Muppet's Nursery is Almost Complete!

Well, the nursery is pretty much finished!! Yay! There are a few touch-ups we need to do with paint, have some floating corner shelves we want to put up, need to put in the transition flooring piece between the nursery and the hallway and we still need to hang curtains in the window and for the closet, but otherwise, it's all good baby! ;)

I just wanted to thank my dad for all his help in completing this time sensitive challenge. We truly could not have had such a wonderful nursery without him. He did an amazing job on building our built-in closet unit! I want one in all my closets now...*cough*. He also painted my little bench and matching wall cabinet I bought at a second hand store. They had been blue at one point, and from what I heard, they were nasty to deal with as the paint did not want to be removed. I think a few layers of skin from my father's hands were lost during the paint stripping. Thank you so much dad! I am so proud of the work you did and cannot wait for Muppet to enjoy his/her room. It's now the peaceful and organized place we dreamed of. :)

I'd also like to thank my mom and Chris' mom and so many others for all their little trinkets they found for Muppet along this pregnancy to decorate the nursery. Every little item makes this room so much more special!  I instantly feel the love when I walk into that room. <3

Thank you everyone for putting up with my frantic nesting. Not having that nursery in order was driving me insane, because I knew that if the baby came before it was finished, I'd never get it done. So now I feel a huge weight has lifted off my shoulders (though, my belly is still quite heavy...) and I feel a little more stress free. Muppet, your room awaits! <3

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Week 35, A Trip To Toronto!

Week 35 was a great week for getting things done! I like to think of it as, "NURSERY WEEK", in which we got a lot of things accomplished for the baby's room. One of the greatest gifts we've gotten so far is from my cousin in Toronto, who has two lovely boys who sadly have outgrown their crib. When she heard we were expecting, she quickly offered her beautiful crib and change table top to us, which are made of such great quality, we never could have afforded them on our own. Also, the fact that it was so well loved means so much to me as well.

We went to Toronto the other week to pick up the crib (thank goodness we bought a Sante Fe), as well as any other "donations" from my cousin and her hubby that they were so generously offering. It was a bit of a drive, but we were so excited to finally arrange a visit with them, that time flew by. When we got there and she saw my tummy, she exclaimed, "Oh no! You are having a girl!" I guess she felt because of how my tummy is all out front instead of spreading wide, it was a girl, and well, all the things she had were for little boys. I assured her that we really had no idea what it was, and even if it was a girl, we are planning on having more than one baby, and well, I am so not opposed to my little one wearing something blue. :) We finally got to hang out with her little ones, who are way too cute! One of them was actually sitting in the closet when we arrived and didn't want to come out. It was so adorable. They really took to Chris, and kept him busy with games and toys while my cousin and I went through all the baby stuff. Later that night, we sat down to an amazing indian meal which was new to both of us. It was so yummy, and didn't cause me to have any heartburn! :D It's too bad that we are all so busy and live so far away from each other. We are just so thankful for all they have done for us, and cannot wait to go back and visit again, but this time with Muppet in tow.

The day before we went to Toronto, bright and early, my father and I went to go and check out a dresser I had seen on kijiji.ca. I was very concerned about matching the wood to the crib (which I could only vaguely remember since it'd been so long since I'd seen it).  I knew matching the wood would be difficult because the crib is such a natural, un-yellow colour, and most wood tends to take on a yellowish  tinge. Well, as soon as I saw the dresser I said, "You know, I think that is pretty darn close!" We picked it up (which was very difficult as it is huge and heavy and well, I'm pregnant and dad is a triple bypass survivor), but someone we got it onto the truck. After we brought the crib home and set it up, dad brought the dresser over in his truck and we held our breath to see how close the wood was. Would we have to paint the dresser? Buy a whole new one?.... Are you reading this in suspense right now?....

The colours matched PERFECTLY! I almost cried! We couldn't believe how exact they were, until I opened one of the dresser drawers and took out a little booklet. It turns out that the dresser is actually from the same company and line as our crib! How crazy is that?! I should have bought a lottery ticket that day. Needless to say, I am over the moon with happiness right now and couldn't be more pleased with how everything turned out. This nursery is quickly becoming my favourite room in the house, and all the pets agree with me too. Nobi sleeps on the change table, Neko sleeps in the crib and Sawyer sleeps on the decorative rug. It's a comfy room, and I'm sure Muppet will love it! We obviously have things to finish up in it, but we are well on our way! :D

