12.24.10

Today I discovered, that, when I'm all alone with the 3 boys, it takes me an entire hour to get organized to leave the house. Especially since it's winter, and I have 3 kids to suit up, and pack into the car. ONE FULL HOUR. I need to figure out what I can do to reduce that. However, unexpected stuff happened during that hour. Diapers needed changing, one kid ended up in time out... you know... the usual.

I had a great day with the boys and my mom. We braved it and spent the afternoon at the mall. Got GREAT parking (surprisingly) and thought it wasn't as busy inside as we had expected. Had lunch, and did a little shopping. Ran into family & some friends. Sean came home and said his feet hurt and he was tired! (Tired was the point!) What a nice day. (The boys had no daycare today, so I would have gone stir crazy had we all stayed home).

Merry Christmas to everyone! Hope your tree is filled with all that you've wished for. (And your stocking too!) Santa is visiting our house too (we celebrate all holidays) and I cannot wait to see Sean & Mack's reaction tomorrow morning. I just cannot wait. Camera batteries are charged and gifts are going to be left out by Sean & Mack's door (like last year for Sean). This year, Mack gets to enjoy it too, now that he's old enough to understand what is going on!

12.23.10 :: 131 weeks old

Mack is 131 weeks old today.

Some stuff that's been going on around here... I'm behind on my blog reading since Bloglines now merged with some other thing and screwed up my entire thing, and now instead of merging properly, it only added half my feeds. I did transfer everything to Google Reader, but not some new stuff that I had added to bloglines when bloglines announced they were staying and not closing down. So I have to figure out what all that is... and get the new feeds in Google Reader, etc. Though, my time is rare these days, and the only consistent thing I've been doing is blogging, because it's my journal and it lets you guys know how I'm doing as well. I'm behind on my emails too - but do plan to eventually catch up.

I forgot to tell you a funny story on Tuesday. I had originally called around a few mohel's for Quentin's Brit Milah. Originally I thought I might use a doctor who is a certified mohel, though if you use a doctor you have to still have a Rabbi - so that he can officiate the ceremony and I can get the certificate that my son is Jewish. Realizing that I would have to pay both the mohel and the rabbi, and cost double, I decided to just find a mohel who is a rabbi. Anyhow, I had spoken to a rabbi's secretary just in case I was going to do the doctor route. This rabbi is not a mohel. Anyhow, I had spoken to her, and tried to figure out when he was free (because he was out of town when I had spoken to her) at the same time that the mohel (doctor) was free, who was leaving to go out of town on Christmas. Anyhow, I never told her where the Brit Milah was taking place, I never told her that I was officially using the rabbi. I also ended the conversation with "if I should require his services, I will call you back once my son is of weight to have a Brit Milah". It had been over a week and a bit since I had spoken to her on the phone. Anyhow, Tuesday, I'm just waking up from a nap with Quentin. I'm still in my pjs. I'm in the bathroom and miss a phone call and once I'm out of the bathroom I check my messages. It's the rabbi's secretary. She said the Rabbi was on my street in front of my house, sees no cars and is looking for the Brit Milah to officiate. WHAT?! I never told her I was using him at the time this week (Tuesday at 12:30) that she said he was free at. I never asked her to send him. I never even told her where I live. She must have reverse looked up my information from my phone number on their call display or something. His secretary is a real lunatic if you ask me. Yes, we had discussed when he would be free if I should require his services, but I never ever had any intentions of having the Brit Milah in the middle of winter (with hats and boots and coats to have somewhere to put) in my house. We had close to 50 people at the Brit Milah yesterday, no way I had room for that many people in my house. Not.my.problem.

I think I am going to look for a new cleaning lady. The one we've had has been "cleaning" my house for 3 years now, since we moved in. I am not entirely happy with the way she cleans my house. Things I've told her to do weekly, she doesn't. Things I've told her not to clean, she does. (Like the dishes in my sink - I HAVE A DISHWASHER!!! AND WE USE IT!) I'm just getting annoyed. Sometimes I don't even know what I'm paying her to do. And right now, I really need the help because with Quentin at home, I rarely have my hands free. The only thing I can manage to get done myself is the laundry. Why is it so hard to find a good cleaning lady?!

