It’s all about Tuesday, Nov 30th at 10:27 am

Hello!! We're alive! And finally home! It's been a long week - and have I got quite the story to tell you! Yes! We're now a family of 5! Baby boy 3 decided to come a little early! (And my hospital bag was packed and then my water broke - third time's the charm, eh?)

My water broke on Monday, Nov 29, mid afternoon. It was a high tear. When I first went into the case room at the hospital, they couldn't see that my water broke. They have this strip of paper that they use to test, and it's orange. If it turns olive green, it's amniotic fluid. At first the paper wasn't turning green, so they were just going to monitor me for a bit and then send me home. I knew my body though! They monitored me and was about to send me home. While being monitored my water broke ALL OVER the bed I was being monitored in, and they admitted me. All the primrose oil capsules I was taking and red raspberry leaf tea I was drinking did absolutely nothing. My cervix was hard as a rock (no surprise) and had to be induced (with oxytocin). I was the only one laboring all night, everyone else who had come in, had their babies before midnight on the 29th. After 18 hours of labor I was stuck at 2 cm and was at 2 cm for a long time. I labored in a jacuzzi tub for most of the night (which was fantastic as it relieved pressure off my back) but my body just couldn't relax passed dilate past 2 cm (50% effaced). I was on the highest dose of oxytocin and they couldn't give me anymore. It was already a risk to my body as I was trying for Vbac. The doctor on call Tuesday morning happened to be the head of the Gynecology department and she came in to assess. Basically she told me what I didn’t want to hear – she recommended that I have a Csection. I was still only 2 cm dilated 50% effaced by morning and he was very high up. After talking things through, I finally agreed to do a Csection, and we signed papers. I also decided that since I was having a Csection and already being cut open, that I would tie my tubes. While we were waiting for the OR (and I was being prepped for my Csection) baby boy’s heart sped up a lot and the OB said that she would have had me go into the OR soon after that anyhow, had I not agreed to do it electively. My sister's boyfriend's cousin/friend was on duty as if 8 am on Tuesday, Nov 30th, and though she didn't take my case (she felt weird to have to do internal exams on me) she was around, since I was the only one there at that point. It’s amazing how, even when you discuss what is going on, you still get nervous. I thought I would be more calm about it this time if that’s what ended up, but that’s not how my body reacted. (Mack’s Csection was emergency, so when in that stressful situation, my body freaked out and I shook the entire surgery). It’s just the same even when you are prepared for the Csection, my body shook the entire time of the surgery. It’s just too bad that they couldn’t do anything for me, and that my body was just not responding. (I did get to crochet a bit in labor - I worked on some more bookmarks. I couldn't knit though, as where they put my IV line, in my wrist, gave me very bad mobility with my hand).

Quentin Myles was born Tuesday, Nov 30th, at 10:27 am.

After my Csection was over, Jamie was already in the nursery with the baby taking care of whatever tests that they need to do at that point. I was whisked away to recovery. I was told it would just be an hour, (like I remember it being with Mackenzie’s Csection). This time, I had a spinal instead of a double dose of epidural (Mack's Csection) and it took forever for me to move my feet (the requirement to be released back to my room). I did ask for one dose of Morphine to help with any pain that I would have once the spinal wore off (learned later on that the morphine shot made my arm bruise really badly where they injected me). The spinal made me itch for a good 24 hours after my surgery. It took a lot of benadryl to make it stop. Finally I was able to go back to my room and then had to wait for the orderly to get off his lunch break to take me back to me room. I was dying to hold the baby already, and didn’t like the fact that I ended up being in recovery for almost 2 and a half hours. (Damn shortage of staff at the hospital!)

