Product & Link Love

I've been enjoying some products lately:

First is my Infatino On The Go Lounger. I picked this up just before Mackenzie was born (2008) and love it.I don't know why it took me until the last 3 swim classes to figure out to use it in the locker room for when Mack & Sean need to get dressed for swimming & undressed after swimming, for somewhere to put Quentin down instead of wearing him and making everything much more difficult. I will be bringing it to swimming class until the end of the session, and then again next session (since we're not allowed our stroller in the locker room anymore). I've been keeping it in the car, and we've been using it everywhere lately it seems. GREAT invention. A baby seat that is like a camping chair that folds up real small. Genius.

Munchkin's Easy Squeezy Spoons are awesome. They're great because Quentin just wants me to keep feeding him, and now I don't have to take the spoon away from his face/mouth to go pick up more food from a bowl. I can just squeeze and more comes out onto my spoon. Pretty neat product. I picked it up recently at Walmart.

Jolly Jumper's UV Bug Tent. I used it when I was gardening on the weekend (left picture) for a place to put Quentin down once he was fed up with the exercauser and as well, I used it (right picture) on Sunday while we watched Jamie's ball game. Also another find at Walmart. It folds up real thin too - great for throwing into your beach bag.

Today’s Link Love:
- I love this image.
- This youtube video just made me laugh so hard, you must watch it.
- Love this chore chart idea.
- Love this image.
- Love this matchbox tutorial.
- Love this sandwich cozy tutorial.
- Love this crochet binky clip.
- Love this giant bubble tutorial.

2.26.11

Quentin was really good to us again last night. He went to bed around 9:30 and got up this morning just after 7 am. I fed him and we both went back to bed. Jamie let me sleep in with him this morning while he took the boys to their skating lesson. The extra sleep is really doing some good. I'm hoping that I'll start to feel back to normal now that Quentin might actually be sleeping through the night.

This afternoon Jamie picked up the sofa bed from his step-aunt & step-uncle. It's in great shape, and now we have something for guests to sleep on if we should have any. We'll be getting rid of 2 couches from our basement that are destroyed (under couch covers) but I have to call the city to find out how to get rid of large items. It's actually a cute sofa bed, though eventually we'll replace it for something a little better than Ikea quality. But for now, it was free, and appreciated.

This afternoon I went with my sister to our local book store to see author Catherine McKenzie. I met her last year when she was there for a book signing for her first book, Spin.

This time I got my copy of Arranged signed. I think Catherine forgot that we'd met in the past, because she wrote "Good to finally meet you" in my book. Oops! I'm in the middle of Arranged right now, just under 100 pages in and I'm really enjoying it. Once my other contest for Toss, Keep, Sell is over on Monday, I'll announce on Tuesday my contest to win a copy of Arranged. Don't forget to go over to the other post and enter the contest to win a copy of Toss, Keep, Sell.

I've been trying to figure out what to do with Quentin's door, since the letters that I have on Sean & Mack's door, I cannot find anymore to do the same. I finally picked up some art & craft supplies and put this together for his door. I hope he likes it. I think it has the same color fun like Sean & Mack's door.

I ran out of Johnson & Johnson's Head to Toe Baby Wash during Quentin's bath, so this time I tried Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo & Body Wash (which I have a few samples of). I've always been a fan of their lip balm in both the tube & tin. I was actually quite impressed with the baby wash, and will definitely use it again.

Today's Link Love:
- I absolutely love this picture of these sextuplets.
- And this one too of them.
- I love these preschool packs.
- This pancake recipe looks really good.

1.7.11

Quentin likes soothies too. I picked these up while in Plattsburgh back in September 2010 when I went down for the day. Quentin seems to like both the soothies and pacifiers. Sometimes he just wants to suck on his bottle of the sake of sucking, and if there is formula in there, and he's already eaten, he might eat too much and be sick, and if there is nothing in there, then he'll suck back air and get gas. So instead, I'll give him a pacifier. He's not really a crier, so I don't really need to give him a pacifier to "shut him up" like some mothers do with their babies. I only give a pacifier (or soothie) when deemed necessary. Does this make sense? I don't want to over use it, but sometimes, he just wants to continue with the sucking motion, and I don't want him using a bottle to do so.

Sean is now officially in his big boy car seat (booster). He was towering over his forward facing car seat, and was above the height requirements for the booster, so we switched him into it today. I can't believe what a big boy he is now. I was sad putting away his car seat.

