march twenty :: 31 days :: day twenty

Day Twenty. Now the countdown begins, 11 days to go.

Today is Sweater Day in honor of what would have been Mr. Rogers 80th birthday. I better get knitting on my first sweater ever for myself... still have it on the needles.


In honor of Purim (which is tonight), I decided to finally pull out the costume that I borrowed from my wedding photographer Wendy and take pictures of Sean. I was hoping that it would still fit him (just barely - it's 6-12 month size, but I managed to get him into it), and had fun snapping away. I hate flash, so I used daylight only, and it was fun to do a photo shoot during a power failure! We lost power for a bit this morning, and what a great way to pass some time!

Oh, I just love this kid. He makes me smile every day, and he's just too darn cute. Look at that face!

I asked him to show me where his head was..... he's a smart cookie. He can even tell you where my nose and mouth are...!

Oh, I love Tom Arma costumes. Tom Arma is the one who made Sean's Halloween costume. I love some of the others, we'll see what Sean will be for Halloween this year. I already have Mackenzie's Halloween costume (actually I have 3 costumes that Mackenzie will most definitely fit into at Halloween. He'll be approximately 3-4 months old around Halloween depending on when he's born), and they're 3 month size costumes that I got on liquidation. Oh, I can't wait to dress him up and he's not even born yet.

Here's what I found out about the Baby Surprise Jacket:

On Ravelry I found: Girls’ - holes are on the right and Boy’s - holes are on the left.

In general I found: For a woman's or girl's sweater, make buttonholes on right front and sew buttons to left front. For a man's or boy's sweater, make buttonholes on left front and sew buttons to right front.

But now, here is my question, is that when the sweater is facing you, or as if you are wearing it?

The copy of the pattern that I have for the Baby Surprise Jacket doesn't have button information. I'm sure if I had the Elizabeth Zimmerman book it's in - there would be information in there - but I only have the pattern (from Webs).

The reason for the buttonholes is on both sides is because back before Ultrasounds, you didn't know until after the baby was born the sex, so it would give you an option to put the buttons on quickly after the baby was born. And you sew the buttons on the side that you need to - closing up the holes. Genius really.

Today I stayed in all day, not leaving the house. This afternoon Sean took a nap on my bed, and after I did a few things, I joined him. Woke up with a headache.... oddly.

I frogged the beginning of the project that I started yesterday. I wasn't doing the edging correctly (I should have kept reading the instructions before starting!). So I re-started it, and it's looking four hundred times better now. I've even gotten further than where it was before, and I like how it's turning out. I can't wait to see it actually start turning into something! Oh, if you want to know what it is, it's Judy's Grandma's Baby Sweater from the Knit Cafe Book, which I borrowed until I can get my own copy once my Slow Month is done.

For dinner tonight I defrosted my meat sauce and threw some pasta on the stove. I absolutely LOVE my home made meat sauce. Store bought just doesn't compare anymore. Bland, non-tasty... I could eat it over and over again, every day, if I could. I'm so happy that I still have some in the freezer - but I'm sure my stash is growing thin, and I'll have to make another batch soon. MMmm, leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning we finally get to go to Sean's new music class at this new place, we missed last week because Sean was sick. I am very excited to see what new faces we'll meet. I do know one mommy in the class, she's coming with both her sons, (her older son is in Sean's Monday class, actually next week the new session starts and it's on Tuesdays). But maybe we'll know someone else, or maybe we'll meet new people - I can't wait! After class we'll spend then day with Jamie since he has off for Easter.

Tonight I sat on the couch with Jamie and we watched some TV. Sean's been going to bed consistently at 9 pm lately, and sleeping through the night! We don't mind that Sean goes to bed at 9pm, because it gives Jamie time to spend with Sean after getting home from work, and then it still gives Jamie & I time alone to hang out after Sean goes to bed before we hit the sack for the night.

Day Twenty. Still hanging on in there. Very excited for it to be over though, let me tell you.

Don't forget that my contest entries must be in by tomorrow evening, March 21st, 2008. (As long as they're in by the time I wake up Saturday, the day of my 1000th post!) So if you've found 10 items in your house that you've bought but never used, you qualify! Just photograph them, make your list and then let me know that you've blogged it! Also on Saturday, I'll announce if I've hit the 3616th comment, so keep commenting to see if you've won. Details on my 1000th post on Saturday. Cheers!

march nineteen :: 31 days :: day nineteen

Day Nineteen. Sean napped 3 hours this afternoon allowing me to accomplish a LOT!

This morning was brutal to wake up with an even worse cold. FEH! I think I've gone through 2 kleenex boxes today alone. The nose just won't stop running. It's worse than yesterday. Hopefully today will be the last day of the cold. They usually don't stay too long when I get them. Today would be day two.

This morning we had our 2nd to last music class for this session. After next week, the new session starts (at a later time!) the week after, with this time an older age group, and I'm hoping Sean will not be the only walking one in the class!

I hung out with Sean a bit in the morning upon getting home and then he crawled up on me, curled up and fell asleep. Not sure how long I'd have, I set him in his crib and started to get things accomplished.

Upon Sean falling asleep I got a lot accomplished. First I started out and attempted to make Play Dough from the recipe that Sean's class teacher gave us. I didn't think it mattered that I used whole wheat flour instead of regular, but I'm not sure I made it right, so I will have to bring it to her next week and see what she thinks I may have done wrong? Or maybe I just have to let it sit a day? I'll see how it looks tomorrow. For now, it's sitting in a container (above).

