Some Thoughts on Osteoporosis

I know that Osteopenia is currently affecting someone in my family as I currently have a relative who has it. While having osteopenia, it is considered by many doctors to be a precursor to osteoporosis, luckily not every person diagnosed with osteopenia will develop osteoporosis. Which I guess if treated well, can maybe delay or even allow one to never get osteoporosis all together.


Are you concerned that osteoporosis could get in the way of the things you love – or need – to do? One in four Canadian women over 50 have osteoporosis. And, while it can strike at any age, it’s most common after menopause. I thought maybe you would be interested in the new Osteoporosis Awareness website, On The Go Women.

On The Go Women aims to educate women about the disease and stresses the importance of managing the condition with treatment and a healthy lifestyle.

I wanted to share with you, my readers, some recipes that I plan on trying out. Award-winning cookbook author and TV host Margaret Dickenson and OnTheGoWomen.ca have some recipes that are not only tasty but also carefully developed to be osteo-friendly. Go to OnTheGoWomen to learn more about smart eating for stronger bones.

1 1/3 cups (325 mL) plain yogurt (low fat)
1/2 cup (125 mL) whole almonds (with skins)
1/4 cup (60 mL) liquid honey
1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh blueberries
3/4 cup (180 mL) granola
2 cups (500 mL) sliced fresh strawberries
4 chocolate sticks (optional)

Makes 4 servings

Start off your morning with a mesmerizing calcium-rich treat that will set the mood for a perfect day. The uniqueness of this fruit and nut yogurt combination, is due to the strategic layering of ingredients, flavours, textures and even colours. The "Wow" factor comes from the whole almonds and the drizzles of honey - not to mention the chocolate stick garnish if included.

1. In 4 individual bowls/glasses, arrange 1/4 of the yogurt, then top with a half dozen whole almonds and drizzle with 1 1/2 tsp (8 mL) of honey.
2. Continue by adding 2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh blueberries, then 2 tbsp (30 mL) granola and 1/2 cup (125 mL) of sliced fresh strawberries.
3. Drizzle strawberries with remaining honey, top central area with remaining granola and almonds.
4. Serve promptly garnished with a chocolate stick if desired.

Calcium (mg):
yogurt 640
+ almonds 206
+ honey 4
+ blueberries 5
+ granola 75
+ strawberries 60
+ chocolate 25

TOTAL 1015

Calcium per serving: 254 mg

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) red cherry/grape tomatoes (cut in half)
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) yellow mini tomatoes* (cut in half)
1 1/2 cups or 10 oz sliced (375 mL/300 g) Bocconcini cheese
1 cup (250 mL) marinated black olives, whole and unpitted
1 1/3 tbsp (20 mL) fresh whole tarragon leaves**
3 to 4 tbsp (45 to 60 mL) vinaigrette, a mustard herb type
1 tsp (5 mL) balsamic vinegar
To taste salt and crushed black peppercorns
Garnish (optional)
fresh sprigs of tarragon or herbs of choice (e.g., chervil, dill, rosemary, mint)

* Option: Yellow or orange bell pepper (cut into 2/3 inch or 1.5 cm squares); small green or yellow zucchini (sliced).
** Option: fresh dill weed or herb of choice; but fresh tarragon is by far my first choice.

Makes 5 cups or 1.25 litres (4 servings)

Busy days see me charming my husband or "drop-in" guests with this "fast and easy" salad which I frequently serve as an appetizer. Taking a delectable trio of ingredients (Bocconcini cheese, tomato and olives), I then dazzle the palate with a generous infusion of fresh tarragon and hints of Balsamic vinegar. The recipe is also most appropriate for buffets or pot luck events (providing a well-appreciated vegetarian option as well). Note: Eaten with one pita bread (52 mg calcium), the salad makes a tasty, calcium-rich, light lunch for those "on the run"!

1. Just before serving, toss ingredients together in a large bowl. (Be generous with fresh tarragon leaves and crushed black peppercorns.)
2. Garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs and serve.

DO AHEAD TIP: Hours in advance of serving, the ingredients may be prepared (i.e., tomatoes cut, cheese sliced and tarragon leaves removed from their branches) and assembled (but do not add the vinaigrette).

Presentation TIP: I serve individual salads in bistro bowls or large flat soup bowls/dishes with wide rims, allowing the recipe "to breathe" and to be artistically framed by the rims.

Calcium (mg):
tomatoes 20
+ bocconcini 1000
+ olives 75
TOTAL 1095

Calcium per serving of salad: 274 mg

Calcium per serving when eaten with one pita bread (diameter: 6 1/2 inches or 16.5 cm): 326 mg

1 lb (450 g) fresh broccoli
1 3/4 tsp (9 mL) chicken bouillon powder
3/4 cup (190 mL) hot water
3 tbsp (45 mL) chopped onion
1 1/2 tsp (8 mL) olive oil
1/3 cup (80 mL) dry white wine
1 tbsp (15 mL) finely chopped fresh garlic
2 tsp (10 mL) crushed dried tarragon
3/4 cup (190 mL) heavy cream (35 % fat)
1/3 tsp (1.5 mL) salt
1/3 tsp (2 mL) crushed black peppercorns
1/5 tsp (1 mL) ground nutmeg
2 1/2 cups (625 mL) milk (2 %)
1/3 cup (80 mL) Camembert cheese* without rind**

* Check and compare nutrition facts on the label to ensure that the calcium content is high.
** Be careful to remove absolutely all the rind.

Makes 5 cups or 4 servings

Busy days see me charming my husband or "drop-in" guests with this "fast and easy" salad which I frequently serve as an appetizer. Taking a delectable trio of ingredients (Bocconcini cheese, tomato and olives), I then dazzle the palate with a generous infusion of fresh tarragon and hints of Balsamic vinegar. The recipe is also most appropriate for buffets or pot luck events (providing a well-appreciated vegetarian option as well). Note: Eaten with one pita bread (52 mg calcium), the salad makes a tasty, calcium-rich, light lunch for those "on the run"!

1. Cut broccoli stalks from tops. Peel away and discard outer fibrous layer from stalks. Chop stalks coarsely and set aside. Break tops into small florets and set aside on a separate plate.

2. Dissolve chicken bouillon powder in hot water.

3. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, sautée onion in olive oil until golden and tender.

