Busy Week & Changes

Tuesday Quentin was 17 weeks old (left picture) and on Wednesday he turned 4 months old (right picture). Yesterday we had his 4 month check up (vaccines are next week) and on the doctor's scale (which is old school) he was 10 lbs 13 oz. (I plan to get him weighed in tomorrow as per usual at the CLSC on the digital scales, so we'll see if that is any where near accurate). The doc said he feels that Quentin's Laryngomalacia is getting a lot better. (We'll see what ENT has to say later on this week).

This week on Monday Sean turned 51 months old (left picture) and on Tuesday he turned 221 weeks old (right picture). This week Sean told me that he tried Bananas at school and likes them and that he has now tried green beans, and says he'll eat them from time to time. I have been trying to get him to eat them for a while now, with no success. Daycare I guess had better luck. He used to love bananas as a baby (purée), but hasn't been a fan of them until now. The green beans thing surprised me.

Speaking of food, Mr. Mack at the dinner table Monday night asked Jamie what he was eating, so Jamie replied "Fish". Mack then proceeded to say "Can I try some please?". Both mine & Jamie's mouths DROPPED. What!? That's not Mackenzie? Who are you? What did you do to our Mack? Seriously though.. he tried it, and then said "I like fish". Wow... is this a start to a new eating pattern? Is our picky eater Mackenzie turning over a new leaf? If so, I welcome it very much.

Tuesday we walked (it was beautiful outside) to our music & gym class.
Quentin enjoyed being rolled around on a ball. He was all smiles.

Monday we had playgroup and had a nice time with friends.

And today, my happy baby started to get the hang of holding the bottle by himself.

Today we also visited another friend in the afternoon & her adorable son.
We had a nice cup of tea while the boys hung out together.

Then we ran off to watch the older boys in their swimming class.
One minute Quentin was awake, the next he was asleep.

And since he was asleep, I got some knitting done (left picture). After swimming I took the boys on an errand. I like stores that have a shopping cart that fits all 3 boys, plus has storage on the bottom to put my purchases (AND hold my diaper bag)! (The boys got a kick out of the car part of the shopping cart).

Today's Link Love:
-This meatball recipe. Hope to try it soon.
- This craft supply storage unit.
- Tutorial for recycling crayons.
- Love these dishes.
- My March Shipment of the Tanis Fiber Arts Club. (It's my fave shade of green! Yippee!)
- Having fun with friends.
- Loving Spring Temperatures.
- Jamie & I finished Season 3 of How I Met Your Mother, and can't wait to start Season 4.
- I finally caught up on the last 3 episodes of the final season of Big Love. Have you watched it? What did you think of the way they ended the show? Talk to me!

If you're a google reader user or even bloglines user, or even if you follow blogs through blogger.com don't forget to go and add my 365 Blog Project to your feeds, I often post pictures of the kids there that I don't post on this blog. My 365 project includes original photos (that was my challenge!)

Life's pretty hectic right now (with the kids & other projects I've taken on), so I will try to post as often as I can, but it will not be daily anymore. I just can't. Maybe one day I will be able to blog daily again, but right now, with 3 kids whom are a newborn & toddlers, I just don't have the time or energy. I used to journal (pen & paper) every night for years, and then I was introduced to blogging back in 2005. I have pretty much blogged daily since then (except for when I was in the hospital giving birth to all 3 kids and while I was in the hospital with Quentin back in January. I also think there was one family vacation we took that I didn't blog either that week until I got home). I think right now I'm just burned out, unfortunately. I hope that even though I won't be blogging daily, you'll still take the time to follow my blog. I will still be taking the boys weekly self portraits, and I will still work on my Project 365, but right now, I will be giving up daily blogging. I'm sure there will be extra posts when I have something crafty to show off, and stuff like that too (cooking, baking, crafting, etc). Maybe now, my email response time won't suffer anymore, as well as I might be able to get in some time to catch up on my blog reading (there's hope).

11.11.10 :: 125 weeks old

Mack is 125 weeks old today.

Sean actually got up in the middle of the night last night, 2:30 am, called out Mack's name for like a good 2 minutes, woke up Mackenzie to tell him not to worry but he had to pee and that he'd be right back (it was cute, yet I wanted to shoot him for waking up Mack), and then went to the bathroom on his own. He did and went back to bed. Jamie & I didn't have to get up out of bed, though we both heard the whole thing. Though, this morning, at 7 am he woke up soaking wet. So strange, considering he relieved himself 2:30 am. And he had a dry night the other night after not even getting up once to go to the bathroom. I don't get it. Hoping that it keeps getting better, but today, I have laundry to do for soiled sheets. Ah, the joys of potty training.