Then on my list from yesterday that I didn't have time, I wanted to bake some easter themed cookies.

All nice and pastel colored cookies just in time for Easter weekend. (I'm positive my husband will be finishing them before the weekend even arrives).

Then it was time to plant the seeds for my garden that needs to be planted 6-8 weeks before the last frost. So today I planted my peppers and tomatoes.

They are now safely in my little greenhouse (I decided to stick with this greenhouse system due to the easiness of it). Maybe if it works out this year, I'll get "more professional" with my seed starting next year. For now, this works for me. (Well, hopefully it'll work out in the end!)

I also planted one pot with chives. I'm planning to do the chives as a windowsill plant, as they grow like weeds if not contained. We'll see how this works out.


Then from ING Direct, I got these two flower kits as part of their RRSP season marketing. I kept them, as I knew I wanted to try it out, so we'll see what happens and what flourishes.

I'm supposed to soak them overnight and then plant them into a little pot with some earth. So that's where I'm at right now. The soaking stage.

Yesterday I started the finishing touches on the playroom (our living room that we have no living room furniture for (since we have a fully furnished den as well as basement with entertainment areas/couches) we didn't need to have a living room that no one would use). What a better idea to turn it into a playroom. When we first moved in though, it was a dumping ground for all our boxes. Well now, there are practically no boxes left, so we now have a playroom!

The only thing that remains odd in the playroom is our old kitchen table (next to the playpen). We're not sure what we want to do with it - but we do not want to throw it out (yet). Right now (until we get a Wall Unit for the playroom for the TV I want to put in there (for Sesame Street and Caillou for the kids), it's housing some DVDs and my Globe. Sean loves his new playroom. It definitely doesn't lack any toys! That's for sure.

Sean gave me about 3 hours today. What a great nap he took and he woke up in a fantastic mood. Now, why can't he nape like this every day? That would be great. I don't think it's asking too much, is it??


This evening I headed into town for the Montreal Knits meeting in NDG. It was so good to get out of the house, even if sick with a cold. I've been on antibiotics since Saturday and was like "I can't get any more sick"... I had a good time being out, met some new people. I also started a new project (didn't feel like seaming the Baby Surprise Jacket tonight, hopefully that'll get done tomorrow and then I'll figure out the button thing on that sweater. (Still can't figure out why there are button holes on both sides?) (Anyone for ideas?) New project details to come.

Day Nineteen. Spent no money. Feels great to not spend any money. I was going to spend money on food tonight at the knitting meetup but they didn't have any salads left - so I was angry that they didn't so I didn't get anything else while there. More than half-way through the month... Only 12 days to go....!

Speaking of 12 days left, you only have 12 days left to purchase an April Sock Club kit - hand painted yarn by Roxanne of Zen Yarn Garden and a super gorgeous (I got the sneak peak just recently) of Michelle of Not An Artist's pattern! Wowzers..... I'm excited!

march eighteen :: 31 days :: day eighteen

Day Eighteen. Tackle it Tuesday.

This morning my mom went into the water with Sean because I didn't want to take the chance of getting even more sick. I am feeling better bronchitis wise, but now, I've got a nasty cold. Yummy. I'm hoping it goes away soon!


Remember I was talking about Sean making a face when he doesn't get what he wants? Well, above, is said "face".... It's like this devil face squish thing. Not really sure what to call it. But honestly, it makes me laugh every time he does do it!

Sean got a report card today at the end of class. He achieved everything this session and since he's not old enough to "move on" to the next level (He needs to be 2 years old), he'll be in the same session again, starting next week. It's so cute that he got a "report card". I'm putting it into his baby book.

I believe this is the last towel in the "Towel Collection". It's a cat towel. I hope you've enjoyed the towel collection series as much as I've enjoyed photographing them!

Upon finishing swimming I went to my mom's house with Sean. I did some sewing done while my mom took care of some things that she had to do, (I fixed a pair of Sean's pants as well as re-attached his mitten to the string he ripped it off of, so that we don't lose them). Upon leaving, I saw this beautiful gem just sitting on my mom's table, and she didn't know what to do with it. I was like "HELLO!" and I'm in love. Now I need somewhere to wear it to. Sean stayed at my parents house, so that I could go home and do work.

Upon getting home, there was some mail. First up, I received some leftover sock yarn love from Shelly. Thank you very much Shelly for passing on your leftovers. They will look great in Sean's Blankie and I will save some for Mackenzie's future blankie. (I do plan on making him one too!)

I also received samples of "Mini-skeins" from Perfect Day Yarns. I'm testing out her yarns with skeins that are just big enough for the blankies. (How perfect!) Sarah sells the mini-skeins in her shop.

And then I got started on my list of things to do. One of which, was to hang up Sean's first painting ever. Doesn't it just look BEAUTIFUL in our main floor hallway? It's in between 2 rooms, the dinning room and the living room/playroom. I'm just waiting for the first person to come over and ask me "Which Artist is that?" So that I can reply... "SEAN!" My little picasso! Mommy framed his first print. Mommy still has 2 more frames and will probably frame some more of his artwork! Why not! My upstairs hallway has nothing on the walls! I'm so fucking proud!

This is my first time participating in Tackle It Tuesday. However I really had four million things to do today while Sean was at my parents house.

