I'd like to title this post EMOTIONAL. Because, yeah. That's where I am. At the height of some rip-tide of hormones coursing through my body that could really eff right off right about now.
It's amazing how you can bop along, enjoying (enduring?) pregnancy - having survived the 1st trimester, the 2nd trimester is like a party. You can finally eat again. You're not as moody. It really is the honeymoon of pregnancy.
And then the 3rd trimester sneaks up on you. And you start getting more uncomfortable. You can't reach your feet (bye bye at-home pedicures). You wake up more often at night because of aching hips, or having to pee or just whatever.
And the mood swings. I don't know about you fellow moms out there, but the 3rd trimester is a BITCH for this bitch. Like take the crazy that has been going on for the past 6 months and amp it up x 1000.
To be honest, I wish that this just meant I was more irritable, slightly more crusty and snarky than normal. But no. Hormones know your weakness and they like to digdigdig at it like the little tortuous bastards they are.
My weakness? I hate HATE to cry in front of other people. HATE.
Yes, I'm that hard-assed woman you work with that will come over to you and quietly nudge you off to the bathroom to shed your tears in private, if you dare show emotion at work. I have (in the past) sat through meetings and one-on-ones that would make Stalin sniffle; dry-eyed and stoic.
Not to say I was (am) some emotionless android or anything. Oh, I have a temper. I get "passionate" about things. But to cry? In a meeting? In a work setting? In public? Didn't. Happen.
Until I became pregnant.
I can pinpoint my first experience of work tears in my first pregnancy. I still cringe with embarrassment if I let my brain sit and ponder that meeting with my then-bosslady. I was mortified. And still couldn't stop sniffling. Couldn't control the emotions. Effing. Mortified.
And lucky me! I got to experience Take 2 yesterday! Woot woot! Gotta love pregnancy and the consistency of some of your experiences, time and time again.
I don't need to break it down. I don't actually like to talk about work here. Needless to say, I was in a rather tense meeting with a work colleague. I had the upper hand in the debate, I was right. And at some point the frustration of the obtuseness I was being met with (don't you hate people that dance their way around responsibility? like nails on a chalkboard to me) got so... FRUSTRATING that I felt that salty pin-pricky feeling of tears starting to form.
Luckily I ended the meeting before one tear actually fell, but I know it didn't go unnoticed. (In fact, was asked "Why are you so upset about this? You're leaving in a month anyway." - which, don't even get me STARTED on the treatment of pregnant women in the workplace, and the inequality, and the career-hemorrhage that can occur just because you CHOSE to propagate the species - I could go OFF about it and that's not really what you want to hear.... so... breathe.) And I HATE that I had to essentially concede my point to end the meeting and hightail it out of there.
Hormones. They're awesome.
In other weekly body-update news - I'm carrying quite low now, which means even large-sized maternity shirts don't cover up the belly. So it means I've got a little belly breeze happening with most of the clothes I wear. Because nothing says class like constantly pulling your shirt down to cover up your belly in the grocery store.
To summarize? The little sprog is good - healthy and not in breech position anymore. But pregnancy? It'll knock you down a peg or two.
xxoo.S
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Kid-free
With the Hubs away on a weekend fishing trip (it's opening season of Pickerel and he has strict instructions not to return home empty-handed!), we decided it would be a great weekend for Maddie to go visit her grandparents while I stayed home. It's meant to be a relaxing weekend for me, but of course I made a list within minutes of these plans falling together, of all the things I want to get accomplished.
I love my lists.
Except at the end of the weekend when I look and see only 1 or 2 things crossed off.
But I'd say as long as one of those items crossed off is "paint the effing nursery" then I will have gotten my job done. Because aren't you tired of listening to me talk about how I need to paint my nursery... how it's going to get done THIS weekend... how I MUST make sure we finish it that week? Yes, me too.
Well, I'm happy to report the first coat is up. The blue coat. And it's.... bright. (This is a nice way of saying that a Caribbean sea snuck in the nursery window and threw up all over the walls).
I was going for "tiffany box blue" ... something in the realm of light turquoise-blue and less "baby-boy-boring-nursery-blue".
Well. I succeeded in it not being boring.
Am hoping that just the first coat is drying so dark because I am painting over a putrid peachy-beige colour (that inhabits almost every wall in our entire house, and will get painted over in the next year because h.a.t.e.). So maybe the dark base is making the first coat seem a little..... bright?
And yes - I realize you usually use a primer in these cases - but all these fancy new paints have "primers built in" - so you think you're saving yourself a step.
All said, I fear I may be having colour-remorse. We'll see - I don't think I can make a decision until the second coat is up and the wainscoting is painted white.
Would love to show a pic of what I mean, but we have well and truly lost our camera. I've search high and low and I think it's been left behind somewhere or another. Which sucks, as for a point-and-shoot that was over 5 years old, it really was a fabulous camera (Panasonic Lumix). BUT this means since we're in the market to buy a new camera now, that I'm looking at all the fancy DSLR models. Because, why not, right? Welcome any suggestions!
xxoo.S
I love my lists.
Except at the end of the weekend when I look and see only 1 or 2 things crossed off.
But I'd say as long as one of those items crossed off is "paint the effing nursery" then I will have gotten my job done. Because aren't you tired of listening to me talk about how I need to paint my nursery... how it's going to get done THIS weekend... how I MUST make sure we finish it that week? Yes, me too.
Well, I'm happy to report the first coat is up. The blue coat. And it's.... bright. (This is a nice way of saying that a Caribbean sea snuck in the nursery window and threw up all over the walls).
I was going for "tiffany box blue" ... something in the realm of light turquoise-blue and less "baby-boy-boring-nursery-blue".
Well. I succeeded in it not being boring.
Am hoping that just the first coat is drying so dark because I am painting over a putrid peachy-beige colour (that inhabits almost every wall in our entire house, and will get painted over in the next year because h.a.t.e.). So maybe the dark base is making the first coat seem a little..... bright?
And yes - I realize you usually use a primer in these cases - but all these fancy new paints have "primers built in" - so you think you're saving yourself a step.
All said, I fear I may be having colour-remorse. We'll see - I don't think I can make a decision until the second coat is up and the wainscoting is painted white.
Would love to show a pic of what I mean, but we have well and truly lost our camera. I've search high and low and I think it's been left behind somewhere or another. Which sucks, as for a point-and-shoot that was over 5 years old, it really was a fabulous camera (Panasonic Lumix). BUT this means since we're in the market to buy a new camera now, that I'm looking at all the fancy DSLR models. Because, why not, right? Welcome any suggestions!
xxoo.S
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
32 weeks
I had a conversation with someone a few weekends ago, who asked, "how much bigger do you think you could possibly get?" (note to people - don't say these kinds of things to pregnant women - I don't care if you're family or close BFFs, or it's just a "joke" - because having to actually respond to these stupid remarks makes a person feel defensive - and that's just shitty - trust.)... but anyways, I was "nicely" trying to explain to him that indeed I could get much larger - and that I didn't think I was all that much larger than I was first time around, when I still had 2 months to go.
Because - remember those last few weeks? Where your skin feels so tight it's like it's going to split at the slightest bit of pressure? Barely being able to fit behind the steering wheel in your car? And needing to nap every 2 hours or so of being awake because you're barely sleeping at night?
In comparison? Right now? I feel effing fantastic. Nimble as a ballerina. So that's the nice thing about the 2nd time around - you KNOW how lumbering and swollen and uncomfortable that you're gonna get - that in fact the lead up is much easier because you enjoy the freedom that you still have.
That being said, I posted on Facebook last week that I was so excited the weather was warming up, simply to remove the necessity of me having to grunt and groan trying to put socks on. Because socks? Are not a preggo's best friend. Cheezies, on the other hand....
Other things that have changed? The movements - less kicky kick kick and more the rolling, elbowing, alien-baby-inside-me-feeling. My appetite - gone way done. Assuming this is probably due to my stomach being jammed up into my throat right now. I mean - I'm still eating. Just not contemplating the complete and utter destruction I will be making on a bag of sour kid candies in the car on the drive home at night. In other words, the days of eating with the abandon of a wild hog is over. At least for now... And swelling - it's started a bit - just in the calves + ankles, at the end of the day. Again, thank god for flip flops.
8 weeks to go. Nursery prep is happening this weekend for sure, as I am free of Hubs and Miss M - which means I can actually get things done. I will be enjoying my vacation.... thoroughly.
xxoo.S
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The resilience of children
We had a sick weekend here at Casa V - Maddie came down with a fever by noon on Saturday and ground productivity for the weekend to an effective halt. Luckily the fever was easily managed by Tylenol, but it's still upsetting to see your little boo get cranky and flushed and incredibly unhappy every 4 hours as the medicine wears off.
But the flip side - watching how incredibly happy and mobile she was while the meds WERE working - now that's a sight.
Is it just me? It always amazes me how well kids deal with illness. Or I should say, how my kid deals with illness (can't really speak from experience about others - but have heard similar sentiments). It's like - they're only taken down and out when it's really serious. But some sniffles? A few aches and pains? A sore throat or even light fever? Without fail, Miss M is smiling and happy and playing her way through it.
So here's my question? Is it just because we're older and therefore just that much closer to death (har dee har har) that makes us unable to fight the temptation to pull the covers over ourselves and block out the world when we're feeling sick? Or barring be able to do that (because, really, when's the last time you ACTUALLY spent the day in bed, taking care of yourself when you were sick - and men, this question is not for you!)... just how well do you find yourself coping with the feeling of being sick?
I'm not going to sugar coat it. I'm a whiner. I'm a total table-for-one, host-of-the-pity-party. I like to call MY Mommy and tell her all my ailments so she can tell me what I should do (which, being a nurse, usually is, stop feeling sorry for yourself, take some Advil and drink some tea).
And don't get me wrong. A sick Maddie is a miserable house over here 60% of the time. But it's the other 40%, where she's spinning around the living room singing some Cinderella song at the top of her lungs, that makes me go, huh. Wonder if it's just mind over matter. And if being so self-aware (and self-pitying) is really worth it...
xxoo.S
But the flip side - watching how incredibly happy and mobile she was while the meds WERE working - now that's a sight.
Is it just me? It always amazes me how well kids deal with illness. Or I should say, how my kid deals with illness (can't really speak from experience about others - but have heard similar sentiments). It's like - they're only taken down and out when it's really serious. But some sniffles? A few aches and pains? A sore throat or even light fever? Without fail, Miss M is smiling and happy and playing her way through it.
So here's my question? Is it just because we're older and therefore just that much closer to death (har dee har har) that makes us unable to fight the temptation to pull the covers over ourselves and block out the world when we're feeling sick? Or barring be able to do that (because, really, when's the last time you ACTUALLY spent the day in bed, taking care of yourself when you were sick - and men, this question is not for you!)... just how well do you find yourself coping with the feeling of being sick?
I'm not going to sugar coat it. I'm a whiner. I'm a total table-for-one, host-of-the-pity-party. I like to call MY Mommy and tell her all my ailments so she can tell me what I should do (which, being a nurse, usually is, stop feeling sorry for yourself, take some Advil and drink some tea).
And don't get me wrong. A sick Maddie is a miserable house over here 60% of the time. But it's the other 40%, where she's spinning around the living room singing some Cinderella song at the top of her lungs, that makes me go, huh. Wonder if it's just mind over matter. And if being so self-aware (and self-pitying) is really worth it...
xxoo.S
Monday, April 19, 2010
Snippets
There were no posts all of last week because of work stuff, life stuff, the busy schedule that spring seems to bring everyone. But it all culminated in a fantastically productive meeting with the bossman on Friday and means several projects that have been slightly languishing in nowhere land have been given the green light and I have a busy busy plate for my last 2 months.
And last 2 months it is - we're on final countdown. I gave my "official" notice and June 11th is my last day of work. Which means I get a week and half to myself before my due date of June 23rd. The response from everyone when I tell them this is, "Wow, you're working right up to the end, huh?" The response from Hubs? "Giving yourself a nice little cushion, huh?"
April is the "Month of Birthdays" amid our group of friends' children. We hit up our 2nd kid's birthday party this past weekend and have one more birthday party to attend next weekend. This was a pirate-themed party and watching Maddie play a piratized version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey was possibly the most adorable moment of our weekend. PS - you know what freaks my 2.5 year old out? Putting a blindfold on her amidst a group of excited kids.
