Thursday, February 26, 2009

UPDATE: chicken

Further to yesterday's post, the crock pot chicken turned out amazing!. We'll def be doing that one again, and it was as good as, if not better than a rotisserie chicken, or as we call it, a breakfast chicken. A link to the recipe is in the last post.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Mid-week check in

Hey everyone,

Not much to report here, but just saying hello. It’s pouring out today, but I don’t have a problem with that b/c we’re still working on trying to get rid of the pile of snow in front of our place that fell 2 months ago. And now they say flurries tonight. That’s okay though, it is still winter!

I might be getting an ear infection again. It’s been sore somewhat, but not really bad. I really don’t want to take antibiotics if I don’t need to (aside from Bean on Board), but I also don’t want it to flare up like it did last time. I guess I’ll “play it by ear” HA HA HA HA HA….

Trying a new recipe in the crock pot today. I’m a little skeptical for two reasons. It sounds absolutely delicious if it works out, but 1st I’m using my crock pot on a timer I’ve never used before, so if the timer doesn’t work I’ll need to toss the whole chicken b/c I think it sitting out for 12 hours probably makes it not to healthy any more, and 2nd I’m afraid I’m going to come back to a charred chicken as this recipe does not call for any liquids. We’ll see!

I have the cutest little boy ever!! Okay, I know those of you with cute little boys think you’ve got the cutest little boy ever, but I’m just declaring right now that I win. *grin*. We spent yesterday evening, after supper, watching videos of Duncan when he was tiny – in the jolly jumper, learning to walk, giggling. He thought it was the funniest thing “Again! Again!”. When we picked him up last night they said “you’d better have a little girl” b/c Duncan keeps saying he’s going to have a little sister. Too cute. All little baby girls are “Hannah” – Nikki’s baby’s name.

Monday, February 23, 2009

I do not have gestational diabetes! Yay!

I went for my 29 week check up today and they had already rec'd the results of my 3-hour glucose test, and I do not have gestational diabetes. yay! I wasn't really worried anyhow, but nice to know. I need to watch my diet, but I do anyhow, so it more or less means ignoring the bowl of chocolates and candies on my supervisor's desk about 5 feet away from me and sticking to the better for me stuff I bring from home.

Otherwise, the appointment was good. Ran a little long due to a delay about 2 couples ahead of us, but Bean's heart rate is good, and the baby has turned around, so that's good. Next check up in 3 weeks.

As of today, 6 weeks left at work! Yay! And can you smell spring in the air? Ahhh... I've moved back to my spring jacket and it's nice!

Weekend was good. It was my Mom's birthday so Duncan and I were over both on Saturday and Sunday. Poor Bill has been feeling quite miserable, and yesterday realized it was one of his wisdom teeth. So he saw the dentist today, and yes it is infected. So he got some antibiotics and T3s to hold him over and it gets yanked next Wednesday. Yuck. But hopefully he feels better soon.

Alright, bed time. Night night!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Today didn't go exactly as planned

Warning. Lots of rambling, and probably more information about my day than you care to hear about.

I believe I mentioned previously my plan for my Friday off was to sleep in, hang out with my boys, we'd drop Blue off at Mazda for the 3-week check up. I wanted to pop over to Monkey Business and pick up my 1/2 price Baby Buddha, then the maternity store for nursing bras, come home, hang out with my boys more, veg. or nap while Duncan did, and then perhaps grocery shopping for the weekend so I wouldn't have to do it on Saturday.

