january thirteen :: 30 weeks old

Mack is 30 weeks old today.

This morning I was awake at 4:45 am. I got dressed. I then got the kids up and dressed. Got a baby bottle ready for Mack and a sippy cup of milk ready for Sean. I packed the car and got ready to leave to the airport. The airport was fun with all our bags. Between the 5 of us traveling, (My sister, my mother, Sean, Mack & I) we had 5 suitcases and all our carry-ons. We had to go through customs before dropping off our baggage.

When we got to security, the man said it was okay for us to have the amount of water we had on us, because we were traveling with 2 kids 24 months and under. (Sean’s still 24 months old until the end of January, but because he’s 2 years old, he gets a full fare ticket on the flight for a seat). Anyhow, once we passed that guy, and put all our stuff (strollers included) through the x-ray machine, the lady on the other end told us that we weren’t traveling far enough to have that much water on us. And then she snapped that we didn’t put our stuff away fast enough. (A lot of our stuff was dumped out of our bags, since we had to put our electronics into another bin through the x-ray machine).

We got to pre-board the flight, since we had the kids with us. At first I sat with Amy, Sean & Mack was on my lap. He wasn’t allowed to be in my Snugli during take off or landing, for safety purposes. However, I honestly think it’s safer if he’s in the sling, in case of anything, I have my hands free, but anyhow, that’s just my opinion. My mom sat in the same row just on the other side of the aisle. She had a mom traveling with her 5 month old baby named Max (whom she called Maxie and I turned every time because it sounded like “Mackie”) and her 4 year old (or so) daughter Marley. Sean, who is active/full of energy was way better behaved than Marley, double his age.

Sean not only had his milk in the airport, but on take-off he polished off 3 full sippy cups of apple juice. So what happened? You guessed it! He peed so much, that he peed right through his diaper and soaked, I mean soaked like you wouldn’t believe, through his pants. Never did I imagine that this would happen – I had packed an extra shirt in the diaper bag, but not pants. Now I know for the flight home.

Mack, was good (an angel) during take off and landing. Actually he fell asleep in the snugli about halfway through the flight and slept until about 30 seconds before we touched the ground. I got about 30 minutes cat nap during the entire flight, while Mack was sleeping on me, as I couldn’t move.

Thank goodness we each had our own individual tv’s on our seats, as it kept Sean entertained.

We were the last ones off the plane. Not only because we had children, but because Sean made such a mess of all our stuff, that we had to clean up.

Because it took a long time to get off the plane, our luggage was sitting there lonely, with an airport guard watching it. That was nice of him to sit there and wait for us to get our luggage.

Then we had to take a shuttle to the car rental place. Thank heavens the guy driving was able to help us, our bags (which were under the 50 pound limit) were still heavy. And the duffle bag with the playpen was ridiculously heavy.

It was a while at the car retnal place (Alamo) because my mom couldn’t decide between 2 mini vans. A 2009 Dodge Caravan instead of a Toyota Sienna. The van is super nice, very spacious and my worries of getting a nasty used car seat for Sean were relieved. The car seat we got was actually almost if not brand new. (Mack’s in our bucket from home).

The drive (in some rain) was about 25 minutes to my grandmother’s condo. The condo premise seems to be very nice. My grandmother’s condo itself is very nice, and spacious for a 1 bedroom condo. There is 2 bathrooms, the one with the shower is in my grandmother’s bedroom, which is where I’m sleeping with my sister and the 2 kids.

When I got here my grandmother gave me the 2 packages that I’d ordered to her house. One was a pair of shoes that I got off of shoebuy.com (Clear Skechers to show off my handknits!) and also an order of 4 skeins of Blue Moon Fiber Arts, which was a gift from my Secret Pal 12 group (thank you again guys!)

We unpacked and then left for Walmart with my great uncle, who lives (permanently) 2 doors down from his sister (my grandmother).


I had a list of things I needed from Walmart for the boys. The most important; wipes and formula. The formula is the Walmart brand (Parent’s Choice) is a smaller can than I get at home (730g here and 1020g (I think it’s 1020g or 1070g) at home). I paid $11.88 US for 730g and I pay $12.47 CAD for the larger can at home. And even though it’s the same formula, same can, etc, the powder here is a complete different consistency (and I made sure the can wasn’t expired (July 2011 expiry date).