But you know what's not fun? 6 screechy kids all hopped up on sugar*. When I can't drink the noise away. Damn you co-parents that had beers in your hand this weekend. Damn you...
We still haven't painted the nursery. I did make the attempt to really get it done this weekend - but got sidetracked while cleaning out the room (the closet had been relegated as part-clothing storage, part-craft storage, part-spare-linen storage and part-wrapping-paraphernalia storage). So while I started taking all of this stuff down to the basement, I realized the basement MUST BE CLEANED. NOW. IMMEDIATELY.
I'm not going to be a tattletale, but this may have caused some dissension amongst the ranks. For those firmly on the side of "Sunday is the day of rest". Okay, I will name names. The Hubs. He thought I was bonkers. I got angry. There may have been some shouting. That's all I'm gonna say...
Sidebar: I think with every positive pregnancy test, the doctor should be required to take the husband into a room where he is forced to watch a couple of educational videos called, "The Importance of Hormones" and, "The Nesting Instinct". Perhaps this could be combined into one video called, "Survival Guide: The Irrationality That Will Consume Your Life For The Next 9 Months - And How To Learn To Say Yes, Dear".
Yes, with the clarity of a Monday morning, I see that perhaps I was being a little unreasonable in my demands that the ENTIRE BASEMENT MUST BE ORGANIZED. NOW. ASAP. SHOULD'VE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF MONTHS AGO. WTF?!?!?!? The urge to nest has hit me much harder this time around. At least I think it has. Perhaps all the packing and preparations to move into the house helped to funnel some of those urges last time. Who knows. But this time? Oh yeah. It's full-on crazy. Like, get the urge to clean the bathroom at 5am when I wake up for the gazillionth time to pee, kind of crazy. Poor Hubs.
I'll leave you with a little Maddie-ism that she pulled on us this morning. (Prefacing it to say, I see the devil coming out in her more and more. Manipulating. Guilt-tripping. Stubborn as a mule. It makes an a-type female such as myself so very proud...) Doing the breakfast thing, she was offered another yogurt, various types of fruit, cheerios and juice. To which everything she responded, "No. Maddie no want." And clearly realizing what a little pain in the ass she was being, she looked up at the Hubs with a gleam in her eye, "Maddie say no to EV-WE-TING!"
xxoo.S
*To my nearest and dearest - I love your children, I really do. And I enjoy the excuse to come and hang out with you for a few hours at a party. And I like the gift-giving and the cake-eating. But I really think we all need bigger houses. Or finished basements. Or soundproof rooms - if these parties are going to continue. ;-)
And last 2 months it is - we're on final countdown. I gave my "official" notice and June 11th is my last day of work. Which means I get a week and half to myself before my due date of June 23rd. The response from everyone when I tell them this is, "Wow, you're working right up to the end, huh?" The response from Hubs? "Giving yourself a nice little cushion, huh?"
***************
April is the "Month of Birthdays" amid our group of friends' children. We hit up our 2nd kid's birthday party this past weekend and have one more birthday party to attend next weekend. This was a pirate-themed party and watching Maddie play a piratized version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey was possibly the most adorable moment of our weekend. PS - you know what freaks my 2.5 year old out? Putting a blindfold on her amidst a group of excited kids.
But you know what's not fun? 6 screechy kids all hopped up on sugar*. When I can't drink the noise away. Damn you co-parents that had beers in your hand this weekend. Damn you...
***************
We still haven't painted the nursery. I did make the attempt to really get it done this weekend - but got sidetracked while cleaning out the room (the closet had been relegated as part-clothing storage, part-craft storage, part-spare-linen storage and part-wrapping-paraphernalia storage). So while I started taking all of this stuff down to the basement, I realized the basement MUST BE CLEANED. NOW. IMMEDIATELY.
I'm not going to be a tattletale, but this may have caused some dissension amongst the ranks. For those firmly on the side of "Sunday is the day of rest". Okay, I will name names. The Hubs. He thought I was bonkers. I got angry. There may have been some shouting. That's all I'm gonna say...
Sidebar: I think with every positive pregnancy test, the doctor should be required to take the husband into a room where he is forced to watch a couple of educational videos called, "The Importance of Hormones" and, "The Nesting Instinct". Perhaps this could be combined into one video called, "Survival Guide: The Irrationality That Will Consume Your Life For The Next 9 Months - And How To Learn To Say Yes, Dear".
Yes, with the clarity of a Monday morning, I see that perhaps I was being a little unreasonable in my demands that the ENTIRE BASEMENT MUST BE ORGANIZED. NOW. ASAP. SHOULD'VE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF MONTHS AGO. WTF?!?!?!? The urge to nest has hit me much harder this time around. At least I think it has. Perhaps all the packing and preparations to move into the house helped to funnel some of those urges last time. Who knows. But this time? Oh yeah. It's full-on crazy. Like, get the urge to clean the bathroom at 5am when I wake up for the gazillionth time to pee, kind of crazy. Poor Hubs.
***************
I'll leave you with a little Maddie-ism that she pulled on us this morning. (Prefacing it to say, I see the devil coming out in her more and more. Manipulating. Guilt-tripping. Stubborn as a mule. It makes an a-type female such as myself so very proud...) Doing the breakfast thing, she was offered another yogurt, various types of fruit, cheerios and juice. To which everything she responded, "No. Maddie no want." And clearly realizing what a little pain in the ass she was being, she looked up at the Hubs with a gleam in her eye, "Maddie say no to EV-WE-TING!"
xxoo.S
Friday, April 9, 2010
Dear Maddie (the two and a half version),
It gets old saying this all the time - but HOLY CRAP how much you have changed in just 6 months. You are a little person. With opinions on.... everything.
- Fashion. Which, for the record, I usually try to respect - but wearing your fancy white dress to daycare on one of the rainiest, muddiest days we've seen all Spring. Wasn't going to happen - ever. And I have a thing about white before the May long-weekend. (I blame that on my mom)
- Food. And this opinion changes almost weekly. Sometimes potatoes are acceptable. Most times they are not. Usually blackberries are the bees knees. Sometimes they are the devil. You do have a few constants though. My lemon chicken, brocolli, green beans, watermelon and Nutty Cones (but only when shared with Daddy).
- Books. Again, you like to switch up favourites, but with a fun little twist. You call them different things. Peter Pan is currently called the Orange Book. Which wasn't easy, when you were demanding the ORANGE BOOK ORANGE BOOK ORANGE BOOK one night at bedtime, and we had no idea what the hell we were looking for. I practically tried giving you the Home Depot flyer, because that's orange, and OMG please just stop shouting at me.
- Daycare drive. You like Daddy to drop you off at daycare. And you like when I pick you up. We haven't exactly determined why this is. And why the world meltsdown when this isn't possible. But ... yes. You have your reasons I'm sure.
- Driving. You don't like it when I take a different route home from daycare. And (usually) don't love stopping for the mail on the way home. I like to think you're just so excited to get home and spend time with me, that you don't want to delay it at all. But I think it's just a routine thing and you, my dear, do not love change. I wonder where you get that from?
But even with all those opinions, at the same time, you're also one of the happiest little girls I could ever imagine. You belly laugh at my lame silly jokes. You smile and make funny faces with Daddy at the dinner table. You maul Simon and chase Garfy for "snugglebuggles" while he runs away terrified.
You'd rather be outside than in. At the park, or playing in the yard or just going for a walk. But on rainy days we craft and we bake. You bring me your apron and demand that we "make cookies for Daddy". Or you ask in the most convincing voice, "Mommy - you paint wit' me?".
I'm your daytime sidekick. Daddy is the preferred bedtime guy. He does bathtime. He reads story after story after story. He snuggles you into bed and reads one last book. You are a daddy's girl and you have him wrapped around your little finger.
I know you probably won't remember being so young, but I hope all the photos and videos we inundate you with help you remember these happy times.
I know you probably won't remember being so young, but I hope all the photos and videos we inundate you with help you remember these happy times.
Happy half-birthday bugaloo.
Love,
Mommy
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, April 8, 2010
I caved - he didn't
On Tues night, around 8:15pm, my resolve caved.
Me: Okay, let's just do the 3D ultrasound and find out the sex.
Hubs: Nope.
Me: ???? What? I thought you were dying to find out? I thought you were annoyed that I wanted to keep it a surprise?
Hubs: We decided to keep it a surprise, so that's what we're doing. Anyways - isn't it too late to do it?
Me: It's ALMOST too late. The ideal time is before 26 weeks, but we could still do it.
Hubs: Nope.
Me: (whining like a 5 year child at this point) But why??? I've changed my mind - I thought you'd be happy.
Hubs: You convinced me a surprise would be fun. Don't be so convincing next time.
And so... hrrrrumph.
xxoo.S
Me: Okay, let's just do the 3D ultrasound and find out the sex.
Hubs: Nope.
Me: ???? What? I thought you were dying to find out? I thought you were annoyed that I wanted to keep it a surprise?
Hubs: We decided to keep it a surprise, so that's what we're doing. Anyways - isn't it too late to do it?
Me: It's ALMOST too late. The ideal time is before 26 weeks, but we could still do it.
Hubs: Nope.
Me: (whining like a 5 year child at this point) But why??? I've changed my mind - I thought you'd be happy.
Hubs: You convinced me a surprise would be fun. Don't be so convincing next time.
And so... hrrrrumph.
xxoo.S
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
29 weeks
Nesting. That's my word for this week.
A few nights ago, while we lay in bed, I turned to the Hubs, "We HAVE to paint the nursery this weekend".
His response? "It's Sunday night. We just got Maddie's room done. Can you give me a few days break before you line up all the things we need to do this weekend?"
But all you moms out there get what I mean, right? Feeling like you just HAVE to get this done RIGHT NOW if possible. Yes, the nesting urge is alive and well - and keeps my brain going with all the things that I'm feeling very "behind" on. Namely the nursery - getting that done, or at least painted, will make me feel a lot more relaxed. I think. I hope...
In other news, I don't have PUPPs - the rash has disappeared completely. So we'll chalk that up to crazy hormones and their wacky reaction to substances that I've never had a reaction to before.
And after being advised by my midwife to up my iron pills to 3 a day, I've felt pretty good. At least in the mornings I do - that dragging-yourself-half-dead-out-of-the-bed-in-the-morning feeling has abated. The 3pm slump still comes. And after 8pm? You'll find me curled up on the couch attempting to stay awake for at least an hour before I give up and succumb to the blessed sleep by about 9-ish.
xxoo.S
Monday, April 5, 2010
We were ready for you long weekend!
With the in-laws confirmed as built-in helpers and babysitters, we made the commitment - this weekend was:
BIG. GIRL. BEDROOM. WEEKEND.
Oh that's right - it needs the caps.
We took advantage of the outrageously gorgeous weather and painted up a storm in the garage. With the door up. As people walked by, looking on suspiciously, at an enormously pregnant woman painting a dresser.
It's low VOC paint people! I am safe! I am thoughtful of my little unborn sprog! I promise!
I didn't really yell this at them. But I wanted to. Oh how I wanted to...
So... drumroll please... it's done. The deed is done. She slept in her big girl bed for a nap and all of last night. She doesn't seem to understand yet that she is fully able to escape the bed, should she wish to do so, at any time. AND THAT'S FINE BY US!
We caught the entire "unveiling" on video for all eternity, and if I ever find some spare time, I will post that - because the squeal of delight she gave upon entering the room was flippin' fantastic. And made it ALL worth while. As did her repeating "you turned it over" with a massive smile on her face, while she opened and closed every drawer of the dresser about 50 million times. For the record - "turned it over" means (we think) you changed over my room. Not that we literally turned shit upside down. Because, duh - clearly that's not what she meant. (That's totally what I thought she meant at first, and I was all - no, everything is it's right place. Oh, you don't mean literally? Right - I'madumbass.)
It still needs some art on the walls - but I need to figure that out. And get some paint to cover up the patching of a few holes. And find a bed skirt, because who thinks about a bed skirt in all the planning? But here's the pics anyways...
BIG. GIRL. BEDROOM. WEEKEND.
Oh that's right - it needs the caps.
We took advantage of the outrageously gorgeous weather and painted up a storm in the garage. With the door up. As people walked by, looking on suspiciously, at an enormously pregnant woman painting a dresser.