I had a STACK of papers (bills, invoices, you name it), piling up since - oh, I don't know, October/November 2007 maybe. If not before. I sorted through it all (above is not even half of the piles that were all over the floor while sorting, but only what I could fit into the picture!) and got to organizing my papers.


And the end results an hour later? A clean filing cabinet, and a bunch of shredding papers going out in recycling tomorrow morning. There was a TON of papers that I also no longer needed, and had no idea why I was still hanging onto, so they all went out into the shredding machine. (Oh, I love my shredder!)

I managed to check a LOT of things off my list today. Sean ended up coming home around 7pm tonight and I am soooooooooooooo proud of all the things I got done. It's so hard to do things with Sean around, he doesn't like to play alone, so entertaining him allows me to get nothing done. I still have a million things left on my "To-do" list... but those will have to get accomplished another day. There's always tomorrow.

I did manage to sort through my button collection and pick out buttons for the Baby Surprise Jacket. Now all I have to do is sew the top and add on the buttons. I'm hoping to get to the sewing/finishing tomorrow, but if not, by the weekend I hope to have it accomplished. What do you think of my button selection?

I've been tagged. 6 Random Things Meme:

1. Link to the person that tagged you. (Amy)
2. Post the rules on your blog. (Check!)
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. (See below).
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

Here we go:
1. I've had the same email address at hotmail (my original one) since 1996. That's pre-historic!
2. I've been a driver for 10 years this month, 8 years with a full drivers license. I've only been driving stick since October 21, 2005 (the day I started this blog).
3. Sean and I brush our teeth together every morning. (At night, I do alone).
4. I secretly want to get my nose pierced. A small little stud would suffice.
5. I hate watching commercials.
6. I get bronchitis at least 2 times a year.

I tag.... YOU! Let me know if you do it!

Well, my nose is running, so I better go catch it. (I just want the runny nose to stop!) I wish I could take Tylenol Cold, but no.... not when you're pregnant you can't. Feck! I have a nose redder than Rudolph's....

Day Eighteen. Spent no money. Didn't really leave the house besides to go to Sean's swimming class. I'm proud that I got rid of the last four boxes in my office, and now I still have a few more things to organize/put away in my office, but the last of the boxes are gone! Oh, I'm soo happy. Only took 4 months....! (We moved exactly 4 months ago yesterday).

Alright, I'm going to go read a few pages and hit the sack. We have music tomorrow morning, providing I'm feeling 100% up to it. (I don't see why not.. unless my nose really does start to fall off).

march seventeen :: 31 days :: day seventeen :: 24 weeks pregnant

Day seventeen. I want to curl up and sleep forever - I hate being sick. Busy day though, regardless.

24 Weeks Pregnant? Or maybe 27 weeks? Look at that belly! I feel massive! When the belly sticks out much (MUCH) further than the b00bs (I know I spelled that with two zero's, I don't want pervs to google me!) then maybe I'm a tad farther along than the U/S technician thinks. I'm still thinking I'm having a small baby. But I guess we'll see when Mackenzie decides he wants to make his grand appearance into this world. I swear, though, I laugh (or rather chuckle) each time someone asks me when I'm due. My response.... "According to my doctor or according to the UltraSound technician?"

I received a lovely package in the mail today - and it can only be from one person - DAWN! She knew how much I wanted (badly!) to even TOUCH Koigu KPPM Sock yarn, so she ordered me some! YUMMY! I am in love with the colorway - wowzers. These will be nice sockies for me! And hopefully one day I'll have a girl and she'll get the leftovers in her blankie. I am in the middle of putting together a thank you package for Dawn, which will go out in the mail as soon as my "Slow Month" is over & done with. Thank you Dawn. I'm going to go shortly fondle the Koigu some more!

This morning was Sean's final Gym class for the winter session. He had a lot of fun this morning soaking himself in the water play area, (thank goodness I had a spare outfit in his diaper bag) and then played in sand (before I changed him!) He was a mess! I think all the kids this morning were a little more "hyper" than usual... it was just chaotic! We got to bring home all the artwork that Sean did from this session, I'm totally framing his first piece that he ever did. It's going on the wall. I'm sooooo freakin' proud. Next week we start the same class again, but on Tuesday. (Keeping busy because once Mackenzie arrives, it's a whole other story with life!)

On our way home Sean fell asleep in the car. I let him sleep in the car in the garage, and stayed in my office so I could hear him. I did some work, he let me get some done. After he woke up, my sister came by and watched/played with Sean for just over an hour while I got a ton of work done. Made phone calls, took care of business stuff and when I finished I felt four hundred times better that it was accomplished. Thank you sis! Really!

After I got my work done we had some errands to run. I had to check in a store in the city to see something that someone out of town asked me about, and next door was Walmart. I had 3 returns to do, and then to pick up some groceries. They also had a blue shirt that I had the black one of, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep the black one, so since I like the blue one better I got the blue one to replace the black one (EXCHANGES are allowed during Slow Month). I also picked up Banana Split Oreos, (Never seen them before?) but the pregnancy craving thing happened, and I had to taste them. They're good!!! (When I told Jamie about them this evening he made a face). Ok, I have an odd taste palette, what can I say?

