Friday, December 26, 2008
Happy Boxing Day!
There's lots to catch up on since my last post but where do I begin?!
For now, I'll just blog about the latest...
Last night I figured for once we'd get to bed before midnight for some much needed rest. But, alas, it was not meant to be.
I fed Kieran when we got home from having Christmas dinner at Tim's mom's and then it was up to bed for all of us.
At some point while we were putting Kieran down in his room, I rubbed my eye and dislodged my contact lens without realizing it.
My nearsightedness is not that bad so I didn't notice that I was seeing things blurry through my left eye until I went to take my lenses out.
No lens to be found anywhere in my left eye. I tried for a good half hour and also with Tim's help to try and find the damn lens somewhere in my eyelid but we could not see it. I thought I could feel it. I certainly felt discomfort. I tried flushing my eye out with saline solution but that did not produce a lens either. So I gave up and figured it must have popped out when I rubbed my eye earlier. Or if it was still behind my eyelid somewhere, it would work its way out in my sleep. Well, when I woke up this morning, I still couldn't find the lens in my eye.
So when Kieran is up later, I will get down on my hands and knees and see if I can find the lens somewhere on his bedroom floor.
I know, like a needle in a haystack, but I am persistent with these things!
So I guess I'll be wearing my glasses for the next few days as I have no spare lenses and I really don't feel like going downtown to the optometrist for more this weekend. That and I'm not entirely convinced it's not still in my eye!
I think I'll be looking into laser eye surgery in the new year...
For now, I'll just blog about the latest...
Last night I figured for once we'd get to bed before midnight for some much needed rest. But, alas, it was not meant to be.
I fed Kieran when we got home from having Christmas dinner at Tim's mom's and then it was up to bed for all of us.
At some point while we were putting Kieran down in his room, I rubbed my eye and dislodged my contact lens without realizing it.
My nearsightedness is not that bad so I didn't notice that I was seeing things blurry through my left eye until I went to take my lenses out.
No lens to be found anywhere in my left eye. I tried for a good half hour and also with Tim's help to try and find the damn lens somewhere in my eyelid but we could not see it. I thought I could feel it. I certainly felt discomfort. I tried flushing my eye out with saline solution but that did not produce a lens either. So I gave up and figured it must have popped out when I rubbed my eye earlier. Or if it was still behind my eyelid somewhere, it would work its way out in my sleep. Well, when I woke up this morning, I still couldn't find the lens in my eye.
So when Kieran is up later, I will get down on my hands and knees and see if I can find the lens somewhere on his bedroom floor.
I know, like a needle in a haystack, but I am persistent with these things!
So I guess I'll be wearing my glasses for the next few days as I have no spare lenses and I really don't feel like going downtown to the optometrist for more this weekend. That and I'm not entirely convinced it's not still in my eye!
I think I'll be looking into laser eye surgery in the new year...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The circle of life
Kieran's maternal Great-Grandma, as we all affectionately know as Mémère, passed away yesterday after 84 well-lived years.
She only got to see Kieran once in person, but was charmed by his cuteness!
We'll miss you Mémère, you are in our hearts and thoughts forever.
She only got to see Kieran once in person, but was charmed by his cuteness!
We'll miss you Mémère, you are in our hearts and thoughts forever.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Movie review
Kieran and I went to Movies for Mommies again today and saw Transporter 3.
Written by Luc Besson, starring Jason Statham and it has a car chase scene that involves a BMX bike...what more could you want?!!!
I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Written by Luc Besson, starring Jason Statham and it has a car chase scene that involves a BMX bike...what more could you want?!!!
I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Getting out and about
We've kept pretty busy the last few days, actually getting out, even yesterday despite the deep freeze!
On Thursday, we took a walk over to the shopping centre, Alexis Nihon Plaza, for some lunch at the Lebanese place and then we started a little of our Christmas shopping. I had Kieran in the Maman Kangourou carrier, which is great but I certainly can't keep my coat on for any length of time without sweating buckets!
Friday afternoon we took a metro ride to meet Tim at Côte Vertu after work and then we headed to the Baie D'Urfé curling club. Both teams that Tim sponsors were playing at 6 & 10 pm so we were there to cheer them on (and also to show off Kieran!)
The club was also using Tim's new service Webspiel to keep game scores. He's worked so hard on it and it's finally ready for use. He still has a lot to do before it's up to the standards he wants, but at least now it is useable. The great thing about this service is it has no real cost to it other than Tim's time and minimal hosting fees but can potentially bring in lots of revenue! Bring it on!
Saturday was the big test...my company was having their Christmas party at the Montreal Casino and Grandma Jo-Anne was coming over to baby-sit.
I was actually surprised that they remembered to invite me to the party!
Anyhow, we left they house a little after 5 and came back around 11. Six whole hours and apparently Kieran wasn't any trouble. Okay, except for the explosive diaper but I half-expected that as he hadn't had much of a poop all day! Grandma dealt with it just fine.
Tim and I had a very nice evening out. My friend Katja now works in my department (we worked together for one whole week before I left in August) so she and her husband Jouni were sitting at the same table as us and 2 other couples.
I did the rounds and showed off Kieran's picture and did the proud parent gushing thing!
The meal was very good, we had filet mignon cooked to perfection and we even got a $25 chip for the casino along with the gifts donated from suppliers. I received a wooden cd holder and a gift certificate for St-Hubert restaurant.
I played a whopping 50 cents on the slots and Tim lost $20. It was pretty busy at the casino, it being a Saturday night. So by 10:30, we'd had enough and headed home to give Grandma her reprieve.
Sunday morning,Kieran and I headed off to Church as I figured I should make a few appearances before he gets baptized at the end of the month!
Half-way through the service I spotted my Auntie Ann so we scooted up and joined her for the rest of the mass. She was happy to see us and made her usual comment of Kieran always having his eyes closed when she sees him.
Yesterday, as all you Montrealers know, the temperature plunged to minus 30 celsius with the wind chill but we bundled up and went over to the High School to vote in the provincial elections. I was expecting this but was a bit annoyed nonetheless that when I got there there was no way I could get in the front door with the stroller as they have a long set of stairs. A kind man went in to see if there was another entrance I could use but then an elections worker came out and helped me lift the stroller up the stairs. I certainly now have much greater sympathy for people with limited mobility. I also find it much easier to get around with Kieran in a baby carrier.
Which reminds me that it is time to get him in the Maman kangouroou to go to the movies!
On Thursday, we took a walk over to the shopping centre, Alexis Nihon Plaza, for some lunch at the Lebanese place and then we started a little of our Christmas shopping. I had Kieran in the Maman Kangourou carrier, which is great but I certainly can't keep my coat on for any length of time without sweating buckets!
Friday afternoon we took a metro ride to meet Tim at Côte Vertu after work and then we headed to the Baie D'Urfé curling club. Both teams that Tim sponsors were playing at 6 & 10 pm so we were there to cheer them on (and also to show off Kieran!)
The club was also using Tim's new service Webspiel to keep game scores. He's worked so hard on it and it's finally ready for use. He still has a lot to do before it's up to the standards he wants, but at least now it is useable. The great thing about this service is it has no real cost to it other than Tim's time and minimal hosting fees but can potentially bring in lots of revenue! Bring it on!
Saturday was the big test...my company was having their Christmas party at the Montreal Casino and Grandma Jo-Anne was coming over to baby-sit.
I was actually surprised that they remembered to invite me to the party!
Anyhow, we left they house a little after 5 and came back around 11. Six whole hours and apparently Kieran wasn't any trouble. Okay, except for the explosive diaper but I half-expected that as he hadn't had much of a poop all day! Grandma dealt with it just fine.
Tim and I had a very nice evening out. My friend Katja now works in my department (we worked together for one whole week before I left in August) so she and her husband Jouni were sitting at the same table as us and 2 other couples.
I did the rounds and showed off Kieran's picture and did the proud parent gushing thing!
The meal was very good, we had filet mignon cooked to perfection and we even got a $25 chip for the casino along with the gifts donated from suppliers. I received a wooden cd holder and a gift certificate for St-Hubert restaurant.
I played a whopping 50 cents on the slots and Tim lost $20. It was pretty busy at the casino, it being a Saturday night. So by 10:30, we'd had enough and headed home to give Grandma her reprieve.
Sunday morning,Kieran and I headed off to Church as I figured I should make a few appearances before he gets baptized at the end of the month!
Half-way through the service I spotted my Auntie Ann so we scooted up and joined her for the rest of the mass. She was happy to see us and made her usual comment of Kieran always having his eyes closed when she sees him.
Yesterday, as all you Montrealers know, the temperature plunged to minus 30 celsius with the wind chill but we bundled up and went over to the High School to vote in the provincial elections. I was expecting this but was a bit annoyed nonetheless that when I got there there was no way I could get in the front door with the stroller as they have a long set of stairs. A kind man went in to see if there was another entrance I could use but then an elections worker came out and helped me lift the stroller up the stairs. I certainly now have much greater sympathy for people with limited mobility. I also find it much easier to get around with Kieran in a baby carrier.
Which reminds me that it is time to get him in the Maman kangouroou to go to the movies!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
More than just fussing.
So Tim fessed up and told me last night that Kieran did a little more than just fuss while I was out yesterday...apparently there was no calming him down. He cried hard enough to draw tears, which almost had Daddy in tears!
I'm sure the fact that Tim was trying to get some work done on the computer didn't help the situation. Oh well, chalk one up to experience!
It's funny though how sometimes he can go from perfectly peaceful to wailing away in just seconds and then back to calm again. Once you give him what he wants, that is!
I'm sure the fact that Tim was trying to get some work done on the computer didn't help the situation. Oh well, chalk one up to experience!
It's funny though how sometimes he can go from perfectly peaceful to wailing away in just seconds and then back to calm again. Once you give him what he wants, that is!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Today's outing
Yesterday I went to the periodontist further to my dentist referring me to him because I had some bone loss on one of my lower front teeth. It was detected before my pregnancy but could have gotten worse in the meantime.
So they took a complete set of x-rays of my mouth while Kieran waited at reception with all the women in the office gushing over him!
After my consultation with the doctor, he determined there are 3 areas that need taking care of, to the tune of about $3000! Thank goodness for insurance!
When we got to the reception to book my next appointment, they had just gotten a cancellation. So my first procedure was booked for this morning.
Tim was able to work from home today while I went to my appointment up the street.
I fed Kieran just before leaving but apparently he did not stop fussing from the moment I went out the door.
Tim was just about to feed him a bottle when I got back. So we proceeded to bottle-feed him, which he didn't take to very well at first but he finally got the hang of it and gobbled up 160 ml. It was a good test to see if he would drink from the bottle as Tim and I are going to my company Christmas party on Saturday evening and Grandma Jo-Anne is babysitting. She will certainly need to feed Kieran at some point so it definitely was a good idea to see if Kieran would take a bottle before then.
The surgery went well, the needle was the worst part, I think.
They did lots of scraping around the tooth to clean everything out and then sewed it all up.
I didn't feel much pain but on the way home, I dutifully filled my prescription for Atasol, which is basically Tylenol with codeine.
We'll see how the codeine affects Kieran through my breast milk. The pharmacist said there are no adverse affects but he could get drowsy. The pills also have caffeine in them which could stimulate him, so who knows what the reaction might be!
My mouth is slowly thawing out and it's a little hard to swallow and open my mouth very wide but I've delt with much worse.
I have gone through childbirth after all!
So they took a complete set of x-rays of my mouth while Kieran waited at reception with all the women in the office gushing over him!
After my consultation with the doctor, he determined there are 3 areas that need taking care of, to the tune of about $3000! Thank goodness for insurance!
When we got to the reception to book my next appointment, they had just gotten a cancellation. So my first procedure was booked for this morning.
Tim was able to work from home today while I went to my appointment up the street.
I fed Kieran just before leaving but apparently he did not stop fussing from the moment I went out the door.
Tim was just about to feed him a bottle when I got back. So we proceeded to bottle-feed him, which he didn't take to very well at first but he finally got the hang of it and gobbled up 160 ml. It was a good test to see if he would drink from the bottle as Tim and I are going to my company Christmas party on Saturday evening and Grandma Jo-Anne is babysitting. She will certainly need to feed Kieran at some point so it definitely was a good idea to see if Kieran would take a bottle before then.
The surgery went well, the needle was the worst part, I think.
They did lots of scraping around the tooth to clean everything out and then sewed it all up.
I didn't feel much pain but on the way home, I dutifully filled my prescription for Atasol, which is basically Tylenol with codeine.
We'll see how the codeine affects Kieran through my breast milk. The pharmacist said there are no adverse affects but he could get drowsy. The pills also have caffeine in them which could stimulate him, so who knows what the reaction might be!
My mouth is slowly thawing out and it's a little hard to swallow and open my mouth very wide but I've delt with much worse.
I have gone through childbirth after all!
Well worth the cost and then some!
I love tabulating things. If I didn't suck so bad at math, I probably would have gone into accounting. Anyhow, yesterday I had fun calculating some of our baby-related costs....
Prescriptions $60
Medical $400
Room decorating $535
Car seat & stroller $655
Clothes $195
Breast-feeding & formula $450
Diapers $165
Misc $135
That's really not that bad. But I'm surprised to see that breast-feeding cost so much!