4. Add chopped broccoli stalks, chicken bouillon, wine, garlic and tarragon. Cover loosely and simmer over low heat until broccoli is just tender.

5. Add cream, salt, crushed black peppercorns, nutmeg and broccoli florets. Simmer uncovered over low heat, stirring regularly, until florets are tender; remove from heat.

6. When cool enough to handle, in 2 batches, place broccoli mixture in a blender and process at high speed until completely puréed.

7. Return soup to a clean saucepan. Add milk and bring to a slow simmer over medium-low heat. Add Camembert cheese and whisk until cheese is entirely melted. If necessary, adjust seasoning to taste.

Make Ahead TIP: The soup may be prepared in advance, placed in airtight plastic containers and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for months.

Calcium (mg):
broccoli 200
+ heavy cream 90
+ milk 788
+ Camembert 335
TOTAL 1413

Calcium per 1 1/4 cup (300 mL) serving: 353 mg

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I want to note that I was compensated to for writing this post.

ETA (August 7/15): A piece of the device, the Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate has been recalled due to complications that have led to serious problems, including the need for a revision surgery! The problem is that most people (even those with the device) don't know this. I was asked to add this information to this post by the Outreach Coordinator from the American Recall Center.

11.14.10

I used to tackle Costco during the week, when it's quieter there. However, now, at 34 weeks pregnant I can't go on my own. I can't lift, bend, or push the cart when it gets too heavy. So we've been going on the weekend when we need to go. The parking lot is ALWAYS a zoo. However, (knock on wood), I always seem to get a fantastic parking spot. It's like the person's spot whom we get, knows I'm very pregnant and can't walk far. You know? Inside... even more so of a zoo. It was as if 4-5 people came out of every car in the jam packed parking lot. I took this funny picture of the boys while at Costco today - Mack was making sounds with his hands/lips and Sean didn't want to hear any of it, so he was blocking Mack out. It was too funny. While it was indeed a zoo there today, we went in with no rush feeling, had no set time to be anywhere, and took our time. That's how to go to Costco and not get frustrated. And now I'm stocked on toilet paper and kleenex until 2011. Found a few new items today, we'll see how they are. (Coffee Crisp, Rolo & After Eight Hot Chocolate? Heaven in a cup - I've tried both the Coffee Crisp & After Eight ones already. I don't see it lasting too long in this house - especially now that the weather has cooled off).

I cast on last night for Twist Hat for my hospital bag. I am hoping it's not too tiny. I am loving the subtle hints of color in the hall blue Colinette Jitterbug Velvet Damson colorway. (Using leftovers). It's to match Cache Coeur. I had plenty of leftovers from Cache Coeur's Dream in Color Smooshy Romeo Blue, however, I found it too "solid" for this hat. I have taken Cache Coeur off the blocking boards, but have not yet been able to find buttons in my stash that I want to use for it. (I will keep looking).

Hoping Twist is a fast knit, as I have so much more to knit.

This week I have to get over my anxiety over the mess in the nursery and tackle that room once & for all. It's such a disaster in there, I don't even know where to start. You see, I had neatly put away all the clothes Sean outgrew after he outgrew them into boxes that were all organized, labeled, etc. I got pregnant with Mack when Sean was around 9 months old. So things were easy to find after when I needed them for Mackenzie. After Mackenzie, my hubby wasn't having any more kids. (He always wanted 2 kids, I wanted 3, I won)! Anyhow, after Mackenzie outgrew stuff, I kind of got distracted (ok, ok, lazy), and shoved things into boxes, nothing was organized, sizes were all mixed up, and it went into storage, didn't want to get rid of my stuff yet, but didn't know what to do with it either. I always had hope there would be one more kid. Anyhow, now that I'm 34 weeks pregnant with another boy, all our stuff is getting used yet again! (Most people are lucky if they get 2x usage out of baby clothes, and here I am getting 3x usage). Some of the stuff will have to go after baby 3 uses it... as I'm sure by then it'll be either too stained, or too worn out (I did keep some stained stuff - for wear around the house - I don't care and I don't think Baby 3 will care either). There have been a few outfits, that I put away in Sean's baby box, and Mackenzie's baby box, as it was "their" outfit. Or it had their name embroidered on it. Or it was just toooo darn cute, I had to keep it for them, and will not get used by baby 3, nor get passed on. And since money does not grow on trees, as soon as baby 3 is done with certain stuff, I do plan on selling stuff on Craigslist, so I can get stuff that is age appropriate with the money, etc. There won't be a 4th child, I don't think I can take another high risk pregnancy. And after this baby, one of the two of us will most likely get "sterilized". Either I will go back in to get my tubes tied if I do have a successful Vbac this time and don't require surgery to deliver baby 3, (if I was having a Csection, I was going to get my tubes tied on the spot)... or maybe I'll send the hubster in for sterilization. We'lll see when we cross that bridge. There is stuff though that will have to go after baby 3, and I won't be able to sell - like my Graco stroller/bucket.... as they have "expiry dates" for safety reasons. My baby swing is on it's last leg (I'm actually looking to replace it 2nd hand or borrow one). (I must get one though, the one we've had has been a life saver for both boys). Anyhow... back to the nursery... it's jam packed right now with stuff. All baby stuff. Even the exercauser & jumperoo is in there. Boxes of clothing ranging from preemie size to 2T is in there too (as Mack's in 3T now and Sean in 4T). Ahhhhh.... that room gives me anxiety. I walk in, and seriously just turn around and walk out... I need to tackle that room once and for all. I WILL DO IT!!

And I'm seriously not packing my hospital bag just yet. Both times I packed it when pregnant with Sean & Mackenzie, my water broke the very next day. Same "overnight" bag too. Using it again this time. But waiting until I am closer to term to physically pack it... Baby boy still needs to grow a bit more before arriving. Stuff that I need for my hospital bag is indeed making it's way into a pile next to said hospital bag. But not exactly putting it in there just yet. I need to pull out my list of items I took when I packed it the last 2 time so that I am not forgetting anything. And I'm packing preemie stuff as well as newborn size - you know - just in case.

There are a few things around our house that we're noticing are nice to do now that the cat is no longer living here. I no longer have to shut my office door. The boys are old enough now to respect my office. (Heck, Jamie's office in our basement is wide open and they don't touch the stuff on his desk, nor his "figurines" still sealed in boxes. They're quite respectful. I now no longer have to make sure the top lid of the toilet seat is down, in fear the cat will go into it. And garbage!? Ah garbage... no more fear that the cat will get into it...