The mohel who did Quentin's Bris yesterday was only supposed to come back tomorrow to remove the antibiotic bandage but Quentin had his first diaper explosion today and I had to call him to find out what to do. I had strict instructions on what to do and what not to do, and I didn't know how to clean it properly. The mohel was so nice he came out tonight to our house to clean it up. Quentin was a trooper while it was being cleaned up - and I think it hurt me more than it hurt him. Poor guy. I hope it heels nicely. I'm still a tad nervous about it even though it's already been done. I see our GP on Tuesday with Sean & Quentin for their check-ups so hopefully she will say it looks fine. (Of course the mohel is going to say his job was impeccable, right?)

I leave you today with a survival kit that I put together for my purse. This works mainly for boys, but you can substitute the items for more girly stuff if you have a girl:

Toy cars, notebook & crayons, little mini books and some google eye puppets.
It all get stored in the brown case for my purse.

It's a must if you have kids and are waiting in line somewhere or waiting for your food at a restaurant. Not all restaurants have crayons for the kids to color with. (Some restaurants are just not kid friendly)

12.22.10

Today was the big day. Quentin's Brit Milah. This morning before we left, I caught him chillin' in his chair with his legs crossed. Symbolism much?

When we got there, I applied Emla cream (a topical anesthetic).
Sean was being so sweet with Quentin.

Everything went smoothly. Quentin did cry a bit during the actual circumcision, but I don't know if that is actually what he was crying over. Not sure how much he actually felt, obviously. Poor guy. Thankfully it's over and done with now. The Rabbi was absolutely wonderful, and he'll be coming on Friday to check on Quentin. I like the service he provides and absolutely 150% recommend him. Very happy. He even made me text him when I got home to tell him that I took off one part of the bandage (gauze) that I was supposed to remove) and let him know something else he asked me about. I was supposed to go see him on Friday with Quentin in his office, but I realized that I have all the kids home on Friday, and Sean & Mack have no daycare, so I asked him if he minded coming to me - and he said it wouldn't be a problem.

This evening we hung out at home and played some games. Sean got Hungry Hungry Hippo as a gift today from my Aunt, and it was a great game we could all play together. We had a good time. I need to see if there are any other games that are age appropriate for Sean & Mack that we can play all together. I really want to start a "game night" in our house, as the kids get older. I find it's important to have family time.

Quentin was a bit cranky tonight (understandably), though he discovered the capacity of his lungs tonight, I hope it's not a long night. I've already given him one dose of Tempra, and hopefully he will not need much more. Praying for a calm night.

Tonight Jamie brought me a gift. His name is Coby. I think I might be in love.

Today's Link Love:
- No idea how to get a baby to stay in this pose. I tried with Quentin. Not so easy. Thinking about taking her workshop in May, but it's kinda pricey. She only will let you do her workshop if you live outside 200 km from her - which I do. (She's in Ottawa and doesn't want Ottawa photographers to steal her clients, etc... that's why). I lover her work. Too bad her price is steep.
- Love the colors and composition of this photo too.
- Happy Holidays! (Maybe I can find a Santa hat that will fit Quentin!? Though, I'm running out of time. I know I have a 12 month (Sean's first Xmas) one, and possibly still a 6 month (Mack's first Xmas) one, but not newborn.)
- I am starting to look to buy props for newborn photography. I want to get funky bowls like this and neat blankets too.

ps- Happy Birthday Mom!

12.21.10 :: 3 weeks old

Quentin is 3 weeks old today.

