In the last couple of days, I’ve drafted our birth plan, our Before Baby Gets Here To Do List and our Hospital Bag Packing List. On top of that, I’ve started narrowing down what I’d like to craft before bambino L arrives. Seeing as how this blog started out with the intention of being somewhat craft related, I figured this would make for a great place and time to share my thoughts. Enjoy!

Knitted Items:

• Booties

Little Button Loafers

These Little Button Loafers are adorable. I love them. They are the perfect mix of Old Man and Function that I crave in my baby boy knits. My only concern is the little itty bitty buttons. I can’t help but hear my mother’s voice remind me “NO BUTTONS ON BABY WEAR!”. What do you think? Death trap, or adorable footwear?

Blue Steps

 Blue Steps is an adorable basic baby booties that some how reads a bit more boy to me than most basic patterns. Look pretty straight forward too. A good “Coming Home” Booties perhaps?

Contrast Edge Slippers

 Contrast Edge Slippers, these booties are pretty basic, a little rustic and really cute. They are also the first pair from the amazing book 50 Baby Bootees To Knit. I can’t recommend it enough.

Pirate Bootees

 Pirate Bootees, another great find from 50 Baby Bootees to Knit. These ones are just nautical enough to tickle my fancy and to match a really cute onesie I got for L a few months ago (all anchors, adorable!). Definitely a must knit.

Textured Cuff Baby Bootees

These Textured Cuff Baby Bootees are another 50 Baby Bootees to Knit find. Very versatile and really cute. Another simple pattern, but really sweet.

• Hats

Hunter

Hunter. I love this pattern. It’s so…perfect. The yarn, the colour, the baby. Everything. A must make for sure.

Teddy Bear Earflap Beanie

This Teddy Bear hat is pretty much the cutest thing ever. Unfortunately, it’s crocheted. That scares the crap out of me, considering I don’t crochet. At all. My mother tried to teach me a million times, but it never happened. Will my love for this hat overcome my fears and push me forward? Only time will tell.

Boo Hat

Boo Hat may be a good option if I can’t figure out the crochet of the bear hat. Not quite as cute, but it may do the trick.

Hoot Hat

Hoot Hat is amazing. It’s perfect. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed a lot of the projects attempted of this pattern haven’t turned out quite the same. I’m still going to give it a go, but for a 9.00$ pattern, especially for a baby hat, that’s quite the risk.

• Sweaters

Baby Yoda Sweater

Baby Yoda Sweater is the first sweater I considered for Baby L, especially as a Coming Home sweater. It’s simple, it’s warm and I think it would be a really sweet first sweater.It’s not too fussy, which will be key in dressing a newborn.

Ribbed Baby Jacket

 Ribbed Baby Jacket is so handsome. I love how simple and clean it is. It’s really charming and looks like it would be another great 0-3 baby sweater. In fact, it’s slowly creeping into first place, past Yoda.

Tweedy Boy

 Tweedy Boy is gorgeous. I may even already have the perfect yarn for it. I do think, however, that it’s too heavy for April, and it would be a shame to make this in 0-3 sizing, only to have it never really be worn, so I’m thinking this will be something I knit in the 6-9 month range and save it for the fall. Definitely on the “Must Knit” list, however not as a priority.

Gramps

 Gramps is my favourite thing. Pretty much ever. This sweater is exactly what I want to make for my baby boy. It’s perfect, it’s sweet. I want it. I need it. Again though, like Tweedy Boy, I think it would get way more wear if I make it for the fall, rather than the newborn in the spring. Makes me sad, but I think in the long run, it’s for the best if I wait for something this awesome. (The other option is to make two…don’t even let me consider that one, because it sounds AWESOME)

Baby Yours

Baby Yours is a perfect example of all the sweaters that I am typically a sucker for. Cabled. Interesting construction. Tweedy yarns. Is it too fussy for a baby? Or is it a perfect “Dress Up” sweater? Is it too much for a spring baby? Will he ever wear it, or should it wait too?

• Blankets

Before I get into this section, I’d like to say that I’m not really convinced that these will happen. I already know I have at least two gifted blankets on the way, on top of my own baby blanket which I still have. Having said that, these are the baby blankets that I adore and lust over.

Waffles

Waffles is gorgeous. It’s rich and lovely, but looks like a slow pain to knit. Worth it, knowing that it will be abused and covered in vomit and poop? Hrm.

Tiramisu

 Tiramisu. I love this sweet blanket. Yes, it’s crocheted, but it is everything “Baby” to me. Unfortunately, I don’t feel like it’s the right fit for our baby, right now. Next time?