... oh and I slept sooooo good last night, with no cat jumping on me 50 times a night trying to literally sleep on me. Bliss.

Speaking of sleeping, and night time... Sean has now had 2 nights waking up dry. I started going out of my way to actually take him to the bathroom sometime in the wee hours of the middle of the night, and so far, it's working. For a few days there, I was doing laundry every morning and it's not so much fun.

11.13.10 :: 34 weeks pregnant

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

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

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

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

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

11.12.10

Today I finished Cache Coeur. It's now wet blocking on foam mats. I am either going to let it sit until tomorrow or Sunday and then take it off, weave in the 4 ends that I have to weave in, and sew on 2 buttons (which I have yet to pick out). I absolutely love the way it came out, now that I see it properly on the blocking boards. Before, it was all bunched up from the stitch design, and I wasn't 100% sure about it. I really hope that it fits baby 3 as a newborn - because that's when they really need warmth on their torso. This baby wrap was very well designed. I would totally knit it again. Only took me about a week to knit it - though I worked on it here & there throughout the week.

Sean went again in the middle of the night to the bathroom, this time not waking up Mackenzie. However, he was soaked again this morning when he woke up. We told him that he has one more chance, tonight, to wake up dry tomorrow, or we'll go back to pull-ups at night for a bit. We're giving him this chance again because he freaked out when we even mentioned the word pull-ups. Tonight I will make sure I take him in his sleep to the bathroom before I go to bed. Just to be safe. I wonder if this works?

My in-laws came for dinner tonight and my step-mother-in-law made the most delicious homemade Chinese food. My father joined us as well, since my mom is currently in Florida as she helped my grandmother go down for the winter, as she does every November now. Since my dad is lonely at home without my mom, I thought it would be nice to have him come over as well.

Does anyone know of a free online tutorial for zippered pouches (flat pouches) that use a 7" zipper? I have an abundance of 7" zippers and want to sew up a bunch of pouches to add to the teacher's gifts for Xmas. Totally being crafty this year and I'm running out of time - since I don't know when Baby 3 will arrive. If you know of a tutorial for 7" zippers, please do link it for me. Thank you.

I cannot find one of my circular needles and need it to cast on a quick knit I want to make. I just used it for something and looking at my finished projects on ravelry, I cant even figure out which project I just used it for. My office is actually (surprisingly) quite clean right now and I cannot find my needles. It's driving me insane. I've ransacked my office tonight... but everything is tidy, so where on earth is the needle? Grumble. I totally should be knitting other stuff though, one in particular that now has a deadline. Slowly cleaning up my WIPs. And if feels good.

I have another code worth 10 points to add to your Pampers Gifts to Grow account: Thanks2Veterans. Also have for you today, a Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards point code: BJSMXWWNSTSBPGB.

Tomorrow we say goodbye to Zeus. He was never really our cat to begin with - so there is no real attachment to him, like there was to Jazz, whom passed away May 2009. Jazz was Jamie's kitten since he was probably even too young to be away from his mother. Zeus on the other hand, has only been living with us for about 5 years now, though, I've known him since I met Jamie in 2002. (He belonged to Jamie's roommate/good friend before he moved out, I moved in, and somehow after Zeus moving out - he came back to live with us, as Jamie's friend moved in eventually with his fiancé, who turned out to be allergic to cats, so we took Zeus in). Though now it's time to say goodbye. Zeus is getting old, and senile & is doing stupid things sometimes. I am kind of afraid of the possibility of him not being so nice to baby boy after his arrival, so it's best that he goes now to live with Jamie's mom & her wife. They'll be picking him up tomorrow. I don't know if he senses if something's up, but he'll get better attention at their house, than the lack of time from us here (because my priority are the kids, obviously).

11.11.10 :: 125 weeks old

Mack is 125 weeks old today.

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

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

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

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

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

11.10.10

Last week I talked about a pouch I was commissioned to make for Barb. She received it today, so I am finally able to show you what I made for her. I totally loved it, and wanted to keep it for myself. I used this tutorial and totally love it. I did make some modifications to that pattern though, I cut larger squares in the corners than 1"x1.25" to make a taller bag than a short long one.

I also made Barb a tissue cozy that matched the pouch I made her.

Today I had an appointment at the dealership to get my new winter tires and have them installed on my car. While I was waiting, I met a friend next door at a coffee shop to catch up. I met her this summer in my pre-natal aqua class. She's also due with a boy about a week after me. We both went to the same high school for a few years (before I switched) though, she was the grade above me. She's a teacher, (already on leave) and started taking some classes to enjoy her time off. Ironically, one of the classes she started taking, is a knitting one. Yes! Another convert. We're slowly taking over the world... She brought the baby booties and scratch mittens that she has been working on, and I was quite impressed. Hopefully she'll keep up the knitting after her son is born.

When I picked up the boys from daycare today, Mack's teacher mentioned to me that he had slight fever again upon waking up from naptime today. (Slight fever of 101F and change). They said they took it again a little bit later and it had gone down, but was still above normal. When we got home, I took his temperature again, he had none. When I took it again before the boys went to bed this evening, he still had none. Luckily the fever that he apparently had earlier at daycare, wasn't as high as the fever he had on Monday. Let's hope it stays away.

I made some great progress today on Cache Coeur. I will show you my progress update via photo tomorrow. Promise. I should be able to get it done very soon.

11.09.10 :: One Year Later

A year ago today I wasn't feeling well. After lunch it started and Jamie took me to the hospital. I was almost 7 weeks pregnant, due with our 3rd child, in the summer of 2010. I started to bleed, and lost the baby. That wait at the hospital after blood work, urine analysis and ultrasounds, was the hardest day of my life. Harder than laboring 65 hours between my first two children. When they come in and tell you that you've lost the baby, it's heartbreaking. No parent or trying-to-become parent wants to hear the words. It's been a very difficult year since that day, a year ago. I spent a good 6 months in a deep dark depression. We tried for months to get pregnant again. I finally got pregnant again, in April of 2010, and we announced it in June 2010 when I hit 12 weeks, just in case I miscarried again. After 2 healthy pregnancies carrying Sean & Mackenzie, the miscarriage is still a mystery and the fact that it took half a year to get pregnant again, was a mystery. My body probably just needed to heal from everything it went through.