Today for dinner I prepared a recipe (Chicken Cannelloni) from Jessica Seinfeld's new cookbook, Double Delicious. The only change I made was that I used broccoli puree instead of cauliflower puree inside (so you see green). When I saw the price of cauliflower at 4$ for one, and then next to it saw broccoli for .97 cents, I made the decision to substitute the vegetable. I used whole wheat lasagna noodles and low fat ricotta cheese (as the recipe calls for), and made this delicious healthy meal for my family. Kids - not so impress. Hubby - asked to make it again. I was inspired to make something from her cookbook after watching the episode of Oprah that she was on. She's such a cutie (Jessica Seinfeld) and really funny too. I guess she has to be - married to Jerry after all!

So many things I want to do - but I am not going to brave them the week of Xmas. But then again, do I really want to brave them the week of Boxing Week Sales? My to-do list keeps getting things added to it - but hey, life goes on. I'll see what I can get done, and keep my sanity in check. It's not even Xmas stuff that I have to do, but I don't really want to get stuck shoving my way through last minute shoppers, and fight for parking. Ah, yes, parking. The fight for that this time of the year.

I interviewed Sean recently (got this a while back from someone else's blog I think):

What is something Mommy always says to you? Can you pick this up please.
What makes Mommy happy? When I behave.
What makes Mommy sad? When I don't behave.
How does Mommy make you laugh? When she does something funny.
What was Mommy like as a child? Small like me.
How old is Mommy? 25.
How tall is Mommy? Tall like this (lifts arms into air).
What is Mommy's favorite thing to watch on TV? Big Brother.
What does Mommy do when you're not around? Work.
What is Mommy really good at? Going on your computer.
What is Mommy not very good at? Hockey.
What does Mommy do for her job? Go on your computer.
What is Mommy's favorite food? Everything. But also strawberries because I like strawberries.
What makes you proud of Mommy? She does a good job cleaning up.
If mommy were a cartoon, who would she be? Hockey Player one.
What do you and Mommy do together? We be together, I love you.
How are you and Mommy the same? We have matching skin.
How are you and Mommy different? You really need to teach me to drive a car.
How do you know Mommy loves you? We be together.
What does Mommy like most about Daddy? Because we love daddy.
Where is Mommy's favourite place to go? Sewing class or to knitting.

This kid cracks me up. I can't believe he's turning 4 in a week.

12.20.10 :: 207 weeks old

Sean is 207 weeks old today.

Today, after a nice morning nap with Quentin, I had to venture out of the house to take him to the CLSC to get weighed. The nurse that has been to my house a few times couldn't come to my house today, but she was in the office and had me come to her (thankfully not during the "weigh-in clinic" as those nurses are not so cool). Quentin is finally back to his birth weight today - on the nose :: 5 lbs 10 oz (2.55kg or 2550 grams). I am so glad that I am done with the CLSC for now, and next week Quentin has his first doctor's check up. The nurse told me that I no longer will be hearing from them now that he's gained back his birth weight, and to keep up what I've been doing, as it's working, but that if I need them, I know where to find them/and when the walk-in's are for weighing the baby.

I got a call from Jamie's mom today. They had taken Zeus to their vet to open him up a file and while there, they ran some tests. As of last week's update from my MIL, he has an irregular shaped heart and an irregular heartbeat. They ran some blood work and got the results back today. Apparently he has some thyroid problem, which may or may not be causing the irregular heartbeat. He has to now be on pills twice a day for the rest of his life. Jamie's mom was actually calling us to ask for money to pay for these pills. We speak to her maybe once a month, and see her only when it's mother's day, or one of the kids birthdays or the high Jewish holidays, or my nephew's birthday. She offered the weekend of my nephew's birthday to take the cat off our hands (because we didn't want him anymore, and he wasn't ours to begin with) and now wants us to pay for the cat's meds. Had we just gotten rid of the cat to someone we didn't know, it would have not been our issue anymore. I don't know what to do - but I'm leaving it up to Jamie. Honestly, I told Jamie that I'm a bad pet owner, because I would never have thought to of taken the cat to the vet. We never took Jazz to the vet and he was fine until he was old and passed away. I don't think I should ever get any pets (unless it's fish or something) because I would probably be a bad dog owner too. If the kids are sick, they tell us, and we go to the doctor. (Or they're coughing or have fever... or symptoms that would make me take them to a doctor). A pet can't tell you they are sick. So how am I supposed to know? I'm good with children. Not so good with pets. Maybe pets are just not my thing? Not sure what Jamie is going to say about the cat situation, but it's his mother, and the cat belong to his friend before we ended up with it - so I'll leave it up to him.