Sunshine Day

 Sunshine Day is another beautiful Alicia Paulson creation (again, crocheted) that I absolutely love. Again, it’s not quite right for Liam, so I’ll keep this in my queue for later.

Purl Dreams

 Purl Dreams is another favourite. I love this blanket. It’s simple, sweet, and so cozy looking.

Baby Babar

Baby Babar is just as wonderful as Purl Dreams. Lovely.

• Other

Miittens

Miittens. This is a great Knitty pattern. I am planning on making these for Coming Home and general Keep Baby From Damaging Himself.

Kanoko Pants

 Kanoko Pants are gorgeous. I love these and Baby L shall have them. Perfect for keeping his chubby little legs warm before summer.

Vanilla

 Vanilla is a great soaker pattern. We’re not sure about cloth diapering yet or not, but I really like the idea of keeping his little bum covered, cute and warm. I plan on making a few of these. Maybe. If I ever actually start knitting any of these things.

Well, that’s it for now. I will add other plans in a later post. Hope these have inspired you, or at least given you a look into my twisted mama brain :D

A peek at the past week (how I’ve been): Last week was certainly a million times better than the one I’m currently living through. I don’t want to ruin the fun for next week’s update, but Pat and I have been hit HARD with norovirus since Sunday. This is why I’m a little late posting. I was still pretty much bed ridden yesterday. SO! Back to week 28! The week started out a little hard. Monday was a day full of tests for us. I had a long day scheduled at the hospital that I will be delivering at for my winrow shot, my gestational diabetes test and third trimester blood work. I hadn’t realized that it was the first time that I had been to a hospital since my mother died. My tests all went fine, but being in the hospital was really really hard. The smell triggered all sorts of flashbacks and issues for me, and by the time we got home, I was sore, tired, headachy and ready for the day to be done. Unfortunately, I was greeted by an email from the estate lawyer which turned into a 2 hour conversation which went way past my bed time. Not. Fun.

Tuesday was our prenatal class, which is always lovely.

Wednesday was our midwife appointment, which went really well. Baby L is doing well, and we got to meet our student midwife, Brianna. We had a great time and by the end of the appointment, I felt even more on the same page as our birthing team than before. It was awesome. Unfortunately, a busy and emotional week turned into an emotional meltdown for me.

Thursday, our car seat arrived!! So exciting! Unfortunately, we brought it home to find our dog, Maddie, had been sick ALL over the house. Ew.

The week wound down with me cat sitting for my co-worker, J, doing some shopping with S and her two kids (she introduced me to Kiddie Town. I am in love! I also bought a ton of onesies at Carter’s Oshgosh. Heeee).

"My Daddy Rocks"

Animals!

Handsome <3

Sunday we went to Jan and Cathy’s for dinner, only to find me getting suddenly hit by what felt like the most sudden and worst stomach flu of life. Roll credits!

How far along am I? 29 weeks, 2 day.

I am thinking…I hate seeing my loved ones sick! I don’t know how parents do it. Watching Pat last night was heartbreaking. I wanted so badly to help him, but knew there was nothing I could really do to help. Also, being sick while pregnant is truly terrible. I don’t recommend it.

I am thankful for… My amazing husband, who sacrificed his own well being by taking care of me when I was super contagious. He was a real rock star. He’s going to be amazing during the birth. Seriously, I am so proud. Also? DragonVale. I’m very addicted.

From the kitchen… I haven’t had solid food since Sunday. So, yeah. No.

I am wearing… PJs. Again, since sunday. (not the same ones, I promise)

I am going… To rest up and get better. Start planning for baby!

I am reading… Some more baby books (my SIL lent me some reads on baby sleep. I’m currently reading this one.) and The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin, as well as rereading one of my favourite series: Outlander. Don’t judge me. Those books are AWESOME. I’m actually on The Fiery Cross now.

I am hoping…that once Pat and I are better that we can get the basement cleared out, pronto. The contractors are ready to go and promise to be done by the end of February!

I am hearing… A lot of crap, but I’m learning to let it go.

Around the house…Lots of post-illness cleaning. After that, once I’m well again, cleaning out the basement and then going through that crap one box at a time.

One of my favorite things…The pregnancy journal I bought early on. I’ve been writing in it weekly and really think it will be a great keepsake.

I am the kitties' favourite hang out spot these days. That's both Cole and Byron, hanging out.