I've thought a lot over the last year about the baby that I lost. I wonder sometimes about that baby. And when I get sad about what happened, I'm instantly reminded about the fact that I have two healthy wonderful boys. I love them to bits & pieces and I don't know what I would do without them in my life. I also am very thankful for a very loving and supportive husband for being there for me when I have needed him most on that day, and during the last year. Honestly, today would have been absolutely difficult, if I didn't have baby 3 in my belly. I feel blessed that I was able to get pregnant, again, let alone be over 33 weeks pregnant, frantically preparing for his arrival. (As he kicks me to let me know his presence, as I type this).

Today I lit a candle for my lost angel in heaven, for all the other lost babies in heaven. I said a little prayer for all those moms and moms-yet-to-be, whom cannot conceive or conceive and lose. I hope they are too able to one day conceive again.

It's taken me a year to be able to come forward publicly about my miscarriage. Close friends and immediate family know about what I went through. Those whom have gone through it too, have been very supportive. Those whom have not, have been supportive too - in their own way. I didn't really know too many people that had gone through this same thing before experiencing it myself. I find now the more I am starting to open up and talk about - that other people that I know, have experienced it too. While I don't wish it upon anyone, I can't believe how common it is.

Throughout the last year, I've wanted to talk a few times on my blog about what I was going through, or what was on my mind. I never found the right time or the appropriate way. Today marks one year, and I finally felt it was the right time, so that I can now move on.

This morning I had an OB check up, and got fantastic news (despite my blood pressure being a little high - but that went down by the end of my appointment). My doc did a quick ultrasound in her office to triple check the situation with my placenta. My placenta has moved 3 cm away from my cervix - clearing me 100% of Placenta Praevia. We totally thought that this was not possible at all from it's original posterior position fully covering my cervix. Up until today I was 100% prepared for a scheduled Csection. My doctor today, upon clearing me from Placenta Praevia (though my placenta is still low-lying as it's supposed to be located above the baby), has convinced me to go for Vbac. I've only had one (emergency) Csection with Mackenzie, Sean was a natural birth (with epidural). So now we play the waiting game, and wait for me to go into labor, instead of showing up at the hospital for a scheduled medical intervention. My doctor gave me the list of pros and cons for both (Csection vs. Vbac) and honestly, the risks of Vbac are far less than the risks of a Csection. And the healing after a natural delivery is so much better than having my stomach cut open. After having a Csection to have Mackenzie, I felt as though I was run over by an 18 wheeler truck. I'd like to not feel like that ever again, if I do not have to. My next appointment I will be seeing my new doctor, my OB's colleague, as my doctor will be leaving shortly on her maternity leave, as she is due a week after me, on January 1st, 2011. I was assured that I am in good hands, and now that I am going to be delivering naturally (hoping to not have to have an emergency Csection - which still could possibly happen if my Vbac doesn't go smoothly), it doesn't necessarily mean that this new doctor will even be on call when I do go into labor.

A question for my readers: Have you gone for Vbac after having a Cesarean birth? If so, how did it go? If not, why did you choose to still have a planned Cesarean? I still have time to book a Cesarean if I decide to - I'm in the middle of weighing my options to make a final decision. I could also book a Cesarean and change my mind should I go into labor and my labor is progressing nicely and smoothly.

Here is my current progress of Cache Coeur.
It's going to need some serious blocking after it's done.

Tonight I went to a Montreal Guild Knit Meeting. I haven't been since I think April or May 2010. (They don't meet in the summer). I couldn't make it to the June meeting, and I think there was one meeting before that I think I was tired from the beginning of my pregnancy, so I didn't go. I am a member this year, but haven't been able to go to the September or October meeting, as I was taking a 6 week sewing course that happened to fall during this time. I finally got to go back last night, and enjoyed the evening out.

11.08.10 :: 201 weeks old

Sean is 201 weeks old today.

My day got re-arranged when I got a phone call just after noon from the daycare that Mack has 104°F/40°C fever. Poor guy was boiling when I picked him up from daycare. Luckily I eventually got him to fall asleep (watching some tv). His fever did go down, to 101.8°F/38.7°C before bed. I'm hoping the fever goes away so he can get back to daycare asap, it's really hard caring for a sick child at 33+ weeks pregnant. Sometimes he wants to be held, and I can't lift him, and sitting on the floor doesn't work for him. Not sure what about it - but he still likes to be lifted and held, high off the ground. I also have a lot of stuff going on this week, so I hope he gets better soon. I already had to line up someone to come stay with him tomorrow during the day as I have an appointment. I also really hope that Sean goes to daycare tomorrow and doesn't try to stay home because Mack is at home. We'll see how that plays out in the morning. Thursday the kids have a pedagogical day from daycare as the teachers have a conference (I've already lined up a playdate - providing Mack's not still sick). Honestly, besides the fever, he is himself. No other symptoms. Laughing and acting as normal.

Sean woke up absolutely dry this morning (and even went to the bathroom in the middle of the night last night (4:30 am) when he called out for us to take him. We're still trying to figure out how to get it in his head that he doesn't have to call for us to go. He unfortunately just had an accident in his bed, 2 hours after going to bed. Though, because Mack's sick, I have a funny feeling that Sean will wake up with fever tomorrow morning too. I just took his temperature while changing the bed sheets (because honestly he felt very warm) but he has absolutely no fever. I hope I am wrong and he doesn't wake up tomorrow morning sick as well. We just put him into a pull-up because of the situation of possibly being sick, and I hope this doesn't throw us off from training. He did fight us however on putting on the pull-up, he wanted to wear his underwear. Oddly, he had been wearing 2 pairs of underwear when he woke up soaked. Not sure on how that happened, as I wasn't on duty when he got dressed for bed this evening. On nights when Jamie is home, he does the bedtime routine (as I am not allowed bending/lifting and it's getting super hard for me), and I just do bedtime story before bed.

This is the project I started the other night. It's Cache Coeur. I'm already a lot further than my progress photo which was taken earlier today. (It has been a sit on the couch and watch tv & knit type of evening). I am not a fan of blue (not my fave color) but since we're having a 3rd boy, blue it is. I'm knitting this with Dream in Color Smooshy in Romeo Blue, and on US 3/ 3.25mm needles, so it's really tiny. I am hoping it keeps baby boy warm after birth. I really shouldn't have cast on for it - as I have other things I need to be working on, but I hope to get this done as soon as possible so I can move on to those items I really need to finish.