I think I've also started nesting a bit again, as I am constantly wanting to clean and organize our house, as well as prepare meals for the future when baby is here. I have been cooking up chili and pasta sauce, as well as making attempts at baking, which if any of you know me, know is an almost impossible feat. After some ruined cookies, a "meh" cake and a few other sweets, I was successful with a deliciously moist batch of chocolate chip banana muffins! They were amazing! Now if only I knew how I made them, because by that attempt, I gave up measuring ingredients properly... :) Oh well, the baby won't be eating solids for a bit, so I have time to prefect my baking techniques. I'm also pretty sure I need one of those adorable KitchenAid mixers too... ;)

At 35 weeks, Muppet weighed as much as a honeydew melon, so at that point, I liked to picture Muppet as Dr. Bunsen Honeydew from The Muppet Show. :) Because of how big Muppet is, there isn't much room for crazy acrobatics, so it's mostly limited to shifting and stretching in my tummy. Apparently, my uterus is also now all the way up into my ribcage, which is crazy to think about, when you consider that it once was tucked up inside my pelvis. The things that your body can do, I tell you! :) I have noticed that my bladder is really getting touchy, as I have to pee all the time now, and any coughing or laughing fit can become a hazardous situation, sending me running to the bathroom, well, waddling anyways. Here is a photo of my tummy around 35 weeks pregnant. I think this photo explains why I have a bit of a swagger to my walk these days... ;)

My book choice this week is 'The Incredible Book Eating Boy' by Oliver Jeffers, though I have to say that any book by Oliver Jeffers is worth a read and a look, as the illustrations are so awesome and the story's are so unique! Basically, the book is about a young boy named Henry who loves books, but not the way most people love them. He loves to EAT them. He discovers that the more books he eats (math books, storybooks, dictionaries...it doesn't matter), the smarter he becomes, and so he sets off to become the smartest person in the world. Eventually, his little tummy cannot digest all of the books he's eaten, and so all of his acquired knowledge begins to become jumbled up and he starts making big mistakes. Henry realizes he must find a new way to become the smartest person in the world, but how? This book is super cute and clever, with the most textured and detailed illustrations for hip kids of all ages out there. If you like this book, make sure you check out the rest of his work, as they are all equally enjoyable! 

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Week 31, Getting Things Done!

Week 31 began with my head spinning and spinning, like a top. I was so dizzy! I had a few dizzy spells at work, where I felt like I was just going to fall over, and later when at home, I started getting them, even while just sitting on the couch. If I closed my eyes, I would feel the earth moving under my feet. It was the oddest sensation ever. For some reason it wouldn't pass quickly like most of my dizzy spells do, so I had to just stay sitting, as I feared falling over. Thankfully, they seem to have passed, but it was a very strange experience, I must say!

Maybe I was so dizzy because of how quickly everything is happening. Thankfully, we are starting to get things done around here! :) My Dad came over at the beginning of the week and put up the wainscoting and chair rail in the nursery, and it looks fantastic! The poor man came all the way over to our house, with a giant saw, tons of tools, an air compressor and realized he had forgotten his drill and jigsaw! He had to go all the way back home! And to make matters worse, while sawing the wainscoting, he broke the guard on his saw! Thank goodness he wasn't hurt though!  We still have to touch up the seams and nail marks in the boards, but that shouldn't take too long! I am so happy with how it looks! Thank you Papa!

Now, my Dad is faced with the difficult task of building corner shelf units to go on either side of the window, and a closet organizer, as we have found out that our closet is not a standard size and we would need customized closet doors, or build a smaller frame for regular doors to fit into. We decided to go with a built-in unit for the closet, with a lovely draped curtain that attaches to one side of the wall instead. I like this idea because it makes the room look more open and a little larger, which is good, as it is quite tiny. This picture shows the general idea of what we're trying to achieve, though we would just have the curtain draped to one side, so it's more gender neutral. For some reason, the double swoop looks more girly to me.

Another thing we crossed off our list was purchasing our baby's car seat! After reading lots of reviews and checking out fabric colours, we settled on the Chicco KeyFit car seat in "Adventure". It's a nice neutral shade of sage green with a light brown accent fabric and a black frame, which matches our stroller frame, so we can put the car seat on our stroller if we choose. It is good for babies 4-22 pounds. It has a five point safety harness, a level on the side that lets you know if you are placing the baby on an angle, the latch system for easy installation and removal and energy absorbing foam for side impact protection. It is rated the #1 car seat in America too!

