The Kiss

Fans have been waiting for a LONG time now for this kiss. Are you a New Girl Fan? I finally got to watch last week’s episode last night. My mouth dropped – it was hot!

Some Recent Reads

I've been reading a lot lately. I've finally found some time to sit down and review some the books that I've recently read.

Bossypants (Tina Fey): Who said women aren't funny? This was hysterical! Tina Fey is awesome. Really. I absolutely recommend this book. I wouldn't say it's 5 star quality, but I absolutely give it 4.5 stars. Tina had me laughing the whole way through her book. The best parts of the book were the backstage look at her life, getting into Saturday Night Live, working on Saturday Night Live, creating 30 Rock, and returning to Saturday Night Live for Sarah Palin impressions. I am not even sure what to call this book, was it an autobiography, a collection of short stories, or random musings of a comedian? Whatever it is that you want to classify it as, it was enjoyable to read. (4.5 stars)

Louder Than Words (Jenny McCarthy): I am not sure what to say about this book. I was hoping for so much more out of it, but was disappointed in the end. Even though there were interesting facts, I find that most people whom have kids with autism, don't have money like Jenny McCarthy does (for the most part), so a lot of it, in the book, is just unrealistic to most people. However, it was still interesting to read what Jenny went through and learn about what lengths mothers are willing to go through to help their child. While I believe that Jenny off the rocker on some things, I couldn't help but admire Jenny for fighting for her son's health the best way she could, as any mother should. And I guess it helped her being a celebrity to get in with doctors, etc. When I wrote that Jenny has money for the most part, there were times when Jenny was running low on funds, but she was able to get a model gig or work on a set, and bring in money to help pay for treatment for her son. Not everyone who have children with autism can just do that. (3 stars)

Starter Wife (Gigi Levangie Grazer): This was not great but not horrible either. It's a light read, if you can overlook the fact that it is very unrealistic. You definitely don't have to concentrate on this book. Gracie, the “starter wife,” gets dumped over her cell phone by her sleazy, egotistical husband but then soon after she falls for a guy she meets on the beach named Sam, who she later discovers is homeless, and she sleeps with him anyway. Apparently there is a TV show based on this book, staring Debra Messing - but I can't imagine it's any good. Eh - I recommend it if you want a distracting story, but if you care for substance, this is not your book. (3 stars)

Can You Keep a Secret? (Sophie Kinsella): This book was funny at times, and was on the slight unrealistic side however. But I guess that's what most chicklit is, right? Light fluff to get you lost in? It was fast paced and I got some good laughs. Like one reviewer wrote on goodreads "Sophie Kinsella’s books don’t make me a better person or enlighten me or give me anything to talk about at dinner parties, but they are damn good fun and I’m willing to admit to needing a damn good fun read now and then." I felt though that her character in this book, Emma, felt far too much like Kinsella's other character, Becky Bloomwood Shopaholic series), just without all the shopping. In this book, Emma has a few little secrets. Secrets from her family, boyfriend and some she hasn't shared with anyone else at all. One day, on a flight, in fright of dying, she tells them all to a stranger on a plane. The stranger on the plane turns out to be her boss, who owns the company she works for, but hasn't met. It was a cute story, but I felt that the ending was a tad predictable, I guess it less than half way through the book. Even though it was predictable, I still enjoyed reading it. (4 stars)

On a Sophie Kinsella kick... I decided to dive into the rest of the Shopaholic series. I had read the first novel, when it first came out in 2000.

Shopaholic Abroad (Sophie Kinsella): I'm not quite sure why I want to keep reading these books. Maybe to see if Becky Bloomwood ever really learns her lesson. It seems like the first almost 200 pages of the novel are the same storyline as the first book: She shops until she drops & can't pay off her debt. What really bothers me is her character, as she's a compulsive liar and spends well beyond her means, but Kinsella somehow betrays her as likeable, which kept me intrigued to find out what happens next. (3 stars)

Shopaholic Ties the Knot (Sophie Kinsella): I just had to know what happened next in the series, which is why I kept reading. I think I liked this one the most, from the entire series. This novel was light to read yet also touched on some really sensitive subjects for Luke (the main character's fiancé). The issue through this novel is that she ends up planning two weddings for the same day, on different sides of the world. How will she choose which wedding to cancel? The solution to the wedding was rather obvious, but the book managed to keep me wanting to know what happened next. As the novel goes on, the read gets more and more stressful because instead of fixing the problem, she adds more into the mix. (3 stars)

Shopaholic & Sister (Sophie Kinsella): I read this book next, because I had to know what happened next. Each book flows into the next in this series, and when I start something (for the most part) I have to finish. This book reads very similar to the other books in the Shopaholic series - quick and with plenty of laughs. It was amusing that Becky, a shopaholic, discovers she has a sister, who actually is frugal and hates to shop. They are complete opposites, and that's one of the things that kept me reading this novel. Plus, I was just curious to see how this series played out. (3 stars)