I was finally reunited with the baby and Jamie and had a good 3 hours before things started to go badly. A nurse doing a check noticed Quentin was breathing hard. So they took him to the nursery and called in the Pediatrician that was on call. I had met him earlier on, as he was in the OR since Quentin is considered premature (born before 37 weeks). Quentin was having respiratory issues and at that point was being transferred to the Montreal Children’s Hospital (or wherever had an available place for him that have a NICU). They had a pick-up to do first for a baby with a much more urgent case, and would be by around 11-12 Tuesday evening to pick him up. He was placed in an incubator. He was given an IV (in his hand) and some doses of antibiotics. Basically the amount of air he was breathing in - he wasn't breathing back out (so there was too many CO2 bubbles in him). The pediatrician came to talk to me, and he was beyond wonderful. They ran a bunch of tests and every test that they did, showed signs of improvement, so by the time the Children’s hospital was ready to pick him up – he had improved enough to stay where we were – since the hospital I had Quentin at – does not have a NICU. (Had I realized this - I don't know if I would have chosen this hospital to deliver in - now that I think about it). They don’t even have a full time nursery (under staffed/small hospital). Anyhow, I was beyond upset. I was stuck in my bed (they wouldn’t let me out of bed until Wednesday morning when they took out my IV and catheter), and Quentin was in an incubator on IV and antibiotics in the nursery. It was heartbreaking. Very emotional. I broke down in tears. I felt helpless. Useless. I wanted to be with my baby. Jamie took some video of Quentin on my digital camera so that I could see what was going on as per the pediatrician recommendation. (You see how wonderful he was/is?)

Me visiting Quentin on Wednesday, December 1st, in the morning after being able to get up. I was so round and swollen from the drugs they pumped into me during my surgery.

Quentin was stable overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. Our goal Wednesday was to get him out of the incubator. I finally got him out of it by 3 pm on Wednesday (and I was already up & walking by then) and it was so hard to hold him with all the wires & tubes hanging from him. He was on a few antibiotics and an IV drip as well, all for 72 hours (which ended Friday night, Dec 3rd, 2010). Originally the IV was in his hand, but once he started to not be lethargic anymore, the IV wouldn’t stay in his tiny hand anymore, they had to shave his head and put the IV in his head. (That was Thursday, December 2nd). I was heartbroken that they had to shave part of his head to put the IV there. I guess he will be wearing a lot of hats until his hair grows in. At least it’s winter. My mom said that I should be lucky that they put the IV on the side of his head - when I was born, they put an IV in my head - smack in the middle! At least I could take pictures of Quentin from the side - and not see the IV). Quentin was showing improvements out of the incubator on Wednesday to Thursday that the pediatrician finally let him not be monitored anymore (they were monitoring his respiration, heart rate and his saturation) and released him back into my care. I was expressing milk and feeding him what he would take in a cup, syringe, syringe with a tube, however he would take it. There was one evening where he didn’t eat anything at all, as per doctor’s orders. However, he wasn’t really showing any interest in eating, as I am sure the antibiotics and IV drip were making him not want to eat. It was a little frustrating.

Our first family photo (in the nursery while Quentin was still on the monitor/IV)

Daddy & his 3rd son.

Being monitored out of the incubator.

Skin to skin time.

The darn machine that had to be re-set every hour as they could only run it for an hour at a time. This machine became my worst nightmare once he was released back into my care. And if the flow wasn't good it would start to ring out of control as well. I was so happy once he was off the IV.

No more pictures ma!

I got a bit of knitting done on Bittersweet Vines.
Though I had to re-start it.
(Knitting in labor is not a good idea when you can't concentrate on lace!)

The boys have been absolutely FANTASTIC with their baby brother. Here they wanted to help feed him some breastmilk in a bottle. (I'm trying to give him as much as I can).

He found his thumb! Oh no!

This week Mack was 128 weeks old.

And Sean was 204 weeks old.

My milk finally came in, and he latched for the first time on Friday evening (December 3rd). He was being supplemented on Similac 24 in the meantime, as it is higher in calories and they usually give this for premature babies. I am not sure how the breastfeeding will go - but I will try my best. He does still need the supplementing of formula, because of his prematurity and hopefully when the CLSC comes in the new few days to check on us (with their baby scale) he'll have gained some weight. He has a really tiny mouth, and I'm in a lot of pain. I'm not sure how this breast feeding thing will work out - but I will try. If it doesn't work out - I will not be heart broken over it... as it didn't really work out the first two times.

Once the IV came out, I just wanted to go home. It had been an extremely long week. Even though Quentin had a bit of a rough start to life, he fought it all on his own, and showed us how strong he really is. The way everything worked out – was truly a blessing. Quentin is precious and tiny (born 5 lbs 10 oz and discharged from the hospital at 5 lbs 2.89 oz) and we all love him to bits.