It's low VOC paint people! I am safe! I am thoughtful of my little unborn sprog! I promise!
I didn't really yell this at them. But I wanted to. Oh how I wanted to...
So... drumroll please... it's done. The deed is done. She slept in her big girl bed for a nap and all of last night. She doesn't seem to understand yet that she is fully able to escape the bed, should she wish to do so, at any time. AND THAT'S FINE BY US!
We caught the entire "unveiling" on video for all eternity, and if I ever find some spare time, I will post that - because the squeal of delight she gave upon entering the room was flippin' fantastic. And made it ALL worth while. As did her repeating "you turned it over" with a massive smile on her face, while she opened and closed every drawer of the dresser about 50 million times. For the record - "turned it over" means (we think) you changed over my room. Not that we literally turned shit upside down. Because, duh - clearly that's not what she meant. (That's totally what I thought she meant at first, and I was all - no, everything is it's right place. Oh, you don't mean literally? Right - I'madumbass.)
It still needs some art on the walls - but I need to figure that out. And get some paint to cover up the patching of a few holes. And find a bed skirt, because who thinks about a bed skirt in all the planning? But here's the pics anyways...
Zee fancy white iron bed that I covet and wish I could be 10 years old again for...
thank you Costco!
My childhood dresser, that was someone else's before it was mine.
It has been blue, pink, white, stripped + varnished, and now painted again.
With new hardware. Dontcha just love the lil pink glass knobs?
Her reading "nook". Again - can I tell you how jealous I am of her room?
Because dude. I want a reading nook.
The infamous chandelier for the closet.
Adorable, perfectly sized, and matches the dresser hardware perfectly.
She likes it.
xxoo.S
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
28 weeks
Welcome to your seventh month! said the weekly update email I get from Today's Parent. Um? Holy shit. Seventh month sounds REALLY far along, doesn't it?
I guess I should stop telling people that I'm just over halfway done.
And I think my head exploded in little stress-bits all over the place thinking of all the project deadlines I have approaching at work, and all the things I wanted to get done at home before I got "too far along".
Shitty shit shit...
In other news - sprog is good. Apparently has "...practically doubled her weight in the last four weeks and her brain tissue has begun to increase and its signature folds and grooves are now taking shape." (Don't get excited - that's Today's Parent using the gender specific verbiage. They switch it up every week.)
He/she is also in breech position currently, according to the midwife appointment I had on Monday. Which isn't anything to worry about right now - plenty of movement will (should) happen before d-day. But does have the lovely benefit of feeling like someone is tap dancing on my bladder all day and all night long. Because if you haven't felt an alien inside of you kicking at your internal organs, then you really just haven't lived. LOVELY, I tell you.
I also got a bit of clarification on the iron supplement thing. Apparently I'm supposed to be taking 3 pills a day - not just the one. And should feel "marked improvement in my energy levels" within a week. I thought I was feeling better, but apparently admitting I go to bed around 9pm every night is not the energy levels she was hoping for.
That's all I've got. Did this update sound whiny again? I had someone tell me recently that it didn't sound like I was "enjoying" pregnancy this time around a little while ago and it made me feel guilty. And then indignant. And of course, a wee bit defensive.
To set the record straight - it's not as easy as it was the first time. I'm more tired. I was sicker (and for longer) than the first time. But I'm also older and without the ability to just lay on the couch, unencumbered with responsibilities, for hours on end, all weekend long (omg doesn't that sound blissful?). So.... yeah. It's not horrible. But it is harder.
So, if I sound a little less than rosy-peaches-and-cream-sunshiny-goodness? Well, have you met me? I put the snuh in SNARK.
And that's on a good day.
xxoo.S
I guess I should stop telling people that I'm just over halfway done.
And I think my head exploded in little stress-bits all over the place thinking of all the project deadlines I have approaching at work, and all the things I wanted to get done at home before I got "too far along".
Shitty shit shit...
In other news - sprog is good. Apparently has "...practically doubled her weight in the last four weeks and her brain tissue has begun to increase and its signature folds and grooves are now taking shape." (Don't get excited - that's Today's Parent using the gender specific verbiage. They switch it up every week.)
He/she is also in breech position currently, according to the midwife appointment I had on Monday. Which isn't anything to worry about right now - plenty of movement will (should) happen before d-day. But does have the lovely benefit of feeling like someone is tap dancing on my bladder all day and all night long. Because if you haven't felt an alien inside of you kicking at your internal organs, then you really just haven't lived. LOVELY, I tell you.
I also got a bit of clarification on the iron supplement thing. Apparently I'm supposed to be taking 3 pills a day - not just the one. And should feel "marked improvement in my energy levels" within a week. I thought I was feeling better, but apparently admitting I go to bed around 9pm every night is not the energy levels she was hoping for.
That's all I've got. Did this update sound whiny again? I had someone tell me recently that it didn't sound like I was "enjoying" pregnancy this time around a little while ago and it made me feel guilty. And then indignant. And of course, a wee bit defensive.
To set the record straight - it's not as easy as it was the first time. I'm more tired. I was sicker (and for longer) than the first time. But I'm also older and without the ability to just lay on the couch, unencumbered with responsibilities, for hours on end, all weekend long (omg doesn't that sound blissful?). So.... yeah. It's not horrible. But it is harder.
So, if I sound a little less than rosy-peaches-and-cream-sunshiny-goodness? Well, have you met me? I put the snuh in SNARK.
And that's on a good day.
xxoo.S
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Knobby
The knobs for Maddie's "big girl" room furniture finally arrived. And it didn't cost me a cent in Custom's charges. Which is fabulous because I'm a big cheap-o! Each knob comes in it's own little plastic bag emblazoned with MADE IN TAIWAN on it. Way to make my antique "reproduction" knobs feel special. Thank you, eBay seller.
So this weekend is now officially the "big girl room transformation" weekend. When we're done I'll post the results, and you can comment about how beautiful and wonderful it is and any other comments will otherwise be lovingly deleted. ;-)
xxoo.S
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The weekend - in a nutshell
Craft caterpillars made out of egg cartons were painted.
Cinderella was watched.
Tea parties were had.
Easter cookies were cut out and iced and eaten.
Playdoh spaghetti and other various "worms or snakes" were created.
Vacuums "chased" little girls.
Parents took naptime too.
The perfect at-home, wet weekend.
xxoo.S
Cinderella was watched.
Tea parties were had.
Easter cookies were cut out and iced and eaten.
Playdoh spaghetti and other various "worms or snakes" were created.
Vacuums "chased" little girls.
Parents took naptime too.
The perfect at-home, wet weekend.
xxoo.S
Friday, March 26, 2010
How to torture oneself in 7 easy steps
- Decide to have an early night, because it's been a long week and you're tired.
- Enjoy a nice cup of hot milk prior to bed (yes indeed, I do this often - it's cozy and warm and helps me sleep, so shut it).
- Fall asleep instantly and enjoy said sleep for 1.5 hours.
- Be awoken by a call over the monitor... "Mommy.... Maddie want milk".
- Realize as you awake that, shit, you drank the last of the milk before you went to bed.
- Try to explain this absence of milk to an increasingly demanding and irrational toddler.
- Deal with the fall out for a full THREE HOURS while you seriously consider just driving to the local 24 hr shop to buy the milk that will just.shut.her.up. (But don't actually do it - because that would be c.r.a.z.y.)
Yes, we still give Maddie a bottle when she asks for it when she wakes up in the middle of the night. Yes, we realize how ridiculous this is for a 2.5 year old.
But in fairness - we have been discussing (for about a year now) just how to stop this. And due to the fact that she is so against drinking milk during the day (remember? I've whined about this a few times I'm sure), it's always been easy to rationalize giving it to her before bed and at night time.
So last night - well, I guess that was just fate stepping in and forcing us to play the tough love card. Because there was no way in hell we were driving to the local convenience store to buy milk at midnight. Not that we wanted her to cry - but really? At some point you just have to say no - and I get it - and we've sucked as parents - and taken the easy road until now - especially as she only wakes up like 2 or 3 times a month for milk, it's not an every night thing. So it was always easy to just do it "one more time" every time.
For the record? We are idiots. So all you experienced moms that are silently rolling your eyes at our weakness right now? We KNOW, okay? We totally should have stopped this habit ages ago.
Because a tired, demanding, irrational 2.5 year old is a far cry different from a 1.5 year old. At least from what I can remember.
Let's just say, there was a lot of crying last night. And yelling. And screaming. And hitting. And temper-tantruming. A good 3 hours worth, in fact.
But in the end, after a book (reading Cinderella TWO TIMES IN A ROW at 2am? a.w.e.s.o.m.e.) and a few sips of juice (don't judge don't judge don't judge - it was all part of the hostage negotiations - sweet, blessed sleep, being the hostage) - we got the little monster back to bed and content with going back to sleep.
She then continued to play with her dolls in her crib for another 1/2 hour or so. Reenacting essentially the entire milk drama-rama of the past few hours. With "Dora-baby" playing the roll of the milk-demanding child and Maddie playing the Mommy trying to reason with her that "there's just no milk right now - we're all out - it's allllllllll done!"".
It was all a bit surreal. Until I turned the monitor off...
xxoo.S
Thursday, March 25, 2010
27 weeks
Ever heard of PUPPP? Probably not. Because it's a crappy side-effect of pregnancy that actually isn't all that common (but not really uncommon - I don't know - what's a 1 in 200 chance? Personally, I'd play a lottery ticket on those odds).
Anyways, it's a rash. An itchy as all hell, bumpy, gross rash that goes from your belly up your chest, sometimes down your thighs and sometimes down your arms. And it's itchy. It shows up (usually) around the third trimester and goes away magically when the mother gives birth. And did I mention it's really effing itchy?
Oh, and it makes you look REALLY ATTRACTIVE. Like "my body is erupting in a pimply, itchy, gross rough rash" type of attractive. Now that's hawwwwt.
I'm holding out hope that it's actually not PUPPP but instead a random allergic reaction to the Palmer's Tummy Butter that I recently started using (and yes, I used it on more than my tummy a few times because I'm lazy and didn't feel like grabbing the regular moisturizer to finish the job - it's also exhausting for me to put on socks, and therefore I don't much anymore - wanna judge me?). In my frantic googling last night of pregnancy-itchy-rash-am-I-dying I found out that in fact lots of women get a rash from the Palmer's cream. Because it's so concentrated? Because pregnant women are weird? I dunno. I've never had a reaction to regular cocoa butter before, but I also know that a pregnant body is about as rational as me in a January shoe sale, so I wouldn't put it past hormones being at the root of this problem.
And in the meantime, while I'm in agony and hoping against hope that this stupid rash goes away, I'll leave you with one little tidbit. Certain studies show that 70% of PUPPP sufferers deliver boys.
Interesting, non?
xxoo.S
Anyways, it's a rash. An itchy as all hell, bumpy, gross rash that goes from your belly up your chest, sometimes down your thighs and sometimes down your arms. And it's itchy. It shows up (usually) around the third trimester and goes away magically when the mother gives birth. And did I mention it's really effing itchy?
Oh, and it makes you look REALLY ATTRACTIVE. Like "my body is erupting in a pimply, itchy, gross rough rash" type of attractive. Now that's hawwwwt.
I'm holding out hope that it's actually not PUPPP but instead a random allergic reaction to the Palmer's Tummy Butter that I recently started using (and yes, I used it on more than my tummy a few times because I'm lazy and didn't feel like grabbing the regular moisturizer to finish the job - it's also exhausting for me to put on socks, and therefore I don't much anymore - wanna judge me?). In my frantic googling last night of pregnancy-itchy-rash-am-I-dying I found out that in fact lots of women get a rash from the Palmer's cream. Because it's so concentrated? Because pregnant women are weird? I dunno. I've never had a reaction to regular cocoa butter before, but I also know that a pregnant body is about as rational as me in a January shoe sale, so I wouldn't put it past hormones being at the root of this problem.
And in the meantime, while I'm in agony and hoping against hope that this stupid rash goes away, I'll leave you with one little tidbit. Certain studies show that 70% of PUPPP sufferers deliver boys.
Interesting, non?
xxoo.S
Monday, March 22, 2010
The hard graft weekend
After spending a week in Kingston, away for the March break visiting Grandma & Grandpa V, our little Miss M was lovingly returned to us Friday afternoon.