Shopaholic & Baby (Sophie Kinsella): Continuing on in the series, because I really had to know what happened next. Becky obviously goes overboard shopping for her future child. It was definitely not my favorite in this series. Becky's character is getting a bit too obsessive with the shopping and it is just not nearly as funny as it was in the past. In fact, it's as if she's learned absolutely nothing throughout the course of these books.There could have been more characters developing, but clearly that wasn't happening.  While it's clear the entire series is based on her desire to shop, maybe some personal growth on Becky's part could have been worked into the story. (3 stars)

Mini Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella): I made it to the end of the series. (And I thought I was going to blow my brains out by the end of this one, unfortunately). I"m probably just outgrowing Becky. Her character just never seems to grow up or learn anything, and I find it extremely irritating. I found Becky to be an awful parent and it really made me lose all respect for her. Well, as much respect as you can have for a fictional character. I think this series went on too long, and it should have been finished a few books ago. It's too bad, but I'm ready to say goodbye to Becky. (3 stars)

Undomestic Goddess (Sophie Kinsella): Overall I enjoyed this book but I wouldn't say I loved it. Undomestic Goddess is the story of a high-powered attorney (Samantha) who's up for partner at her firm, sees that she lost a client 50 million pounds, disappears from her life and ends up in the countryside, mistaken for an applicant for the position of a housekeeper. One problem though, she can't cook or clean. She ends up learning as she goes along, with the help of the gardener (where she works) and his mother. This book kept me entertained, which is what I was going for when I picked it up. (3 stars)

Room (Emma Donoghue): I could not put this book down. It's by far my absolute favorite recent read. I recommend it to everyone who asked me for a novel suggestion. A novel hasn't grasped me like this in a long time, right from the start. The story is about a 5-year-old boy named Jack who has never left the room where he lives. He lives in room with his mother. His whole world is Room and Bed and Rug. I think that the story wouldn't have been the same had it been told by his mother's point of view. It's narrated by Jack, and it was extremely well written. I thought I would have issues reading this book seeing as though my own son had just turned 5 when I read it.  During the story, Jack's mother tried to make his life as normal as she possible could by playing games, teaching him to read/write do math and about science & the planets. She does tell him that what is on their television isn't actually reality. But when Jack turns 5 she feels that it's finally time to tell Jack the truth and figure out a way to escape from Room. This turns Jack's world upside down. To Jack, Room is his heaven, his home, the only thing he knows. (5 stars)

Mrs. Kimble (Jennifer Haigh): This novel is a book that is out of the normal "genre" book that I read. It's not "chick lit", which I usually tend to read. It's the chronological story of 3 women (Birdie, Joan, and Dinah), who are each Mrs. Kimble (at different points in time, not all at the same time) and their story as the wife of Mr. Kimble. He meets and marries each of his wives during a vulnerable period in each of their lives. He uses them for what they have to offer him. He doesn't care for their feelings, nor the feelings of his children. I found each story to be interesting, kept hoping that each wife would realize what a dirtbag Mr. Kimble was. Even though it was a tad slow at times, I did thoroughly enjoy the novel.  (4 stars)

Heart of the Matter (Emily Giffin): I feel like I keep picking up books about cheating lately... and not intentionally either. I also feel like it's always the man cheating on the wife. I was unsatisfied with the way the story ended. The reason I was unsatisfied wasn't because the story didn't turn out for the characters the way I had hoped, but because the "fairytale" ending was extremely predictable. While cheating is the plot of this book, it isn't what the book is about. It's about choices and it's about growth and about forgiveness. Only after finishing this book, did I realize that the characters Dex and Rachel are from Emily Giffin's first book, "Something Borrowed". I've read that one, a long time ago, and have seen the movie recently enough (see below for review), but I didn't put two & two together until after finishing it. This book is the tale of Dex's sister Tessa. I liked that this novel was told in the first-person by Tessa and every-other chapter told in the third person by Valerie. Very unique way or writing. However, at the end of the novel, I hated that we are left (just like Tessa), not understanding why her husband did what he did, as we never get answers to why. I kind of feel like that part of the story should have been included. (3 stars).

One for the Money (Janet Evanovich): I started this novel right after seeing the movie based on the book. After seeing the movie, I was excited to start reading the series, which I had heard of before, but never looked into reading them. This is the first novel in the Stephanie Plum series, and we meet Stephanie Plum, a young girl who is looking for a job since she lost her old job as a lingerie buyer. Unable to find any work, she ends up in her cousin Vinnie's office who owns a bail bondsman company and she ends up becoming a bounty hunter. Stephanie ended up with her first case, hunting down Joe Morelli, a cop on the run for murder, who claims he's innocent, a guy that Stephanie had a fling with back in high school. Evanovich's writing is extremely funny and Stephanie's antics will have you  laughing so hard it hurts. Even Stephanie's grandmother is an absolute riot. Stephanie ends up working with Joe, and she helps him clear his name and he helps her get the $10,000 reward for his booking. Along the way, Stephanie ends up getting herself into trouble and in tight , sticky situations. I wasn't sure what genre this book actually was considered, but it has a bit of romance, action, humor, mystery, crime, with a bit of chick literature all wrapped into the novel, so it has a little bit of everything for all different kind of readers. I plan on continuing reading the rest of the series to see what happens next with Stephanie Plum. (5 stars)