28 weeks, 4 days

We had our second prenatal class, which was great. We ended up discussing fear and how it can effect labour. At the time I was feeling pretty good, but the next day all of my fears came to the surface and caused a major talk with Pat and then later, my sister. We got an estimate from the contractor and will hopefully be booking with them this week. Later in the week, I took advantage of my last friday off until Mat Leave starts by getting my hair cut, having lunch with Pat and some of his co-workers and getting a massage!

Unfortunately, all of my running around resulted in a seriously sore body (I’m so not used to these limitations yet), so I spent Saturday doing a whole lot of nothing. Sunday, we were invited over to Nana J & C’s place for dinner. There, I was gifted with the most geektastic shirt ever from Think Geek:

The picture is a bit blurry but what it says is "Loading....Please Wait"

How far along am I? 28 weeks, 1 day.

I am thinking… Stressing a lot right now, actually. Trying not to, but yesterday was a long rough day and last week (so week 27) had some definite low points. Basically, after my long chat with my sister on Wednesday, I went to bed to read and relax. Right before going to bed, I noticed some blood on the sheets and realized I was spotting pretty heavily. After speaking with the midwife, I was assured that everything was fine, but it’s been pretty stressful since then, keeping track of Baby L’s movements and being really gentle with myself. Also, I’m thinking about how much we have going on over the next while. So busy!

I am thankful for… My peeps, as always. We had a great time at Jan & Cathy’s this weekend, and we’re trying to get out there more. S and I have plans on Saturday and Tracy and I are making phone date plans too. Times may be rough, but I have a great support system.

From the kitchen… Nothing new, I don’t think. I made delicious quiche again, but that’s about it.

I am wearing… (sorry folks, TMI time!) pads. Not going to get into specifics about what kind of pads, but let’s just say that I am at that point in pregnancy where everything leaks.

I am going… To prenatal class tonight, a midwife appointment tomorrow, hanging out with S on Saturday and then back to Jan & Cathy’s for Sunday dinner. Busy week!

I am reading… Some more baby books (my SIL lent me some reads on baby sleep. I’m currently reading this one.) and The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin, as well as rereading one of my favourite series: Outlander. Don’t judge me. Those books are AWESOME. I’m actually on The Fiery Cross now.

I am hoping…to start receiving some of the great things we’ve bought for Baby L in the mail! Not only did I buy those cute outfits, but we also participated in a website deal where we got a box of pamper’s diapers for super cheap. Also, while Babies R Us is having BabyFest, Pat and I decided to pick up our carseat:

Graco Snugride 35

Yep. It was our first “major” baby purchase. Shit’s getting real, yo! ;)

I am hearing… Been thinking about my parents a lot lately, and so this song has been in my head and on repeat:

Around the house…Lots of decluttering, cleaning and planning.

One of my favorite things…White hot chocolate. It’s such a comfort thing. Mum used to buy us little packages to go in our stockings at Christmas from the Second Cup that was in the hospital main hall, when she was still working there. Every Christmas morning I’d have one. I know it’s terrible for me, but Timmy’s just introduced their own White Hot Chocolate, so I’ve indulged a few times.

The first bit of news is pure vanity. I’ve been talking about it since the summer: My hair. I seem to go through phases of long long hair that drives me nuts, then a drastic cut, then I grow it out and get bored again, then it gets long and it drives me nuts.

For example, some of my styles over the years:

Isaac and I, in High School

Then, I cut it all off after a relationship went to hell

Me, in University with super long hair

Me, with my posse, later that year, with short hair

Me, the next year, with longer hair. Growing it out.

The next year, with shorter and browner hair

Then there was the day that I went from this:

From This

To This

That expression, by the way, was my complete uncertainty as whether or not I should be smiling or crying.

I’ve been all different colours:

From the blonde hippie teenager

To sleek auburns

to whimsy strawberry blonde

To crazy red

To rich brown

I think the only coloura I haven’t had is black or straight up brown (without red tones)

So, the last few months I’ve been feeling totally overwhelmed and annoyed with my boring long locks. I haven’t dyed it since before our honeymoon in 2010, so the colour is mostly mine now. It’s only been cut once since then too, and that’s after growing it out for the wedding. So, as you’ve seen from pictures recently, it’s been pretty long:

Well, yesterday I bit the bullet and went to my favourite salon. I needed a cut, at very least, just to make my hair healthy again. I needed a style – I have naturally curly hair and it needs layers. Also – and this scared me a bit – I wanted to try bangs. It’s been YEARS since I’ve had anything resembling bangs, and most hair dressers would flat out refuse me when I asked. I was set on getting them this time. This is the result of my efforts:

Taa Daa!!