Today the boys had no daycare. Not because of Remembrance Day, but because on Remembrance Day every year, the daycare closes and the teachers go to a conference. It's been like this last year & the year before. I wonder what happens when Nov 11th falls on a weekend. I guess I'll find out Nov 2012 when Remembrance day is on a Sunday. (2012 is a leap year).

Today was a very challenging day spent from making sure the kids didn't get in the cleaning lady's way, trying to contain their toy messes so that she could clean, to using Magic Eraser (which is the best invention ever) to get blue crayon off my kitchen floor, after Sean decided that he'd use it as a canvas (after the cleaning left, of course). There was a bunch of time-outs today. I had to threaten a few time that we were not going to go over to Zachary's house this afternoon (we had an afternoon play date arranged for a few weeks now with Zachary - whom Sean played soccer with this summer - and I know his mom from when I was a young kid).

The playdate was much needed though. It allowed me to have a few minutes of adult conversation while the kids played together. My friend has 3 kids, also 2006, 2008 & 2010. Her son is 8 months older than Sean, so he'll be the grade above Sean in school, her middle child, a daughter is 3 months older than Mackenzie, and her baby, 4 months old tomorrow, will be probably about 4.5-5.5 months older than baby 3. It's nice to have friends with kids my children's ages. We compare notes, behaviors, talk about what we do for sanity - you know... mommy talk. We did manage to get some chatting (and venting) done in between breaking up a few fights between the kids over some toys. Ahhh, what an afternoon. What a day actually. Sometimes I wish I could sit back and enjoy a nice glass of red wine... but unfortunately not while pregnant... (I'm almost tempted to pack a bottle of red into my hospital bag).

I love my kids, however, they are a tad exhausting when I'm almost 34 weeks pregnant. I am not quick on my feet right now, I waddle quite slowly, stairs are becoming rather difficult (baby boy's head is causing a lot of pressure...) Other than that - I've been feeling great the last few days. The pressure though has me struggling to get myself dressed (and the fact that I can't really reach my feet), put on my shoes, climb into my car, etc. It's rather uncomfortable to sit too long in one position, that type of thing. Though, I do have to say that there hasn't been too much back pain over the last couple of days, which is great. That I am okay with. I am quite looking forward to sending the kids back to daycare tomorrow, as a warm bath, a good book and some lovely scented candles are calling my name. (Hopefully I can keep my eyes open). I'm starting to feel like I'm about to start nesting big time... (I feel like I'm getting that boost of nesting energy), so stay tuned, there might be some crazy crafting/baking/cleaning coming on. I wish this boost of nesting energy was actual energy to do other stuff... but it's not the same.

10.06.10

Today we had a playdate in the late afternoon with my friend and one of her kids.
It was nice to have some company over for a bit.

It's funny how kids can either play together (above) or play alone (below).
Ever notice this at age 2-4?

Stuff:

- I have about 20 pages left in Jessica Z. Apparently I couldn't keep my eyes open last night, hoping to get it finished very soon.

- I realized that my 5 (YES FIVE!) year blogaversary is coming up October 21st. Stay tuned for some fun I have planned! Will reveal the details shortly once I have it all organized.

- Love this pumpkin seed necklace that you can make yourself at home! Instructions here.

- I wonder if my kids would eat this pumpkin pasta recipe? I'm curious to try it out. If not, there are a ton of wonderful pumpkin recipes here. (Thank you Rhoda for linking these to me!)

- Nothing too good on TV Wednesday nights. Tomorrow night, not only is there a Habs game on, but there is a LOT going on tv wise. Thursday night TV rocks. (Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, CSI, 30 Rock, Bones, the list goes on)...! (I'm probably missing something else I watch on Thursday nights as well).

- Sean had a VERY GOOD day at daycare today. We've been having a few "boy" incidents at daycare, involving other boys, and as well with the older class teaching Sean's class games like "Push Down" (exactly what it says is what it is). Sean knows better that hands are not for hitting, pushing, etc.. But boys will be boys. It's been a long week so far. Hopefully the rest of the week will be better. Mackenzie on the other hand has been having a great few weeks at daycare since moving up to his new class. In the younger class there was always something in regards to listening or something. In his new class, not a single complaint about him. I'm very happy about this. Maybe it was just the environment, who knows?

- I'm really tired. Combination of being pregnant, having 2 toddlers and the anemia. I feel it. Beat. Tired. Resting doesn't even help. I think I'm screwed. LOL. And the laundry never ends, does it?

That's all for today folks.

09.07.10

This afternoon we had a playdate with a friend of mine in from Toronto.
She is originally from around the corner from where I live.
She came in to visit her parents for the Jewish New Year.
It was really good catching up with her & finally meeting her daughter.
(Her daughter is 7 weeks younger than Mack).