After Walmart we headed to Costco where I needed food items and food related items. I also picked up a baby sleeper in 2 different sizes to replace ones that I have at home that have zippers. Those will be going back in exchange for the new ones. (Once again, exchanges are allowed during slow month!) You see, the baby sleepers from Costco are SUPER cute, and the ones that have the buttons, rock. The ones that have the zippers - they wash funny and then when you put it on your child - it's all warped and funny looking. And the problem with Costco is that they always have FOUR MILLION girl options and girl sizes. For boys? Slim picking and next to nothing. Either everyone in the world is having boys, or they aren't bringing in enough stock.... hmmm....! I picked up stewing meat for a slow cooker recipe, I just need to decide what I will do with it.

The baby Surprise Jacket is all done in the knitting department. I need to seam it (hence why it looks all funny on top), and possibly block it. Maybe I'll block it first then seam it. That sounds like a wiser choice. (That will get done tomorrow while Sean is at my parents house). I need to dig through my button stash and see what buttons will look best on Mackenzie's sweater. I'll let you know what I decide.

Next up in the knitting department, I want to work a bit more on Sean's blankie project, as well as I need to finish the Cabled Pullover I started for Sean. He is in 18 month size now, and I want him to wear it before he outgrows it. I will need to cast on for the front asap. (The back is done, so there's the front to do and then the sleeves). And then.... four million other projects that have been started and that I want to start! So little time.

I feel like I'm coughing worse now on the antibiotics than I was before I started taking it. I'm hoping that is a good sign that the medication is working and that I'm "coughing out" the bronchitis to get rid of it? Crossing fingers. But to be honest, I feel/felt like shit today.

Tomorrow morning Sean has his last swim class for this winter session. I can't go into the water (bronchitis) so my mom is going to go in with him - I'll be able to take pictures, that's for sure!! That I am excited for! Let me tell you. I really don't want to risk making the bronchitis even worse, even though I've now been on medication for it over 48 hours. Sean gets a report card tomorrow (oddly enough), I can't wait to see what it says.

Tomorrow after swimming Sean is spending the day with my mom (and maybe my dad? Not sure what his plans for tomorrow are). Anyhow, my mom is hanging out with the kid so that I can do some Robyn's Nest stuff and also tackle a bunch of stuff on my TO DO list (that Sean doesn't allow me to do when awake). Very grateful that my mom & dad live 5 streets away.

Day seventeen. Spent money on food and food related items. Also spent money on an 2 items that I already had at home in a different variation, but the old items are going back as an exchange (too bad they weren't with me, I could have done a straight exchange - but how was I to know?) So far, so good. More than halfway through the month. It's tough, but I'm hanging in there! I guess I'm just used to getting what I want, when I want - which is bad! LOL.... It's also teaching me this month to not spoil Sean as much as I have been. The kid really has too many toys. I just want him to have everything, and that's bad.

Though, I do have to say, I was in need of a new diaper bag. Got one off Craigslist last week for free. It's the one I wanted, perfect for 2 kids. Friends with more than 1 child recommended it. They had listed it as "like-new".... yeah right. I don't think so. But, I took it anyhow. Last night I took out the wipes and started to first disinfect it. There was a lot of dirt that came out. Then, today I ran it in the washing machine, and you know what.... now.... it's "like new".... Really! It's so spotless, it's amazing. I was worried about hygiene, and what not (throwing pacifier's and stuff in there), etc. But you know.... I think it'll be okay! And this new-to-me diaper bag is a great new thing for me, this month. All it needed was a little cleaning and it's good as new. I'm okay with that. It's hanging to dry in my laundry room right now. I can't wait to put away Sean's diaper bag, which is now useless. Really. (And it's our 3rd diaper bag that we've had). I guess I haven't yet found a system which works for me. Here's to hoping that the new-to-me one does! I will never turn down hand-me-downs or free stuff, especially for the kids and especially since they outgrew things so fast. I hate spending full price for brand new items for how fast they outgrow things. However, I do have to say, it is indeed rare that I do spend full price on baby clothing, I'm the queen of good deals.... I just know where/how to look for them, I guess. However, I'll have to save my talent for next month. No need for them really this month, there is no shopping going on!

Alright, I'm going to read a bit in bed, and then close my eyes. I think I'll have to set my alarm for my next dose of antibiotics. 3 times per day every 8 hours. (I'm not even awake for that many hours!) GRRR!

ps- Might still be looking for commenter 3616.... keep on posting comments! Getting closer - oh so closer - to 1000 posts (THIS SATURDAY!!)

march sixteen :: 31 days :: day sixteen

Day sixteen. Coughing up a lung still, and my son is just too cute.


Today I decided to take Sean out to the Purim party at the Y were we take his classes every week. When we got there, unfortunately there wasn't much to for Sean's age range to do, so we donated our Kosher non-perishable item (which I had to look up this chart to see what was appropriately and correctly identified as Kosher). Purim is the "Jewish" Halloween, so Sean dressed up as a bumblebee. Ain't he a cute one?

We didn't stay long. The arts & crafts as well as the carnival activities were just a tad too old for Sean. It's too bad, maybe next year. We'll see.


Upon leaving I saw a car parked in the lot with this bumper sticker. It made me smile.

Upon getting home, Sean had free reign over the house. I was in the den knitting, Jamie was in the basement on his computer and we just let him roam. He checked out the basement for a while, played in the playroom, and then wandered up the stairs. All of a sudden it got quiet. Really quiet. Jamie went up the stairs to see what was doing, and found Sean at the top of the stairs like this:

He found an Oreo Cakester in Jamie's night table drawer, and well... decided to enjoy it....

