So, yeah, still here, waiting for the baby. Overdue. Feels a bit like a trick, but if I’m honest, it’s been a bit of a treat, these last two weeks. I have completely forgotten about work. I’ve got a ton of stuff done around the house. I’ve cooked many good meals. And I’m mostly on top of the to-do list. I just don’t have a baby yet. So much for that October baby I was hoping for.
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I spent my first weekday of maternity leave at a taping of the Steven and Chris Show at the CBC Studios, which was slightly surreal, but definitely a treat. I went as a slightly lame but very pregnant Fiona from Shrek as a last minute quick costume. The rest of the audience was pretty amazingly dressed. Watch the highlight reel below - the full show is on today, Monday October 31st on your local CBC channel (check local listings).
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We have done a little decorating, since that last Halloween post. And thanks to Hallmark, we’ve also done some Halloween reading and playing. As part of the Press Pause panel, I was recently sent the Hokey Pokey Skeleton (the kids adore it), a copy of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown with sound, a Hocus Pocus treat presenter which will contain the candy I’ll dish out tonight, a Flickering Witch Candle for the front porch, and some greeting cards I will surprise the kids with in their lunches or snacks tomorrow. Thanks to Hallmark for the treats – I really do love Halloween.
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The kids have a Halloween parade at school this afternoon and I really wish I could be there. Unfortunately, I’m going to be spending most of the day getting poked and prodded at the OB and the ultrasound lab. Tricky baby. But I look forward to treats tonight – putting out the pumpkins, getting the kids ready for their neighbourhood stroll, and giving out candy. Happy Halloween.
About a month ago, I had the pleasure of receiving a brand new Blackberry Bold 9900 from RIM for my own use. Like, forever. For this, I am very thankful.
I immediately swapped the SIM card out of my old Blackberry Curve, used my computer to transfer all my settings through the Desktop Manager, and turned it on. And, boom, it worked.
Well, it more than worked. It’s knocked my socks off, compared to my older Blackberry. And it’s reduced my dependency on my iPod touch – particularly while I’m at home on wi-fi. Before I had the Bold, I never would have used my Blackberry to view a website or watch a video or do anything that required any reading or writing other than using Twitter. Now I use my Bold for these things all the time. The screen size is much more comfortable for reading and viewing, and it’s a much better resolution.
Blackberry apps are much, much sleeker on this device than they were on my Curve. Perhaps I’m not comparing like models, but if I compare my Blackberry Bold app usage to my iPod Touch app usage, so far the Blackberry apps crash a lot less often than the iPod ones do.
I’ve used it to take some great photos – the 5 MP camera really is wonderful. There’s also a video camera, but we haven’t used it yet (and no, I will not be posting video of the birth, thanks). I love the feel of the keyboard – it’s squashy and comfortable, and I enjoy it so much more than typing on my iPod Touch screen.
I’m still getting used to having a touch screen on top of the keyboard. It turns out I could probably just live with the keyboard and track pad alone – sometimes my finger slips onto the touch screen and I end up clicking on an advertisement that I didn’t want to open. But I think I just need to get used to having the touch screen option. You can scroll quickly through your apps and folders, or through the days in your calendar. It’s quite fun.
One of my favourite things about my Blackberry devices is BBM, their messaging service. I honestly use this as a primary mode of communication with many people in my life. Although BBM is not really any different on this phone than my last, I do appreciate that so far it’s been working really well without freezing or losing text.
Yes, there was a Blackberry data service outage recently that was rather inconvenient. But as I tweeted at the time, I still love my phone – I just would have preferred that it had worked. I do understand technical glitches happen. Besides that, the worst thing about this phone is how much faster the battery drains than it did on my Curve. But it’s not really surprising, considering how much more I’m using it, and how much fancier it is – I’m assuming all these features need the juice.
Overall, I am seriously, seriously pleased with this phone. Well, for me, it’s less of a phone and more of a mini computer or tablet on the go. I’m going to be relying on my Bold as a link to the outside world for the next year in particular, as I seek social media connections and regular communication while taking care of a baby and the older kids at home or out and about – and so far, it looks like it won’t let me down. On my imaginary scale, I give it a 4.5/5.