How today actually turned out:
I did sleep in, but I sleep so bad lately I was waking up at least once an hour from 5:15 (when we normally get up during the week) through 7:30 when Duncan finally woke up, and I had to get ready to go.
Up with the boys, throw on some clothes, out the door from a crying son who didn't want me to go. Over to the lab. Appointment at 8:15, wait 10 minutes, 1st blood at 8:30, sit for an hour, rinse, repeat at 9:30, 10:30, last blood at 11:30. I will admit the worst part of it was not being hungry (I had to fast, so I basically went from dinner around 6 the night before through noon today with nothing other than water), but I had a mean headache, which I woke up with, but I think having no food made it worse. And it was boring! The glucose drink is still like McDonalds orange drink (remember the stuff they used to give you at sports days, school/church picnics, etc....?) that hasn't been diluted, or super concentrated orange crush. That I can handle. I loaded my iPod with some video and brought my book, but even that in the end was just dull. I wasn't allowed to walk around b/c I would burn off the sugar and skew the results. Anyhow, it's done so let's hope results are negative. If not, then I adjust my diet. Oh well. Probably not a bad thing.
Run over to meet the boys as we had an appointment at Duncan's new pre-school at 11:45. Nikki's oldest goes there already, so Duncan has been there before, and the people recognize him. I like it. It's near our home, right beside our church where my Mom, Duncan's Oma, works. So we got him signed up for September 2 days a week, mornings.
Then we went to McDonalds for lunch b/c I needed food now, and it was lunch time.
After Duncan was down for a nap, shower and back out the door. I still wanted to go to Monkey Business. Okay, the place was a zoo. Of course the Baby Buddha's had sold out 1st thing in the morning, and I picked up some stuff at 70% off for baby gifts for other people but the line up was so long and moving so slow... I stood in line for over 20 minutes and guessed with the people around me that we were going to be at least another 20. So I gave up and left. Not their fault, and I'm glad they had such a successful sale. No biggy on the wrap, we'll figure it out when Bean shows up, and it doesn't have to be a Baby Buddha. What irks me though is if I had shown up at 10 AM like I had wanted, I would have been able to pick one up.
Here is where things kind of turned around. I went to the maternity store and tried on some bras, figured out what size I need. Nice lady.
I was picking up a brand new set of bed sheets from a Freecycler, so went out there. (Nice sheets!).
Back into town. Duncan's Grandpa Bob had sent some money for Christmas (which never showed up, so the money order was reissued, so I went and grabbed his late Christmas present from a local toy store and it turns out on the 20th everything is 20% off. Sweet!
Over to Starbucks for some latte's and we got both drinks for free! They said there is some promotion where the bottom of the cup has a sticker on it the drink is free, and both drinks had it. Nice!
Got to spend some time outside with Duncan while he jumped in puddles. We popped out to the store for some stuff and then Bill picked up Blue who now has tinted windows, treated upholstry, and some protection thing on the paint outside. Looks nice!
Duncan ate an awesome dinner (so glad his appetite is back), and bath time.
Warning, a bit of ick here. A bit of oops with bath time and there was a poo incident. Poor kid was so upset. And he had told me that he was all done but I was "oh, let's play in the bubbles a little more". Anyhow, the bathtub and all his bath toys are now thoroughly disinfected, and he is in bed. And I think asleep.
We were going to start him in his bed tonight, but we're all so bagged, he's in his crib. We'll get there.
And now frozen pizza is in the oven (dinner of champions), and I have a Magic Bag around my neck to help with this stinkin' headache. Poor Bill has a sinus/cold thing and feels like crud. He's supposed to be heading out to his Buddy's place tomorrow for the afternoon/evening, but I wonder how long he will make it.
And it means Duncan and I are on our own tomorrow. I think it will be fun. I'll drag him around to a few places, but I look forward to time with my boy as I feel it was kind of robbed from me today.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Misc stuff

Okay, it's Thursday! Phew! I booked tomorrow Friday off b/c Bill has a flex day and we have a bunch of stuff to get done. We're signing Duncan up for preschool for September (already!) and will be popping in to meet them and what not.

Last night I got a call from the maternity clinic that my one hour glucose test came back high, so I need to go for the 3-hour one. This is a royal pain in the butt. I'm not worried about it but working it into our schedule is the hard part. So now I'm booked for tomorrow morning, but that eats into our entire morning of other stuff we were going to get done, and Saturdays don't work too well for the lab b/c Saturdays are really busy. Oh well! You gotta do what you gotta do! Again, I'm not actually worried about the results or anything. Oddly, my doctor said for the 1st one - fast. I get to the lab and she says "oh you didn't need to fast" and that alone could have skewed the results. But better safe than sorry!