Certainly did enjoy his chocolate indeed....

Don't you just love his face??? Too cute.

Remember my glasses post from almost a year ago? (Picture above is from that post). Anyhow, I turned these glasses that I wasn't really wearing anymore into these (below):

Prescription sunglasses! Now I don't have to squint anymore when driving. The only sunglasses I had were non-prescription and I barely wear my contacts lenses anymore (due to comfort) and so I needed to get these made.

I'm still not feeling 100%, my lungs are still killing, I'm hoping that by tomorrow the antibiotics kick in..... I'm sooooo sick of coughing, and baby boy number 2 doesn't like it so much....

Oh, Speaking of Baby Boy Number 2......

I no longer have to call him Baby Boy Number 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baby Boy Number 2's name is.....

Mackenzie "Mack" Riley.

He is being named after Mackenzie Reed who died at the age of 4 in a lake up north from Montreal in July 2006. There is a fundraiser on April 28th for the foundation in the little boys name, and I'm hoping to attend. Mackenzie was the son of a friend of Jamie's Uncle. Jamie knows the father, and we see him from time to time. There is an article here about him, as well as here.

Those who guessed Mackenzie, (I had talked about him here in July 2006) (Shelby, Adrienne, Jenn F, Caroline, Kimber, Ikkinlala (Nicole), Marga, AliP and Bertha) I've entered your names into a drawing, and BERTHA is the winner! (I used a Random Generator to pick out the name, in order of your responses to the post). (I need you to email me your mailing address again Bertha - I seem to not have it anymore).

I've got TWO more rows left on the Baby Surprise Jacket. TWO. And then, once done, I'm hopping into bed and reading some more in the book that I'm currently reading, as my mother wants to borrow it as soon as I'm done. Apparently I don't read as fast as she does - because those two books that my sister was supposed to loan me a week ago today, she has read them both and now wants to read this one! Must. read. faster.

Day sixteen. Spent no money. It's easy to spend no money when you're sick. Tomorrow will be the great big challenge. I have 2 returns to do - so I will have to keep my will power strong when going into those stores. I can do it!

march fifteen :: 31 days :: day fifteen

Day Fifteen. Sick.

Upon waking up today, I headed out with Sean to go see a family friend who is a doctor. Jamie had to work, and the family friend called me up and gave me 30 minutes to get to his house (which is 20-25 minutes away) to be able to see me. (I originally called him and he told me he'd call me when he got home. Had I known that I would only have 30 minutes once he got home, I'd have already left). So there was no time to drop Sean off at my parents house, which was the original plan.

I have bronchitis again. (Induced by my mild asthma - that hasn't bothered me in years).

I'm on a type of penicillin for 7 days, and also an inhaler.

This afternoon I baked an apple cake (my Mother-in-law's recipe) and cleaned up a bit in the house. We had dinner guests tonight, (Jamie's ex-co-workers) and we did a Chinese fondue (I think that's what it's called when it's not cheese fondue, lol.... and you're cooking beef/chicken, etc in bouillon).

Sean's slept through the night last night, in his own crib. Phew! The two nights previous since he was sick, he slept in my bed. Poor little guy, I gave him mommy love. But now that he's feeling better, and I'm feeling like the pits, I wanted to get him back into his crib. Not a word, he slept in his crib, and through the night. Actually sleeping in a tad too. Let's pray this continues! Gotta get him back on track.

I've been reading my book, before bed. It's good so far. I'm enjoying it. It seems to be a very fast read, I'm already 1/3 through the book.

Today the shop got some new stock. We've got some Colinette Jitterbug Velvet Series, as well as some Nearly Solid Series. I also got in 2 colorways that were on back order the last time I placed an order, Summer Berries, and Blue Parrot. I do have some other colors coming, that were on slight back order. It's coming! I am in love with the new colors - they're fabulous. I've got some more products to list this weekend in the shop. Keep your eyes posted!

My lungs are on fire. They burn. They hurt. I'm hoping the antibiotics I'm on kick in soon.... dang asthma! I'm really thinking about going to see a specialist, because now I know for sure that my bronchitis is induced by my asthma.... there has to be a lung specialist out there that knows something about this.... and maybe a way to prevent myself from allowing my asthma to bring forth bronchitis. When I was pregnant with Sean, I got bronchitis three times. This is number 1 for this pregnancy. Hoping I don't get it again.

Day fifteen. Money spent on food and medication. C'est tous.

ps- Don't forget to leave a comment with what you think baby boy number 2's name is. There have been some great guesses so far, but I won't give away if the name has been guessed yet or not. That you will have to wait until tomorrow night's post to find out. The clues are marked on yesterday's post. Happy Guessing!

march fourteen :: 31 days :: day fourteen :: 63 weeks

Day 14. Busy yet relaxing day.

Sean is now 63 Weeks Old. (14 and a half months). He pretty much spent the day today at his grandparents house (my parents) and I got a lot of work done. Tomorrow, I'll take a proper 63 week old photo, when he's awake. This is pretty much how I got to hang out with him today - cuddling with him - asleep! He is sooo cute when he sleeps. He's even got his hand on his baby brother. How cute. Here's a better view (below):

So Baby Boy Number 2 has a name!!! (And a middle name too!) Anyhow, I'm having a mini-contest (since I have bigger contests going on right now with my 1000th post (be sure to play along with those too!) I'll post details again at the bottom of this post. Anyhow, I'll give you some clues to baby boy's name, and if you guess the name right, you win a prize (the prize will be appropriately selected to the reader who guesses it correctly - seeing as though all my readers don't all knit or whatnot). You have until Sunday, 6pm EST to guess. When I blog Sunday night I'll announce the name and if there are any winners!