You can find out more technical information about the phone here.
Disclosure: I received my Blackberry Bold 9900 from Research In Motion, but my opinions are my own.
Addendum: After I wrote this, my oldest child (who remains alive, surprisingly) accidentally shattered the screen of my Bold by dropping it face first onto the floor as it was charging on the dining room table yesterday. I literally burst into tears. He reassures me repeatedly that it still works, because it does, but I desperately need to get my screen repaired. I’m also supposed to have a baby sometime this week so I’m not entirely sure when I’ll fit that in. But take some advice from me – get a screen protector and a case. I meant to, but I hadn’t yet – learn from my mistake.
On our old street, where neighbours were strangers and housing lots were two acres big, we didn’t do Halloween. I mean, the kids went trick or treating – but in a different neighbourhood that we had to drive to. The first year we lived there, we carved a pumpkin, bought a large box or two of chocolate bars, and I sat at home (also heavily pregnant) and waited. And the doorbell never rang. And no one else on the street decorated or suggested they were handing out candy. This situation was one of the reasons that I never enjoyed living there. We never really knew anyone. There was no sense of community.
This will be our first Halloween in our new, dense, urban neighbourhood and I’m so looking forward to it. I already know we’re going to get a ton of kids to the door – and I’ll be waiting, either sitting on our porch heavily pregnant or with a newborn (fingers crossed), ready to give out candy to their eager hands. What fun it will be to see all their costumes, to carve a pumpkin this year not just for our own enjoyment. The kids have already started decorating the porch, inspired by neighbours – they’ve made giant sheets of cardboard with skulls and skeletons and Star Wars figures scrawled on, and have left out a creepy green skull toy that I think is part of a Hot Wheels set. I’m thinking we may have to get a few more items from a shop to decorate some more before next week.
From this year forward, we get to start our own Halloween traditions that have been missing up until this point – and although Halloween may not feel as important as some of the other holidays in the year, I love it because it’s just pure fun. Costumes, treats, trying to scare each other silly. No expectations of family gathering or the pressure to buy presents? Perfect!
Mom Central Canada and the Allan Candy Company have teamed up for a blog tour that I am participating in. Allan Candy is a Canadian company, with all of their Halloween candy made in Canada. The company has been around for almost 80 years. I was particularly interested in their Halloween line of candy because it’s certified peanut-free (important in this neighbourhood if kids want to take any treats to school for a snack). Allan Candy sent me a selection of:
Allan Intense Jubes & Jellies
Allan Chewy Rascalz – Big Foot, Sour Big Foot, Green Thumbs and Hot Lips
Allan Fruit Buddies – Sour Watermelon Slices, Peach Slices, Sour Cherry Slices, Tangy Wild Strawberries and Sour Grape Slices
Candy isn’t an everyday treat for my kids, but for Halloween, I don’t have any problem giving out sweet things instead of nutritious selections or, I don’t know, pencils. It’s Halloween – do you remember how excited you were to fill up your pail or pillowcase with forbidden foods?! Plus, I’m totally going to steal the Peach Slices if they get any in their stash. Or maybe I’ll just forget to give out that bag…
You can find Allan Candy Halloween treats at major retailers like Loblaws and Wal-Mart.
Disclosure – I am participating in the Allan Candy Company program by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation for my participation in this campaign. The opinions on this blog are my own.
I thought, two weeks ago, that potentially I was actually already having the baby. While Mark was in New Orleans – how handy. I woke up at 4am in terrible pain. I called in sick to work, and felt more and more ill. I had a nap, and it went away. Well, how odd. Must have been a stomach bug, I thought to myself. Thankfully, if it had been anything more, I had some lovely friends checking up on me, and even Rebecca turning up with her own newborn to make sure I was alive.
