september twelve

I left bright and early this morning to pick up Eugenie at 9 am. First we got gas. Then we dropped off some stuff at my sister's house for her boyfriend's sister and her boyfriend's cousin. I had some baby stuff for one of them and a friend of mine had some baby boy stuff for the other. After Amy's house drop off, I picked up Madeleine in the city and we headed for Hemingford, Quebec. It's just under an hour to get there.

We got there in good timing, and the drive wasn't bad at all. Roxham, which is just outside Hemingford, is literally seconds away from the US Border. We were so close to the USA that when we left, the exit we got back on was exit 1 and we were able to see the US border patrol from where we were. Insanely close, but none of us had our passport with us.

Roxham Woolgathering.

Organic Food Stand.
I bought 2 Organic Apples.
They were delicious.

Lady Godiva's Booth.

Colette Van Haaren's Booth.

I had a really nice time today, I bought a little bit of yarn from Lady Godiva, whom I've purchased yarn from now 3 years in a row (I really like her stuff), and she gave me a repeat customer discount, which was nice. Some of my purchases are pictured below, later in this post. I had some delicious Shish Taouk for lunch, and we chatted with a really nice lady from Boucherville who has been coming to this craft fair for a bunch of years now. It's really nice chatting with other people.

After lunch and hanging out some more, we headed back to the city. We decided to go to a coffee shop on Monkland to have a drink and knit. I worked on my test knit. I also got my Simply Knitting Issue that I've been looking for like crazy at the Multimags across the street from teh coffee shop. I am super happy about this. I am so glad that I didn't miss an issue.

Today I picked up some Lady Godiva Worsted in Purple (3 skeins).

Some Lady Godiva Sock in a very colorful colorway.

And a thin fingering weight in brown.

Eugenie bought me some roaving, which I want to use to make felted soap. Thank you so much Eugenie, I really appreciate you buying this for me. You really didn't have to - but she insisted.

Across from the coffee shop I picked up this neat set for Sean. I think he's really going to get a kick out of them! I know I do!

Madeleine gave me a Goddess Offering. I had seen that Madeleine herself had one around her neck on her necklace so Madeleine told me where she got it. I picked up one for a friend, and I didn't even think to pick up one for myself, but I am glad that Madeleine got me one. I am going to put it on my keychain, so she brings me luck.

I think she's so gorgeous!

After I took everyone home, I picked up milk for the kids and headed home. Jamie was home with the boys and my parents were just leaving when I got home. Jamie went out with my dad today to buy the railing that they are going to install in my front walkway. It really needs to get done before the winter, so I am glad that at least we own the parts now, and they'll get around the installing it soon.

Once I settled in, Jamie ran out to do an errand, and I stayed in with the kids. Sean was super rowdy in the playroom, and I'm certain it's because he didn't nap today. Jamie picked up Tasty Foods for supper, which was really good. I hadn't had pizza from there in a while. And now that the place in my area that used to be able to get the whole wheat pizza from doesn't seem to keep it in stock anymore, I am glad that I was able to have really yummy whole wheat pizza. I used to order from Tasty Foods all the time when I lived in the city, but they won't deliver to where I live now, and it's not a chain restaurant.

I did a lot of laundry folding again tonight, while I watched some episodes of Hung & Dexter with Jamie. Dexter is getting really good, and we're trying to watch a few episodes at a time just to get caught up. And it's almost at the point where I just want to keep watching because I want to know what happens next. It's just that good and messed up at the same time. I sit on the edge of my seat each episode. Also, the really gory stuff, I can't watch. I close my eyes or turn away. Ick! I'm not a fan of blood. There is seriously a bunch of stuff in that show that could seriously give me nightmares at night. I'm shocked I haven't had any bad dreams by watching this show. (Yet).

september eleven

Sean's drop off at daycare this morning was a disaster. He kept asking me a million times if he could come with me to the Family Corn Roast - which he was attending, because it's at his daycare. But he didn't seem to understand what "Mommy, Mack and Bubbie are coming later to the corn roast", he thought that meant he wasn't included. Trying to explain it to a 2 and a half year old just wasn't working this morning. We both sounded like a broken record. Him asking and me answering the same thing over and over again. One of his teachers upon drop off asked me what time Sean gets up in the morning, but I don't understand how waking him up any earlier would get him to nap at daycare. He hasn't been napping well at daycare at all. I think it's the new kids in his class that caused a distruption as some of the kids from his old class have moved up to his class now, and aren't adjusting well. And it could very well be that he's done with napping all together. We'll see what next week brings. I'm going to try to wake him up a bit earlier to see if it makes a difference.