BANGS!!

I’m really happy with how it turned out! I’m still getting used to the bangs. I think I may actually need to pick up a new brush and blow dryers for styling, but man, am I ever pumped for a change! What do you think?

The next bit of news has much less to do with my vanity and looks, and way more to do with my presence. I’ve talked about this a lot over the history of this blog: I’ve been doing the website thing for a while now. In fact, I can’t even remember when I made my first one (it was a Sailor Moon fan site, on geocities. I believe I was about 13 at the time, so that would be 1996 or so?). The last few years, I had a useless page marker page on my own server. It was totally outdated and I hated the content I had up there (It used to include a gallery of my art, some info on my roleplaying group that no longer exists and a bunch of my writing), so I let the domain die and cancelled the account.

When my dad died in 2008, I had ever intention of taking over his site (and took over paying for the domain and the hosting), but after coming up with a draft for it, I forgot about it. A couple of months ago, I decided I wanted to get back out there. I love web design, but I totally lack any graphic design skills and my knowledge is a bit outdated these days, so I was a little afraid of putting myself out there, only to have it turn out like a bad html page from ’94.

It took a while, but I’m pretty proud with what I’ve come up with:

Setting Roots is a personal and family site. I’m hosting my Dad’s original page, and I’ve created some pages to honour both him and my Mum. I link to my sister’s art blog, and I plan on hosting my husband’s gaming forum. I have a section for family recipes and photos. I figure with Baby L’s imminent arrival, I wanted something out there to act as a hub or an anchor. I wanted family and friends to be able to access good quality versions of our family photographs and a place to grab my chocolate chip cookie recipe if I was too busy to get back to them. I wanted to honour my family, old and new. I think I’ve managed to accomplish that :) I hope you enjoy the look of it. I’m hoping to have it up and live by the end of this weekend (I’m sorting out some hosting issues as we speak). It’s definitely a work in progress, but I’m proud of it.

Meanwhile, another one of my articles has been published on the Ottawa Mommy Club blog page if you want to check it out (I’ve started a series on “Things they don’t tell you about pregnancy”. This is the first in that series :))

So, definitely some changes. Just enough to keep me motivated and looking forward to what’s to come :D

A peek at the past week (how I’ve been): Week 26 was my return to work. It was definitely an adjustment to be back on a regular schedule. We hadn’t done groceries in a while, so we ate like crap and started to suffer for it. We started prenatal classes and starting doing a lot more thinking and talking about our baby and our plans for when he gets here.  We finally had a contractor come in to look at the basement. This was all wrapped up with a great weekend. We had a date on Friday (went to see the new Mission Impossible movie), relaxed on Saturday and then teamed up to tackle the house work and some decluttering on Sunday.

How far along am I? 27 weeks, 1 day.

I am thinking… about the renovations and the estate. I hate having to wait on other people before I can act. We’re waiting on an estimate from the contractor (and this whole process is kind of ridiculous. Basically, they want to give us an estimate on cleaning up and removing the mould. Then once that’s been approved and the task completed, then we ask for another estimate on the actual re-build/renovations, then once that’s approved, the real work can start. I’m starting to get nervous that it won’t all be done before the baby gets here. The issue with that is that once the renos are done, we’re moving all of the office and TV stuff down there and making it another living space. Once that’s done, we’ll have a living room/toy room on the main floor and a free bedroom. We’ll then be moving the guest room into this free bedroom and making the guest room the nursery. Yep, so, you see the sequence of events that has to happen before Liam has a room of his own. Luckily, baby won’t need that for a few months as we’re planning on having him sleep in the room with us. Still though, I WANT IT DONE.

The estate is similar. I submitted the accounts way before the holidays. They were then shared with my Dad’s son and the lawyer. My Dad’s son is contesting them, so the lawyer is going to be giving us a proposal for a solution, but he promised that before Christmas, and we’re still waiting. Every week we get a new email about how he’s getting it to us ASAP. I just want this crap done, especially before baby.

I am thankful for… S and my sister Tracy. They have been so good to me the last couple of weeks. S has been dealing with some unpleasant things lately and has been a huge support for me. Tracy and I have been staying in constant contact as we’re both feeling some winter blues.

From the kitchen… I made quesadillas for the first time and LOVED them. They were cheesy chicken, bacon and avocado quesadillas based off of this recipe.

I am wearing…Lots of new clothes! Yay for boxing week sales!

I am going… try to get back into prenatal yoga. I’ve put on a bunch of weight over the holidays and it worrying me.