While out this afternoon, I saw this Habs Camera. So I bought it. We were looking for something around 25-30$ for a camera for Sean. We didn't want anything too expensive, as he's just a kid and breaks things, doesn't handle things properly. Sean asked for a "real" digital camera and has been into taking pictures lately. Then I saw the Habs digital camera and thought it would be perfect. When I spoke to Jamie upon getting home today, he tells me that he ordered a camera for Sean and at the price he got it for, he ordered one for Mack too. I asked him what brand/etc... and he tells me what he got. THE.EXACT.SAME.THING.I.PICKED.UP.TODAY. Great minds think alike. We both on the same day got the same thing without even talking. Now I have a return to do.

Tonight I went early and stood in line to register both the boys in skating. Mackenzie has been asking to learn as well. I asked the guy in charge and he made an exception for Mackenzie (they're supposed to be 3 years old). Mack is only 2 and a half but shows great interest, so we'll see how it goes. Mack's very excited to go out and get skates! He thought he was starting tonight and tried to leave with me when I left to go register the boys. Once Quentin is starting to skate, I swear, we'll be living at the hockey arena. Three boys. I'm a hockey mom!

In Montreal news, a 27 year old Montreal guy is missing. His name sounds familiar, but I can't place it. If you have any news to his whereabouts, please contact the police. He went missing early Sunday morning from Old Montreal. (CBC article). He went outside a restaurant to have a smoke and send a text to a friend, and went missing. He hasn't been seen or heard from since. I hope they find him. Sending my thoughts to the family of the missing person.

12.19.10

Ahh... Sundays. Sean & Mack came home around noon today, after having a sleepover at my parents house. Sunday afternoon was very chill. I love it when everyone is chill. I had Quentin asleep in the lounge chair & Sean and Mack nicely relaxing in my bedroom watching some cartoons, while I folded the 300th load of laundry of the week. (Ok, I exaggerate, it wasn't the 300th, but it certainly felt like it!)


Not entirely sure what I did to deserve Quentin flipping me the bird... but he did. I think I have every child of mine at a very early age, caught on film, flipping the bird...

Today, my boys wore their Eagles Jersey's proud! The Eagles were losing majorly and came back in the last 8 minutes of the game. GO EAGLES! It was quite the game! Sean asked me why I don't have an Eagles Jersey like Daddy, Mackenzie and himself, and I told him that I didn't pick up one when we were at Eagles training camp in PA this past summer, that I got myself a hat instead.

Pattern: Tudora by Cheryl Marling (My Ravelry Link)
For: Mom for her birthday
Yarn: 0.5 skeins Cascade Yarns 220 Wool in Robin's Egg (8905)
Needles: US 6 - 4.0 mm
Size: One Size
Timeline: December 19 2010 - December 19 2010
Modifications: Knit pattern as written.
Opinion: Very easy pattern. Great for a quick knit for gifts. Free pattern!

Tonight I'm just chilling with Quentin. The boys are in bed. I've got Oprah on the PVR (Trying to watch some of the 80+ episodes I have recorded on there. Eventually I have to catch up - as it's her last season. I know some of the 80+ episodes are re-runs, but I'm working my way through. It's nice that I have stuff to watch while feeding Quentin. I can't do much else while feeding him - knitting's out of the question. Speaking of crafting though, I did manage to get some sewing done today too - after I was done my mom's cowl, during one of Quentin's many naps.

