Friday, February 18, 2011

2.18.11

This morning I took the boys to daycare and handed all my kids teachers a chocolate chip banana bread. They seemed to be well received and appreciated. I can't wait to hear how they liked my recipe. With the banana bread they received a note, that I wrote with each kid. They told me what they liked about their teachers, and I wrote it down. It was quite cute actually. Nothing wrong with a little compliment love. The one that killed me the most in cuteness was one of the ones Mack said. For one of his teachers, he likes that "she also likes the Habs and that she listens to him when he shows her his socks each day". Yep, you read that correctly. On a daily basis, Mack goes out of his way to show his one teacher what socks he has on. Even more the fun when he's wearing Habs socks....

Qatmusic

This morning we had our music class again. This time I wanted to see if Quentin would do well in the Bumbo. And he did. I am going to definitely get him to use the bumbo more often now. He is totally ready for it. Quentin today is sporting the Ribbed Baby Jacket by Debbie Bliss that my friend Melissa knit him for my Virtual Baby Shower. It's too cute on him. (Her Ravelry Project)

holdmusictoy

I've been working on Quentin's grip - trying to get him to hold toys and stuff (he's not really playing with toys yet), but today at music I got him to grasp the instrument. It's a start.

maxQ

Right after music we came straight home and shortly after, we had 2 visitors. Alison came over with Max. Max is 10 days younger than Quentin - though, you would think he was the older one of the two. It was a really nice visit, and Quentin hopes to see Max again soon. It will be a lot more fun when they can actually play together. It was nice catching up with Alison, I hadn't seen her in a very long time - maybe even not since I last lived in the city (I've been out in the suburbs for just over 3 years now). We had some banana bread, coffee, chatted & unfortunately no knitting was done - not this time.

sleepstretch

A relaxed sleeping baby.
He's been giving me 5-6 hour stretches over the last few nights.
I'm still quite sleep deprived, but we're getting there.
Hopefully sooner rather than later, we'll be sleeping through the night.

Tonight I finished another bottler holder for Quentin (sewing the last touches by hand that needed to be done) and I will show you that tomorrow. I now have one for his diaper bag and one to leave in his chair in the kitchen and one for upstairs. I'm thinking now maybe I'll make the time to make another one, to put downstairs. I'm always looking for what I did with it, so now I don't have to look anymore. They are so easy to make, it's just a bit time consuming with the hand sewing touches at the end. I also got to knit a few rows on Wyatt, and I'm nearing the end. Hoping to cast off tomorrow.

Today’s Link Love:
- This maze quilt.
- I love this kid pant tutorial.
- Thank you Tara for linking this patchwork fabric basket tutorial.
- Thank you to Bren & Rhoda for the link to this crochet can tab flower tutorial.
- I think this onesie is too funny.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

2.17.11 :: 32 months/139 weeks

32mod139wksM

Mack is 32 months old today / 139 weeks old.

seanreadvtech

This morning, I found Sean learning to read on his Vtech V.Reader that he got from his aunt & uncle for his birthday this past December. I keep forgetting to download the extra stuff that you have to from the web for it, so it's limited on what he can do with it. I finally now have it installing so he should have it tomorrow when he wakes up.

This morning I took Quentin to the CLSC Clinic to get him weighed. I had a funny feeling that the doctor's office (old school non-digital style scale) was way off (telling us Quentin was 8 lbs 13 oz or 4.01 kg (4010 grams) No way! No way had he gained 7 oz in 4 days. I know my baby. I was right. As of this morning he is 8 lbs 10 oz (3.93 kg or 3930 grams), having gained 20g per day since Friday. I think from now on I will take him weekly to the clinic to use their scale to keep it consistent for weighing in. That's probablyS a good idea.

progwyat

Here is my progress as of this morning on Wyatt.
I should be able to get it done soon, providing I have time to sit down & knit.

babygiftz
This morning I put together 2 baby gifts. Today I was seeing Caroline in the afternoon (see below) and tomorrow Quentin has a play date with another new friend. So I had fun with decorating and wrapping, and they were all set for their recipients.

carogift
This afternoon, Caroline was the recipient to gift number 1.

knittingatcaros

We had a nice afternoon of knitting & catching up.
I can't wait to meet her little man.
Caroline is now 38 weeks pregnant - so it will be any time now.