My mother-in-law (Jamie's real mom) approached me before leaving my house on Saturday after my nephew's birthday party. We had been talking earlier during the party about our cat Zeus, and how it's not fair that ever since the kids were born he's gotten less and less attention from us, and how he tries to sleep on me and I push him off me about 80 billion times a night. How he does things to get attention that we just can't give him, and that I fear it's only going to get worse once baby boy is born. Jamie's sister had offered to take him, 3.5 hours from here, but he'd become an outdoor cat. He has no front claws, so this would be totally unfair to him, and he's old now, about 16 ish years old, and this would be totally unfair to put him outside after living indoors all his life. To me that was cruel. She approached me, and told me she had talked to her wife, and they wanted to run it by me, that they were willing to take him. They have 3 cats of their own (one who is currently sick at the moment, and they are not sure what to do with him, as he's only 11 years old, but needs a lot of testing (that is way above of their budget to do right now), and that I should talk to Jamie and get back to them. I waited until everyone was gone and discussed it with Jamie. We decided that the deciding factor of letting Zeus (whom wasn't our cat since his birth - but Jamie's good friend's cat (he doesn't want the cat back and doesn't unfortunately care what happens to him)) go would be Sean's reaction to Zeus going to live with Bubbie Penny. (Bubbie is Yiddish for grandmother). We came up with a way to go about it, and yesterday we sat down with Sean. We told him that Zeus was lonely and that he was going to go live with Bubbie Penny and his 3 cat friends at her house. Sean was a little hesitant at first, saying "Oh, he's going to visit, and then come back?" but after explaining to him that Zeus will go stay there permanently, and that he can visit at any time - he said ti was a good idea. Phew. So this upcoming weekend, Zeus will be going to stay with my mother-in-law, for good. I love the guy, but he pukes on yarn. (NOT COOL!) I love the guy, but he tries to sleep on me, and the only good night's sleep I've ever gotten in the few years we've had him - are when he was accidentally locked in some room that we didn't realize he was locked into. Locking him out of our bedroom wasn't an option, as he paws at the door to come in and then starts meowing if you don't open the door for him. He's also become a huge meower lately, and it's gotten to be very annoying. I'm sure I'll miss the guy once he's gone, but I am so glad he's going. He'll be much happier surrounded by other cats. I am sure he is totally lonely here. And I'm glad we're doing this before baby 3 is born.

Today's Link Love:
- This Got Bob? Baby Bib. I totally want one for baby 3!
- Love this image.

11.07.10

Sean is getting really good at writing his name.

He drew a hockey rink (puck too (see circle by the goalie net her drew which looks like a backwards squared letter C) and did a beautiful job signing his name on his Uncle's birthday card.

I am so proud of Sean's recent accomplishments. He actually woke up dry this morning from sleeping without a pull-up last night! (He did have a slight accident of getting his pj pants wet while going to the bathroom this morning (poor judgment with aim) - but he made it to morning without wetting himself or the bed. He wants to try again tonight no pull-up so we're going to give it a go! Maybe he's ready to be 100% completely potty trained. I'm game for that. I did buy a package of pull-ups today, just in case.

The boys desperately needed a haircut. They must have gone through a growth spurt, because usually every 3 months I get their hair cut, and it's usually this length after 3 months. For some reason, this time, after 2 months, they needed one.



Sean's hair actually was the worst between the 2 of them. Every time he pulled his hat off (gotta love winter weather!) his head looked like this above. Standing up on all ends.


We went out for lunch after the haircuts to celebrate my brother's birthday. Sean totally enjoyed his chocolate & strawberry covered waffle. I don't blame him.

The hubster needed some new shoes, so after lunch we headed to the mall. I probably did more walking than I should have (I'm sore & regretting it now). I got the boys feet measured and discovered that Sean is now a size 10-10.5 toddler shoe (he was in a size 9 until now) & Mack is now a size 8 (from 7). Sean picked out some new shoes, and Mack was being stubborn so I picked out a pair for him, and hopefully he'll wear them.

We came home to do a huge clean-up in the basement. We took all toys that wasn't sport related out of the basement, because they really don't play with them downstairs. Toys from now on will stay in the playroom only. We've since even removed most toys out of the den. Only books in there now and to watch tv or play Wii. I am starting to love the toys being confined to one room rather than having the toys all over the house.

I've been doing newborn laundry as I'm trying to get my hospital bag together. I've washed receiving blankets, and newborn size hooded towels, itty bitty wash cloths, sleepers, onesies, scratch mittens, swaddle blankets, burp pads, all tiny items, ranging from preemie size, newborn and some smaller 0-3 month stuff. I have no idea what to expect for baby 3's size, so I'd rather have stuff washed so that I can be prepared for when he's born.

I also started going over the pamphlet the hospital gave me to find out about preparing myself prior to going in, and for my hospital stay. They require me to have someone with me (husband obviously will be my choice), for the first 24 hours after delivery. After Mackenzie was born, I recall Jamie staying for a bit until I was settled, then went home to shower & get a few hours of sleep before coming back. Since it wasn't my first baby, I was totally okay with that. This was at another hospital though. Seems like this new hospital is more strict with certain things. For example, visiting hours are 1 hour only in the evenings, 2 people at a time only. (That's okay, I am totally okay with this - I'd rather people come to my house after I am home to visit at my convenience - when I am up for visitors). Having a Csection is major surgery. They have 7 layers of stomach to cut through, and then sew back up. After my Csection with Mackenzie, I felt like I was run over by an 18 wheeler, but I put on a smiley face and allowed whomever wanted to visit me to come, as the hospital I was at had a bit more slack visiting hours. Now that I know what I went through last time, I'm putting my foot down this time. Plus, only 2 people are allowed at a time, for 1 hour each day. Not much can happen there, now can it?? Which is good, because I hate feeling claustrophobic and overwhelmed.

I find it funny that you're there for 2 days after a regular birth, and 4 days after a Csection, yet their packing list tells you to pack diapers for 12 days. This made me laugh.

Starting to panic a little bit about getting things done before he's born. I know it always works out in the end.... but a little part of me is worried about not being ready.