Tonight we had gone out for dinner to celebrate both my mother & sister's birthdays. My sister's birthday is actually today (Happy 26th!) and my mom's is on Wednesday. They both liked their birthday gifts, (they each got a crochet bookmark like the teacher's ones, and a handmade by me tissue cozy) on top of a few other items I got them. It's a busy week for birthdays in our family. My step-MIL's birthday is this week too - and Sean turns 4 next week!

12.18.10

Sean had his last skating lesson of the current session today. The kids were allowed to bring their hockey sticks on ice today, and Sean had an absolute blast. He's been looking forward all week to being able to bring his hockey stick on ice!

We braved Walmart on a Saturday - the week before Christmas. Call us crazy... I know. I needed more newborn diapers, and to get Emla cream for Quentin's circumcision. I was going to buy it yesterday at a pharmacy I was at, but when I was told the price, my mouth dropped. I remember having paid less than half that at Walmart when I picked it up for both Sean & Mackenzie's bris' in 2007 (Sean's was at 16 days old) and 2008 (Mack's was at 8 days old). I was right, the cream (which is a topical anesthetic) was half the price at Walmart's pharmacy, than it was at the pharmacy I was at yesterday. While at Walmart we ran into one of Mack's teachers and Mack was weirded out that his teacher was there. He was like "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at school". It was cute.

After Walmart, Sean & Mack played together, while Quentin napped and I "closed my eyes on the couch". I really needed to get a bit of shut-eye - which was nice. Late afternoon, Sean & Mack went to my parents house, where they are having a sleepover, and then Jamie & I headed out to dinner with our employees. We took them out for dinner for Christmas to a restaurant near work. Quentin came with us, and slept the entire time we were there. My manager's girlfriend is expecting a baby next summer, and he's really hoping for a boy (he has a 5 year old daughter). I told him if he has a boy, I have a ton of stuff for him! (Plus they sold everything after their daughter outgrew stuff, so they have nothing baby left). I have so much stuff I am not sure what I am going to do with after Quentin outgrows it that it would be my pleasure to give him stuff. Plus, Jamie really wants to see the stuff that Quentin outgrows, gone out of here. No more stuff in storage, since we will not be having any more kids. I know it will be absolutely hard for me to part with everything, but I'll make sure that I keep all my absolutely favorite outfits, in a memory box. There are a few outfits that I'll have to keep. Have you passed on stuff that your children outgrow? Did you find it hard? What did you do to make it easy? I really am trying to savor every moment with Quentin, since he'll be my last newborn.

After dinner I popped in to see Tara and got to see Kate too at the same time. They both wanted to meet Quentin, and I happened to be next to their neighborhood, and wanted to see them as well. Tara worked on some secret christmas sock knitting, and I got to crochet a bit on some more bookmarks. It was a nice visit, much needed.

Quentin was completely chill the entire time I was there, and got passed around from adult to adult, slept the entire time, and then chilled in my lap while I did some crochet.

Now I'm home, Quentin's eaten & sleeping, I've got some chocolate, some red wine & I'm going to go pass out in front of the TV until Jamie gets home from the rest of the "Christmas Party" with the guys from work. (They went back to the store to play video games. Not my cup of tea).

12.17.10 :: 30 Months Old

Mack is 30 months old today // 2 and a half years old.