Are you There Vodka? It's Me Chelsea (Chelsea Handler): I started to read this novel after seeing Are you There Chelsea on television. After laughing so hard at the sitcom, I remembered that I had the books on my bookshelf. This novel is comprised of short stories of random times in Chelsea's life and each story is funnier than the last. I am wondering though how much is actually accurate and how much is embellished for her audience, as Chelsea is a comedian after all. She definitely has found herself in quite the situations, and she's very blunt and open about things. Some people might find her style and stories offensive but one shouldn't take her stories offensively because she might poke fun at others, but she pokes fun at herself probably the most. Telling stories about getting pulled over for driving under the influence, or about the time she was taken by a little person con-woman. Need a good laugh? I recommend reading this book. (4 stars)

My Horizontal Life (Chelsea Handler): While I enjoyed this novel, I think I enjoyed Are you There Vodka? It's Me Chelsea more than this one. I am not even sure if I read them in order, not sure which book was written before the other. Once again, I found myself laughing out loud at stories that Chelsea tells, and I'm again wondering which stories were embellished for her audience. This novel centers around short stories of Chelsea's sex-life. While my attention span started to wonder 3 quarters into the book, I still found most of her stories funny. Once again, this is another one of Chelsea's novels that you have to read with an open mind. If you're shy about all things sex related, then this book is not for you. If you have issues with language, then this book (and probably all the rest of Chelsea's books, are not for you). I do plan on reading Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang and also Lies That Chelsea Handler Told me. Hopefully they'll be good too. (3 stars)

What have you read recently? Anything worth recommending? If so, please leave a comment!

******************* PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN, AND I DID NOT GET PAID TO REVIEW ANY OF THESE BOOKS, THEY ARE NOVELS I CHOSE TO READ (AS I LOVE TO READ) AND EITHER PURCHASED COPIES OF THE BOOK, BORROWED A COPY FROM A FRIEND OR THE LOCAL LIBRARY. THANKS *******************

Reading, Watching & Shipping

I've seen a few movies lately. I watched The Dilemma with Kevin James and Vince Vaughn. I thought it was really cute. I hadn't seen Winona Ryder in a movies in forever, and was shocked to see her in a movie, actually. But looking at her recent movie list, she hasn't done anything too special. Very cute movie, but nothing I'd watch again. I watched A Dog Year with Jeff Bridges. It was a little bit slow which was fine because it was short, and at least it was cute. I've also watched the movie How do you Know with Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson and Jack Nicholson. It was also really cute, and a chick flick, which is why I watched it without Jamie. Another movie I watched was The Switch with Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman. It was also really cute and I enjoyed it. Lastly, yesterday, I took the boys to go see Cars 2. While I've heard some people say it was "So violent" and there were loads of guns, my boys weren't bothered by the two scenes with guns and it was not that violent at all. I guess the people that say that, are just sheltering their children if they are freaked out while watching Cars 2. In my opinion it wasn't bad at all. The issue I had was getting both boys to sit in their seats for the entire 106 minutes. We had a nice afternoon out with my mother who joined us.

I am now more than half way through Stay by Allie Larkin on audiobook. I am almost done disc 6 of 8. I'm really enjoying the story, it's really cute. On the book note, I finished reading Husband and Wife by Leah Stewart a few nights ago. I really enjoyed Leah Stewart's writing style, however the book was a little depressing rather than a cheery fun chick lit - which I usually love to read. You're also kind of left at the end of the book trying to figure out what exactly is the decision that is made, and I hate feeling like the book didn't end properly after finishing up a book. I was recommended this book by a local author (whom I've read both her books) but was disappointed that this book wasn't the type of "mood" I was looking for. However, once I started it, I wanted to know what happened next, which is why I stuck it out and read it. Maybe that's also why it took me from April 25th until July 5th to read the book. I now started reading Rebecca Eckler's book The Lucky Sperm Club, which I borrowed from the library. So far, I'm about 2 chapters in, and it's okay. Looks like a light read. The reviews so far on Goodreads aren't that great - but I like Rebecca Eckler's work (loved Knocked Up, Wiped, and Toddler's Gone Wild). I am willing to give The Lucky Sperm Club a chance, especially since it's from the library.

Jamie and I are now a handful of episodes into Fringe and loving it. It's a tad (ok, a lot) far fetched, but it's keeping us entertained. We keep going to bed saying we wished we had time for just one more episode to see what happens next. We had finished watching Chicago Code season 1, to were disappointed to discover that the show got canceled for the fall. It's too bad. We still have a few episodes of the latest season of How I Met your Mother to finish up, but we have until the season starts in September to get that finished. And tonight, Season 13 of Big Brother is starting - who's watching!? I am!

And recalls! Wow, there have been recalls lately. Not only was our stroller "recalled" (we got the part to fix it), but now a sling that I used with Mackenzie was recalled. I never used this sling with Quentin, but went to go sell it on Craigslist and someone told me it was recalled, so I cut the part off that the company asked for and chose my replacement package (Light & Sound Activity Package) for Quentin. It was sent via FedEx last week and I hope to get my replacement package soon. Then, I read in one of my parenting magazines that our Oball toy was recalled. What's next? Anything else will be recalled?? For the sling recall, the company gave me a FedEx shipping label but I had to go out of my way to FedEx to drop it off, and for Oball, according to their 1-888 number, I have to mail it back and they will reimburse me for the toy + my shipping. I should get on that. Too bad, it was a really cute toy. We even have the larger size ball.