We've also been very blessed with very generous friends and family. The baby furniture, playpen, highchair, 2nd carseat, tons of clothing and so much more were passed along to us from others.
I love hand-me-downs, it gives me a sense of warmth when I know someone we care for used these things before us (and tested them out too!)
Yep, we're lucky...
Prescriptions $60
Medical $400
Room decorating $535
Car seat & stroller $655
Clothes $195
Breast-feeding & formula $450
Diapers $165
Misc $135
That's really not that bad. But I'm surprised to see that breast-feeding cost so much!
We've also been very blessed with very generous friends and family. The baby furniture, playpen, highchair, 2nd carseat, tons of clothing and so much more were passed along to us from others.
I love hand-me-downs, it gives me a sense of warmth when I know someone we care for used these things before us (and tested them out too!)
Yep, we're lucky...
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Score! 3 for 3!
I don't think that the men that read this will fully appreciate the significance of this post but anyhow here goes...
On Friday, I was out with Kieran to go to the movies. There is a program at some cinemas called Movies for Mommies where they turn down the lights and provide a changing table with (supposedly, but this week lacking) the supplies you need.
So I put him in the Maman Kangourou carrier and off we went to catch the bus for the 1:20 pm showing at Côte-des-Neiges.
We enjoyed the newest James Bond movie "Quantum of Solace."
Now this was not the significant part of my day...
After the movie, we wandered around the mall and I walked into Reitman's, a women's chain clothing store here where I had previously seen a top I thought might be nice for Christmas.
At the time, I didn't even bother trying it on as it was still full price.
I rarely will buy something before it goes on sale unless it's really inexpensive or I really want it then and there. Why pay full price when I know very well I can pay less if I only wait a couple of weeks?!
So here was the top again and on sale. So I looked it over grabbed an XL and figured I'd try it on at home and return it if it didn't fit (which I fully expected.)
Then I saw a sweater (not that I need another sweater but it looked nice) for $20 so I grabbed that in a large and hoped for the best.
Well, I couldn't believe it...they both fit...really nicely! I should try that more often, it certainly saved time!
Then on Saturday, we stopped at Old Navy where they were having a huge sale. I found a pair of jeans that looked like what I was looking for and headed to the fitting rooms but then balked when I saw the long line-up. Well, I didn't have Kieran on me but I definitely didn't want to wait in line just to find out the jeans didn't fit so we just headed to the cash and went with the try-on-at-home-and-return-if-need-be theory.
Can you believe that the jeans fit, really nicely?! Jeans, I tell you. Now you all must know how hard it is to find jeans that fit well. How amazing is it that they fit without even trying them on?!
It's the little things in life I tell ya!
On Friday, I was out with Kieran to go to the movies. There is a program at some cinemas called Movies for Mommies where they turn down the lights and provide a changing table with (supposedly, but this week lacking) the supplies you need.
So I put him in the Maman Kangourou carrier and off we went to catch the bus for the 1:20 pm showing at Côte-des-Neiges.
We enjoyed the newest James Bond movie "Quantum of Solace."
Now this was not the significant part of my day...
After the movie, we wandered around the mall and I walked into Reitman's, a women's chain clothing store here where I had previously seen a top I thought might be nice for Christmas.
At the time, I didn't even bother trying it on as it was still full price.
I rarely will buy something before it goes on sale unless it's really inexpensive or I really want it then and there. Why pay full price when I know very well I can pay less if I only wait a couple of weeks?!
So here was the top again and on sale. So I looked it over grabbed an XL and figured I'd try it on at home and return it if it didn't fit (which I fully expected.)
Then I saw a sweater (not that I need another sweater but it looked nice) for $20 so I grabbed that in a large and hoped for the best.
Well, I couldn't believe it...they both fit...really nicely! I should try that more often, it certainly saved time!
Then on Saturday, we stopped at Old Navy where they were having a huge sale. I found a pair of jeans that looked like what I was looking for and headed to the fitting rooms but then balked when I saw the long line-up. Well, I didn't have Kieran on me but I definitely didn't want to wait in line just to find out the jeans didn't fit so we just headed to the cash and went with the try-on-at-home-and-return-if-need-be theory.
Can you believe that the jeans fit, really nicely?! Jeans, I tell you. Now you all must know how hard it is to find jeans that fit well. How amazing is it that they fit without even trying them on?!
It's the little things in life I tell ya!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
No complaints here
As much as Quebecers complain about high taxes, poor healthcare and other social issues, I must say our parental leave program is a god-send.
Tim was able to take 5 weeks off from work at 70% of his salary and I will be off for 25 weeks at 70% plus another 25 weeks at 55%.
If you're curious to see how the plan works, here's the link to the government page:
Quebec Parental Insurance Plan
I coul not imagine living somewhere where I'd already be heading back to work, having to leave my baby in someone else's care all day long. I would miss him so much.
I am truly cherishing watching him develop, as unobvious as it may be at this point. But I do notice the little subtleties as I observe him for so many hours a day.
His vision seems to be increasing. He doesn't focus or follow anything yet, but you can tell he can now see more of the world that surrounds him.
He also gets quite vocal at times, cooing and grunting and making all kinds of sounds.
No smiles, it's too early yet, but he grins to himself as if he's in on his own private joke. Those looks particularly crack me up and melt my heart!
So, needless to say, I am enjoying motherhood like I never could have imagined.
My little Kieran is an angel and I love him so!
Tim was able to take 5 weeks off from work at 70% of his salary and I will be off for 25 weeks at 70% plus another 25 weeks at 55%.
If you're curious to see how the plan works, here's the link to the government page:
Quebec Parental Insurance Plan
I coul not imagine living somewhere where I'd already be heading back to work, having to leave my baby in someone else's care all day long. I would miss him so much.
I am truly cherishing watching him develop, as unobvious as it may be at this point. But I do notice the little subtleties as I observe him for so many hours a day.
His vision seems to be increasing. He doesn't focus or follow anything yet, but you can tell he can now see more of the world that surrounds him.
He also gets quite vocal at times, cooing and grunting and making all kinds of sounds.
No smiles, it's too early yet, but he grins to himself as if he's in on his own private joke. Those looks particularly crack me up and melt my heart!
So, needless to say, I am enjoying motherhood like I never could have imagined.
My little Kieran is an angel and I love him so!
Little Boy Blue
I suppose it's about time I posted a picture of Kieran for those of you who aren't on Facebook or haven't met him yet...
Doesn't he look so peaceful?!
He's wearing the sweater Grandma Jo-Anne knit for him.
Doesn't he look so peaceful?!
He's wearing the sweater Grandma Jo-Anne knit for him.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
5 weeks already
Wow! Kieran is doing excellent and Mommy is not doing too bad herself. Yes, I definitely now have the designation of mother first and foremost pretty much all the time now!
It's so surprising to see some people's reactions to Kieran when we go out with him. You half expect women with older children to take notice of a newborn but when young men, like our waiter at Pizza Hut, tell you "He's so cute!", it's kinda funny and heartwarming too!
So Kieran had his VCUG on Friday the 7th where they injected iodine into his bladder to see if urine was going back up into his kidneys. After doing the test twice to make sure, it was determined he has no reflux. Yay! So after Monday night, he was antibiotic free.
It was kinda funny when they did the test, there was the radiology technician, a resident specializing in radiology, a McGill me student, 2 Dawson College technician students plus Tim & I, all watching this little guy, waiting for him to pee. No pressure!
We weren't worried, but is was a relief to know that he had no reflux. So everything is fine for now and we have another ultrasound in January to see what size his kidneys are then.
And we had a breakthrough on Monday...I'd pretty much given up trying to breastfeed Kieran somewhere around Halloween as he'd taken to the bottle and I was producing more than enough milk to pump and feed him. It was working out, Tim was able to help with feeding and Kieran was getting breast milk nonetheless. It was just more work as I had to pump every 3 hours or so.
Well, on Monday morning, I tried getting him to latch on again and, lo-and-behold, he was able to do so pretty well. So we've been doing pretty well with the breastfeeding so far. Today was a little more trying as Kieran did not seem to be satisfied no matter how much I fed him. So he is getting a bottle as I have my suspicions he was just not getting enough milk from breastfeeding.
I must admit, it is rather easier to nurse him and somewhat more gratifying too.
I'm lucky enough that he usually gets a good latch on and I don't have to focus all my attention on him so I've been able to read or write while he's feeeding.
He has been spitting up a little more but I think that's because he's not quite used to the quicker flow of milk. Even with a good burp, he spits up a little, sometimes even half an hour after he's done nursing.
So all is pretty good on the Westmount front.
Tim has been busy all week doing some programming work but he's been on diaper and bath duty. He's going back to work on Monday, a week earlier than planned so he can have some time off later instead. I'm sure everyone at his office will be glad to see him.
It's so surprising to see some people's reactions to Kieran when we go out with him. You half expect women with older children to take notice of a newborn but when young men, like our waiter at Pizza Hut, tell you "He's so cute!", it's kinda funny and heartwarming too!
So Kieran had his VCUG on Friday the 7th where they injected iodine into his bladder to see if urine was going back up into his kidneys. After doing the test twice to make sure, it was determined he has no reflux. Yay! So after Monday night, he was antibiotic free.
It was kinda funny when they did the test, there was the radiology technician, a resident specializing in radiology, a McGill me student, 2 Dawson College technician students plus Tim & I, all watching this little guy, waiting for him to pee. No pressure!
We weren't worried, but is was a relief to know that he had no reflux. So everything is fine for now and we have another ultrasound in January to see what size his kidneys are then.
And we had a breakthrough on Monday...I'd pretty much given up trying to breastfeed Kieran somewhere around Halloween as he'd taken to the bottle and I was producing more than enough milk to pump and feed him. It was working out, Tim was able to help with feeding and Kieran was getting breast milk nonetheless. It was just more work as I had to pump every 3 hours or so.
Well, on Monday morning, I tried getting him to latch on again and, lo-and-behold, he was able to do so pretty well. So we've been doing pretty well with the breastfeeding so far. Today was a little more trying as Kieran did not seem to be satisfied no matter how much I fed him. So he is getting a bottle as I have my suspicions he was just not getting enough milk from breastfeeding.
I must admit, it is rather easier to nurse him and somewhat more gratifying too.
I'm lucky enough that he usually gets a good latch on and I don't have to focus all my attention on him so I've been able to read or write while he's feeeding.
He has been spitting up a little more but I think that's because he's not quite used to the quicker flow of milk. Even with a good burp, he spits up a little, sometimes even half an hour after he's done nursing.
So all is pretty good on the Westmount front.
Tim has been busy all week doing some programming work but he's been on diaper and bath duty. He's going back to work on Monday, a week earlier than planned so he can have some time off later instead. I'm sure everyone at his office will be glad to see him.
Monday, November 03, 2008
3 weeks post-partum
24 days already since Kieran arrived! Yes, now I believe all of you when you say to enjoy every minute as time definitely does fly, even with the extra hour yesterday!
I am finally feeling back to my non-pregnant self. (I dare not say "normal"!) No more swollen feet, no more heartburn, no more carpal tunnel, among others. I even fit into a few pairs of non maternity pants, yay!
We've been pretty busy some days and managed to have some quiet, more restful days too. Kieran has already had a couple of visits to the Children's hospital to check up on his kidneys. They don't seem to be getting any bigger which is a good sign. This Friday we go for another appointment to see if urine is going back up from the bladder to the kidneys. If all is good then he can stop taking antibiotics which he is on as a preventative measure to stop any urinary tract infection or kidney infection.
We've managed a few outings too. We've been to both my office & Tim's a couple of times, for vistis & to pick up paperwork.
Last week we even took him out for lunch all the way out in Boucherville, at this great resto called Bistro Lulu.
We decided to get out of the house for the day as a water main had busted up the street and after some high water levels (Tim dubbed our street Lake Columbia), they shut the water off. So our best option was to head to the South Shore for the day.
Saturday evening another pipe burst further up the street so as of this morning, they have started digging up our street, section by section and they will replace all the aging water network. Our water is to be shut off from 9am to 6pm every day. Thank goodness I had done all our laundry on Saturday.
Other than that, it's a routine of feeding, changing diapers, pumping and hanging out with out little cutie. Kieran has not taken to latching on to breast feed, even after a lactation consultant's visit. Which is no so bad. He's getting breast milk nonetheless and Daddy can help with the feedings when I'm too deep into sleep mode!
Kieran is not quite on a regular feeding schedule yet. During the day he usually feeds every 2 1/2 to 3 hours but sometimes in the morning he'll feed a bit every hour. The past few nights he's fed around midnight & lasted about 4-5 hours before getting hungry again. So I get about 3-4 hours of continuous sleep. Naps during the day are a must!
So if you haven't come for a visit yet, give us a call already! And if you're due for another visit, give us a call already! No time is good or bad, really. But your chances of seeing him alert are higher around 10:30 am. For now at least...
I am finally feeling back to my non-pregnant self. (I dare not say "normal"!) No more swollen feet, no more heartburn, no more carpal tunnel, among others. I even fit into a few pairs of non maternity pants, yay!
We've been pretty busy some days and managed to have some quiet, more restful days too. Kieran has already had a couple of visits to the Children's hospital to check up on his kidneys. They don't seem to be getting any bigger which is a good sign. This Friday we go for another appointment to see if urine is going back up from the bladder to the kidneys. If all is good then he can stop taking antibiotics which he is on as a preventative measure to stop any urinary tract infection or kidney infection.