On the way home from the hospital!

I got home around lunch on Saturday, and had family over all afternoon/evening. By the time our last guest left last night, I was passing out in my bed. Quentin was very good last night, and woke up just to eat/be changed. He is a really good sleeper (knock on wood) and hopefully that won't change. It feels fantastic to be home. (Yes, I even missed the internet! Along with my own bathroom, my own bed, my things, and just the comfort of my own home!)

We're now a family of 5! And I'm the Queen of the house. Hopefully all this testosterone won't be too much! I'll have to eventually get a female pet! I hope I've covered everything but I can't think if I've forgotten anything. If I think of anything I will for sure tell you later.

11.27.10 :: 36 weeks pregnant

36 weeks pregnant today!
For the last couple of weeks, I as PRAYING I would not go into labor until AFTER Anne Hanson's workshop. Water didn't break & I made it safely to the end of the workshop.
(Totally thought the chair I sat in from 9 am until 4pm would definitely send me into labor though! Oh what un-comfortness! Still pregnant but in a LOT of pain now.)

Anne demonstration something.
(She demonstrated a few things, can't remember which one this was).

The morning class was a lace techniques class called "Lace Start to Finish".
It was an intermediate/advanced class.
She showed us a provisional cast on, using a crochet chain.

Once we were done one repeat of the lace pattern, we bound off. then we picked up the cast on from the chain, and started to work in the other direction (pretty darn neat if you ask me).

And we all got a thrill out of pull the crochet chain out. I know I did!

Then we worked on a hemmed cuff.

I was a bit out of it today (fighting off a cold and being 36 weeks pregnant, I have a problem focusing these days), so I didn't finish what I started before the morning class ended. I will absolutely finish it at home though, so that I can see how it looks, etc. It was nice to hang out all morning with Tara, whom I hadn't seen in a bit. She didn't take the afternoon class though.

The afternoon class was called "Bittersweet Vines - Neckwarmer & Mitts".
I got to touch the original cowl and mittens. Anne brought them with her.

I started my project, (kinneared Anne sitting in the middle in this shot!)

However, again, I didn't finish the cowl (I don't think anyone actually 100% finished it) in class. I will work on it - I really like the way it's designed - you would never imagine it was worked in the way it is, unless you've knit it yourself. Pretty neat Anne!

I chose stash yarn for this project, Naturally Merino & Fur in Turquoise. I have 262 yards in 2 skeins, and according to Anne it uses (for the small size) only 150 yards for both the neckwarmer and the mitts! Yeah, Anne couldn't believe it either, that it used such little yarn.

Anne took some photos of my La Novia (on top of my awesome tote bag that reads "Life is too short to use cheap wine"). So I took a picture of her taking a picture.

This is an original Pine & Ivy by Anne as well. It was so nice to see up close & personal. She said there were 4 versions she made, and this was one. (One has neck shaping or something).

I have to say that today was beyond incredible. I'm so happy that baby boy decided to sit tight and not come early. (After all, Mack did break my water in my 36th week, [and Sean in my 37th week]). I promised Anne that I would work on my La Novia while in labor, to distract me from labor pains. I think it'll make a great project to work on in the hospital. Don't you think?

I am sad that I won't be able to take Anne's Sweater Fitness class tomorrow, but with my pregnant belly this large it's just a waste. Next time Anne's in town, I'm so there though for that sweater class. I hope everyone taking it tomorrow has fun.

After the workshop I came home and laid in bed for a bit while the boys watched some tv with me. I couldn't move. I really thought that I was going to go into labor tonight (so far - nothing). I'm in a lot of pain though. Hoping to not go to my due date (Xmas day - 4 weeks). Then it was time to get ready to go out. I totally wish I could have stayed on the couch tonight with my knitting. However, we had Jamie's best friend's surprise 35th tonight. A dinner party. A late dinner party. Not exactly what I had in mind for a Saturday night at 36 weeks pregnant. It was a pretty fancy restaurant, but when you're a large group, the menu is fixed, and I wasn't 100% impressed. The birthday boy was 150% surprised, and couldn't believe that he was the reason everyone was there together.