Qsmiley

Quentin slept through most of our visit, but finally woke up a little bit before we left. He was all smiles once he was awake.

chocochipban

This evening I baked 8 banana breads. One portion of the recipe gave me 2 pans. I made 6 regular one and 2 whole wheat ones. The 6 regulars were chocolate chip ones, and the 2 whole wheat ones, one was plain & the other had chocolate chips in it. The 6 regular ones were for the 5 teachers (Sean has 3 and Mack has 2 + the coordinator of the daycare) as it is Teacher Appreciation Week at the daycare. We were told not to spend money, and since time was a factor (no time to crochet or knit anything) I decided to go with baking. The 2 whole wheat ones were for us at home (one is for tomorrow - we have some visitors coming over in the afternoon for "cake" & coffee (or tea).

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

2.16.11

qnatemovie
Today Quentin and I ventured out to see the movie Just Go With It with Quentin's friend Nate & his mom. It wasn't the best movie in the world, but we sat there laughing throughout the entire movie, which was fun. It was definitely an enjoying (but long) movie. By the end of the movie we were noticing the time.

nateholder

While at the movies, I gave Nate the bottle holder that I finished sewing for him. His mom had seen ours while over visiting one time and wanted one for Nate. I told her that I would make one for her since I was going to make another one for Quentin and that I'd do them all together. I actually have one like the one above in progress (just needs the last finishing touches), for Quentin as well. I now have the black one that I just finished in my diaper bag, and the green one I made while still pregnant to keep in the house. I wanted to make one more so that I had one upstairs in the house and one for the kitchen. I'm always looking for mine ("where did I last leave it") so the more the merrier. I only use it when I need to feed Quentin and I also need my hands free. (While cooking dinner, baking, chasing after the other kids, or one of them needs my attention, while in the middle of doing dishes, laundry, eating dinner myself... etc. He never is left unattended with it for safety reasons). I like how this Sesame Street "baby" characters one came out. I hope she likes it.

sapphiregreen

Today in the mail I got a skein of Malabrigo Lace in Sapphire Green. I did a swap with someone on Ravelry, she wanted my skein of Malabrigo Lace in Molly that I had for destash. I went to go enter it into my stash to realize that I already have some of this colorway (intended for the Featherweight Cardigan - when I get around to it). Either I now have more for my project incase needed, or I will find something else for this skein I got today in a yarn exchange. I guess I must really like the color!

brushteethtime

Our crazy busy house at bedtime.

qSeanbed

I love that the boys really really really love their brother. Having Quentin I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of Sean & Mack being jealous - but they absolutely adore him. This melts my heart.

Today's Random Thought:
How long after the expiry date would you eat a bag of microwavable popcorn?

Today's Quote:
The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, side-stepping responsibility, and pushing their luck! ~Author Unknown

Today’s Link Love:
- Love this crayon skirt. Too bad I don't have any daughters.
- Love this vintage ruffle necklace tutorial.
- 5 free Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards Points: BKJXZHTTFNBSPGB.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

2.15.11 :: 215 weeks & 11 weeks

11wksQ

Quentin is 11 weeks old today.

215wksS

Sean is 215 weeks old today.

Qsleeptummytime

Today, during tummy time, Quentin took a liking to being in this position and he fell asleep. He actually napped for a few hours like this. I couldn't believe it. I guess my kids are just like their mama... a stomach sleeper.

seanneedscut

I think someone needs a haircut!

Today Quentin and I met his new doctor. Our new pediatrician. He'll be taking on all my kids. Thankfully! It's 2 brothers whom share a practice and there is always a doctor there. There are walk-in hours and weekend appointments too. I am glad we found somewhere. And since I know the receptionist, we're getting good service too.

The doctor right away (without me even saying anything) noticed Quentin's Laryngomalacia and told me what it was and that he has a few patients whom have had it and outgrown it. Phew! I like that he knows what it is, and is familiar with the condition. This made me feel so much at ease.

He has those old school style baby scales, with the weight bar to measure the baby's weight. We weighed Quentin and on his scale he's 8 lbs 13 oz (4 kg or 4000 grams). I don't know if it's possible for Quentin to have gained 7 oz since Friday (4 days) but hey, anything's possible right? I plan to take Quentin anyhow later on this week as usual to the clinic to use their digital scale. We'll see if he's actually really almost 9 lbs. We also measured Quentin and his height was correct at his 2 month check up, he's around 56 cm, not the 52.5 cm that the hospital told me on Friday.