We've managed a few outings too. We've been to both my office & Tim's a couple of times, for vistis & to pick up paperwork.
Last week we even took him out for lunch all the way out in Boucherville, at this great resto called Bistro Lulu.
We decided to get out of the house for the day as a water main had busted up the street and after some high water levels (Tim dubbed our street Lake Columbia), they shut the water off. So our best option was to head to the South Shore for the day.
Saturday evening another pipe burst further up the street so as of this morning, they have started digging up our street, section by section and they will replace all the aging water network. Our water is to be shut off from 9am to 6pm every day. Thank goodness I had done all our laundry on Saturday.
Other than that, it's a routine of feeding, changing diapers, pumping and hanging out with out little cutie. Kieran has not taken to latching on to breast feed, even after a lactation consultant's visit. Which is no so bad. He's getting breast milk nonetheless and Daddy can help with the feedings when I'm too deep into sleep mode!
Kieran is not quite on a regular feeding schedule yet. During the day he usually feeds every 2 1/2 to 3 hours but sometimes in the morning he'll feed a bit every hour. The past few nights he's fed around midnight & lasted about 4-5 hours before getting hungry again. So I get about 3-4 hours of continuous sleep. Naps during the day are a must!
So if you haven't come for a visit yet, give us a call already! And if you're due for another visit, give us a call already! No time is good or bad, really. But your chances of seeing him alert are higher around 10:30 am. For now at least...
Friday, October 10, 2008
Self-portrait, 37 1/2 weeks
1.5 cm dilated, 50% effaced. 2 weeks to go?!
We shall see...
It's supposed to be a beautiful weekend. We are missing out on the annual Thanksgiving camping season finale at Saranac Lake.
We'll enjoy the holiday in the city instead!
A Happy Gobble Gobble weekend to everyone!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Anytime now, we're ready!
Last week I did some cooking to freeze for after baby's arrival. But there was only so much I could cook before both our fridges' freezers were full! We've bought a new freezer but it will only be in at the end of this week.
So we have lasagna, sheppard's pie, muffins, banana bread and a bit of chili. Not to mention the food people brought to my baby shower which is presently being stored at Cathy & Eric's.
Last Monday I took advantage of the gift certificate I received for my wedding shower and got a massage at the Westmount Spa. Wonderful! Unfortunately at this stage, the benefits of a massage don't last for very long.
I am very much looking forward to being able to toss and turn in my sleep.
And to wearing any pair of shoes I want (I think I'm down to 2 pairs that fit at this point.)
And to standing up for more than a few minutes before running out of breath!
I'm at the point where I'm going to see the doctor every week now. I've been lucky so far and haven't had to wait too long for my appointments most of the time. But last week, the doctor was pretty late as she had been attending a delivery so my 10:15 turned into a 12:30. Luckily I had nowhere else to be and had reading material so it wasn't so bad. All that waiting for her to check the baby's heartbeat and my blood pressure. Which were both fine.
Friday was a big day! Tim took the bus to work and so I went and picked up Cathy and Vanessa and we went for a walk on Mount St-Bruno. Surprisingly, most of the leaves have yet to change colour. It was a very pleasant day for a walk in the woods. Then we stopped for lunch. A very quick lunch. It was rather windy and quite cold in the clearing by the lake where we stopped. So we then went and warmed up at Cathy's parents' house before heading to the mall to look for a dress for Vanessa.
I then dropped the girls off at home and went to pick up Tim at work.
We had a made a date for dinner and a movie. After such an eventful day I was sure I would fall asleep at the movies but I didn't even come close to nodding off! I don't think that has ever happened even pre-pregnancy! We went to see "Burn Before Reading" and we both enjoyed it very much. Very true to the Coen brothers usual style of humour.
Saturday morning we purposefully got up at 5:30 (!) to go to a baby article sale in St-Bruno. We scored quite a few good buys by getting there at 7, one hour before the doors opened.
And that evening we had David, Julie & Arianne over for supper and they brought us more baby stuff. And on Sunday, Katja dropped some more clothes off so we are definitely set for a few months.
I think all I'm missing now is a baby album!
So we have lasagna, sheppard's pie, muffins, banana bread and a bit of chili. Not to mention the food people brought to my baby shower which is presently being stored at Cathy & Eric's.
Last Monday I took advantage of the gift certificate I received for my wedding shower and got a massage at the Westmount Spa. Wonderful! Unfortunately at this stage, the benefits of a massage don't last for very long.
I am very much looking forward to being able to toss and turn in my sleep.
And to wearing any pair of shoes I want (I think I'm down to 2 pairs that fit at this point.)
And to standing up for more than a few minutes before running out of breath!
I'm at the point where I'm going to see the doctor every week now. I've been lucky so far and haven't had to wait too long for my appointments most of the time. But last week, the doctor was pretty late as she had been attending a delivery so my 10:15 turned into a 12:30. Luckily I had nowhere else to be and had reading material so it wasn't so bad. All that waiting for her to check the baby's heartbeat and my blood pressure. Which were both fine.
Friday was a big day! Tim took the bus to work and so I went and picked up Cathy and Vanessa and we went for a walk on Mount St-Bruno. Surprisingly, most of the leaves have yet to change colour. It was a very pleasant day for a walk in the woods. Then we stopped for lunch. A very quick lunch. It was rather windy and quite cold in the clearing by the lake where we stopped. So we then went and warmed up at Cathy's parents' house before heading to the mall to look for a dress for Vanessa.
I then dropped the girls off at home and went to pick up Tim at work.
We had a made a date for dinner and a movie. After such an eventful day I was sure I would fall asleep at the movies but I didn't even come close to nodding off! I don't think that has ever happened even pre-pregnancy! We went to see "Burn Before Reading" and we both enjoyed it very much. Very true to the Coen brothers usual style of humour.
Saturday morning we purposefully got up at 5:30 (!) to go to a baby article sale in St-Bruno. We scored quite a few good buys by getting there at 7, one hour before the doors opened.
And that evening we had David, Julie & Arianne over for supper and they brought us more baby stuff. And on Sunday, Katja dropped some more clothes off so we are definitely set for a few months.
I think all I'm missing now is a baby album!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Before we know it
Only 2 more prenatal classes to go...This week we had a tour of the hospital. It was reassuring to see the birthing rooms and get an idea how things happen at the Vic.
So I think reality is starting to sink in and before we know it, the baby will be here and our lives will never be the same!
Catherine threw me a tea party baby shower last Sunday. It was great fun. We had finger sandwiches, homemade scones with cream and strawberry jam and cookies and brownies and lots of gifts to open!
So I think we're pretty much set for baby's arrival. The room is all ready. The stroller was delivered on Wednesday. We have some diapers, a few outfits and some bonnets and lots of blankets and washcloths. I'm not going to get anything else until baby arrives and we know the sex and size.
According to this week's ultrasound, the baby now weighs 7 lbs and the birth weight should be between 8 & 9 lbs. But that could be off by some 2 lbs. Ulp, hopefully not on the high side! And I thought I wasn't that big for 36 weeks. Ulp!
The baby's kidneys are still enlarged but nothing can be done at this point. We'll see after the birth if it's still the case. Apparently hydronephrosis, as its called, is the #1 problem detected on an ultrasound but after the birth, the kidneys are usually observed to be just fine. So no worries for now. A pedriatric urologist (talk about a specialty!) will do an assessment after the baby is born.
And as per our instructor's suggestion, our bags are somewhat packed for the hospital. I did that today. So as Tim said, the baby is sure to arrive late cos we're pretty much all ready for it!
Now I just have to occupy myself to stop from being bored to tears and cooping myself in the house all day long. There's only so much time one can spend looking at nursing bras online in a day!
So I think reality is starting to sink in and before we know it, the baby will be here and our lives will never be the same!
Catherine threw me a tea party baby shower last Sunday. It was great fun. We had finger sandwiches, homemade scones with cream and strawberry jam and cookies and brownies and lots of gifts to open!
So I think we're pretty much set for baby's arrival. The room is all ready. The stroller was delivered on Wednesday. We have some diapers, a few outfits and some bonnets and lots of blankets and washcloths. I'm not going to get anything else until baby arrives and we know the sex and size.
According to this week's ultrasound, the baby now weighs 7 lbs and the birth weight should be between 8 & 9 lbs. But that could be off by some 2 lbs. Ulp, hopefully not on the high side! And I thought I wasn't that big for 36 weeks. Ulp!
The baby's kidneys are still enlarged but nothing can be done at this point. We'll see after the birth if it's still the case. Apparently hydronephrosis, as its called, is the #1 problem detected on an ultrasound but after the birth, the kidneys are usually observed to be just fine. So no worries for now. A pedriatric urologist (talk about a specialty!) will do an assessment after the baby is born.
And as per our instructor's suggestion, our bags are somewhat packed for the hospital. I did that today. So as Tim said, the baby is sure to arrive late cos we're pretty much all ready for it!
Now I just have to occupy myself to stop from being bored to tears and cooping myself in the house all day long. There's only so much time one can spend looking at nursing bras online in a day!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Stroller & car seat update
We have a car seat! And the stroller has been ordered...
The Friday night of my last post, we went shopping on the South Shore. Our first stop was the baby store Clement but they didn't have what we want in store. Then we went over to Sears which had the car seat but not the stroller. Still no help as we wanted to test drive the stroller with the car seat in it. So then it was over to Toys R'Us. Lo and behold, they had both the car seat AND the stroller on display! So we wheeled it around and confirmed that this is the one we wanted. Unfortunaely, the stroller was not available and they did not know when they would be getting more in. So the next morning we headed out to the Toys R'Us in Lasalle but they didn't even have either of them on display. The clerk checked the computer for us, and the same story apllied to all the stores in the area, no stock and no date when they would be coming in. So we decided to head to Sears and see what they had available. No stroller, but the car seat was on sale beginning that morning. Score! So we bought the car seat. Don't you know, they didn't have it in stock, but we picked it up this last Saturday. And so the stroller we ordered on line from Junior Baby. No news yet as to when it will arrive. So that is the stroller saga, almost come to an end!
Thank goodness we didn't have to shop for furniture!
I tried taking a picture of the baby's room but even with the wide angle lens, I couldn't get a good shot, so you will all have to wait until you come to visit to see it, ha! I am very pleased with how it turned out. Sometimes I go in there and rock in the glider for a few minutes and let my mind wander. Very relaxing.
So a little more than 4 weeks to go. If I'm lucky that is. I do have a feeling I will be pretty much on time but what do I know. It's probably just wishful thinking!
The Friday night of my last post, we went shopping on the South Shore. Our first stop was the baby store Clement but they didn't have what we want in store. Then we went over to Sears which had the car seat but not the stroller. Still no help as we wanted to test drive the stroller with the car seat in it. So then it was over to Toys R'Us. Lo and behold, they had both the car seat AND the stroller on display! So we wheeled it around and confirmed that this is the one we wanted. Unfortunaely, the stroller was not available and they did not know when they would be getting more in. So the next morning we headed out to the Toys R'Us in Lasalle but they didn't even have either of them on display. The clerk checked the computer for us, and the same story apllied to all the stores in the area, no stock and no date when they would be coming in. So we decided to head to Sears and see what they had available. No stroller, but the car seat was on sale beginning that morning. Score! So we bought the car seat. Don't you know, they didn't have it in stock, but we picked it up this last Saturday. And so the stroller we ordered on line from Junior Baby. No news yet as to when it will arrive. So that is the stroller saga, almost come to an end!
Thank goodness we didn't have to shop for furniture!
I tried taking a picture of the baby's room but even with the wide angle lens, I couldn't get a good shot, so you will all have to wait until you come to visit to see it, ha! I am very pleased with how it turned out. Sometimes I go in there and rock in the glider for a few minutes and let my mind wander. Very relaxing.
So a little more than 4 weeks to go. If I'm lucky that is. I do have a feeling I will be pretty much on time but what do I know. It's probably just wishful thinking!
Friday, September 12, 2008
All stuffed up
It seems to be all about the sinuses. This morning, at least.
And I know one Sinutab would not be the end of the world but I'd rather take no chances...
According to my pregnancy book, here are the possible problems with Sinutab's active ingredients: acetominophen has a possible association with fetal renal failure, chlorpheniramine maleate has no apparent link to birth defects, pseudoephedrine may be responsible for heart rate disturbances, minor birth defects, hernias and clubfoot, but research is inconclusive(!) It also says the use of antihistamines in the last 2 weeks of pregnancy increases the risk of a neonatal eye problem known as retrolental fibroplasia.
Yeah, so I'd rather not take any chances. I'm not suffering that badly, I can handle it!
And we still don't have a stroller! I was really hoping to come home with one last night but after trekking all the way to Rivière-des-Prairies, Junior Baby did not have the car seat that goes with the stroller we like in stock. We would like to see it before purchasing it so they should have it in a couple of weeks.
We'll see if Clément have it. Their online catalogue lists the stroller but not the car seat, which is funny because the regular seat detaches from the frame so you can use the car seat in the stroller.
Maxi-Cosi Foray
And I know one Sinutab would not be the end of the world but I'd rather take no chances...
