Mack is 71 Weeks Old today.

And Sean is 34 Months Old today.

Last night I finished my nephew's birthday socks:

Specs:
Pattern: Toddler's Tube Sock by Leah Falana (Rav Link)
For: My Nephew's 7th Birthday
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Sassy Stripes Color #714
Needles: 2.75 mm
Size: 3.5 boys shoe size
Timeline: September 26th, 2009 - October 27th, 2009
Modifications: Altered the pattern and did 2x2 ribbing for the whole leg/foot and did my usual toe decreases instead of the decreases suggested in the pattern. Like the way I do them better.
Opinion: Hope my nephew loves them for his birthday!

I picked out the prizes for my knit-a-thon sponsorship raffle. For every 10$ you donate, you will get 1 entry to win one of the next 4 prizes. I will hold the draw on Saturday, November 14th, before I go to the knit-a-thon. You can donate here.

Prize 1: 2 skeins of Claudia Handpainted in Pink Posey, 1 Clover Notions case, 2.25mm Robyn's Nest Knitting Needles, 2 sets of stitch markers (in pink), a Robyn's Nest button, pink needle protector, mini bamboo crochet hook, a yarn cutter (with the breast cancer symbol on it), pink lipgloss, a soak sample, and scrabble earrings with the winners initials.

Prize 2: 1 skein of Robyn's Nest Flock of Feathers Sock in Bubblegum, 2.25mm Robyn's Nest Knitting Needles, 1 set of stitch markers (in pink), a Robyn's Nest button, pink needle protector, mini bamboo crochet hook, pink lipgloss, a soak sample, and scrabble earrings with the winners initials.

Prize 3: 1 skein of Briggs & Little Atlantic in Pink, "I heart Knitting" Knitting Needles, 1 set of stitch markers (in pink), a Robyn's Nest button, pink needle protector, mini bamboo crochet hook, a soak sample, and scrabble earrings with the winners initials.

Prize 4: 1 skein of King Cole Zig Zag Sock Yarn, 2.25mm Robyn's Nest Knitting Needles, 1 set of stitch markers (in pink), a soak sample, and scrabble earrings with the winners initials.

Once again you can donate here. For Canadians, donations above 10$ gets a tax receipt. I really hope you can help sponsor me to knit all night long! There are some lovely prizes for you to win in donating! Don't miss out! Please sponsor me!

::::::

Today I was in a lot of pain. I think it's possible that I pulled a stomach muscle. I couldn't sit in any position. It just was sore to. I also wasn't comfortable to drive either. I did have to go into work today after dropping the kids off at daycare. This morning I asked the coordinator at Sean's daycare why there was an empty spot near Sean's cubby. I told her that Mack is coming up on 17 months and she told me to start reminding her about getting Mack a spot at Sean's daycare. And I left it at that. We'll see what she can do for me, she told me that she would get back to me and see if she can figure things out.

At Mack's drop off, his teacher asked me why he was late. Does it really matter? They are sooo freakin' nosey at Mack's daycare, they ask questions they really shouldn't. He's late because I took my time in the morning getting the boys ready and folded 3 loads of laundry and let the kids play and watch tv while I did that... Does it really matter why he's late? Does your child's daycare ask four million questions when you drop off your child?

When I got to work, my computer didn't work. It seems that someone over the weekend used my computer and it caught a virus. It just stopped working. It took about 2 hours to get it back to working mode again today. But the new stage guy did a wonderful job fixing my computer and then I was able to do a bit of work after he was done.

After work I picked up the kids and Sean was really good today, but didn't nap. At least he had a good day otherwise.

Tonight I went to knit night. We went to a pub, but we won't be going back there. It was loud, we couldn't hear each other speak, and there were like 80 old men playing cards. After I ate and knit a little bit, I went home. They all left too. Some went back to Amy's house to continue knit night, but I wasn't feeling well at all - with my pulled stomach muscle.