The following Sunday, with Mark back on home soil, the pain and symptoms returned. With a vengeance. I ended up at the hospital, being monitored for labour, but knowing it had to be something else. I also ended up on morphine for the first time, which was actually sort of fun. The short crazy dreams were at least entertaining for the afternoon. They let me go home a few hours later when the pain disappeared again. An ultrasound early the next morning confirmed what the doctor suspected – I have gallstones that have likely been exacerbated by pregnancy. And it’s extremely common for pregnancy to mess with your gallbladder functions.
Thankfully, they haven’t been an issue again since then. I’m not entirely sure what caused those two acute attacks, although having a slightly decadent Thanksgiving dinner the night before Sunday’s episode is suspect. I was on tenterhooks for a while, just waiting for the next round of agony, but I’ve managed to relax now. The hospital mentioned having to have my gallbladder out at some later date, but I guess I’ll just see how it goes following the birth. I’m not entirely comfortable with the idea of surgery (because I am a total wimp) but if I have to do it, this too shall pass. Too bad gallstones don’t pass like kidney stones. Or is that a good thing…
I’ve been so lucky with this pregnancy. I had thought up to this point that my only adverse side effect was overly swollen feet that will only fit into Birkenstocks, and a slow waddle. After two pregnancies with killer morning sickness, I was feeling very thankful. This little bonus just managed to sneak in at the end. *shakes fist*
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So I’ve relaxed about the gallstones. Probably because I’m spending all my anxiety dollars wondering what the hell I was thinking last year – having a third kid is completely, utterly insane. I know I’ve been worried all along but it’s really, really hitting me now. What are we doing? Why are we doing this? Why aren’t I at work? How the hell do I take care of a newborn? These diapers and clothes are tiny, OMG. It’s been four years and I really can’t remember anything. Why am I rewinding the clock when the kids have already grown up so much? Well, sort of. I’ve completely lost control of the 4 year old and the 6 year old, with a suggestion at bedtime last night after 40 minutes of hijinks that I am going to have to send them to live somewhere else as I clearly suck at parenting – where’s the room for a completely dependent brand new life form in this equation?
I’m really hoping that I can manage to write a post in a few weeks that says <insert yet-to-be-determined-baby-name here, because, yes, we still don’t have a name*> is here and he’s amazing and I can’t imagine our family without him. Because otherwise I just set myself up for a very expensive child therapy bill. But holy crow, I am not foreseeing domestic bliss for the next year. Or three. I see major chaos ahead. And tears. Mostly mine. Shit. Tell me it’s going to be okay. Okay?
*I provided Mark with a list of all the baby names you suggested on my post, and all were ixnayed. Good grief. Another reason not to have a third kid. There’s no names left to agree on. What will we do? Well, Mark’s apparently going to Ottawa for work on Monday so if the baby comes while he’s out of town, the name decision is MINE ALL MINE. And then I will kick his ass for being out of town. But I will have naming victory.
Well, I couldn’t resist this opportunity. Get my house cleaned with Green Works products while I’m at home with a newborn and 2 unruly children? Yes please. How about you? Keep reading for your chance to win a house cleaning session.
One of the first giveaways I ran through blogging was for Green Works laundry detergent. I did, however, always wonder exactly how ‘green’ they really were – were we being green-washed by Clorox? I was pleased to watch a CBC report this summer that showed that the company lived up to their claim of 95% naturally derived cleaning ingredients – and their website says they’re trying to do better. I also like that they work, and they are affordable – both are important to me.
To win a complimentary 3 hour home cleaning session that will take place in December or January, using Green Works products, and the entire line of their cleaners, follow the instructions below:
Leave me a comment before 10pm EST on Sunday October 30, 2011. Do you use Green Works now? Are you a loyal customer? Why would you switch if you don’t use them now? Talk to me in the comments section.
Be Canadian
Include your email address or another way to contact you, when you leave your comment.
One comment per person, please.
I’ll use random.org to select a winner on October 30th or soon after.
You can find more info about Green Works on their website, or on facebook. Both places also link to available product coupons.
Good luck!
Disclosure: my opinions are my own. My compensation for running this giveaway is a Green Works home cleaning session for my house.
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Update: congrats to Rebecca for winning the home cleaning session! I’ll be in touch once I have details about setting it up.