Today's Link Love:
- This series of photos. She's so talented.
- This neat Hexie Caddy Tutorial (sewing).
- Leapfrog products for teaching kids to read. Need to see what to get Sean for his upcoming birthday. He really is interested in learning to read, so I'm all for it. I just need to see which ones are appropriate for him.

11.06.10 :: 33 weeks pregnant

33 weeks pregnant.
Feelin' very disproportional these days (and extremely swollen).
Definitely waddling like a penguin.
Wish I had an exact date to count down to, but I don't.

Today we had my nephew's 8th (family) birthday party at our house. My sister-in-law lives about 3 and a half hours away, and with all the complications this pregnancy, I couldn't travel there to celebrate his birthday. Since he was having his friends party separate this year now that he is getting older, my sister-in-law figured it would be easier on me (and her real mom & her wife) if they came into Montreal to celebrate my nephew's 8th. We had a nice day, got to see my husband's family that we don't get to see too often. The kids get to play in the park in our circle and throw leaves and be buried in them too. We got to enjoy Nana's homemade lasagna for dinner, and a delicious homemade birthday cake.

Tonight when we went to put the kids to bed, we realized we were completely out of pull-ups for Sean. Oops! The options were no diaper/pull-up, a diaper, (I have some size 6 ones he'd probably fit into (Mack's in a size 5 still)) or a Little Swimmer (kinda is almost the same effect as a pull-up, really. Sean made the decision to try out tonight with nothing but his pj's. I told him any time he feels he has to pee in the middle of the night - to go. He has on occasion done that. He does mainly wake up dry these days (the rare occasion his pull-up is a bit wet). I am praying that tonight, of all night, he is dry throughout the night. Otherwise how else is he going to learn to be 100% potty trained? Maybe tonight was the night to test this out! Maybe it was meant to be? I'll let you know tomorrow how that works out. Hopefully I won't have extra laundry to do tomorrow!

I have been working on my new knitting project, but forgot to take pictures of it today during actual daylight, so I will take care of that tomorrow. I do promise you photos of that - it's on my list for tomorrow.

Today's Link Love:
- Need a letter to send your kids from Santa? Go HERE and choose one of the 5 letters, and then the style of letter. Fill in the boxes with the info, preview it, make changes, and either have it printed or emailed. It’s that simple! I think I might just be sending Sean & Mack some letters this year. That would be really cool.
- Thank you to Barb for sending me these two great links for this cute Easy Drawstring Bag and this Sock Sack.

11.05.10

The mail has been sucky lately, but today I finally got something good in the mail. On Monday I won an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of Catherine McKenzie's Arranged. I loved her first novel Spin, which I read back in the spring just after meeting her at the local Chapters.

It even says on the top of the book: "Uncorrected Proof - Not For Resale".

It even came autographed by the lovely Catherine herself.
"To Robyn, Thanks for the enthusiasm! Catherine"

Today I worked on a commissioned box pouch for my friend Barb, and will absolutely show it to you once she receives it (she told me to surprise her with the fabric). I loved it so much I wanted to keep it for myself. I made sure to get it into the mail as soon as it was done, so that I didn't keep it for myself. Details later next week when she receives it in Edmonton.

Tonight we decided to go out as a family for dinner. Sean had us cracking up. It all started with a little lemon. (And the faces that go along with tasting lemon!)

The best was the laughter that Mack produced from Sean's silliness. Fantastic.

There were also some orange faces too. No idea where he learned this stuff... but it's funny. I don't think I've done the "orange in the mouth" thing since I was a kid... love it.

There has been progress (a bit) on baby boy's nursery. I can see some of the floor in that room now. Some of the laundry has been started, even folded and some even put into the pile for the hospital bag. I don't even know what to take the hospital for the baby. For Sean we packed Newborn stuff, and he "swam" in those clothes and we ended up needing preemie stuff, which we didn't even have. I think this time I will be safe and pack both preemie and newborn stuff. This way I have choice depending on what size he's actually born at.

I think I need to email all family members and tell them to STOP buying my kids clothes for the size that they are in. Both Sean & Mackenzie's clothing drawers are OVER flowing. Mack's in 3T and Sean is in 4T. I hope that Sean does NOT get any clothes for his birthday or Xmas. Or if he does, that they are in size 5T for next year. I don't have any more room for new clothes, (except maybe a new sweater or something, and some new socks, because apparently we don't have a few colors to match certain outfits)... but Mackenzie's wardrobe has stuff I doubt he'll even get to wear as he has so much. I think I might go through is stuff and donate. And the baby?! Don't even get me started on his wardrobe. Not too much had stains on it, and whatever stains were there I think I managed to get out with some spray before washing it. The baby has stuff in his closet that Sean got as a gift that still has tags on it. Stuff that was wrong season/weather/size for Mackenzie. I am hoping this baby gets some use out of some of that stuff... or it will just end up in the gift pile. We have so much stuff. I feel blessed, really.

I know baby boy will receive more stuff at his brit milah (bris), and I'm just praying for gift cards, rather than clothing, this way I can get what I need in the size I actually need it in - or use it for other stuff for the baby (like if it's for Toys R Us/Babies R Us or HBC or something). Eventually I will need new BPA free bottles (though I am going to attempt to nurse first). I had to chuck all our bottles after Mack as they weren't BPA free. Though, baby bottles is not something that someone can buy me. I have to see which nipples/brand will work best for baby 3, before investing! Ah, so much to think about.

I started a new knitting project tonight (details tomorrow), I'm hoping it's a super fast knit, as I have something else I should be finishing up before the end of the month.

There are 5 new Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards points available: BJRGHJHZNFSJPGB worth 5 points. ENJOY! Are you closer to getting something with your points? I had just redeemed for 2 coupons for 2 packages of free diapers, so I bought some diapers for baby 3 with it. I won't say no to free diapers!

11.04.10 :: 124 weeks old

Mack is 124 weeks old today.