I am reading… Some more baby books (my SIL lent me some reads on baby sleep. I’m currently reading this one.) and The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin, as well as rereading one of my favourite series: Outlander. Don’t judge me. Those books are AWESOME. I’m actually on Drums of Autumn now.

I am hoping…for another great prenatal class tonight and some news about our renos and the estate.

I am hearing… Not much. Haven’t been around my iPhone or music collection lately.

Around the house…Lots of decluttering, cleaning and planning.

One of my favorite things…These days? Breast pads. I’ll get into that later.

A peek at the past week (how I’ve been): Week 25 was another busy holiday week for us. Boxing Day involved some shopping for Pat and I. First we hit up Thyme Maternity, as they were having a 50% off boxing week sale, and were adding an additional 30% off on some items. We got me a bunch of shirts and a pair of jeans without breaking the bank. I also picked up a gift for Pat (which unfortunately we needed to return on the 28th, but he managed to find something he liked better anyway – a fancy new gaming headset for his computer -, so it all worked out).

On the 27th, we went over to my SIL’s place for a belated casual holiday dinner. We had a great time visiting and I got to have a great conversation with SIL and her hubby about babies. On the 29th I spent the day with S and her little man, E. We went shopping and had a great time together until we left and saw that someone had had a hit and run with Sarah’s car. Luckily, it was drivable, but we were both super upset. We went to lunch to calm down and then parted ways.

The 30th we did a bit of running around and then for NYE we stuck close to home due to some nasty weather. We rang in the new year on the couch in our living room <3 On the 1st, we bummed around playing video games (Pat got me Skyrim!) and eating food that is terrible for us.

How far along am I? 26 weeks, 1 day.

I am thinking… about how hard it is to be back to work (again, cheating. This is a week 26 thought). Otherwise, how little we accomplished over the break and yet how glad I am that we were able to spend so much time together and with our loved ones.

I am thankful for… the week that I had with my husband. Once the little one comes, our life is going to be very different and who knows when we’ll have the chance to have that much time alone together.

From the kitchen… Nothing new. Living on fast food the last bit due to grocery stores being closed and us being lazy.

I am wearing…Lots of new clothes! Yay for boxing week sales!

I am going… to start prenatal classes tonight, which is exciting! We’re definitely doing a lot more planning for when baby gets here. I can’t believe it’s only 4 months and a week away!

I am reading… Some more baby books (my SIL lent me some reads on baby sleep. I’m currently reading this one.) and The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin, as well as rereading one of my favourite series: Outlander. Don’t judge me. Those books are AWESOME. I’m actually on Drums of Autumn now.

I am hoping…for some patience, calm, and strength in the new year.

I am hearing… Not much. Haven’t been around my iPhone or music collection lately.

Around the house…Nothing new, yet. Hoping to have the contractor come this week to get things started. We’re starting to ponder sofas too (assuming we have enough money post renos to afford anything). Right now, I’m dreaming about something like this:

One of my favorite things…Muffins. What? It’s been a long standing relationship between me and muffins. In University, it was my on-campus breakfast food of choice (either carrot or lemon cranberry). Of course, that quickly transformed into me having my very own muffin top. Later, when I was working for the engineering company, the guys would go to Timmy’s all the time and bring me back either a fruit explosion or a chocolate chip muffin. SO GOOD and barely healthy enough to be considered breakfast. Now that I work in a college campus and have the appetite of a woman in her 26th week of pregnancy, muffins and I are reunited. I’ve been making bran muffins at home to up my fibre intake, and occasionally supplementing those with carrot muffins from the little coffee stand downstairs. Yum!

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 10,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 4 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

My favourite part? Learning that my most popular post ever was titled “Satan and Pugs“. Hahahaha. How badly did that post disappoint those who wandered in from search engines, I can only imagine.

I can’t believe it’s already 2012.

In a long standing tradition founded way back in my livejournal days, here is my annual recap:

January 2011 - My sister came to visit for the holidays and left just before the new year. I chose the word “Acceptance” for my word of the year. I posted about mental illness and my own personal battles with depression and PTSD. The estate got very bad, very quickly. I struggled with letting the darkness drag me down vs. picking myself up and choosing to improve my day myself.  Pat and I started actually trying for baby.