Now I've been home for a bit, I've been catching up on some blog reading. I've been hanging out in bed relaxing hoping to rest up so that I am not in pain still tomorrow. That would be nice. Jamie has friends over tonight to watch the Habs game (we lost badly tonight).

Friday, October 09, 2009

october nine

I dropped off the boys early today at daycare. I had a really early morning eyebrow wax. I always feel so much better after getting those done. After my appointment was over I headed over to Mack's best friend's house to have tea with his mom. Mack's best friend was awake but went down for a nap a bit after I got there. She gave me her donation for the knit-a-thon I'm doing all night long in November. It was actually Mack's best friend's first birthday today, so I got to see him on his actual birthday, which was nice.

After leaving my tea date this morning I went to work. I was shocked to see that my manager completely cleaned my office. It looks so tidy in there, I love it. Things are starting to get more organized in there...

After work I picked up the kids and met Jamie back at home. We then met my in-laws and Jamie's step-aunt at a local Chinese Food restaurant for dinner. It was delicious.

At the end of the meal, the fortune cookies come. Sean was sitting on my step-mother-in-law's lap (his nana's lap) and Jamie's step-aunt was opening up the fortune cookies with Sean. She reads one and says "Sean should go sit in his booster seat"... Sean says "No"... in the no way kind of way. He goes off to play with another kid that was running around in our area of the restaurant and the comes back to the table for another fortune cookie. He says then he will read it this time. He then says "Sean no have to go to booster seat" we all laugh. He then says "No one listen to Auntie Anita". (Jamie's step-aunt). It was just too funny. What a smart little cookie I have.

The other Wednesday night when I dropped Eugenie off at home after knit night, my car got scratched up on my bumper. The city is digging up her street and they put rocks in the middle of her driveway so that she can even get into it with her car. I had to turn around to get back home, so I attempted to go into her driveway when I heard a "crunch" type sound... one entire side of my bumper is now scratched with rock. I'm wondering if there is an easy fix to this? Getting it buffed? Is that the right word?? Anyone know anything about cars? The car will belong to me in exactly 12 days when my lease is up, as I'm buying back my car, as I love it. I just want to get rid of these scratches.

I cannot keep my eyes open. I'm off to bed.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

october seven :: 68 weeks old

Mack is 68 Weeks Old tonight.

This morning I had swimming with Mack in the morning. Since we were going to pick out his new snowsuit for the winter, I decided to keep him home from daycare and take him with so that he can try on the snowsuit there so I wouldn't have to go back to exchange it if it didn't fit him. Sean got to spend the day with me on Monday, so I thought it was only fair that Mack get to spend the day with me today. So my mom came with and we went to go pick out his new snowsuit. I think he is going to look very handsome this winter.

We met my grandmother (mom's mom) at a local mall as she wanted to look at a desk, and if she was going to take the desk, she needed my mother's 4x4 to bring it to her house. In the end, she decided that she wasn't going to buy that desk today, so we went for lunch elsewhere since there wasn't anywhere in the mall for Mack to eat. At lunch Mack impressed my mother & grandmother with his eating skills. This eating with a fork (and picking the food up with the fork himself is new).

While we were at the mall though, while I was loading Mack out of the car into his stroller, this guy got fed up with searching for underground parking (it was raining outside). Since there was no spots, he parked in the handicap spot. He got out of his car, and pulled his gym bag out of his trunk and proceeding into the separate gym door from the garage parking lot. Then a handicap plate came in (still raining outside) and the handicap spots were all taken. I was so furious, on my way in I mentioned it to the guard on duty. I really hope that the sports car gets a parking ticket for parking in a handicap spot. That was so disgusting of him.

When I got home I put Mack down for his nap, and since he was napping later than usual I had my mom pick up Sean from daycare toady. My mom let me know that Sean had hit/pushed a kid today in school and Sean told my mother that Taylor kicked him first. I am wondering if maybe the teacher doesn't see everything from the start when 2 kids get into something?? I am going to ask tomorrow what the story is. Maybe the other kids are provoking Sean to hit them? It's a definite possibility.