I forgot to mention, I started my own Project 365 at the beginning of the year. You can view the blog here. One photo a day for 365 days. Some of the photos might already be blogged here, but some may not be. I hope to have fun with this project, and I'll get me photography every day. I know I take a lot of photos, but I don't always shoot every day. This will allow me to pick up my camera daily and try to be creative. If there are days I'm not feeling so creative, you'll probably just see photos of my kids. But that's okay, they're cute.

Dropped off my precious Electolux (the only vacuum cleaner to own). Mine kind of looks like this one but in beige. My cleaning lady showed me that the nozzle is not really working properly. It's not picking up stuff off the carpet. So I took it in today. There is a place right next to where the boys go to daycare, in the same complex. The lady at the counter took it in, but the technician wasn't in today. She said I should get a call with an estimate on Monday. I hope it's not going to cost too much money, but it's the greatest vacuum cleaner ever, so we'll see what's wrong with it.

Exchanged Sean's helmet today too - got a new one. I even got a 20$ credit back to the my credit card, as the new one is sold as a kit (cheaper). Sean's original one was bought separate (the helmet and the grill separate). The kit is obviously cheaper, but the girl at the customer service was telling me that they sell them separate at the beginning of the hockey season so that if someone has one part but not the other, they can buy just what they need. Mid-season, they get the helmets in.

Sean stayed in from daycare today, as he has to be fever free for 24 hours before he can go back to daycare. His fever only broke yesterday at 2:30pm, so he had to remain home from daycare today too. Lucky kid.

Diet week 1 :: I'm down 4 lbs. I have a long way to go, but this is a very good start. Let's hope this keeps up. I want my 2009 buttox back around my birthday. Ok, ok, maybe my birthday is not realistic, but by the end of summer. In 2009 I started a diet in January, and by August I was at my lowest in years - 149 lbs. I had reached my goal weight (155 lbs) by my birthday in June 2009. I'd like to be back there again... and this is the year I'm going to do it! Are you planning to lose weight in 2011? What are you doing to make that happen?

Today's Link Love:
- I love these shoes (in black). They'd be great for spring/summer.
- Love this really cute kid's bed.
- This poster is way too funny.

Virtual Baby Shower

I was the lucky recipient of a Virtual Baby Shower. It was hosted and organized by Girl Knits, and she did a wonderful job organizing it for me. She contacted all of my knit friends and those who wanted to - participated. I want to thank everyone who sent me stuff, I love absolutely everything that was sent. It is all much appreciated and I was completely surprised. I received package and was supposed to only open them on November 21st. November 21st came, and a lot of the packages were missing. So I was told to wait a few more days to open stuff. And then, Quentin arrived, 4 weeks early. So the boxes sat at home. Then I came home after being in the hospital almost a week, and finally opened everything, mid-December. It took me a while to open, arrange and photograph everything. Then I had to edit everything for web size for my blog. And then type up everything. So sorry it took this long to get this posted. Life with 3 kids has been a tad challenging so far, and we're trying to figure out out groove. Anyhow... I suppose you want to see what I got? (In no particular order....)

From Bea:

A gorgeous handmade sewn quilt for Quentin's room. LOVE the colors.

She also sent Cheez-it's for the boys (that have scrabble letters on them!) and a laptop cozy for my laptop (which actually is my birthday gift). Thank you Bea so much - I love everything!

From Melissa:

Two skeins of Yarn Love (in a gorgeous green color), a cute sheep, and a lamb toy for Quentin.


She also knit this adorable sweater for Quentin.
What pattern and yarn is this Melissa?
Quentin still has to grow into the sweater.
Thank you for everything!

From Barb:


A nice crochet bib!
Thanks for taking the time to make it Barb!
Bibs always come in handy.

From Sarah:

Two very neat cookbooks (I love Rachel Ray!), a handmade sewn project bag, and an extremely adorable hand knit hat for Quentin (which he also will have to grow into - my tiny little pisher). What hat pattern did you use Sarah? It's super cute! Thank you for everything!

From Josée:

I got a really cute sleepr, baby blanket with tags, crocodile stuffed animal, some tea, and some yummy candies. Thank you so much Josée for the cute items!

From Maureen:

Maureen sent along two very cute sleepers (love the "I heart mom" one!) and a very adorable knit hat (which Quentin will have to grow into). I was also told that there is one very special blanket coming Quentin's way. I can't wait to see that it seems to be knit up in my very fave colorway of Dream in Color. Thank you again Maureen - I can't wait to see Quentin in everything and thank you again in advance for taking the time to knit Quentin that gorgeous blanket.