I also got an awesome pair of shoes for myself, they are by Faded Glory, a brand I’ve heard about before. I’m already wearing them, and they’re wicked comfy.

I picked up these awesome contact lens cases today. I've never seen them before. I got a black one for Jamie and a polka dot one for me. This way we'll never ever mix up our contact lenses. (Not that we have, but anything anything can happen).

I also picked up a cute glasses case for myself. I needed one anyhow for my spare pair of glasses that I brought with me, it was probably a bad idea just to toss them into my toiletry bag.

Mack & My mother in Target.

We went to Ruby Tuesday’s for dinner, my new fave restaurant. I ordered an Avocado Turkey Burger with Brown Rice Pilaf, and when it came, I asked the waitress if it was on whole wheat (since it looked like it) and she said they don’t have any white bread/buns in the restaurant. Wow! That’s great! I hope we get to go to this restaurant again. Too bad we don’t have it in Canada.

Sean was really cranky and over tired at dinner. He only had a 15-20 minute nap in the car on the way from the airport to the condo. He’d been up since 5:15 am – he was wicked tired.

He got a 2^nd wind, no idea from where/how and was bouncing off the walls.

Tonight he was supposed to sleep on the twin size blow up mattress that we bought today, but the charger needed 12 hours plugged in to work. So he’ll be sleeping in my bed tonight, with Auntie Amy too.

I made myself scrabble earrings to wear on this trip with my initial. I could have sworn I had made myself a pair, but couldn't find them upon leaving for Florida. I love them. They rock.

I’m beat.

january twelve

Mack started his 5 Senses Class today. There's us above on the left hand side, I'm in purple. The coordinator of the program came in to take some pictures and emailed them to our entire group. That was nice of her. This wasn't done when Sean took classes there from 12-18 months old after we moved to this area of town. I like that I get emailed pictures!

Mack really enjoyed the class and was all giggles. It was a lot of fun. Though, I do have to admit, the moms and kids from Sean's classes were a lot more fun than these ladies and their babies. That's okay, maybe I just had a bad start to my morning. Maybe once back from my trip and I'm more relaxed I can enjoy the mom & tot class. This morning all I could think about was the million things I had to do today.

Last night Mack started to bum scoot. Sean at this age was already crawling. Mack was sitting last night and started scooting forward towards something he wanted. It was cute. Maybe that'll be the way he gets around. I've seen other kids never crawl but bum scoot. I guess whatever gets them from A to B, right? Though, Mack's very good with the turning/flipping himself over, and he's kicking his legs when on his stomach, maybe he just needs to figure out how to crawl. Hopefully. Though, I'm still enjoying him non-mobile! He's my little baby still!

Today was filled with errands. I ran all over my area trying to get last minute things for our trip. I'm leaving bright & early tomorrow morning, with the 2 boys, my mom and my sister. (We're leaving all the big boys at home!) (Jamie couldn't really get away from work and I don't blame him for not wanting to spend a week in a 1 bedroom condo with my grandmother, mother & sister! It's technically a "girls trip" (with the exception of Sean & Mack - but they're still young!)

I forgot to eat today. My first meal was dinner. I was starved. This is not good. I even made lunch, and then forgot about it. I just removed my lunch from the toaster oven. Whoops. I'll never forget to eat again. I felt so weak from not eating. Not good!

I can't find my prescription sunglasses. I've torn apart the house looking for them.

It's almost midnight, and I am not 100% packed. I have to be up at 4:45 am to get the kids up to get to the airport for about 5:30 am. I can't sleep of course. Excitment. Stress of packing. I have no idea how I'm supposed to pack 2 kids in 1 suitcase. (Mack can't check any lugguage because he's flying for free). Sean gets to check lugguage because he's over 2 years old and has a full fare ticket. (No kids rate, which sucks!)

I'm only bringing 1 sock project with me. I can't see how much knitting time I'll get - but we'll see. I am traveling with 2 kids. (I know I'll have my mom and sister with me, but still!) I checked, and knitting needles (which are classified as a penetrating object) are allowed past security. Doesn't specify which kind (or if all are allowed) but to be safe, I'm bringing plastic ones.