According to my pregnancy book, here are the possible problems with Sinutab's active ingredients: acetominophen has a possible association with fetal renal failure, chlorpheniramine maleate has no apparent link to birth defects, pseudoephedrine may be responsible for heart rate disturbances, minor birth defects, hernias and clubfoot, but research is inconclusive(!) It also says the use of antihistamines in the last 2 weeks of pregnancy increases the risk of a neonatal eye problem known as retrolental fibroplasia.
Yeah, so I'd rather not take any chances. I'm not suffering that badly, I can handle it!
And we still don't have a stroller! I was really hoping to come home with one last night but after trekking all the way to Rivière-des-Prairies, Junior Baby did not have the car seat that goes with the stroller we like in stock. We would like to see it before purchasing it so they should have it in a couple of weeks.
We'll see if Clément have it. Their online catalogue lists the stroller but not the car seat, which is funny because the regular seat detaches from the frame so you can use the car seat in the stroller.
Maxi-Cosi Foray
Thursday, September 11, 2008
6 more weeks and counting?
It seems like my body has (for now) adopted a new schedule and I wake up somewhere between 3 and 4 a.m. so I'm not fighting it. Luckily I can go back to bed later and get a few more hours sleep with the whole bed to myself!
My allergies have been acting up too so that does not help the situation.
But I seem to have a little more energy and, knock on wood, my back has been ok for the last while.
Yesterday I walked all the way to NDG and back, a 2 1/2 hour trek and was none worse for the wear.
Okay, save for the humongous blister I now have on the back of my left ankle.
As much as I love shoes, my feet just weren't meant to wear them!
I also managed a solo trip to Costco and we had our 3rd prenatal class last night so it was quite a busy day.
In class we discussed Caesarean sections and various medical interventions such as episiotomies.
If you don't know what that is, I will not enlighten you, you're better off not knowing!
Ouch to the nth degree!!!
The baby's room is pretty much finished. We just have to put up some pictures on the walls to make it look less bare.
And the basement is close to being organized. Eric actually volunteered to help Tim on Saturday and they made some good progress. A couple of trips to the Ecocentre also helped to get rid of a lot of unnecessary items we'd been keeping for no apparent reason!
Still no stroller yet but hopefully that will be taken care of today with a trip to Junior Baby.
Other than that, we haven't made any baby purchases except for wipes at Costco! I'm waiting to see what we receive at my shower in a couple of weeks and also what some generous souls might pass on in hand-me-downs!!!
My allergies have been acting up too so that does not help the situation.
But I seem to have a little more energy and, knock on wood, my back has been ok for the last while.
Yesterday I walked all the way to NDG and back, a 2 1/2 hour trek and was none worse for the wear.
Okay, save for the humongous blister I now have on the back of my left ankle.
As much as I love shoes, my feet just weren't meant to wear them!
I also managed a solo trip to Costco and we had our 3rd prenatal class last night so it was quite a busy day.
In class we discussed Caesarean sections and various medical interventions such as episiotomies.
If you don't know what that is, I will not enlighten you, you're better off not knowing!
Ouch to the nth degree!!!
The baby's room is pretty much finished. We just have to put up some pictures on the walls to make it look less bare.
And the basement is close to being organized. Eric actually volunteered to help Tim on Saturday and they made some good progress. A couple of trips to the Ecocentre also helped to get rid of a lot of unnecessary items we'd been keeping for no apparent reason!
Still no stroller yet but hopefully that will be taken care of today with a trip to Junior Baby.
Other than that, we haven't made any baby purchases except for wipes at Costco! I'm waiting to see what we receive at my shower in a couple of weeks and also what some generous souls might pass on in hand-me-downs!!!
Friday, September 05, 2008
It was only a dream
Apparently yesterday morning when Tim woke me up, he was dreaming that he was playing football and he was tackling someone!
We had a good time last weekend (or so Tim says he did!) attending a family reunion on my mother's side, down in St-Eugène, which is about 90 km past Québec City on the South shore. It was the first time Tim met any of my maternal relatives.
I got to catch up with a few cousins and we spent some time on my uncle's farm where my mom grew up.
We also brought back some maple syrup and freshly picked corn on the cob. Yummy!
On Wednesday I beat the heat with Vanessa and Catherine in St-Bruno. We went to a splash park that has all kinds of sprinklers and sprayers to play in. Vanessa had a ball. I was wiped out just watching her!
So it's too early for the nesting instinct to kick in, right?
I got tired of our upstairs being a mess so I started organizing the baby's room today. As in I moved the furniture in and put the crib together.
Not that the upstairs is any less of a mess now really. The extra dresser is back in the guest room and all our winter clothes and some linens that were in the closet in the baby's room are still piled high on the guest bed.
We have some major re-organizing to do. Or purging. I hate not having closet space.
The next project (after cleaning up the basement!) is to re-paint the office and get bookcases and storage to hide all our crap in. So I guess all that stuff won't get put away unitl that is complete. Ugh.
It's so annoying to have all this time on my hands but to be limited in what I can do.
We had a good time last weekend (or so Tim says he did!) attending a family reunion on my mother's side, down in St-Eugène, which is about 90 km past Québec City on the South shore. It was the first time Tim met any of my maternal relatives.
I got to catch up with a few cousins and we spent some time on my uncle's farm where my mom grew up.
We also brought back some maple syrup and freshly picked corn on the cob. Yummy!
On Wednesday I beat the heat with Vanessa and Catherine in St-Bruno. We went to a splash park that has all kinds of sprinklers and sprayers to play in. Vanessa had a ball. I was wiped out just watching her!
So it's too early for the nesting instinct to kick in, right?
I got tired of our upstairs being a mess so I started organizing the baby's room today. As in I moved the furniture in and put the crib together.
Not that the upstairs is any less of a mess now really. The extra dresser is back in the guest room and all our winter clothes and some linens that were in the closet in the baby's room are still piled high on the guest bed.
We have some major re-organizing to do. Or purging. I hate not having closet space.
The next project (after cleaning up the basement!) is to re-paint the office and get bookcases and storage to hide all our crap in. So I guess all that stuff won't get put away unitl that is complete. Ugh.
It's so annoying to have all this time on my hands but to be limited in what I can do.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
That's what friends are for
Yes, yes, I'm awake in the middle of the night again...I was sleeping fine until Tim smacked me!!!
So my gardens, front AND back, look amazing!
Front after
Back before
Back after
All thanks to Robbie, he rocks!!!
He came over Monday afternoon and cleaned up the jungle that had taken over our property. I even managed to help out a little without paying for it the next day. No back pain, I couldn't believe it!
So I get this silly grin on my face every time I go out the front door or look out to the backyard, no more weeds, yay!
Week 2 (and now week 3) at home flew by. Tim was supposed to have last week off but ended up working Monday and half days on Tuesday and Wednesday.
But the baby's room got painted. The furniture is not in place yet though. We realized that we have at least one dresser too many so it will have to get stored in the basement, which is still a mess. So until the basement gets cleaned up, I guess we will have to put up with our upstairs being in disarray.
On Thursday we managed to have some of that "fun time" we were hoping for. We went to see The Mummy. And we both really like it. What's not to like about Brendan Fraser! Don't expect great cinematography from this movie but just plain fun.
I've been feeling okay these past few days. No back pain which makes such a difference. But I get pretty tired. Luckily I can take a nap pretty much anytime I want!
And we've started shopping for strollers, what a task!
I'm completely undecided as to what we should get. There's a Peg-Pérego model which we really like but it's quite expensive. It seems ridiculous to spend so much when you can get one for hundreds less. Reading reviews has not been helpful at all as some people can love a model for a certain feature while others hate it for that same feature.
As my cousin said, it doesn't matter which one you get, you'll always find something wrong with it anyway!
We had our second prenatal class last night. We learnt how to breathe. In-2-3, out-2-3-4!
I can't say I am looking forward to labour. Just looking forward to it being over!
That's about it for the pregnancy update. I think it's time to go back to bed now. I'll update other aspects of our oh so exciting lives later!
So my gardens, front AND back, look amazing!
Front after
Back before
Back afterAll thanks to Robbie, he rocks!!!
He came over Monday afternoon and cleaned up the jungle that had taken over our property. I even managed to help out a little without paying for it the next day. No back pain, I couldn't believe it!
So I get this silly grin on my face every time I go out the front door or look out to the backyard, no more weeds, yay!
Week 2 (and now week 3) at home flew by. Tim was supposed to have last week off but ended up working Monday and half days on Tuesday and Wednesday.
But the baby's room got painted. The furniture is not in place yet though. We realized that we have at least one dresser too many so it will have to get stored in the basement, which is still a mess. So until the basement gets cleaned up, I guess we will have to put up with our upstairs being in disarray.
On Thursday we managed to have some of that "fun time" we were hoping for. We went to see The Mummy. And we both really like it. What's not to like about Brendan Fraser! Don't expect great cinematography from this movie but just plain fun.
I've been feeling okay these past few days. No back pain which makes such a difference. But I get pretty tired. Luckily I can take a nap pretty much anytime I want!
And we've started shopping for strollers, what a task!
I'm completely undecided as to what we should get. There's a Peg-Pérego model which we really like but it's quite expensive. It seems ridiculous to spend so much when you can get one for hundreds less. Reading reviews has not been helpful at all as some people can love a model for a certain feature while others hate it for that same feature.
As my cousin said, it doesn't matter which one you get, you'll always find something wrong with it anyway!
We had our second prenatal class last night. We learnt how to breathe. In-2-3, out-2-3-4!
I can't say I am looking forward to labour. Just looking forward to it being over!
That's about it for the pregnancy update. I think it's time to go back to bed now. I'll update other aspects of our oh so exciting lives later!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Positive thinking
Unlike the tone of that last post, things really aren't that bad...and no, I don't think I am trying to downplay my feelings!
The results from my one hour glucose test were just a wee-bit high so my doctor sent me for the three hour tolerance test and that one came out okay so I do not have to worry about gestational diabetes.
The baby's kidneys are still a bit big (and I really can't give much more details about this because I kind of zoned out when my doctor was explaining it) but it should be alright by the time the baby is born.
We start our prenatal classes this week, that might help reality kick in a bit more.
Yeah, believe it or not, even at this point, I stll don't quite feel an overwhelming connection to my baby. I thought maybe doing a 3-D ultra-sound would help but Tim didn't seem too keen on the idea so we'll just save that 200 dollars or so.
It is true that most of the images end up looking pretty much the same from one child to another and they're kinda creepy looking too.
So 5 more weeks and I see my doctor again and have another ultra-sound.
I wonder how much more weight I will have put on by then. So far I have only gained about 22 pounds but in the last little while, my appetite has increased. I can't eat very much in a sitting before getting full but then a half hour to an hour after I have eaten, my stomach is gurgling and I am hungry again.
So hopefully Tim will manage to take some time off from work this week and be able to work on the baby's room and still have some time to relax and have a little fun.
Very wishful thinking on my part...
The results from my one hour glucose test were just a wee-bit high so my doctor sent me for the three hour tolerance test and that one came out okay so I do not have to worry about gestational diabetes.
The baby's kidneys are still a bit big (and I really can't give much more details about this because I kind of zoned out when my doctor was explaining it) but it should be alright by the time the baby is born.
We start our prenatal classes this week, that might help reality kick in a bit more.
Yeah, believe it or not, even at this point, I stll don't quite feel an overwhelming connection to my baby. I thought maybe doing a 3-D ultra-sound would help but Tim didn't seem too keen on the idea so we'll just save that 200 dollars or so.
It is true that most of the images end up looking pretty much the same from one child to another and they're kinda creepy looking too.
So 5 more weeks and I see my doctor again and have another ultra-sound.
I wonder how much more weight I will have put on by then. So far I have only gained about 22 pounds but in the last little while, my appetite has increased. I can't eat very much in a sitting before getting full but then a half hour to an hour after I have eaten, my stomach is gurgling and I am hungry again.
So hopefully Tim will manage to take some time off from work this week and be able to work on the baby's room and still have some time to relax and have a little fun.
Very wishful thinking on my part...
Pregnancy update
I haven't been blogging much about my pregnancy, I guess for a few reasons.
Timewise when I do have free time, I've been trying to be productive around the house (can't say that's happened much though these days.)
And when I feel compelled to write, it's not about the good stuff so I'd rather avoid recording and sharing the negative.
But this morning is one of those times when my brain is in full gear trying to cope with all of this so I might as well be sitting here at the computer dealing with my thoughts rather than tossing and turning in bed.
Okay, I should correct that...not tossing and turning but more like slowly shifting my weight from one side to the other!
I have been really lucky with my pregnancy and how I haven't had any complications yet at times, I can't help but feel overwhelmed and I wish for the end of October to be here already.
So I try to live for the moment and enjoy the "miracle" that is growing inside me without thinking that it's an alien that's invaded my body and is sucking the life out of me in every way possible!
The mild nausea I had to deal with was over long ago and now I only have to deal with indigestion once in a while at night and that is usually taken care of by taking some antacid.
My carpal tunnel has not subsided since I stopped working. My fingertips are pretty much always numb and my right hand especially hurts at night even with the splints I wear when sleeping.
My ankles and feet are swollen most of the time, no matter how much I elevate my feet, avoid salt and whatever other advice I am given and try to follow.
So my skin is tight and I get itchy and I must scratch yet I get no relief!
Hmmm, what other complaints do I have?!