I’m looking ahead to the next few weeks when, terrifyingly, there’ll be a newborn in the house, I’ll be zombie-esque and mostly stuck in a chair, and I’m thinking I’d better fill the freezer up with some meals. I’m thinking I maybe need to do some cooking this week while I’m still capable. Also, if anyone wants to bring me some of their own home cooking? I’d be quite happy to accept it!
Luckily I’ve got UrbanMoms and Hunt’s for some cooking inspiration. They’ve teamed together to create Stock Your Freezer meals that are easy to prepare and use pantry staples. Tomato paste and tomato sauces are always handy for cooking quick dinners.
Visit UrbanMoms to check out the recipes, and if you comment on who created the best dish, Hunt’s will donate tomato products to a local food bank, and you’ll have a chance to win a Slow Cooker prize package. It’s a win-win, really. I think my own vote on the latest round is for Kath’s butter chicken.
Disclaimer: I am a member of the UrbanMoms Network and received compensation for writing this post about the UrbanMoms Hunt’s Tomato Cook-off. Opinions expressed belong to Where There’s a Willer and are not influenced in any way.
Last month, I did a post about Seventh Generation diapers that included a giveaway and information about their products. This month (October 2011), if you purchase any Seventh Generation diapers (possibly with the coupons you got from 7th Gen Nation), an equivalent package will be donated to a women’s shelter in Canada – Give One, Get One.
Seventh Generation is aiming to reach their goal of giving away up to 240,000 diapers to 40 shelters in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. This means a donation of up to $160,000 in diaper value to a charitable cause that rarely sees corporate assistance.
It’s nice to know that if you buy Seventh Generation diapers this month, you’re not only helping the planet, but helping fellow mothers who may currently be struggling.
Seventh Generation, in partnership with Mom Central Canada, has sent me 4 packages of diapers to donate. This week, as I start my maternity leave, I’m learning about The Diaper Bank of Toronto and I’ve contacted them to find out more details about dropping off the diapers. As their website points out, Toronto has high rates of child poverty, unfortunately, and we all know how expensive diapers can get – particularly those that are more environmentally friendly and aren’t sold in giant packages at big box stores. The Diaper Bank works with Toronto’s women’s and family shelters as well as other non-profit organizations in order to provide new packaged diapers to those in need.
As I mentioned, if you join 7th Gen Nation, you have access to coupons, special offers, product information and other tips from Seventh Generation. The website link provided is for Canadian customers in particular.
Disclosure – I am participating in the Seventh Generation program by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.
A month after school has started and our nanny started and it seems like an appropriate time to check in with my children who I was a little concerned about last month. Oh wait, I can’t, they’re running around screeching. They’re fine. They’re just fine. Things have mostly gone to plan.
Callum seems to be enjoying his JK afternoons, though he’d complains almost daily about just having his snack at school, rather than lunch. He’s spending many hours a day at the playground, both before and after school, so I’m sort of dreading the cold weather when they’ll both want to stay outside and I will want to be inside. Please.
Oliver has embraced Grade 1 with vigor and is back to his old habit of chasing older girls around the playground for sport. No concerns from his teacher as yet, except for a little too much socializing and not quite enough attention being paid to instructions. Yep. We know. Homework has just started after September’s reprieve and I can see that his handwriting/printing is becoming more careful and deliberate, which is nice.
Our short term nanny seems to have worked out quite well – she understands and focuses on their basic needs, which are a lot of food, and a lot of activity. I am continually shocked by their food consumption; I can’t quite imagine what the teenage years will be like. Soon it’ll be time for a Costco membership.
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I didn’t end up purchasing many things for back to school, but I was kindly sent a pair of Skechers shoes for each kid to try out. I can safely say after a few weeks of wearing them that they adore their Hot Lights shoes (Oliver has the Manifold, and Callum the Damager SKX Chopper). They are easy to take on and off for both of them, and of course they love the light up function. The only thing I don’t like about them are the black soles, which of course means they can’t be used as gym/indoor shoes. But they needed new outdoor shoes anyway. If you’d like more information about Skechers, you can find them on Facebook.
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. My views are my own.