We really love it, and have already practiced putting it in the car, and taking it out. We purchased it at Children's Furniture Gallery, as it was on sale that week, and well, we can't resist a sale. The one thing that made this purchase even better, was the fact that Chris' parents bought it for Muppet as a gift! We are so thankful, because we know how much all these necessities add up to! Let me be the first to inform you that having a baby is an expensive journey! :) Thank you both! We feel good knowing Muppet will be safe in his/her car seat! Also, our Chicco seat has also gotten the Nobi "Head-rub of Approval".

At 31 weeks, Muppet weighs around 3.3 pounds, which is similar to 4 large navel oranges. Apparently, Muppet is heading into a growth spurt stage, so watch out world! Seriously, watch out. I can't see anything that is at the same height as my stomach. At the end of the day, I'm covered in stains and spills from who knows what! :) Muppet has been very active this week, pushing and stretching, especially around my belly button. I can often feel it's heel pushing against my tummy, so I put my hand on it's foot and gently push back. I think it enjoys this. :) Little Muppet is now busy making faces, hiccuping, sucking fingers and developing it's five senses. Apparently, it can actually use all five senses, even smell, though at the moment, it's unable to smell anything because it's surrounded by amniotic fluid. That's pretty crazy!

I've been pretty good this past week, though I am really getting tired a lot more easily these days, and am still swelling up like a balloon. I've noticed that it's becoming very difficult to sleep lately too, due to being uncomfortable, over heating and having issues rolling over (can't), and having to move all my pillows when I re-adjust my positions. One night I was grunting and groaning while trying to roll over onto my left side, when I heard Chris, who had been asleep start to comfort me. "Aw, here, let me help you", he chuckled softly, while rubbing my back and then my belly while giving me gently little kisses. Then as I snuggled into him, he continued petting me, brushing the hair back from my face while whispering, "Shhh...". My heart instantly melted. What a romantic, and loving man! Muppet is so lucky to have him as a father! Well, in the morning, when I thanked him for showing me so much warmth and care in the middle of the night, he just stared at me with the blankest face I'd ever seen. "Um, what are you talking about?", he asked. Apparently, my knight in shining armor had been asleep through the whole thing! He has been sleep-talking! Thank goodness his subconsciousness is a nice guy too.

One of my all time favourite books has to be Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola. I love it so much, Chris lovingly refers to me as 'Prega Nona'. It is a huge compliment, I assure you! ;) The book is about Strega Nona, a grandmotherly witch who lives in a small village. She goes about curing warts, making love potions and helping the villagers. She is so busy, she decides to hire help, as she needs someone to assist her with her daily chores inside and outside her house. She chooses Big Anthony, and after instructing him on what chores he is to do, she warns him that most of all, he must NEVER touch her magic pasta pot which produces yummy pasta at the command of her magic spell. One day, Strega Nona leaves the village to visit her friend Strega Amelia, and leaves Big Anthony alone in her house. I'm sure you can imagine the mischief he gets into. :) Let's just say, in the end, Big Anthony really lives up to his name, and never wants to eat pasta again.

It's a wonderfully fun book, full of beautiful illustrations done by dePaola, and it also teaches a lesson without being too preachy. I remember staring at the pictures of pasta pouring through the town and wishing I could be there to eat it all up. Mmm...Perhaps this is where my spaghetti love stems from... This book is delightful for all ages. It's funny, colourful and has some repetition, so the little ones can read along with you. Buon Appetito!

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Week 26: A Week of Hard Work and Surprises!

What a week we had! We finally started our nursery renovations! Yay! Though, I have to admit that there was more work involved then I had initially anticipated. I'm the kind of person that once I start a project, I want it done the same day, which is very unrealistic sometimes. I guess when I look at a room, I see what I want, and just feel it should be easy to achieve, but of course, that is not the case. Painting was our first big task. I taped off all the baseboards and such around the room, then  I painted the edges all around the room with Chris following behind, filling in the walls with a roller. There were moments of tenseness between us, as it's a small room and I think both of us were getting irritated with each other, but afterwards, the next morning, when we saw the results, it made the day before worth it.

Our next project was removing the baseboards, pulling out the carpet and removing all the nails and staples in the floor and baseboards. My handy dad came over to help with that project as my super lovely husband (who is talented in many other ways) isn't that much of a handyman. My father on the other-hand is a handyman extraordinaire! He brought all his tools and just went to town on that nursery! I helped of course, ending up with very blistered hands as I tried plying nails and staples from the wood. I wasn't able to find my work gloves, but I did find a left handed gardening glove, so I put that on...not sure if it helped or not, but I felt more professional! :) My dad is going to come back and help us with putting in the laminate flooring, as well as putting up the decorative panels and baseboards, so I'm sure he'll keep us busy! Thanks for all your help papa!