I hope I'm not forgetting anything. Though, I'm going to be in a city that has a Walmart and Target close by, and a shopping mall too, (I'm buying baby formula and food there, just bringing enough for the first day), so I can always buy anything missing.

I cannot wait to get out of this cold weather (my skin really needs it) and into the sun!

I hope to have the internet. There is supposed to be wifi where I'm going. So I'll definitely post pictures & blog. Now, to go finish packing and maybe try to get a few hours of shut eye...!

january eleven :: 106 weeks old

Sean is 106 weeks old today.
Above, he's with Auntie Amy & Bosco.

This morning Sean started another session of swimming lessons. He's in a more advanced level this time. With kids his own age. Not like the screw up of last session (where he was in the wrong class). He was actually registered this session again in the wrong class, because when I registered him he wasn't quite 2 yet (2 weeks shy) so they put him in the 18-24 month class. Well, because he's 2 (yes, still 24 months old until the end of the month) but, he's 2, so he can advance from Sea Turtle to Salamander, which is still parented. He'll stay in this class until he can swim on his own. Then he goes to the unparented Salamander class. Today we had a sub - Sean's teacher is on vacation. So we just played games and Sean got to go on the slide. Honestly - it was a waste. Yes he got to go in the water, but there were no skills learned, and nothing practiced. I would have preferred a proper lesson, because for games and slides I could have brought him to free swim, you know? Sean has a friend in this class, a kid he took at class at the Y with back in the spring. (His friend is 2 weeks older than him).

Mack tried Chicken with Vegetables tonight at dinner. I'm not sure if he didn't like it, or if he was just really really really tired (see above photo). I'll try again soon, and see what that was all about. I've got to start getting some real food into him! (Chicken, Turkey, etc, instead of just Apples, Peaches, Carrots, etc)

Tonight we had dinner at my parents house. We ordered in from a place that has really good whole wheat pasta for me, so I could eat following the GI Diet. I saw a commercial for Herbal Magic - though, I'm curious about it, I'm not sure what it's all about. I'm going to stop by there one of these days to check it out - and see what it's all about. Their commerical peaked my curiousity. No harm in a free consultation.

Tomorrow I've got a LONG list of things to do. Gotta prepare for Tuesday!

january ten

Today there was no sleeping in. Not when both your kids get up between 7-7:30 am. Sleeping in? I don't know what that is anymore. But that's okay. I am okay with that. As you can see in the picture above, Mack's majorly teething. He's constantly chewing on his fingers or sucking his thumb. Anyway I can get him to take the suss??? (And yes, that's sheep on the crib set - Mommy's a knitter after all!)

We did the Costco thing this morning. We were lucky that we arrived when we did, the parking lot was empty when we got there, and jammed packed when we left. People fighting for spots when we were leaving. Got what we needed, got out. Today was a diaper run. I needed more size 3's and more size 5's.

This afternoon Sean napped at home with Jamie, and I took Mack out to run some Robyn's Nest errands. He napped the entire time I was out. I got to see Melanie's 18 week belly-bump - so cute! And for the rest of my stops, I will never trust mapquest again. It's failed me again. Next time, google maps. Yep. Mapquest is no longer my friend. Just too unrealiable. Maybe mapquest in the USA is good, but in Canada..... not so good.

Mack's in full force flipping over. No crawling yet, but he's got the flipping over (either way) down! You leave him in his room playing with his toys and you'll find him in another position when you come back. It'll be a matter of time before he's crawling. I'm not ready for that yet. Didn't I just bring him home from the hospital? He's growing up (7 months old in a week) and it's too fast for my liking!

This evening was just a chill night, some TV watching and some knitting got done. Ah, relaxation. The kids are both in bed, asleep, and some peace & quiet is enjoyed. I enjoy it when I can get it. Don't get me wrong, I love being busy with the boys, but it's also nice to sit back and relax and enjoy some adult time/with no screaming kids!

january nine

I'm down 4 lbs. YEY! Though, this is super hard. I don't recall it being so hard the last time (2005). It was a breeze last time losing 25 lbs before my wedding. I want to get back to the same weight I was on my wedding day. As of January 1st I had 32 lbs to lose. As of today, only 28 lbs more to lose to get there. It's a fabulous start. Especially in 9 days. Though, I'm still going through sugar withdrawl, and my body feels horrible. Why does sugar do that to you?