February 2011 - I started having nightmares about my parents. I had to live my word “Acceptance” as I got some really hard news about an old friend and the estate continued to be extremely difficult. Started meal planning and attempting new and interesting menu items (chili and cheese biscuits, the extremely popular red velvet cake balls, baked potato soup). Started listening to Laura Marling. I looked into getting a lawyer due to the estate badness, which was well timed because continued badness resulted in us moving into mediation. At this point, we expected everything to be done by the end of April. Started attending Beer and Wing night with Pat’s work friends. We emptied out my mother’s home and moved a bunch of stuff into storage and our place.

February 2011 - I start to cook for the first time ever!

March 2011 – I travelled to New Orleans with my buddy, Isaac! Unfortunately, I was quite sick for most of it! Started playing Dragon Age 2. Spent a lot of time with family and friends. Struggle with my mother’s birthday. Had junk guys come in to clear our my mother’s house of the last remaining items and had a major break down. Due to estate stuff and family issues, had a very difficult time with Acceptance.

March 2011 - Isaac and I take NOLA

April 2011 - Was visited by my first love, Jamie. Hung out around town and had him over to dinner to meet Pat. Started settling into our house a bit by putting up pictures/decorations. The anniversary of my mother’s death was very difficult. Made homemade tomato soup cake as comfort food. Spring hit Ottawa with some beautiful weather. Started watching Game of Thrones. Received an offer on my mother’s house. Heartbroken by the loss of the step father of my oldest friends. Met Arthur from The Biggest Loser and worked out with him and a co-worker. Spent time with friends for a bridal shower and had the guys of my husbands family over for a UFC night. Began posting here, on wordpress, almost exclusively. Bye bye livejournal!

April 2011 - I start making our house OURS

April 2011 - I met Arthur and worked out

May 2011 – Celebrated Beltane with Pat by having a big roast dinner and a lavender and honey cake. Started reading Game of Thrones. Travelled to Calgary to visit my sister and attend her graduation! Attended her grad show (she’s a fine arts grad, so it was a big gallery style show), her graduation and took a road trip to Banff! Exactly the break I needed!

May 2011 - My beltane cake

May 2011 - Me and my sister, at her graduation!

May 2011 - Me in Banff

June 2011 – Had a chemical pregnancy (very early miscarriage), started a journalling project (but never finished), met with a potential new family doctor and had an awful experience. Had a hard time with my Dad’s birthday, which also held some more estate badness which included discovering that things would be delayed significantly. Our A/C broke at home. I turned 28, and had a wonderful time with my husband and my GURL, L. Helped out Pat’s auntie, as she had a benign tumour removed. Wrote my first “article” type posting. The topic? Brazillian Waxes. Celebrated our 1 year Wedding Anniversary by spending a wonderful weekend at a B&B in Merrickville. Started tracking monthly goals. Struggled with depression.

June 2011 - Our B&B in Merrickville

July 2011 - Lost myself in stories – Read The Hunger Games and got deeper into A Song of Ice and Fire. Started watching Dexter and Doctor Who.  Dropped down to part time hours. Went away to a friend’s cottage for the weekend and had a great time. Hosted S&K’s baby shower with S’s mum. Went out with S&K for the END OF HARRY POTTER OMG. Crazy weather = melting Heather with a broken A/C.  S had her baby boy!! Discovered my poor Subaru is indeed deader than a doornail. More estate complications, this time with taxes. Ugh.

July 2011 - Cottage Weekend!

July 2011 - My brand new baby nephew!

August 2011 - Relationship with Pat is best it’s ever been. Also: We found out that we were pregnant!!! WOO! Kept this bit of news to ourselves though, with the exception of our close friends and family.  Unfortunately, this was very quickly followed by a major bad turn in the estate, which resulted in a complete change in the way we communicated and much more involvement from the lawyers. Also, things at work weren’t going well. Lots of time with friends and family, including birthdays and a visit from L. Discovered that we needed to redo our basement due to water damage. Morning Sickness begins.

August 2011 - Special time at home <3

September 2011 - Went to Montreal to visit L and for Maid of Honour duties for her. Major sit down with the lawyer to work on estate stuff. We struggled with the 3 yr. anniversary of Dad’s death. Due to the family drama, I didn’t feel comfortable about going to visit the grave site. I try to be sneaky and hint at baby, but end up outing myself here on the blog and thus, we make our big announcement a few months earlier than planned!  Due to our big life changes, we decided to give up our two snakes :( Met one of our midwives and loved her. Had our first ultrasound. Gifted with a ton of used maternity clothes from my SIL and her friends

September 2011 - On the train to Montreal

September 2011 - Our first ultrasound!