Mack cried at his drop off this morning too. I really hope that they adjust better soon, it's really breaking my heart to have both my kids in tears every morning.

I worked today in the office. I brought my laptop with me today and I actually ended up leaving it at work, because my manager wasn't done the work to get my computer back to the way it was, and I really don't need to use it if it's not the way I had it.

Today we received our season tickets for the new Habs season. I am getting very excited for the season to start! Go Habs Go! Pre-season starts next week. I can't wait.

This afternoon after work I met my mom at Sean's daycare. She had Mackenzie with her as she picked him up at lunch time. Today was his last morning only at daycare. Monday he starts full time. I'm curous to know how that'll go. Anyhow, my mom's mom joined us as well, and that was nice. We had some corn on the cob, we chatted with some of the other parents that were there, and then we headed on our way.

We had dinner back at my parents house tonight since Jamie had ball tonight, I didn't feel like eating alone with the boys. My parents made a fish plate and some hot dogs for the boys, and we had a nice dinner. My grandmother said for dinner as well.

After dinner, the boys played a bit in my parents basement before we headed home. I put the kids to bed and then did some work and some laundry as well. At some point, I went up stairs to get something, and I couldn't understand why there was light coming from Mack's room. There's no way he could get out of his crib. When I peaked in, he was fast asleep in his crib. I must have forgotten to turn off the light before leaving his room. I've never done that before. Very weird. He didn't even wake up when I opened his door to see why his light was on. He must have been very tired! I caught up on some Monk tonight, and folded almost all of the laundry. The laundry that never ends.

Happy Birthday Jenn!

My thoughts are with those whom lost loved ones 8 years ago today on September 11th, 2001.

september ten

This morning I had a better drop off a Sean's daycare, he went straight into the science room, and there were no tears shed this morning. Mack's drop off though, he cried. It'll take some time. I know eventually he'll stop, but right now, I am learning to be strong.

This morning I ran to Ariadne to pick up a copy of Interweave Weekend. They are the first ones I know of to get it in, and I wanted a copy. I have a subscription to Interweave Knits Magazine, but the special issues are not part of the subscription. On my way home I checked a magazine shop that I know usually carries Simply Knitting, and they didn't have the issue I am looking for. I stopped off also at the Used Book Market and they have absolutely no selection of Knitting Magazines. I wanted to see if I could find some older issues of anything, but they've got nothing. Even their craft magazine selection is poor.

When I picked up Mack today, his teachers said he was smiling with them today. This is good. I'm happy with this! I had to feed him lunch again today at home, because he refused to eat lunch at daycare.

After my cleaning lady left today we went to go visit Mack's friend C.
C is 4 months younger than Mack. They became instant friends.

While I was there C's mom was going through his outgrown stuff, as she wanted to get rid of it, and I happen to know someone who is in need of baby boy clothes and is due in December. It was really hard to part with C's stuff, and she made sure that I would tell their new owner that they were very loved clothing. I agree and know how it is - I'm going to have a hard time parting with my boys stuff when it comes time. So many cute outfits that were also very loved in our house.

I got some really cute photos of Mack while we were there today.

Gosh, I just love my new camera.

Mack in action walking!

In case I don't find anything I like for Hallowe'en, I borrowed 2 costumes from C. One is his, and one is his brother's. Mack may be a dalmation, and Sean may be a Super Elmo. We'll see if I get anything else, if not, at least I have this backup. C's brother is a lot older than Sean, so he has old costumes from when he was younger that C isn't even big enough for yet, which is great for me to borrow. I'm not going to spend rediculous amounts of money on a costume for either of them, but if I find a good deal, then maybe I'll purchase new ones, if not, a Dalmation and Super Elmo it is!

It was really nice chatting with C's mom, we're becoming fast friends. She's such a sweet heart, and you don't even realize that she is 11 years older than me. Age is just a number, right? I've always been really good friends with older people, maybe it's just where I fit in best. Hey, even my husband is almost 6 years older than I am. I'd always been attracted to older guys/men.

After leaving their house, I went to return some cans to the grocery store. Mack feel asleep for a bit in the stroller, and was really good. The bottle cans were piling up. Jamie wanted them out of the house or he was going to throw them out (that's his threat when he really is sick of seeing those bottle cans!) I can't believe how many I had. I didn't even get to return them all just before I was about to start on my last bag, their machine broke down with some mechanical error. So all I was able to return was 17.35$ worth of can. At .05¢ a can, that's 347 cans. Oh my! I really needed to get those out of the house!