Today I got my 2nd to last Scout's Swag Sock Club in Red Pear Tweed. I like the colors, just curious on how it knits up though. I'm hoping soon someone will have posted something on Ravelry from a project they're using it for. I love raspberry colors.

Today was laundry day. I think I did about 8 loads. It seriously never ends. I wanted to make sure the bulk of it was done before Monday, but I'm sure I'm going to have do to another load before I leave with the boys for a week. Yep, I'm going to Florida with the 2 kids for 8 days. (Leaving the hubby behind with a list of things to do around the house while I'm gone). I need a little R&R, though I'm not really sure how much R&R they will give me. I'm traveling with my sister & mother, to see my grandmother. I have an order of 4 skeins of Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock waiting for me (a gift from my Secret Pal 12 Group - thank you again guys!) at my grandmother's condo, along with a pair of shoes I ordered online in the USA and sent it to her condo. I'll blog about that next week, upon receiving it. For the shoes, I managed to score free shipping and as well, a 5$ off rebate, upon googling "coupons" with the stores name. My friend Sherrie once told me to do that. It works more for American stores than Canadian stores.

I had some time this afternoon, so I decided to play dress-up with Mack. One day, my sons will kill me for all the outfits I made them wear, but for now, they're my cuties.

My little stinker in a skunk outfit.

And my little duck. Quack!

I received a picture today from Jamie's cousin, of her daughter in the Boheme that I knit for her. It fits her nicely now, and she's almost 2 months old. Hmmm, the pattern was for 6 month size and I used Sport weight yarn, as I believe the pattern called for. I am not even sure if a 6 month old will be able to wear this, though, I'll inquire about it later on in a few months. I can't tell by the photo if it's too big on her, or not.

My in-laws came for dinner tonight, and it was delicious as always. My in-laws are trying to follow the GI Diet as well. Though, they're not being as strict as I am. Again, I'm beat, so I'm going to go to bed. Too much to do today as well (did a huge office clean up, my desk was a mess - not anymore!) so no knitting today either. Hopefully tomorrow. I am sooooooo close to being done the Moss Block Cardigan. Maybe I'll get that one done!

january eight

This morning there was a 3 page apology note with our gazette. It still doesn't justify the nasty post-it note. I don't know if he'll get fired, but I did learn that he's in his 60's, his wife helps him with his route (though he's the employee of the Gazette) because of his blood pressure, he can't finish on time, and that they do it for exercise. Maybe I'll get around to typing it up - if anyone is curious as to what it says.

Mackie likes to play peek-a-boo. It's too cute.

I got this box of rings not too long ago. I LOVE the color. I haven't decided what I'm going to do with them, but I have 12 of them in the box. They're glass rings, and I just love them.

The other day at Walmart I came across these packages of felt for "Needle Felting". I'm wondering if they'll be enough for a few Felted Soaps. I'll let you know when I start them (in about 2 weeks or so). I hope the size is okay.

Today I worked from home while the cleaning lady was here. I was also hanging around waiting for a call in regards to my new cousin - whom I met this evening. My sister and I went to meet our new baby cousin - both mother & baby are doing well. I cannot give you details yet, until Jenn has blogged about it herself. I'll let her do that first, and then I'll post the photos I took this evening - a couple of hours after he was born. I *knew* she was having a boy! And between myself with my 2 boys, Jenn with 2 boys, my cousin Lisa with 1 boy and another boy on the way... we have a hockey team! Seriously. It'll be fun with the family gets together, all the boys can play together, I can't wait! (Though, we are in serious need of a baby girl in the family!) (I had a dream a few nights ago that my next child (if I ever do have one) is a girl). (Though, I have a feeling that Jamie truly does NOT want any more kids). (I'm not sure yet how I feel). It's amazing how much of a CLONE the new baby is of his brother. Wow! My kids never looked alike, not at birth, not now. My kids have the same mother, and the same father, obviously. So do Jenn's kids. Same mommy & daddy. Clone! I wonder why some siblings are identical, and others, not. Genetics works in weird ways!