We celebrated by zipping out to a Raptor's game and leaving her with the Grandparents for the evening, yet again.
Oh Maddie - we love you. But we also loved our platinum seats (although the game was less than loved - they took a bad beating).
That's okay - we had vowed to stick close to home for the rest of the weekend. And stick we did - in the garage. Cutting mitre joints out of the tiniest mouldings you ever did see. I shouldn't say "we" as I left the cutting and measuring up to the Hubs and his dad. I did join them at Home Depot to buy supplies. And I had done all the measuring for the room weeks ago. So I feel like I did my part. And Hubs got to play with his saw. And learn stuff. And hang out with his dad.
But I did help with the installation and the mudding and sanding. The result is looking fairly spectacular (if we do say so ourselves) even without the paint or any furniture.
For the record - wainscoting (or really "trick-the-eye-mouldings-in-the-shape-of-proper-wainscoting") is not impossible or even all that tough. But it IS time-consuming. Like several evenings of measuring and leveling and drawing out all those boxes on the walls. Then many hours measuring and cutting and measuring and cutting. And more hours spent gluing and mudding and sanding. But the results we are more than happy with.
Now our focus is back on Miss Maddie's room. Her "big girl" room. We have the bedding. We have the bed. We have (some of) the furniture painted. Now we just wait for the knobs to arrive through customs. And paint a few frames for some wall hangings. And then it's set up time.
Once she gets settled into her room and doesn't miss her crib anymore, then progress will begin again on the nursery. Since she was already calling the nursery (while we were working in this weekend), "Maddie's big room", I'm pretty sure we should make sure she loves her room first to avoid any pre-emptive jealousy.
And what's not to love? As of this weekend her walk-in closet features a newly installed pink crystal chandelier (another project checked off with help from Grandpa). I would show you pictures, but let's wait until we actually have things set up for you to see it in all it's glory.
And last but not least, we are also proud owners of a functional doorbell once again.
As exhausting as "project" weekends are - don't you love that fulfilled feeling of accomplishment when you collapse onto the sofa on the Sunday night?
xxoo.S
We celebrated by zipping out to a Raptor's game and leaving her with the Grandparents for the evening, yet again.
Oh Maddie - we love you. But we also loved our platinum seats (although the game was less than loved - they took a bad beating).
That's okay - we had vowed to stick close to home for the rest of the weekend. And stick we did - in the garage. Cutting mitre joints out of the tiniest mouldings you ever did see. I shouldn't say "we" as I left the cutting and measuring up to the Hubs and his dad. I did join them at Home Depot to buy supplies. And I had done all the measuring for the room weeks ago. So I feel like I did my part. And Hubs got to play with his saw. And learn stuff. And hang out with his dad.
But I did help with the installation and the mudding and sanding. The result is looking fairly spectacular (if we do say so ourselves) even without the paint or any furniture.
Now our focus is back on Miss Maddie's room. Her "big girl" room. We have the bedding. We have the bed. We have (some of) the furniture painted. Now we just wait for the knobs to arrive through customs. And paint a few frames for some wall hangings. And then it's set up time.
Once she gets settled into her room and doesn't miss her crib anymore, then progress will begin again on the nursery. Since she was already calling the nursery (while we were working in this weekend), "Maddie's big room", I'm pretty sure we should make sure she loves her room first to avoid any pre-emptive jealousy.
And what's not to love? As of this weekend her walk-in closet features a newly installed pink crystal chandelier (another project checked off with help from Grandpa). I would show you pictures, but let's wait until we actually have things set up for you to see it in all it's glory.
And last but not least, we are also proud owners of a functional doorbell once again.
As exhausting as "project" weekends are - don't you love that fulfilled feeling of accomplishment when you collapse onto the sofa on the Sunday night?
xxoo.S
Friday, March 19, 2010
Is it a proper crime ring?
When we bought our house the previous owners had just had interlock put in up the front steps and landscaping done all up the walkway. It is lovely and was very much a bonus when we were making our decision on whether to put in an offer. Part of the landscaping includes some hard-wired patio lights - larger than the "moonray" style lights you see a lot - these are lantern-looking, hanging on a mini shepherd's hook.Anyhoo, my point being, they look lovely and I lurve them. And the fact that they are hardwired into an outlet in the garage on a timer (so they actually give off good light vs. those mini moonray types) is a bonus.
Two years ago when I was in Ireland with Maddie and the Hubs was also away on business at the same time - he came home to find one of these lights missing from our flowerbed, all the wiring and whatnot ripped up and just hanging out on our lawn.
We pinned it down to stupid kids - hooligan teenagers - whatever. It was annoying and took a few months to find an identical replacement, but that was it - we didn't really think much more of it.
And then last night it happened again. We were out for dinner at a friend's house and got home around 11pm. The house was dark (as we hadn't thought ahead and left any lights on - either outside or inside). So yes, it was quite clear no one was at home, even with my car parked in the drive.
As we're walking up the steps to the house, I notice - hey! TWO of our lights are missing.
Now - I usually park in the garage, but since we've been doing some furniture refinishing this week, the garage has been taken over and I've been parking out on the driveway. Which means, if these lights were missing last evening - when I was out as well - I would have easily noticed.
The lights were definitely pilfered last night. Sometime between 6:15pm and 11pm.
Nothing else was missing. My car, left wide-open (because I thought we lived in happy lovely suburbia), was not ransacked - they easily could have taken the car seat or new hiking carrier that was sitting wide open in the back seat.
Absolutely nothing else was taken. Just two of these walkway lights.
Say it with me... W. T. F.???
Are there hard up landscapers out there that troll neighbourhoods for good, quality, hardwired patio lighting? Or are these jealous DIY-ers that wish they had better walkway lighting?
To chalk it up to hooligan kids again would be easy - but just doesn't make any sense. Since both neighbours, on either side of us, use those solar-powered, stick-in-the-ground type of lighting, you'd figure they would have effed with their lights as well. Why go to the trouble of pulling up wires and ripping off large lights when you could (also) easily pull up some staked-lighting next door?
It's a mystery to me. And the main reason I now don't really think it's kids. Even though it's also hard to wrap my head around an actual ADULT doing this.
So what to do? Clearly, we've learned our lesson - we're leaving our lights on when we go out and don't anticipate being back before dark. At least to give some type of semblance that someone is home. And I'm now also toying with getting a motion light (since we already have the electrical hardwired into our landscaping, it shouldn't be hard to set up) - but I find those spotlights so obnoxious.
Do we even bother replacing the lights? Or just buy some cheapy moonrays to line the walkway? Clearly they aren't in demand amongst the landscaping crime-ring of the Boonies. But I liiiiiiike my lights. They're pretty. And on a timer. And did I mention how pretty they are?
Sadly, I'm actually going to call the cops and report this properly. Because I feel like once is a random occurence - twice is just weird enough that it makes me feel weird and I want to make sure I'm at least doing my part in whatever channels should be followed in this type of situation.
Strange, non? And also? People suck.
xxoo.S
Two years ago when I was in Ireland with Maddie and the Hubs was also away on business at the same time - he came home to find one of these lights missing from our flowerbed, all the wiring and whatnot ripped up and just hanging out on our lawn.
We pinned it down to stupid kids - hooligan teenagers - whatever. It was annoying and took a few months to find an identical replacement, but that was it - we didn't really think much more of it.
And then last night it happened again. We were out for dinner at a friend's house and got home around 11pm. The house was dark (as we hadn't thought ahead and left any lights on - either outside or inside). So yes, it was quite clear no one was at home, even with my car parked in the drive.
As we're walking up the steps to the house, I notice - hey! TWO of our lights are missing.
Now - I usually park in the garage, but since we've been doing some furniture refinishing this week, the garage has been taken over and I've been parking out on the driveway. Which means, if these lights were missing last evening - when I was out as well - I would have easily noticed.
The lights were definitely pilfered last night. Sometime between 6:15pm and 11pm.
Nothing else was missing. My car, left wide-open (because I thought we lived in happy lovely suburbia), was not ransacked - they easily could have taken the car seat or new hiking carrier that was sitting wide open in the back seat.
Absolutely nothing else was taken. Just two of these walkway lights.
Say it with me... W. T. F.???
Are there hard up landscapers out there that troll neighbourhoods for good, quality, hardwired patio lighting? Or are these jealous DIY-ers that wish they had better walkway lighting?
To chalk it up to hooligan kids again would be easy - but just doesn't make any sense. Since both neighbours, on either side of us, use those solar-powered, stick-in-the-ground type of lighting, you'd figure they would have effed with their lights as well. Why go to the trouble of pulling up wires and ripping off large lights when you could (also) easily pull up some staked-lighting next door?
It's a mystery to me. And the main reason I now don't really think it's kids. Even though it's also hard to wrap my head around an actual ADULT doing this.
So what to do? Clearly, we've learned our lesson - we're leaving our lights on when we go out and don't anticipate being back before dark. At least to give some type of semblance that someone is home. And I'm now also toying with getting a motion light (since we already have the electrical hardwired into our landscaping, it shouldn't be hard to set up) - but I find those spotlights so obnoxious.
Do we even bother replacing the lights? Or just buy some cheapy moonrays to line the walkway? Clearly they aren't in demand amongst the landscaping crime-ring of the Boonies. But I liiiiiiike my lights. They're pretty. And on a timer. And did I mention how pretty they are?
Sadly, I'm actually going to call the cops and report this properly. Because I feel like once is a random occurence - twice is just weird enough that it makes me feel weird and I want to make sure I'm at least doing my part in whatever channels should be followed in this type of situation.
Strange, non? And also? People suck.
xxoo.S
Thursday, March 18, 2010
26 weeks
I was asked last night whether I was in my 3rd trimester yet. My answer? I don't think so.... I'm in my (pause), um, 26th week. Yeah - that's not 3rd trimester yet is it? For the record it's not - I looked it up when I got home - 3rd trimester starts at 28 weeks.
Isn't it funny how different two pregnancies can be? First time around, I was obsessed - OBSESSED - with tracking the sprog's development. What size, what weight, what they were building at that very moment. That also translated into being obsessed with eating healthily, getting enough rest and pretty much living the decadent "I don't have other kids to worry about right now" pregnant lifestyle.
And then came the baby and my world came crashing down. I had spent a lot of time reading about and researching what to do while pregnant to incubate a healthy little sprog, but hadn't take any time to really prepare for actual baby-time. Like how to breastfeed. Learn a 'swaddle technique'. So we winged it and survived (barely) and life is good.
This time, I keep getting asked where the bump pictures are. I've been (a LOT) more lax with my diet. And maybe not as stringent at keeping up with all the sproggy developmental milestones. Which could make me feel guilty and like I'm not giving the same kind of attention to this pregnancy (oh - the beginnings of the fairness tightrope we all walk).
Except I realize it's not true. Sure, I can't tell you exactly what size they are this week (actually it's the size of an English cucumber) but I've already made a small little baby purchase. Something I didn't do with Maddie until well after she was born (superstition? or just ignorance about what to buy? I can't really say why I didn't - but I did make up for all that lack of shopping afterwards - just ask the Hubs).
I think your obsession just gets channeled differently each time. The nursery, gender-neutral clothes, and (for some reason) miniature-stuffies, are my obsession this time around. Just like eating fruit salad for breakfast and salad for dinner was my obsession last time around.
There you have it - the ramblings du jour of my hormone-addled brain.
In other news - my midwife confirmed there's a reason I'm so tired (beyond just being preggo with a 2.5 year old running around - because, hahahaha! that explanation hasn't gotten old...). Low iron. So I get to take supplements and that should help with the energy levels. Sweeeeet - constipation...
xxoo.S
Isn't it funny how different two pregnancies can be? First time around, I was obsessed - OBSESSED - with tracking the sprog's development. What size, what weight, what they were building at that very moment. That also translated into being obsessed with eating healthily, getting enough rest and pretty much living the decadent "I don't have other kids to worry about right now" pregnant lifestyle.
And then came the baby and my world came crashing down. I had spent a lot of time reading about and researching what to do while pregnant to incubate a healthy little sprog, but hadn't take any time to really prepare for actual baby-time. Like how to breastfeed. Learn a 'swaddle technique'. So we winged it and survived (barely) and life is good.