Tonight on my way to knit night the sky was a wicked! A great photography opportunity.

I worked on more squares tonight for Babette at knit night. We were a nice group tonight. I enjoyed a great plate of whole wheat pasta at this café that we hadn't been to in a long time. Good to know that they have whole wheat pasta on the menu! I love my weekly knit nights, I mean therapy sessions! I look forward to it each week!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

september thirty :: 67 weeks old

Mack is 67 weeks old today.

This morning Mack had swimming from 9:30 to 10 am. Somehow we managed to be 8 minutes late, only being in the water for 22 minutes. Not sure why I even bothered going into the pool at that point. I was just running late this morning. Still trying to figure out how to get out of the house with 2 kids.
I worked from home today and got a LOT accomplished. There was no call from the auberge. Wasn't really expecting one. I did sell our diaper champ to someone I actually knew, by via Craigslist. Even if we decide to have baby number 3 in the future, we've got a new system going with our kids current dirty diapers, and so we would never use the diaper champ again. Honestly the thing doesn't work that great, but this girl really wanted another one as baby number 2 is on the way. Our system is, the dirty diaper goes into a vanilla scented biodegradable bag, and straight outside to the huge garbage can. Outside = doesn't smell and there is no bag inside the diaper champ to clear out when full. (It used to make me gag). We haven't used it in months, we aired out out for months, I washed it and sold it. Never want to see another one again!

Sean had a visit today at school from both the police man and mail man. While the police man was a scheduled visit, the mail man was flagged down from outside. Sean wrote me a letter and put it in an envelope, and mailed it to me in his cubby (how cute) and the police man taught him to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. He kept repeating the whole night "I call 9-1-1 in an emergency". Next thing I need to teach him is his phone number. He knows his full name as well.

Tonight I had knit night (aka weekly therapy). It was a nice group tonight. I worked on Mack's best friend's blanket and sold the last of the chocolate bars. I cannot wait to hand in the money tomorrow and not have to see chocolate bars until next fall!

Wow, I can't believe tomorrow is October. Where has the year gone?

Thursday, September 24, 2009

september twenty-four

This morning the boys went to daycare just for the morning. I worked at home until it was time to go and pick them up. After picking them up I picked up my mother who was coming with me to the doctor's appointment today. The doctor's appointment was for me as well, so I wanted my mom to watch the boys in the waiting room while it was my turn with the doctor. Since our doctor has only a week or two left before she goes on her maternity leave, I wanted to make sure that I was seen before she was on her leave.

Sean is now 32 lbs, and is the 75th percentile for height and 50th percentile for weight. He has knock knee, which she explained to us is seen in children ages 2-5 years old, and corrects itself naturally by the age of 5 in almost all cases as the child grows. She told me I had nothing to worry about, and that it would be checked again at his next birthday. I had asked her to look at his legs, as I noticed they weren't 100% straight. But because Sean is VERY active with sports, there is nothing to worry about. If he had trouble walking and was a couch potato, she would be worried. But that's not the case with Sean. He's very much active.

Mackenzie got his 2 shots that he was due for today, as this is his 15 month check-up. He just turned 15 months old last week. He is now 21 lbs 13 oz, and is still in the 75th percentile for height and 10th percentile for weight. On his own growth curve, still in the same spot. She isn't worried about him being in the 10th percentile as that's where he's always been. If he would have dropped in the chart that would have been another story, but he's still on his own curve.

She recommends the H1N1 shot. She thinks the flu shot will be eliminated this year due to it. I am not sure that I am going to get it, but it's something to consider. We'll see. I don't usually get the flu shot, so we'll see if I will go out of my way to get the H1N1 shot.