After returning the cans, I picked up Sean from daycare and then came home and made soup for dinner. Sometimes, there's nothing better than a good bowl of chicken noodle soup. Sean got a kick out of eating it with a Japanese Soup Spoon. Though, I think he made more of a mess than anything!

Tonight I watched 2 episodes of Big Brother with Jamie as we were a little behind. Though, I'm not sure how I kept my eyes open on the sofa. Lying down watching them, I caught myself falling asleep. On that note, I'm off to bed!

september nine :: 09/09/09 :: 64 weeks old

Today is 09.09.09.
Lovin' it.

Mack is 64 weeks old today.

This morning daycare drop off was really hard again. Sean cried again but his teacher who wasn't so nice the other day was a lot nicer this morning. Mack cried again by the front door of his daycare before we even entered. He's smart. He knows what's going on now. I worked at home all morning until I had to go pick up Mack, who was crying when I got there. His teacher said he wasn't crying the entire time, but he was crying off and on.

I fed Mack lunch and then put him down for a nap. My friend Francesca came over to watch the season premier of 90210 that was on last night. She forgot to set it to record and I was able to get it online, so she came over to watch it. After Francesca left, I got some more work done and then Madeleine came over. While she was over she kept me company while I folded some laundry (the never ending laundry) and after Mack woke up from his nap we went to go pick up Sean from daycare. I made pesto pasta for supper (I love pesto!) and fed the boys and then headed to knit night with Madeleine.

Tonight at knit night we were a nice size group. I worked on my test knit the entire time, it's coming along great. I cannot wait to have it done already.

Tomorrow is Teddy Bear day at daycare for Sean, we picked out a teddy bear this evening before I left to knit night and even found him a t-shirt that has a teddy bear on it. Way to go me! One extra point for mommy! And Friday is the Family Corn Roast at Sean's daycare, looking forward to that too!

september eight

Today I was stuck home waiting for FedEx. So I had my mom come sit at my house while I dropped both kids off at school. Normally she'd do it for me if I was stuck home, but I wanted to do the drop off for Mackenzie since it's still new for him. I didn't want to confuse him and he's glued to my mom usually when she's around. (She loves it). I even had to have her sneak into my house after I left so that the boys didn't see her. (Or that would be the end of leaving my house without a fight). Sean cried again at drop off at school. I just don't get it - because he's been there almost a year now. Mack realized where he was again this morning and cried on the stairs on the way up to his classroom. I really am having a hard time with this drop off thing right now. Can we just skip ahead a few weeks when they are both comfortable and not crying anymore? I'd really like that, a lot.

There was no FedEx delivery while I was out dropping off the kids at school, but I couldn't chance it. If I hadn't had my mom come sit at my house, they would have for sure stopped by when I was not home. (My luck).

I worked from home today until my mom picked up Mackenzie from daycare at lunch. Mack wasn't crying when she picked him up today, in fact she said she heard no crying at all from any kid. This is good. Though he started to cry as soon as he saw her, because of course he no longer wanted to be at daycare after seeing my mom. I had to feed Mack lunch as soon as he got home because he refused to eat at daycare. Apparently this hunger strike at daycare is normal for a child just starting. He even refused to drink any bottles. He never refuses a bottle of milk at home. They even have the same bottle at daycare like we have at home, since I had to supply them with one. It's not as if it's a new type of bottle to him.

I was able to get him down for a nap today after he was done having his lunch. FedEx finally came while he was napping and I'm super happy that the doorbell didn't wake up Mack.

My laptop now turns on!! It was the mainboard that fried. I am so happy that it's back. I am going to bring it into work on Friday and have my manager restore it back to all my settings. He says he will be able to do that. I'm crossing my fingers.

I worked at home until Mack woke up and then we ran out to do some groceries before I picked up Sean from daycare. One of his teachers was a real bitch today when I picked him up. She was like "Well since you didn't look at Sean's book in his cubby Thursday is Teddy Bear Day and Friday is the Family corn roast from 4-6 pm". Huh? How did she know that I didn't read his book? Where was this coming from? I check his book every day upon pick up because I want to know how he was during the day, they check off his behavior, how he napped, how he ate during the day. And then she proceeded to tell me that Sean has had a runny nose and he has been coughing all day. Uhm really? From the time he got home until I left tonight, not a single cough was released from his chest, nor a single drip from his nose. Maybe she has a kid confused with mine?? That's entirely possible. No sick kid here. I just hate how if she had a bad day, she takes it out on the parents and makes you feel like you're the bad parent. Really not cool. I sometimes wish that Sean hadn't moved up to the new class. I absolutely love his teachers in the younger class. His new ones are just not as friendly.