This morning the Rabbi (who is a mohel) came to see us to go over everything for Quentin's Brit Milah next week. I was having a really hard time finding a mohel as the one that we used for Sean & Mackenzie passed away 7 months after Mackenzie was born. I had made a few phone calls, one mohel likes to "pre-cut" the baby, and I am not cool with that. One mohel I've seen him doing the ceremony "in the air" and the baby not strapped down. I am not cool with that too. Some ask the mother to leave the room, I am NOT cool with that. I called one guy, who came recommended but his cell phone was off. So then I called another name on the list that I was recommended as well, but not by as many people, but wanted to feel him out with a few questions, and I hit the jack pot. Speaking to this mohel on the phone made me feel comfortable choosing him. He answered my questions very well, and didn't seem old at all (old = shaky hands = maybe not such a good idea). So this morning, the mohel came to visit us. He went over everything that will happen the day of. He went over everything that I need to get. He made me feel very comfortable with letting him do this procedure to Quentin. Comfort is key. Very important in my books. Also - he was trained by a pediatric doctor in London, England (where he's from - he's been in Montreal for 10 years though now). I originally wanted to have a doctor do the procedure, but then when I realized I had to still pay a rabbi and the doctor, it was getting a little too expensive, so that's when I decided to just find a mohel (rabbi) who could do it. The fact that this mohel does it 'medically' made me feel VERY comfortable with my final decision.

After the mohel left, Quentin and I crawled into my bed, and took a nice nap. You see, I'm really taking advantage of napping when the baby naps.

This afternoon I set up my bedroom and did another photoshoot with Quentin. I still was looking for "the shot" for Babies of the Year in the Gazette. I wanted to enter Quentin in the paper, as I did with Sean & Mackenzie, and didn't have a photo I absolutely wanted to use. Today, I got "the shot" (above). I love love love it! Took a while to get him to pass out again (after our long nap), but it was worth the wait.

For those of you curious, here's the set-up I did in my bedroom. To the left you have a space heater. I set up a trunk with a blanket over it (for comfort) and then my black backdrop (black material). And it's set up in front of my big patio door windows in my bedroom for the maximum natural light. And voila... you have a make-shift studio in the comfort of your own home. (The space heater is a MUST when photographing a newborn/baby).

This evening we venture out for dinner all 5 of us. We managed pretty good. It was our first time out for dinner in a restaurant all 5 of us. Quentin slept through dinner, and the boys were pretty good as well. I even ran an errand (with all 3 kids alone) while waiting for Jamie to show up from work at the restaurant. I think I am finding my groove as a mom of 3 kids. I may not have more than 2 hands, but I think I can totally handle everything!

12.16.10 :: 130 weeks old

Mack is 130 weeks old today.

Today I ventured out of the house just to take Quentin to the CLSC to get him weighed. We’re nearing Brit Milah time, and I have the Rabbi (Mohel) coming to my house to see Quentin to make sure he’s okay for the Bris and go over everything. I absolutely hate going to to the CLSC now because they treat me like I am a first time mom and have no idea what I am doing. It’s like “thank you, but this is my third baby, and it’s not the first small baby either”. (I make ‘em tiny and evict them early… what can I say?) The next CLSC walk-in weigh in is Tuesday, but I think I will ask my nurse that I have been dealing with if she minds coming over on Monday. As of today, Quentin is now 5 lbs 6 oz. He gained 1.5 oz since Monday (Or 40 grams since Monday). This isn’t that great, because from Saturday to Monday he gained 40 grams a day for a total of 80 grams. Maybe he's just having a slow week/couple of days? The nurses really make you paranoid… and I’m trying to ignore it. It’s not as if he lost weight… he’s just having a few slow days.

I tried to work on a few things today, but the most important was to clean in my office. I’ve had piles of stuff (magazines, mail, random stuff piling up on my 2nd desk in my office. I wanted to get it all organized, and did a good job doing that today, while Quentin napped.

Though, speaking of napping, I have been taking advantage of ‘sleeping when the baby sleeps’. It’s taken me THREE kids to figure this one out... but I have been napping when Quentin naps, and I have been napping with Quentin. He’s so cozy to nap with. I love it. And they are only small once. I swear, I'm really savoring EVERY moment with him, since he'll be my last baby/newborn.

I finally got around to using the Spray Starch on the bookmarks for the teacher’s gifts. I ironed them and they came out nice. I have been putting together the teacher’s gifts for them which I want to bring to the daycare next week. I still have a few more items to make for the gifts, hopefully I will have time to finish them all. I am hoping they all come out like I want them to.