To Knit & Crochet

I've been doing some knitting & crochet lately. I managed to finish Sean's Wyatt last night (June 30th). I cast off while Jamie and I watched episode 1 of season 1 of Fringe - a new show we were told to catch up on. Season 4 will start this September, and maybe we'll be able to catch up on the 1 hour show. (The premiere was 2 hours though).

Sean "tried it on" for me the other day while I was still working on the back. It needs to be blocked (hope to get on that over this weekend), but it looks like with some blocking it might just fit him. I knit the 5t/6t size, but the sizing on this sweater was odd to begin with (and I think I'll have to re-knit Quentin the next size up and the NB-9 month size I'm sure won't fit him anymore by the time I'm done Mackenzie's Wyatt (which after a short break, I'll start working on - I need a break though).

So to take a break from Wyatt, (as repeat knits in the same exact color can be a tad torturous, as much as it'll be cute for each of my boys to have the exact same sweater (providing the sizing works out), I started a Granny Star Ripple Afghan. So far, the pattern is quite easy to understand (I'm still beginner-to-intermediate on reading crochet patterns, I'd say) and it's coming out great. I've already done about 7 rounds (using Cascade 220 Superwash in 2 different colors), about to start my 8th while we watch some more episodes of Fringe.

Books, Movie & Tv

Lately, other stuff has been going on, even though I’ve been super busy around here. I managed to finish listening to Thin Rich Pretty by Beth Harbison as an audio book. I thought it was cute, though a little young adult, for me. It’s definite chick literature, but I think on the younger side. It was a nice listen for the car. It jumps a lot from present to 20 years ago when the 3 main characters were at sleep away camp. I started it when I went to Ottawa back in May, and listened to almost half of it on the way there & back. I am now a quarter of the way into Stay by Allie Larkin, which so far, I’m liking, about a girl who ends up buying a puppy on the internet, and it turns out to be a beast German Shepard who only responds to commands in Slovak (where the dog is from). It’s cute. I might not be a dog owner but I grew up with Great Danes, so I appreciate the large dog humor.

On the actual book front I am still reading Husband and Wife by Leah Stewart. I’d say I have just under 100 pages left. I am really enjoying this one, but only find time to read at night just before bed. I am hoping to finish it up soon, I have so many titles I want to read.

Throw out 2011 things in 2011 is now complete, hoping to actually throw out more than 2011 items. I even managed to get it done with half the year to spare! Even though I fell like not that much of a dent has been made on the house, I definitely feel a bit more de-cluttered. We have to do a huge clean-up of the kids toys, now that more birthday gifts have entered the house.

My garden is growing nicely – I will update you with some photos soon – I promise. I still have a few seeds to sow, but quick growing stuff like beans, peas, radish & spinach. Pictures coming quite soon.

I’ve seen some movies lately, mainly on double dates. We went to see Xmen: First Class with the same two friends that we saw Thor with. We already have plans to go see Green Lantern which just came out. X-men was great. I really liked it. They definitely did a good job and left it open for another movie to follow. I could have sworn I’ve seen another movie, but now I’m drawing a blank.

Jamie and I finally finished catching up on Dexter. We are now waiting for the new season to start in September. The show just gets crazier and crazier by the season. I can’t wait to see what the next (and I think last) season of Dexter has to offer. We’re also now catching up and finally on the current season of How I Met your Mother. GREAT show. I’m loving Neil Patrick Harris. I love Josh Radnor and Jason Segal as well, on it. We just started Season 6, which just finished airing in May. We’ll be all caught up before the next season starts in September. What I had no idea, was that Bob Saget is the narrator. I just discovered that upon linking the show now in this post. CRAZY! I didn’t think he was still working (besides some guest appearances on Entourage – which by the way, starts it’s next & final (half) season on July 24th, 2011). Speaking of shows starting up, both Weeds and The Big C start Monday. Looking forward to having some new stuff to watch. Especially since Nurse Jackie just ended (though, we didn’t particularly love this past season, it didn’t have the same appeal that the first season did).

12.15.10

Today was a busy day. Started off with a morning visitor who wanted to come visit Quentin. It's a friend that my hubby isn't too fond of, so I try to see her when he's not around. They have personalities that clash, so it's hard to have them in the same room. Though, I get along well with her, and make time to see her when I can. It's unfortunate that my husband isn't a fan, but he's entitled to not like everyone I am friends with. After she left, another friend came by to watch last week's episode of Vampire Diaries. I don't watch this show, but her PVR screwed up recording it, so I got it for her, and she came over to watch. Plus, she wanted some Quentin holding time. (I don't exist anymore, it's all about the baby). I did watch the episode with her, though I'm royally confused, and have no interest in watching the show, she has been watching the show since the beginning and was confused after watching last week's episode. Too many vampires, ware wolfs and witches for me. I did work on Milo while she held Quentin. I took advantage of my hands free, which was nice.