. It's a rant I've been meaning to do for some time. American friends ignore this. This is strictly for Canadians regarding President Obama. Just a gentle reminder that HE'S NOT OUR FREAKING PRESIDENT! GAH! I am so tired of everyone up here going on and on and on about him. Americans are allowed to, he belongs to them. He doesn't belong to us. Or you. Or any non-American. I'm not commenting on him politically but I am so sick of Obama-worship in Canada. If Canadians put 1/2 that passion into Canadian politics imagine how much more effective and accountable our government would be. I'm not making any comments on actual political leanings, this is just the fact of the matter. If you love him that much move there. Otherwise, get over it, get involved with your own politics and use your love/passion that way.

Mama Bear Out.

Monday, February 16, 2009

7 weeks

That's right! Seven weeks left at work! There is actually a lot to do here, so the time will go fast. It has been going fast already. I am glad that I'm leaving a bit earlier before I'm due than I did when I was pregnant with Duncan though.

So further to my post last week about Baby Buddha, I got an email on Facebook from a local kid's clothing shop and they are having a 50% off everything sale for FB/email list customers this coming Friday, and it includes the Baby Buddha! Ah ha!! So I'll need to go take a look. Still a bit pricey, but hey, 1/2 price is better than full.

Weekend was good. Kind of non-eventful. Went for my glucose test, took Duncan to the doctor for his cough - it's not in his chest, so it will clear up, which is all we wanted to hear. Bill had a dentist appointment. We went to Chris and Ronnie's at night and dragged Theresa along. Sunday we napped Duncan in his bed (we're having a hard time letting go of him sleeping in the crib) and he did awesome. We'll try nights this coming weekend. Went for a walk at Kanaka Creek Park Sunday afternoon. The weather was gorgeous!! I almost lost my cell phone. Well I did. I dropped it, and Dad found it b/c he had to go back along the trail for the dog, so thank goodness he did!

Alisha from work here just got back from Hawaii (ahhh.... Hawaii) and dropped off a box of chocolate covered macadamia nuts... oh danger! I love macadamia nuts but they are brutally high in fat. I think it's like 7 points for 1/2 a cup (weight watchers never leaves you). So I'll share the wealth. Very cool she brought them though.

Oh yeah and you can tell I'm in my 3rd trimester b/c almost exactly on cue my sciatic nerve has started to act up. Oh well! Otherwise Bean is good. Moving around lots. See you in just under 3 months kid!

Friday, February 13, 2009

Valentines Day Questionnaire

In honor of Valentine's Day....

Carole and Bill

1.What are your middle names? his is John, mine is Johanna.

2. How long have you been together? 10 years

3. How long did you know each other before you started dating? 2 years - online

4. Who asked who out? well we met online, so it kind of didn't work that way.

5. How old were each of you when you met? I was 25 he was 24

6. How old are each of you now? I'm 35, he is 33

7. Whose siblings do you see the most? Mine, easily. His are 5000 km away

8. Did you go to the same school? No

9. Are you from the same hometown? not even. We grew up on opposite coasts

10. Who is the most sensitive? I am.

11. Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? I was going to say Hawaii, but St. John's Newfoundland is further

12. Who hogs the bed? he says I do, I disagree

13. Who wakes up earlier? I do usually, but we take turns getting up with the kid

14. Who has the bigger family? Well we've both got same number of siblings, but I think I win in the extended family department.

15. How do you spend the holidays? with my family

16. Do you have little pet names for each other? not really.

17. How long did it take to get serious? a few months. talking to a person for 2 hours on the phone every night will do that

18. Who sings better? I think he does

19. Who’s older? I am

20. Who snores? we both do

21. Who’s better with the computer? We both have our strengths

22. Who drives when you are together? About 50/50

23. Who is the first to admit when they're wrong? again, about equal.

24. Who kissed who first? we met in an airport, so I think it was equal

25. Who eats more sweets? I do.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Baby Buddha

I've been thinking about getting a baby sling for this time around.

I understand some people swear by them, other people try them out and don't like them at all. I think I would like it more - if nothing else I can carry the kid around on my hip when they are a bit older and it's a bit easier on my arms. But if I like it when Bean is brand new, might be easier to spend time with Duncan but keep Bean close to me.