From Lillian:

Lillian sent me 2 lovely skeins of yarn (one is BMFA!), some leftover sock yarn for my Babette, some baby socks, some stickers, a cute little pouch and some other cute little things, that I have no idea what they are called! (Something for my ear phones and a square gauge thing for knitting!) Thank you so much Lillian!

From Petra:

Petra sent me over a banana slicer that I wanted to get my hands on (very cool by the way) and some gum. She hand knit some tiny little booties/socks for Quentin as well. Right now he can stick both his feet into one, so shortly, hopefully he'll grow into them. Thank you so much Petra!

From Nadine:


Nadine knit up this super cute Pebble for Quentin.
I cannot wait for Quentin to grow into it - it's super cute!
Thanks hun!

From Sarah:

Sarah sent me 2 really cute patterns, a cute hat (that Quentin's been wearing, it fits perfectly), some leg warmers (that he'll have to grow into), some goldfish for Sean & Mack, and 2 cute patterns. Thanks so much Sarah - everything is wonderful.

From Sylvia:

Sylvia sent a really cute plush book and sent over a hand knit Baby Surprise Jacket. Thanks so much Sylvia - even though it's really tiny, Quentin is really tiny and he still has some growing to do - to fit into it. Thanks so much!

From the wonderful baby shower host, Girlknits:

Another handmade Baby Surprise Jacket, some really awesome pacifiers (Quentin's already been using them, they're great) and some really neat yarn. Thanks again for hosting this and planning and coordinating everyone - it was truly an awesome surprise!

From Kimber:

Kimber knit some awesome comfy socks for me (they fit perfectly!) and a cute set for Quentin of a hat and matching booties. I got some note cards with my initial on it, an initial ornament, some yummy white chocolate (my fave!), some neat earrings, a ring, and a really cute tiny tape measure. Thanks for everything Kimber, it's all wonderful! (The chocolate is long gone too!) Yum!

And lastly, I got a package from Gloria:

She knit a sweater, hat and booties set, sent along a teether (thank you!) and some rattle toys for Quentin. everything is so awesome Gloria - thank you! And the kicker?

Gloria hand knit me a shawl. It's gorgeous. Thank you so much hun!

I am absolutely blessed to have such amazing (knit & crochet) friends. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to knit me something or send over something for my virtual baby shower. You guys are amazing.

12.30.10 :: 132 weeks & 1 month

Quentin is a month old today.

Mack is 132 weeks old today.

Please take a few minutes and go over to Tara’s blog and send her your prayers. Her daughter Émilie was diagnosed this week with a benign brain tumor and will be operated on January 4th. Please pray for her. I know I will be. Tara - my thoughts are with you & your family.

Oprah has a network coming to TV on Saturday. She's taking over DHC (Discovery Health Channel). It will be called OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). I get it on our satellite dish and already have About Season 25: Oprah behind the Scenes set to record. Can't wait to see that. I'm finally catching up on watching the shows on my PVR. I had over 80 episodes and now I'm down to about 40-something. I will catch up.

Is it possible to still nest after you give birth? Today I continued on my cleaning frenzy (after a long morning nap that is - naps are a must these days) and today I moved the dresser in Quentin's room that holds his changing pad. I'm still looking for a few missing things around the house, and didn't find anything but one children's book behind there, but vacuumed all the dirt/dust. Yesterday when I pulled up the mattress and box spring off my bed in my bedroom, I did manage to find 1 missing sock (I think Sean's). I do plan over the long weekend upcoming to move both Sean & Mack's beds from the wall and see if there are any more missing socks that maybe fell down the side of their bed. I wonder what else I'll find back there.

Quentin is finally going through a growth spurt. Before, when I was preparing him 60ml of water to 1 scoop of formula, which made just over 2 oz of formula, now I'm preparing double that (120ml of water to 2 scoops of water) and he's drinking about three quarters of it (Roughly 90 ml he is drinking). There is no way to make exactly what he drinks to avoid wasting formula unfortunately and there is really no point in saving (refrigerating) 1/4 of the bottle (which is what is left after he drinks) for his next feeding as I'd have to make more than that anyhow. I also realized why Quentin was "leaking" some of his formula out of his mouth when he was drinking (this was only sometimes happening). I had gotten a "gift set" kit from Playtex Advanced Ventaire. I didn't realize until today that there were both "slow" and "fast" nipples in the box. I thought it was a newborn kit (meaning all slow). Oops. I'll have to go tomorrow and get a few more slow nipples to replace the fast ones, which I'll keep for later on when Quentin is older and needs a faster pace nipple to drink. Now that I have that issue resolved, hopefully there won't be anymore formula leaking out of his mouth as he eats.