Then I ate a quick lunch, and went with my mom to go see this week's "mom & baby" movie at a local theater. Today's movie was The Tourist. While I loved watching Johnny Depp the entire movies (he's hot!) and while I think Angelina Jolie is super gorgeous... the movie itself was crap. Even my mother called it half way through the movie... and I agreed with her, thinking the exact same thing. Not sure I'd ever watch the movie again. Definitely no two thumbs up from me... that's for sure. Quentin enjoyed his first movie though... he slept through the entire thing on my chest.

I've finally gotten the chance to photograph things that I need to blog about, and first up is the lovely Fave Color Swap package I got from Sara. Thanks so much hun - I absolutely love everything. I received this in the mail while I was in the hospital with Quentin, and Jamie brought it to me while I was there. It was a nice cheerful package (and as an extra, leftover mini skeins for Babette). The main yarn in the swap package was a lovely skein of Wollmeise and another lovely skein of Lang Yarns Jawoll Magic. Such awesome shades of green! I love it.

She even knit me a shawl
- in the same color as the rest of the package
- which I chose green.

I leave you off with the funniest thing my almost 4 year old said:
Sean said to Jamie tonight: "Bubbie* told me, you can't always get what you want. That's the Rolling Rocks daddy."

*Bubbie means grandmother in Yiddish.

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.

11.15.10 :: 202 weeks old

Sean is 202 weeks old today.

So I found some buttons in my stash.
Now I can't decide what I want to use for Cache Coeur.

Ducks or Stars?
What do you think?

The boys have been playing so well together lately. They still have their moments, but usually they're quite good when playing. I love that Mack is now at the age where he can play almost all the same kind of games that Sean plays. It will help a lot that they entertain each other while playing after the baby is born. I'm so glad they're close in age, and that they get along.

I never got to tackle the nursery today. For some reason I avoided going in there after one time today going in, getting a bit of anxiety, so I walked out. Maybe tomorrow. I know I'll get it done, eventually.

I did finish Twist Hat today, and boy is it tiny. I'll take some photos of it tomorrow in the daylight. I am hoping it fits as his newborn hospital hat. I think I am going to end up re-knitting it in a larger sizes (3-6 month size) as well. Such a cute little hat. More details tomorrow.

I lost power today for a bit - so weird, because there wasn't any storms. It was raining a little bit - but nothing that I haven't seen before, many times, and there weren't power outages those times.

Definitely nesting like mad though. Trying to find things to clean/organize (all but the nursery).

Jamie and I caught up on about 5 episodes of Weeds tonight (we are a tad behind on shows that we watch together) (I can't even tell you how many episodes of Dexter we're behind on). Anyhow, I wonder if that was the Series finale or the Season finale?! Can they really go on from there? They could end it where they left it.... I wonder? According to Wikipedia, the show was indeed renewed for a 7th season. Should be quite interesting!

Today’s Link Love:
- This yarn ball wreath tutorial.
- This family tree activity.
- Capsters looks like a fun idea to craft with kids.
- Love her photo wall.
- Love this photo.

- Uh... is this really a children's toy?

10.17.10 :: 28 months old

Mack is 28 months old today.
He's working on pronouncing some words right now.
My fave, which is sooo cute, is "Yook, mommy, over there". (Yook for Look).
It sounds so sweet coming out of his mouth.

I had a conversation with Mack tonight after his bath that went a little like this:
Mack: "Yook, mommy, dirty." (Pointing to his hands).
Me: "No, Mackie, that's not dirt, that's called wrinkles. It happens when you're hands are in the water too long."
Mack: "Take them away, no like."
Me: "I can't take them away Mackie, they'll go away when your hands dry up."
Mack: "Fast mommy, dry hands".

He's too cute for words.

And then the not so cute right now, is every night before bed, apparently there are scary monsters in his room. He says it, so Sean goes along with it - because they share a room. Every night I karate chop monsters. Every night, I kick monsters down the stairs and out the house. Every night I'm scaring the monsters away. Does anyone have any tricks I can use to "keep" the monsters away, a good story to do with the kids, or something that I can place in the room to pretend the monsters are gone for good? I'm open to suggestions. I get called back to their room a few times each night for monsters. (Amongst other excuses that they come up with). (They're really creative these kids, let me tell you). Smart kids...

Speaking of smart kids... Sean really retains why things are done for certain reason. Like today, while eating leftover popcorn from the Habs game last night, Sean says to me "Mommy, when I'm done eating my popcorn, I'm going to brush my teeth, so I don't get cavities". That's my boy. The lessons we've been teaching him about certain things, like hygiene, are working. You eat junk, you brush your teeth. And then when you're 30 years old like mommy (well... I'm almost 30, shh! Let's not go there, it was just easier to round up), you won't have a single cavity...

Mack is my little gymnast.
He likes doing yoga moves.
I think I might look into a class for him.
He'd love it.

Ah... Sunday afternoon football today.
Just relaxing. Using an extremely large stuffed dog as a pillow.