It's late now, and it's time to hit the sack. I'm solo parenting tomorrow, so I need some rest before entertaining 2 toddlers all day. Wish me luck!

11.26.10

Conversation I had with Sean today:

Me: My nose is running. I hate this time of the year.
Sean: It's running? Where?
Me: That's what you say when you have a cold and your nose won't stop dripping. You call it running.
Sean: So then go catch it.
Me: Thanks Sean. Maybe tomorrow. Mommy has no energy today.

I love talking to my toddler. It's so much fun to hear what will come out of his mouth.

I had my 36 week check-up today and it was absolutely useless. We talked a bit - since it was my first time meeting my doc’s colleague (as my doc is officially on maternity leave now due to the fact that she's pregnant and due the week after me), and she listened to the heartbeat (A steady 160). She doesn’t do internal exams until 37/38 weeks. I’m going to demand one at my next appointment next Friday (at a day shy of 37 weeks), if my water hasn’t broken before then. I told her that my first born broke my water in my 37th week (37 weeks and 5 days) and my 2nd son in my 36th week (36 weeks 6 days), and then she said “Well, I don’t think this baby is coming out that early”. How the heck does she know!?? Is she psychic? She didn’t even do an internal exam, maybe I’m dilating already? Who knows. And I’d never met this woman before today, so she knows me that well? She didn’t even measure my belly - which my doc has done every appointment until now from probably 28 ish weeks onward. I kind of feel like today was a waste of an appointment. Though, I did run into a friend in the waiting room - so that was nice to catch up with her.

Oh yes, get this, my new doctor starts talking about scheduling a Csection for 40-41 weeks if I don’t go before then naturally (since I’m going for Vbac this time). Is she insane? I’m doing everything I can to soften my cervix naturally so that this baby comes out in 2010. No way I’m still going to be pregnant in 2011. I’m 36 weeks tomorrow and so done. I've had 2 healthy and early babies. (Early but full term). I’ve never been more than 38 weeks pregnant, so she’s insane if she thinks I’ll still be pregnant at 40-41 weeks. My doc had talked about scheduling a Csection at 39 weeks now that my placenta praevia cleared, if I wanted to still do the Csection route. Not at 40-41 weeks. This doc seemed to push Csection, rather than my doc who was all “go for Vbac, you’re a good candidate". It just seemed like everything she said today resulted in a Csection.

I’m not sure how I feel about this new doc to be honest. I'm kind of hoping that my water breaks soon, and that she's not on call when I go into labor. We've got a busy weekend this weekend - so anytime after Saturday night (or Jamie prefers anytime after Sunday), I'm game to go into labor.

And now I'm trying to nurse a cold. (As per my conversation with Sean earlier today). I cannot even take anything for it - as every cold medicine is not safe during pregnancy. Drinking tea - of course and getting enough sleep. The cold has been building up for about 2 days now. The other night Jamie told me that he wanted to shoot me in the middle of the night, as I woke him up around 5 am, because I was snoring so loudly. I am not a person who snores. But I cannot breathe through my nose right now.... so I guess I must have been sleeping with my mouth open and started to snore. If only baby boy would come out - I could take cold medicine and not be sick anymore. Oh, that would be nice.

Besides my OB check-up today I wasn't allowed out of the house. Some of the roads were a sheet of ice, and Jamie banned me from going out. He wasn't worried about my driving - he was worried about everyone else's. I don't blame him. Other people scare me when it's ice out there. I'm really hoping the sticky snow doesn't come until after I've delivered baby boy. My feet don't fit into my boots right now (I'm that swollen), and I'm so close to the end of my pregnancy that I don't want to buy new boots.

I didn't knit a stitch today (or even crochet) - though I have some knitting homework that I need to take care of before going to bed tonight. I'll talk to you about the knitting homework tomorrow. Promise. I've been still on the crazy nesting kick, and I have been checking every skein in my stash (in my yarn room where all my yarn marinates before usage) and making sure that every skein that I have is indeed listed in my stash on Ravelry. This way when I want to look up yarn for a project, I can visually see everything. It's perfect. Also saves me from buying more yarn, when I probably already own what I have for a certain project that I'll want to do. (Giving total credit to Jenn for inspiring me to do this crazy stash clean-up). You know, I have yarn that I totally forgot that I even owned. I like finding yarn. It's fun! It's like finding money in your coat pocket after the summer when you go to take out your jacket for that upcoming winter.