Clues:

1. His name starts with a letter that is in the middle of the alphabet.

2. His name has between 7-10 letters in it. (It's a long name, unlike Sean's 4 letter name).

3. The origin of his name is Scottish. (Whereas Sean's is Celtic/Gaelic).

4. His name is not on the top 100 baby boys name list. (I checked).

5. His name can be unisex.

6. He is being named after someone that I've mentioned on my blog in 2006.

If you are Amy, Jenn, Angela or anyone at West Island Knits last night who were told the name, you are not allowed to participate or give away any more clues (Thank goodness my comments are moderated!) Immediate family and best friends were told baby boy's name already, so that's why I'm now annoucing it to you all this weekend. I was getting frustrated calling him "Baby Boy number 2".... so we decided to finally give him a name, and let people know what it is!

Upon MAJOR request:

Knit & Purl Mama's Mother-in-Law's Apple Cake Recipe

4 or 5 apples pealed & sliced (Very Important that it's McIntosh Apples ONLY)
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Oil
3/4 Cup Sugar
3/4 Cup Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
Pinch of Salt
Sugar and cinnamon to sprinkle over apples

Peel & Core apples, slice into an 8 or 9 inch pan. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Beat eggs, oil and sugar together. Add in flour baking powder & salt. Mix well. Pour batter over apples (optional sprinkle more cinnamon on top and/or nuts of your liking). Bake at 350°F (176-177°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until toothpick test is clean.

Knit & Purl Mama notes: I am HEAVY on the cinnamon both on top of the apples & on top of the cake once the batter is over the apples. I've sometimes used baking Walnuts or baking almonds to sprinkle on top, which are really good on the cake!

My 1000th post contest reminder: The Contest is themed with my Slow Month. You do not need to be doing a Slow Month to play this game, but it's fun. Basically, because I'm doing a Slow Month (and not shopping for myself), I've found 10 items that I bought that were never used. The idea is to use them! So, if you want to play this part of my contest (or just keep posting comments to try to be commenter number 3616, which I'll announce on March 22nd, 2008) (Why 3616? Because I like the number 16 - it's my fave number of all time, and I needed a number above a certain number to be able to choose a winner... so that's how that number came about). Anyhow, back to my contest. Search your home and find 10 products that you bought that you never used (yet). You must post about your 10 items, and come back and let me know you blogged about your 10 items, so I can see before March 21st, 2008 at midnight. And hopefully you'll use all 10 items by my 1000th post. I will hopefully get to use all 10 of my items by March 22nd, as well. Here is a photo of my 10 items.

Did you see? The Yarn Harlot has a new book called Things I Learned from Knitting (Whether I Wanted to or Not) that was apparnetly released March 5th, 2008 (last week) yet Amazon.ca says it's still pre-order?? Weird! It's on my want list!

I've got a few new items listed in my shop. (More coming this weekend!) First up, I've got for you, Clover Storage Cases! There are 5 animals in all in stock. I've also got Yarn Cutter Pendants in Antique Silver.

Day Fourteen: Still finding it hard to not spend money. Wow. But, because I can spend business money (wisely of course), it's helping me. Today I got some nice stuff in stock (some listed in the paragraph above) and the rest, you'll see over the weekend as I list the items into stock in the shop. I'll keep you posted as to what we've got in stock. I got a lot accomplished today while my mom and dad had Sean over. I still need him to go over there next week so that I can unpack the last 3 boxes in my office. I still have those 3 last ones that need to be put away.... and I just can't do it when Sean is home and awake. Something to tackle next week.

Tomorrow night we have dinner guests coming over and so I'll be baking my apple cake! MMmm delicious. (Tara, Jenn & Blogless-Kate you must promise me not to bake my cake until I let you taste it on the 31st when we have our monthly Mommies Who Knit Meetup chez moi!) Sunday I'm taking Sean to the local Jewish Y for their Purim party. I just need to figure out what costume to put him in!

I think I've got bronchitis again. Started with asthma, but now I think it's full blown bronchitis. I will see how I'm feeling in the morning, but I might just go see the doctor (family friend) tomorrow late morning/early afternoon.

march thirteen :: 31 days :: day thirteen

Day thirteen. What a long day.

At 1 am last night Sean had 101.2°F Fever. I gave him tempra and he came into our bed. At 5 am, Sean woke up again, with 102.2°F Fever. He has NEVER yet had fever that high, so it worried me. His face was bright red and he was BOILING hot. I didn't know if this was to be worried about or not, and since he was feeling kind of off last night, I decided to call the Montreal Children's Hospital to find out if I should bring him in. I called, got transferred, got transferred again and got nowhere. So at 5:30 am, I picked up my mother and took Sean to the emergency room. I wanted to be safe than sorry. We got Sean admitted around 6:14 am, and he finally saw the Triage nurse sometime around 6:45-7 am. Then we had to wait for the doctor.... After napping in the emergency room waiting room and getting Sean to keep drinking liquids, we were finally seen by the doctor around 11 am. They deemed Sean's fever to be nothing. No ear infection (though he had been tugging at his ear), no sore throat, everything looked okay. They told me take him home, let him keep drinking fluids and keep an eye on the fever. If it was still there in 2 days, to bring him back or see his doctor (who is out of town right now). I did not bring my knitting, just brought a book with me, but didn't even touch that - so I would have not gotten a stitch knit either.