I made a taco dinner tonight (on whole wheat wraps!) super delicious and healthy too!

Tonight I had the Montreal Knitting Guild Meeting from 7:30 - 9:30 pm. It's nice to be back after the summer break. Tonight, some of my West Island Knit group girls joined at the Guild, and it was nice to have them there, and see Jenn as well, since I don't get to see her at all anymore. I had fun, I paid my dues, got my notes for the next edition of the newsletter (I'm the editor), and worked only one row of the socks I'm test knitting for one of my patterns coming out soon. I really just wasn't in the mood to knit tonight as everyone was doing show and tell from what they've been working on all summer. I brought my Ishbel with me to show off, but didn't feel like bringing anything else.

september seven

Since Jamie was home today, I got to sleep in. Though, both boys got up at 5 am, because Mack got up screaming. It's the first time in a LONG time that one boy has woken up the other. I was able to get Mack back to sleep after his bottle. Sean I had to change as he was soaked again, and change his sheets as well. After he had milk as well, he went back to sleep. 5 am is just too early. I am certainly not a fan of 5 am. I hope to not see that time again for a very long time.

Sean entertaining Mack with Peek-a-boo this morning.

This afternoon I went to pick up an order with Tanis Fiber Arts. I just love her stuff and am glad she's dyed another colorway for my sock club. I love chatting with her, she's super sweet. Her stuff is one of my fave. If you haven't tried out her yarn yet, you totally have to.

Since I was in the city, I took a few minutes to stop off at the magazine shop near my old place to see if they got in the issue of Simple Knitting that I'm looking for. No such luck. However, they did happen to have in the new Debbie Bliss issue - Fall/Winter 2009. Great issue. Already spotted a few things I'd love to make. I'm also curious as to when Interweave Weekend is coming out. I had no idea they were even making that magazine issue until I saw it advertised.

When I got back I dropped Sean off at my parents house. He wanted to go over swimming and it was nice out, and they keep their pool at 90 degrees, so for September, I'm glad he was able to take advantage. I came home to a sleeping Mackenzie, so that Jamie could go to the driving range. I worked until Mack got up from his nap and then once Jamie got back we went to my parents house for a BBQ dinner. My grandmother was there tonight as well as my dad's best friend and his family. I can't believe how big my dad's best friends kids are getting. I used to babysit them. A long time ago. This makes me feel old. I had a nice time at dinner.

Tonight while at my parents house, I mentioned to my mother that I had lost my 2 blue spatulas and that I was looking for them when I was making muffins the other day. She went into her kitchen and said "What, these blue spatulas?" Apparently, they have been at my mother's house since Mack's 1st birthday party back in June. Not sure how they ended up there, but they've been there since. Glad to have them back.

Tonight after the kids were in bed Jamie and I watched an episode of Dexter. We're really trying to squeeze in as many as possible, as it's getting really good and we keep just wanting to know what happens next. What a strange strange show though. It's insane!

september six :: 140 weeks old

Sean is 140 Weeks Old today.

This morning Jamie left early to go golfing. I cuddle in bed with Sean while still half asleep. Mack was easily able to get back to sleep after his morning bottle, so Sean watched tv in my bedroom while we cuddled (and I shut my eyes for a bit). Somehow after cuddling, Sean managed to completely dump out the toy basket in my bedroom. It looked like someone ransacked my bedroom. Sean sure knows how to make a mess, that's for sure.

I fed the boys bagels for breakfast or brunch, whatever you want to call it. We got dressed and by the time we were ready my friend Rhonda was over with her son, Mack's friend Jordan. I had to get out of the house. The kids needed to get out of the house. It was such a nice day today, I'm so glad we took advantage. I loaded the boys up in the wagon, and Rhonda pushed Jordan in her stroller (we tried to see if all three boys would fit in the wagon, but it wasn't happening. Amy showed up with Harley and we all walked over to the "big park". That's what Sean calls it. It's the park up the street from our place. It has more things than the park in front of our house, so Sean has nicknamed it "big park".

We played at the park for quite some time, until the boys got restless.

Mack & Jordan

Mack & Jordan sharing their snack.