My blood pressure was low today, but other than that my physical was great. She is happy with the weight I am now, and that I did a good job to lose it. She is wondering if I should maybe see a dermatologist for the small infection on my face, since the antibiotics I am taking isn't 100% clearly up the breakouts. She gave me a referral to someone who does walk-ins, so we'll see at the end of the script that I've filled on how my chin looks upon finishing it. I'm hoping that I don't have to go see more doctors. I am really hoping though that it's something that can be cleared and my body doesn't think I'm a 13 year old girl starting puberty or something. I've never had this in my life, always had clear skin, which is why she was pretty sure it was a bacterial infection and not acne. I guess if the antibiotics doesn't clear it up, I will have to go see a dermatologist to see if there is anything else I can do for it.

While out I really had to go to the bathroom. My mom asked Sean if they should give me a diaper since I said I couldn't hold it in any longer, and we were no where near a bathroom. Sean said "No, Mommy wears underwear". I'm impressed he knows what it is. I hope that means he'll want to wear some too soon, and we can finally get the show on the road for potty training... but we unfortunately have to wait until his bladder is ready...

I ran some errands with my mom on the way home from the doctor's office. Though, the kids were getting a little cranky and it was time for a nap so I dropped my mother off at home. Mack feel asleep on the way home in the car - what else is new. He was able to go right into his crib. Sean on the other hand, fought taking a nap, just like on the weekends. And while I was outside doing a mini photo shoot with his new blanket for daycare.....


... he locked me out on the patio. Yep. You read that correctly. He locked me out. It took me 10 minutes to convince him to turn the lock and let me back into the house. I am not even sure he realized that he locked me out. He was freaking out in my bedroom and I was freaking out on my patio. Let me tell you, I will be changing those locks soon so he cannot lock me out of my house. If I would have had the house phone or my cell phone on me, I could have called my mother who lives a few streets away to come in through my garage and unlock the bedroom door, but I didn't even have that on me!

Oh, that'll teach me from doing that again!

Then when I got back in the house, after Mack woke up from his nap, Sean closed the closet door in my bedroom on Mack's baby finger. OUCH! Mack was hysterically crying. There was a bit of blood and I ran Mack's finger under cold water for about 10 minutes. He stopped crying not too long after it happened, and was using his hand, so I don't think it's broken or anything. Just a little purple. For some reason I don't think this will be the last of sibling accidents, nor the last of blood being shed. With two boys, I feel like there will be interesting times ahead.

Jamie brought home Tutti Giorni for supper. They have whole wheat pasta on their menu and I absolutely love their Vongoli sauce. So delicious. So tonight I had dinner at home before heading out for knit night.

Tonight at knit night, Melanie came out to surprise us. She was baby-less too! She managed to sneak out of the house right after a feeding to come join us for some knitting. Hope you come back soon Melanie!

I started Mack's Best Friend's Birthday present tonight. Along with some other stuff I got him, I am making him a blanket that matches his room. His mom knows I'm making him something, she just doesn't know what or if I am crocheting or knitting it. I won't tell her! I hope they like it. (When I was over there last I didn't see anything special that he slept with in his crib, so I had to make him something). His party is the weekend I'm at Rhinebeck, I won't be going, but the kids will be going to the birthday party.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

september sixteen :: 65 weeks old

Mack is 65 weeks old today.

He is still my happy baby. I love it.

Drop off is getting easier, but maybe I shouldn't jinx it. This morning Sean was fine until I actually started to leave, but it wasn't a huge fit, so I'll take that over a huge fit. His teacher managed to calm him down, and it never lasts long anyhow, as they say. Mack upon his drop off reached over to this teacher, so I'm starting to think he'll have no problems adjusting soon enough. He did shed a few tears, but no tantrum, which made me feel better.

I ran some errands afterwards and then headed home to do some work before having to go pick up the boys from daycare. Sean had a happy day at daycare today and he was walking around saying "I had a happy day" "I happy". It was cute. I am so glad. Sean didn't get a good nap today because another kid in his class woke up screaming from a nightmare which apparently woke up all the other kids. We then went to pick up Mack from daycare, and Sean says he's "Happy to see Mack's school, I like Mack's school". Cute. Mack was sitting on his teacher's lap when I picked him up, with another little girl, named Riley. I found this cute, because Mack's middle name is Riley. They were listening to a story. Riley is a month older than Mack.