I still have yet to meet the other brother doctor, but so far so good. I like this guy, he likes to tell stories, and I think we'll get along just fine with medical care.

I have a new Pampers Gifts to Grow point code for you 4W34A9BD99YDFWY which expires on 2/19/11 so be sure to enter it today!

Monday, February 14, 2011

2.14.11

tummytimeQ

I started tummy time with Quentin.
He likes it so far.
He's actually quite good with his head control.

bigsmile

Quentin has been all smiles today. I love it. This is new.
I love that I can get reaction smiles from him now.

chocoface

I love this too. Chocolate pudding faces.

bigsmilesQ

I really do love this new smiling thing. It's the best feeling in the world. Really!

Since we already celebrated V-day on the weekend while we had no kids for a few hours, tonight we just hung out, had dinner with the kids, and watched some TV once the kids went to bed. I didn't even get to knit while watching tv - I had way too much laundry to fold. The laundry is really a vicious cycle. It never ever ends. Just when you think your baskets are all washed, somehow they're full again. At what age can they start doing their own laundry? Just kidding. That won't be for a while.

That being said... knitting content to come very soon. I am close to finishing up Wyatt.

Hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day and got spoiled from your husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend, kids, parents, siblings or partner - whomever you are sharing this hallmark holiday with! (Yeah, I'm not the romantic type, can you tell?)

Today's Link Love:
- Thanks to Heather for the really cute Valentine's day idea on this blog here. I'm tucking that idea away for next year.
- I love this pillow.
- I love this baking dish.
- Sean (and Mack too) would flip out for a superhero bed like this. OH WOW!
- Happy Valentine's Day.
- Love this How to Stretch your Jewelry tutorial.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

2.13.11

SeanNapFeb13

Somehow we got some napping done today. (See above & below!)
Sean under not one, not 2, but 3 crochet blankets!

sleepsmiles
And Quentin in his swing.

I love lazy Sundays.
(Though lazy Sunday, I still did about 7 loads of laundry).

ponderingQ

Tonight we convinced my family to bring dinner here. Usually we all pile into my parent's house for Sunday Night Dinner, but the snow was blowing hard and well... frankly, I didn't want to leave the house & bundle up all the kids. So they came to us. And it was nice.

Today’s Link Love:
- This picture.
- This crochet project. Anyone know what it is from? I’d love to know.
- This bookmark tutorial is really cute.
- This ABC book idea is really cute.
- My 30th birthday is coming up and I want a cake like this.
- I love love love this family tree idea. Maybe something for a den?

Saturday, February 12, 2011

2.12.11

mackskate

At this morning's skate lesson, Mack showed great improvement. While he can't pick himself up yet when he falls down, he learned how to skate today without the help of the bar (above, he's the one in the blue snow suit standing up skating with the bar). We were really impressed with his progress today.

cardday

After skating we headed to the hockey card store. Today is National Hockey Card Day and the card store was handing out free cards. We each got a pack to open.

hockeycardday

Jamie also got a box of cards for us all to open. We all enjoy doing it together.
It's fun to open them and see what cards you could pull from a pack.

wyattprog

This afternoon before I took a nice afternoon nap (2 hours - it was beautiful), I grabbed a shot of my progress on Quentin's Wyatt sweater. I am really enjoying this project. I hope to be done it soon. I'm not entirely sure what size it will actually be when done, the pattern states that the smallest size is NB to 9 month size. Not sure what size that is really... but I guess I will find out once done, when it will actually fit Quentin. (Who is in NB size now, officially).

This evening we dropped off all the kids at my parents house and Jamie and I went out to our fave restaurant for a nice Valentine's Day Dinner. It was really nice to be out without the kids. It was the first time since Quentin was born. (The first time I was actually away from Quentin - besides leaving him for 10 minutes with Jamie to go to daycare to pick up Sean & Mack). It felt weird being away from Quentin, since he's still a newborn and since we spend every waking moment together, practically. (We did pick up Quentin on our way home, but Sean & Mackenzie are having a sleepover at their grandparents house tonight.

vdayneck

Jamie gave me this really nice Swarovski Love Pendant for Valentine's Day. I absolutely love it.