We had a really nice time at the park. By the time we got home, Jamie arrived home at the exact same time. Good timing. I put Mack down for a nap, (I've given up on fighting Sean to take his nap on the weekends) and had some free time to myself for a bit, since Sean hung out with Jamie. I updated facebook with recent pictures of the boys, I had been meaning to do that since we've gotten home from Niagara Falls, and yesterday Jamie's step-aunt made a comment that I was behind on updating my photos...! So I did the update for her!

This evening I was craving ribs so we went to Scores for dinner. It hit the spot. It was super delicious! Sean's friend Noah's grandmother was sitting at the table next to us. Not realizing who she was at first, I told Jamie I knew her from somewhere but couldn't place her. Noah is in Sean's class at daycare. I'd met her on a few occasions, at a birthday party Sean was invited to as well as at daycare events. She recognized Sean and said hello, so we talked for a few minutes. Really nice lady.

After we put the kids to bed tonight we watched Big Brother and then some more Dexter. I think we're addicted to finding out what happens next. It's so hard just to watch 1 episode. And ever episode just gets more and more derranged as we're going!

Today doesn't feel like Sunday night. I'm not sure what it feels like. It's very strange!

september five

I slept in today and I really appreciate Jamie for letting me do so. Once I got up he headed out the door to pick up fresh bagels and we had a bagel brunch. The bagel shop around the corner from our house, (we literally live behind it), has flax seed whole wheat bagels. They are super delicious.

My sister came over for a bit with Harley and the two of them (Sean & Harley) tired each other out. They had a field day running around my backyard.

While outside, I noticed some almost ready red pepper!

This afternoon we had a birthday party for Jamie's step-aunt's 75th birthday. This picture of Jamie and I is my new absolutely fave picture. I'm printing this one for sure, and framing it.

We had a good time at the birthday party surrounded by family. Sean had a field day playing with his cousins. My step-sister-in-law picked up foam swords for the kids, and they had a field day playing with them. What an inexpensive way to keep the kids busy for a few hours!

Mack made friends with my step-sister-in-laws cousin who is 18 years old. She's in Montreal at McGill for school. She's from Boston. Real nice girl, and fell in love with Mackie.

We had an interesting time at the party. Mack decided to take off his pants and climb up on a chair. Never seen him do this before. I've seen him take off his socks, but nothing more than that. Today it was his socks and his pants. I've also seen him climb up on the couch at home, but it's lower than the chair he climbed up onto today. It was cute.

I'm super happy that I packed with the kids pj's (Mack's pictured above in his). Sean ended up sitting in a dirty diaper too long (while he was playing with his cousins) and by the time I got to change it it had leaked into his pants. And we're not talking just number 1. It was a royal stinky disaster. He was changed immediately into his pj's and spent the rest of the evening in them. If I hadn't brought his pj's he would have been without pants and that wouldn't have been good as it's starting to get really chilly at night. I'm happy I had thought to bring a sweater-thingy for myself, as I was in a tank top (my fave black one - see picture above) and started to freeze once the sun went down. I need to start packing change of pants as well, not just change of shirt. Pants can get just as dirty as a shirt can. You'd think I'd have learned by now!

So now my father-in-law wants the same Nikon D60 that I have. He's super jealous. He totally thought that he would have upgraded before I did. He's had his Canon Rebel (the original rebel) from when I got mine. I then upgraded to the Canon Rebel Xt. And now, to the Nikon. Let me tell you, I am positive he'll end up getting one. Just a matter of time. My father-in-law is an aspiring amateur. He loves it. He wouldn't call himself a professional but he defintely snaps away whenever there is family functions, etc.

This evening we had to ditch out earlier than we wanted as the boys had to get to bed. We definitely stayed a lot later than their bedtime, but there is only so much time they could stay awake for and be functional. Since this was still early enough, Jamie and I watched a couple of episodes of Dexter to catch up. It's so hard just to sit down and watch only 1 episode. Impossible. You just want to know what happens next.

september four

This morning Sean woke up soaking wet. I cannot understand how he is soaking through over night. He's making on the potty before bed, and we're putting him in a fresh diaper before he goes to bed, seconds before turning off the light. And we're giving him minimal milk before bed. He fights us if we don't give him any milk at all, so I cannot cancel out his before bed milk. It was so bad this morning that I had to give him a bath so he didn't get a rash on his skin. Usually if he's a bit wet in the morning I just wipe him down with a wash cloth. But this morning it was way worse than usual.

Sean threw a fit (I see a theme going on here every morning lately) this morning when I wanted to leave the house. He wanted to finish watching Barney on Sprout (our fave channel right now for the kids - Sean got sick of Disney right now and is on a Sprout kick). He then threw a fit at daycare when I dropped him off. Apparently he doesn't like school anymore.