Today, the 6500th comment appeared on my blog. Nell, was the lucky commenter...! Nell, I need you to email me your address, and I'll send your prize along! CONGRATS GIRL! I'll have another contest soon, maybe for my 7777th commenter, or maybe for my 8888th commenter. But definitely again for my 10,000th commenter! So stay tuned!

I got no knitting done today. I'm jonesing to knit a stitch, but I'm zonked. It'll have to wait for tomorrow.

january seven

This is how we started off our morning. A note from our newspaper carrier stating on a post-it note "Thanks for never appreciating our service". Lovely. Basically asking "where's my Christmas tip?". Which was actually mailed two days ago, if they would have been a tad patient. (I had asked Jamie for over a week to write that check, and then it sat in my purse for a few days, as I was out of stamps and had to go to the post office to get stamps). Damn nerve. Jamie put a stop payment on the check (which was mad expensive), and we filed a complaint with the Gazette. First off, we're not expected to give tip. We've only been here 1 year, and regardless if we were living here 10 years, we are not expected to give a tip. However, we were pleased with their service, so we did write them a check and mailed it out.

Jamie called them, as their phone number was on the Christmas card they left in our mailbox (or mailed it, I can't remember). It's apparently a husband and wife team who deliver our paper, though, only the husband is an employee of the paper, according to the customer service representative I spoke to. The husband's answer to my husband "Oh, it was my wife who wrote that note"... (And that makes it okay?)

Anyhow, the complaint was made, the Gazette does NOT tolerate that, and I even put on file that I may not get my paper tomorrow. They wrote that down as a concern. They don't know if he'll get fired, but it's certainly not tolerated.

I just cannot believe that I actually got that with my newspaper.

I got some goody mail today:

My Bungalow 360 Owl bag. I love it. I saw it online somewhere and just had to have it.

Me likes.

I also received some yarn in the mail that I destashed from Bea.
It's Plymouth Yarn Rockin' Sox in color 6.

Today Mackie & I started Aqua Strollers. It feels goo to exercise in the pool again. I missed it over the holidays. One of the moms from yesterday's swim class is in the class, as well as a mom who's older son is 2 weeks older than Sean, and we took a class together with our now 2 year olds, at the Y back in the spring. It was great to see her again.

After the class, I picked up my mom and we met my friend Melissa (who was in Mack's swim class yesterday with her 4 month old, whom I went to high school with, and my mom taught with her dad years ago - my mom used to be a teacher), and we went to go see Bedtime Stories. Adam Sandler rocks. Really. He does. He's really funny. The movie was alright though. Not sure if it's worth full price. (Maybe as a DVD rental).

I'm not even sure what possessed me to leave the house today. The weather was mental. A lot of snow. Insane. I was cursing at myself pushing Mackie's stroller into the Civic Center to the pool earlier today. There's a lot of snow. I don't like a lot of snow. Even if it's fluffy snow.

We cancelled West Island Knits tonight because of the weather. I don't blame people for not wanting to leave their house!

Tonight while watching TV (Damages, Episode 5), I played with the skein winder my dad built for me. I had 3 balls of yarn I wanted to skein. 2 Sundara (Lenten Rose and Dahlia) and Wollmeise in Pillars of Fire, that I'd gotten in a de-stash from the lovely Betty. I like storing my yarn in skein, until I'm ready to use it. So to match all the other yarn, I skeined them.

ps- Still looking for that 6500th commenter!

january six :: 29 weeks old

Mack is 29 weeks old today.
Today for his 29th week shots, I have a series of photos.
Serious to happy:

"Ma, you're making me smile in front of the camera, again?"

"Ok, maybe I'll give a bit of a smile"

"Alright, alright, if you tickle me, of course I'll show a huge grin"

Can't believe he'll be 7 months old next week. I seriously feel like I just brought Sean home from the hospital! They're both growing up way too fast. How can I freeze time?

Today Mack started his swim lessons again for this session. I figured by taking the Tuesday morning class that I'd be avoiding the large weekend crowd. Yeah right. This class is PACKED! The nice thing is, my friend Melissa is in that class with her 4 month old son. So I know someone. And we both made friends with another mother, who has a son just a tad younger than Mack.