12.29.10

I recently learned that the Graco Quattro Tour Travel System that I have was recalled. Luckily, Graco will be sending me a repair kit for whatever it is that needs to be replaced on it. I used this exact stroller, for Sean and Mackenzie. I am still using it for Quentin, since the part that needs replacing is for when he's sitting in the stroller once he's out of the baby bucket. I should have the repair kit in my hands way before Quentin ever gets to that stage. I didn't bother getting a new stroller, since I kept mine in pretty good shape (hey, it's not brand new anymore) and I have until April 2012 on the baby bucket (Since they expire 6 years after the stamped date on them). Even though I got the stroller for my baby shower in November of 2006, a month before Sean was born, it was manufactured in April of 2006, so that's the date I have to go by. All car seats, no matter the kind expire after 6 years. Quentin should be in his baby bucket until his 1st birthday (unless he becomes a chunky monkey and I have to put him in a rear facing car seat until his first birthday) which brings me to a few months before the baby bucket I have now, expires. While this review states that "This is probably not a stroller that will last through multiple children, and you likely will not recoup much money by reselling it later on", I actually am on number three with it. While the stroller itself is a tad on the heavy side, (great for your arm muscles when taking it in and out of the trunk) and it's not exactly compact, but that worked for me. For those times I was going somewhere quick or narrow, I just took my Strolee.

Since Quentin's appointment yesterday, I've been worried about the fact that his doc said he has a posterior tongue tie. Mack had a tongue tie too - but in front, and that she corrected right away when he was about 3 weeks old. I have non-stop been thinking about it since we left her office. I think I might call the doctor tomorrow and see if I can just get it done now. She didn't go on about it, since I am not nursing (which it would cause an issue now if I was). It could (but may not - but still could) cause him to have speech development issues later on in life. If he could have speech development issues later on in life - well then, I want it corrected now, so that he doesn't have to go through having his tongue clipped when he's 2-3 years old, and conscious completely of what is going on. Anyone have any insight on this? I had never even heard of this before Mack had it when he was born.

I went into the city today to a woman's house to pick up her Fisher Price Swing, which was an even older model than mine is. (Mine I bought in 2007 when Sean was born (after he was born) and it was a life savor for both Sean & Mackenzie). She was getting rid of it for very inexpensive, and wanted it out of her house. I had a piece missing on mine (a pin to hold one of the legs in place) and went to go look at it to see if I could use it on mine. For the price it was, I took it. I came home to realize that the legs on hers was a tad longer than mine, so that wouldn't work. Then I thought about maybe taking out the pin to put in mine, as it was the identical pin. When I went to go look inside the tube of hers, to see how I could get the pin out... I realize that the pin is like a clothes pin. When you push the pin in to snap the leg in place, it goes into the leg, but then it pops back out when it's in place. So the pin sits on a "clothes pin" style contraption. (Best way I can describe it). I then realize, that, that is the reason why I never found the missing pin, once it got pushed in on mine. I never heard it rattling around on my swing, Jamie kept telling me to look in the leg, and shake the leg to see where the pin went. Well.. I went and took apart the leg and little did I know, that the pin, was still there, just pushed down a bit in the leg. I found my longest pliers, and managed to pull the pin back into place. I actually fixed my swing. I couldn't believe it. And now, I have an extra swing. I haven't decided what I'll do with it. I'll either set it up in another room, or list it back on Craigslist to sell it. We'll see. Or maybe one of my friends who just had a baby will need one. It was inexpensive compared to what they are selling brand new in stores, so I'll figure something out - and I'm sure I'll be able to get rid of it.

Another thing that needed to be fixed was the mobile in Quentin's room. Each of my kids have broken it once. Sean broke it (by pulling on it when he started to lift himself up), and I had the piece replaced to use it for Mackenzie. Mack then broke it when he learned to pull himself up in his crib. (And when they both broke it, that's when I took it out of the crib). It's seriously one day they're not able to, and then you wake up one morning and they're standing in their crib. I finally got the piece replaced and have a working mobile in the nursery. I love my mobile. (You can see it here and closer up here in Sean's first bedroom ever - our first nursery in our old duplex).