I have a finished object for you today:

SPECS:
Pattern: Baby 3's Button-Up Baby Wrap
For: A photo prop for after Baby 3 is born
Yarn: 1.76 skeins of Kraemer Yarns Mauch Chunky in Blue Lagoon (Held Double Stranded)
Needles: US 17 - 12.75 mm
Size: for a newborn
Timeline: October 16, 2010 (4 hours approximately)
Modifications: Knit pattern as written. Only used one button instead of 2. Grafted bottom shut with kitchener stitch instead of pulling the yarn through the last few stitches.
I like the look better of it when grafted.
Opinion: I love it. I can’t wait for baby 3 to be born to be photographed in it!

I love the little hand button that I used for this baby cocoon. I have been wanting to knit one in blue, since I did knit one in pink during the summer, when we thought we were having a girl. Well, now, I have one in pink & one in blue and I can use them as photo props if anyone ever wants to have their newborn photographed. I do think I take cute photos of babies... dont you agree? Maybe once life with baby 3 kicks into gear, I'll get some photography side thing into motion and use that professional photography degree that I earned. Photo props are always good to have... I have a few more that I hope to get knitted up soon.

Today was a really nice day. We had one of Sean's best friends from school over with his mom, dad & older brother. We had a huge lunch (actually it was more of brunch) and the kids played very nicely together. I was still so full from lunch that I didn't eat dinner tonight. (Though, now I'm regretting it). I hope our 2 families get together again soon, it was really nice.

This evening Jamie and I caught up on some tv, and I worked on Magnificent Mantle. It was nice to just sit back and relax. I plan to work a bit more on it this evening before bed, and hopefully get it to it's recipient very soon. I am hoping to have another finished object to show you tomorrow.

09.23.10 :: 118 weeks old

Mack is 118 weeks old today.

I managed to convince Mack to model his new sweater today.
The pattern was for 2T, but Mack's pretty much in a 3T now.
The sweater was long on the sleeves (I rolled them up), but perfect length.
He'll be able to wear it for a while.
I bet Sean would fit into it as well.

It's just stunning.
Thank you again Kerry.

I do have a finished object of my own to share with you:

SPECS:
Pattern:Baby Shell by Carey Huffman (My Ravelry Project)

For: Baby Boy #3
Yarn: 0.75 skein of Kraemer Yarns Summit Hill in Jade
Needles: US 7 - 4.5 mm (though I used US 8 - 5.0 mm to bind off)
Size: Followed instructions for 0-3 months, but it's 3-6 month size for sure
Timeline: September 18 - 23, 2010
Modifications: Used a tad thicker yarn than the pattern called for, with the needle size pattern recommended as I knit tight. However, the shirt still knit up a size larger than stated. That's okay though, size 3-6 months will fit baby 3 in the spring or so, providing he's an average size baby. I guess I'll have to see how large he is at birth.
Opinion: Great pattern! After ripping back once and getting back on track, I definitely want to knit more of these. What a great stash busting pattern. Totally want to knit these in other sizes. Very quick knit. I totally recommend this pattern. I can't wait to have a baby to put in it.

Back of shirt.

I have another freebie Pampers Gifts to Grow Point for you to add to your .ca or .com account: 1FORMEGTGSEPT23 - ENJOY!

I finally have recently caught up on both Cake Boss, and the final season of Jon & Kate Plus 8 that I had on my PVR. Ahhh, feels good to be up-to-date. I just need to catch up on Oprah and I'm all set. I haven't yet watched the season premieres tonight of Bones, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, CSI, or Big Bang Theory, it's all waiting for me on my PVR - though Jamie and I did catch up on last night's Survivor. I actually didn't knit tonight while watching TV, I wanted to give my hands a break. I will pick back up the sample knit tomorrow, as I think I had a good enough break from getting alpaca stuck up my nose. I do have one more sample knit to do after the one I'm currnetly in the middle of, but I also want to see if I can get Vestee done. I have to rip back a few rows, but nothing too serious. I realized I made a mistake. I'd also like to finish this knit, even though I'm not having a girl. It'll go into the gift pile once I'm done with it. Really too bad I'm not having a girl, it's such a great pattern. I also want to finish Jamie's man socks... they are uhm... long overdue to be finished. Will get on that. Yes.

Off to go get lost in my book again. I am really enjoying it. I love that I've made time every night before bed to read. And I've actually been going to bed very reasonably lately too. Trying to get as much sleep as possible now before baby 3 is born.