Oh yeah, how could I forget my sciatic nerve?! I was fine for a few weeks but in the last week as soon as I have some energy and decide to try and be productive and do something physical, the pain kicks in and it's all I can do but to shuffle around.
It's very frustrating not to say irritating, annoying and whatever other synonym you can come up with, to have all this free time on my hands since I have stopped working yet not have the capacity to do anything.
My backyard and what little front yard I have are complete overgrown weed-infested disasters.
The house has a good thick layer of dust coating everything from having the windows open all summer.
Clutter is everywhere and does not help to make my environment a calming and soothing place. No meditaing around here!
We've started on the baby's room and I won't be able to paint because of the fumes but things I could help with, I can't physically handle!
Like I said, it's all very frustrating when I have so much will to do things but am not capable of doing it physically.
Luckily I have been sleeping pretty well. I only wake up to shift positions and then manage to fall asleep pretty much right away.
Yet I still have the urge to take naps more than once during the day.
So all of that takes its toll on me mentally too. Emotions run wilder during pregnancy and I have had a few uncontrollable crying fits where no matter how hard I try to convince myself that it's not so bad, it doesn't help one bit!
Luckily for Tim, most of these fits happen when he's not around. I probably also tend to control myself when he is around. Good or bad, I don't know, but it's my way of dealing with things...
So I must channel some positive energy so not to transfer all this turmoil to my baby!
Timewise when I do have free time, I've been trying to be productive around the house (can't say that's happened much though these days.)
And when I feel compelled to write, it's not about the good stuff so I'd rather avoid recording and sharing the negative.
But this morning is one of those times when my brain is in full gear trying to cope with all of this so I might as well be sitting here at the computer dealing with my thoughts rather than tossing and turning in bed.
Okay, I should correct that...not tossing and turning but more like slowly shifting my weight from one side to the other!
I have been really lucky with my pregnancy and how I haven't had any complications yet at times, I can't help but feel overwhelmed and I wish for the end of October to be here already.
So I try to live for the moment and enjoy the "miracle" that is growing inside me without thinking that it's an alien that's invaded my body and is sucking the life out of me in every way possible!
The mild nausea I had to deal with was over long ago and now I only have to deal with indigestion once in a while at night and that is usually taken care of by taking some antacid.
My carpal tunnel has not subsided since I stopped working. My fingertips are pretty much always numb and my right hand especially hurts at night even with the splints I wear when sleeping.
My ankles and feet are swollen most of the time, no matter how much I elevate my feet, avoid salt and whatever other advice I am given and try to follow.
So my skin is tight and I get itchy and I must scratch yet I get no relief!
Hmmm, what other complaints do I have?!
Oh yeah, how could I forget my sciatic nerve?! I was fine for a few weeks but in the last week as soon as I have some energy and decide to try and be productive and do something physical, the pain kicks in and it's all I can do but to shuffle around.
It's very frustrating not to say irritating, annoying and whatever other synonym you can come up with, to have all this free time on my hands since I have stopped working yet not have the capacity to do anything.
My backyard and what little front yard I have are complete overgrown weed-infested disasters.
The house has a good thick layer of dust coating everything from having the windows open all summer.
Clutter is everywhere and does not help to make my environment a calming and soothing place. No meditaing around here!
We've started on the baby's room and I won't be able to paint because of the fumes but things I could help with, I can't physically handle!
Like I said, it's all very frustrating when I have so much will to do things but am not capable of doing it physically.
Luckily I have been sleeping pretty well. I only wake up to shift positions and then manage to fall asleep pretty much right away.
Yet I still have the urge to take naps more than once during the day.
So all of that takes its toll on me mentally too. Emotions run wilder during pregnancy and I have had a few uncontrollable crying fits where no matter how hard I try to convince myself that it's not so bad, it doesn't help one bit!
Luckily for Tim, most of these fits happen when he's not around. I probably also tend to control myself when he is around. Good or bad, I don't know, but it's my way of dealing with things...
So I must channel some positive energy so not to transfer all this turmoil to my baby!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Excellent weekend
We pulled it off, Tim and I are now husband and wife!
So Tim had taken the day off work on Friday and did all the necessary last minute running around before picking me up at work at 2:30.
We then headed up North to La Minerve where the big event was going down.
We caught up to Katja & Jouni & family at the turnoff from the 117 and Cathy, Eric & Vanessa showed up at the property not long after we had arrived.
So the guys got things set up and Maya, France and Robbie also showed up that evening.
I think that's everyone who was there Friday night.
We didn't get any rain but saw lots of lightning in the distance and also heard some rumbling as we sat around the campfire.
We hit the hay pretty early, hoping to get a decent night's rest before the big day.
On Saturday morning, we woke up to foggy weather which eventually cleared to sunny skies. Too bad that didn't continue later in the day.
Our guests started arriving mid-morning and by 1 o'clock I started getting a little overwhelmed by it all but luckily, Cathy & I were going back with Tim's mom to the B&B where she was staying. This allowed me to get away from all the excitement and calm down a little.
Once we got changed and took some pictures at the B&B, we headed back for the ceremony.
The sky was getting dark in the distance and the closer we got, the heavier the raindrops fell.
We decided to wait out the rain in the car which also allowed the last lollylaggers to arrive.
So I eventually made my way across the field with Cathy, my unofficial lady-in-waiting and joined my husband-to-be under the shelter that was set up for us.
Olaf proved to be the distinguished celebrant that we knew he would be.
And I was easily and unexpectedly able to keep my composure and even managed to look Tim in the eyes while saying my vows.
Ysabel read "How Do I Love Thee" with a thoughtful twist, handing out the lines of the poem to various guests as she read them.
I also got the pleasant surprise of Clara and Leo acting as ring-bearers. They did a stellar job of bringing us our bands!
Before I knew it, the deed was done and Tim and I were kissing each other as husband and wife.
I wouldn't have thought it just a few months ago, but being married really does make a difference. And I've certainly been enjoying calling Tim my husband, tee hee!
As I said before, the rain had somewhat subsided and we managed to gather everyone together for a group photo before organizing the food.
Luckily for me, everyone pitched in and got it all set up. As much as I used to often be the organizer for many a get-together, it was just too much for me to take care of this time. But we kept it simple and we have such great family and friends so everything turned out great.
And then the rain started up again. And then the rain, it poured.
And poured. And poured!
We were prepared with tents but then we also set up tarps between the army tent and
the kitchen shelters we had up.
The rain did eventually let up and we had a great campfire with guitar playing, marshmallows and let's not forget the mosquitoes!
The highlight of the evening was the fireworks display put on by The Rev, Olaf.
We actually lasted a little past midnight before calling it a night.
Sunday was pretty much spent packing everything up.
Luckliy it didn't rain so we were able to put things away dry. There's nothing worse than ending a camping trip with packing up wet gear.
So that in no way even comes close to describing the atmosphere of the weekend!
But I must say, other than the rain, which wasn't all that bad really, the wedding was pretty much everything I could have hoped for.
It was in no way a restful weekend, but most importantly, it was not stressful.
I will have some pics for you tomorrow!
So Tim had taken the day off work on Friday and did all the necessary last minute running around before picking me up at work at 2:30.
We then headed up North to La Minerve where the big event was going down.
We caught up to Katja & Jouni & family at the turnoff from the 117 and Cathy, Eric & Vanessa showed up at the property not long after we had arrived.
So the guys got things set up and Maya, France and Robbie also showed up that evening.
I think that's everyone who was there Friday night.
We didn't get any rain but saw lots of lightning in the distance and also heard some rumbling as we sat around the campfire.
We hit the hay pretty early, hoping to get a decent night's rest before the big day.
On Saturday morning, we woke up to foggy weather which eventually cleared to sunny skies. Too bad that didn't continue later in the day.
Our guests started arriving mid-morning and by 1 o'clock I started getting a little overwhelmed by it all but luckily, Cathy & I were going back with Tim's mom to the B&B where she was staying. This allowed me to get away from all the excitement and calm down a little.
Once we got changed and took some pictures at the B&B, we headed back for the ceremony.
The sky was getting dark in the distance and the closer we got, the heavier the raindrops fell.
We decided to wait out the rain in the car which also allowed the last lollylaggers to arrive.
So I eventually made my way across the field with Cathy, my unofficial lady-in-waiting and joined my husband-to-be under the shelter that was set up for us.
Olaf proved to be the distinguished celebrant that we knew he would be.
And I was easily and unexpectedly able to keep my composure and even managed to look Tim in the eyes while saying my vows.
Ysabel read "How Do I Love Thee" with a thoughtful twist, handing out the lines of the poem to various guests as she read them.
I also got the pleasant surprise of Clara and Leo acting as ring-bearers. They did a stellar job of bringing us our bands!
Before I knew it, the deed was done and Tim and I were kissing each other as husband and wife.
I wouldn't have thought it just a few months ago, but being married really does make a difference. And I've certainly been enjoying calling Tim my husband, tee hee!
As I said before, the rain had somewhat subsided and we managed to gather everyone together for a group photo before organizing the food.
Luckily for me, everyone pitched in and got it all set up. As much as I used to often be the organizer for many a get-together, it was just too much for me to take care of this time. But we kept it simple and we have such great family and friends so everything turned out great.
And then the rain started up again. And then the rain, it poured.
And poured. And poured!
We were prepared with tents but then we also set up tarps between the army tent and
the kitchen shelters we had up.
The rain did eventually let up and we had a great campfire with guitar playing, marshmallows and let's not forget the mosquitoes!
The highlight of the evening was the fireworks display put on by The Rev, Olaf.
We actually lasted a little past midnight before calling it a night.
Sunday was pretty much spent packing everything up.
Luckliy it didn't rain so we were able to put things away dry. There's nothing worse than ending a camping trip with packing up wet gear.
So that in no way even comes close to describing the atmosphere of the weekend!
But I must say, other than the rain, which wasn't all that bad really, the wedding was pretty much everything I could have hoped for.
It was in no way a restful weekend, but most importantly, it was not stressful.
I will have some pics for you tomorrow!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Here comes the bride, fair, fat and wide...
So far, most people have been amazed at how "not pregnant" I look. That's mostly because I have not been wearing maternity tops. Don't worry folks, my belly is bulging...These were taken a couple of weeks ago and I am definitely bigger now.
So I am convinced I will positively hate myself in every one of my wedding photos. I've been told I will be able to look back and tell my child, look see, you were at our wedding and gush and glow. Yeah right! I'd rather hide under a baggy t-shirt!
Anyhow, the wedding is now only 7 days away...maybe that's why I'm wide awake at 5 o'clock in the morning and blogging!
How did this silly notion of a wedding this summer come about anyhow?
Well, after Tim proposed during our trip to Ireland in early May, we then discussed when and how we should get married.
I much preferred getting married before having the baby. And, no, it wasn't because I don't want to have a bastard child - it was more like we'll never have time to plan anything once we have a baby to deal with!
We talked about a civil marriage with just the two of us but then you also need 2 witnesses present so how would we chose? And I didn't feel right about not having our family there so then we thought about just having our closest ones present. But even if we didn't want to make a big deal about this, it didn't feel right not sharing this day with our friends. What to do, what to do...
Then I remembered about the new rules for celebrants in the province and having read about a couple who had a friend marry them. Much more special and memorable than some stranger mumbling the required text at a courthouse.
So, we could have a friend marry us...hmmmm, I knew just the guy for the job! But hmmm, where would we do it?
We wanted a memorable location as well...Hmmmm, the annual camping trip at La Minerve was being planned for August.
So we asked Katja if it would be okay to do it there. And lo and behold, she said yes.
And so then we asked Olaf if he would perform the ceremony. And lo and behold, he said yes too!
So then started the process of getting permission from the ministère de la justice which thankfully came through quickly enough and we were set for August 2nd!
As much as we are trying to keep this a low-key and simple thing, there is still quite a bit of planning and organizing to do.
So yes, it is going to be pretty non-traditional but hopefully memorable in a good way.
And unfortunately not everyone we wish to have with us to share in this special occasion will be there, but they will be in our thoughts and in our hearts.
So 7 more days of butterflies (or is that the baby moving?!) and hopefully restful nights of sleep until the big day!
So I am convinced I will positively hate myself in every one of my wedding photos. I've been told I will be able to look back and tell my child, look see, you were at our wedding and gush and glow. Yeah right! I'd rather hide under a baggy t-shirt!
Anyhow, the wedding is now only 7 days away...maybe that's why I'm wide awake at 5 o'clock in the morning and blogging!
How did this silly notion of a wedding this summer come about anyhow?
Well, after Tim proposed during our trip to Ireland in early May, we then discussed when and how we should get married.
I much preferred getting married before having the baby. And, no, it wasn't because I don't want to have a bastard child - it was more like we'll never have time to plan anything once we have a baby to deal with!
We talked about a civil marriage with just the two of us but then you also need 2 witnesses present so how would we chose? And I didn't feel right about not having our family there so then we thought about just having our closest ones present. But even if we didn't want to make a big deal about this, it didn't feel right not sharing this day with our friends. What to do, what to do...
Then I remembered about the new rules for celebrants in the province and having read about a couple who had a friend marry them. Much more special and memorable than some stranger mumbling the required text at a courthouse.
So, we could have a friend marry us...hmmmm, I knew just the guy for the job! But hmmm, where would we do it?