11.23.10

Nesting. I am nesting big time. Today I was car-less, as Jamie had a 20 year old kid in a car hit his car last week (he's okay, car had a bit of damage) so it was going in today and Jamie even though he got a rental needed my van today (for work). So since I was stuck at home, I took care of some cleaning (I mean nesting). I cleaned out the entire pantry in the kitchen, organizing it again, making things easier to find, and seeing what we actually have in there. We had some stuff I didn't even know we had. There was some stuff that had expired, and I found some non-perishable items to donate to the Sun Youth food drive that the daycare does every year. I have to remember to bring those items in tomorrow. I even scrubbed down the shelves in the cupboards. Full on nesting.

And then I cleared out my email inbox. I cannot tell you when the last time it was 100% empty. Feels great to be on top of things. Next thing I need to tackle is my Ravelry inbox. It's not that out of control, but I do have some messages pending replies. All my photos that I've printed are put away in chronological order in the current album I am filling up. My office is being cleaned as we speak. Jenn has inspired me to clean up my stash and make sure that it's all listed on Ravelry. This way when I want to knit something I know what I have in the appropriate yarn weights to make it. This saves money from going out and buying new stuff that I probably don't need. Thanks for the inspiration Jenn! I know I have a ton of stuff that has not yet made it to my stash on Ravelry, and I am slowly working on that. Nesting. Yep. Cleaning. Organizing. Order. Totally have that energy. It feels great to keep working on de-cluttering. Hopefully this will allow me to have things spotless & organized and I'll know where things are when I need them. Trying to be better at that. I can actually see the top of my desk (right now). Hopefully it will stay that way for now. Hmmm, what else can I organize? The garage needs organization again, but I have no desire to hang out in the cold garage.

I've finished bookmark #4 and I am working on #5 for the teachers. Though, I think that I will have to make an additional 2 more. (One for the daycare coordinator and one for the sub teacher who is often helping out in either one of my boys classrooms, and I just love her to pieces. I think I will put them together a handmade Xmas gift as well). I promise you pictures in daylight tomorrow. It was dark & gloomy today outside. Looks like they are actually calling for some sun tomorrow, so hopefully I'll get a group shot of all the bookmarks I've already made. Stay tuned. (I'm having fun making them).

I leave you tonight with some silly pictures of the boys:

This was them after dinner tonight, with their dessert.

The funniest part was they had us cracking up with the silly faces they were making to go along with these. Love it.

Today’s Link Love (Short & Sweet):
- I love these Chalkboard Place Mats. My friend Leslie sells them! What a fantastic idea!
- Eat Pray Love came out today. I've got a date with my tv tomorrow. I've been waiting for this movie to come out. Have you seen it? Any good??
- I got a new audio book now that I finished Knit Two. Has anyone read or listened to The Actor & The Housewife?

11.22.10 :: 203 weeks old

Sean is 203 weeks old today.