Today’s Link Love:
- Love this Sew Comfy Wrist warmers Tutorial.
- I am in love with this Alphabet Pillow.
- This photo of this newborn is just too cute. (I have a thing for newborn photography right now… can you tell?!) I have people telling me I should start doing photo sessions.. Toying with the idea… I do have a photography degree after all.. maybe I should put it to use!
- This photography just kills me with thhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/drulia/4610586950/e hats…! So freakin’ cute.
- Unsure as to why they are in a tub..!?
- Great photo and LOVE the name of her company… Little Bums, Fingers & Toes!

12.15.10

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

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

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

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

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

*Bubbie means grandmother in Yiddish.

12.14.10 :: 2 weeks old

Quentin is 2 weeks old today.

And he actually did not cry once during his bath today. This is rare...! Both Sean & Mackenzie cried for at least the first month or two in every bath they took. Quentin was relaxed, and very alert the entire bath, and actually enjoyed it.

Since I was car-less today - and all my errands and stuff that I needed to do were put on hold (Jamie needed my van for work today and I am not comfortable driving his 6 speed in winter (I'm only comfortable with a 5 speed)) I decided today would be a good day to do a photo shoot with Quentin. Enjoy:

Tonight I was able to get out of the house with Quentin.

And I actually got to knit a few rows! I started Milo for Quentin in newborn size.
I bet by the time I finish it - he still will have to grow into it.

It was nice to get out for a bit, and go to the Montreal Knitting Guild's Christmas Party. Quentin was decked out in hand knits, and enjoyed himself at the party too. I mean, he slept through the entire thing and you wouldn't have known there was a baby there...

12.13.10 :: 206 weeks old

Sean is 206 weeks old today.
He is so excited to turn 4.
I'm not sure I'm ready for him to turn 4.
Though... I have no choice.

Life in this house is certainly not boring.

With my two toddler monkeys around!

In Numbers:
- My kids were born at 38 (Sean), 37 (Mack) and 36 (Quentin) weeks gestation.
- My kids were born 6-8-10 (Sean in 2006, Mack in 2008 and Quentin in 2010).
- I have 174 emails to respond to in my inbox. Make that 175.
- I have 81 episodes of Oprah on my PVR to watch.
- I'm wondering if it's bad that my purse weighs more than my newborn?
- The 2 am feedings are not so bad, and I'm usually fine at the 7/8 am feedings, but why are the 4/5 am feedings so brutal? I'm usually nodding out, and feeding him in my sleep (while sitting up). I cannot wait until he starts sleeping more. I am sure he could do longer than 2-3 hour stretches, but because of dealing with his weight right now, I am not supposed to let him go past 2-3 hours at a time. My alarm clock is definitely not my friend right now.
- Quentin gained 80 grams from Saturday to today (2 days). Usually newborns gain 20-25 g per day and Quentin on his high calorie diet gained 40 grams per day. He's now 2.4 kg (2400g) or 5 lbs 4.5 oz. The nurse that came today to weigh him told me to keep doing what I'm doing, and he'll continue to thrive. Hoping to never have a 4 lb and change baby again. I'm hoping to get him somewhere between 5 and a half to 6 lbs by next week. I think Quentin can do it. Must get him out of those preemie outfits (that he's actually swimming in... they're so large on him!)

Today's Link Love:
- Love this milk carton wallet idea!
- Love this newborn photo. I've been researching ideas to photograph Quentin. Planning to do a major photo shoot with him... just working out the details for a backdrop. (I used to have one, but it got ruined when we moved, unfortunately).
- Oy, love this newborn photo. Precious.
- Ok, ok, ok, look at this face.
- This newborn made me giggle.
- This is well... very creative.
- 5 bonus points for Pampers: WelcomeMembers5

(I'm house bound tomorrow, (car-less), so stay tuned for those virtual baby shower photos I promised you!)