Today was all about fixing things and replacing things, and finding things as well. One thing I cannot find, is a bottle cap for one of Quentin's bottles. I have no idea where it is, or why we can't find it. I have checked all the rooms that I feed him in, and even had a search party for it. Our cleaning lady is coming soon, so I will have her keep an eye open for it. I don't understand where it went. I always keep the cap with the bottle, and put it back on the bottle when he's done drinking. I hope it's not gone. But just in case, I called up the company and they're actually sending me out a replacement cap and even some bonus coupons for money off future purchases. How nice of them. It always pays to call customer service. I even took off the mattress and box spring off our bed to see if maybe by any chance it was under the bed, and though I didn't find the bottle cap, I did find a million other toys under there, hockey cards, and a lot of dust and cat hair. I vacuumed up and put the bed back together. I swear, it was almost as if I was nesting without being pregnant.

Tonight, Mackenzie went to bed with his hat on. Silly kid.
A few weeks ago it was his sneakers and tonight his hat.
I wonder what will be next.
(And yes, those are He-Man, Master of the Universe bed sheets circa the 1980's!)

12.27.10 :: 208 weeks old

Sean is 208 weeks old today.
Tomorrow he turns 4.

I think we have a thumb sucker on our hands...
My first baby to suck his thumb.
(Neither Sean or Mack were thumb suckers.
I keep catching Quentin's thumb in his mouth).

Sean told me today that since tomorrow is his birthday that he needs a wallet, so that he can put the money he gets for his birthday, into it. Uh.... I was shocked, this coming from my *almost* 4 year old. Apparently, Jamie told him that if he gets birthday money, he can use it to get the Wii Hockey Stick (Wayne Gretzky one he wants that he keeps seeing), with that money. We're trying to teach him that he can't always get what he wants just like that. Maybe while out tomorrow I'll pick him up an inexpensive wallet. I've seen some kiddie ones at the general store.

So today was my original due date, according to my last cycle. I can't even imagine still being pregnant today. My due date was eventually changed to Christmas day after some ultrasounds, and Quentin's in utero measurements, which is funny, because he was born small - but then again he was born 4 weeks early. I wonder what he would have been at full term, had I gone longer than 36 weeks.

I have the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Cradle Swing. It's been discontinued. A part is broken on the leg, and it's not safe for Quentin to use. I really don't want to have to buy a new swing right now, and I'm searching around for one, 2nd hand, to borrow, to buy, etc. Any Montreal blog readers of mine a) have one you don't need anymore, b) know someone who does have one that they don't need anymore, c) have a broken one I can have the piece from it or d) have a different one I can borrow or buy off you. It would be a shame to have to buy a new one when all I need is one tiny piece. I've contacted anyone I know on facebook that have older kids than mine, and wouldn't be using it anymore if they had anything of the sort. I was on the phone w/Mattel/Fisher Price today, and it's discontinued, so they don't have the part. I checked ebay... no one has the part up for auction. I checked Craigslist, and people are selling them 2nd hand for 100$ ish (if they can even get that). BabiesRus.ca has them on sale for 89.99$ - however they're out of stock (and there's even an additional 10$ off coupon). I did find one person who has the old model (it may even be the model before mine though, so that might not work) on Craigslist, who is selling theirs with a "noisy" motor (swing motor). I emailed them to see if it's still for sell, they have it dirt cheap and I would just need the leg. That swing was my life savor for Sean & Mack. I really hope that I can resolve this issue inexpensively.

Today we got Mack fitted for skating equipment and ran a few other errands. We also took the kids out for lunch. Jamie and I are going on a hard core diet as of January 1st, so there won't be much of taking the kids out for food after that.

Just finished wrapping a certain almost 4 year olds birthday presents, and now that Quentin is just about fed (typing up this post with one hand and feeding him at the same time - multi-tasking is the ONLY way to do things these days)...

11.20.10 :: 35 weeks pregnant

35 weeks pregnant today.
Done. So done. Spent. Finished. Beyond Exhausted.
Uncomfortable. Sore. Burned out.

This afternoon we had one of Sean's best friend's birthday party. It was at a local gym type place and the boys had a good time running around. I like that both boys are now old enough to go off on their own, so Jamie & I are able to chit chat with the adults while the boys play.

Mack's favourite part of parties :: Cake time.

Mack has taking a liking to our Dish Chair in the den.

It's so cute. You can find him lying as comfortable as comfortable can be. I wish I were his size and could lie in the chair just like he does.

Tonight I wrapped some Chanukah gifts that I need for tomorrow (early celebration), did the never ending laundry, finished catching up on In Plain Sight (fully caught up now just have to wait for Season 4 to air in 2011), listened to Featuring Norah Jones, crochet one more bookmark for the teacher's gifts (photo to come tomorrow), folded laundry, tried to tidy up the house (nesting much?), put together the diaper bag for baby #3's hospital stay before he can go home (I forgot how tiny newborn diapers are!), sipped Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, and felt baby boy move around like mad today. 35 weeks pregnant and he's still moving around making sure to have his presence known. I absolutely love feeling him and will miss that once he's born, but I'm anxiously waiting to see if he has blue eyes & blond hair like his brothers. I can't wait to feel his warmth against my chest as I hold him.