Baby boy is doing good - placenta is now considered "low lying". It did move a bit more. I am not sure what my doctor thinks of low lying - I will find out when I see her next week - but from what I've "researched" on the web, low-lying praevia could still mean a c-section, depending on your doctor. I'll know more next week, hopefully. I know I am signing my OR paperwork next week, as I still want a Csection regardless the praevia, but not sure we'll be booking a date now that my placenta has moved a smidgen more. My doctor might say "let's wait til your water breaks and the baby is ready to come out to do your Csection instead of interrupting the pregnancy too early and the baby not being ready" (because he's so tiny). I know my doc & the way she feels. So we'll see what happens. From looking up low lying praevia, I believe (but dont quote me, I have to see what my doc says next check up) that I could have a natural birth - if I choose. I think. From my research online - though, who knows how accurate online research is - right? It's better news, though. My placenta is still "down there"and this means there could still be problems with nutrients and baby's growth because the placenta is not supposed to be on the bottom it's supposed to be above the baby in a normal pregnancy. Anyhow, I'm not a doctor... so we'll just have to see what mine says.

Baby boy is estimated at 3 lbs 12 oz right now, (1697g or 1.7 kg) and if I make it to 37 weeks (when my water broke with Mack at 36 weeks 6 days) then he'll be somewhere HOPEFULLY between 5 and a half and 6 lbs - or larger if he bakes longer than that in my belly. (Sean was born at 38 weeks 5 lbs 5 oz, and Mack at 37 weeks at 6 lbs 4 oz, so this guy might just be in between their weights. The Ultrasound tech asked me today if I had small babies, because of the current weight he is now, at almost 33 weeks (I'll be 33 weeks on Sat) and at this point they only gain up to half a pound a week. (So 4 weeks to 37 weeks is around 2 more lbs) (3 lbs 12 oz now + 2 lbs = 5 lbs 12 oz maybe if we're lucky?)

While at the hospital they were having some sort of "fair". Probably because Christmas was coming up. The had sewn items, knit items, crochet items, gift baskets, Jams, baked goods, etc. Anyhow, while I was waiting for my ultrasound to happen, my mother went (who drove me) took a look at the books, and bought a handful for .50¢ each. For this price, I thought I'd go take a look afterwards at the titles. You can't even get books that cheap at the used book center near me. When I got there, I selected a bunch of books (8 actually) and the lady told me they were 4/1$. .25¢ each? Thank you! So I got 8 books (my mom got a few more than that) and we pretty much cleared them out of their Chick Lit selections. And now I have some new books to read. The money goes back to the hospital, so I'm rather happy about that too.

SPECS:
Pattern: Vestee by Marjorie Brigham (My Ravelry Link)
For: Baby Boy #3 due December 2010
Yarn: 1.52 skeins (334.4 yards) of Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash in 1911 (Turquoise Heather)
Needles: US 7 - 4.5 mm
Size: 12 months
Timeline: June 4 2010 - November 3 2010 (Set it aside for a few months before picking it up again to finish - not sure why).
Modifications: Knit pattern as written.
Opinion: Cute. Not sure why the collar couldn't have been done by picking up stitches, I think it would have looked nicer to pick up stitches rather than knitting it separate and seaming it on.

Hopefully baby 3 is an average size baby and this will fit him nicely for next fall/winter 2011.

Funny Laugh of the day:
1.Go to Google Maps.
2. Go to "Get Directions".
3.Type in Japan as your start location.
4.Type in China as your end location.
5. Go to direction #43.
6. Laugh.

11.03.10

Jamie took the boys to daycare this morning - and will be doing so from now on. I'm going to put my mom on pick up duty as much as she can. And if Jamie can't get back on time, there's other possibilities of who can get them. They just need to come get my car and get the boys. The daycare is 2 streets away. Under 2km drive. Like 1.6 km or something - so not far at all. The pick ups are the HARDEST because they like to run wild around the cubicle area where their cubbies with their jackets etc are. It was easy in summer, but now at 32 + weeks, it's TOUGH! To put their jackets on to go home with them running around was taking me a good 20+ minutes. (And I had to bend, which was super hard and squatting - not so much fun. Sitting down on the floor? I don't get up so quickly). Imagine when boots and snow pants come into the mix?? Thankfully I have help.

Today was drink a cup (or two or three) of tea sort of day. It involved some knitting too. I finished the collar for Vestee, I just need to seam it on and seam up the sweater and I've got a finished object. I should be able to get that done tomorrow. Very excited to finally call this one done. I already know what I will be working on next (to finish) before even thinking about casting on anything new. Today I took it easy, after yesterday's excitement. I think I will be taking it very easy until baby boy's arrival. Just a few more weeks to go. This Saturday I'm 33 weeks, so 4 more weeks after that brings me to full term. Then who knows when he's coming. I wonder if my water will break just like it did with Sean & Mackenzie's pregnancies. So many things uncertain... always the case, isn't it? Anyhow, today I kept my mind off things like that, and caught up on some old episodes of both Oprah and CSI Miami. It was nice to take it easy. I did take a nice long relaxing bath this afternoon (accidentally took some shut eye during the bath, I guess I couldn't keep my eyes open) and I feel it helped my back a bit.

Little man looks a little cozy there, eh?
Came home from daycare and put his feet up.
Tough day playing with his friends?

Today's Link Love:
- Love this pimped out baby pant tutorial.
- I have another free Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards Point Code, valued at 1 point: BJXGGGWLZJMNPG.

11.02.10

Photo courtesy of my June 2008 Post when in labour with Mack.

I am going to be okay. Baby boy is okay. I'm home now and just heard back from the hospital with my test results. I woke up not feeling well at all today. I still have my headache that started on Sunday. This morning the pressures "down there" were so bad, and I had back pain as well. I wondered if maybe it was pre-eclampsia as I was showing some symptoms that are associated with that, so better to be safe than sorry, I had my mother help me take the boys to daycare and we headed to the hospital to the case room in the labor ward. I spent 5 hours flat on my back being monitored. They took urine samples. They found blood in my urine and protein as well. They watched baby boy for 5 hours and every time I felt him move I had to push a button. (So I couldn't knit). Baby boy was very active. Before I left they took more urine samples and drew bloods. They figured that I'd be more comfortable at home to wait for the results. They said it could be 1 hour or it could be 4 hours (or in between) depending on how backed up the lab is. I finally heard back from the hospital about 3-4 hours later. Turns out I have a urinary tract infection and it's causing my kidneys to put severe pain in my back. (All connected). They called in antibiotics to my pharmacy and I started my meds tonight. Hopefully I'll start to feel better soon.

Kids are funny, let me tell you. I started a conversation with Jamie after I got the call from the hospital with my test results and I said: "Well I guess that explains my back killing me, my kidneys from the infection are causing the back pain." Sean interrupts as he's coming back from the bathroom and says: "Mommy, the kid in your tummy is in your knees now?" (KID-NEYS - ha ha!) This kid kills me.