Mack's drop off was next. Mack realized where he was and started to cry before I even handed him off to his teacher. He did go to her arms, but not happily. It is so super hard to listen to your kids cry when you drop them off. It's breaking my heart, and makes me feel guilty. It's so hard listening to your child cry because all they want is you. And it's worse when it's both kids doing it. I honestly think it's because he was home way too many days last week because of his ear infection and he's reacting because of that. Also, add in the factor that new kids started in the younger class at his daycare, so his friends whom he used to be with are now in his class with him, but they're freaking out to the change of teachers and are crying as well. One child cries, it sets off a chain reaction.

I worked at home until I picked up Mack from daycare. It is such a disaster around Mack's daycare as they are doing construction on the main street. I know all the back roads now because of the construction, which I guess is not really a bad thing.

Mack cried off and on today. I'm glad to hear it wasn't 100% of the time. He has yet to eat at daycare, he's been on a food strike while there. He won't even take milk from them in his bottle, he throws it on the floor. Hopefully next week he'll start eating a bit more.

Mack napped all afternoon. I got more work done while he napped, but was glad to get it all done so by the time he got up I was able to play with him until we had to leave to get Sean from daycare.

After dinner tonight Jamie and I caught up on some more episodes of Dexter. We finished Season 1 tonight, and we're onto Season 2. I don't think we'll be able to finish Season 2 and 3 before Season 4 starts at the end of September, but maybe. It's such a messed up show, I love it. I'm seriously on the edge of my seat every episode we watch. I didn't feel like knitting tonight while we watched tv, so I took a break tonight. Just sat back and relaxed while watching tv. It's rare that I do this, but I've been working on deadline items, and having finishing some deadlines recently, I took a breather.

Today I'm loving my black ring.

september three

Sean was a little better at drop off today.
Mack started to cry at his drop off, as we started to go up the stairs (above) to his daycare.

I ran some errands this morning. It's amazing how fast I can do errands when I'm alone. I really was on a roll with my errands and got more than I thought I'd actually get done accomplished. It's faster when you don't have to keep taking a baby in and out of the car.

I picked up Mack after my errands, and fed him lunch. He's not too keen on eating at daycare yet. Apparently he threw his milk on the floor when they gave it to him. Little bugger. He never turns down milk. He's just fighting back at daycare. I guess it's normal. After lunch I put Mack down for a nap.

I had a little visit from Ariella, which was nice. She was in search of some bamboo circulars and I just happened to have some. She got what she needed and it was nice chatting with her. I like visitors. It's always nice.

I watched Episode 1 of the final season of Monk while doing some work. I'm so upset that it's the final season, I really like that show. I worked on my test knit while watching the episode.

When I picked up Sean from daycare today his teacher said he had a sad day today. He says he was happy today. Apparently he missed me all day, hence why he was so sad. Is this supposed to make me feel guilty that I send him to daycare? As soon as Mack's in daycare full time I will be working more hours in the office, so I'm not sitting on my ass doing nothing at home, that I should feel guilty for sending my son to daycare. I wonder if sometimes the teachers gets the kids mixed up at 5pm when we go to pick up our children. I really wonder. I repeately asked Sean this evening if he had a sad day at school today and he kept saying "No mommy, I had fun. Happy day". Ugh!

I've been having fun playing with my new D60. Oh my goodness the quality in low light without flash. Loving it.

Sean likes to help me recycle. We have a serious problem though. He likes to put the items in the huge bin outside. I found the front door open just recently, as Sean went to put something outside in the bin. This is bad for several reasons. 1) He forgot to close the door when coming in and the cat got out. 2) HE WENT OUTSIDE BY HIMSELF! This is not good. I am going to have Jamie install a chain on the door because I cannot risk Sean walking off and something happening to him. Not good! I can't believe he's now able to open the front door and wander off. It's seriously terrifying.

My adorable son making a wish with his eyes closed.

Testing out the lighting in my den. No flash again. Just love the quality.

My boys & I

My silly boys.

My sister stopped by to drop off a UV filter she picked up for me when she bought her camera tonight. When I got my camera last night they were out of stock, and the manager was transferring one for me to the store by me today. I was going to go pick it up today, but of course I have great taste and she wanted to get the same camera as me, so while buying her new camera, she picked up the UV filter for me.