This time, I keep getting asked where the bump pictures are. I've been (a LOT) more lax with my diet. And maybe not as stringent at keeping up with all the sproggy developmental milestones. Which could make me feel guilty and like I'm not giving the same kind of attention to this pregnancy (oh - the beginnings of the fairness tightrope we all walk).
Except I realize it's not true. Sure, I can't tell you exactly what size they are this week (actually it's the size of an English cucumber) but I've already made a small little baby purchase. Something I didn't do with Maddie until well after she was born (superstition? or just ignorance about what to buy? I can't really say why I didn't - but I did make up for all that lack of shopping afterwards - just ask the Hubs).
I think your obsession just gets channeled differently each time. The nursery, gender-neutral clothes, and (for some reason) miniature-stuffies, are my obsession this time around. Just like eating fruit salad for breakfast and salad for dinner was my obsession last time around.
There you have it - the ramblings du jour of my hormone-addled brain.
In other news - my midwife confirmed there's a reason I'm so tired (beyond just being preggo with a 2.5 year old running around - because, hahahaha! that explanation hasn't gotten old...). Low iron. So I get to take supplements and that should help with the energy levels. Sweeeeet - constipation...
xxoo.S
Monday, March 15, 2010
Transformation - part un
The sanding and re-painting of the furniture for Maddie's "big girl" room has begun. It sounds a lot more dramatic than it is - really it's just a dresser and bedside table. But since I haven't actually done any furniture restoration in about 10 years I was feeling a little nervous about these projects.
Because it's the smaller piece and I was a little unsure about my painting prowess (my past furniture restoration projects always involved me stripping the paint and sanding down to natural, not the other way around), I decided to start with the side table.
Because it's the smaller piece and I was a little unsure about my painting prowess (my past furniture restoration projects always involved me stripping the paint and sanding down to natural, not the other way around), I decided to start with the side table.
Here's the "before":
(not really a full before, as I forgot to take a picture before I started sanding - but you get the general idea)
Post-sanding:
(and while I'm happy to be owner of an electric sander - those legs needed to be done by hand - fun!)
After the 2nd coat - which I just finished:
(I don't paint at night - natural light helps you see all the mistakes you're making so much better)
Sadly, it's going to need a 3rd coat for sure. And I need to go get a fine sanding block so I can fix some of my drips and other mistakes. In retrospect, I think this piece would have been much easier just to spray - the legs are killer and no matter how careful I am, they are not going to look "professional".
For those of you judging this preggo woman for painting :) you'll be happy to know I'm using Benjamin Moore's "Natura" line - it's zero VOC and apparently very washable (as I opted for satin finish vs. semi-gloss but still wanted the durability of a gloss). It's also the most expensive paint I've ever bloody bought in my life. $67 for a gallon. But we also have the wainscoting in the Sprog's room to paint, and I've been meaning to paint the rest of the trim in the house (as the brilliant homeowners previous to us decided to repaint all the doors + trim in a flat, stark white - which looks lovely but stains like hell).
So there you go, that's the progress report. The Hubs is going to sand down the dresser tonight (I've trusted him with this job after he complained I was having all the "fun". It's basically all straight, flat surfaces, so he can't screw that up, right?)
Oooooh - and because I'm no good at keeping secrets - check out the adorable knobs I found for them!
Adorable, non? I think they'll sweeten up the pieces considerably. Can't wait for Miss M to see the surprises we have in store for her when she gets home from Gramma V's.
xxoo.S
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Hell Week
Remember the first week of grade nine? Whether it was called "Hell Week" or "Hazing Week" or whatever? And your popularity to the masses was reflected in direct correlation to how much perfume or shaving cream or permanent marker was forcibly layered onto your body by the older kids?
I was poignantly reminded of that week this past week, as we endured the parental version of Hell Week. Also known as salmonella poisoning. No regular stomach flu - this persistent little bugger likes to stick around for up to 7 days. And did you know you don't just get salmonella from unwashed chicken hands or eggs or bad mayo - but you can catch it from someone else? Betcha didn't realize that one. It's almost as nasty as the Norwalk in how long it can live on random surfaces.
Anyhoo - Madds caught it and alerted us to this fact at 1:30am on Tuesday morning. Aaaaaand enter vomit-fest for the Vallier's for the next 3 days. I could go into details - like how much laundry I've done. Or how many times I caught a little bit of dried vomit just caked on my neck or in my ear or on my cheek. Or just how uncomfortable it is to sleep upright, with a heavy toddler on a pregnant tummy.
But we've all been there right? Instead I'd like to focus on the good stuff - like:
I was poignantly reminded of that week this past week, as we endured the parental version of Hell Week. Also known as salmonella poisoning. No regular stomach flu - this persistent little bugger likes to stick around for up to 7 days. And did you know you don't just get salmonella from unwashed chicken hands or eggs or bad mayo - but you can catch it from someone else? Betcha didn't realize that one. It's almost as nasty as the Norwalk in how long it can live on random surfaces.
Anyhoo - Madds caught it and alerted us to this fact at 1:30am on Tuesday morning. Aaaaaand enter vomit-fest for the Vallier's for the next 3 days. I could go into details - like how much laundry I've done. Or how many times I caught a little bit of dried vomit just caked on my neck or in my ear or on my cheek. Or just how uncomfortable it is to sleep upright, with a heavy toddler on a pregnant tummy.
But we've all been there right? Instead I'd like to focus on the good stuff - like:
- Maddie has learned how to throw up like a big girl - meaning into the toilet or in a bucket - instead of on me, her initial location of preference. She knows when it's coming, she alerts us and as long as you get her to the toilet, or a bucket in front of her, she's the tidiest little puker you ever did see! Can you hear the mom-pride in my voice?
- I got to enjoy more cuddles from my little girl than I've had combined in the past 6 months. Nothing like a good case of "gastro" to get a toddler to want to actually lay on the couch (or anywhere for that matter) with you.
- As much as Maddie loves and prefers Daddy - it's ALL ABOUT Mommy when she's sick. And that's just fine by me. I can function on barely any sleep a lot better than the Hubs can. (For the record - now that she's feeling better she's totally back to being her daddy's girl self and I could jump off a dock for all she cares - but I was totally her favourite for a few days, and you know that means I win! Ha.)
- Cinderella (and I'm sure many of the older Disney movies) have soundtracks that soothe. It was like falling asleep listening to Morgan Freeman tell me a story. Must.Get.More. Older Disney movies like Peter Pan and Lady + the Tramp - guessing they would be similar in their waltzy, sleepy, lullaby scores.
So that's why it's been quiet over hear. Basically we were functioning in survival mode for the past week. But I'm happy to say she's been on the mend for a few days and has now been shipped off to Gramma V's to enjoy a relaxing March break vacay while we get a few things done around the house here. Like working and spring cleaning and painting her "big girl" dresser.
Enjoy your rainy Sunday peeps...
xxoo.S
Monday, March 8, 2010
SAWA!
It's been a habit, for... well, ever... that Maddie calls for me over the monitor when she wakes up. As in, "Mommy! Maddie wake up now! Good morning Mommy!"
And yes, it sounds just as adorable as it reads. Although I'm still not a morning person, but that kind of wake up is better than an alarm clock any day of the week.
However, over the weekend she changed her call a bit. I now wake up to: "Mommy! Maddie wake up! Saaaaaawwwwwwwaaaaaaaa. Wake up Sawa. Where is Sawa?"
That's right. My 2.5 year old daughter is summoning me by my actual name. I mean her inability to properly pronounce the "R" in my name softens the blow a bit. But seriously? I work hard at the Mommy title - I'd like to keep it for a few more years please. Although any attempts to explain to her that my name, to her, is in fact, "Mommy" and not, "Sawa" just makes her giggle and call me that even more. And so - I ignore it, for now.
Check with me in about 15 years when I'm sure it won't seem nearly as cute or adorable anymore.
xxoo.S
And yes, it sounds just as adorable as it reads. Although I'm still not a morning person, but that kind of wake up is better than an alarm clock any day of the week.
However, over the weekend she changed her call a bit. I now wake up to: "Mommy! Maddie wake up! Saaaaaawwwwwwwaaaaaaaa. Wake up Sawa. Where is Sawa?"
That's right. My 2.5 year old daughter is summoning me by my actual name. I mean her inability to properly pronounce the "R" in my name softens the blow a bit. But seriously? I work hard at the Mommy title - I'd like to keep it for a few more years please. Although any attempts to explain to her that my name, to her, is in fact, "Mommy" and not, "Sawa" just makes her giggle and call me that even more. And so - I ignore it, for now.
Check with me in about 15 years when I'm sure it won't seem nearly as cute or adorable anymore.
xxoo.S
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Electricity 101
Remember the gorgeous chandelier light fixture I was bragging about finding at Homesense for a STEAL last week? I got it home and it was a swag light. But also came with a ceiling plate. Which makes about - zero - sense in my opinion. But again, this is likely why it was only $40.
Since I was determined to "make it work", I proceeded to spend Friday evening consulting the all-knowing Google, numerous DIY forums, and the always useful expertise opinion of Facebook. The results were fairly unanimous - you can totally hardwire a plug in fixture - especially one that makes it easy on you and comes with a ceiling plate - just snip and attach.
Sounds like a 20 minute job, right?
Don't worry - there's no electrocution story here. On Saturday afternoon (the time of day that actual sunlight pours into Miss M's room like crazy), we cut the power and got to working on the fixture. And anything that could be difficult was. But eventually we were ready to wire - and in trying to get all the wires attached and also holding up the fixture at the same time, something went wrong, and the grounding wire snapped.
Long story short (and yelling of profanities edited out), the light isn't up quite yet. And the Hubs is not allowed to play anymore. But I'm getting a taller stepladder today from a lovely friend, and if all goes as planned, the fixture will be in place by tonight (or you know, the end of the week - which is also a great goal to have).
I'll let you know - but am excited to show you the end result... eventually.
xxoo.S
Since I was determined to "make it work", I proceeded to spend Friday evening consulting the all-knowing Google, numerous DIY forums, and the always useful expertise opinion of Facebook. The results were fairly unanimous - you can totally hardwire a plug in fixture - especially one that makes it easy on you and comes with a ceiling plate - just snip and attach.
Sounds like a 20 minute job, right?
Don't worry - there's no electrocution story here. On Saturday afternoon (the time of day that actual sunlight pours into Miss M's room like crazy), we cut the power and got to working on the fixture. And anything that could be difficult was. But eventually we were ready to wire - and in trying to get all the wires attached and also holding up the fixture at the same time, something went wrong, and the grounding wire snapped.
Long story short (and yelling of profanities edited out), the light isn't up quite yet. And the Hubs is not allowed to play anymore. But I'm getting a taller stepladder today from a lovely friend, and if all goes as planned, the fixture will be in place by tonight (or you know, the end of the week - which is also a great goal to have).
I'll let you know - but am excited to show you the end result... eventually.
xxoo.S
Friday, March 5, 2010
The votes are in!
Including the Facebook votes as well - here's how the tally breaks down:
Quilt #1 - 9 votes
Quilt #2 - 2 votes
Quilt #3 - 4 votes
Quilt #4 -
Quilt #5 - 3 votes
Quilt #6 - 2 votes
Seems like the most expensive quilt from Pottery Barn is the clear winner. That's my secret favourite right now too - although I was told to go check out Homesense and they have some adorable quilt sets there that were REALLY reasonably priced. (AND a sparkly pink + white chandelier that I couldn't resist because I'm a sucker!)
And I have a line on possibly commissioning one - although really, I'm starting to wonder if a 2 year old should have a quilt that has been commissioned for her? I mean really? My bedding is a plain white duvet. Let's grow some perspective.
Thanks everyone for the input - always appreciated!!
xxoo.S
Quilt #1 - 9 votes
Quilt #2 - 2 votes
Quilt #3 - 4 votes
Quilt #4 -
Quilt #5 - 3 votes
Quilt #6 - 2 votes
Seems like the most expensive quilt from Pottery Barn is the clear winner. That's my secret favourite right now too - although I was told to go check out Homesense and they have some adorable quilt sets there that were REALLY reasonably priced. (AND a sparkly pink + white chandelier that I couldn't resist because I'm a sucker!)
And I have a line on possibly commissioning one - although really, I'm starting to wonder if a 2 year old should have a quilt that has been commissioned for her? I mean really? My bedding is a plain white duvet. Let's grow some perspective.