September 2011 - A bitty baby bump

October 2011 – Thanksgiving with the in-laws and discovered that my SIL is pregnant too! Went apple picking with Pat’s best friend and her family. My iphone went for a swim. The Apple store downtown replaced it for me <3 Wearing maternity clothes now! Work troubles continue, as does estate stuff.  Met the other midwife and loved her just as much! Heartbroken over the death of one of my Mum’s friends.  Started talking about finances and how to get the basement done in time for baby’s arrival.

October 2011 - Belly is growing

October 2011 - Thanksgiving and Apple Picking

October 2011 - Samhain

November 2011 – Work stuff continues to be bad. Pat participated in Movember and I baked like a fiend for their fundraising bake sale. One of my knitting friends gifted me with TONS of mat clothes and baby clothes, S gave me all of her office mat clothes,  and a friend of my boss gave us a bunch of used baby items. Hosted dinner at our place for S & K. First time ever <3 Started some holiday crafting. Had “Fake thanksgiving” with Pat’s work friends. Struggled with how to be assertive without being a bitch, and whether being a bitch was a bad thing after all. Had another ultrasound and found out that baby is perfectly healthy and absolutely MALE! We decide on a name (Liam) and share the news. Met with the estate lawyer and started the process of FINALLY ending the estate. Saw one of my oldest friends – Tyler. Decided to focus our energy on getting the house fixed up and settling in rather than planning to move. Went on my first ever job-related trip and bonded with one of my co-workers.

November 2011 - More bump!

November 2011 - Second Ultrasound. Healthy baby!

December 2011 - Refinanced our mortgage and decided to start renos ASAP. Many plans and dreams starting! S&K spent a day with us to get us set up with our baby registry. S, L and my sister, Tracy, got together and bought me a wonderful gift – A gently used maternity winter coat, a starbucks gc and some baby soap.  LOTS of baking. Too much baking – lots of discomfort in my back, neck and pelvic starts. The pelvic pain gets so bad I can barely walk. Pat and I spend Yule together, attend a couple of holiday parties, and then spend Christmas eve with Pat’s brother and his wife, Christmas day with S and her family, and then the 27th with all of my in-laws. We planned on getting the house ready for renos over our break, but instead spent time together. Little development on the estate, but we hope to be done this major step by the end of January. Pat gifts me with a bunch of new Maternity clothes!

December 2011 - My new coat, a gift from my best friends.

December 2011 - I've definitely "popped"

December 2011 - Pat and I together on Christmas

It’s been a crazy year. I can’t believe that in that time I travelled twice, spent that much time with friends and family, struggled so much with the estate and found out we were pregnant! What a whirlwind! I really struggled with acceptance, depression, loss and how to be assertive. At the end of this year, I find myself feeling much more self-aware and self-assured. I am far more aware of who I am and what my limits are. I feel so loved by my friends and new family, and yet also way more independent than I have ever been. Pat and I are closer now than ever before and I feel more in love with him every day.

I’ve been debating my word for 2012. I’m not sure yet, but I’m considering either Healing or Growth. I’m sure I’ll know soon and will try my best to live with that word in mind. Thank you so much, dear readers, for sharing this crazy ride with me. This place has been a refuge for me and has helped me work through some of the best and worst times of my life. Thanks for being there :) Happy 2012 everyone! Hope it’s a great one!

A peek at the past week (how I’ve been): It was a busy week for week 24! The beginning of the week saw an unexpected job interview for me. I didn’t end up getting the job (being 24 weeks pregnant probably had something to do with it), but I got to practice my interview skills and I got some great feedback. We had a really intense week at work as we prepared not only for the holiday shut down, but the launch of a completely new system going into place on the 2nd. The beginning of the week also held my work Christmas party, which was a blast.

Some holiday decor

Decor and a reminder of our loved ones

One of my Mum's fused glass pieces and some holiday bling

My holidays started on Friday the 23rd, so I’ve been lucky enough to be off for a while now :D The 24th we went to my brother-in-law’s place for an amazing dinner and to watch a movie. Christmas morning itself was very quiet for Pat and I. We didn’t do anything until the evening when we went over to S’s Dad’s place for Christmas dinner. We had a wonderful time and were made to feel like part of the family. It was exactly what I needed.

Hilarious and awesome gift! Non-Alcoholic wine from S <3

How far along am I? 25 weeks, 2 days.

I am thinking… about how lucky we are. Our friends and family made this a great Christmas. I can’t believe that next year we’ll have an 8 month old!! Spending so much time with our niece and nephews made us really anxious to hold our little man. Can’t wait!

I am thankful for… See above! I’m a big ball of love this week!