09.21.10

Random Tuesday:
- I have a new Huggies Enjoy the Ride Reward free code, worth 1 pt: BGQGL–PKMCP–XPPGB
- People have been asking me to make an online wishlist, so I have! Here it is. There are baby items & stuff I wish for too. The easiest way for me to do it was on google (Froogle actually) and make it like a shopping list. Items I want for the baby, as well as items for me. I was asked to add both, so here you go. Hope it helps, for those asking!?
- Very excited to have dinner tomorrow night with a knit friend. Details about that tomorrow. We've been friends for probably 4 years now, but haven't met yet. I.can't.wait.
- I'm almost done The Friday Night Knitting Club on audio book. Can't wait to start Knit Two.
- I'm getting into Jessica Z. I'm about a third in. So far, so good. Definitely different from what I'm used to reading. I owe a review for Two Years, No Rain, and I have a date with my computer to do that on Thursday. Stay Tuned. I haven't forgotten, just haven't had time to compose my thoughts online yet. On Thursday I will also announce the contest details for you to win a copy of Jessica Z.
- Loved the season premiere of House. Watched the Series premiere of The Event and now I want to see what happens next...
- I'm back on track with Baby 3's Baby shell. I foresee it being done VERY shortly. I also foresee it being my go-to pattern for a quick last minute knit. Very quick knit... and now that I realized what I did wrong... (never print a pattern in black & white when there are color diagrams on purpose...!)
- Excited for it to be October already, for all the fun stuff going on in October. There is still a few last fun things going on in September, but October seems exciting already! Thankfully October is not that jam packed with stuff... as I'm still on modified rest.
- Sean's birthday party is 100% booked. So glad that's taken care of. I'm doing it outside of the house this time because with a newborn, I don't want to have to set up and clean up. They're taking care of everything. I like this. It's the only logical way to do it after having a Csection and with a newborn. Plus, I think the kids will have a fantastic time. I've even almost 100% figured out the lootbags. Am I on top of things, or what!? Thankfully Mack's 3rd birthday isn't until next June, so all that's left to worry about is hubby's 35th (though I might still be in the hospital then with a newborn), and Christmas/holiday related things. Slowly getting through my to-do list.
- Which reminds me... I better get moving on the nursery. I've got to finish sorting clothing, washing all baby items, and getting baby 3's room ready. The next 10 and a half weeks are going to fly by. I heart itty bitty baby items. I can't wait. I miss newborn smell. I miss newborn size. Even the every 2-3 hour wake-ups are soooo worth it. I feel like I'm in love all over again.

09.11.10 :: 25 weeks pregnant

9/11. We will never forget.
I took a moment of silence today to think about all the people who died 9 years ago today.

25 weeks pregnant today. 3 more weeks until I hit 3rd trimester. However, since I only have 12 more weeks to go until they'll deliver me, I kind of feel that I'm already in the last trimester home stretch.

This afternoon I had a baby shower to attend for Jamie's cousin. She's due Oct 24th. She's also having a boy, and we're very excited to have cousins close in age.


I had a great time at the shower, she loved all her gifts, and the food was delicious. It ran all afternoon and then some of the family was going back to my step-sister-in-law's house for dinner, but after eating food all afternoon, I opted to just go home and hang with my boys.

Yesterday's score at Costco. Huggies Diapers were on sale (though not advertised as a sale) in Sizes 3, 4, 5, & 6 for 25.59$ a box. (They're usually 48.99$ a box). The employee I asked at Costco had no idea why the size 1-2's weren't on sale. The size 1-2's are 39.99$ regular priced for 228 diapers at Costco. I still have time to wait for them to go on sale before baby 3 is born. I did buy 3 boxes of size 5's, as Mack's still in that size, and 3 boxes of size 3 and 2 boxes of size 4's to store for baby 3. At that price, I couldn't pass it up, since I know we'll for sure be using plenty of those, and not just what I bought above. Oh, was I happy to have a mini van and space to bring these home. Had I been in my old Acura EL - there is no way I'd have fit those (and the 2 kids and my mom whom was with me) in the car.

If Mack ends up in Pull-ups soon, I'll just store the size 5's for baby 3. Eventually they'll get used. I learned that Mack asked twice to use the potty while at my parents house today, and actually went to the potty. I am so proud of him. They babysat him while I was at the shower and Sean went with Jamie to Comic-Con here in Montreal. (Sean had a blast at Comic Con but refused to wear a costume).

Speaking of Huggies, I have a few more free Enjoy The Ride Rewards for you to add to your account:

BJKNGQJRMBQRPGB - 5 pts
BJNZKHMLTMXDPGB - 5 pts

Tonight Jamie and I chilled and watched a couple of episodes of Season 2 of The Wire. We haven't watched that in a while, and will probably lose time on stuff like that now that TV season is starting in a week or two. I worked more on the sample knit I am working on, and will take progress photos tomorrow.

08.22.10

Mack likes to play "naptime". You can often find him tucking himself in.

Sean on the other hand likes to hang out in boxes.
(I think he's getting a little too big for this one).

It was a rainy day today, so while Mack took a nice 3 hour nap, Sean & I did some crafting. Sean made himself a necklace and then we made Mack one too (which Sean somehow misplaced before Mack woke up from his nap - and he can't remember where he put it). I might have boys, but they can do crafts too.

Sean & his new necklace. He was so proud of it. Wore it all evening.

Hey sock knitters - check out this new book - One Skein Wonders for Sock Yarn. I can’t wait for it to come out in November. Speaking of knitting, since it was icky out today, progress photos will hopefully come tomorrow of my Destroyed Cowl. I've got 65% complete. (30" of 46"). Getting there! I'll work on it more tonight before bed. Hubby and I are going to catch up on Big Brother. I hope to get a little bit more reading before falling asleep tonight too. I really want to finish up Two Years, No Rain. I'm really enjoying it so far. I am really glad I'm reading outside of my usual 'genre' of books. Totally worth being open to new styles.