We wanted a memorable location as well...Hmmmm, the annual camping trip at La Minerve was being planned for August.
So we asked Katja if it would be okay to do it there. And lo and behold, she said yes.
And so then we asked Olaf if he would perform the ceremony. And lo and behold, he said yes too!
So then started the process of getting permission from the ministère de la justice which thankfully came through quickly enough and we were set for August 2nd!
As much as we are trying to keep this a low-key and simple thing, there is still quite a bit of planning and organizing to do.
So yes, it is going to be pretty non-traditional but hopefully memorable in a good way.
And unfortunately not everyone we wish to have with us to share in this special occasion will be there, but they will be in our thoughts and in our hearts.
So 7 more days of butterflies (or is that the baby moving?!) and hopefully restful nights of sleep until the big day!
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Complain, complain, complain...
I am now 24 weeks pregnant and I don't feel radiant, I am not glowing and I have not found any renewed energy.
Regular pants don't fit and maternity pants are too loose and slowly creep down giving me that awful teenage-boy look!
My ankles are swollen, the bottom of my feet hurt and I get up in the morning walking like a 90 yeard old.
I eat but have no appetite.
My hands fall asleep during the night.
My back aches.
I am tired, I am tired, I am tired.
But...it's beautiful & sunny outside!
And warm.
And this morning Tim put in the small air-conditioner my parents gave us at the end of last summer and it seems to be cooling off the upstairs rather nicely.
I've been very greatful for the cooler nights we have been having, so far our ceiling fan has done the trick.
The last bit of painting that was left to do in the kitchen finally got done at the beginning of June so I guess we can say the kitchen renovations are finally done! We've submitted our plans to the city to re-do our front steps and back balcony and after some revisions they have been approved in the first stage and this week we are to find out if they get final approval by some other commitee. Gotta love Westmount...Then comes the fun part of finding someone to do the work.
At the beginning of June I finally announced to everyone at work that I am pregnant. I took them all quite by surprise. Especially when telling them I was already 5 months along.
Then a week later my co-worker Suzanne quit, giving only 4 days notice. We've been coping fine without her especially since we have our student Robin helping us out for the summer. They have not hired anyone yet to replace Suzanne or me when I leave so they better do so quickly. I only have 6 weeks to go!
Tim turned 34 on the 18th. We quietly celebrated together by having our 2nd ultrasound and then went out for supper at Le Baton Rouge.
The weekend before St-Jean Baptiste was Olaf's annual FTR golf tournament and I managed to play 14 holes, not bad for a pregnant lady who hadn't played in at least 6years. I think Olaf, Jouni & Nigel only made it through 11 or 12 holes so, I rule! Just don't ask us what our scores were!
Last weekend we went camping up at La Minerve with Katja & Jouni & the kids & her family. We got to test out our new tent that we bought last Christmas and it was a bust! Someone had obviously used it & returned it with a busted zipper. Luckily we had brought our old tent so we used it instead. There were way too many bugs to use a tent with a door that wouldn't close. Black flies, mosquitoes, no-see-ums, deer flies, you name 'em, I got eaten alive! And we had a wicked thunderstorm in the night. Luckily our trusty old tent kept us pretty much dry. And more luckily, on Sunday we packed up and got home before the rain hit again.
So that's about it for the month of June. I'll make a seperate post later on our wedding plans...
Regular pants don't fit and maternity pants are too loose and slowly creep down giving me that awful teenage-boy look!
My ankles are swollen, the bottom of my feet hurt and I get up in the morning walking like a 90 yeard old.
I eat but have no appetite.
My hands fall asleep during the night.
My back aches.
I am tired, I am tired, I am tired.
But...it's beautiful & sunny outside!
And warm.
And this morning Tim put in the small air-conditioner my parents gave us at the end of last summer and it seems to be cooling off the upstairs rather nicely.
I've been very greatful for the cooler nights we have been having, so far our ceiling fan has done the trick.
The last bit of painting that was left to do in the kitchen finally got done at the beginning of June so I guess we can say the kitchen renovations are finally done! We've submitted our plans to the city to re-do our front steps and back balcony and after some revisions they have been approved in the first stage and this week we are to find out if they get final approval by some other commitee. Gotta love Westmount...Then comes the fun part of finding someone to do the work.
At the beginning of June I finally announced to everyone at work that I am pregnant. I took them all quite by surprise. Especially when telling them I was already 5 months along.
Then a week later my co-worker Suzanne quit, giving only 4 days notice. We've been coping fine without her especially since we have our student Robin helping us out for the summer. They have not hired anyone yet to replace Suzanne or me when I leave so they better do so quickly. I only have 6 weeks to go!
Tim turned 34 on the 18th. We quietly celebrated together by having our 2nd ultrasound and then went out for supper at Le Baton Rouge.
The weekend before St-Jean Baptiste was Olaf's annual FTR golf tournament and I managed to play 14 holes, not bad for a pregnant lady who hadn't played in at least 6years. I think Olaf, Jouni & Nigel only made it through 11 or 12 holes so, I rule! Just don't ask us what our scores were!
Last weekend we went camping up at La Minerve with Katja & Jouni & the kids & her family. We got to test out our new tent that we bought last Christmas and it was a bust! Someone had obviously used it & returned it with a busted zipper. Luckily we had brought our old tent so we used it instead. There were way too many bugs to use a tent with a door that wouldn't close. Black flies, mosquitoes, no-see-ums, deer flies, you name 'em, I got eaten alive! And we had a wicked thunderstorm in the night. Luckily our trusty old tent kept us pretty much dry. And more luckily, on Sunday we packed up and got home before the rain hit again.
So that's about it for the month of June. I'll make a seperate post later on our wedding plans...
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Ireland and beyond
It's already been 2 weeks since we came back from Ireland. Sigh.
We had an amazing trip. We had beautiful weather for almost the whole trip (apparently, it doesn't always rain in Ireland!), we met lots of fun people (I even hooked up with an old friend from Cegep in Dublin) and have memories that will last us a lifetime (and a ring to boot!)
My Claddagh ENGAGEMENT ring
On your knees boy!
This is hysterical...the History of the Marriage Proposal on Bended Knee and this...I wonder if Tim read this beforehand!!!
>Proposal Dos and Don'ts
Together Tim & I took over a thousand pictures which if you have a lifetime to kill(!) you can view on his website at Ireland vacation 2008
or if you haven't already, take a look at a few of them here
Ireland part 1
Celtic crosses
Ireland part 2
Ireland book 1
Ireland book 2
Ireland book 3
We had an amazing trip. We had beautiful weather for almost the whole trip (apparently, it doesn't always rain in Ireland!), we met lots of fun people (I even hooked up with an old friend from Cegep in Dublin) and have memories that will last us a lifetime (and a ring to boot!)
My Claddagh ENGAGEMENT ring
On your knees boy!This is hysterical...the History of the Marriage Proposal on Bended Knee and this...I wonder if Tim read this beforehand!!!
>Proposal Dos and Don'ts
Together Tim & I took over a thousand pictures which if you have a lifetime to kill(!) you can view on his website at Ireland vacation 2008
or if you haven't already, take a look at a few of them here
Ireland part 1
Celtic crosses
Ireland part 2
Ireland book 1
Ireland book 2
Ireland book 3
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monthly update
Well, spring has finally sprung.
I've had a couple more doctor's appointments, including an ultrasound.
Alien child
It was rather cool and definitely made it more real.
As has my bulging belly.
I have already had to resort to buying maternity jeans. I do have some pairs of pants that still fit but not my jeans. Not MY jeans. Tim's jeans fit. But I couldn't put up with baggy butt jeans along with my bulging belly.
We spent the weekend of the 19th in Tremblant to celebrate Eric's birthday. It was awesome. Catherine's uncle has a cottage that he rents out and we got the family rate. Murielle and Paul were also along so we pretty much spent the weekend discussing pregnancies! (Murielle is due in June.)
The guys spent the weekend drinking beer. :)
This past weekend was beautiful.
We went out to supper on Friday evening to celebrate Olaf's birthday. We had a very nice meal at Comme Chez Soi, a Belgian restaurant in Pointe-Claire village.
Tim spent the rest of the weekend at work as his office moved and I did some shopping in preparation for our trip to Ireland and cleaned up the garden a bit.
Work has been quite busy with both my co-workers having taken a week's vacation in April. But come Friday...IT'S MY TURN, HEE HEE HEE!!!
I've had a couple more doctor's appointments, including an ultrasound.
Alien childIt was rather cool and definitely made it more real.
As has my bulging belly.
I have already had to resort to buying maternity jeans. I do have some pairs of pants that still fit but not my jeans. Not MY jeans. Tim's jeans fit. But I couldn't put up with baggy butt jeans along with my bulging belly.
We spent the weekend of the 19th in Tremblant to celebrate Eric's birthday. It was awesome. Catherine's uncle has a cottage that he rents out and we got the family rate. Murielle and Paul were also along so we pretty much spent the weekend discussing pregnancies! (Murielle is due in June.)
The guys spent the weekend drinking beer. :)
This past weekend was beautiful.
We went out to supper on Friday evening to celebrate Olaf's birthday. We had a very nice meal at Comme Chez Soi, a Belgian restaurant in Pointe-Claire village.
Tim spent the rest of the weekend at work as his office moved and I did some shopping in preparation for our trip to Ireland and cleaned up the garden a bit.
Work has been quite busy with both my co-workers having taken a week's vacation in April. But come Friday...IT'S MY TURN, HEE HEE HEE!!!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
How it all came about (minus the look in Tim's eyes)
Tuesday, October 16th, 2007
So, I figure I should record this for the future as I have the need to write about it but I cannot yet make it public on my blog. What am I talking about, you ask??? Well, 2 ½ weeks ago, Tim and I came to a life-altering decision. But it seems, as I gathered from some comments he made afterwards, it was more my decision than his. So, still you ask, what am I talking about??? Well, we’ve decided to start a family! Surprised? Hey, I’ve always said never say never. Anyhow, for quite a while now (maybe since our niece Vanessa was born?), I have been thinking a lot about whether I really wanted to remain childless. Then I would see teenagers on the bus or read stay-at-home-mom’s blogs or hear my friends-with-kids’ stories and then I would again be of the opinion of definitely not wanting children!
Anyhow, a couple of Thursdays ago, as we were settling in for the night, Tim & I got on the topic of having kids and I said I almost wish I would accidently get pregnant so I wouldn’t have to commit to my choice of staying childless, the decision would be made for me (real mature, I know). Which led my man to actually share a few deeper emotional thoughts with me (for once!) and I realized that he was more on the side of wanting kids than us staying DINKS forever. So, as the conversation progressed, we decided that as much as we enjoy the life we have now, we were ready to give up our freedom and take a stab at having a baby!
Strange as it may seem, it was like an epiphany for me. It’s like all of a sudden I was ready to take on all the challenges that this will entail and could see all the pleasure that this will bring to our lives and the lives of others. Before, I really couldn’t accept all the life-altering effects having a child would bring but now I welcome them and am so looking forward to it all. It’s so bizarre, it’s like a switch was suddenly flipped, the blinders were lifted, what other cliché can I use?! I am super happy about it. It all feels so right.
Of course, me being me, I have my somewhat doomsday approach to it and the expect- the-worst-and-be-pleasantly-surprised-if-things-work-out-ok attitude so I have all these nagging thoughts in the back of my mind that all will not go so well but, time will tell! (like the next 20 years or so, at least!)
I now understand and can accept the fact that although there are many things we will no longer be able to do and other things that we will have to postpone doing for, oh, a couple of decades, having children really does enrich your life and bring about different opportunities.
I guess I did a lot of growing up that evening.
It was about time.
So, I figure I should record this for the future as I have the need to write about it but I cannot yet make it public on my blog. What am I talking about, you ask??? Well, 2 ½ weeks ago, Tim and I came to a life-altering decision. But it seems, as I gathered from some comments he made afterwards, it was more my decision than his. So, still you ask, what am I talking about??? Well, we’ve decided to start a family! Surprised? Hey, I’ve always said never say never. Anyhow, for quite a while now (maybe since our niece Vanessa was born?), I have been thinking a lot about whether I really wanted to remain childless. Then I would see teenagers on the bus or read stay-at-home-mom’s blogs or hear my friends-with-kids’ stories and then I would again be of the opinion of definitely not wanting children!
Anyhow, a couple of Thursdays ago, as we were settling in for the night, Tim & I got on the topic of having kids and I said I almost wish I would accidently get pregnant so I wouldn’t have to commit to my choice of staying childless, the decision would be made for me (real mature, I know). Which led my man to actually share a few deeper emotional thoughts with me (for once!) and I realized that he was more on the side of wanting kids than us staying DINKS forever. So, as the conversation progressed, we decided that as much as we enjoy the life we have now, we were ready to give up our freedom and take a stab at having a baby!
Strange as it may seem, it was like an epiphany for me. It’s like all of a sudden I was ready to take on all the challenges that this will entail and could see all the pleasure that this will bring to our lives and the lives of others. Before, I really couldn’t accept all the life-altering effects having a child would bring but now I welcome them and am so looking forward to it all. It’s so bizarre, it’s like a switch was suddenly flipped, the blinders were lifted, what other cliché can I use?! I am super happy about it. It all feels so right.