From the kitchen… Lots! Once the baking was done, I decided to break out the crock pot and try two new recipes (both found on Pinterest, btw). The big big hit of the week was Beef Stew, from this recipe. I was really worried about this one. The meat we bought was about to expire, I threw it together quickly in the morning before work and accidentally set the crock pot to cook on HIGH for 10 hours, rather than low. I was so sad when I got home to discover this. Luckily, I got home early and was able to turn it down and saved it (it ended up cooking about 7 hours at high, and then an hour or two on low). It turned out SO WELL. Seriously, it was incredibly tasty and fed us for days. Not only that, but I was happy as a clam to eat this for every meal for days. Can’t wait to make it again. (Sorry, it was too tasty to photograph. I was too preoccupied with eating it. NOM)

The next attempt was this Chicken Cheese and Broccoli concoction, from here. I was pretty nervous about it initially, because broccoli is now on my “Do not fly” list due to terrible gas pains caused by my casserole. Was really liquidy, but tasty. Definitely needs more veg and…something. Did ok though.

I am wearing…Lots of new clothes! This is a bit of a cheat, because technically it’s Week 25 news, but Pat got me a ton of new clothes from Thyme during their boxing week sale.

I am going… to take it easy. I had big plans to do lots of cleaning and decluttering this week, but instead it’s turned into a wonderful week of friends, family, and spending some quality time with Pat. I couldn’t trade it for the world.

I am reading… Some more baby books (my SIL lent me some reads on baby sleep) and The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin, as well as rereading one of my favourite series: Outlander. Don’t judge me. Those books are AWESOME. I’m actually on Voyager now.

I am hoping…for some patience, calm, and strength in the new year.

I am hearing… Lots of holiday music, the new Florence and the Machine album and the new Mumford and Sons single:

Around the house…Nothing new, yet.

One of my favorite things…Spending time with our loved ones. We’ve been so spoiled by this the last couple of days. I’ve loved it!

Right before my work party on Monday the 19th

Me, on Christmas eve

Pat and I, on Christmas evening.

An awful picture of me, but Pat is too cute not to post.

Firstly, Happy Yule to everyone!

Seasons: Winter - Silence of Wings by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

We’re not doing anything specific to celebrate, though I did throw the fixin’s in for a beef stew for tonight, so I think that’s a great feast dinner. We also have some left over holiday baking, so we’ll have some tasty mint brownies for afterwards.

Today is my last day of work before the holidays. The college is closed until the 2nd, so I’m looking forward to a week of sleeping in, decluttering, preparing for baby and getting things done that are often forgotten (for instance, changing my name in all of my official documents!)

This weekend is going to be busy for sure. Tomorrow I’m baking for gifts and parties. Saturday we’re celebrating Christmas with some family, Sunday we’re celebrating Christmas with my girlfriend S and her family, and then on the 27th we’re getting together with my in-laws for a casual holiday celebration.

Pat and I aren’t doing much in way of gifts this year, as we just can’t afford it. I have a secret planned for him, and he got me some things that I’ve been eyeing for ever:

Urban Decay's Naked Palette

Clinique Black Honey lip gloss

So excited! :D I don’t talk about it much, but I love make up. Love it. Especially eyeshadow. I have a really hard time justifying the cost of good quality makeup, so its not often that I go out and buy something for myself. I will make due on most things. I’ve wanted the Naked Palette for as long as I’ve known about it. Black Honey was brought into my world by the amazing Pixie, and I was finally able to have one for myself! :D

We also splurged and got him some pampering at a barber shop (he always shaves his head, and while it’s not very fancy, he loved the attention to detail that this barber gave him) and got my eyebrows waxed by one of the specialists at Visage.  It was awesome! Again, such a little thing, but I always feel so much better about myself when I have that sort of thing done by a professional.

Aside from shopping, I also recently had an appointment with my midwife and I can’t believe how quickly this pregnancy is flying by! Seriously, we’re already talking about what to do when we get to the hospital, what to pack, circumcision and what tests and scans I have left before baby. In fact, I only have one more appointment at our monthly intervals before switching to every two weeks! Eeep! And we start prenatal classes on the 3rd! It’s super baby time all the time now!

Meanwhile, because, you know, life isn’t busy enough, I’ve fallen in love with the idea of learning to quilt. I’m thinking I might try to take a class after Liam is born to get me out of the house every so often. I’ve been sewing for most of my life and I LOVE quilts, so it’s a natural progression for me. I have to scope out some of the class options in town.

Anyway, whatever you celebrate, may it be awesome and full of love and laughter!