This evening we had pasta from my fave Italian place in our area, Tutti Giorni (my cousin owns the restaurant) and I had my usual, which is whole wheat vongoli (seafood sauce). It's absolutely delicious let me tell you! I love it everytime.

This evening I watched Big Brother with Jamie and then 2 episodes with Dexter. I worked on finishing up McDuff while watching tv. This resulted in a finished object!

Specs:

Pattern: MacDuff
Yarn: .49 of a skein Dream in Color Classy in Gothic Rose
Needle: US 8 / 5.0 mm
Size: Large
Timeline: August 6th, 2009 - September 3rd, 2009 (was working on other things as well).
Modifications: Followed pattern as published.
Opinion: It was a more advance knit as there were very intricate cable stitches in the hat.
It was a nice challenge though.

september two :: 63 weeks old

Mack is 63 Weeks old today.

This morning I got to sleep in a little later than usual. The boys slept in as well. I eventually got the boys ready and took Sean to daycare. Again this morning was a bit of a fuss. I really hope that he stops this "I no like daycare" business. He's been there almost a year (September 23rd marks one year since he started). Everyday he does enjoy himself. I am not sure what this fuss in the morning is all about.

Mack was dropped off next at daycare. Still not realizing where he was, he went from my arms to his teacher's arms. No real freak out there this morning, until I started to leave and he realized.

I worked at home until I had to leave to go pick up Mack before the daycare's nap time. (12:30 pm for Mack's daycare). I had enough time to go to the post office and pick up a wipe container for the wipes at Mack's daycare as I was asked to bring one when I dropped him off this morning. (I have to supply diapers & wipes for Mack's daycare. Sean I only have to supply diapers). I picked up Mack, and apparently he napped for 1 of the 2 and a half hours he was there this morning. How that is possible, I am not even sure, as he slept in this morning. They said he was pretty much crying most of the time he was there (while awake). I know it'll take some getting used to - and him crying is normal. He has to realize that I will come back to get him, and he's not being left there forever. Until he builds that trust, he'll still cry. It just sucks that this week is a 4 day week as he started only on September 1st which was yesterday, a Tuesday, and next week is a 4 day week because of labor day on Monday of next week.

I fed Mack a pasta lunch (always my fave), and put him down for a nap. I'm not sure what that 1 hour morning nap was, but he never fails to nap in the afternoon for me. I made sure he went down for his nap before the appointment that I had with a contractor to come look at the floor in my basement where we think the water is coming UP from the ground (when it rains really heavy only), and before my appointment with my new trainer. My trainer was coming half an hour after the contractor was supposed to be here. Well, my trainer showed up, and the guy still hadn't. I trained an entire hour, he still never showed up. I called the company, as it was actually my father who had set up the appointment for the guy to come see my floor, and the guy was like "I have no record of an appointment at your house but your address sounds familiar". In the end, he sent his guy at 4pm.

I trained from 1:30-2:30 with an old friend of my sister's. My sister actually trains with her as well. She is a personal trainer and I had a good work out today. She came to my house today because Mack was in his crib napping. Usually I'll be going to her place, where she has a full basement gym or something. I'll start going there once Mack's in daycare full time. We will be focusing on my stomach and my thighs. Though I think as much as I could possibly tone those two areas, I don't think I'll ever be satisfied with the results. What women loves her stomach and thighs? Come on! Get real! She explained to me what my workout would be and I tried out all the movements. It's a mixture of Pilates exercises. I had a lot of fun and I have a feeling I'll be freakin' sore tomorrow. I hope to see her once a week and once she gives me a print-out of what exercises I'm doing, so I can follow (I have a bad memory when it comes to remember exactly what to do), then I want to do it 2-3 times on my own during the week, plus the one time a week I'll be training with her. I have a goal to have a flat stomach and nicer thighs before I go to Florida in the new year. Reasonable! At least this time in Florida I'll be 40 lbs lighter. I like the sound of that. This past year, I only started my weight loss program the day after returning from Florida. And maybe this upcoming trip I can actually wear a bathing suit. Last year we didn't go swimming once. It was too cold the entire trip.