Tonight I had West Island Knits Knit Night. We had a very special guest tonight, Robyn who is doing a project called Knitting Sprawl. Knitting Sprawl explores ideas around community, suburbia and knitting in Canada. Robyn is traveling across Canada to meet with knitting groups to talk with them about their communities. The project includes video, photography and knitting, of course! Robyn is pictured above on the right hand side of the photo.

We have a really nice gang that I knit with. I really like our group. I worked tonight on the blanket for Sean for daycare. It's coming along quite nicely. This crochet thing is growing on me. I had a really good time tonight, conversation was fabulous (as always) and it was really nice to have Robyn & Sonya join us.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

september nine :: 09/09/09 :: 64 weeks old

Today is 09.09.09.
Lovin' it.

Mack is 64 weeks old today.

This morning daycare drop off was really hard again. Sean cried again but his teacher who wasn't so nice the other day was a lot nicer this morning. Mack cried again by the front door of his daycare before we even entered. He's smart. He knows what's going on now. I worked at home all morning until I had to go pick up Mack, who was crying when I got there. His teacher said he wasn't crying the entire time, but he was crying off and on.

I fed Mack lunch and then put him down for a nap. My friend Francesca came over to watch the season premier of 90210 that was on last night. She forgot to set it to record and I was able to get it online, so she came over to watch it. After Francesca left, I got some more work done and then Madeleine came over. While she was over she kept me company while I folded some laundry (the never ending laundry) and after Mack woke up from his nap we went to go pick up Sean from daycare. I made pesto pasta for supper (I love pesto!) and fed the boys and then headed to knit night with Madeleine.


Tonight at knit night we were a nice size group. I worked on my test knit the entire time, it's coming along great. I cannot wait to have it done already.

Tomorrow is Teddy Bear day at daycare for Sean, we picked out a teddy bear this evening before I left to knit night and even found him a t-shirt that has a teddy bear on it. Way to go me! One extra point for mommy! And Friday is the Family Corn Roast at Sean's daycare, looking forward to that too!

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

september two :: 63 weeks old

Mack is 63 Weeks old today.

This morning I got to sleep in a little later than usual. The boys slept in as well. I eventually got the boys ready and took Sean to daycare. Again this morning was a bit of a fuss. I really hope that he stops this "I no like daycare" business. He's been there almost a year (September 23rd marks one year since he started). Everyday he does enjoy himself. I am not sure what this fuss in the morning is all about.

Mack was dropped off next at daycare. Still not realizing where he was, he went from my arms to his teacher's arms. No real freak out there this morning, until I started to leave and he realized.

I worked at home until I had to leave to go pick up Mack before the daycare's nap time. (12:30 pm for Mack's daycare). I had enough time to go to the post office and pick up a wipe container for the wipes at Mack's daycare as I was asked to bring one when I dropped him off this morning. (I have to supply diapers & wipes for Mack's daycare. Sean I only have to supply diapers). I picked up Mack, and apparently he napped for 1 of the 2 and a half hours he was there this morning. How that is possible, I am not even sure, as he slept in this morning. They said he was pretty much crying most of the time he was there (while awake). I know it'll take some getting used to - and him crying is normal. He has to realize that I will come back to get him, and he's not being left there forever. Until he builds that trust, he'll still cry. It just sucks that this week is a 4 day week as he started only on September 1st which was yesterday, a Tuesday, and next week is a 4 day week because of labor day on Monday of next week.

I fed Mack a pasta lunch (always my fave), and put him down for a nap. I'm not sure what that 1 hour morning nap was, but he never fails to nap in the afternoon for me. I made sure he went down for his nap before the appointment that I had with a contractor to come look at the floor in my basement where we think the water is coming UP from the ground (when it rains really heavy only), and before my appointment with my new trainer. My trainer was coming half an hour after the contractor was supposed to be here. Well, my trainer showed up, and the guy still hadn't. I trained an entire hour, he still never showed up. I called the company, as it was actually my father who had set up the appointment for the guy to come see my floor, and the guy was like "I have no record of an appointment at your house but your address sounds familiar". In the end, he sent his guy at 4pm.