We dropped my mom back off at home, and crashed. We were both zonked. Mid afternoon the guy showed up to fix my stove (finally after chasing them for 4 months) and Angela also came by. We hung out, Sean napped (thank goodness I was able to get him into his crib) and when Jamie got home from work we eventually got ready and headed out the door for the West Island Knit night.

Knit Night was fun, and I am happy to of gotten out of the house for a few hours. Sean has been SUPER clingy the last 24 hours, which is understandable seeing as though he hasn't been feeling well, but still, I love him, but do need my space sometimes. I got a LOT accomplished on my baby surprise jacket (I'm on row 99 of 114!) SOOOOOOOOOOOO close to being done! Pictures to come tomorrow, it's too dark now to photograph (and I HATE flash!)

Sean was getting up from another nap when I got home tonight, and had no fever. It broke! So happy! Hopefully it'll stay away. Sean will not be going out for the next few days, so we'll keep him cozy at home to get better.


Robyn's Nest has a Cafe Press shop! You can now get Robyn's Nest Swag! I just ordered myself (business item!) this really neat tote bag for shop promotion! Get yourself some swag too! There is stuff for everyone! Jr. size, Adult sizes, Maternity (!!) tops, baby swag, hats, tote bags, mugs, as well as dog clothing! So much fun!

DEAR SWAP PARTNER!: You can find my Fave Color Swap 3 questionnaire here. But if you have ANY questions for me, please email me and ask!

Day thirteen. Dying to spend money on personal items. Half a month almost gone... I think I can do it. I know I can do it....!

march twelve :: 31 days :: day twelve

Day Twelve. It was a nice day today.

This morning we had our music class and as usual Sean had a good time. He's still the only walking kid in that class. After class, I decided against going to swimming (it's my Aqua Stroller class) so since Blogless Kate wasn't answering her phone, I sat outside the Pharmacy near her house for 45 minutes reading my book. Sean was fast asleep. He needed that nap. Then I finally woke him up and went into the Pharmacy to pick up Rolaids for the hubby. Then we made our way to Kate's house. We a had nice Kraft Dinner lunch (Sean's fave!) and Kate & I had some tea, talked and hung out. It was really nice. Sean enjoyed playing with her older son's toys. When Sean started getting cranky we headed out the door, and not even out of her driveway he passed out! I made a stop on the way home, an errand I had to take care of, and then headed home.

This evening Sean was completely out of it, more than usual. I hope he's not coming down with anything. We hung out at home this evening, and Sean actually went to bed early (8:45 ish). So Jamie and I watched some stuff on TV and c'est tous for this evening. Nothing special. Really, nothing to report. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have something special to report. Sorry guys.... today was just a relaxing chill day.

The Rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book of 123 (or more) pages.

Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

2. Open the book to page 123 and find the 5th sentence.

5th sentence is: "Here's your keys... all your paperwork."

3. Post the next 3 sentences. "Cheers, love." The guy retrieves his pen from my hand and heads out the gates, leaving me alone with the car, a bundle of papers, and a set of shiny car keys. I dangle them in my fingers, deeling a frisson of excitement."

4. Tag 5 people. Amy, Jenn, Cynthia, Rhoda & Marga.

Day Twelve. Doing good. Holding strong. Boy, this is TOUGH!

ps- Still looking for commented 3616!!!

march eleven :: 31 days :: day eleven

Day Eleven. Hand-me-downs Rock!

Some mornings Sean wakes up after 6 am. Those mornings, as long as it's after 6 am, I let him (probably shouldn't) come into our bed to snuggle until it's officially time to get up. This morning, he woke at 6:30 am (around) and when I finally got up (1 minute before my alarm was to go off!) I found him next to me, but facing the outside of the bed (not the foot or the head of the bed) and his legs were crossed like so. I love his little (BIG) feet. They're so cute. I could eat them right up!

This morning we had Sean's 2nd to last Tuesday morning swim class. This morning Sean was the only boy, and he was a BIG flirt and very splashy this morning. In a very good mood in the pool. The teacher that will be teaching his Thursday morning class next swim session was replacing our teacher for this class today. Sean charmed her. And here is the 2nd to last towel that I have not photographed Sean in yet. It's another dog towel. (The other towel is beige). He's just too cute in these and all the old ladies in the arthritis swim aerobics class always Oooh and Ahh over Sean! (That bottle of milk was DEMANDED after his class, he couldn't even wait to be changed).

Here he wants to show you that he knows how to take off his towel all by himeself.

Sean passed out in the car on the way home from a playdate. He gave me about an hour this afternoon to do some things while he napped in the car. And then he was a HUGE handful this afternoon until his father got home from work. When his dad got home from work, I headed off with my mom for dinner and the Habs game!

Tonight's game was VERY important. We won 4-0 over the New Jersey Devils, and we just knocked them out of first place! Tonight we reclaimed Eastern Conference Lead. The final minute of the game was played throughout a sustained ovation which was punctuated by a load roar from the customary SOLD OUT crowd of 21,273 at the final siren. Not only are we first in the Eastern Conference, but we're first in the NorthEast Division. Boy does this standings feel good!