After swimming we decided to head into the city to go see the movie Marley & Me. It was really cute. I cried. A real tear jerker. I read the book, so I knew what to expect in the story, but forgot my kleenex anyhow. I recommend this movie. It was really good.

We ordered from a new place tonight for dinner. They have whole wheat pizza! Whoot! This is good. I have a hunch I'll end up ordering from them quite often. I'm allowed anything whole wheat/multigrain/ etc... on my diet. Just no white flour or sugar. And I've been very good since January 1st! Though, I am feeling my body go through sugar withdrawl.

We plopped ourselves on the couch tonight and watched some TV and did a little bit of knitting.... though, I'm pooped so I'm going to go to bed early it seems.

january five

Today we had playgroup. Though, we'd been out of the house all morning before playgroup running about a million errands. The errands, they seriously never end.

Playgroup is a lot of fun, and I enjoy talking to the other mothers while Mack hangs out with his friend. They are all so super cute together. (And there are a lot more boys in playgroup than girls). There was something in the water and everyone was having boys, seriously.

Mack makes the cutest faces. He's very expressive with his face. Makes me laugh...!

Yesterday Mackie tried Peaches for the first time, and he really liked them.
I think he's really getting used to the eating idea.
PHEW! Finally!

Since I was apparently told I wasn't allowed to go for cake time to celebrate Sean's birthday at school, Shayna's mom went. She just sent me the photos. (Shayna is 2 days younger than Sean, so they celebrated on December 30th for both of them, on Shayna's actual birthday):

I am not really sure why Sean looks so... "Smug" in this photo, but it's priceless....!

Blowing out the candles with their teacher Thiru.

Sean and some of his friends at daycare. Oy, 2 year olds are too cute.

On my way home today I stopped off at Walmart to do a return and pick up a (hockey) comforter set for Sean's new Twin bed (big boy bed!) I didnt end up doing the return because the line up was disgusting. Then I get to the cashes after finding what I needed in Walmart (needed more Bioré Daily Cleansing Wipes (I swear by this product)) and something else which at this moment I cannot recall (not important) and the line ups for the cash.... you'd think there was a natural disaster coming and everyone had to stock up. I waited in line for almost 45 minutes. WHY? Because it was the LAST hockey sheet & comforter sets and I love my son, whom I promised when he got home from daycare, would have it on his bed. (If they had been out of stock, I'd have been screwed...!)

Tonight was a sit on the couch & knit night, just what the doctor ordered.

january four :: 105 weeks old

Sean is 105 weeks old today.
We've got a goofy little kid on our hands.

The goofyness is fine by me. It keeps us all entertained.

Mack put himself to sleep this afternoon sucking his thumb. This is new. I've caught him with his thumb in his mouth before, not really thinking about it. I think we have a possible thumb sucker on our hands. I put him in his crib to shower, with some toys, and when I went back to check on him... he was fast asleep like this. Too cute.

This afternoon Sean had his friend Shayna's birthday party. It was held at the local Jewish Y and it was a lot of fun. Sean had a field day in the gym, I think that was his fave part. Sean is a very active 2 year old, so anything gym related is perfect for this kid.

I've started packing. Though, I honestly don't know where to begin. Packing for myself & two kids, is going to be interesting. I know that I can buy a lot of things where I'll be (diapers, baby food (for Mack), and all that jazz, but still. I did pull out a few tank tops for myself, as well as my new bathing suits, but I don't know where to begin.... really. And knitting? What do I take!?

So I came into my bedroom to find this. Mack tickling Sean.

And this grin on his face. Priceless.

They are too funny together. Though, I have to be careful, because Sean doesn't realize that he's double Mack's weight almost (Mack is 15 and a half pounds and Sean's 29 pounds) and that Mack cannot defend himself. I never leave them alone together at all. I just can't. Someone will get hurt! Though, I cannot wait until Mack's old enough to keep up with Sean!

Sat on the couch this evening and got some knitting done. It was an all new episode of Desperate Housewives. (And a good one to boot!)

For those of you interested, there are 2 spots left in the January Sock Club, and a handful of spots left in the February Sock Club.

Briggs & Little Atlantic for Sylvi (Twist Collective)

If anyone is interested in Briggs & Little Atlantic for Sylvi by Mari Muinonen (Ravelry Link) (Winter Issue of Twist Collective), I'm placing an order either Monday or Tuesday with my supplier. If you'd like to order enough yarn for this coat - then I'll order it for you - please contact me asap!