So in all my research I've come across Baby Buddha, which is a Canadian company, and seems to pop up again and again as one of the better/best baby slings. The biggest problem is the price - eek! About $120-130. I've seen some used ones on Craigslist, so that's an option. And some are even reasonable ($45 - which in comparison to brand new is not too bad) but other people as asking $90-$100! For used! Duh, I'd rather pay the extra $30 and buy it new thank you.

Anyhow - baby wearers out there - what's you opinion? Have you tried one? Like it? Tips? Hints?

Monday, February 9, 2009

The weekend:

Friday:
-Duncan was up all night
- Went into work early
-took 1/2 vacation day. went home, back to bed.
Saturday:
-short straw
-up with Duncan just after 7 (not too bad)
-to Oma and Opa's for brunch
-home again home again jiggetty jig
-had elliptical trainer brought back home
-Duncan down for nap
-groceries
-Mom and Dad were going to baby sit but we were still exhausted so we opted for take out (greek) and a movie (Max Payne)
-as leaving to pick up food bump into neighbours who had baby 6 weeks early
-go to neighbours, hold gorgeous tiny baby girl
-go get food
-run into Mom and Dad at Greek restaurant - obviously a good idea
-watched movie (not too bad!) but was falling asleep
-folded laundry to stay awake
Sunday:
-long straw - ahhhh
-walk with Duncan after pancakes for breakfast
-home again, Theresa comes over for tea and fresh baked cookies (courtesy M&M Meats)
-Duncan goes down for a nap
-take Theresa for a spin in "Blue"
-do some quilting
-call Mom and Dad - walk in the park? Sure! Bill, you can stay home
-Duncan has other ideas, brings Bill his shoes, I guess he's coming too :)
-nice walk. ahhhh
-tea at Mom and Dad's after
-home, dinner (pasta)
-bed.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Eek!!

Okay further to my last post about Sirius radio, I was looking into it and I'm thinking "I'm pretty sure there is extra hardware required to make it work in ours". But my brother said "well call the dealership and find out b/c it came preinstalled on a few of my vehicles." So I called the dealership and sure enough I was informed that the fancier model (you know the one that probably cost $10 grand more but has leather seats) has it installed, but for us to install it would be, are you ready for this? $900!!!! Isn't that insane?! Crazy. If we ever opt for that I'll just go for the version that mounts on the dashboard. Whew. It would be fun to have but certainly not something we need. The biggest draw for me was the idea of having kids stations. I'll just fill my iPod with Wiggles and Backyardigans and Duncan can listen to that.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Beautiful Sunrise

I don't know about where you are, but we had just the most glorious sun rise today. I'm glad I can take a minute to stop, look and enjoy the Lord's glory on a morning like today. You can tell spring is in the air. Did any of the other local people notice that smell in the air yesterday? And we drove home entirely in the day light - that was a treat. Looks like soon the ride in will be in the light too. That seems to lift the spirits quite a bit.

So let's see. We're loving our new Mazda. Very comfortable with our decision to buy this vehicle (it's a cross over, but I feel funny referring to it as the cross over, but minivan isn't accurate, nor is car, so we're just going to call it Blue). Duncan and I went out to Oma and Opa's yesterday afternoon to show it off to them. My brother "Un-cole Jeff!" as Duncan calls him, was just heading there when we were leaving, so he saw it too. He was showing Shelley online what we bought and he noticed it's wired for Sirius Radio and offered to let us piggy back on his account, which is way cheaper than paying for the service on our own (we hadn't even thought of it) so we might do that.

I have the cutest little boy! I'll post some video on Facebook tonight of him playing Duncan bowling. That's where he's the bowling ball :)

Hell Week on American Idol. Next week the real competition starts. I know a lot of people bash the show, but I still enjoy it. It's the one reality tv show I watch.

Alright, I should get some work done. I told Sheryll I'm giving in. We have this constant fight in the kitchen - you know the people who leave their dirty dishes in the sink for someone else to clean? Uhg it just annoys me. Anyhow, before I went on mat leave with Duncan I used to load and run the dishwasher every day. I'm going to take it up again. It seems no matter how much we say it, people keep doing it, and they were going to start throwing out those dishes. Well that's a complete waste. So until I leave, I'll run the dishwasher again.