Thanks everyone for the input - always appreciated!!
xxoo.S
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Lobbying for Quilts
So in my imagination, I had imagined Maddie's new big girl bed with a lovingly found classic handmade quilt in beautiful shades of pink with a hint of chocolate brown here and there (to keep with her current room decor - because I'm lazy and don't want to have to find new drapes for her room as well). Except - browsing Etsy for a specific style of quilt is very much like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
It was suggested to me (more than once - which in itself is kind of laughable) that I should just find fabric that I like and make the quilt myself. Hahahahahahha. HA. I don't even know how to begin making drapes or throw pillows - I think a quilt may just be a bit out of my reach.
And so I (grudgingly) started to look more mainstream. The Pottery Barns, the Targets, and other mass-producers of quilts. So what if it wouldn't necessarily become an heirloom. Perhaps I would eventually find one at a craft show that I liked - and until then, this could (would) do...
So... in the spirit of getting opinions from my dear readers (which by the way - thank you to all those that weighed in on yesterday's dilemma - especially you Facebookers - wow - I've got a vocal group of friends - thank you!) I thought I'd put up a few options of ones we're looking at/considering and see what you think. I'm not going to let any preconceptions sway you - so I'm just going to post the pics by numbers - not by source. You tell me your top pick in the comments! Oh and please keep in mind - her current room is a pink on pink stripe (very soft, petal shade) with accents of chocolate brown here and there (like the drapes I don't necessarily want to replace and some name/letters I painted for her when she was a bebe).
1.
2.
4.
It was suggested to me (more than once - which in itself is kind of laughable) that I should just find fabric that I like and make the quilt myself. Hahahahahahha. HA. I don't even know how to begin making drapes or throw pillows - I think a quilt may just be a bit out of my reach.
And so I (grudgingly) started to look more mainstream. The Pottery Barns, the Targets, and other mass-producers of quilts. So what if it wouldn't necessarily become an heirloom. Perhaps I would eventually find one at a craft show that I liked - and until then, this could (would) do...
So... in the spirit of getting opinions from my dear readers (which by the way - thank you to all those that weighed in on yesterday's dilemma - especially you Facebookers - wow - I've got a vocal group of friends - thank you!) I thought I'd put up a few options of ones we're looking at/considering and see what you think. I'm not going to let any preconceptions sway you - so I'm just going to post the pics by numbers - not by source. You tell me your top pick in the comments! Oh and please keep in mind - her current room is a pink on pink stripe (very soft, petal shade) with accents of chocolate brown here and there (like the drapes I don't necessarily want to replace and some name/letters I painted for her when she was a bebe).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
xxoo.S
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
What would you do?
I just had a fun chat with a friend on my 1+ hour drive into the office - we are both "ex" smokers and the conversation began with her comment "Smoking is so 1993, sitting around a table in Swiss Chalet." - and quickly wound itself to just how ridiculous it seems now.
As an ex-smoker of just over 3 years, I know I'll never go back - it holds no appeal and no allure to me now. I've been told I'm a little more nazi-anti-smoking than is necessary, because I'm very vocal and obnoxious as to the stink and grossness of it all. (My response to that is simply, "I'm vocal and obnoxious about everything - how am I supposed to keep quiet as to how stinky you are?")
In my conversation this morning, I actually compared how our kids would view smoking is likely how we view our parents habits of driving around without seatbelts and with a beer between their legs. Such ridiculous behaviour that you just have to shake your head at the audacity that it was socially acceptable at one point.
But this post isn't a soapbox where I pontificate on the disgustingness of smoking. To each his own. I think any smoker realizes that it's an unhealthy habit. And I can understand and sympathize with the difficulty of quitting. Just don't do it in my house, that's all I'm sayin'.
And this, leads us to the point of this post - where I ask you, dear readers, to weigh in with an opinion...
We have a smoking neighbour - who clearly isn't allowed to smoke in or around his house, so he takes to his car. In the summer, in the winter - that's his "smoking" place. Sidebar: he has also scared the shit out of me numerous times, while I was walking from the backyard to the garage, and didn't notice he's just sitting there in his car, smoking away, until he says "hi" and then I jump a mile in the air and he looks at me like I'm perhaps wound a little tight, and all I want to say, is wtf dude, you're sitting in a car at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon smoking, I'm just doing my gardening - but instead I just respond "hi" with a friendly neighbour smile, as if to say, sure, randomly sitting in your car smoking is not in the least strange or weird or some other trait that I could easily do without in a neighbour....
So this is not a new thing. It's weird (in my opinion) yes, but not new. What is new, is that last week - during the early season thaw as I walked around the side of the house to take a look at the perennial beds, to check out if there was anything going on - I noticed a PILE of butts beside my side-garage-door. Which happens to be exactly where his car is always parked.
And the thing is - I get it. Smokers are bad at not thinking of what happens to the gross little butts they throw on the ground when they're done. I never used to use those "butt-out" containers when walking down the sidewalk in the city. Smokers are pretty self-absorbed about the garbage they are creating. Especially in the winter - when the butts magically disappear into the snowbanks.
But regardless of whether I get the "how" of it happening, I don't want it happening. So as I'm explaining the disgustingness that will need to be cleaned up come springtime to the Hubs, I asked him how I should bring it up to the neighbour.
He looked at me, a bit shell-shocked. "You don't." he replied.
Me: "What do you mean, I don't?"
Hubs: "There's no nice way of saying it. You're just going to make him feel bad."
Me: "If I started leaving Maddie's dirty diapers on their lawn, do you think they would choose not to say anything? They'd just clean them up without complaint?"
Hubs: "That's not the same thing."
Me: "'Eff off, smoker."
When I posed the same question to my friend this morning, she had a similar response. Not that she counseled to not say anything - but she recommended I make up some convoluted story about raccoons must have got into the garbage, found a pile of butts on our lawn - thinking they must have been yours - no worries, cleaned it up - but just wanted to let you know...
(It sounded a lot better when she explained how she'd handle it.)
(She also lives in the city where raccoons are evil little dirty beggars that can easily be blamed for a number of things. Doesn't really work that way in the suburbs - at least not ours - haven't seen a raccoon-attacked garbage bag yet, in the 2 years we've been here.)
But when I told her that I didn't think I was out of line in just confronting the neighbour (nicely) and asking him to (nicely) not throw his dirty-ass butts on my lawn - she had the same response. "It's just going to embarrass him and now you'll be living next to someone who hates you."
So - what would you do? Would you confront the neighbour (nicely) and ask him to eff off (nicely) with the throwing of the cig butts? Or would you ignore it and hope it stops when spring gets here? Or would you clean up the butts and leave them in a wrapped little gift box on the neighbour's step? (Which I think would be an adorable little Easter surprise - but maybe that's just me)...
xxoo.S
PS - to those that know the Hubs - no, it wasn't him. I mean, I believed him when he said he wouldn't be that disgusting, and he doesn't smoke at the side-garage-door. I trust him - he would admit it if it were him... And I checked the type of cigarettes - they're not his brand ;)
As an ex-smoker of just over 3 years, I know I'll never go back - it holds no appeal and no allure to me now. I've been told I'm a little more nazi-anti-smoking than is necessary, because I'm very vocal and obnoxious as to the stink and grossness of it all. (My response to that is simply, "I'm vocal and obnoxious about everything - how am I supposed to keep quiet as to how stinky you are?")
In my conversation this morning, I actually compared how our kids would view smoking is likely how we view our parents habits of driving around without seatbelts and with a beer between their legs. Such ridiculous behaviour that you just have to shake your head at the audacity that it was socially acceptable at one point.
But this post isn't a soapbox where I pontificate on the disgustingness of smoking. To each his own. I think any smoker realizes that it's an unhealthy habit. And I can understand and sympathize with the difficulty of quitting. Just don't do it in my house, that's all I'm sayin'.
And this, leads us to the point of this post - where I ask you, dear readers, to weigh in with an opinion...
We have a smoking neighbour - who clearly isn't allowed to smoke in or around his house, so he takes to his car. In the summer, in the winter - that's his "smoking" place. Sidebar: he has also scared the shit out of me numerous times, while I was walking from the backyard to the garage, and didn't notice he's just sitting there in his car, smoking away, until he says "hi" and then I jump a mile in the air and he looks at me like I'm perhaps wound a little tight, and all I want to say, is wtf dude, you're sitting in a car at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon smoking, I'm just doing my gardening - but instead I just respond "hi" with a friendly neighbour smile, as if to say, sure, randomly sitting in your car smoking is not in the least strange or weird or some other trait that I could easily do without in a neighbour....
So this is not a new thing. It's weird (in my opinion) yes, but not new. What is new, is that last week - during the early season thaw as I walked around the side of the house to take a look at the perennial beds, to check out if there was anything going on - I noticed a PILE of butts beside my side-garage-door. Which happens to be exactly where his car is always parked.
And the thing is - I get it. Smokers are bad at not thinking of what happens to the gross little butts they throw on the ground when they're done. I never used to use those "butt-out" containers when walking down the sidewalk in the city. Smokers are pretty self-absorbed about the garbage they are creating. Especially in the winter - when the butts magically disappear into the snowbanks.
But regardless of whether I get the "how" of it happening, I don't want it happening. So as I'm explaining the disgustingness that will need to be cleaned up come springtime to the Hubs, I asked him how I should bring it up to the neighbour.
He looked at me, a bit shell-shocked. "You don't." he replied.
Me: "What do you mean, I don't?"
Hubs: "There's no nice way of saying it. You're just going to make him feel bad."
Me: "If I started leaving Maddie's dirty diapers on their lawn, do you think they would choose not to say anything? They'd just clean them up without complaint?"
Hubs: "That's not the same thing."
Me: "'Eff off, smoker."
When I posed the same question to my friend this morning, she had a similar response. Not that she counseled to not say anything - but she recommended I make up some convoluted story about raccoons must have got into the garbage, found a pile of butts on our lawn - thinking they must have been yours - no worries, cleaned it up - but just wanted to let you know...
(It sounded a lot better when she explained how she'd handle it.)
(She also lives in the city where raccoons are evil little dirty beggars that can easily be blamed for a number of things. Doesn't really work that way in the suburbs - at least not ours - haven't seen a raccoon-attacked garbage bag yet, in the 2 years we've been here.)
But when I told her that I didn't think I was out of line in just confronting the neighbour (nicely) and asking him to (nicely) not throw his dirty-ass butts on my lawn - she had the same response. "It's just going to embarrass him and now you'll be living next to someone who hates you."
So - what would you do? Would you confront the neighbour (nicely) and ask him to eff off (nicely) with the throwing of the cig butts? Or would you ignore it and hope it stops when spring gets here? Or would you clean up the butts and leave them in a wrapped little gift box on the neighbour's step? (Which I think would be an adorable little Easter surprise - but maybe that's just me)...
xxoo.S
PS - to those that know the Hubs - no, it wasn't him. I mean, I believed him when he said he wouldn't be that disgusting, and he doesn't smoke at the side-garage-door. I trust him - he would admit it if it were him... And I checked the type of cigarettes - they're not his brand ;)
Monday, March 1, 2010
Snippets
We went to Kingston for the weekend for some family stuff - Hubs got to ice fish on closing weekend, Maddie got spoiled by Gramma V and I spent some time with the fam. Before we headed back on Sunday, we watched my (almost) 8 year old niece play hockey. It was fairly adorable watching these little gals skating around on the ice. I think the Hubs was even more smitten than I, as afterwards, he couldn't resist handing a stick to Maddie to play with. Apparently she's a righty. And we need to buy her skates next fall..
***
On our trip down to Kingston we experienced our first mid-transit-vomit-fest. Both the Hubs and I had motion sickness as kids (hell, I still do on long trips) - and apparently we just had to wait for Maddie to "grow into" this lovely little life skill. We washed the carseat cover and scrubbed down the carseat as much as possible, but my pregnant nose can still smell it. Hoping for an early spring thaw this weekend so we can properly hose it down and leave it out for a sunbath. PS - cleaning vomit, on the side of the 401, with nothing more than a few kleenex's and Tim Horton's napkins? AWESOME!