Tonight for dinner we had:
BRUSCHETTA CHICKEN BAKE

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup Water
1-1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese or Marble Cheese

PREHEAT oven to 450°F. Place tomatoes with their liquid in medium bowl. Add stuffing mix, water and garlic; stir just until stuffing mix is moistened. Set aside.

PLACE chicken in 13x9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with the basil and cheese.
Top with the stuffing mixture.

BAKE 30 min. or until chicken is cooked through.

Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 40 min
Makes: 6 servings

I made it last almost 5 years ago. Sean wasn’t 100% impressed that there was tomatoes in it – he’s not a fan of tomatoes. Jamie said it was okay (again) and to try something else next time (I think he had the same reaction 5 years ago). Oh well. I tried. I wanted to make something easy tonight and I thought of this recipe. I'll try something else next time. Sometimes it's hard to think about what to make for dinner when you're full and not exactly thinking about your next meal.

Tonight I started a sewing class for 6 sessions. It’s in the teacher’s home. I am not a beginner but want to learn more to build my confidence. Tonight I made this diaper holder to go in my diaper bag. Very easy pattern to follow. I got 7/8th of it done in class and finished it up as soon as I got home.

Since Mack's still in diapers, I can use it until the baby is born. I think it'll be a great accessory to keep in my diaper bag.

Today’s Link Love:
- Skirts like these are why I wish I had a girl. I have to hope that one of my three sons will give me a granddaughter one day so that I can sew up a bunch of these awesome twirly skirts!
- Definitely want to make another baby bottle cozy (that's Mack at 3 months old in the picture) before Baby 3 is born. Not sure what will happen with nursing this time around (I will give it a shot though), and want to make it just in case. The pattern is from here.
- Debating to make this Nursing Wrap Cover next week or one of these pairs of booties. Not sure which to start with unless I find something else I want to make first. Ahhh, gotta love sewing projects. So much to make. So little time.
- I did finish reading Two Years, No Rain last night, review to come shortly. I just started reading Jessica Z. also by the same author and have a blog giveaway coming up for you to win your own copy of that book. Stay tuned!

08.02.10 :: 187 weeks old / 19 weeks pregnant

Sean is 187 weeks old today.


I am 19 weeks pregnant today.
My due date was moved up to Monday, Dec 27, 2010.
(However, that is subject to change again, I’m sure).

Today my mom took Mack in for his last swimming lesson. Mack’s been kicking a lot in the water lately, and I am afraid to get kicked in the belly. Sean refused to go into the water today. He said he quit swimming lessons today. I also learned today, that the quarterback’s daughter is actually in Sean’s swim class this past session. I didn’t even realize. Today while I sat on the side, I chatted with his wife. She’s super nice. Maybe we’ll see them around when the pool re-opens.

After daycare we had a play date with some friends for a bit.

And tonight’s dinner was a quick phone call to the pizza restaurant. After 2 hours of waiting for our food, it finally arrived, however my pizza came with some extra garnishing that I didn’t order. DISGUSTING. I lost my appetite and I will NEVER ever order from them again.

So I’ve pulled out this knitting project, and will get back in the grove. That little mini knitting break really did some good. I will finish this project as well, and then it will go into the gift pile. I also need to get this finished already, maybe it’s time to go back to it.

07.26.10 :: 186 weeks old

Sean is 186 weeks old today.

Here is the update on Zoe's Girl Cap Sleeved Spring Shirt. Almost there, literally.

I don't have much more to knit - compared to Bekah's shirt that I made - and now have to wrap up Bekah's for her birthday. (Once I'm done knitting Zoe's for length reference - though I can't knit much more than the yarn I have - it literally uses up one skein - and I'm not going to crack open another skein - the length after 1 skein is perfect).

Sean asked me this morning in the locker room at swimming lessons, how Zoe will be born. It's a good thing that I am having a C-section, because I didn't feel like getting into the details of a natural birth with him this morning. He still thinks "I have a (word for wee wee that is 5 letters starts with a pen and ends with an is) and daddy has a (word for wee wee that is 5 letters starts with a pen and ends with an is) and mommy wears underwear". For now, I don't want to have to get into the birds & bees with my three and a half year old. It's a good thing he didn't ask me how Zoe got into my belly...! I did tell him that I will go to the hospital and have an operation and the doctor is going to cut me open and take Zoe out. I then said the doctor will stitch me up, and then he asked "With skin like this?" (pointing to the skin on my arm). "Yep, my skin will look just the same afterwards, buddy", I replied. Gosh! I think I'll be bringing him to my next ultrasound. I think he might enjoy seeing his sister live on the screen. Mack won't get it, I don't think, or probably won't care either way/be interested in it - so I think I might just bring Sean along.