After my trainer left, the contractor finally showed up. He took a look. There are two options, but we must run a test first, either the next time it rains, or by turning on the hose outside and letting it run by a crack we found in the exterior wall, but not in a location we thought would affect where I've been finding puddles. If the water runs into the house from this crack, then we'll have to fix the crack outside the house (800$ + tax). If it's not coming in through there, then we have an option of putting in a sump pump (950$ + tax), which will flush out any water under the house. He says if it is the crack in the wall or not, he recommends fixing the crack anyhow, as it's large enough for him to put his screw driver into, and putting in the sump pump is not a bad idea either. (So 1750$ + tax). Not an expense we were expecting, but better than 20,000$ + for having to excavate around the house if there was a problem in the pipes. He showed me a quote of a house in Pointe-Claire that he has to excavate and not only will it cost her about 15K for the work, but she had just put in a brand new deck in her backyard (3000$) which will have to be taken apart and put back when she is done the work for her pipes, and all her landscaping, etc. I'm so happy that it's not that for my house. What a relief. When I spoke to Jamie this evening he said we'd run the hose sometime soon and see if the water is even coming into the house from that crack.

This evening before knit night I met Amy at Dumoulin. She has a contact there, who is the manager. He had mentioned to Amy that if she ever needed anything to let him know. When he reminded her again this week, she was like "actually yes....". So I was getting a good deal on the Nikon D3000 which comes out next week. However, I ended up walking out of there tonight with the Nikon D60. The D60 is the best selling DSLR by Nikon, or maybe even the best selling Nikon digital camera even. In any case, I have 15 days if I decide I don't like it and want to get the D3000. However, there is such slim differences between the 2 cameras, and they're both 10.2 megapixels. They are so close in features, that it wasn't worth me waiting an extra week to get the D3000, and pay a lot more for it. Made no sense to me. So I walked out of the store tonight with my new digital camera! And let me tell you, I'm in love with it. I am so super happy that I got it.

Tonight at knit night I worked on MacDuff. I am almost done the repeat before starting the decreases to finish off the hat. It's coming along really well.

Look at this quality of low light imagery. I swear, if I had taken this exact same shot with my Canon, it would not have come out this clear without a tripod. The quality is just unreal what I am able to do with low light situations.

Tonight I was surrounded by a small group of knitters. It was a small group, but nice nonetheless. Small groups are just as nice as larger groups.

Hi, I'm Robyn and I'm no longer a Canon Cowgirl. I've finally flipped to the better side.

september one

This morning's drop off for Sean at daycare was a disaster again. He cried and threw a little fit. I am really not happy that it's as if I'm starting all over again with him at drop off. Mack's drop off was next. I dropped him off with all his things and went over a few things with his teacher. While I was talking to his teacher, there was a little girl in the side room (where there are more toys and whatnot) and she was in a high chair crying. I keep telling myself that I am not remembering this correctly, but I could have sworn she closed the door to the side room to not hear the kids screaming so she could go over the things she needed to go over with me. I really hope I'm remembering this all wrong, and that didn't really happen. I snuck out while Mack was playing with some toys. He didn't even notice me leave. I headed to work.

My mom ended up picking up Mack after 2 hours. They called her to come and get him. They really didn't give him a chance. They said he was crying for the entire 2 hours. I'm wondering what they even tried to do to comfort him? My mom said he was sitting on the rug crying when she arrived there. She wasn't sure if they were paying attention to him or not. I'll be finding out tomorrow what exactly went on. Maybe he was hungry? Maybe he was thirsty? Did they try giving him bunny? (One of the three now lives at daycare). Did they comfort him? Or did he just realize that mommy left him and he has to get used to the idea that I will come back and get him, and that he won't be left there for good? I am not 100% happy with the way his first day of daycare went, but I'm hoping there is an explanation for everything (including why one of Mack's teachers refused to speak to my in English), and that tomorrow will be better than today was.

I worked until 4:3opm today and ran some errands on my way home. I picked up a birthday gift for Jamie's step-Aunt who is turning 75 years old on Saturday. While at the bank I ran into an old friend who just had a baby with his wife. I had no idea they were living in my neck of the woods. I hope to meet their baby girl one of these days. They are literally living around the corner from me. What a small world.

I was craving whole wheat pizza tonight and of course the place we order the whole wheat pizza from didn't have any whole wheat dough in stock tonight. Jamie, Sean & Mack shared a pizza and I ended up having a souvlaki brochette plate. Wasn't exactly what I wanted, but it was still good. They guy said that the whole wheat is either in stock and no one orders it so it goes stale and they throw it out, or they have it in stock and it sells out fast. I simply have to wait for the next time they make a batch.

Tonight we watched Dexter, Big Brother & I worked on MacDuff. Here are some progress pictures from today:

MacDuff Hat.

My drop stitch scarf.

And trying out my new 9" Hiya's (2.75mm/US2), which I'm using for a test knit for my shop. I'm loving these knittles, they are just awesome.