I trained from 1:30-2:30 with an old friend of my sister's. My sister actually trains with her as well. She is a personal trainer and I had a good work out today. She came to my house today because Mack was in his crib napping. Usually I'll be going to her place, where she has a full basement gym or something. I'll start going there once Mack's in daycare full time. We will be focusing on my stomach and my thighs. Though I think as much as I could possibly tone those two areas, I don't think I'll ever be satisfied with the results. What women loves her stomach and thighs? Come on! Get real! She explained to me what my workout would be and I tried out all the movements. It's a mixture of Pilates exercises. I had a lot of fun and I have a feeling I'll be freakin' sore tomorrow. I hope to see her once a week and once she gives me a print-out of what exercises I'm doing, so I can follow (I have a bad memory when it comes to remember exactly what to do), then I want to do it 2-3 times on my own during the week, plus the one time a week I'll be training with her. I have a goal to have a flat stomach and nicer thighs before I go to Florida in the new year. Reasonable! At least this time in Florida I'll be 40 lbs lighter. I like the sound of that. This past year, I only started my weight loss program the day after returning from Florida. And maybe this upcoming trip I can actually wear a bathing suit. Last year we didn't go swimming once. It was too cold the entire trip.

After my trainer left, the contractor finally showed up. He took a look. There are two options, but we must run a test first, either the next time it rains, or by turning on the hose outside and letting it run by a crack we found in the exterior wall, but not in a location we thought would affect where I've been finding puddles. If the water runs into the house from this crack, then we'll have to fix the crack outside the house (800$ + tax). If it's not coming in through there, then we have an option of putting in a sump pump (950$ + tax), which will flush out any water under the house. He says if it is the crack in the wall or not, he recommends fixing the crack anyhow, as it's large enough for him to put his screw driver into, and putting in the sump pump is not a bad idea either. (So 1750$ + tax). Not an expense we were expecting, but better than 20,000$ + for having to excavate around the house if there was a problem in the pipes. He showed me a quote of a house in Pointe-Claire that he has to excavate and not only will it cost her about 15K for the work, but she had just put in a brand new deck in her backyard (3000$) which will have to be taken apart and put back when she is done the work for her pipes, and all her landscaping, etc. I'm so happy that it's not that for my house. What a relief. When I spoke to Jamie this evening he said we'd run the hose sometime soon and see if the water is even coming into the house from that crack.

This evening before knit night I met Amy at Dumoulin. She has a contact there, who is the manager. He had mentioned to Amy that if she ever needed anything to let him know. When he reminded her again this week, she was like "actually yes....". So I was getting a good deal on the Nikon D3000 which comes out next week. However, I ended up walking out of there tonight with the Nikon D60. The D60 is the best selling DSLR by Nikon, or maybe even the best selling Nikon digital camera even. In any case, I have 15 days if I decide I don't like it and want to get the D3000. However, there is such slim differences between the 2 cameras, and they're both 10.2 megapixels. They are so close in features, that it wasn't worth me waiting an extra week to get the D3000, and pay a lot more for it. Made no sense to me. So I walked out of the store tonight with my new digital camera! And let me tell you, I'm in love with it. I am so super happy that I got it.


Tonight at knit night I worked on MacDuff. I am almost done the repeat before starting the decreases to finish off the hat. It's coming along really well.

Look at this quality of low light imagery. I swear, if I had taken this exact same shot with my Canon, it would not have come out this clear without a tripod. The quality is just unreal what I am able to do with low light situations.

Tonight I was surrounded by a small group of knitters. It was a small group, but nice nonetheless. Small groups are just as nice as larger groups.

Hi, I'm Robyn and I'm no longer a Canon Cowgirl. I've finally flipped to the better side.