I made a new friend today in swimming class. She missed the first 3 swimming lessons, and I missed the 2 after that. We were both there today. She lives in my neighborhood, her son is 15 and a half months old and she's due in September with number 2 (a girl). She seems really nice, and it'll be nice for Zoe to have a friend (a few months older) to play with. We tried playing Jewish geography but couldn't come up with anyone the we both knew. Only after we added each other to facebook did we see that we had 7 mutual friends. The "Jewish" community really is that small. Especially in Montreal.

Tonight we had a cousins playdate. I met up with Jenn at a local Mcdonalds for dinner & for the kids to play. The always have such a good time playing together, we should really do this more often.

Keeping them in one place is always hard.

And all together for a group shot?! Forget about it!
They're 4 active boys!
(Ranging from 18 months to just over 3 and a half)
(December 2006, May 2007, June 2008 & January 2009)

Today's de-clutter progress is here. I did a huge clean up in the playroom today. I still have to go through what I threw into the garbage bag, I didn't have time to do that this afternoon. I am still looking for those Spiderman Sandals. I have faith that the might just show up. I keep asking Mack where he stashed them... he looks at me and then gets his other sandals that he has. Nope buddy... the black ones... you know, that light up.

07.05.10 :: 183 weeks old

Sean is 183 weeks old today.

Today the boys had swimming. And the quarterback was actually there today. So I actually had the courage to ask him for his autograph. He was super nice about it. His wife was there too, and she was saying how this morning was probably the only lesson he was actually able to come to this session as the team has already kicked off the new season - which I hope to take at least Sean to a game, if not Mack too) and see his daughter's swim lesson. And the one day he’s there, I bring my camera, but leave the memory card at home in the SD slot in my computer! ARGH! Still, I took advantage of him being there and got the autograph!

This afternoon I ran some errands while the boys went to daycare. Then I went to pick them up and we had some friends over for a playdate. Sean loves playing with his buddy from his soccer team. His mom & I go way back. She’s almost 38 weeks pregnant now, and wishes that she gave birth already. I feel for her. Especially in this heat. Today, the weather was about 32°C and with the humidex, about 41°C. HOT!

This evening I finished re-organizing the boys room.
I had to do something because Mack’s bed wouldn’t fit on the other side of the dresser.

This is Sean’s side of the room. The bookcase is now by his bed.

And the dresser was moved by Mack’s bed.
So far, everything is okay.
And the changing table – which I still need for Mack (for now) is between their beds.

I put also a piece of black material (doubled over) behind their hockey curtains. This way, when the sun comes up in the morning, my boys will NOT be woken up by it. This morning, the 2 of them got up at the nice hour of 5:30 am. I cannot have a repeat of that tomorrow. I’m beat. The pregnancy is really keeping me tired this time. I can’t do 5:30 am every morning. Especially when they usually always get up only after 7 am. Crossing my fingers for a bit of a sleep in tomorrow then.

04.24.10

 

Somewhere on the way to Richmond, BC, there was these neat hub cap statues.

Today we met up with Carol in Richmond, BC, to go to Daiso.
Daiso was awesome.
I found some crafty stuff there as well as some toys for Sean & Mack.
It was a really fun/neat store.
I wish I had more time to wander the aisles in there. Maybe next time.

 

After Daiso we had some lunch.
I ordered a Chow Mein dish, and Mack wanted my lunch instead of his chicken strips & fries.
He thought he was funny.

 

Mackenzie wanted to show you his new tool belt.

 

Though, he wasn’t sure why it was wrapped around him.
I don’t think he likes to be confined in things. (Like strollers & car seats too).

 

This bathroom in the mall that Daiso is in, is the coolest bathroom I’ve ever seen.

Self-portrait with Bea.

 

In that same bathroom, they have the neatest hand dryer.
(It’s manufactured by Dyson).

 

After we headed to a mall across the street in the Yaohan Center to go grab a Bubble Tea.

 

While we waited for our bubble tea to be ready, Mack made some phone calls.

I ordered a Kiwi Bubble Tea with Coconut Jelly.

It was to die for. Wow.
Does anyone know if there is bubble tea in Montreal?
If so, where?

On our way back into Mission, we stopped at my friend Kristy’s house. She was reading my blog and had no idea I was in Mission. She invited us over for a playdate. Mack was so happy to play with other kids. Kristy’s kids are Kaylen who just turned 3 and Kenzie who just turned 1. (Yep, that’s Kenzie – not short for Mackenzie though). Ironically Kristy lives around the corner practically from Cynthia.

This is a picture of Mack & I with Kristy & Kaylen. Apparently Kaylen was so happy to have a playdate. After we left, she asked her mom all sorts of questions :: "Where's Mack?"  "Why did he have to go?"  "Where will he sleep tonight?"  "What toys will he play with?"  "Where does he live?" Too.cute.for.words.

Off to go do some more crafting & hang out with Cynthia & Bea.