Friday, February 11, 2011

2.11.11

This morning my dad picked Quentin and I up again to give us a lift to the Montreal Children's Hospital. We had an appointment with Respirology today. We got there early. My dad went to find parking. I got to the reception desk of Respirology and handed them Quentin's hospital card and his medicare card. I thought we were going to have to go sit down and wait, seeing as though we were there at least a good 40 minutes early. We were brought immediately into a room to a nurse to get him weighed and measured (height). I discovered with his height that his doctor made a mistake at his 2 month check up. He's only 52.5 cm today, and not 56 cm. He gained in the last 8 days 200 grams. That's approximately 25 g per day. This is fantastic news. He improved from 20 g per day in a week to 22 g per day in a week to now 25 g per day in a week. Fantastic! Last Thursday he was 7 lbs 15 oz (3861 grams or 3.61 kg) and today he is 8 lbs 6 oz (3810 grams or 3.81 kg). So happy with this. He gained almost half a pound in about a week. Way to go Quentin! When the nurse was done with everything she brought us to an exam room. I thought we'd be going in there to wait for the doctor. Nope, the doctor was in there, waiting for us. It was a doctor that I wanted to see (there are a few in the department, but I got the one that people I know had recommended I saw). She was super awesome with Quentin. At first she asked me what I knew of Laryngomalacia, scolded me for googling and reading, and went over a couple of things. She listened to Quentin's breathing and was really happy with things. They were going to do a cap gas today too, but upon learning that I'd just done it on Tuesday, she wasn't going to have them draw more blood from Quentin. (She also informed me that next time I am in ENT and they want to do bloods, to have ENT call for a technician to come draw the bloods, so that I don't have to wait an hour again for the blood to be taken - interesting). She was happy with Tuesday's results, went over a few more things, and told me to book an appointment on the way out for 2 month's from now. She also gave me her card and told me that if I needed anything to please call her. I was out of there and on the highway heading home within minutes of the time that my appointment actually was called for. My dad didn't even have time to park his car. What a quick appointment with great service. Totally the opposite of Tuesday's appointment.

mariemode

Since I was back home early, I decided to get in my car and do a few things.
One stop, was at Marie Mode Tricot, a yarn shop that opened up not too long ago.
It's been on my "to check out list".

biscottilace
Of course, somehow I ended up with some new yarn. I don't know how it happened, but this skein of lace called my name, and asked me to take it home. The color is just delicious.

bluegreen

And this skein of fingering weight was too hard to leave behind.

bottlehold

I finally finished in the wee hours of the night last night, this bottle holder. This one is for Quentin. I wanted a few extra for the house (and one to keep permanently in our diaper bag) so I've been whipping up a few more. I absolutely love the material of this one. It was from a nursing wrap that I got, but since I have no use for a nursing wrap (as I'm bottle feeding Quentin), I had to re-purpose the material. I still have enough material to make something else small (or a few little things) and I just love the fabric. Even the stuffing was re-purposed on it, from a pillow (cheaper than stuffing at a craft supply store).

Qmuzic

Quentin had his music class today, that we luckily made on time (I was worried because I wasn't sure how long our doctor's appointment would take). I am really enjoying the music classes. There are even babies around Quentin's age in the class, so I'm not the only one with a newborn who doesn't do much. At this point, it's more for me to get out of the house and be with other people than anything.

Qmacrib

Quentin is sporting a hat that I got him on Etsy from this seller. It finally (sort of) fits him. He still needs to grow a bit, but by rolling it up a bit, I'm able to let him wear it. I've had this hat since I ordered it in October, and I'm glad that we're finally getting to wear it.

sundarayuckyyarnsplityarn

I am not sure what is going on with this yarn. I'm rather disappointed. I bought it off a local knitter, and it's not cheap yarn. It's Sundara in my stash here. I am in the middle of re-organizing my yarn room and making sure that everything is listed on Ravelry and I come across this. Upon further inspection, the yarn is splitting. It was not like that when I first got it, as I was able to re-skein it from the way I got it from the local knitter. I wasn't sure what was going on, so I put it in a ziploc bag and put it in the freezer for a while. I figured if something was in there, it would kill it by freezing it. I'm damn pissed off that it's splitting and I'm not even sure it's worth salvaging? What do you think? I might have to soak it in wool wash and clean it, but I'm afraid there is just no point. There's a few more strands that look like it's about to split. Grumble. (If you want to see closer-up, click on the individual photos, it'll open up larger in another window).

I'm starting to wonder where the Grace Repair Kit I "ordered" is. I know Quentin is still using the bucket, but I ordered it over a month ago. I wonder when I should start to worry?