The coat requires between 1632 - 1904 yards, depending on size, and that's between 12-14 skeins. I usually carry 10 skeins of each colorway in stock, so I will be ordering a few more skeins of other colors, but the coat is done in RED. Let me know if you want any other color, or red. Either leave your details in this post in the comments for me to reach you - or email me at robyn @ robynsnest dot ca.

january three

So I'm still looking for my 6500th commenter on this blog. I can't believe the comments are that high! Keep 'em coming. I am sure I'll have a contest before the 10,000th commenter (but that's a milestone number!) Maybe again for the 7777th commenter or the 8888th commenter. Something like that. For sure. I like numbers. You like prizes. Win - win! Anyhow, above is the start to the prize that I'm putting together. There is a skein of cashmere/silk (which I believe is handspun), a skein of 100% baby apalca, and 2 skeins of sock yarn (50g each). All will come - with some other goodies I'm putting together, in this Gap Tote Bag. I bought 2, kept 1 for myself, (which I love) and I'm giving the other (identical except for color) away. It's a great project toting bag.

I'm destashing this skein of Madelinetosh Yarn in Beach Towel, from the Woolgirl Sock Club. The colors aren't me. I'm selling it for 25$ with the two patterns that come with it. Let me know if you're interested in it - first come first serve.

Last night, Sean slept the entire night in his big boy bed. He didn't even get out of it this morning. He called for us - like he used to do from his crib. I guess he's not used to the idea yet that he can crawl out of his bed. We put a foot stool at the end of the bed for easier access, and the side has a safety rail, so he doesn't roll out of bed. Nap time today in his big boy bed was very successful as well. I am so happy! We're going to keep the crib in his room for 2-3 more weeks, and then give it back to my dad's best friend, from whom we borrowed it from. Mack has his crib - which was originally Sean's in his nursery. Sean had moved to the big boy room, and instead of taking apart his crib and moving it - Mack got the nursery and we borrowed a crib. (If we should have a third child - to try for a girl (12% chance of that happening after 2 boys though), I will wait until Mack is at least 2 and a half and already in a big boy bed. This way, we have a crib for the nursery. But, that won't be for a while, but that's what the option is.

I got a lot of knitting done today, and am working on the 2nd sleeve on the Moss Block Cardigan. I hope to have it done soon. I'll just have to seam it together and do the button band. (Once the last sleeve is done, I've got about 1/3 knit already. It's a fast knit once you get into it. But I had a ton of stuff that was interrupting this project!

This evening we sat on the couch (and while I knitted) we watched the World Junior hockey tournament (Canada won a crazy game today against Russia I believe) and we watched some more of the show Damages. We're really liking it. I think Season 2 has just begun, or is beginning. I need to look into it.

january two

I've been living in my Airwalk "Crocs" lately. My heel on my left foot has been killing. I think I have a heel spur (which my mother suffers from as well). One of the things I can do to relieve the pain in my foot is to walk in rubber soled shoes. I dug out the pair of Airwalks I got, and I've been feeling a LOT better. I'm going to have to get a heel insole for my winter boots, as they are the worst. The worst pain is in the morning getting out of bed.

This morning my dad delivered Sean's big boy bed. It's actually my sister's old bed from when she was living at my parents house. My old bed is in the "baby" room at my parents house, acting as a guest bed.

Nap time was a disaster. He got out of bed a few times after he was done his milk. He went to the door. (He cannot get out of his room yet, he isn't strong enough to turn the handle on the door).

At one point he was screaming so much, and I'd already put him back into the bed a few times, that I had no choice but to put him back into his crib.

This evening though, he fell asleep in his big boy bed and I just peeked in, he's still asleep. And yes, those are He-Man sheets from the 80's. And a Pink Panther stuffed animal that I had as a kid.

I did promise Sean that I'd get him a proper comforter set, which I saw at Walmart in the kids linens department that they had the "Original Six" hockey set. I have a return to do at Walmart anyhow (when do I not have a return to do at Walmart?) and so in the next couple of days I'll pick him up a set.