I crashed last night upon finishing my blog post - gosh, around 9 pm. I tried watching TV in bed, but it wasn't happening. I couldn't keep my eyes open. I slept right through to this morning, I was extremely exhausted. The bad thing about sleeping right through, is that I forgot to take Sean to use the washroom in the middle of the night. The good thing though? He woke up completely dry this morning. Knock on wood, we've had almost an entire week of him dry. I think by the end of this weekend, he'll have had one completely dry week.

Potty training = 1. Extra Extra laundry = 0.

I like.

11.19.10

I had started this the other day, but had to go back and re-do it today with a 1.6mm hook, because I didn't like the small hook I was using. It was too small (1.25mm). My ravelry project here has all the details. I find it interesting how the purple of the thread runs right up the middle of the bookmark. I do have a few other colors of this same thread, so I'm debating whether to make each teacher another color or to make them all the same one. Decisions, decisions, decisions...!

I really like the way it came out - I still have 4 more to do - Sean has 3 teachers and Mack has 2. I plan to add this to the gifts I am putting together for them for Christmas. They still need to be starch sprayed & ironed, but I will do that once I actually buy the starch spray & they are all finished, so that I can do that all together.

I also finished one of these today. I have one more half started. I was going to do it by painting the clothes pins, but got really frustrated after painting just one of them. (It just takes to long as you can't do all the sides or it won't dry nicely, at once, and it was just taking too long for my end of pregnancy patience). I then came up with the idea of using glue and ribbon. I really like the way it came out. (Yes, the clothes pins are on a ruler that I put a magnetic strip on the back). I wanted to clean up the mess of photos and papers on our fridge and thought that this was a really cute idea to do so. Then I saw this Holiday Wreath Tutorial on my blog friend Katheen's blog and totally want to make a non-holiday themed one, as we do get a lot of holiday cards/pictures in the mail this time of the year, but so that I can use it all year round.

The diaper bag that I will take to the hospital is complete. I don't think I need anything else. I've stashed in there newborn diapers (hoping I don't need preemie size like I did for Sean - who at full term (38 weeks) was 5 lbs 5 oz and dropped to 4 lbs 14 oz before leaving the hospital and then 4 lbs 8 oz in his first week). I also stashed in there wipes, diaper cream, nursing pads, dirty diaper bags (that I use), a few soothers. I don't think I need my nursing pump at the hospital. I will also put my nursing cover (that I made) in the diaper bag, must not forget that. (I'm shy when I nurse). I also just recently got a 2nd nursing wrap - for free - I just had to pay the shipping from the USA. Waiting for that in the mail.

Here is another Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards point code valued at 5 points: BJRJL-BZZLF-BDPGB. ENJOY!

I can barely keep my eyes open. I think I'm going to crash early for once.

11.17.10 :: 29 months old

Mack is 29 months old today.

Love this picture of Sean from after dinner tonight. He told me that it was between periods and the Zamboni was cleaning the ice so he had to take a break on the "bench". This kid cracks me up.


While Sean was inventing stories of hockey games, Mack was building blocks with me while we watched some cartoons on tv. I can't do much these days, now that I'm at the end of my pregnancy, but building blocks and relaxing, that I can do.

I spent my entire day today in the nursery. Once again I had my laptop with me, so I watched/listened to episode after episode of In Plain Sight (a USA Network Show). I've been catching up on it - I'm almost up to date. (There are 3 seasons out & I've now got 3 episodes left of Season 3). Yesterday, the nursery went from this to this by the end of the night.


And with all the work I did today, the nursery now looks like this (above). I did move the crib back to the original wall it was on, when we first moved in here - I find it gives WAY more space to the nursery by having it on the far wall instead of against the wall next to the window. No more anxiety. It's all been whooshed away as soon as I walked out of there tonight. Two full days of working on the nursery. I didn't even realize that it would take that long. I do still have a few items in the crib (like the exercauser I have to put together) and the crib mattress needs to be raised (as it's still lowered from when Mackenzie used it last). But the nursery itself is just about usable. We just need to wait for baby boy's arrival.