Of course, me being me, I have my somewhat doomsday approach to it and the expect- the-worst-and-be-pleasantly-surprised-if-things-work-out-ok attitude so I have all these nagging thoughts in the back of my mind that all will not go so well but, time will tell! (like the next 20 years or so, at least!)
I now understand and can accept the fact that although there are many things we will no longer be able to do and other things that we will have to postpone doing for, oh, a couple of decades, having children really does enrich your life and bring about different opportunities.
I guess I did a lot of growing up that evening.
It was about time.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Not so new news
Well, now that most people know and I've been to the doctor, I guess I will start blogging about it...I'm preggers!
Who woulda thunk?!
I guess this blog will take on a whole new perspective now. My life certainly has (and will even more so, I'm sure).
I wrote up a post a few months ago to publish once I got pregnant but it's on the laptop which Tim has with him at the curling club so that post will have to wait.
So I'll have to be creative after all this evening...
It's strange, even after the doctor's appointment, I still have this weird dubious feeling that it's not real. I've felt a bit queasy and am tired (but not really any more than usual) but other than that, nothing other than some tightness in my stomach makes me feel like I'm pregnant. Anyhow, only 15 more days til the ultrasound so that will surely make me believe it!
I haven't told work yet and I will postpone doing so as long as I can so I'm trying to be creative in explaining all these appointments (I also went for blood tests at the hospital on Friday morning.)
Last Saturday, my company had a lunch at a cabane à sucre in St-Joseph-du-Lac and spouses were invited so I had to make sure that Tim remembered that no one is to know! He tends to spill the beans at times.
And I had to block a couple of co-workers on Facebook.
We've had fun coming up with creative ways on how to tell people.
There's been the "new job in the fall" approach, the "is your arthritis keeping you from knitting these days?" question, the direct announcement "I'M PREGNANT!", to name a few. We've been having fun with it.
I would have liked to have waited a bit longer before telling people, but we couldn't resist sharing the news any longer. That and our St-Patrick's day get-together was the perfect opportunity to tell everyone in person at the same time.
So, I will now be sharing my progress with you here (you are warned!) but will also try to focus on other things too.
That said, after the cabane on Saturday, Tim & I headed up to Gillian & François' in St-Sauveur. We got to try out our new snowshoes, yay! They're great. I really enjoyed it and found it much easier than hiking in the summertime. There is no way I would have been able to hike at the speed we were moving on our snowshoes. So watch out baby, you're going to be bundled up for some snowshoeing next winter!
After the snowsheoing, Gill made us a simple but wonderful meal. I love that our friends are such good cooks! Chick pea salad, pasta with pork and apple strawberry rhubarb pie for dessert.
We have to make a point of seeing them more often.
Work has been completely crazy yesterday and today. This morning I started at 6:30 (and Tim was kind enough to drive me to work since he needed the truck) and finished at 4:00 and I still didn't get everything done. But tomorrow is another day. And is sure to be another busy day!
Who woulda thunk?!
I guess this blog will take on a whole new perspective now. My life certainly has (and will even more so, I'm sure).
I wrote up a post a few months ago to publish once I got pregnant but it's on the laptop which Tim has with him at the curling club so that post will have to wait.
So I'll have to be creative after all this evening...
It's strange, even after the doctor's appointment, I still have this weird dubious feeling that it's not real. I've felt a bit queasy and am tired (but not really any more than usual) but other than that, nothing other than some tightness in my stomach makes me feel like I'm pregnant. Anyhow, only 15 more days til the ultrasound so that will surely make me believe it!
I haven't told work yet and I will postpone doing so as long as I can so I'm trying to be creative in explaining all these appointments (I also went for blood tests at the hospital on Friday morning.)
Last Saturday, my company had a lunch at a cabane à sucre in St-Joseph-du-Lac and spouses were invited so I had to make sure that Tim remembered that no one is to know! He tends to spill the beans at times.
And I had to block a couple of co-workers on Facebook.
We've had fun coming up with creative ways on how to tell people.
There's been the "new job in the fall" approach, the "is your arthritis keeping you from knitting these days?" question, the direct announcement "I'M PREGNANT!", to name a few. We've been having fun with it.
I would have liked to have waited a bit longer before telling people, but we couldn't resist sharing the news any longer. That and our St-Patrick's day get-together was the perfect opportunity to tell everyone in person at the same time.
So, I will now be sharing my progress with you here (you are warned!) but will also try to focus on other things too.
That said, after the cabane on Saturday, Tim & I headed up to Gillian & François' in St-Sauveur. We got to try out our new snowshoes, yay! They're great. I really enjoyed it and found it much easier than hiking in the summertime. There is no way I would have been able to hike at the speed we were moving on our snowshoes. So watch out baby, you're going to be bundled up for some snowshoeing next winter!
After the snowsheoing, Gill made us a simple but wonderful meal. I love that our friends are such good cooks! Chick pea salad, pasta with pork and apple strawberry rhubarb pie for dessert.
We have to make a point of seeing them more often.
Work has been completely crazy yesterday and today. This morning I started at 6:30 (and Tim was kind enough to drive me to work since he needed the truck) and finished at 4:00 and I still didn't get everything done. But tomorrow is another day. And is sure to be another busy day!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Gas guzzling and (guiltily) loving it!
Tim has a course downtown all this week which means I get to drive the truck to work, woohoo!
I can't decide which is better, being able to sleep in til 6:15 or getting home at 4:30. I might not get home quite that early tomorrow though when traffic is sure to pick up.
And Thursday morning I have a doctor's appointment so I have no choice but to drive to work afterwards to cut down on my time off.
No, no, I'm not trying to justify myself for not using public transporation, honest!
I can't decide which is better, being able to sleep in til 6:15 or getting home at 4:30. I might not get home quite that early tomorrow though when traffic is sure to pick up.
And Thursday morning I have a doctor's appointment so I have no choice but to drive to work afterwards to cut down on my time off.
No, no, I'm not trying to justify myself for not using public transporation, honest!
Weekend part 2
I got up bright and early Saturday morning (well, technically getting up at 7 is sleeping in for me...) and went to see Tim curl. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) they lost their game so they were out of the bonspiel. That meant we had the rest of the weekend to do as we pleased!
In the afternoon, Tim & I took a walk over to the Westmount greenhouse and he took some photos of their spring flower show.
Maya came over for fondue that evening, she was due for a visit as she was one of the few of our close friends who couldn't make it to our St-Patrick's party.
Easter Sunday was for family. We went Melora's (my brother's fiancée) place for lunch, ham & scalloped potatoes, yum, yum. Then it was home for a nap and for supper we headed to Tim's mom's for roast beef and mashed. One can never have too much potatoes in one's diet. We are headed to Ireland after all!
In the afternoon, Tim & I took a walk over to the Westmount greenhouse and he took some photos of their spring flower show.
Maya came over for fondue that evening, she was due for a visit as she was one of the few of our close friends who couldn't make it to our St-Patrick's party.
Easter Sunday was for family. We went Melora's (my brother's fiancée) place for lunch, ham & scalloped potatoes, yum, yum. Then it was home for a nap and for supper we headed to Tim's mom's for roast beef and mashed. One can never have too much potatoes in one's diet. We are headed to Ireland after all!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Long weekend
Some of us were lucky enough to have a day off on Friday, others, not so lucky. Tim had to get up to go to work and had the alarm set for 6:30. As I'm used to getting up at 5:30, by the time he got out of the shower, I was pretty much wide awake so I got up and had breakfast with him. I spent a leisurely morning reading the paper and spent some time online and then I took the metro to go and meet Tim at his office in St-Laurent so we could go to lunch together. He and his co-worker Andrew often go to this Asian restaurant called Wing Phat on Jarry near Pie-IX and I always hear about it and last time they went I even got some leftovers but this was finally my opportunity to experience it myself. The place used to be a grocery store and they served meals to a few crowded tables at the back but now they've turned it into an actual restaurant, complete with tasteful decor. I can say it was well worth the trip. The have about 200 plates to chose from. I had beef with udon noodles. I love udon noodles, they are deliciously slimy!
Then I came home and had a two hour nap!
Since Tim went to the curling club for the evening, I watched "No Country For Old Men". It was pretty good. Not the best Coen brothers film I've seen, but entertaining in its own bizarre way. I don't think Tim would have enjoyed it.
And since I had that 2 hour power nap, I managed to stay awake throughout the entire film! If you didn't know, I am notorious for falling asleep during movies. It can be the most exciting, action-packed, loud movie possible, yet I am sure to nod off at some point while watching. Don't even think of making me watch a Jim Jarmusch movie. (They are extreeeeeemely slow-paced, although "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai" with Forest Whitaker was pretty good.)
The next movie I'm keen on seeing is "The Wind That Shakes the Barley".
Only 40 days til we leave for Ireland, woohoo!
I guess that means I should be doing some more planning...
Then I came home and had a two hour nap!
Since Tim went to the curling club for the evening, I watched "No Country For Old Men". It was pretty good. Not the best Coen brothers film I've seen, but entertaining in its own bizarre way. I don't think Tim would have enjoyed it.
And since I had that 2 hour power nap, I managed to stay awake throughout the entire film! If you didn't know, I am notorious for falling asleep during movies. It can be the most exciting, action-packed, loud movie possible, yet I am sure to nod off at some point while watching. Don't even think of making me watch a Jim Jarmusch movie. (They are extreeeeeemely slow-paced, although "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai" with Forest Whitaker was pretty good.)
The next movie I'm keen on seeing is "The Wind That Shakes the Barley".
Only 40 days til we leave for Ireland, woohoo!
I guess that means I should be doing some more planning...
Thursday, March 20, 2008
It's been a while...
I'm still here...I think it's time for one of those point form updates. I haven't taken the time to blog and the longer I go, the harder it gets to get back on track but I'll try...
Well, everybody knows how much snow we've had to contend with so I can skip that.
What have I been doing instead of blogging?
Watching waaaay too much American Idol! So I like Ryan Seacrest, sue me.
I'm actually glad there was a tv writer's strike. We record most shows we watch on the computer and I haven't even watched most of what's there. Now Tim has gone and deleted the season finale of Prison Break, one show that was on despite the strike. Oh well, luckily I'm not a tv addict, I can take it or leave it. I still have all of season 1 of Prison Break that we borrowed from Katja to watch too.
We got a new truck! But to most of you,that is old news. It has already been 6 weeks since we got it even if it does still have that new car smell! And we're loving it. The truck, that is, not the smell.
We spent a weekend in Mountain View to celebrate Stéphanie's birthday in mid-Feb. Did some cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. We had rented some snowshoes from MEC and we liked them so much we bought the company! Ha ha (anybody remember Victor Kiam? Anyone? Anyone?)
Actually, a couple of weeks ago, we bought snowshoes but even with all this snow, we have yet to try them out.
We booked our plane tickets for Ireland! Yay! We leave Friday May 2nd and are back on Sunday May 18th. Anybody who's been there is free to make suggestions as to what to see when we're there. So far the only plan we have is to spend a few days in Dublin then rent a car and drive around, staying in B&Bs.
Last weekend we celebrated St-Patrick's day with an evening of stew and Salty Dog at the curling club and I took in the parade on Sunday with Steph, Olaf & Heidi and then we had a large crowd over for stew and soda bread and live music. Daryl played his pipes for us.
On Saturday, we had celebrated our niece Vanessa's first birthday. One year old, how time flies! We've been enjoying seeing her grow, even if it's been way too fast! Luckily we get to see her often, we usually do something with Cathy & Eric at some point on most weekends.
That's about it for now. More to come.
Well, everybody knows how much snow we've had to contend with so I can skip that.
What have I been doing instead of blogging?
Watching waaaay too much American Idol! So I like Ryan Seacrest, sue me.
I'm actually glad there was a tv writer's strike. We record most shows we watch on the computer and I haven't even watched most of what's there. Now Tim has gone and deleted the season finale of Prison Break, one show that was on despite the strike. Oh well, luckily I'm not a tv addict, I can take it or leave it. I still have all of season 1 of Prison Break that we borrowed from Katja to watch too.
We got a new truck! But to most of you,that is old news. It has already been 6 weeks since we got it even if it does still have that new car smell! And we're loving it. The truck, that is, not the smell.
We spent a weekend in Mountain View to celebrate Stéphanie's birthday in mid-Feb. Did some cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. We had rented some snowshoes from MEC and we liked them so much we bought the company! Ha ha (anybody remember Victor Kiam? Anyone? Anyone?)
Actually, a couple of weeks ago, we bought snowshoes but even with all this snow, we have yet to try them out.
We booked our plane tickets for Ireland! Yay! We leave Friday May 2nd and are back on Sunday May 18th. Anybody who's been there is free to make suggestions as to what to see when we're there. So far the only plan we have is to spend a few days in Dublin then rent a car and drive around, staying in B&Bs.
Last weekend we celebrated St-Patrick's day with an evening of stew and Salty Dog at the curling club and I took in the parade on Sunday with Steph, Olaf & Heidi and then we had a large crowd over for stew and soda bread and live music. Daryl played his pipes for us.
On Saturday, we had celebrated our niece Vanessa's first birthday. One year old, how time flies! We've been enjoying seeing her grow, even if it's been way too fast! Luckily we get to see her often, we usually do something with Cathy & Eric at some point on most weekends.