12.12.10

The every 2-3 hour wake-ups are not so bad, especially since I get to look at this face while feeding him. His skin is so soft, and I just love the bonding time.

Today was a lazy Sunday and in the evening we celebrated Chanukah at my parents house as well as Jamie's birthday. It was a quiet dinner, and the boys got spoiled with gifts.

The thing I need to tackle now is getting out of the house with 3 kids. I had finally figured out how to get out of the house with 2 kids - on time (ish) - but now... 3?! Especially with a newborn? It's a tad hard. But I am sure I'll figure it out. Just need to figure out what works and what doesn't and come up with a system. Trial and error. I'm sure we'll figure it out.

Just like I'm trying to figure out how to get some knitting time in my day. I will get there... I keep telling myself! It will come. There are so many movies that have just come out on DVD that I can't wait to finally watch. At least I can watch movies while feeding Quentin.... just can't knit and do that at the same time, unfortunately. Sometimes I wish I had more hands than I actually do. (And more hours in the day). Don't you?

12.11.10

Quentin was dressed too cute today, I had to take some pictures. I absolutely love his winter boots that he's wearing. And the hat he's wearing, is a sneak peak of something Quentin got in my Virtual Baby Shower. (Thank you Sarah for knitting Quentin this hat!) The awesome leg warmers that came with the hat, won't fit Quentin for a good while, but once he fits in them, I'll definitely photograph him wearing them! Today was the first time Quentin was dressed up in clothes rather than being in a sleeper. He was going to go watch his oldest brother skate, so we had to get all dressed up!

Mackie has been obsessed with my camera lately. He wants to hold it and use it. He was very upset this morning that I wouldn't let him use it. I think we might actually be getting Sean an extremely inexpensive digital camera (boxing day sales maybe!?) and then we'll give Mack Sean's Fisher Price digital camera to play with. Do I have 2 future photographers in my house? They're both obsessed with taking photos on the toy digital camera.

Sean impressed me today with his skating. It's been a few weeks since I've been to watch him skate, and has he improved majorly! (And please ignore Mack begging me while being very uspet to use my digital camera).

On our way home from Sean's lesson, we stopped off to get Sean's skates sharpened. Jamie wanted to me to check out "the experience" of getting your skates sharpened. Apparently Seymour is the guy to go to to get your skates sharpened. He's the skate doctor. He's a pretty funny guy, Seymour. His shop is a wee tiny garage behind some building near our house, and it's pretty nifty in there. He knows how to properly sharpen & contour a blade, and I am sure I'll see the difference next week when Sean gets back on the ice. Seymour even has a mouse as a pet who has a house made out of a hockey skate. It's too cute.

A CLSC nurse came to our house today, and the good news is that, on the high calorie diet, Quentin gained 20 grams from yesterday. Today he weighs 5 lbs 1.5 oz. Luckily I don't have to take a trip to the Montreal Children's Hospital, and I have to keep doing what I'm doing. And by keep doing what I'm doing - is the high calorie diet, and waking him to feed every 2-2.5 hours - which is really brutal. I ended up having to take a nap all afternoon (as soon as the nurse left until supper tonight). I couldn't keep my eyes open.

I also never got around to taking the surgical tape strips off yesterday, as I ran out of time. I was able to find some time to have my mom come over today to help me take them off. I don't know why I was so scared of having them off - it wasn't so bad. We cleaned my scar and it's looking very good, healing quite nicely. Thankfully. It also feels so much better now that they've been removed. My skin feels freer and not as itchy.

Today's Link Love:
- This nifty holiday idea.
- A bonus point for Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards: BJWNCKSTWLFNPGB.

My email inbox is out of control again, I have Ravelry message to reply to... so if I owe you a note or an email or a message... stay tuned... it's coming soon. I promise. Personal time? What's that? I'm dying to knit a stitch, read some of my book... you know... when I get a moment.