In the last 24 hours, my feet/ankles/calves all the way up to my knees have swollen to non-recognizable. I'm actually a tad worried. We'll see what happens tomorrow. My said area (feet/ankles/calves) look like they belong to the Michelin Man. And I have not even been on my feet, I've been sitting on the nursery floor folding baby clothes. (Every item of clothing from 3 months to 2T (Boxes that were made: 3 months, 3-6 months, 6 months, 6-9 months, 6-12 months, 9/9-12 months, 12 months, 12-18 months, 18 months, 18-24 months, 24mos/2T) are in boxes by size (Preemie, Newborn & 0-3 month clothing are washed & put away in baby boy's dressers). Each box even has marked on it what exactly is inside (ex. pants, sleepers, onesies, swim suit, etc...) So when baby boy reaches that size, I just need to pull out the box and wash the stuff that is inside (I wasn't washing all those clothes before he was born, especially since everything 3 months plus is staying in storage - just organized this time), until he needs it. All sizes 12 months and under is stored in his closet, and everything 12-18 months, to 24 months/2T, is going back into storage (but accessible) downstairs. WOW! Organization! I can't believe it. Now if only I could get my office organized like that!? (With some sort of system).

And all that's really left is to pack my hospital bag. However, I'll be holding off on that right now, until at least 36 weeks because the last two times (for Sean & Mack) that I packed my hospital bag, my water broke the very next day. Both times. I kid you not. I'm not just yet ready for baby boy yet, still have some stuff on my to do list. Trying to get what I can done before 36 weeks, which leaves me about a week and a half (I'll be 35 weeks on Saturday). This way if I can get everything done on time, I can sit back & relax until baby boy decides to make his appearance.

11.16.10

Yesterday, during the power failure I had, I gathered up all the candles I own (which is not many - but a few more than pictured here - as I am not a huge candle fan) and folded laundry by candle light. I wasn't tired just yet to go to bed, so I made use of my time. I really liked this photo I took of the candles I lit. I ended up using my cell phone light as well as my digital camera on "playback mode" to find my way to the kitchen to get the candles & lighter. It's amazing how the laundry just never ends. It's a vicious cycle. I'm kind of worried of how much more laundry it will be once baby 3 arrives... especially during the newborn stages, where it'll be a lot of spit up, drooled on, diaper explosion clothing changes.

I have to finished objects to show you today:

SPECS:
Pattern: Cache Coeur for Baby by Patricia Arrotin (My Ravelry Link)
For: Baby Boy #3 due December 2010
Yarn: 0.39 skeins (175.5 yards) Dream in Color Smooshy in Romeo Blue (07)
Needles: US 3 - 3.25 mm
Size: Newborn.
Timeline: November 5 2010 - November 12 2010
Modifications: Knit pattern as written.
Opinion: Very cute construction, very easy pattern.

I went with the star buttons upon everyone's recommendation. I'll just have to find something else to knit for the duck buttons!

And I also have for you today:

SPECS:
Pattern: Twist Hat by Melissa Goodale (My Ravelry Link)
For: Baby Boy #3 due December 2010
Yarn: 0.17 skeins (54.1 yards) (19g) Colinette Jitterbug in Velvet Damson #118
Needles: US 2 - 2.75 mm & US 3 - 3.25 mm
Size: Newborn.
Timeline: November 13 2010 - November 15 2010
Modifications: Knit pattern as written.
Opinion: So cute. This hat measures 39 cm. I took out both my kids medical record books recently for another project I just knit. My first born, Sean’s head circumference at birth was 33.4 cm. He was 5 lbs 5 oz. at birth. My 2nd son, Mack’s head circumference at birth was 33.5 cm. He was 6 lbs 4 oz. at birth. So this should definitely fit baby #3 - whom they are estimating to be between 5 & 6 lbs at full term ( based on his weight at my last ultrasound & the fact that I have tiny babies). I was worried it was tiny, but I guess I’m forgetting how small newborns are.

I finally gave in to my anxiety today. I had to. I'm over 34 weeks pregnant. If my last 2 labors are any indication, then baby boy will most likely be here sooner, rather than later. (I've never been more than 38 and 37 weeks pregnant). It was about time that I got in there and started to clean up/organize.

This is why I didn't want to go in there...
EVERYTHING baby was brought out of storage into the nursery.
We brought up everything size 2T and under (Mack's in size 3T now and Sean in 4T).
I could barely see the floor, let alone have space to sit in there to work...
(Aren't those Huggies & Pamper boxes awesome for storing baby items!?)