That's about it for now. More to come.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
2 nights out in the same week
We went to the movies last Tuesday and saw Charlie Wilson's war. It was good, mainly because of Tom Hanks & Philip Seymour Hoffman's acting. The story seemed a little simplified though. I'm sure there is much more to it than the movie could tell. I certainly hope so. I find it hard to believe that one congressman could almost single-handedly be responsible for such a huge covert operation which is said to have eventually led to the downfall of the Soviet Union.
On the other hand, nothing surprises me when it comes to the involvement of the American government.
And what will happen on this Super Tuesday?
I almost forgot outing #2. On Thursday we went to see Blue Rodeo at Théâtre St-Denis with France & Ysabel. It was excellent from start to finish. Start was the opening act, Luke Doucet, a very good discovery on my part.
Then Blue Rodeo came on and started the show with a more mellow and unplugged mood. After a few songs, the curtain came down, the full drum kit was revealed and they rocked!
Believe it or not, I felt young compared to the rest of the crowd. Or do Blue Rodeo fans just not age well?!
On the other hand, nothing surprises me when it comes to the involvement of the American government.
And what will happen on this Super Tuesday?
I almost forgot outing #2. On Thursday we went to see Blue Rodeo at Théâtre St-Denis with France & Ysabel. It was excellent from start to finish. Start was the opening act, Luke Doucet, a very good discovery on my part.
Then Blue Rodeo came on and started the show with a more mellow and unplugged mood. After a few songs, the curtain came down, the full drum kit was revealed and they rocked!
Believe it or not, I felt young compared to the rest of the crowd. Or do Blue Rodeo fans just not age well?!
Winter fun
The weekend before last, Tim & I went downhill skiing together for the first time. We took in the beautiful slopes at Mount Sutton in the Eastern Townships. The conditions were great. It was a beautiful crisp, sunny day with a bit of fresh snow and what was surely lots of artificial snow made in the cold nights we had that week. Our tired old legs didn't do too badly so I won't mention the couple of face plants Tim did. :)
We then went to Kay's parents' place in Knowlton for a very nice and elaborate meal with wine tasting. After tasting 7 (or was it 8?!) wines, we got to enjoy a port that her dad had left us from his private collection. Much fun was had by all (we were 16 people, 17 with Vanessa). And even more fun was had by others! Ten of us stayed the night and we crawled into bed sometime after 3 a.m. Hadn't done that in a while. (ok, maybe not so long ago...New Year's maybe.)
We were actually up before 10 the next morning, and because we hadn't nearly stuffed our faces enough the night before, we breakfasted (is that a word?!) on French toast. Mmmm, mushy white bread soaked in egg, doesn't get much better than that.
To our credit, we then went for an hour long walk around the property. And then got back to the house and finished off the bread & cheese from the night before. We couldn't let it go to waste, after all, cheese doesn't keep for very long I'll have you know.
I managed to stay awake for most of the ride home and Tim stayed awake the whole way home. (Thank goodness, he was driving!)
Okay, enough with the bad jokes, I'm going to torture myself by watching American Idol.
We then went to Kay's parents' place in Knowlton for a very nice and elaborate meal with wine tasting. After tasting 7 (or was it 8?!) wines, we got to enjoy a port that her dad had left us from his private collection. Much fun was had by all (we were 16 people, 17 with Vanessa). And even more fun was had by others! Ten of us stayed the night and we crawled into bed sometime after 3 a.m. Hadn't done that in a while. (ok, maybe not so long ago...New Year's maybe.)
We were actually up before 10 the next morning, and because we hadn't nearly stuffed our faces enough the night before, we breakfasted (is that a word?!) on French toast. Mmmm, mushy white bread soaked in egg, doesn't get much better than that.
To our credit, we then went for an hour long walk around the property. And then got back to the house and finished off the bread & cheese from the night before. We couldn't let it go to waste, after all, cheese doesn't keep for very long I'll have you know.
I managed to stay awake for most of the ride home and Tim stayed awake the whole way home. (Thank goodness, he was driving!)
Okay, enough with the bad jokes, I'm going to torture myself by watching American Idol.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Where did January go?
Time just flies by and I can't even remember half of what I've done this month. It makes me wonder about things like how people are expected to testify in court months or even years after a crime has taken place and come up with accurate details from the past. "Where were you on the afternoon of Saturday, August 19th, 1972?" (okay I don't remember that one, but I'm sure my mom does!)
Work has been interesting as of late. We have learnt that our supposed co-worker who was hired in October is actually our supervisor. My boss has yet to directly inform me of this important little tid-bit.
It seems like our department is expected to be busy non-stop and any downtime is viewed as unproductive time that must be filled up by work-work-work. I don't know what it's like elsewhere but quality control gets all the flack and very rarely any praise at our company. Ah, such is life. I try not to think about it too much. Most of the time I leave work at night and can forget about it all until the next morning. It also helps when your boss gives you a brandy shot at 3:30 in the afternoon!
I made my vacation request this week and have been approved for the 2nd & 3rd weeks in May so Tim & I can now start planning our trip. We are going to Ireland. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what or what not to see there? Tim gave me the Lonely Planet book on Ireland for Christmas but first-hand experience from people we know is even better.
I can't wait to see how many pictures we end up taking during this trip. Tim will be bringing his "good" camera. Uh-oh!
I feel like the Pilsbury dough-girl lately...between Christmastime indulgences, not making it to the gym once last week because I was just too wiped out after work and last weekend's Pizza Party part 2 with leftover dough which turned into cinnamon buns, my pants are too tight! I hate all you people with fast metabolisms and self-restraint. :P
I got "shot" twice this week. Both times on Monday. First time was in the chest as I was being super careful while sampling some paprika oleoresin (basically reddish-orange sludge in a big bucket which is hard to pour.) So needless to say as I was being super careful, I indeed splashed some on myself and have a nice big orange stain on my lab coat now.
Second time was that evening. And that time it was actually real blood. In the arm. You see, I went to donate blood so I could get a free ticket for the car show. The donation went fine, smooth, no problem when giving for the 52nd time. It's after the donation. I was told it was okay to leave after a 5 minute waiting period. (it used to be 10.) So I went over to join Tim who was waiting for me at the food court in Complexe Desjardins. And as I was about to sit down, I had this warm, liquidy feeling in my forearm and looked down to see my shirt soaked in blood. Yay.
Thank goodness I was wearing a dark shirt I don't really care about.
So word to the wise: if you give blood, apply pressure for TEN minutes afterwards.
Oh, and I managed to get the blood out. Cold water did the trick.
That's enough sharing for now. Later.
Work has been interesting as of late. We have learnt that our supposed co-worker who was hired in October is actually our supervisor. My boss has yet to directly inform me of this important little tid-bit.
It seems like our department is expected to be busy non-stop and any downtime is viewed as unproductive time that must be filled up by work-work-work. I don't know what it's like elsewhere but quality control gets all the flack and very rarely any praise at our company. Ah, such is life. I try not to think about it too much. Most of the time I leave work at night and can forget about it all until the next morning. It also helps when your boss gives you a brandy shot at 3:30 in the afternoon!
I made my vacation request this week and have been approved for the 2nd & 3rd weeks in May so Tim & I can now start planning our trip. We are going to Ireland. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what or what not to see there? Tim gave me the Lonely Planet book on Ireland for Christmas but first-hand experience from people we know is even better.
I can't wait to see how many pictures we end up taking during this trip. Tim will be bringing his "good" camera. Uh-oh!
I feel like the Pilsbury dough-girl lately...between Christmastime indulgences, not making it to the gym once last week because I was just too wiped out after work and last weekend's Pizza Party part 2 with leftover dough which turned into cinnamon buns, my pants are too tight! I hate all you people with fast metabolisms and self-restraint. :P
I got "shot" twice this week. Both times on Monday. First time was in the chest as I was being super careful while sampling some paprika oleoresin (basically reddish-orange sludge in a big bucket which is hard to pour.) So needless to say as I was being super careful, I indeed splashed some on myself and have a nice big orange stain on my lab coat now.
Second time was that evening. And that time it was actually real blood. In the arm. You see, I went to donate blood so I could get a free ticket for the car show. The donation went fine, smooth, no problem when giving for the 52nd time. It's after the donation. I was told it was okay to leave after a 5 minute waiting period. (it used to be 10.) So I went over to join Tim who was waiting for me at the food court in Complexe Desjardins. And as I was about to sit down, I had this warm, liquidy feeling in my forearm and looked down to see my shirt soaked in blood. Yay.
Thank goodness I was wearing a dark shirt I don't really care about.
So word to the wise: if you give blood, apply pressure for TEN minutes afterwards.
Oh, and I managed to get the blood out. Cold water did the trick.
That's enough sharing for now. Later.
Monday, January 07, 2008
How we rang in 2008
I can't believe I'm already used to writing 2008!
On Sat the 29th, after some more cleaning up from the pizza party, we did some running around town and then packed our bags and tried to get to bed at a reasonable hour as we had to get up early on Sunday for our flight to DC.
In the morning, we picked up Ysabel, left our car off at my parents' place and then my dad drove us to pick up France and then dropped us off at the airport for our 9:20 flight.
We were helping Ysabel use up her last passes of the year. Luckily flying standby to Washington on the Sunday before New Year's was not a problem.
Jacquie and Matt were waiting for us when we landed at Reagan National and we got to their place in Greenbelt, MD at around 12:30, just in time for lunch!
We had a lazy afternoon followed by a trip to Corridor Wines, the most awesome liquor store ever! We couldn't resist stocking up on a few bottles to bring home which meant we would have to check our bags for the return trip. Going down we had only carry-on luggage to simplify the standby process.
That evening, France made one of her infamous (in a good way!) punch concoctions which I only tasted as I had already started drinking wine and didn't think it was a good idea to start mixing with hard liquor. Wise choice, I felt fine the next morning!
Monday was an absolute beautiful day. It probably got up to a good 10 degrees Celcius in the sun. We went for a drive to Annapolis and walked around the town, stopping in some shops and had lunch at the Rams Head Tavern.
I had their Classic Burger, yummy. Who can go wrong with bacon & cheese?! I was surprised though that my burger wasn't cooked to the super well-done level you would expect in an American (i.e. super paranoid about lawsuits) restaurant.
We brought in the New Year with a bunch of Matt & Jacquie's friends who dropped in for a house party. We had lots (too much!) of munchies, more punch (I stuck to wine again!) and some bubbly for midnight. The evening's entertainment consisted of ping-pong, pool, Monopoly, chatting, eating, drinking! And I made it til about 1:30 before hitting the hay!
Tuesday was again a beautiful day. It certainly was a nice break from the deep winter conditions back home.
We took advantage of the great weather and walked around Greenbelt Lake in Buddy Attic Park and also went for a long walk in the woods.
Canada Geese!
Ys, Tim & I had to say our goodbyes the following morning, sniff, sniff (France stayed on til Friday).
We tried to get on the earlier flight but there was only one seat available so instead of going thru the hassle of security all over again, we stayed in the terminal til the afternoon flight which we got on, no problem.
And it was back home to the deep-freeze winter wonderland!
On Sat the 29th, after some more cleaning up from the pizza party, we did some running around town and then packed our bags and tried to get to bed at a reasonable hour as we had to get up early on Sunday for our flight to DC.
In the morning, we picked up Ysabel, left our car off at my parents' place and then my dad drove us to pick up France and then dropped us off at the airport for our 9:20 flight.
We were helping Ysabel use up her last passes of the year. Luckily flying standby to Washington on the Sunday before New Year's was not a problem.
Jacquie and Matt were waiting for us when we landed at Reagan National and we got to their place in Greenbelt, MD at around 12:30, just in time for lunch!
We had a lazy afternoon followed by a trip to Corridor Wines, the most awesome liquor store ever! We couldn't resist stocking up on a few bottles to bring home which meant we would have to check our bags for the return trip. Going down we had only carry-on luggage to simplify the standby process.
That evening, France made one of her infamous (in a good way!) punch concoctions which I only tasted as I had already started drinking wine and didn't think it was a good idea to start mixing with hard liquor. Wise choice, I felt fine the next morning!
Monday was an absolute beautiful day. It probably got up to a good 10 degrees Celcius in the sun. We went for a drive to Annapolis and walked around the town, stopping in some shops and had lunch at the Rams Head Tavern.
I had their Classic Burger, yummy. Who can go wrong with bacon & cheese?! I was surprised though that my burger wasn't cooked to the super well-done level you would expect in an American (i.e. super paranoid about lawsuits) restaurant.
We brought in the New Year with a bunch of Matt & Jacquie's friends who dropped in for a house party. We had lots (too much!) of munchies, more punch (I stuck to wine again!) and some bubbly for midnight. The evening's entertainment consisted of ping-pong, pool, Monopoly, chatting, eating, drinking! And I made it til about 1:30 before hitting the hay!
Tuesday was again a beautiful day. It certainly was a nice break from the deep winter conditions back home.
We took advantage of the great weather and walked around Greenbelt Lake in Buddy Attic Park and also went for a long walk in the woods.
Canada Geese!
Ys, Tim & I had to say our goodbyes the following morning, sniff, sniff (France stayed on til Friday).
We tried to get on the earlier flight but there was only one seat available so instead of going thru the hassle of security all over again, we stayed in the terminal til the afternoon flight which we got on, no problem.
And it was back home to the deep-freeze winter wonderland!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