I'm off to rest. Just wanted to keep you all posted.

11.01.10 :: 200 weeks old

Sean is 200 weeks old today.

5:30 pm today.

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November Calendars are ready! From left to right you have Train Tracks by ScoutJ, Swinging Gnome by Carol, Flowers by Cynthia, Paint Brushes by Robyn (me!). Open the image you’d like, right click on the image, and save as your desktop background. Voila! Let me know if you use one, which one that is!

What you've all been waiting for! The winners of my 5th blogaversary contest! I have drawn some names. Every comment that I received from the start of the contest to the end, got their comment printed and put into Sean's spiderman halloween bucket (or maybe it was Mackenzie's bucket - they had the same one). The winners are:

- 2 lucky winners win my entire Sock Collection in PDF format: Celia, Sandra
- 1 lucky winner win a copy of Jennifer Lori's My First Superhero: Jo
- 1 lucky winner win a copy of the pattern of their choice in GlennaC's Raverly shop: knitgirlknit
- 3 lucky winners will a copy of a pattern of their choice from WoolyBearDesign's Ravelry shop: Barb, Sara, Zonda
- 3 lucky winners will a copy of a pattern of their choice from Jane Richmond's Ravelry Shop: Sara, Knitgirlknit, Girlknits
- 4 lucky winners will a copy of a pattern of their choice from Spillyjane's Ravelry shop: Rosebelleknits, Caroline, Girlknits, & Lacey.
- 3 lucky winners wins a copy of the Gift Issue of KnitCircus: Bea, Sophie, & Amy.
- 1 lucky winner wins a one year subscription to KnitCircus: Tara
- 1 lucky winner wins a copy of the novel Jessica Z. by Shawn Klomparens, which I recently reviewed: Tomatoesgirl

CONGRATS TO ALL THE WINNERS! If you are winning a Ravelry prize, I've contacted the designers to let them know you're the winner with your Ravelry ID. Choose the pattern from their shop you want, and message them to receive your prize. For the book, I need Tomatoesgirl's address please (Email me! Or PM me on Ravelry). For the KnitCircus prizes, I've emailed the editor to give her your email addresses. She'll be getting in touch with you I believe. And those whom have won my sock collection, I've already sent it via Ravelry to you! HAPPY KNITTING! And thanks for participating in my contest. I hope those of you whom have de-lurked, continue to comment.

Here is another code worth 10 points to add to your PampersGifts to Grow account!
FBHalloween2010 - 10pts (Expires 11/6/10) and NOVFACEBOOK2010 also worth 10 pts.

I'm in a lot of pain and not feeling well at all these days. Counting down & hoping time passes faster. I really don't recall end of pregnancy this bad with Sean or Mackenzie's pregnancy. I've also been solo parenting lately while Jamie has been working crazy hours for the last week almost. We opened a 2nd franchise location today and he's been working like a mad dog. He's a really hard worker, and I love him for that, as he's been thinking about our future and all that stuff, but it's been super hard on my end solo parenting at 32 weeks pregnant, on modified activity. I can't wait to move on to the next stage of life, with 3 kids, already. I want to be there already, as it'll be easier to move around once this pain goes away. I'm wondering if it's just 3rd pregnancy pains, or if anything at all is associated to placenta praevia. I have an ultrasound soon to see what's going on with my placenta - and to make sure that baby boy is growing adequately due to lack of nutrients that placenta praevia causes. I am hoping he's all healthy - that's all that matters right now. The headache I started with yesterday is still around. I don't understand why I can't get rid of it. I totally thought that sleeping over night would "sleep it off" as most of my headaches do. Really hoping this doesn't turn into a migraine. If it does, Tylenol will not help at all. And I can't take Advil. (I have taken Tylenol twice this entire pregnancy. Once last night before trick or treating and once this morning before taking the kids to daycare - neither time did anything).

I can't believe it's November already. That means baby boy is due NEXT month. Next month! Ahhhhh! So much to do. So little time. I can feel a bit of anxiety coming on... Very excited already to meet the little guy - see what he looks like. I wonder if he'll be blond haired & blue eyed like his brothers? All I know is from the many ultrasounds he has the same button nose I do, that both my boys have as well. I love that button nose.

I got a message on my answering machine tonight from my almost 8 year old nephew. He asked for a laptop for his birthday. (His party is Saturday - cutting it close a bit much?) I already got him his birthday gift. On top of it, he asked me for another pair of Zekkies in his new foot size (as my mother-in-law calls them) and a new hat, since his Skull hat has holes in it). I was going to make him the Robot Hat, but ran out of time. Then I was thinking about doing it for Xmas, but now my hubby is thinking about splitting a little EEE PC for him with my in-laws for Xmas. I don't really have the time to knit him stuff as I have a list of other things first, and I am sure my mother-in-law is going to make him Zekkies for his birthday, as she did last year for my nephew and Sean, and this summer for Mack's 2nd birthday. However, I'm wondering... what the heck does an 8 year old need with a laptop? Parents of 8 year olds, or older... does an 8 year old really need a laptop? Especially when there is no internet at home? And he doesn't have homework at age 8 that requires being typed up? (When his mom does have a working desktop)? Am I crazy to think that an 8 year old doesn't need a laptop? Curious your opinions. What's he going to ask for next? A cell phone? Is this a crazy request from a kid? It's not the money that's an issue (for the cost of the laptop), it's the item that I am curious about. Our step-niece (Hubby's step-sister's daughter - who is related to our nephew as well) had to wait for her 13th birthday (which she was thrown a huge party for when she became a teenager) asked for a laptop in May for her birthday. She's in high school - and has papers to write and reports to type up. That to me makes sense. But an 8 year old? In the 2nd grade? (I think he's in the 2nd grade now).

Off to go finish off the last bit of laundry (cuz it really never ends...)... and hope that tomorrow is a better day without any pains, and without any head pounding.

(To make a crappy day better though, I won on facebook today an advance reader copy of Arranged by Catherine McKenzie which only comes out Dec 26, 2010. I LOVED her novel Spin, and can't wait to read this one. I totally recommend Spin - it was FANTASTIC & I couldn't put it down. Catherine is a local author, and I had the pleasure of meeting her back in the spring. I wonder if my ARC will come autographed?)!