By this evening, after spending numerous hours in there this afternoon and this evening, this is where I was at. I still haven't gotten to the stuff jammed in the crib yet. The boxes on the right hand side each have an age on it (ex. 3 months, 3-6 months, 6 months, 6-9 months, 6-12 months, 9 months, 12 months), and as I'm finding stuff, it's going neatly folded into the appropriate boxes. You see, after I had Sean, and he outgrew stuff, clothing went neatly and organized by size into boxes, labeled, and then stored. I got pregnant with Mack when Sean was only 9 months old. Even though at first, I didn't know I was having a boy, I still put everything away organized, in case I needed it, after Sean outgrew it. And I needed it again. Two boys. Glad I kept everything. After Mack, I had no idea that I was going to have a 3rd boy. Jamie and I had almost decided that we weren't going to have any more children. So I kind of got lazy, and threw stuff that Mack outgrew into boxes, not labeling anything, and with no real order. Pulling everything out now, was a huge disaster.

Upon going through everything, I've already got a small pile of clothing to donate (feels good to get rid of stuff that got neglected by the first two kids, so I don't see myself using it for baby boy). I also found a few items that were worn out or not that wearable, so those got chucked. I am almost done sorting out all the stuff up to size 12 months/1 year size. All preemie and newborn stuff have been washed already. I've also washed all my hooded towels, baby wash cloths, receiving blankets, burp cloths, and they're all folded & put away. I kept some stuff out for the pile that will eventually go into the hospital bag (which I mentioned I am not packing just yet, because of my history of my water breaking the next day upon packing it - with both boys so far). Any clothes that I am not taking to the hospital, in sizes preemie, newborn, 1 month, 0-3 month size, are neatly in his cupboards in his room. Ahhh.... the sense of relief that it's finally coming along.

The Huggie boxes and such on the left hand of the photo, that is all sizes above 12 months, and I will get to that, to organize before putting back into storage.

Ahhhhhhhhh! I feel the anxiety slowly leaving my body... feels damn good.

I managed to catch up on some tv (via my laptop) while organizing in the nursery today too - for background noise. I had to drown out the massive digging going on in my back neighbors yard. I have no idea what on earth they are doing in there, but it was bloody loud the entire day.

Today I finished Knit Two today as an audio book. I already have my next audio book picked out - I just need to transfer it to my car. (I only listen to audio books in the car when I'm alone driving). I've now finished 2 audio books and I'm really enjoying it. I find it stimulates my focus, and it's good. I find it more productive than listening to music. Knit Two was not bad. I wouldn't say it was the greatest but it wasn't horrible either. I really wanted to know what happened next, after listening to The Friday Night Knitting Club.

Does anyone have any experience with taking Primrose Oil at the end of their pregnancy? Curious how long you took it for and if you think it worked? I also picked up Red Raspberry Leaf Tea. (Both are natural labor inductors). Primrose is supposed to help soften the cervix (which I've needed medical intervention in the past after my water breaking) and in non-pregnant women, it's used to cure acne (or so I read). Red Raspberry Leaf tea is to help tone your uterus by helping to "focus" your Braxton Hicks contractions. Think of its job as helping your uterus do more effective exercising while you are pregnant. It does not "cause" contractions and can be safely used throughout pregnancy. Thoughts people?

Alright... I'm beyond beat. I had a very challenging evening tonight with my two handsome toddlers. Jamie had Habs tickets for tonight (we won 3-0 against Philly!) and went with our store manager. (No way I'd be able to sit in those seats right now at 34 and a half weeks pregnant). I started out our bedtime routine as normal, at 7:30 pm. My mom decided to show up at the same time to see the boys since she's been away in Florida until today. They were happy to see her, and she thankfully helped me to put them to bed. Well, finally by 8:20 or so, they were in bed. My mom left a few minutes after, yet the called me back to their room about four hundred million and eight five times, finding EVERY excuse in the book to call out to me. I think the last peep I heard from their room (from Mackenzie who must have fallen asleep 2nd) was at about 9:40 pm. This exhausts me. It means, that on nights when Jamie is not home, I cannot have a friend over to hang out - because they just don't stop. They put on a show for whomever is over & then continue it for a long while. When we first moved Mack into Sean's room, they were golden. They went to bed on time, right away, without a peep. I am hoping this is just a phase. It has to be a phase, right? Do they really need 3 blankets each to cover them and MY slippers at the side of Sean's bed, and some certain book to be specifically placed on an angle on the changing table? Like c'mon. This mama is spent. Exhausted by the time they actually do fall asleep - just from the constant being called back to their room. Luckily there have been no scary monsters lately. The "monster spray" my reader Sandra told me about - totally worked a few weeks back. At least the stuff they're "coming up with" and calling me back to their room for, is quite creative, and keeps me curious to hear what they will think of next.....