Wow. My baby is in a big boy bed. I'm not so sure I'm ready for this yet, but I suppose I don't have a choice, do I? I am though very excited to see how he does in his big boy bed.

This afternoon Jamie had to run out to get something, so I did some cleaning up while the boys napped. When Jamie got home, we tried an episode of Damages, and liked it. Then Mackie woke up, I got him, and while Mackie enjoyed his bottle, we watched episode number 2. I got some knitting done, on the sleeve, for the Moss Block Cardigan and tomorrow I should be able to cast on sleeve number 2 - and then there is an end in sight!

I haven't shown you progress in a while, but here's the front of the Cardigan. I'll show you the sleeves when done (or at least the first sleeve)! It's super exciting on how close I am to the finish line. I'm wondering if it will fit Mack, or if it'll be too big? I can't tell yet.

This evening we watched another episode of Damages, we're apparently hooked to find out what happens next. It's a show that is on the FX network.

It feels like Sunday today. Actually yesterday felt like Sunday too. It does certainly feel like the weekend. Especially since Jamie's had all these days off. I think I need to get out of the house tomorrow, even just to run a few errands, or I'll go stir crazy. That's for sure. I'm not even sure what's going on tomorrow. All I know is that Sean has a birthday party on Sunday afternoon for his partner in crime. And I have a lot of laundry to do. That I do. Since it never ends.

I was shocked that Canada Post (trucks) made deliveries today & I got mail from my regular mailman today (bills, but still). I totally wasn't expecting any mail until Monday. At least I have 2 kids that get me up early, or I'd have shot the postman for ringing the bell at 9:34 am on a holiday weekend. I'd love to have a morning where I can sleep in, no kids. (Maybe one day my parents will babysit both kids at their house overnight... I can dream, can't I?)

ps - Still looking out for that 6500th commenter....! Just letting you know!

january one

January First. Wow. Where did 2008 go? I'm really not sure. It's very cold & icy here, as you can see from our frosted window. This one is actually Mack's bedroom window. Brrrr! (Though he's nice & toasty in his room).

The cats took some sun this morning. I love it when they cuddle together, it's just too cute. (It's either they are cuddling together, or Jazz is on top of Zeus trying to fight him. Not sure who usually wins, I never pay attention).

There was even some sweet kisses in the morning. Jazz as you can see allows Sean to get close. Zeus on the other hand takes off like you wouldn't believe. Won't let either kid near him. (Which is funny because Zeus is the attention seeker and Jazz couldn't really care about sitting on you, or getting a belly rub...).

Houston.... we have a winner! Found a food that Mr. Mack actually likes! Apples. He likes pureed apples. So happy we've found something that he likes. So we're going to stick with that for a few days and try peaches on Sunday. But today, he's eating half a jar of apples at lunch and the rest at dinner. I think we're on the right track to getting Mackie to eat. I'll let you know how the peaches go on Sunday. Hopefully he'll like that too.

I'm going strict on the GI DIET, which I did back in 2005 (March to September) and lost 25 lbs by my wedding day. This time around, it's going to be harder, since I had two babies since the last time I did this "life style change" (I don't call it a diet) and I know it's going to take exercise as well as changing my eating habits to lose weight this time around. I've been very good today, and I plan on continuing so that I can shed the rest of the baby weight. I've set my goals for 2009, and I'm NOT calling them Resolutions, because those don't stick.

This evening my in-laws came for dinner. My step-mother-in-law made stew and it was really good. We exchanged belated Chanukah/Christmas presents and the boys were TOTALLY spoiled. They also brought us gifts from family members that were at Christmas in Toronto that we couldn't make it to (because Mack was contagious for 48 hours from December 22nd - December 24th) and they were just totally spoiled. Toys & clothes, I think we need a bigger house now! I got an awesome Track Suit (I love it!) and a nice shirt from my in-laws. They were great.

They even brought over Cheesecake and I was good and DID NOT have a piece. Boy that was hard. Let me tell you! We played Chicken Foot (I came in 2nd) and I munched on veggies instead. Will power.

I've been working away at the Moss Block Cardigan. I'm sure I'll be done in the next couple of days. I have other things I need to start/finish/accomplish, so I want to get that one done! It's coming along great and I like it!

Wow... January first... Here's to a fabulous 2009!