Here is some very rough footage of our renovation experience.

In the middle of these renovations, my mom and I went on a shopping trip to the US. We found so many cute and well priced things that it took all my self control not to go on a shopping spree! I absolutely love all the Carter's baby clothes! They had all their Hallowe'en and Thanksgiving outfits on sale, and I admit I was a little sad that Muppet wouldn't be able to wear any of them this year. But, now I can plan for next year! ;) I picked up some full panel maternity pants that were on sale, as well as some super sexy nursing bras... that sexy part was sarcastic, by the way. Then we went to the Olive Garden for all you can eat soup, salad and breadsticks...Mmmmm! I could eat there everyday! It was a long, but productive and fun day, but I sure was exhausted!

Then, out of nowhere, I got the most wonderful surprise! I was finishing up at work when my hubby came to pick me up. He seemed to be in a hurry, so I figured he had to meet with a client or something. I mentioned wanting to take a nap, as I was still so tired from my previous busy days, but he said I couldn't! He told me that I had to go home and pack my suitcase and that I only had half an hour to get ready, as he had planned a special surprise for our wedding anniversary! I was so excited...and a little nervous. I mean, what do I pack for a trip to the unknown? We dropped Sawyer off at my parents and then took off on this crazy adventure to who-knows-where!

Want to know what he had planned?! He booked us the most romantic getaway to Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood in The Grand Georgian! It was absolutely beautiful! As we drove up to Blue Mountain, I saw signs for the Scenic Caves..which sound lovely, but not to a person who has to waddle everywhere. I prayed that I wouldn't have to go on a hike...that he had planned something else, but never did I imagine we would be staying at such a stunning resort! Even when we drove up to the entrance, I had to look at him and ask, "Are we actually staying here?!". It was so magical. The people are so friendly, the food is delicious (garlic mashed potatoes *drool*), the grounds and scenery are breathtaking and the village is just so magnificent! I now call it my Canadian Disney World.

Our room was what I've always dreamt of- with a kitchen, dining room, living room  and of course, my favourite, a fireplace! We even had a lovely balcony that looked out to the forested mountain. I truly cried a lot on this trip. He also had booked a super great dinner for us which included steak, garlic mashed potatoes, ceasar salad with brownie cheesecake for dessert! Yum! I had no idea that my darling could be so spontaneous and romantic. :) I cannot wait to go back! I want to play shuffle board, make pottery, relax on the dock, paddle in a paddle boat and eat until I explode! I would not be opposed to living there either...in a cute Cape Cod style house in either yellow or sage green... ;) I am just so in love with Collingwood now! I'm pretty sure I've added a new "our place" to our special places list. It now accompanies Niagara-On-The-Lake, Disney World and Prince Edward Island. Thank you for the most wonderful anniversary honey! (Good luck topping it next year!) ;)

Here is a little tour of our room!

As of week 26, Muppet was the size of an english hothouse cucumber and weighs about 2 pounds! That's a mighty big baby! Apparently it now is able to react to touch and sound, so I often poke it to see if it kicks back! Surprisingly it sometimes does! It is now developing a sleep and active phase routine, which I am starting to recognize. It usually is active around 9am, 4pm, and super active around 10:30pm. Muppet is a fan of kicking my bladder, making me want to pee constantly, and now I think I can feel it's little hiccups which tickles a little bit! One thing I've noticed is that Muppet is a tad bit stubborn, as it never wants to dance around when I'm filming, but as soon as I put the camera away, it goes nuts! I tried getting it to dance to the oldies the other day, I mean, who can stand still when Mony Mony is on? I can tell you who. It's Muppet. Crazy baby! :)

I'm starting to feel the weight of the baby a bit, and it's starting to throw off my balance and make me a little tired. It's hard to get out of the car or bed sometimes as I can't use my stomach muscles anymore, so often I rock back and forth to get some momentum and then throw myself forward. I also notice that I grunt quite a bit when trying to get up. I think I need a scooter! ;) The baby also seems to be sitting low sometimes, as I feel a lot of pressure in places I would rather there not be pressure. *sigh*

One thing I'm craving like mad right now is Thanksgiving Dinner. I constantly dream of hot turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes and stuffing...and let's not forget those yummy dill pickles! Mmmm! I cannot wait for Thanksgiving, and I'm so glad I get to celebrate it twice! ;) (One meal for me, one for the baby!).






p.s. Happy 2nd Anniversary honey! I love you so much! I can't wait until Muppet can share the love our little family has for each other. You truly are my best friend  and I love you. <3

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