Tonight at the game, the gentleman next to me (also a Season ticket holder) introduced himself to me (Jean-Marc). He seems really friendly, an older French guy. He asked me what I was knitting, and told me that the color palette was just right for him. He also asked me if I had a boyfriend, told him I was married, and then he joked about me making him socks before the end of the game. Funny people! He's the first person to ever comment on me knitting at the game. My mother & I thought it was really funny. My mother made a rule though, apparently I'm not allowed knitting at the game if I get to go to the playoffs. This, I don't understand, because I can do both at the same time. I usually do not have to look at my knitting (unless for decreases or increases, etc). I may have to fight this rule.... that's just not fair! Habs games and knitting just go together! For me anyhow!

Since my mom took the two books I wanted to read (in the same series) from my sister on Sunday night, my sister yesterday gave me the new book Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella that was just released. I just started it last night, I'm already 3 Chapters in. So far, I'm liking it. We'll see how fast this ones goes. I've not been disappointed yet in a Sophie Kinsella book. To my readers who asked me about what kind of books I like to read, I like chick lit - especially British Chick lit. You'll find a LOT of that in my person library. I used to read a LOT more than I do now. And I think when baby boy number 2 arrives, I'll have even less time to read. But I'll just have to make time. Right now I want to read a chapter or two each night before bed. Last night I read three and then couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.

Day Eleven. So far so good. Today was less tempting to buy things. Two items are the have to have list - which I do (eventually) plan on getting are these two items: Roots Diaper bag (great for 2 kids - as per recommendation from more than one mom with two babies) and this 5-stage Feeding Seat. Sean tried it out today at his playdate and it's great! I don't want to buy a 2nd high chair, since Sean will be a big boy, but to keep him on an adult chair worries me at 18-24 months old, maybe even longer? So I think this will be our solution.

On my wish list for Sean, I'd like to get him a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, (we have PLENTY of space in the huge half furnished basement), and Easel, (for the play room), and I'd LOVE to get him (and his brother) a Kidkraft Train Table (or one just like it). But those things will eventually come. Also, I need to start thinking about a small gift to get Sean from his new baby brother, which his baby brother will give to him the day he comes home from the hospital. I was given this suggestion from a few other moms, so that the jealousy is as little as possible, and he feels special from some attention from his baby brother.

As for myself, on my wish-list (since I can't shop this month) is some books from my Chapters shopping cart. They're waiting for me.... but I heard my name being called - very loudly...

Oh - and not forgotten is my Pampers review. I have not forgotten, just been extremely busy, and we're still using some Pampers, so I'm just refreshing my memory. But I think I'm sold... I'm switching from Huggies to Pampers. That's the plan.

march ten :: 31 days :: day ten :: 23 weeks pregnant

23 Weeks Pregnant. (However I do feel 26 weeks - but that's still another story). My belly has really popped though, I feel great. I don't go back to my doctor until the end of the month, due to being so busy with classes with Sean, and also my doctor's availability.

Day ten. Busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy busy day.

This morning we had our 2nd to last class for this session for the Monday Gym class before the next session starts (it's moved to Tuesdays, so it'll be on Tuesdays at the end of the month). Sean just loves the ball pit. I love taking pictures in the ball pit. The colors!

Today we had a class all about Hamentashens for Purim. First we colored in some hamentashens on construction paper.


Then we actually baked some Hamentashens. The dough was prepared for us though.

First we cut out 3 circles. I was able to get 3 cookies out of the dough, since we made them a little thinner than everyone else. One for Jamie, one for me & one for Sean.

Then you added some prune jam to the center of the dough.

Then you pinch the sides together so it forms a triangle, and then you bake them. We had them tonight after we got in, and they were delicious.

After class my sister came over and hung out with Sean for a bit so that I could take care of some business stuff, and Sean fell asleep on her it was really cute. We headed out late afternoon to bring the Safety 1st stroller back to Walmart. They gave me a huge hassle returning it, but in the end took it back. They were giving me grief because it was opened. Uhm... HOW THE HECK AM I SUPPOSED TO SEE IF IT FITS (ASSEMBLED) IN MY TRUNK IF I DONT OPEN THE BOX???? Geez!

I ran about 4 million other errands this afternoon, only getting home after 8 pm. Jamie went over to a friends place after work tonight, so Sean & I were kind of doing our own thing. We had things to return and dropping things off at people's houses, and also I had to hand in Sean's registration for swimming next session. Tonight at 6pm was the start time for registration and you go and have to line-up, etc.... you don't even find out for a few days if you get into the class, but there is still this crazy process involved - and it's first come first serve. So the earlier you show up the more you are guaranteed a spot - however for a mom & tot class I wasn't worried. Also - because I'm a resident of the city that it's held in, I'm a priority for registration. (People in the neighboring towns get to sign up too, just after us.

I think Sean was SUPER happy when we got home and he didn't have to be in the stroller/basket/car seat anymore. It was a long afternoon of errands!

Day ten. Tempted by stuff at Walmart, I didn't spend money on anything except some business related items that I needed. (They were cheaper than getting them there than from Bureau En Gros (Staples)). (Good to know). I also spent money on food items at Walmart. (Milk, Coffee Cream for Jamie). Not spending money is HARD!!! Holy Moly!

Don't forget that the April Sock Club Kits are on sale until the end of the month, hand painted by Zen Yarn Garden and pattern designed by Not an Artist.