08.13.10 :: yarn p0rn Friday

Because I know you all want to see the loot from my trip, I'll start off this post with my new edition of Yarn P0rn Friday. (Now that I think about it, I still have a bit of birthday yarn that I picked up in Vancouver, B.C. this past spring, that has been photographed, but hasn't made it to the blog yet... so stay tuned next week for some more Yarn P0rn Friday).

I've been dying to get my hands on some Madelinetosh DK (sock as well see below!). I finally was gifted some while in the USA, from my wonderful husband. (He deserves mucho appreciation after driving 99% of the entire trip (I did drive 1 hour on the way home when he had to rest his eyes for a bit). (It was an 8 hour drive there, all the driving in NJ, almost an hour to our location in PA, all the driving in PA, and 7 of the 8 hour drive home). AND he bought me yarn. Must be love. Above left is 3 skeins of Madelinetosh DK Oxblood and above right is 5 skeins of Madelinetosh DK Terra.

Had to get my hands on some Madelinetosh Sock as well. Right? Above left is Logwood and above right is Baltic. I don't even think these skeins are worthy of socks to get worn out on feet. I think they'll have to become shawls or scarves. Though, it's a little short on yardage with only 395 yards per skein. I'll have to find a perfect pattern so that I don't run out of yarn.

Next up we have some Dream in Color Smooshy in Blue Lagoon (the colorway I used for my February Lady Sweater.... maybe to make something matching to go with my sweater?!). In the middle above you have Black Bunny Fibers, which is a local dyer to Loop Yarns in Philadelphia. The nice shade of green is called Green Giant. (I only noticed after getting back to Canada that there are some nasty "drops" of red splattered on a part of it... ick! I might have to find a way to hide that in whatever I'll use this yarn to knit. Fun. And above, on your right you have 3 skeins of Sheep Shop Yarn (Sheep #2) in the colorway Royalty. It's a nice Super Bulky yarn, that according to Ravelry is now discontinued. Which the shop owner would have told me that. Hopefully the 3 skeins (90 yards each) will be enough for a nice cowl of some sort.

And lastly, while I was out of town, some lovely yarn arrived in the mail from my friend Melissa. I received a lovely skein (on your left above) of Sundara Sock in Caribbean and Yarn Love Anne Shirley in the Sparkling Colorway. The nice thing is that this worsted weight has 250 yards, so there is plenty to do something small with it.

Speaking of yarn, I got VERY frustrated with a skein of Dream in Color Classy tonight. I was wounding a skein for a project I wanted to cast on tonight, and well, what do you know... I spent 3 hours untangling it...! This is the first time I've had an issue with a skein of DIC Classy (and it's not my first time using it). I guess it was just a stubborn skein. It took me 2 epsiodes of Big Brother from this week (minus commercials), an episode from Sunday of Entourage and an episode of Last Comic Standing to get the thing untangled. I'm not a happy camper, but I did manage to get through it.

I want to talk today about Saturday, Aug 7, 2010.

We had this beauty's 1st birthday party, in a gorgeous park in Pennsylvania.

It was so nice to celebrate it with them. I've been friends with Lauren (the beauty's mom) for about 13 years now. It's amazing how time flies.... I sometimes can't believe it's been that long).

Even Mr. Knit & Purl Mama got into the party spirit.

Mack wore his Habs shirt proud today. (We made sure to let those Flyers fans know that we had no beef with them knocking us out of the playoffs this past year either).

And Sean wore his full Eagles gear. (Hat & jersey - a lovely gift for the boys from Lauren & gang). Sean ended up wearing it for a few days straight. I see it as being a much loved & worn shirt. Thanks again Lauren & gang!

After the party was over, (and getting to catch up with a friend (who knits!) I'd met 5 years ago at Lauren's wedding (the last time we were in PA), and making a new friend (who is married to a Canadian - we instantly bonded!) we headed over to Lauren's parents house to open birthday gifts. My boys were fantastic helpers, and now Sean keeps asking me on a daily basis if it's his birthday yet. I really hope that the birthday girl loved all the clothes we got her. Seeing as though we're apparently (I'm still hoping there's a chance they made a mistake? I can hope, right?) having another boy, I had a field day shopping for baby girls clothes for the birthday girl. Everything is just soo.darn.cute. (I'll find out soon at my next ultrasound if it's 100% a boy. They say they don't like to give accurate answers before 20-22 weeks anyhow. I'm currently 20 weeks and 4 days now. I'll keep you posted. And if it's a 3rd boy, then bring it on. I'll forever be the Queen of my house, and I'll just know that I'll have my boys, and boys love their mommy.

After a long day of partying it up, the boys were fast asleep in the futon bed they were sharing. Good to know that if we travel again in the future, they're good to share a bed. One less thing to have to worry about when traveling. This evening we caught up on Big Brother (Lauren & her hubby watch it too) and hung out. Life after kids, makes for relaxing Saturday nights with friends (who have kids too - otherwise why on earth would they want to stay in and catch up on TV?)

Happy Friday the 13th y'all!