***
I made my first purchase for the baby`s room on Friday. Some gorg Amy Butler patterned fabric for the drapes. (Sidebar: I LURVE the site Pink Panda Fabrics - and bonus? They ship within Canada for free!) Now I just have to figure out my sewing machine. And how to sew...
***
Today after my midwife appointment, I stopped in at Chapters as I had convinced myself that I MUST buy the "Birth Partner" book (my current research obsession - aside from the nursery design is natural/non-drugged-up childbirth - yes, I'll wait until you stop laughing...) and while I was browsing through the "Parenting" section, I found myself picking up the first "official" purchase for Sproggy#2 ('cuz I don't really count the fabric for the drapes - that really falls into the home decor category, non?). It's a Peter Rabbit baby book and it's adorable and I swear it smells like baby powder. I fear this first purchase may snowball into a frenzy of adorabe gender-non-specific onesies and socks and little monkey hats before the week is over.
***
And on a related note - while at Chapters, I also picked up some lift-the-flaps-you're-a-total-sucker-if-you-buy-this-Dora-Easter-book for lil Madds. Because the guilt? Of buying something for Sproggy#2 and not bringing anything home for Maddie... yeah, this is going to be an expensive 4 months.
xxxo.S
***
On our trip down to Kingston we experienced our first mid-transit-vomit-fest. Both the Hubs and I had motion sickness as kids (hell, I still do on long trips) - and apparently we just had to wait for Maddie to "grow into" this lovely little life skill. We washed the carseat cover and scrubbed down the carseat as much as possible, but my pregnant nose can still smell it. Hoping for an early spring thaw this weekend so we can properly hose it down and leave it out for a sunbath. PS - cleaning vomit, on the side of the 401, with nothing more than a few kleenex's and Tim Horton's napkins? AWESOME!
***
I made my first purchase for the baby`s room on Friday. Some gorg Amy Butler patterned fabric for the drapes. (Sidebar: I LURVE the site Pink Panda Fabrics - and bonus? They ship within Canada for free!) Now I just have to figure out my sewing machine. And how to sew...
***
Today after my midwife appointment, I stopped in at Chapters as I had convinced myself that I MUST buy the "Birth Partner" book (my current research obsession - aside from the nursery design is natural/non-drugged-up childbirth - yes, I'll wait until you stop laughing...) and while I was browsing through the "Parenting" section, I found myself picking up the first "official" purchase for Sproggy#2 ('cuz I don't really count the fabric for the drapes - that really falls into the home decor category, non?). It's a Peter Rabbit baby book and it's adorable and I swear it smells like baby powder. I fear this first purchase may snowball into a frenzy of adorabe gender-non-specific onesies and socks and little monkey hats before the week is over.
***
And on a related note - while at Chapters, I also picked up some lift-the-flaps-you're-a-total-sucker-if-you-buy-this-Dora-Easter-book for lil Madds. Because the guilt? Of buying something for Sproggy#2 and not bringing anything home for Maddie... yeah, this is going to be an expensive 4 months.
xxxo.S
Thursday, February 25, 2010
I tried to get angry, but I was laughing too hard
Tonight - while we're playing "grocery store" with Miss M (which involves her loading her play food into her shopping cart, then out again to "pay" and then back into a grocery bag).
We're at the "grocery bag" stage and Maddie is trying to put the bag on her shoulder. But only manages to get one loop on one shoulder and one loop on the other shoulder. So she's kind of wearing it like a reverse backpack.
Which is clearly not what she wants and she gets annoyed.
"Maddie not do it!" she exclaims, as the bag drops to her feet. Then with a "arghhhh" she kind of hits the bag/picks it up and throws it down again. You can feel the frustration.
Seth: "Now now, let's not act like your mother."
Me: Hahahahahaha. [beat] Oh. Hey. Wait a minute....
Yes - I have a short fuse. I get frustrated. I often take my frustrations out on the inanimate items that are frustrating me (case in point - my busted ass laptop). So, um, yeah. I couldn't really get angry, especially as I was laughing so hard already at what was a clear case of mommy frustration happening for the little person in front of me.
That didn't stop me from getting her to tell Daddy, "That not nice Daddy!" though...
xxoo.S
We're at the "grocery bag" stage and Maddie is trying to put the bag on her shoulder. But only manages to get one loop on one shoulder and one loop on the other shoulder. So she's kind of wearing it like a reverse backpack.
Which is clearly not what she wants and she gets annoyed.
"Maddie not do it!" she exclaims, as the bag drops to her feet. Then with a "arghhhh" she kind of hits the bag/picks it up and throws it down again. You can feel the frustration.
Seth: "Now now, let's not act like your mother."
Me: Hahahahahaha. [beat] Oh. Hey. Wait a minute....
Yes - I have a short fuse. I get frustrated. I often take my frustrations out on the inanimate items that are frustrating me (case in point - my busted ass laptop). So, um, yeah. I couldn't really get angry, especially as I was laughing so hard already at what was a clear case of mommy frustration happening for the little person in front of me.
That didn't stop me from getting her to tell Daddy, "That not nice Daddy!" though...
xxoo.S
My Etsy Addiction - part un
I have a fancy-schmancy expensive mobile from when Maddie was a sproggy, but o.m.g. this is adorable and is a match made in heaven for my colour-scheme, non?
And before everyone thinks that I'm ignoring Maddie in favour of my new obsession with Sprog #2's room, check out this hat that I don't think I'm going to be able to resist buying as an early Easter prezzy for Miss M...
xxoo.S
Birds & Eggs Mobile by mrowe on Etsy
(am also loving the crazy stuffed octopuses on this seller's page!)
And before everyone thinks that I'm ignoring Maddie in favour of my new obsession with Sprog #2's room, check out this hat that I don't think I'm going to be able to resist buying as an early Easter prezzy for Miss M...
Bunny Hat Vanilla by NoraAndFinn on Etsy
(and if saccharine bunny ear hats ain't your thing, check out the adorable sock monkey hat)
xxoo.S
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Nursery
Since this is my latest obsession, I figured I may as well write about it. Like with Maddie's nursery a few years ago, I have all the plans for the room design up in my head, just floating around. Whenever I try to explain the colour scheme to anyone, their forehead crinkles up and they look confused. I get it - I want to do a blue room and trying to convince someone that blue can in fact be gender-neutral is difficult.
And then, while trolling about Etsy last night, I came across this gorgeous piece that sums up visually exactly the colour scheme I'm after:
Adorable, non? I think Sprog #2 will love it.
xxoo.S
And then, while trolling about Etsy last night, I came across this gorgeous piece that sums up visually exactly the colour scheme I'm after:
Adorable, non? I think Sprog #2 will love it.
xxoo.S
23 weeks
- My hungriest time of the day is between 3-4pm. Which kind of screws with my dinner appetite, but that's okay, I just cram the dinner in anyway.
- I'm carrying far lower than I ever did the first time around. At least from what I remember. This means I pee. A lot. And if I do a lot of walking I get all crampy and in fear of the baby just falling out...
- I still love Sour Kids, Gummy Bears and other gelatin based snacks. Seriously - want to make a pg woman your BFF? Buy me some Welch's real fruit snack goodness.
- The vivid dreams continue. I totally forgot how crazy pregnancy dreams can be. Not necessarily the "I left my baby on the roof of my car like she was a coffee cup" style (but, yes, have those too) - more just stressing out about not having the nursery done or Maddie out of the crib before the baby comes. That`s a recurring theme...
- Speaking of the nursery - the plan for painting/wainscoting is for March. I figure as long as we can have the goal of getting Maddie into her "big girl bed" by the beginning of April we should be okay. Now watch that transition fall apart like a house of cards!
- And shhhh, here's my last little confession - the closer we get to baby-time, the more terrified I'm becoming. That I don't remember how to care for a small newborn sprog. That I do remember just how tiring it is, and how will I ever manage to take care of Maddie when I'm that sleep deprived. And guilty, that I'm not eating as "healthy" as I did when I was pg with Maddie. That I'm not taking pictures of my pg belly every single week like I did the first time, does that mean I'm going to be a total slacker mom with this kid and then have to pay for therapy because they have 2nd child syndrome and... Yadda. Yadda. Yadda. For the record. I KNOW I'm being irrational. And that none of my worries are uncommon. It's all normal, everyone feels this way, but it will all be fine blahblahblah. Doesn't change the fact that I'm obsessively convinced that this baby will hate me because he/she feels shafted.
xxoo.S
Thursday, February 18, 2010
This isn't as whingy as it sounds...
But holy hell I would like for this week to be over, like, pronto. Or in fact, if we're making wishes, that last week never happened? Car accident (yes, again - but not my fault... this time), laptop dying (with all sorts of non-backed-up files because I am a procrastinating moron) and sad family news that I don't really need to get into right now.
So this week has been, difficult, to say the least. But hey, lessons learned - well, at least as far as always making sure you back up your computer files and when your computer is starting to work rather poorly, don't yell at it or smack it. Note to self: It is not a 1985 television, and won't start working a titch better with a good 'cuff upside the head.
Also? Laptops are REALLY cheap now. Like in the $500 range. And that's just crazy to me, because partly you feel like a sucker or paying over $1k for something just 3 years ago that you can now buy for under $600. And also - apparently we shouldn't "expect" computers to last longer than 3 years anymore. Landfills anyone?
So that's my week. And it's culminating in a rather large, kinda important work preso on Friday where I get to show off my video editing skills. (Yes, you can laugh with me. I know my strengths. I CAN analyze the shit out of a spreadsheet. I CANNOT edit the shit out of video. I love adding skill sets in my mid-30's!)
This weekend will be quiet and relaxing. Except for the 8 women + children I am hosting on Saturday morning for a playdate. Um - that won't be quiet or relaxing. Remind me to make plans to do absolutely nothing next weekend please? And to stop volunteering to host get-togethers. Although that does seem to be the only way any vacuuming happens in our house. Yes, we really are that slobby.
Next post will be more interesting, with less whinge. Perhaps with pictures. You know - like a blog is supposed to be... me promisey!|
xxoo.S
So this week has been, difficult, to say the least. But hey, lessons learned - well, at least as far as always making sure you back up your computer files and when your computer is starting to work rather poorly, don't yell at it or smack it. Note to self: It is not a 1985 television, and won't start working a titch better with a good 'cuff upside the head.
Also? Laptops are REALLY cheap now. Like in the $500 range. And that's just crazy to me, because partly you feel like a sucker or paying over $1k for something just 3 years ago that you can now buy for under $600. And also - apparently we shouldn't "expect" computers to last longer than 3 years anymore. Landfills anyone?
So that's my week. And it's culminating in a rather large, kinda important work preso on Friday where I get to show off my video editing skills. (Yes, you can laugh with me. I know my strengths. I CAN analyze the shit out of a spreadsheet. I CANNOT edit the shit out of video. I love adding skill sets in my mid-30's!)
This weekend will be quiet and relaxing. Except for the 8 women + children I am hosting on Saturday morning for a playdate. Um - that won't be quiet or relaxing. Remind me to make plans to do absolutely nothing next weekend please? And to stop volunteering to host get-togethers. Although that does seem to be the only way any vacuuming happens in our house. Yes, we really are that slobby.
Next post will be more interesting, with less whinge. Perhaps with pictures. You know - like a blog is supposed to be... me promisey!|
xxoo.S
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentines Day from Maddie!
What doesn't say "I love you" like a heart-dude with crinkly appendages?
xxoo.S
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
21 weeks
What's new this time 'round?
- More "junk food" cravings. Like I can't get enough of any pectin-based snack food. Gummy bears? Count me in. Wine gums? Yes to the please. Sour kids? Ohmagooooood....drool.
- Less healthy food cravings. Like brocolli? Yeah - you and your cruciferous friends can suck it...
- Crampy aches in the lower, er, pelvis region. My midwife says this is totally normal for 2nd-time-round-ers. Like feeling that the baby may just fall out if you walk any further in the grocery store? Totally normal apparently.
- I miss caffeine. More particularly, coffee. Like miss it with an ache that should only be reserved for lovahs. I do imbibe on a cup of regular tea each day - and that is yum. But man - I want me some coffee. Dark, thick, muddy, dirty, naughty espresso. (And no - decaf isn't the same - thanks for the suggestion.)
And the same?