There is a bit of commotion going on outside our house. 3 police cars, an ambulance and a firetruck. Not sure what is going on, but I'm curious. Looks like they're next door. I'm hoping there is nothing happening at my neighbor's house. I'm trying to be discreet and investigate. Maybe there is something up on her facebook page. Sean & Mack are getting a kick out of all the lights (no sirens) and the fact that from the window they can see police cars, fire trucks and and ambulance. I really hope there is nothing serious going on. If it had been summer, I'd have taken the boys outside to see the trucks. But in this cold, we watched from the window. (Though, we couldn't see much). If I hear of anything, I'll let you know... I'm sure you're curious too.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

2.10.11 :: 138 weeks old

138wksM

Mack is 138 weeks old today.

hotwheelsputin

My mom came to see the boys today as she just got back from Florida. One of the gifts she brought them was this really neat Hot Wheels organizer. It kept the boys busy for quite some time as they hunted down every single car they had that would fit into this organizer. This one holds 120 cars. They also received one that holds 66 cars.

hotwheeldoor
The boys managed to fill up completely the 120 car one, and it's on the back of their bedroom door. The smaller one that holds 66 cars is hanging off our hallway closet door right now as we need to find a place to put it. (I use the full length mirror in Quentin's room behind his door, so I'm not putting it there right now). That smaller one, Sean managed to fill just the first row of cars. The rest of the cars he and Mack own are way too big for the slots in the organizer. I do have a bunch more cars for him & Mack too - but they are not getting them just yet.

imwiththeband

Hey, I'm with the band.

sleepswing
Quentin has been an angel today. He let me sleep in (much needed, but we missed a mom & tot group meeting and I should have taken Quentin to the CLSC walk-in weigh-in clinic). We stayed in our pj's all day and somehow the hours of the day passed by and I have no idea where they went. I did manage to be a little productive today with some laundry.

Today's Link Love:
- Digital 360° view of Paris. Pretty cool.
- This zoetrope from coffee can tutorial.
- Love this crochet bear hat.
- Love this photo of a cardinal.
- Love this take along toy barn idea (tutorial).
- Still keep meaning to make a crayon roll for the boys.
- Loving Season 2 of How I Met Your Mother (Jamie and I are almost done Season 2).

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

2.9.11

myboys

Sean asked me if he could watch Quentin while I got ready this morning. It was super cute. Of course, Mack copies everything Sean does, so he wanted to watch Quentin too. Watching Quentin means placing your hand over him to make sure he doesn't go anywhere. (Last I checked, Quentin is only 10 weeks old, and ain't going anywhere...). Still, it was pretty cute. Cute enough that I snatched my camera just in time.

progwyatt

Here is my current progress on Wyatt.
I'm enjoying this project.

yogurtfruit

Tonight while Jamie prepared a really yummy yogurt fruit salad for us...

scones

I whipped two batches of Yogurt Scones. One batch with blueberries and one batch with strawberries. I substituted the sugar for splenda and the all-purpose flour for whole wheat. For whole wheat and healthy, they're quite tasty. I've been trying to think of things to make that are great for snacks. Delish. They actually came out quite good and were so simple to make. They're definitely on my list to make again. I wonder how long these will last in my house?

Next week is teacher appreciation in Sean & Mack's daycare. I don't have enough time to craft them each something elaborate. Anyone have any suggestions of what I can do? I have 5 teachers that I want to do something for. The notice up at the daycare says to not spend money, but I know a lot of the moms are not crafty and will probably buy something. Hmmm.... what to do & not feel/look cheap. Anyone have any good ideas? Please share. (And don't forget I need time to make 5 of them, or a budget for 5 things).

Tonight's Link Love:
- Another Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards Code: BKHGGPSBKCRMPG.
- This neat Valentine's Day DIY card tutorial.
- I love love love this 5 minute no-sew do it yourself tea cup pin cushion. Love it!
- Love this tutorial for a Marble Travel Game. I think I will have to whip one or two up for the boys! What a genius idea. They make great stocking stuffers too. If you make one & blog about it, do let me know. I'd love to see your creation.
- These airplane travel play trays are awesome. Don't want to spend 25$? Here's a tutorial on how to make one yourself.
- Love these stamped hangers. What a neat baby shower gift idea.
- This space saving furniture is AWESOME!
- I want to get an iphone so I can play with Instagram.