This morning I had Mackenzie's Parent/Teacher interview at the daycare. The daycare does this twice a year, once in the fall & once in the spring. Everything with Mackenzie is good. He's a great child. He's right on track for his age range. He's the 3rd youngest in his class (He's June 17th, and there is one girl born June 27th and another child Sept 4th). All the kids are a lot older than him, starting to turn 3 already (1 just did and the rest follow, December/January/February ...etc). There are 4 of them still with lids on their cups, and he's one of them. That's fine, because even at home I don't trust him without a lid yet. He knocks over his sippy cup either on the table or off the table on a daily basis. So until he's more responsible there, he's not getting it taken off. He's the only child that sometimes still cries in the morning at drop off. It's hit or miss. Sometimes he does and sometimes he doesn't. They say it never lasts more than 2 minutes tops and he's perfectly fine the rest of the day. I guess he's just an emotional child. I'm not sure what is triggering this behavior. What else... oh yes, two more things. The first, is that he sometimes just starts crying when he doesn't want to do what they tell him to do. For example, last week in the gym when one of the outside "teachers" came in for the activity (they have a few outside people that come in, like one day is dance, one day is music, one day is science and one day is this safety guy who does activities with them (I think he's a retired cop)). Anyhow, the safety guy was there last week and Mack was leaning against the wall and he asked all the kids to move in closer to him, and Mackenzie said no. He asked him again, and Mack just started to cry. I don't know why he's doing this - but he is a bit stubborn sometimes. The other thing is that Mack has his "SPOT" at the table in the classroom. They have 2 tables. Both tables are identical. Even all the chairs around them are identical in shape, color, size, etc. So it's not the color of the chair he wants. It's the spot. He's even tried to push kids out of the spot if they get to it first. Sean & Mack each have their own spots at the table at home too. Mack does get mad at Sean if Sean tries to sit in his seat. I didn't even realize that this was an issue, as personally I don't care where we all sit around our own kitchen table, but it seems that we just always end up at the same seats. Myself on one end to feed Mack and Jamie next to Sean on the other end (round table pushed up against the wall) to help Sean with whatever he needs... Never thought "assigned" seats at the dinner table (not sure what else to call them) would cause an issue at daycare. Sean doesn't seem to have an issue with where he sits, and he also sometimes rotates taking any seat at our kitchen table. It's only Mackenzie that has to sit in the same spot each time. Hmm.. interesting. Thoughts anyone?

The other stuff they talked about was all on track for him. He knew most of his shapes, almost all his colors, and could count to 12 (as of when they went over this all with him before the interview - as I did hear him count to 14 in the right order this past weekend). He's still scribbling, has fine motor skills, can communicate very well - though he's talking sentences he's not using full sentences yet - which is okay. He's not aggressive at all with his friends, and he's very polite and has manners. I like to hear this.

Sean's interview is later on this week - so we'll see how that is.

Jamie was home sick today, though he worked from home. After he was done his work for the day, we tried to watch some tv together, however, I ended up falling asleep on the couch for a few hours. I'm telling you - it was a much needed nap. I can't even tell you the last time I actually took the time to nap in the afternoon. It felt great. We were also supposed to lose the water today from 8:30 am until 5pm (which never happened), so I didn't do any laundry or dishes or anything that required water during the day.

I worked on another bookmark and a half. I will show you progress photos tomorrow, once the 4th bookmark is done. They are coming along faster & faster now that I don't even need to look at the pattern to make one. I've been making them all in different color crochet thread (size 10) so that at least I am not getting bored of the same thing over & over again.

I've been thinking about my past pregnancies, and how I was feeling then. I found my blog post from 35 weeks with Mackenzie's pregnancy here. To quote what I wrote: "35 weeks pregnant. I'm officially in the home stretch. 35 days to go. I've been pregnant for 245 days. I'm tired. I'm uncomfortable. I'm swollen. I'm soooo done being pregnant. But I love being pregnant. I surely will miss it when I'm not pregnant anymore." Ha! Totally the same way I feel now. Though, the only thing I don't remember is being that swollen with Mack's pregnancy. Then I found this blog post about my pregnancy with Sean. I wrote in that blog post about dreams I was having (before having Sean). "1- I gave birth in my 37th week (Thursday starts week 36!) 2 - I was a pro at breastfeeding and had no problems and 3- getting my stomach massaged to deliver the placenta. So if all three come true, then I'll be having a vaginal birth in just a week or so (depends on what day in my 37th week I give birth) and I'll be a pro at breastfeeding." Though breastfeeding didn't work out with Sean (nursed with supplementing for the first 2 weeks, but pumped to 6 weeks as he was too tiny to get to latch), my water did break at 37 weeks 5 days and he was born at exactly 38 weeks after 2 days of labor. (8pm on the 26th to 4:44 am on the 28th). Crazy. It's amazing what dreams tell you! Here is what I looked like at 34 weeks 5 days, and here at 35 weeks. I look so miserable and huge! Ugh! I am so glad my face does not look like that this time. I don't think I got so round in the face this time, I think it's all in my belly. (And look at my face above with Sean for our weekly self-portrait... totally not round in the face).