- I'm massive. Just like last time. And my sense of humour hasn't gotten any better over those, "OMG - you're only HOW far along?" or, "Hahaha - are you sure you aren't carrying twins?" and then there's always the, "Wow - so how big do you think you're going to get?" or the classic, "raised eyebrow of shock" when I tell them how far along I am. For the record: pregnancy is not an excuse for you to tell me how fat you think I am. Just so's you know.
- Unending appetite for food. (And yes, I get the irony of posting this directly after a "how shockingly massive I am" point.) However, I'm hungry. All. The. Time. And another for the record? Vegetables don't fill you up. No matter how many you eat. I've eaten a whole cucumber (a WHOLE cucumber) and pint of grape tomatoes in one "snack session" and had to top myself up with something, er, more substantial (like a bowl of chips) just to feel full. That's right. I said it.
- My lack of gorgeous shiny hair, beautiful long nails, glowing skin. Yeah - this apparently isn't a "side effect" that I get to experience with any pregnancy. Instead I have chippy peeling nails, gross frizzy hair and dull dry skin. Go me!
What I totally forgot about?
- How incredibly awesome it is to feel the little sprog move about in there. Like swirly whirly, popcorn popping, soft little movement gorgessity. Love that bit. Even when he/she is tap-dancing on my bladder.
xxoo.S
Saturday, February 6, 2010
I know it's -17C, but still...
Since the Hubs promised me that he would finally take down the Christmas lights on our house this Saturday, rain or shine, we all got bundled up to do just that.
Well, really, Maddie and I were there for moral support. I thought she'd have fun bombing around in the front yard while I actually attempted to help and de-light our front tree.
She thought better, and decided it was time for a trip to the park. Since we had an hour until lunchtime, I was like, eh, whatevs, park it is.
About 1/4 of the way to the park I remembered just why it is so stupid to wear jeans in cold, windy, winter weather. Because they get stiff and make your legs feel like icicles. Remember that feeling?
But onward - to the park we went. And upon getting there we were greeted with a desolate winter desert of a park. Of course we were the only people there. It's like minus-a-thousand with the windchill.
I played the diligent mom, kept asking Maddie if she was too cold, if she wanted to go home. She just kept looking up at me from her puffball snowsuit, and saying "no Mommy, Maddie play in park".
Who am I to be the killjoy mother? And it was around this time that I started thinking/remembering to myself - dude - I've been this cold and colder plenty of times. Yeah, maybe not recently, but remember when you were just that little bit older in elementary school, and were far too cool for snowpants, but holy cow it was freezing out when you walked to school?
So we played. Well, I watched her play. Up and down the climber thing. Down the slide a few thousand times. Onto the bouncy horse spring thing. She was tearing it up.
However I started questioning myself. Thinking, wow, all these people driving by are looking at me like "Who is that tortuous mother risking her kids life out in this frigid cold." So I convinced Maddie after only one more slide, that this was it - we were done after this - time to go home.
As we left the park, two little girls bounded down the path, joyously headed for the play equipment. I was all like, Whew, I'm not the only pea-brained mother that takes their kid out in the arctic gale cold to play.
Then I looked up and saw the adult that was accompanying the kids. It was an 85-year old grandmother.
Of course it was.
She probably had forced the kids away from the tv and ventured out, leaving the parents snug in the warmth of their home, to get her grandkids outside.
As we walked by each other she said, "You braved the elements too?"
I smiled in return as I was picking up Maddie (who of course didn't want to walk anymore as the wind was not at our backs anymore).
"It's good to get them outside, even when it's cold" she said.
This post really wasn't meant to sound as pompous as it reads. Trust me, while I do try to take Maddie out often, but I'm just as guilty of hibernating inside just like anyone is.
The sad thing is, when we do finally venture out (even on sunny, warm, summer days) the park is often desolate. And I know it's not for lack of kids - there are a TONNE on our street. But you just don't see the kind of traffic or use of the equipment you'd expect to see.
Moving to the suburbs, as I was 8 months preggo I remember feeling the excitement of how I'd be able to give my kids a similar upbringing to what I got. Running around until the streetlights came on with neighbourhood friends. Playing in front yards/backyards/local parks. Riding your bikes up to the stores and back. Pick up games of baseball or street hockey. Swimming in neighbour's pools.
I don't think that kids get that kind of childhood anymore. Well, I know they don't. Parks don't get used. "Free-range kids" is now a label for more bohemian parents. And blahblahblah childhood-obesity-cakes.
It's sad. How do you fight that? How do you tell your kid just to "go play outside" if there's no one out there to play with?
xxoo.S
Well, really, Maddie and I were there for moral support. I thought she'd have fun bombing around in the front yard while I actually attempted to help and de-light our front tree.
She thought better, and decided it was time for a trip to the park. Since we had an hour until lunchtime, I was like, eh, whatevs, park it is.
About 1/4 of the way to the park I remembered just why it is so stupid to wear jeans in cold, windy, winter weather. Because they get stiff and make your legs feel like icicles. Remember that feeling?
But onward - to the park we went. And upon getting there we were greeted with a desolate winter desert of a park. Of course we were the only people there. It's like minus-a-thousand with the windchill.
I played the diligent mom, kept asking Maddie if she was too cold, if she wanted to go home. She just kept looking up at me from her puffball snowsuit, and saying "no Mommy, Maddie play in park".
Who am I to be the killjoy mother? And it was around this time that I started thinking/remembering to myself - dude - I've been this cold and colder plenty of times. Yeah, maybe not recently, but remember when you were just that little bit older in elementary school, and were far too cool for snowpants, but holy cow it was freezing out when you walked to school?
So we played. Well, I watched her play. Up and down the climber thing. Down the slide a few thousand times. Onto the bouncy horse spring thing. She was tearing it up.
However I started questioning myself. Thinking, wow, all these people driving by are looking at me like "Who is that tortuous mother risking her kids life out in this frigid cold." So I convinced Maddie after only one more slide, that this was it - we were done after this - time to go home.
As we left the park, two little girls bounded down the path, joyously headed for the play equipment. I was all like, Whew, I'm not the only pea-brained mother that takes their kid out in the arctic gale cold to play.
Then I looked up and saw the adult that was accompanying the kids. It was an 85-year old grandmother.
Of course it was.
She probably had forced the kids away from the tv and ventured out, leaving the parents snug in the warmth of their home, to get her grandkids outside.
As we walked by each other she said, "You braved the elements too?"
I smiled in return as I was picking up Maddie (who of course didn't want to walk anymore as the wind was not at our backs anymore).
"It's good to get them outside, even when it's cold" she said.
This post really wasn't meant to sound as pompous as it reads. Trust me, while I do try to take Maddie out often, but I'm just as guilty of hibernating inside just like anyone is.
The sad thing is, when we do finally venture out (even on sunny, warm, summer days) the park is often desolate. And I know it's not for lack of kids - there are a TONNE on our street. But you just don't see the kind of traffic or use of the equipment you'd expect to see.
Moving to the suburbs, as I was 8 months preggo I remember feeling the excitement of how I'd be able to give my kids a similar upbringing to what I got. Running around until the streetlights came on with neighbourhood friends. Playing in front yards/backyards/local parks. Riding your bikes up to the stores and back. Pick up games of baseball or street hockey. Swimming in neighbour's pools.
I don't think that kids get that kind of childhood anymore. Well, I know they don't. Parks don't get used. "Free-range kids" is now a label for more bohemian parents. And blahblahblah childhood-obesity-cakes.
It's sad. How do you fight that? How do you tell your kid just to "go play outside" if there's no one out there to play with?
xxoo.S
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Hide and Seek
We played hide and seek for the first time last night. I don't think I stopped laughing until we finally got her into her pj's.
Top 5 Reasons Why Maddie Will Never Be World Hide & Seek Champion:
Top 5 Reasons Why Maddie Will Never Be World Hide & Seek Champion:
- She always hides in the same spot. And that spot is the front hall closet. Just so's you know.
- She likes to peek out of her hiding spot (the closet) while you "look" for her.
- If you're like me, and like to narrate your life (i.e. "Is Maddie under the table?" "Is Maddie behind the couch"), then she will answer you "NOoooooooo" - from said closet.
- If you take too long "looking" for her, she will jump out of the closet and say "Maddie in closet Mommy!"
- And if she is the seeker, she will actually only look in one place for you. And that place is... drumroll, please... In The Closet. Because CLEARLY that's the best hiding place in the world, right?
And these are the nights that make up for all those nights of fury and tantrums.
xxoo.S
Monday, February 1, 2010
So I didn't get to play with electricity
My big plans for fixing the doorbell this weekend were foiled by, well, an unwilling Hubs. But I did get a pendant lamp installed in Maddie's playroom, measured out the wainscoting for the nursery and made cookies with Maddie.
Our camera is currently MIA somewhere in the house (I hope) or I would have pics of our cookie-making adventure. I was shocked I was able to hold her attention during the whole process and I only had to bribe her without about 5 trillion choco chips to do so. Her face was priceless and the pics I did get w/ my blackberry just don't do it justice.
I also fell in love with a white wrought iron bed that I found at Costco. That is seriously playing with my determination to actually make Maddie's "big girl" bed. Because it really is just that gorgeous. Like easily imagine it with patchwork-quilt-and-piled-high-with-stuffies type of gorgessity. Thanks a lot Kelly! That's the last time let you msg me with a "tip"!
So all in all, a fabulous family weekend. Just no pics to actually prove that the fact.
xxoo.S
Our camera is currently MIA somewhere in the house (I hope) or I would have pics of our cookie-making adventure. I was shocked I was able to hold her attention during the whole process and I only had to bribe her without about 5 trillion choco chips to do so. Her face was priceless and the pics I did get w/ my blackberry just don't do it justice.
I also fell in love with a white wrought iron bed that I found at Costco. That is seriously playing with my determination to actually make Maddie's "big girl" bed. Because it really is just that gorgeous. Like easily imagine it with patchwork-quilt-and-piled-high-with-stuffies type of gorgessity. Thanks a lot Kelly! That's the last time let you msg me with a "tip"!
So all in all, a fabulous family weekend. Just no pics to actually prove that the fact.
xxoo.S
Friday, January 29, 2010
Maddie bits
- We are in the midst of a massive growth spurt. Like massive. Like 2 yogurts, a full banana, a handful of cheerios is greeted with "Maddie still very very hungry, Mommy" growth spurt. The upside of this is that she's lost that annoying picky-eater philosophy that so recently had come to visit upon us. She ate mashed potatoes the other night - and while that doesn't sound all that crazy for most kids - in our house mashed potatoes are evil. (Well to Maddie, they are - to me, it just means I get a double portiono - goooo starch!) The other upside is that she's slept until past 8am the past few mornings - of course this being Friday I suspect this loverly side effect will not be extended into the weekend... because that would be just too awesome.
- In other developmental news, we now have a toddler that can open doors. I have no idea if this is an early or late skill for a 28 month old as I've stopped paying attention to the "developmental milestones" that are annoying and sometimes stressful and can frankly, eff off. Anyways - her favourite past-time is now to hide in closets. In and out. In and out. Inandoutandinandout. It's fun. Because I sit and watch her amuse herself and pretend I don't know where she is and did I mention the sitting? And not having to get up? This is a fun skill. Yay development!
- She also doesn't give me hell every time I try to brush her teeth, get her dressed, clip her nails or brush her hair. Perhaps it's grudging acceptance that these things are going to happen. Or she's growing up. Who knows - I just appreciate the lack of screaming matches in the morning.
- But the one thing that hasn't gone away is the.... how do I word it? Oh - that's right. Physical abuse. Oh yes. My toddler loves to slap the shit out of me. Just me. Not the Hubs. Not any of the kids at daycare. No one else gets this fantastic display of acceptance of unconditional love. Because yeah, I've researched the hell out of it and everyone says "the child hurts the one they feel most comfortable with". Well that's all well and good - but really? TIME OUT.
- What else does she do (besides beat on me like a 1930's street urchin?) She spends lots and lots of time "reading" to herself (kid has a memory like an elephant and memorizes the stories then "reads" them back to herself constantly); is still obsessed with Dora and Cars and sometimes, but not often, Nemo; has decided she doesn't like the cold "Is too cold out 'der!"; and learned her first joke this week "Guess what? Chicken butt!" (this latter one is actually my fault, and now my daycare provider hates me).
All in all - just regular 2-and-a-bit-year-old stuff, right?
xxoo.S
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