Today's Link Love:
- Since I am due Xmas Day - I thought I'd share this cute photo with you. (You'll never catch me in a Mrs. Claus suit though! LOL)
- Love this Maternity Shot as well. I'm a total Scrabble freak!
- Here is another code worth 5 points to add to your Pampers Gifts to Grow account! novemberthanks5 – 5pts

- Love this Patchwork Cube Tutorial.
- Found this good article on "stiffening" crochet items that need - like the bookmarks I am making the teachers at school. I think I will still stick with the spray starch idea. Need to get to the market to get some soon.
- I am not a Glee watcher, (Not a fan of Jane Lynch) but this video is cute & catchy. (Someone who watches it - please tell me - is that blonde Gwenyth Paltrow?)

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.

11.17.10 :: 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.....

11.13.10 :: 34 weeks pregnant

34 weeks pregnant. 3 more weeks and baby boy is getting an eviction notice.
(Anyone got any tips on naturally inducing labor? Raspberry Tea is one...)

This morning Jamie took Sean to his skating lesson. Mack wanted to go with to watch too - so I actually had peace & quiet in the house for a good hour and a half. It was really nice, actually. After skating was over, we headed out to do a few errands, and do a little holiday shopping. I've been trying to take care of that so that I don't have to think about it come December. We're keeping the holidays simple this year. Christmas with my hubby's step-family is actually in Toronto this year, so we're not going. I'll do a little Chanukah thing with the boys, we exchange gifts with my cousin Jenn's boys, and I got something little for each of my parents and my in-laws. And for my 8 year old nephew, whom I think we'll see between Xmas & New Years if they come in - if not, I'll mail his gift to him. I'll also get something for my hubby. But that's about it. Oh and the daycare teachers, can't forget about them, their gift is in progress. Other than that, I'm not doing the holidays this year, I decided. There's no reason to with the adults anymore. There comes a point in time where it's just ridiculous already. When does it end? What are your family traditions? I also think as of next year, since it'll be my 30th, I'm stopping adult birthday gifts. I'll send out cards, but it's just getting ridiculous already. Do you still exchange birthday gifts with adult family members? I figure big birthdays are one thing (like 30th, 40th, etc...) but other than that.... when does it end?? I've been talking to a few friends about birthdays and holidays and it just seems like at a certain point, it's just not necessary anymore. It's all about the kids now. Especially since I almost have 3 of them of my own.

Mid afternoon while Mackenzie was napping (thankfully!), Jamie's mom & her wife came over to pick up Zeus. They stayed for a while until Mackenzie got up from his nap, so that they could see him too. My mother-in-law showed me the knitting she was working on (socks for my nephew) and asked me about needles & stuff, so I gave her a few pairs, so that she had some variety. She's been making tube socks for all her grandsons. (She only has grandsons). She recently got back into knitting - but used to do it years ago. We weren't sure if Sean would react when we put Zeus in his carrier and my mother-in-law & her wife left today. However, it was actually Mackenzie who started bawling for Zeus. Though, I don't think he really gets what was going on, and he wasn't a fan of Zeus to begin with - always yelling at the cat, etc. So that was odd, but he quickly forgot about Zeus once they left. I am praying he gets along great in his new home, as there are 3 other cats there.

This afternoon I actually got started on the daycare teacher sewing portion for their holiday gifts. I'm making all 5 teachers the same thing. (Sean has 3 teachers & Mack has 2). Today I started with Mack's teacher who is a huge Habs fan, so I made her items in Habs fabric that I re-purposed from a Crib Bumper we never used for the boys. (I've actually made a few things out of it already). I really hope she likes it. I still have one more item to make for her. I will blog about it all once I am done and know 100% what I am doing in full. However, I can tell you that I am super impressed with my sewing skills as of lately. I think I'm honestly surprising myself. I used to be afraid of my sewing machine, and now I have confidence. It's great. I love it.

Now I'm finally sitting here in peace & quiet. Hubby is at hockey. Kids are finally in bed (they went to bed late this evening - no idea why). After an hour of chatter in their beds and a few renditions of O CANADA on the top of their lungs (I was dying of laughter), they finally fell asleep. The laundry is going, the Habs won 7-2 over Carolina (WHAT A GAME!) and I've accidentally cast on not one, but two new knitting projects. (When I should be knitting on La Novia...). Oops.

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.